I jolted awake, looking around. I was on a cot, Robin at my side holding my hand. Backstock of games and comics surrounded us. A set of stairs led up.

  The basement.

  Robin gently pushed me back down, pressing a wet towel on my forehead.

  “That was scary, Riley,” they said. “Does this happen often? You developed a fever while you were out. Looks like it’s easing up.”

  I stayed quiet, clenching their hand. No one else knew about this—not even MJ. “I had cancer a few years back,” I said, taking a deep breath. “I went through a lot of experimental treatments.”

  “That’s awful. I’m so sorry. At least MJ was at your side.”

  They leaned in, hugging me. I cherished it. I’d never been hugged by anyone besides MJ.

  “I’m grateful you’re still here. It hasn’t been long, but I—”

  “MJ doesn’t know. Only myself—and now, you.”

  “You—you went through all that alone?”

  I nodded. “And more. The treatments weren’t working, but the doctors found one last option. It worked. But there was a price. Sometimes, I blackout for a bit.”

  Robin stared, speechless.

  “When I get anxious, or sensory overload hits, it happens more often.” I looked at my lap. “I-I was really overwhelmed. I’m not used to one person being around, let alone five. And all being so… nice. I’m so sorry. I understand if you want to end—”

  Their lips found mine. I closed my eyes, pulling them closer to hold back the tears.

  “Ahem.”

  We looked towards the stairs. Josh was standing there, smiling. They tossed a key chain to Robin.

  “You’re welcome to stay. There’s a fridge there,” they said, pointing. “And a bigger, more comfortable bed in that room over there. Please, lock up if you leave.”

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  Robin nodded, “Thanks, Josh.”

  “Anytime.” Josh walked up the stairs.

  I turned back to Robin. “Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “Despite… everything, this has probably been the best day of my life.”

  “That’s sad.”

  “I know.”

  “Let’s see what they have to eat here.” Robin went to the fridge. “I see Tang, Ecto-Cooler, Surge… purple stuff? Ah, here we go. Rubber Duck IPA. Want one?”

  “Yes, please.”

  They tossed me a beer and rummaged for food. “Chips. Chips. Cheetos. Chips. Candy. Eureka! Microwavable pizzas. Pep or cheese?”

  “Cheese, please.”

  “Coming right up!”

  They brought our food over. “You’re lucky.”

  “Oh yeah?”

  “It took me years to get access to the super-secret basement, where VIPs play their RPGs.”

  I took a bite. “Hot!”

  “I can see why Josh let you in.”

  “Because I passed out in the middle of the store?”

  “No. You’re special, Riley.”

  “Yeah. I’m the only person with brain restartitis.”

  “No. Once someone meets you… they’re drawn to you.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You’re irresistible.” They kissed me.

  I raised an eyebrow, testing my pizza.

  “You are you, and no one else, Riley. You’re sincere. Not wearing a mask.”

  “You’ve known me for half a day.”

  “That’s all I needed.”

  “What if I said you’re special?”

  “I’d say ‘thank you,’ like a normal person.” They winked and took a bite.

  “I only know six people. You're my favorite. That’s how I know you’re special.”

  “Thank you.” Robin grinned. “I think you’re special too.”

  “Thank you.”

  We laughed, toasted, and finished eating.

  “So,” I said.

  “So?”

  “Sleeping situation.”

  “Josh said there’s a big bed in that room.”

  I blushed.

  “Two adults can sleep in a bed and not have sex.”

  I blushed more. “I’ve only ever slept alone.”

  “Shut-up and come to bed with me.”

  ~

  Let me guess. You think this is where the lights dim and the bass line kicks in—brown chicken brown cow.

  Sorry. This isn’t a kissing story or a sexy story!

  You perverts.

  Let’s start crossing that threshold.

  ~

  The River and Friends Series - River and the Bug, The Adventures of Alison Alistair. and The Reaper Wears a Scarf. Please check them out!