Arthur & Lori's Thanksgiving Special (Patreon)

Author's Note:  Last Thursday was Thanksgiving in the States, and I wanted to do a special Thanksgiving extra, but since it’s chapter-length, it wasn’t quite ready before the holiday. Still, I hope it wasn't so long ago that you're unable to enjoy this look into Arthur and Lori’s past romance. Let me know what you think! And Happy (belated) Thanksgiving! I’m thankful for all of you who have kept me writing and on schedule. I appreciate your readership, support, and participation when the conversations get going in Discord, the comment sections, or Patreon chats. Happy Holidays! 

~~~

The first semester of freshman year seemed an eternity sometimes, but there were bright spots. They were nearly at the end of the stretch. A week of classes, a week of prep, a week of finals, and everyone would flee the University of Pendleton’s campus for wherever they called home. Lori wasn’t sure what she’d do then, but she’d looked into staying on campus, and that was an option if she had nowhere else to go between semesters, which was good. 

“So, what are your plans this weekend?” Kelly asked, interrupting Lori’s thousand-yard stare at the calendar they hung on the wall. 

Their dorm room was a cozy and homey place to rest their heads. Kelly made sure of it. The feminine touches she placed around the room softened the harsh chamber into a proper bedroom. Lori was amazed at how the hand-sewn curtains, the crocheted blankets on their beds, the rug Kelly found at the thrift store, and the Turkey-themed decor Kelly found made the room feel more like home than some of the homes she'd lived in. Kelly even swapped out the calendar holders, the tissue box covers, and the bookshelf decorations every month. 

September had been summer and sunshine. October fluttered in with bat silhouettes, pumpkins, and autumn leaves. November was turkeys, corn, and bits of Americana that suggested the happy families that only existed in Rockwell’s imagination. And Kelly’s, apparently. 

Lori looked over from her desk at Kelly’s bed where the redhead reclined, crocheting a scarf and listening to an audiobook in one ear, which had apparently ended. 

So what were Lori's plans that weekend?

“The usual.” Lori answered. “Study, work, maybe go out with Arthur again.” 

“You two are a regular thing now, huh?” Kelly asked. 

“Yeah, you could say that.” Lori said. “We went out a few times in September, and have been dating pretty heavily since Halloween.” 

“Are you exclusive?” Kelly asked. 

Lori pondered the question. Arthur hadn’t mentioned any other women. He probably didn’t have the guts to talk to other women. She hadn’t looked at any other guys, either. Every time she thought a guy looked hot, cute, or might be interesting to talk to, she compared them with Arthur in her head and found them wanting. Was that rational? No. But damn if she wasn’t smitten. 

“Honestly?” Lori asked. “Yes, but I don’t know that either of us really ever mentioned it to each other.” She laughed. “Why? Thinking about making a move on my man?” 

Kelly laughed. “Eh. He's cute, but I’m more likely to make a move on you, honestly.” 

“Thinking about making a move on me?” Lori asked, her eyebrow raised in challenge. 

Kelly laughed and waved away Lori’s challenge. “We’d never work.” 

“Hurtful.” Lori said. “Am I not hot enough for you?” 

“You’re very attractive.” Kelly assured her. “But you want a career-driven partner, and I don’t chase straight chicks.” 

“A good policy.” Lori said, laughing. “What about you? Big weekend plans?” 

Kelly nodded. “I’m heading home on Wednesday, back on Monday.” 

Lori looked confused for a moment and then remembered. Thanksgiving. This weekend was Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Of course, Kelly was going home to visit her brothers. 

“Are you and your mom going to be okay?” Lori asked. 

Kelly shrugged. “She’s never been big on Holidays. She likes Christmas fine, but I don’t think she’s cooked a Thanksgiving Dinner since I learned how to baste a turkey.” 

“Which was what… six? Seven?” Lori asked, laughing at herself. 

Kelly didn’t laugh but redirected the attention away from herself. “So, no plans for Thanksgiving? Do you want to come home with me? Fair warning, though, my brothers might try to give Arthur a run for his money. Kyle’s asked about you.” 

Lori laughed. Kyle, Kelly’s twin brother, was handsome enough but not her type. She hadn’t felt a spark when they’d met. “Thanks, but no. I’m looking forward to a peaceful weekend on campus. It’ll give me time to get things done.” Lori explained and returned her attention to her homework. 

There was silence until Kelly asked another question. “Has Arthur asked you to go home with him?” 

“His parents live in Crofton City, about an hour from here.” Lori shrugged. “For him, it’s not so much going home as a visit.”  

“And he didn’t invite you?” Kelly asked. 

“He… may have mentioned it.” Lori said, not looking at Kelly. 

“And what did you say?” Kelly asked, sitting forward. 

Lori shrugged. “I like him, so I want to put off meeting his parents for as long as possible.” 

“What? Why?” Kelly asked. 

“Because I like him.” Lori said, laughing. “I’m bad at meeting parents. Trust me. They’ll hate me, and then he’ll dump me for sure. We’ll be over before we even start, and he’s just starting to come out of his shell.” 

Kelly gave Lori an incredulous look. “Arthur? He’s never going to dump you. He saw you at your worst at the Halloween party, remember? He stuck by you the whole time you were projectile vomiting cider everywhere.” 

Lori blanched. “Don’t remind me.” She held her hand to her lips as if keeping in what threatened to break loose. She swallowed. “I’m never going to live that down. It was so embarrassing. My entire college career, people will know me as the projectile pumpkin cider girl.” 

Kelly laughed, a melodic sound that didn’t sound mocking so much as amused. “Arthur doesn’t care.” Kelly said, assuring her. “He is head over heels for you.” 

“Yeah.” Lori said. “He’s okay. I think I’ll keep him.” She couldn’t help the smile that pushed against her cheeks, dimpling them. 

Kelly laughed again, this time a short scoff. “You’re smitten too. I see the way you look at him.” She mimicked the fluttering eyes and clasping hands of a silver screen maiden in love. 

Lori blushed and looked at her desk. “He’s cute, okay? And… god, Kells, he’s too good for me.” 

Kelly laughed. 

“No, seriously. Like… he’s been working really hard on himself this whole semester.” Lori said, turning in her chair to face Kelly so she could sit backward on it. “He’s got his life together with everything planned out, and we’re still in our first semester. He has his five-year program lined up, and he gets straight As like he has yet to get a B on anything. He goes to therapy. Voluntarily. He says mental health is as important as physical health and puts the work into both.” 

Kelly looked surprised. 

“He’s even got his roommate, Brad, doing it too!” Lori continued. “Plus, he’s tall and handsome, and he doesn’t have any crazy theories or beliefs.” 

Kelly laughed. “So what’s the problem? He sounds like marriage material to me.” 

“Yeah!” Lori said, pointing her finger at Kelly. “Exactly!” 

Kelly looked confused. “How is that a problem? Oh no, you’ve found the perfect guy, and he really likes you and might want to marry you someday. Oh no… The horror…” Kelly’s mock distress with her hand upturned against her forehead was unconvincing, but it wasn’t intended to be anything else.  

“I’m not marriage material!” Lori said, jamming her finger into her sternum. “I’m too independent for that! I like him a lot, but he was supposed to be a date, maybe a good time, but like… It’s been a lot of dates, and I could see myself settling down with this guy, getting married, getting a dog, having kids… all of it!” 

“So what’s the problem?” Kelly asked, genuinely confused as she set her crocheting aside and turned her legs to hang off the bed. “Is he bad in bed?” 

“I don’t know. I hope not.” Lori said, knocking on her desk to ward off any luck from listening to her. 

“You don’t know?” Kelly asked. “You’ve been going out since the start of the semester.” 

“Kind of.” Lori agreed. “But… yeah. He always puts the brakes on just as things are getting good. He never pushes to cross the line. He’s never so much as put his hand up my shirt.” She squeezed her large breast with her right hand. She had a good figure and wore her curves with pride. She wasn’t as in shape as Kelly was with her tight hourglass figure and soft curves, but she had a flat stomach, bigger boobs, curvier hips, and a bigger if less shapely, caboose. Arthur hadn’t so much as pawed at it. 

Kelly’s eyebrows rose. “Girl, if you and I were making out, my hands would be all over those puppies.” 

“Exactly!” Lori said. “I don’t know what I’m doing wrong.” 

“Maybe he’s… I mean… you’re sure he’s into girls, right?” Kelly asked. 

Lori didn’t even have to think about it. “He’s into me. Like… I’ve felt what he’s packing when we’re making out. I can tell he wants to, but he never does anything. We kiss, we make out, he gets my engine going, and then he douses the fire and drops me off or walks me to my car.” 

Kelly appeared thoughtful as she returned to her crocheting. “Have you told him you want to do more? Have you tried initiating at all? Maybe he’s just being respectful.” 

“Respectful?” Lori scoffed. “I don’t want him to be respectful.” She rolled her eyes. “You’ve seen him. I want him to choke me up against a wall, rip my fucking clothes off, and take me. Push me to my knees and ruin my makeup, god!” 

Kelly stopped her crocheting. 

“Sorry.” Lori said, blushing slightly as her wrath cooled. Kelly was too proper for Lori sometimes, but this was girl talk, so she figured some lines could be crossed without too much judgment. “I’m just really frustrated.” 

Kelly sighed. “You should talk to Arthur. It sounds like it’s a simple miscommunication between you. He probably thinks he’s doing the right thing by not pressuring you. You know how he is. He’s always Mister Etiquette at the gym.” Kelly said. 

“Yeah.” Lori sighed. “But what if it’s more than that? What if he’s not a top? What if he wants me to take the lead? I need someone who can take the lead.” Lori frowned. “Or worse, what if he’s everything I want? What if he’s a sexy, dominating, and attentive lover? What if his dick is as big as I think it is? What if I get sucked into this long-term relationship right off the bat? College was supposed to be this experimental phase where I could figure myself out and experience a whole smorgasbord of dicks! Instead, I get hooked on the first guy I crush on, and he won’t even put his hand down my pants.” She looked at Kelly, who looked back at her, her crocheting efforts frozen mid-loop. “Sorry, you probably don’t want to hear about my issues.” 

Kelly smiled, a little awkward as she shook off Lori’s tirade. “Lori… Talk to Arthur. Tell him some of this, and don’t be scared to go for it. I’m not saying get married over the break or anything, but girl, if you two date for a while and are still dating after graduation? Go for it! Settle down, raise a family, and be happy together! Don’t let your self-image get in the way. People change.” 

