Dinner confession

The drive is quiet, though they both share glances and smiles. Mike watches the city go by outside, and as always he’s struck by the similarity to the cities he knew before. Aside from the alien citizens, he would be hard pressed to find differences.

It’s not long before Alicia pulls into a parking space in front of a well lit building with large windows taking up most of the front. Looking inside, it’s clearly a restaurant, fairly busy but not packed. As the two of them get out of the car, Alicia smiles.

“I always wanted to come here, but until now I didn’t have a date I wanted to bring. Hopefully this is ok?”

Mike chuckles. “Of course it is! I’m honored to be your date tonight.”

Alicia smiles, looking down as Mike comes and takes her hand. The two of them head inside, and immediately recognized by the host, who simply stares at Mike. Seemingly catching himself, he leads them towards an empty table, and Mike can feel eyes on him as they move through the restaurant. Alicia looks a question at him, but he simply smiles and shrugs. When they reach the table and sit, she immediately reaches across to take his hand.

“I mean it, Mike. If you’re uncomfortable we can go.”

Mike grins. “They’re just jealous that I’ve got a beautiful woman on my arm tonight!”

Alicia laughs and shakes her head, but visibly relaxes. Before long a waitress comes to take their order, and Alicia helps walk Mike through it. They keep the conversation light, with Mike describing some of his favorite foods, and the two of them coming up with equivalents here. Mike ends up ordering a simple meal of steak and vegetables, very similar to what Alicia served him that first evening they were together.

As they wait for the food, Alicia carries the conversation. “So, I know how things have gone for the most part, but how are you feeling? A lot has happened in a very short time for you.”

Mike shrugs. “I have had a very…interesting time, so far. Obviously, there’s been a lot of sex, which has been amazing, but more than that, I’ve been mostly made to feel welcome. And my relationship with you, especially, has been quite the experience.”

Alicia smiles. “If I’m honest, until now I hadn’t ever had much of a relationship with a man beyond simple sex. But with you…I find myself wanting to be near you, and that’s entirely new to me.”

Mike nods. “If I’m honest myself, I feel similarly with you. We’ve spent a lot of time together, and you’ve been nothing but wonderful. I do have to ask, though, do you ever get jealous of these women seemingly throwing themselves at me?”

Alicia smiles, shaking her head. “Not at all. I mean, a lot of the time I get to have fun too, just look at what happened with Melody. There’s a big difference between sex and…well, love.”

Mike chuckles. “Alicia, are you saying you love me?”

Alicia blushes, biting her lip. “I…I think I am.”

Mike squeezes her hand. “It’s too early to be sure, but you definitely have a special place in my heart as well, Alicia.”

The two of them go quiet, simply looking at each other for a while. Alicia takes a deep breath, smiling and blushing, and nods.

“I’m so happy right now, Mike. Thank you.”

In response, Mike simply nods.