One Night Stands Discussion

The bedroom is dark except for the glow from the streetlamp outside, pale light spilling in across the ceiling. You’re both lying on your sides facing each other, the duvet pulled up, the faint creak of the house settling in the quiet.

Tom shifts a little closer, voice low so it feels almost like a secret. “So… rules.”

You nod. “Yeah. If we’re doing this, they need to be clear.”

He’s quiet for a second, then starts. “First one, always tell me before anything happens. No surprises. I need to know.”

“Of course,” you say without hesitation. “If I’m talking to someone, if we’re meeting, you’ll know.”

“Second,” he continues, “always use a condom. No exceptions.”

You nod again. “Always. I promise.”

He hesitates, watching your face. “Third… no repeats. One night, that’s it. No building… anything.”

You breathe in slowly. “That’s fair. One time only.”

“And…” he swallows, “you come home after. No staying over. No excuses.”

You reach for his hand under the covers, fingers curling through his. “Always home. Always back to you.”

There’s a beat of silence, the weight of it settling between you. He gives your hand a small squeeze. “Then… I can live with it. I won’t pretend it’ll be easy, but… I love you enough to try.”