Lori shook her head, unable to explain to Kelly why Kelly’s dream of settling down and raising a family with a partner wasn’t for her. It had never been part of her life plan. Arthur was the cute, damaged guy she met her first weekend at school. He was supposed to be a one-night stand with potential for more. That turned into a date, then two, then three, and now they’d been dating for over two months, even if they’d never fucked or had the boyfriend/girlfriend conversation. 

“I’m not good at family stuff.” Lori said, sad and wistful. “I’m not like you. I can’t knit–” 

“Crochet.” Kelly corrected her automatically. 

“I can’t cook or bake or decorate.” Lori continued. “I’m just… I’m better off alone.” She slumped in her chair. 

“Do you want to break up with him?” Kelly asked. 

“No.” Lori said. “Of course not. If nothing else, I could never break his heart like that. It’d really hurt him. Maybe if there were some other girl he was into, I could pass him off and not feel so bad.” 

Kelly shook her head. “You know that’s not how it works.” 

Lori rolled her eyes. “I know.” 

“Besides, you want him.” Kelly said. “Don’t you?” 

Lori groaned and put her hand in her hands. “Yeah. I do. God help me.” 

Kelly shrugged. “Then see where it goes, and be thankful for what you have.” She added. “Some of us would kill for a partner who’s physically and emotionally healthy, dedicated to working on themselves, respectful, and potentially good in bed on top of it. The only way he’d be more perfect as a partner is if you knew for sure he had a decent dick.” 

“I’ve felt what he’s packing…” Lori said, blushing. “It’s… respectable.” 

“Well, fuck. Maybe I will try to steal him from you then.” Kelly said, laughing. 

Lori laughed, turning back to her homework. Wait, did Kelly just say the f-word? She turned to look at Kelly, who winked at her. 

“How big are we talking, anyway?” Kelly asked. “Out of curiosity.” 

“Really fucking big.” Lori said, widening her eyes. “Like, oh my god.” 

Kelly raised her eyebrows. “Well, congratulations, Mister Clarke.” 

“You could always put yourself out there.” Lori said. “You’d kill it on the apps or just ask a random guy or girl on campus.” 

Kelly made a face. “I’m not into random hookups, and definitely more into girls than guys. All joking about dicks aside, I’m not even sure I like guys.” 

“I know, but you gotta meet someone somehow and see if you’re compatible.” Lori said, shrugging. “And somehow, I don’t think Arthur would be willing to share me with you.” 

Kelly laughed. “Are you kidding? Every guy on campus would jizz in their pants if you and I made out in front of them.” 

“We are pretty hot.” Lori admitted. “Eh, maybe I’m projecting. I want something that’s just mine. Like… I don’t know. I’ve always had to share things growing up. I’ve never been able to have much that’s entirely my own, you know? I think I want Arthur and I to be exclusive.” 

“Honey, I’m not gonna make a move on your man or suggest you and I be sister wives if that’s what you’re worried about.” Kelly said, smiling. “He’s hot and all, but I respect you too much, and I’m a homemaker, not a homewrecker.”

Lori laughed. “You’re really good at it. You even make this dorm room feel like a home.”   

Kelly blushed slightly but looked entirely pleased with the compliment. “Thank you.” She accepted the praise with a graceful nod. 

Lori smiled and went back to her laptop. 

“What are you doing? Go find your boyfriend, tell him you’re going to his place for Thanksgiving, that you want to be exclusive, and that you want him to jump your bones.” Kelly said, pointing toward the door. 

Lori laughed and rolled her eyes. “Okay, but after this assignment.” 

Kelly laughed. “Okay.” 

The two of them returned to their projects, and Lori messaged Arthur a few minutes later after being unable to shake him from her mind. 

Lori: Hey. Uh… this sucks to do over text. Can we talk? Are you eating dinner in the cafeteria tonight? 

Arthur responded immediately. 

Arthur: Of course. Meet you out front of the dorms? Do you want to talk privately? Should we talk before dinner, during, or after, and do you want to eat in the cafeteria or the cafe?

Lori sighed. Would it kill this man to make some of the decisions? He was always catering to her like she was some tyrant or would fly off the handle if he made a decision she didn’t like. Who hurt him? 

Lori: Out front’s fine, or the lobby, I don’t care. And wherever you want to eat is fine. It doesn't matter. 

Arthur: Ok. See you soon. 

Lori: See you soon. 

Lori closed her laptop and prepared herself, taking a deep breath. She left her books in the room but took her purse, waving farewell to Kelly, who wished her luck by blowing her kiss. Lori returned the gesture and closed the door behind her. She walked steadily in her leggings and sweater ensemble to the lobby of the dorms, where Arthur was already waiting for her. 

He looked nervous, sitting hunched over in one of the lounge chairs. He straightened and stood when he saw her. A foot taller than Lori, he looked good, if harried. His homework must be killing him. 

“Hey.” Arthur said, coming over to her immediately. “What’s up?” 

“Just been thinking about some things.” Lori said. She took his arm, and they started walking toward the cafeteria. “Do you want to talk now or with some food in our bellies?” 

“Whichever you’d prefer.” Arthur said. 

Lori sighed. “Make a decision.” She felt terrible snapping when she said it. Arthur flinched but swallowed and made his decision. 

“Now, please.” Arthur said. “Whatever you’re going to say, I… I just want to get it over with.” 

“Over with?” Lori asked, stopping in her tracks. “You want to get talking with me over with?” 

Arthur looked confused. “No… I…” He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He did that a lot. He looked good in an open flannel collar shirt of red and black draped over a tightly tucked black undershirt tucked into a dark blue pair of jeans with work boots on his feet. He ran his hand through his hair. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant that I don’t want to drag it out. You’re dumping me, right? This is the ‘we need to talk’ conversation?” 

Lori stared at him, dumbfounded for a moment. Then, she realized that her wording in her texts had been anxiety-inducing. She could see that. She almost laughed, but Arthur’s worried, morose response to his incoming breakup softened her. 

“Do you want to break up with me?” Lori asked. 

“I’ll respect your–” 

“Nope!” Lori said, stepping up to him and putting her hand on his chest. She pushed, but he didn’t move. She felt the muscles beneath. He’d been in okay but not in great shape at the semester's start. Most freshmen packed on extra pounds of squish over the first year of college. Not Arthur. His gains were all muscle, and what body fat he had was stripping away day by day. Lori took a deep breath, reminding herself she couldn’t rip off his shirt here and now. 

Arthur stared at her, waiting for her to explain why she’d cut him off and tried to push him.  

“I’m asking you, Arthur Clarke, what you want. Do you want to break up with me, or do you want to be my boyfriend and be exclusive with each other?” Lori asked. 

“Of course, I want to be your boyfriend.” Arthur said. “But–” 

She clamped her hand over his mouth, silencing him. “I’m not breaking up with you, you gorgeous idiot. That’s what I wanted to talk about. Being exclusive. Being officially boyfriend and girlfriend.” 

Realization dawned in Arthur’s eyes. 

“I want the same thing you want.” Lori said. “And dammit, Arthur, it wouldn’t kill you to be more assertive about what you want. Okay? If you want me, do something about it.” 

Arthur looked confused but nodded, her hand still covering her mouth. She removed it, letting him breathe before her lips crashed against his. Arthur was a good kisser. She melted against him as he wrapped his warm arms around her. 

Lori closed her eyes and lost herself in the kiss. Arthur’s enthusiasm swept her away and lifted her off her feet, one foot popping up behind her like she was in an old movie. 

Arthur smiled as he pulled away. “Come on.” He said, offering her his hand to hold. “Let’s go get some dinner.” 

“Yes, Sir.” Lori said, giving him a mock salute and smiling as she took his hand. Though, for a moment there, she’d hoped he’d push her back toward the dorm. Her stomach had needs, but so did she. 

Arthur laughed, and they resumed their trek to the cafeteria, discussing their recent time apart and catching each other up on the happenings. Thanksgiving came up as they sat at an empty table in the corner of the cafeteria. Arthur’s sirloin strips and salad looked delicious. Lori’s cheeseburger looked even better. Both of them had fries. 

“Kelly offered for me to go home with her.” Lori said. “But is that invitation to go with you still on the table?” 

“Of course.” Arthur said, beaming. “My Mom’s so excited to meet you.” 

Lori didn’t respond but kept her eyes on her plate. “Well, hopefully she likes me.” She stirred her dollop of ketchup with a fry. 

Arthur smiled. “She’ll love you. Trust me.” 

“I do.” Lori said, staring up at him. “I trust you.” 

Arthur patted her leg, giving her thigh a gentle squeeze. 

“Speaking of trust…” Lori said, biting a french fry from her plate. “That goes both ways, you know? You can trust me to tell you if you cross a line. You don’t have to be so afraid of me all the time. If you want to do more than kiss… you know we can, right? We’re legally consenting adults.” 

“No, I… I know.” Arthur said, lowering his voice to near a whisper. He glanced at the others in the cafeteria, but no one paid attention to them. He looked tense and everyone assumed the lovebirds were having a private conversation. Even some of their friends, including Arthur’s roommate Brad, had only waved before finding another place to sit. 

“Do you know?” Lori asked, tilting her head. “You’re a gentleman, and I love that.” She said, raising her hand. “But, Arthur, we’re officially boyfriend and girlfriend now. We’re in college, and we’ve been dating since orientation weekend, but we haven’t had sex. That’s weird.” 

“I want our first time to be special.” Arthur said, explaining. “Romantic. Something with candles, and rose petals, and… I don’t know. Something perfect! It’s not like I’m going to rip your clothes off and take you right here on the table in front of everyone.” 

Lori glanced at him, not admitting how hot she’d gotten at that suggestion. Imagining it? Hot. Doing it in reality? They’d get expelled. Still, there were woods nearby. A hiking trail behind the cafeteria between it and the river that wound around most of campus and had some reasonably secluded spots if their cars or dorms weren’t private enough. 

“That'd certainly be special and unique.” Lori winked.

“I'm serious. Don’t you want our first time to be special?” Arthur asked. 

“I mean… sure.” Lori said, trying to be patient. She didn’t need candles, flowers, and the perfect moment. She wanted him. The hotter and messier, the better, in her opinion. “But I’m also kind of impatient.” She glanced up at him. “And it’s not my first time, you know? It’s okay to go with the flow and follow where passion leads when we get going. I’m… I’m saying I’m down whenever you are.” 

“Okay.” Arthur said, but he didn’t elaborate or look up. 

A thought occurred to Lori. “Is it your first time?” 

Arthur blushed. 

Lori raised her eyebrows. There was no way that was true. He was older than most in their class because of his early-in-the-school-year birthday. He was attractive, and even if he wasn’t in shape in high school, there was no way someone as cute, considerate, loving, and romantic as Arthur made it through un-fucked. 

