Private Universe

I woke to the smell of bacon and I didn't even wait for Alex to get up. He was looking exhausted and I didn't mind talking to Rian. When I reached the bottom of the stairs I saw a suitcase by the door and Rian was making breakfast. I sat down at the bar and waited for him to notice. He grinned when he saw me.

"Happy early birthday." He handed me a plate full of pancakes and bacon.

I had also completely spaced that my birthday was tomorrow. "Wow. Thanks."

"No problem. I felt bad that I was going to miss your birthday. I had to do something."

"You didn't actually. I don't expect much on my birthday."

He rolled his eyes. "Well, you better start. I think Alex has plans for the weekend or something. I don't know. And if you tell him I said anything I will hurt you." He grinned.

"Got it." I grinned and dug into my food. "Holy shit," I said with a full mouth. "This is fucking fantastic."

He laughed. "I'm glad."

"Where are you going?" I nodded toward the suitcase.

He bit his lip a little and blushed. "Flying out to see Cassadee. In Miami."

I grinned at him. "That's so adorable. Does this mean the only person who needs a girl is Zack?" I asked.

Rian laughed. "No. He's got one. But he won't talk about it. He likes that no one knows. I do too. But I'm finding it difficult to not tell you."

"I make everyone want to spill their secrets."

"Obviously." He rolled his eyes and we heard a car honk from below. "That's probably me. Tell Alex I said bye and whatever. Don't burn the apartment down, too. That would be helpful."

I grinned. "Deal. Thanks for breakfast by the way."

"No problem. Happy Birthday, Zooey." He gave me a hug and headed out the door.

I finished eating and then found a comfortable spot on the couch. There wasn't anything on the agenda for the day so I decided to let Alex sleep. I had no idea what he had planned for the weekend but a small part of me was scared. I settled on some cartoons and distracting myself. It was nearing one in the afternoon when I started to get bored. Alex still hadn't gotten out of bed and I had nothing to do. There wasn't anything on the television and I was getting restless.

I went back to our room and found Alex sprawled all over the bed. I smiled to myself and carefully crawled on the bed. I stood over him for a minute before dropping myself on top of him. I leaned in to his face and kissed his cheek as he woke up.

"Whaa?" He said lazily.

I giggled. "I'm bored."

He rubbed his eyes and rolled onto his back with difficulty since I was sitting on him. "What time is it?"

"Almost one."

"In the morning?"

I giggled. "Nope. Afternoon. You've been lazy all day and I've tried to deal with it. But I'm bored."

"Why not bug Rian?"

"He left this morning. He's spending the weekend in Miami with Cassadee."

"Oh. Right. Forgot."

"He made me breakfast this morning."

"What did he make? And is there any left?"

I laughed. "It was pancakes and bacon. And no, there isn't. You slept in too late."

He looked at me. "Damn."

He grinned at me and before I knew what he was doing he was grabbing my sides and tickling me. I giggled and screamed. He wasn't stopping, though. He managed to get on top of me and sit on my arms. I was a victim to his insane tickling and all I could do was laugh and squeal. When he stopped he gave me a breath taking smile and I couldn't help but smile back. He leaned down and kissed me and I smiled.

"Hey, Alex?" I asked as he pulled away grinning.

"Yeah?"

"No offense, but you need to brush your teeth. Your breath is so awful." I grinned and he rolled his eyes.

He started tickling me again and eventually got off to brush his teeth. I breathed and pulled myself onto my elbows as he stood in the doorway brushing his teeth. I smiled at him. He was in his boxers and a t-shirt. His hair was messier than usual but I liked it. He left to spit and then rinsed his mouth out. He came back to kissed me passionately before laying his body on top of mine. I couldn't help but grin. He rolled onto his side and looked at me.

"What are you thinking about?" He asked running his fingers across my cheek and tucking a piece of hair behind me ear.

"Nothing. I don't know. What are you thinking about?" I asked.

"You. This weekend."

"What are we doing this weekend?"

He grinned. "Can't tell you. It's a surprise."

"Alex, it's not a big birthday. It's only twenty-two."

"But it's the first birthday you are spending with me. It will be big. I love birthdays."

"Don't spend a lot on me."

He shook his head. "I'll spend whatever I want on you. I love you and you deserve the world."

I smiled. "I love you too. But seriously, don't spend a lot on me."

"Too late. I've got your gift and depending on the weather this weekend there will be more spent."

I groaned. "Please don't."

"Why do you hate birthdays so much?" His finger traced circles on my hip and he smiled.

"I don't. I just don't think you need to spend money on me."

"Hmm. Well, I feel differently. I love spending money on you."

I smiled at him and he pulled my close to his body with one quick tug. His arm snaked around my waist and my hands rested on his chest as he leaned in and kissed me. It wasn't one of our short little adorable kisses. It was long and passionate and amazing. I melted in his arms and when I smiled he smiled.