He was, however, super-shy. He’d thought she was making fun of him when she expressed interest in dating him. As if the idea was so unbelievable that someone would possibly be attracted to this tall, dark-haired, bright-eyed cutie. So maybe it was possible after all. 

“No.” Lori scoffed. “You’re not… are you? You’ve never? Not even a little? Blowjobs? Nothing?” 

Arthur sighed. “There was… one thing last spring, but it didn’t count.” 

Lori laughed, having heard this kind of thing before. “Did you cum too soon? It still counts. It’s okay, everybody–” 

“It didn’t count.” Arthur cut her off, which was something he never did, and the tone in which he said it demanded the statement’s truth. Whatever his reasons, this wasn't up for debate. He went from zero to one hundred in three words, and Lori stared at him wide-eyed in shock. 

“Okay.” Lori said, raising her hands. “Sorry.” She looked at him. That was more than embarrassment about premature ejaculation. There was a story there. One he didn’t want to tell. 

“Sorry.” Arthur echoed her apology. “I didn’t mean to snap at you.” 

“No, don’t apologize. It’s okay.” Lori said, still confused but hoping to distract him from his somber expression by flirting. “Besides, I like it when your voice goes firm like that. Dark. It’s sexy.” 

Arthur didn’t smile, but he nodded and went back to eating. 

Lori frowned. She’d hoped that would cheer him up. Whatever the story was, maybe she didn’t want to know. Then again, it might explain why he was so afraid. The puzzle pieces were there, and she started to put them together. She might not know the details or the people involved, but someone had hurt her new boyfriend. Someone lucky they’d never crossed paths with Lori. She might be shorter than Arthur and Kelly. She might look softer than her muscled boyfriend and her boxer roommate. But she scrapped. She’d fuck them up for sure. 

Silence passed, and Arthur cooled. She wasn’t scared of him. He’d never hurt her in a million years, but she was worried for him. Whatever had caused him to get so upset was upsetting in itself. She needed a change of topic, something more optimistic. 

“So… anything I should know for Thanksgiving? What should I wear? Should I bring anything? Does your Mom like flowers?” Lori asked. 

“Leave that to me.” Arthur said, shaking his head. “All you have to do is show up in something like what you’re wearing.” 

“Okay.” Lori said, nodding. “But I might go with looser pants or maybe a dress. If the cooking’s good, I want to be able to enjoy myself.” 

Arthur’s mouth quirked into the smallest smile she’d ever seen, but it was a start. 

Unfortunately, Arthur didn’t press his luck with her that night. After dinner, they returned to the dorms, but since their roommates were around, they did homework. They hung out in Lori’s suite’s common room and worked on their projects while Addams Family Values played in the background. 

Arthur slept in his own bed that night, and Lori in hers. 

The days passed, and before long, the dorm hemorrhaged its students for the Thanksgiving Holiday break. Technically, they still had classes on Wednesday, but most students skipped class that day and went home. Some traveled overnight to avoid traffic. 

Thursday arrived, and Lori waited in the dorm lobby for Arthur in the morning. Lori wore a caramel brown button-up dress that gradually faded into a white asymmetrical skirt. The hem was calf-length in the back and an inch above her knees in the front. She wanted something attractive but not too risque, and Kelly told her this was appropriate before she left for home. The stockings and nice heels she wore were also Kelly’s decision. The gartered thigh-highs and matching lingerie were Lori’s, just in case Arthur wanted to make his move when they returned to the dorms tonight. Kelly was gone, after all. 

“You look amazing.” Arthur said as he stepped into the lobby. He arrived dressed far less formally than she was. He wore jeans and a tight gray sweater, which looked good on him. 

Lori smiled. It was nice to receive compliments in exchange for the two hours she spent on her hair and makeup this morning. Far above her normal routine. Her eyes dropped to the duffel he held in his hand. 

“Taking laundry home?” Lori asked, raising an eyebrow. 

Arthur laughed. “No, I do my own laundry. Where’s your overnight bag?” He looked behind her as if expecting to see a small mountain of luggage behind the shorter girl. 

“Are we staying overnight?” Lori asked, surprised. “I thought you said it’s an hour away.” 

“It is.” Arthur nodded. “But I just assumed we’d be spending the night. Dinner tends to go late, and it’d be easier than driving back.” 

“Oh.” Lori said, panicking as she thought about everything involved in packing an overnight bag. “Uh… give me like… twenty minutes?” 

Arthur nodded, glancing at his watch. They had plenty of time to make it for dinner, even with parade traffic detouring his usual route home. “Do you need help?” 

“If I invite you to my room without my roommate there, will you let me pull my stuff together, or will we get distracted?” Lori asked. Her widening smile beckoned him to accept her invitation. 

“Oh, I’d help, I wouldn’t distract you.” Arthur said. 

Lori frowned. Arthur was a lovely human being. He was attractive, sure, but more than that, he had charms she couldn’t put her finger on. Unfortunately, he was also, at times, the absolute dumbest man she’d ever met. His grades had nothing to do with it. He claimed he didn’t have a lack of desire. She’d felt his arousal before, so she knew he wanted her, and yet when presented with a prime opportunity, it didn’t even occur to him to get her naked. 

“Ugh. Then you can stay here and wait for me.” Lori said, rolling her eyes. “I’ll be right back, I promise.” 

“Okay.” Arthur said, not understanding but agreeing with her all too easily. 

Lori sighed. He was still there thirty minutes later when she descended with a suitcase. She didn’t have much, but she’d crammed it with her toiletries, clothes, a set of boring PJs, and some sexy PJs in case Arthur grew wiser tonight. She’d be spending the night at his parent’s place after all. She had no idea what the sleeping arrangements would be. 

Arthur took her suitcase from her and carried it with his duffel. She didn’t protest. She knew how heavy it was for her to drag on its wheels, but he had no trouble lifting it. He led the way to the car, and the drive to the city began. 

The GPS gave them the quickest route, avoiding some traffic, but most of the holiday travel to and from the city centered around its airport. They avoided that and the parade route and arrived at an apartment building overlooking a city park in an hour and a half, having stopped for Lori to get coffee and use the bathroom at Starbucks. 

She brushed her dress as the elevator ascended. 

“Would you stop?” Arthur laughed. “My parents will love you.” 

“Easy for you to say.” Lori said. “You’re lucky I don’t have parents for you to meet. You’ll never know how nerve-wracking this is.” 

Arthur stopped laughing. He bore that expression that looked like he was trying to decide if he should feel guilty. He always succumbed to guilt. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to–” 

“Sorry for what?” Lori asked, cutting him off with her confusion. “I wasn’t being dramatic. It’s not like I’m new to not having parents. I was teasing you. I promise I’m not gonna get all teary-eyed or emotional about your parents gushing about their perfect son.” She took his arm. 

“I’m not perfect.” Arthur said, a little bashful. 

“True.” Lori said. “You could stand to be more sexual. But otherwise? You’re a dream.” 

“More sexual?” Arthur asked as the elevator doors opened, and they started their walk toward his parent’s apartment. Arthur moved slowly, carrying his duffel and her suitcase with her arm looped through his. 

“The entire car ride here and not once did you ask to sneak a peek up my dress. And when I practically invited you into my bedroom to ‘help me pack’ this morning, you thought I wanted you to help me pack.” Lori said, rolling her eyes. “Like, I’m trying not to be a slut here, but a girl has needs too, you know?” 

“I…” Arthur stammered and came to a stop at a door. The door had his last name above its number: The Clarke’s, 16A. Across the hall: The Barrera’s, 16B. Arthur looked at the other door’s peephole like he expected someone to be watching. Then he turned away and faced his parent’s door. 

Lori looked up at him. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to fluster you. I just wanted to tease you a little.” 

“It’s okay.” Arthur said. “I’ll… we’ll… after dinner. We’ll talk more about it after dinner.” 

“Just talk, huh?” Lori asked. 

Arthur cleared his throat. They stared at the door together. 

“So… do we knock?” Lori asked. 

Arthur laughed. “I grew up here. This is home. I should just walk in, but I wanted to try and say something first…” 

Lori waited. Arthur turned to face her, steeling himself as if he were about to drop bad news. 

“You look great, Lori.” Arthur said. “And you are great. When I tell you my parents will love you, it’s not out of optimism or misplaced faith that everything will work out. It’s because I know you, and I know them. You and my dad will find something to discuss and hit it off in minutes. My mom will do everything she can to get you to like her because she’s so excited I’m finally dating someone. She’s just as worried you won’t like her as you are that she won’t like you. So, don’t worry tonight. Just try and have fun. Okay?” 

Lori moved to her tiptoes and kissed Arthur’s cheek with her hand on his shoulder. “You’re so freakin’ cute sometimes I can’t stand it.” She said. She straightened after pulling her lips away from his blushing cheek. “Okay.” She mock-saluted. “Yes, sir. I’ll try and have fun.” 

Arthur laughed at Lori’s mock salute and opened the door. The front door opened directly into the ample open space, with the kitchen and island directly ahead, the dining area and living room to the left, and a hallway to the right between them and the kitchen. 

“Mom! Dad! We’re here!” Arthur called as he set their bags by the closet to their left. 

“George!” A woman’s voice called from somewhere around the corner to the right. “They’re here!” 

Arthur barely had time to turn around after kicking off his shoes before his mother collided with him, throwing her arms around him in a hug. She wore a fitted red sweater with faded jeans and high heels, classy and casual with her gold necklace and earrings. 

“Oh my god, look at you!” His mom cried, pulling back with her hands on his shoulders. “You look amazing! You’re Mister Muscles now!” 

Arthur laughed. “Thanks, Mom.” He kissed her cheek. “Mom, this is Lori.” He gestured to Lori, who waved, but Deb was already moving in for the hug. 

“Oh, you’re–” Lori said as Deb threw her arms around her. “–a hugger.” 

“Is that okay?” Deb asked. “I’m sorry, I’m just so excited to meet you!” Deb said, pulling away. “I told Arty he had to bring you home for Thanksgiving, or I wouldn’t make his favorite cornbread.” 

Lori smiled. “Oh, really?” She looked at Arthur. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you eat bread of any kind.” 

“Yeah… well…” He patted his abs. “Thanksgiving qualifies as a cheat meal.” 

Lori smiled. 

Deb breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh, good. I was worried you’d want some weird salad dishes or something. Of course, I made a few sides, but your father will be glad my sweet potato pie is back on the menu.” 

Arthur laughed. 

“Come in, come in, make yourselves comfortable.” Deb said, gesturing for them to come in. “Take off your shoes. Stay a while. The turkey’s in the oven, and I’ve got the sides ready. They just need to be reheated. Coats can go in that closet.” She pointed to a closet in the wall on their left. “Would you like anything to drink?” She asked, looking between Arthur and Lori. 

“Whiskey neat?” Arthur asked. 

His mother pinched his cheek in response. “Jesus, there’s hardly anything to pinch anymore.” She held his chin and turned his face side-to-side. “I’m all for you getting healthy, Arty, but seriously, you’re not eating enough.” 

“I’m eating plenty, Mom.” Arthur said. “My diet is calculated, down to the calorie, for my muscle gains. It’s all going very well.” 

His mother shook her head and hummed with disapproval. “Well, none of that tonight. Tonight, you’re eating everything I put in front of you.” 

“Yes, Mom.” Arthur said, rolling his eyes as he took Lori’s coat and hung it beside his. 

“It’s a shame you couldn’t come last night.” His mom said, moving into the kitchen. 

The wrap-around counter was on the far and right walls of the space, with the island counter dividing it from the ‘dining room.’ which bore a long table with the leaf in. The far wall was mostly glass, looking out onto a balcony. The living room had the TV and entertainment center in an alcove on the left wall, and the sofa pointed toward it to divide the living room from the dining room area. The open space made it feel enormous to Lori.

“Why? What’d we miss last night?” Arthur asked. 

“We had the Barreras over for a game night. They can’t make it to our place this year because it’s their turn to visit Gabe’s family, but next year, they’re going to try and join us for Thanksgiving proper.” She said. “Lynn won, of course.” 

“Oh.” Arthur said, nodding. That was all he said. 

Lori thought it a bit weird they were that friendly with the neighbors, but she didn’t question it. She was doing her best to stay quiet and out of the way. 

“Lynn was asking about you, you know.” Deb said, her voice teasing. “She said you haven’t been in touch since graduation. I didn’t have the heart to tell her you have a girlfriend now. I thought maybe that was something you’d want to tell her yourself.” 

Lori’s eyebrows rose at that. Clearly, there was some history between Arthur and this girl, but Arthur had never mentioned any ex-girlfriend or anyone by that name. “Who’s Lynn?” She asked before she could stop herself. 

“Nobody.” Arthur said, his tone harsh for once. 

Deb looked confused. “Only Arty’s oldest friend.” Deb said. “She lived across the hall. They grew up together! I always thought–” Deb stopped herself. “Well, never mind that, obviously, but they were inseparable growing up!” 

Arthur sighed. “Mom. That’s enough about Lynn. Now, what can we do to help in the kitchen?” 

“What?” Lori asked, confused and a little afraid, not of Arthur, but of the kitchen. 

“Oh, you don’t have to help, dear.” Deb said, assuring her. “You’re our guest!” 

“No, I… I mean, I’m not very good in the kitchen. I wasn’t really expecting to–but I’d be glad to help however I can.” Lori said. 

“Arty was always my little helper.” Deb said, patting his arm. “Of course, he used to be little!” She looked up at her son. “Who told you that you were allowed to grow so tall? I'd swear you had another growth spurt.” 

Arthur laughed and shook his head. “Come on, let’s go see what needs doing.” He gestured toward the kitchen. 

“There’s really not much.” Deb said. “But if you wash your hands, you can set the table. You know where the linen closet is. I’ll see what’s keeping your father.” 

Arthur nodded, and his mother disappeared into the hallway. Arthur washed his hands, and Lori followed his example, washing up for dinner. 

“Trying to hide your ex from me, huh? Don’t want me to meet this Lynn?” Lori asked, teasing him after nearly a minute of silence. 

“Drop it.” Arthur’s tone froze Lori’s blood in her veins. There was no ‘or else’ at the end of the statement. There was no choice. The matter was dropped because he said it was, and to pick it back up? She didn’t know if she was strong enough. God, she loved it when he used that tone. 

Arthur softened, regret over his tone clear when he spoke again. “It’s not what you think it is. My mom… she means well but doesn’t know the whole story. I want us to have a nice time tonight, so… let’s just forget about Lynn for now. I’ll tell you more about her later. Some other time.” 

“Okay.” Lori said, nodding but not quite understanding. Whatever it was, Arthur needed space on this issue. He needed her to drop it, so she dropped it. She trusted him to fill her in if or when she needed to know. 

Still, it was awkward not having anything to talk about while they had a moment alone. “So you go by Arty sometimes, huh?” 

“Only with my mom. She called me that growing up.” Arthur explained. “I don’t like it when other people do it.” 

“Even me?” Lori asked, curious. 

Arthur looked guilty. He wanted to tell her not to call him Arty. She could see it in his face. He didn’t say anything. 

“I won’t.” Lori decided. “I like calling you Arthur, anyway. It’s more manly. Suits you better.” 

Arthur nodded his thanks in silence. 

Lori grasped for something else to talk about. “Uh… your mom seems nice. Very friendly.” 

“I told you.” Arthur said, smiling. “She likes you.” 

“She doesn’t even know me.” Lori laughed. 

“She… may know more about you than you think.” Arthur said, blushing slightly. “I told her a bit about you.” He said as he took the plates from the cabinet. 

“How much about me?” Lori asked. 

“Uh…” Arthur shrugged, setting the plates on the island. “I don’t know… a bit?” 

“You talk with your mom a lot, huh?” Lori asked, bumping Arthur with her hip. “I never pegged you for a Momma’s boy.” 

“I’m not.” Arthur said. “Well, not really. I get along better with her than my dad, though.” He shrugged. “She’s around more than he is.” 

Lori nodded but reserved the right to tease him about it later. 

Arthur pulled the glasses out of the cabinets and tablecloths from the linen closet. Lori helped him lay the tablecloth, then he produced the placemats. The plates were fine Holiday-themed china with holly etchings wreathing each plate and bowl. Arthur seemed to know how things should be set, and Lori helped as she could, somewhat mesmerized by his efficiency. 

He lit the tall tapered candles after placing them on the table, and Lori winked at him. She frowned when he didn’t seem to gather why. 

“So!” His mother announced her presence before she stepped out of the hallway, but there was no need. Arthur and Lori were on opposite sides of the table. “Your father’s going to be a few more minutes. Something about an overseas customer, but would you like to put on a movie or something in the meantime? I can make some popcorn?” 

Lori looked at Arthur, following his lead. Arthur glanced at the TV and shrugged. “Do you still have my old PlayStation?” He asked. 

“In your room, dear.” His mom pointed to the door in the corner of the room. “Why don’t you take your and Lori’s bags and put them in there if you’re going to haul out your old video games. I assume you’re okay sharing the room?” She asked, eyeing Lori. 

The strange thing to Lori was that there wasn’t a look of disapproval or judgment in Arthur’s mom’s eyes. If anything, she looked hopeful. 

“Oh, uh–” Lori stammered when she realized she was expected to answer. “Yeah, I’m okay with sharing the bed with Arthur if that’s okay with you, Missus Clarke.” 

“You can call me Deb, and that’s just fine. You’re both responsible adults.” Deb said. She glanced meaningfully at Arthur and put a double emphasis on ‘responsible’ when she said it. 

“Oh, uh… it’s okay.” Arthur said. “I don’t mind sleeping on the couch. Lori will take my room.” 

Deb raised her eyebrows as Arthur moved past them to grab his and Lori’s bags. 

“It really is okay, Arty.” Deb said. “I know what happens at college, and these walls are soundproof. You never hear your father and I, so–” 

“That’s all we need to hear about that!” Arthur said, speaking louder than before. 

Lori laughed, covering her mouth as she realized her volume. Deb giggled, joining Lori's laughter at Arthur's embarrassment.

Deb rolled her eyes as Arthur rushed past her and took their bags into the bedroom. She nodded toward the open door for Lori’s sake. Lori got the hint and followed Arthur inside, closing the door behind them. 

“I really am okay sleeping on the couch.” Arthur said. “I don’t mind.” 

“Arthur.” Lori said, watching him from behind as he placed the suitcases on his old queen-sized bed. The room was nice, with the right wall looking out onto the long balcony through a set of sliding glass doors. The heavy curtains in the room could slide over to block the city lights. To the left of the door to the living room, the wall had an open closet door that led into a walk-in. The closet rounded the corner of its adjacent wall, forming an L around the room. Then there was a bathroom, and a nice one with white marble countertops, two sinks, a spacious shower, and a pristine toilet. 

“Your parents gave you the Master bedroom?” Lori asked, suddenly distracted. 

“Two out of the three bedrooms have ‘master suites’ so kind of?” Arthur said. “Theirs is bigger than mine, and their closet is nicer. I use mine for my books.” He gestured to the bookshelves in the walk-in closet, which made it seem like a secret hideaway. Some of the shelves held board games instead of books, but Lori didn’t comment on that. 

The other decorations in the room were atypical for what she knew a boy’s bedroom could be. Instead of sleazy posters of lingerie-clad Playboy models, there were playbill posters for Broadway shows and movie posters for several classic movies. Now that she thought about it, she didn’t know what else she expected to see in Arthur’s bedroom. 

She looked at Arthur, thought about how lucky she was, and remembered what she’d been about to say. 

“Do you want to sleep on the sofa tonight?” Lori asked. 

“Yeah, that’s totally fine with me.” Arthur said. 

“Not what I asked.” Lori said, sighing. She stepped forward, put her palm flat against his pec, and shoved. This time, the bed caught him behind the knee. He fell back, sitting on the bed. She stepped between his legs and cupped his face in her hands, tilting his chin so he looked her in the eyes. 

“I’m asking you, Arthur Clarke, if you want to sleep here in this bed with me tonight. Or do you want to sleep on the sofa, in the other room, by yourself?” Lori asked, looking him in the eyes. 

He glanced away, and she shook his chin, returning his gaze to her. He swallowed. 

“I don’t want to pressure you to share the bed with me in any way.” Arthur said. “I’m fine on the sofa–” 

“And that’s very sweet.” Lori said, cutting him off. She kissed him, taking her time and enjoying his tongue, then biting his lip as she pulled away and smiled. “I’ve made myself perfectly clear about this. I want to fuck you, Arthur, and tonight, lying naked in your bed surrounded by soundproof walls, seems like a pretty good opportunity to me. If you want to. If you’re not ready, that’s okay. We can do it another night.” 

“I want to.” Arthur said, nodding. “Are you sure you want to?” 

“Arthur, if you make me say it again, I’m going to tear your pants off and fuck you right now just to prove that I want you, okay? What do you want? Do you want a written invitation to my pants? Want me to sign something saying I agree to have sex? If you want a contract, I’m down. Write whatever you want on it, I’ll sign it, just stop teasing me already and fuck me!” 

Arthur gulped. “Okay, but… maybe we should wait until after dinner? When my parents are asleep?” 

Lori sighed. “Okay.” She said, almost laughing. “But you believe me?” 

Arthur nodded. “I believe you. Just… be patient with me, okay?” 

“I have been patient! I–” Lori deflated when she saw his face and cut herself off. “I’m sorry.” She said, stroking his arm. “Whatever your block about this is, I promise I’ll let you know if you ever do anything I don’t want. Okay? I’ll use a safeword.” 

“A safeword?” Arthur asked, confused. 

Lori stared at him. “Oh, sweet, innocent boy.” She patted his cheek. “I’m going to go hang with your mom. You have some googling to do.” 

She eyed his crotch, but there was no bulge there despite their proximity and their brief kisses. She took a deep breath and walked out the door, closing it behind her. Arthur’s mom was rolling something on the kitchen island counter. Cookies, if Lori had to guess. 

“Oh good.” Deb said, smiling. “Wash your hands if you want to help. I was just about to get out the cookie cutters.” 

Lori looked confused, but she washed her hands. 

Deb glanced toward the door. “Is Arty joining us?” 

“Oh, he’s uh… using the bathroom.” Lori said, unsure of what other excuse to make. She hoped he was using his time wisely to google what a safeword was and what it might be used for. That should get the ball rolling. 

Deb nodded. “Good. Gives us girls a chance to chat.” She said, smiling. 

Lori suddenly became very aware of what she’d volunteered for. She glanced nervously toward Arthur’s bedroom door. 

“I wanted to thank you.” Deb said, moving the dough she’d rolled further down the counter by sliding the wax paper beneath it. She produced a second section of wax paper, tore another ball of dough from the humongous mixing bowl beside her, and started rolling it. “Cutters are in the bottom drawer there.” 

Lori looked confused but followed the instructions, finding a series of metal cookie cutters in different Christmas shapes. “Spray the pan, then cut out the shapes and place them along the pan. Just make sure they’re not too close together.” Deb said, instructing her absent-mindedly. “Arty mentioned you’re not very domestic, but these are easy, I promise. Have you done this kind of thing before?” 

“Once.” Lori said. “A long time ago.” 

Deb smiled. “You and your mother never made cookies?” 

“No.” That was all Lori had to say about that. 

“Well, maybe it can be a new tradition for us.” Deb said, her suggestion hopeful. “You and I can bake cookies together for the Holidays.” 

Lori looked at Deb, slightly open-mouthed. 

“Or not.” Deb said. “I'm sorry. I don’t want to come on too strong.” She laughed. “Arty and Lynn always helped me when they were little. Arty still does, but Lynn stopped a few years ago. She outgrew it.” Deb shrugged. “I miss having a girl around. But I don’t want you to think you have to if you don’t enjoy it.” 

“No, it’s… That sounds really nice, Missus Clarke. Thank you.” Lori said, and she started cutting the cookies. 

“It’s Deb, and thank you, dear.” Deb put an emphasis on the ‘you.’ “I haven’t seen him this happy in years. It’s almost like having the old Arty back.” Deb smiled as she rolled the dough. “He was smiling that goofy grin of his every time he looked at you, and he’s all… pulled together! He cut his hair and really got his act together.” 

“Oh, I can’t take credit for all of that.” Lori said, shaking her head. “I’m glad he’s happy, obviously, and it’s sweet that he smiles at me; that’s cute, but he’s really the one putting the work in to better himself, and that doesn’t have anything to do with me.” 

“I think you give yourself less credit than you deserve.” Deb said. “The way he talks about you, you’d think you walked out of a storybook.” 

Lori laughed. She didn’t consider herself a fairy tale candidate. Even a potential long term future with Arthur was going to have its hurdles. She didn't expect a ‘happily ever after’ nor did she come from a land of Disney-esque tales. “Arthur’s very sweet.” 

“Seriously, hon.” Deb said, turning to face Lori for a moment. “All sweetness aside, you’ve been a wonderful influence on him. It’s night and day! No surly looks, no grumpy Gus. He got a little snippy about Lynn, but he’s probably embarrassed and doesn’t want me mentioning his ex.” 

“His ex?” Lori asked. “He dated Lynn?” 

“Well…” Deb hesitated. “Not as such, no.” She shook her head. “But they were childhood sweethearts for sure. They were adorable. Then he hit high school and got all emo. Long hair, never smiled, hid from everyone all the time, etcetera.” 

“Arthur?” Lori asked, even more surprised by that than the mention of Arthur’s ex. “Arthur had an emo phase?” 

“If you can call a four-year wardrobe change a phase.” Deb said, laughing. 

“I can’t picture it.” Lori said. “I mean, he was withdrawn and kinda jumpy at the start of the semester. I just figured he was shy. Like he had social anxiety or something.” 

“If only.” Deb said, sliding another sheet of wax paper to Lori. “If he’d had social anxiety, we might have been able to treat it with therapy or medication. This was something else. Something he’s grown out of, thanks to you. What’s your secret?” 

Lori laughed. “I don’t know… I just encourage him? He really is a great guy. A perfect gentleman. Too much of a gentleman sometimes. I–ohmygodIdidnotjustsaythat.” 

Deb tossed her head back and laughed as Lori turned several shades of red and pink simultaneously. 

“Don’t worry, dear.” Deb said, her shoulders still shaking with laughter. “Spare me the details, but if you ever need relationship advice with my son, I’m here for you. I’m on your side, and I’ll help you however I can. You’re good for him. So just keep doing what you’re doing.” 

Lori nodded, not looking up from the cookie dough and not looking at Deb.

“So.” Deb said after some silence had passed. “Arty tells me you moved around a lot before college?” 

“Oh.” Lori said, nodding. “Yeah. I kinda bounced from family to family for a while.” 

“Staying with cousins, that kind of thing?” Deb asked, not sure what Lori meant. 

“Oh, no. I’m a foster care kid.” Lori said, explaining. “I was with different foster families growing up while my bio-parents were in and out of prison and rehab.” 

“And you didn’t get adopted?” Deb asked, sounding upset by the notion. 

“It wasn’t really an option. They were never in rehab or prison at the same time, and for some reason, they fought for custody, so it just got really messy.” Lori sighed. “I wasn’t eligible for adoption, and not everyone is cut out to handle foster care kids, so I’d be in a foster home for a while, but then they’d decide to stop fostering, or they’d adopt some other kid that was eligible for it, or the state would shuffle me around to make room for new kids when I aged out of that home’s grouping, or I’d live with my bio-parents, but that was brief. I typically only saw them with supervised visits, which I haven’t done for a few years once I was old enough to decline. It’s… it’s a lot.” 

Deb put her hand on Lori’s shoulder. She didn’t say anything, which surprised Lori. Most people offered sympathy or pity. Some told her to look on the bright side. Others espoused some philosophy that all the suffering in her past was somehow part of a cosmic plan for her personal benefit. They offered bootstrap theories of self-betterment they thought were empowering. Not Deb. Deb didn’t say anything. She offered silent solidarity. 

“I'm glad you made it through that.” Deb said. “I can’t imagine.” She shook her head. “And I’m glad you and Arty found each other.” She smiled. “Like I said, you’ve been good for him. I hope he’s good for you in return.” 

“Oh, he is.” Lori said. “Arthur’s–” 

Arthur emerged from his bedroom at that moment and locked eyes with Lori, who smiled at him. 

“–Perfect.” Lori finished. 

Deb smiled. “We were just talking about you.” She glanced at Arthur. “All nice things, we promise.” 

Arthur looked worried as he approached. 

“They were.” Lori said, assuring him. “Your mom was just saying how she wants to show me your old baby photos.” 

Deb laughed. “Oh, that’s a great idea! I have some home videos, too!” 

“NO!” Arthur said, obviously louder than he meant to. “I mean, uh… no. That’s okay. We’re busy with dinner. No time for that.” 

“What about after dinner?” Lori asked. 

“Well, after dinner, we usually play board games.” Deb explained. “Why don’t you and I make a date for another time?” Deb asked. “We can have a girls’ day, just us.” 

“Oh.” Lori said, intrigued by the idea. “That actually sounds really nice.” 

Deb smiled. Arthur groaned, dragging his fingers along his face in horror before resting his elbows on the island and burying his face in his hands.

“Don’t worry. I won’t show her any really embarrassing photos.” Deb said, waving away Arthur’s concern. 

“Just the normal-level-of-embarrassment ones.” Lori suggested. 

“Exactly.” Deb said, smiling as she rolled out the last batch of dough. “Now, Arty, wash your hands and help Lori with the cutting. Or maybe you should take over rolling. My arms are getting tired.” 

Arthur took over rolling, though there wasn’t much remaining to roll. They recycled the leftovers from the cut batches, rolling them out a few times and cutting more until they were down to the dregs. Deb sprinkled extra sugar over the cookies in their trays.

The oven timer ticked its countdown to dinnertime, and Deb basted the turkey throughout. Oven trays full of sugar cookie cutouts stacked neatly on a shelf beside the oven. The side dishes emerged from the fridge, and Deb made more upon the stove until Lori wondered where they would fit this food on the table, much less in their stomachs. 

Deb pulled the turkey from the oven and put the sides in while Arthur carved the bird. 

Lori watched him while he worked, entranced by her new boyfriend doing something he enjoyed and was good at. Watching him with his mother was sweet but alien to Lori. Deb wasn’t like the mothers she’d known in her life, and her first instinct told her it was a facade, that there was some sinister bitch lurking beneath Deb’s smile, but she realized her fears were unfounded. They had nothing to do with Deb at all, and everything to do with Lori. 

It wasn’t about her. 

Something clicked in Lori’s head as she shifted her gaze to Arthur. 

Whatever Arthur’s issues were with sex, they weren’t about her. His fears weren’t the product of anything Lori said or did but of his own baggage and history. She didn’t need to know exactly what had happened. She didn’t even need to understand it. She simply had to do what Deb had done with her and accept it. Not sympathy, pity, or the frustration she’d been showing him, but acceptance. She could do that. 

“Let me fetch your father.” Deb said. “Arty, can you move these to the table?” 

Arthur nodded and moved the turkey dish to the center of the table. Deb left them, and Arthur ferried the sides around the island counter where Lori sat on one of the four stools, swiveling to watch him as he crossed from the kitchen to the dining area. 

“You are so fucking cute sometimes. You know that?” Lori asked, watching his look of concentration as he placed the casserole dish of marshmallow-covered sweet potatoes between the cornbread rolls and the cranberry gravy. 

“You’re pretty cute, too.” Arthur said, stopping beside her on his return trip. He cupped her cheek in his palm and kissed her. 

“Damn straight.” Lori said, sitting proudly as Arthur continued his journey. 

“Hello!” A male voice cut through their heart-struck, googly eyes at each other, and Lori turned to see Arthur’s father emerge from the hallway. “You must be the girlfriend! I’m George, Arthur’s father.” He offered her a handshake, and she took it, feeling oddly formal about it. 

George wasn’t what she expected Arthur’s father to look like. Arthur was tall and handsome, broad-shouldered and thick-muscled. She’d imagined his father as an older version of Arthur, maybe taller and larger. George was good-looking in an older salt-and-pepper way but shorter, with more wrinkles, slightly rounded cheeks, and a rounded gut stomach. He wore a holiday sweater with a wild brown, green, blue, and yellow pattern, like the stepdad from a Tim Allen movie. 

Deb followed close behind him, her hand on his back as she swept him toward the table.

“I’m Lori.” Lori said. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” 

“No, the pleasure’s all mine! I wasn’t sure you were real! The way Arthur described you to Deb, I thought he was making you up just to get her off his back about Lynn!” George said, happy as he followed Deb’s guidance toward the head of the table. 

“George!” Deb protested. 

Lori smiled. “I’m real.” She said. “I promise.” 

Arthur rolled his eyes, but he put the sugar cookies into the oven three trays at a time. He turned on the timer and joined Lori at her stool. He offered her his hand, and she took it, following his lead to her chair. He pulled it out for her, tucked her into the table, and laid her napkin over her lap. He squeezed her shoulders and sat across from her, his father on Lori’s right, his mother on Lori’s left, and enough food between them to feed an army. 

Deb said grace and the feeding commenced, with plates passed, dishes scooped, and drinks poured. The food was delicious, and Lori marveled at George’s ability to eat so much of it. She could barely finish her first plate and started to doubt her ability to deliver on the sexy night she’d promised Arthur. 

“Should we say the things we’re thankful for this year?” Deb asked, looking at George, who shrugged. 

“If you want to, Dear.” George said. “What are you thankful for this year?” 

Deb smiled and glanced at Lori. “I’m thankful for the positive influences in Arty’s life; that he’s happy and back to his old self.” 

Arthur rolled his eyes. “I’m thankful for Lori too.” 

“I’ll bet you are.” George said, laughing when Deb glared at him. “I’m thankful for this meal and my family and for a beautiful wife who doesn’t yell at me when I spend too much time in the office.” He winked, which made Deb’s frown falter into a smile before she could hide it. 

“I’m…” Lori started, suddenly shaking with nerves. She wanted to say something sweet and thankful, but she couldn’t think of what to say with his parents waiting for her to speak. “I uh…” She stammered. 

“You don’t have to.” Arthur assured her. 

“No, I… I’m thankful for you.” Lori said, looking directly into Arthur’s eyes. “And for your family who've graciously let me into their holiday.” 

“Welcome to the family.” Deb said, raising her glass in a ‘cheers.’ 

Lori blushed but raised her glass, clinking it with Arthur’s. From anyone else, Lori might have balked at the welcome. But Deb had such a genuine way about her, like her son. Lori and Arthur drank their water while his parents had wine, but Lori didn’t mind. The food was delicious, and Arthur’s occasional absence to change out the cookies in the oven suffused the whole apartment with the aroma of baked sugar. 

“You always make too much food.” George said, rolling his eyes as he finished his second plate. “We’ll be eating these leftovers for weeks!” 

“Nonsense. Arty and Lori can take most of it back to school.” Deb said, brushing off any concern. She’d cleaned her plate and was working on her after-dinner cornbread. 

Lori looked at Arthur, who nodded. 

“I can take some turkey, the asparagus, and roasted veggies.” Arthur said. 

“Oh, I forgot, you’re Mister diet and exercise now.” George rolled his eyes. 

“George!” Deb’s rebuke didn’t need more than his name. 

“No, I mean, it’s good that you’re making such progress.” George said. “Just don’t let some new obsession drain the joy out of life. What’s the point of living those extra years if you can’t enjoy them?” 

Arthur locked eyes with Lori. “Don’t worry. I’ve got plenty of joy in my life.” 

Lori blushed and looked at her plate. Deb smiled and patted the table once George finished his plate. “Alright. I’ll clear this away. Arty, why don’t you put on the movie, and Lori, why don’t you pick the board game for tonight? They’re in Arty’s walk-in closet.” 

Lori nodded and wandered into the bedroom. She'd noticed the games before. 

Deb cleared the table, and Arthur turned on the TV. A Charlie Brown cartoon played on the TV when Lori emerged carrying a Lord of the Rings cooperative board game for four. Plates stacked with sugar cookies dotted the table, and the smell of apple pie and cinnamon emanated from the oven. Lori wasn’t sure she had enough room for anything else, but she picked at a cookie. 

“Oh, that’s a newer one.” Deb said. She eyed the board game after Lori placed it on the table. “Let’s see if we can learn the rules.” 

Lori handed the box to Deb, who fished out the instructions and nodded. It didn’t seem too complicated when she passed the rules to Lori, though George was hopelessly lost. 

“It’s been a while since I’ve read the books.” Deb said. “But I loved the movies.” 

“Me too.” Lori said happily. “I mean, I’ve read the books, I love the fantasy genre, but I also love the movies.” 

“Arty was always into that kind of thing, knights in shining armor, monsters to be slain. I always tried to encourage his nerdy side.” Deb said, smiling as she laid out the board game and its pieces. 

“He’s nerdy enough.” George said. “I’m just glad he’s out of that Broadway phase.” 

“I still like Broadway.” Arthur said defensively. “And I like Lord of the Rings, too. I may not know as much about it as Lori does, but I still enjoy it.” 

“I used to watch the DVD extras on loop.” Lori said. “The movies, too, but I haven’t seen them in a while.” 

“We might have them.” Deb said, looking over toward the entertainment center. “If you want to put them on.” 

“No, it’s okay. I like Charlie Brown. I didn’t realize they had a Thanksgiving special, though.” Lori admitted. 

Arthur nodded. “It’s not as popular as ‘It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ or ‘Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown,’ but we watch the Thanksgiving one every year after dinner.” 

“That’s cute.” Lori said. She sat across from Arthur, where she’d been sitting for dinner. George and Deb resumed their seats, and Arthur took his seat as Deb explained the rules. 

The next few hours passed in a laid-back, entertaining fashion as they digested their food and played the game. Lori’s experiences with board games had been more competitive, but Arthur’s family enjoyed learning and playing for companionship. The game was just an excuse to sit and talk. Since the game was cooperative rather than competitive, it facilitated their needs nicely as they worked together to help Frodo get the ring to Mount Doom before the forces of Sauron overtook them. 

The Christmas specials started after the Thanksgiving one ended, but no one minded. It seemed intentional. Lori mostly listened as Arthur caught Deb and George up on his first semester of college. Deb interjected with clarifying questions based on what he’d told her already, so the retelling proved mostly for George’s benefit. 

Lori added some clarifying points to the story of how they met and started dating. She listened with interest to the story of how Deb and George got together. It was cute, sometimes, how the threads of lives could weave their stories together. Deb and George had met at Pendleton, and so had Lori and Arthur. 

They ate cookies and pie while they played, once dinner had settled. The entire evening was relaxed, and they laughed together. The apartment rang with laughter by the time Frodo destroyed the ring. 

Late in the evening, after they finished the game, Arthur cleaned the dishes in the kitchen. George cleared away the board game. Lori noticed Deb sitting back in her chair with a gentle smile and an expression of pure contentment. 

“Thank you, by the way, for having me.” Lori said. 

“No, dear, thank you for coming. I hope this is the first of our many Thanksgivings together.” Deb said. 

Lori hoped so, too, but she didn’t say it. She smiled and moved to help Arthur in the kitchen, even though he was mostly finished. She put her hand on the small of his back and took his place at the sink. She washed, he dried and put away since he knew where everything went. Their system worked well. When they finished, they lingered in the kitchen. 

“Well, George and I are going to turn in for the night.” Deb said as she rose from the table. 

George gave her a confused look. “But it’s not even–” 

Deb gave George a look, and whatever silent communication happened between them turned George’s expression from confusion to eager anticipation. He pushed his chair in without further protest, taking Deb’s hand as she offered it. 

“Feel free to stay up and watch TV, or Vine, or whatever you kids do these days.” Deb said, smiling. 

She released George’s hand and offered Arthur a hug. He gave her one. She kissed his forehead, which she had to pull his head down to do. Then she hugged Lori and waved goodbye as she and George disappeared into the hallway and closed their bedroom door behind them. 

“Your mom is really awesome.” Lori said after a moment of silence passed. 

“Yeah.” Arthur agreed. “She’s great.” 

“Are you ready to turn in?” Lori asked, gesturing toward the bedroom. 

“I think so.” Arthur said. “You go ahead. I’m gonna lock up and shut everything down.” 

Lori nodded and left him for the bathroom in his bedroom suite. She took a deep breath as she washed her hands afterward and stared at herself in the mirror. She was ready for this. She had been wanting this, but now it seemed like it was a much bigger deal than sex. 

To Lori, sex had always been something fun and slightly taboo. She’d been looking forward to college, where she could explore her sexuality and try the things she’d wanted to try from porn. Dating Arthur was unexpected, and now they’d committed to each other. That meant he was it. She was only going to have sex with him for however long he put up with her. 

What if they didn’t mesh? What if he wanted things she didn’t or, more likely, vice versa? Arthur was so pure and innocent, but Lori? 

She stared at her reflection. Arthur’s family seemed wonderful. His life as a kid? Pleasant. And despite his crippling social anxiety and complete idiocy about women, he was a genuinely lovely person. Lori wasn’t any of those things. She was brash and tough and had no idea what she was doing with her life. She had some ideas but wasn't ready to commit to her future like Arthur did. Arthur had his college career planned out already, but Lori was still figuring her plans out. 

This seemed like a moment where she had to decide if her future included Arthur and his family. It wasn’t just him she was committing to, but an entire way of life. Was she the type of girl who could brunch and shop with her boyfriend’s mom? Would she be here next Thanksgiving? Would she and Deb go out for coffee sometime, and Deb discover how broken Lori really was? How bad she could be for Arthur? What if she lost Deb’s approval, and Arthur dumped her? 

If Kelly were into guys, she and Deb would hit it off. Arthur deserved someone like Kelly. Someone who could make his house a home. But Kelly wasn’t here. It was Lori staring back at her from the mirror, brushing her teeth, and getting ready for bed. 

Arthur was sitting on the edge of the bed when she opened the bathroom door. 

Lori stepped out and gestured for him to use it. 

Arthur nodded but left the door open as he washed his face and brushed his teeth. She watched him from the edge of the bed, but whatever thoughts flitted through his head, she couldn’t read them. She wondered if he had the same doubts and insecurities or if maybe the reason he’d been so passive in trying to sleep together was something more profound. He wanted her, and she wanted him. That should be enough, shouldn’t it? 

“Do you have any condoms?” Lori asked, suddenly thinking of the precaution. 

“Oh… uh… yes.” Arthur said. 

Lori raised an eyebrow. That was a good sign, at least. He’d prepared. 

“They passed them out like candy at orientation weekend.” Arthur said. “I think every guy in my dorm has at least a dozen.”  

“Oh, right.” Lori nodded. So it wasn’t like he’d gotten them for her. He just happened to have them. 

“And when we had that conversation a few days ago, I started carrying one in my wallet. And I have some in my bag.” He said. “I checked the expiration dates, too. We're good.”

Oh. So he had planned ahead for her. Lori grinned, then bit half her bottom lip as she watched him and lowered her eyes to his crotch.

“Did you want to figure out a safeword?” Arthur asked, then finished brushing his teeth. 

“Turkey?” Lori asked, giggling at the thought. 

Arthur laughed. 

“Not long term.” Lori said. “But just for tonight?” 

“Okay.” Arthur said. “Mine will be… Cranberries.” 

Lori laughed. 

“Okay.” Lori said. “So you have my permission to do… whatever you want. Just… you know, stop if I say Turkey.” 

Arthur dried his face, swallowing at the mention of ‘whatever you want.’ “Whatever I want, huh?” Arthur asked. “No clarifications? What if I want to make you learn a dance routine with me?” 

Lori laughed. “Think sexier. What are you into?” She asked. “Anything I should be worried about?” She put some sultry into her voice as she crossed her legs, letting her skirt slide toward her hips. 

“Uh… no. I don’t even watch porn that much.” Arthur said. 

“Oh, come on, Arthur. You’re a guy. I know you watch porn.” Lori said, rolling her eyes. 

“I mean, I have. But honestly, I tend to imagine things more than I watch them.” Arthur said. 

“Oh, okay.” Lori said. She reclined backward, her palms flat against the mattress. “So what do you imagine doing to me when you masturbate?” 

Arthur blushed, not looking at Lori as he left the bathroom and turned off the light behind him. He glanced at the bedroom door, making sure it was shut. He locked it. His parents wouldn’t interrupt, but better safe than sorry. Lori was also glad his parents’ bedroom was on the other side of the apartment, and the walls were well-constructed and soundproofed, just in case. 

“I don’t know.” Arthur said, not answering the question. “The… the normal stuff, I guess.” 

“Do you tear off my clothes and ravage me?” Lori asked, turning to face him as she asked, her dark hair falling toward the bed. 

“I don’t know.” Arthur said. 

“Do you spank me and pull my hair?” Lori asked. 

“What?” Arthur asked. 

Lori rolled her eyes. “Come here, Arthur.” She hooked her finger and curled it, drawing him toward her step by step until he sat beside her on the mattress. 

“You really are beautiful, you know that?” Arthur asked, staring into Lori’s face with such a tender, vulnerable expression. 

“So are you.” Lori said, leaning toward him and kissing him. 

Arthur's lips pressed against hers with surprising need, and she was happy to respond in kind. Her soft lips opened for him, and this time, his tongue slid in first, meeting hers as they made out. Their matching minty breath mingled together. Lori clutched Arthur’s shoulder for support, then wondered why. She let herself fall to the mattress and brought him with her, pulling him by his shirt so he lay on top of her. His thigh notched between her legs with his knee on the mattress’ edge. 

Lori squeezed his leg with hers, and her warmth started to build and flow as they kissed. Arthur held himself above her with one hand, and his other started to roam. He groped her, and Lori let out a moan as his strong fingers embraced her breast and gently squeezed pleasure through her. Her nipples hardened within her bra, and she gasped for air. 

This was the most aggressive Arthur had ever been in making out, and for a moment, Lori wondered if it was really him. When she looked into his face, though, she saw it was. His eyes were different from before, though. Intense and hungry for her. The fire in his hazel eyes burned, making them sparkle with earthy colors. He lowered his lips to her neck. She gasped and stretched beneath him. 

In a dark, rumbling voice Arthur reminded her. “You can say turkey if you want to.” 

Lori laughed. “Fuck that. Keep going.” 

So that was the difference. Arthur needed a safeword in place to push himself, knowing he wouldn't cross the line. Lori moaned. That was perfect. She should have thought of that weeks ago.

Arthur pushed his thigh against her, flexing his muscle as she squeezed him and using his weight to pleasure her as he softly bit her neck, testing her reaction. She made chirps and gasps as Arthur elicited noises of pleasure from her in what was the longest necking session she’d ever endured. Arthur didn’t leave a spot of her neck unkissed or unbitten, from the soft curve behind her ear to the rigid collar bones below. 

“Get this dress off me.” Lori said. Her tone emerged as one-part demanding and nine-parts pleading. 

Arthur moved away from her, but she clung to him to hold him in place, fearing he was stopping. 

“We have to stand up if you want your dress off, silly girl.” Arthur said, smiling as he said it. 

Lori blushed, and heat flooded through her. She looked up shyly at him through half-hooded eyes and swallowed. “Yes, Sir.” She said, taking his hand and letting him pull her to her feet. 

She moved with him, almost dancing as he spun her and pulled her to him so her back pressed against him. He held her with her arms wrapped around herself, his arms hugging her close. She felt the need in her ache for the firm length pressing against her from behind. She sucked in a breath and shook as Arthur pulled her hands away from her hips, unwrapping her. He pressed them to her sides once they were straight and undid her dress's top button. 

The conservative neckline was a V-neck that didn’t show much in the way of cleavage. The top button revealed more. The second button at the swell of her breasts revealed her upper bra as Arthur pulled the top of the dress toward her shoulders. The lacy pink Victoria's Secret number was semi-transparent for most of the cup but hid her nipples even as they tried to poke through. 

The third button let the top slide open further, off her shoulders, exposing her entire bra. Arthur kissed her collarbone from behind, eliciting a moan from her. She pressed against him, feeling the rod in his pants against her ass as she did. God, if he was anywhere near as big as she imagined, she wouldn’t be able to walk straight in the morning. She’d have to sit there and sip coffee across from Deb, pretending her son hadn't ruined her the night before. 

The fourth button just above her waist revealed her entire torso. The dress slid along her arms as Arthur rolled it down, forming a chain of fabric at her wrists and sliding across her butt. It added a barrier between her and Arthur, but she enjoyed the restraint and closed her eyes in bliss as Arthur continued kissing her neck. 

The final button unstuck the dress from her hips, and the fabric fell until caught by her wrists, revealing her tiny, lacy pink thong with its narrow straps high over her hips. Her black garter belt and thigh-high stockings accentuated the pale flesh of her upper thighs, making her legs look longer on her short body. She pressed her butt against him, and Arthur pulled the sleeves off her wrists, making her moan. 

Arthur momentarily fumbled with her bra strap, but he unhooked the three latches on his second try, and Lori threw the bra to the ground as if it were on fire. Arthur hugged her from behind, drawing his hands up her stomach to her breasts. He groped both of them as he kissed her neck, and she reached behind herself for him. Her left hand moved low, and her palm pressed against the length inside his trousers. Her right hand moved high, holding his head in place against her neck. 

His hands supported and gently squeezed her breasts, pushing them outward and stroking them with his fingers. Delight fluttered through her, and her legs wanted to give out, but she held steady in his firm embrace. She hissed when he pinched her nipple. 

“Sorry!” Arthur said, releasing her. 

“No!” Lori said, grabbing his hand and smashing it against her breast. “Do it again.” 

Arthur groped her breast again, squeezing her nipple more gently than before but still squeezing. He pushed his hips forward and ground himself into her palm as he kissed her neck. She started to wonder if he was stalling as he continued to kiss and grope her, but she didn’t care. The heat in her built until it leaked from her, staining her tiny thong with a dark, damp spot. 

Arthur lowered one hand, drawing closer to her panties, but he hesitated at her waist and held her by her hip. Lori placed her hand over his and shoved it between her legs. She moaned as he curled his fingers against her, teasing her folds through the thin, damp fabric. His fingers were steady and robust. 

He held her with his arms wrapped around her, one hand on her breast, the other on her pussy, his lips on her neck, and his teeth against her skin. He played with her, toyed with her, and groped her to his heart’s content. She became his plaything. His toy. She was only too happy to let him pleasure her, but she longed for the main event, and she wanted to see what he had to offer. 

She reached behind her to hug him closer, realizing he was still fully dressed. 

“Are you still dressed?” Lori asked. The question was rhetorical, but the implication of ‘why?’ hovered in the asking. 

“Uh… yeah.” Arthur said. “Sorry.” 

“Don’t be sorry. Do you want me to help you?” Lori asked. 

“Sure.” Arthur said, kissing her cheek. “I’m just… nervous.” 

“Tell me what to do.” Lori said. 

“What?” Arthur asked, confused. 

“Tell me what you want me to do, and I’ll do it.” Lori said. “But you have to tell me, and you have to use that tone. That dark, deep, commanding voice of yours. It’ll help you not be nervous. Pretend you’re playing a character or something if you have to.” 

Arthur looked apprehensive for a moment and bit his lip. “You’ll say your safeword if it goes too far? And you won’t be mad or upset later?” 

“I promise you, Arthur.” Lori said. “I will use my safeword if I even feel the slightest desire to, and I’ll let you know how I’m feeling as we go. No surprise anger later. Trust me.” 

That final sentence, and the stress she put on it, seemed to do it. They’d had that conversation about trust before, and Lori’s tone wasn’t that of a command or demand. She was pleading, begging him to trust her enough to do this. She was trusting him, naked and vulnerable with someone so much stronger. She trusted him completely. He had to trust her if he wanted a relationship with her. That was how relationships worked.

“I trust you.” Arthur said, making his decision. His tone shifted, lowering and becoming so much firmer and unyielding than his typical voice. “Now get on your knees.” 

“Oh!” Lori said and dropped to her knees out of surprise, obedience, and lust. 

Arthur took off his top, tossing it aside. “Unbuckle my belt.” 

Lori sat up, standing on her knees as she slid the belt out of its loops and unfastened the buckle. 

“Unbutton my pants.” Arthur said, looking down at her from above. 

Lori kept eye contact with him as she unbuttoned his pants. She hoped he could see the lust in her eyes shining as brightly as the passion in his. 

“Pull them down. Boxers, too.” Arthur said, bringing Lori’s hands from his thighs to the waistband of his pants. 

Lori hesitated. She didn’t know why. She wanted to see his cock, and she was loving this new side of Arthur. Any doubts she had as to their compatibility were quickly fleeing her mind as he took control. She looked at him, double-checking with him first. 

Arthur looked more full of love for her in that moment than he’d ever been. “Do it.” 

Lori pulled his pants down, jolting slightly when his restrained member broke loose and smacked her face, bludgeoning her jaw before she moved her head away. 

“Wow.” Lori said, staring at it open-mouthed. “I know I said you can do whatever you want, but anal is officially off the table.” 

Arthur laughed, but whatever he was about to say died on his lips as Lori wrapped both hands around his cock and tested her grip on him. She stacked her hands and pumped, kissing the tip of it without him asking. She licked and watched Arthur spasm above her. 

“Can I suck it?” Lori asked. 

“Do you want to?” Arthur asked. 

“Tell me to suck it.” Lori said. “Use the voice.” 

“Okay…” Arthur sighed. “Uh… here, let me sit down first.” He moved away, sitting on the edge of the bed after Lori released his cock. 

He was already shoeless, so he kicked off his pants and stepped clear. Lori was still on her knees and sat back on her heels, waiting for his command. 

“Okay.” Arthur said, clearing his throat. “Come here, silly, and suck my cock.” 

Lori bit her lip at the commanding tone mingling with the sweet, somewhat amusing nickname. She’d prefer he call her other things in that voice. Darker, more depraved, sexier names than ‘Silly,’ but at this point, she had no desire to correct him. She crawled forward, knelt in front of him, put her hands on his thighs, opened her mouth, and lowered her face onto his cock. She was a quarter of the way down when she closed her lips around him, and he pressed against the entrance to her throat. She sucked, and Arthur moaned, reclining above her with his elbows on the mattress. 

“Oh, fuck me.” Arthur said, groaning out his pleasure. 

Lori slid her mouth off his cock, and crawled forward, climbing him. “Yes, Sir.” 

Arthur looked confused, and then realization dawned. She took what he’d said and used it as an excuse. Intentionally misinterpreting his exclamation for a command, she pushed him back against the bed, straddling him, kissing him, pulling her thong aside, and notching herself against him. 

She was soaked between her legs, and her body pumped out heat like a furnace as his rigid cock slid between her folds. 

“Wait, the condom!” Arthur said. “Cranberries!” 

Lori rolled away from him immediately, half in surprise and the rest in reflex at the use of a safeword. 

“Sorry, uh… one moment.” Arthur said, fishing the condom out of his pants. 

“Here, let me.” Lori said, holding out her hand. She patted the bed beside her. “You lay here and tell me what to do.”

Arthur climbed onto the bed, and Lori slid off it. She removed her garter belt, thong, and stockings in a flurry of lace, then crawled onto the bed. 

Arthur lay on the bed in its center, with his head on his pillows. Above them, the high romance of the Phantom of the Opera looked down beside a Beauty & the Beast poster. Not the sexiest icons, but certainly romantic. 

Lori unwrapped the condom and slid down the bed, moving to all fours beside him. “You ready?” She asked. 

Arthur nodded. 

Lori lowered her face to him and sucked his cock again as it pointed straight to the ceiling. She swirled her tongue over his tip in a cyclone. 

Arthur clenched beneath her. “Oh, uh…” He cleared his throat. “Do that thing again, where you went further down.” The commanding tone lacked something when it didn’t know what it was asking for, but Lori obeyed nonetheless. 

She pushed her face down, letting him press against the entrance to her throat once more. She wanted to take him into her throat, but she wanted to ride him even more, and if she had any doubts as to whether their brief intermission had caused his erection to flag, they were gone now. He was hard as steel. 

She pulled her head off him and held up the condom. He nodded. She pinched the tip in one hand and rolled the cover over him with the other, letting her grip warm it as she slowly rolled it over his cock. It stretched over him, taking him, and Lori wondered what it felt like. Hopefully, he wouldn’t have to wear these for long. She intended to look into alternative methods right away so he could take her raw. 

She slid over him again, kissing him and pressing herself against his condom-clad cock. 

“Are you ready?” Lori asked. 

Arthur nodded. 

“Say it.” Lori said. 

“I’m ready.” Arthur said. 

“No, I mean… that’s good, but tell me what you want me to do.” Lori said. 

“Oh.” Arthur said, nodding. He looked her in the eye, and the passion between them blazed furiously, consuming them. “Fuck me.” 

Lori was delighted to obey. She reached between them and pushed backward onto his cock, impaling herself inch by thick, glorious inch. She shivered, closing her eyes as she took him, her breathing ragged and heavy. “Oh, fuck, oh, fuck, oh, fuck, oh fuck.” She said, rapid-fire as she took him into herself. 

“Are you okay?” Arthur asked, concern tinting his voice. 

“I’m fucking fantastic!” Lori said, clawing his chest as she settled. “Fuck, Arthur. This… You’re… You’re gonna turn me into such a bimbo for this cock. God!” 

Arthur looked like he wanted to laugh but didn’t want to ruin the moment of whatever ecstasy Lori was enduring. His own ecstasy overwhelmed him, too, and turned his laugh into a grunt as Lori ground her hips against him. 

Lori tossed her hair back, riding slowly as she adjusted to the massive organ splitting her in half from below. “Fuck.” She moaned. “It’s a good thing these walls are soundproof. They are soundproof, right?” 

“Uh… yeah. It’s a selling feature. Something about quiet neighbors.” Arthur didn’t seem sure why it mattered. It wasn’t as if they were being particularly loud, but Lori knew herself.

She clawed at him, raking her nails across his skin and making him arch his back as she drew her fingers down his pecs. The arch in his back pushed him further into her, making her eyes tear as she shuddered against him. “FUCK!” She cried out. 

“Did I hurt you?!?” Arthur asked, alarmed. 

“NO!” Lori yelled, holding him in place. “I mean, yes, but… in a good way.” She said quieter. Her chest heaved, trying to breathe in short, heavy breaths. 

“In a good way?” Arthur asked, confused. 

“Just… tell me to fuck you.” Lori said. “I’ll take care of the rest.” 

“Oh.” Arthur said, laying back. “Okay.” He took a deep breath, put his hands on her hips, licked his lips, and nodded. “Fuck me.” 

Lori rolled her hips. 

“Fuck me.” He lowered his voice again. 

Lori rolled her hips again. 

“Fuck me.” He growled. 

Lori rolled her hips, slowing the motion to a languorous pace. 

“Fuck me!” Arthur said, impatience creeping into his tone. 

Lori grinned and rolled her hips in one long, slow, exaggerated roll as if moving in slow motion. 

“Fuck me, you silly bimbo.” Arthur said, practically growling the words. 

Lori’s eyes flared wide, and her mouth fell open in shock. 

“I’m sorry!” Arthur said, immediately breaking character and returning to his normal voice. “I just got caught up in–” 

“Did I say Turkey?” Lori asked. “That was hot as fuck. Say it again.” 

“Fuck me, you silly bimbo?” Arthur asked. 

Lori shook her head. 

“I mean…” Arthur coughed and lowered his voice. “Fuck me, you silly bimbo.” 

Lori nodded, and this time, she rolled her hips at a normal speed. 

“That’s it.” Arthur said, groaning as he squeezed her hips. “Oh, god, Lori… Fuck me.” 

She picked up the pace, still moving slowly due to his girth but faster than slow motion. 

“Lori, fuck me.” Arthur growled. “Fuck me like you mean it! Like all you want is to cum on my cock like a silly little bimbo.” 

“Yes, Sir.” Lori said, pitching her voice slightly higher. She set herself against him, her hands on his shoulders, her breasts hanging into his face, and rode him. 

She gasped when he sucked her nipple into his mouth and swirled his tongue around it. She moaned when his cock flexed inside her, hammering home every time she descended. She bucked whenever she bottomed out, unable to take all of him, but grinding low enough to make her shake with effort and pleasure above him. 

“How are you still holding on?” Lori asked. “What the… how…” She tried to ask why he hadn’t cum yet, but she couldn’t get the words out. 

“Shut up and fuck me, bimbo.” Arthur growled, then sucked her nipple into his mouth as he squeezed the other in his hand so hard it hurt. 

Lori clamped her eyes shut and cried out as she came, clamping down on Arthur’s length inside her with fluttering, spasming muscles that rocked through her entire body. 

Arthur bucked beneath her, releasing her breasts and slamming his arms into the mattress so hard she felt the whump vibrate through them. He exploded inside her, and she felt the condom swell against her, the oddest sensation, but delightful. 

She collapsed forward, and Arthur caught her, gently lowering her to his sweaty frame. They were both sweaty and breathing heavily from the exertion but floating on cloud nine as they came together. Arthur was softening but still lodged deep inside her as she lay against his chest and kissed his pec. 

Silence filled the room, deafening after the echoes of gasps, moans, grunts, and panting breaths. 

“Was that–” Arthur started to say but had to clear his throat first. “Was that good?” 

Lori lifted her head to look at him, her eyes blurry and half-closed with exhaustion. “Are you kidding?” She asked, not having the energy to laugh. 

“Did you–” Arthur asked. 

“Cum?” Lori asked, cutting him off. She nodded. “Yeah. Like a lot.” She patted his chest. “Thank you.” 

Arthur scoffed. “I feel like I should be thanking you.” 

Lori smiled. She lowered her face to his chest and kissed his pec. “No need. We can do that anytime you want; just use that voice, bend me over, and take me.” 

“Well, that’ll make our Freshman Orientation class more interesting.” Arthur said. 

Lori laughed, shifting. Laughing with him still lodged in her made for an amusingly, wonderfully odd sensation. The condom slid inside her, and she was sensitive, so it felt strange. She shifted, moving off his lap and rolling onto her side. His length withdrew from her, and Arthur rolled away, taking off the condom, tying it, and putting it in the trash can. 

“We’re gonna have to empty the trash before we leave. I do not want my mom to find that.” Arthur said. 

Lori giggled. “Don’t want her knowing I’ve made a man out of her boy?” 

Arthur rolled his eyes. “I’m serious. She teases me enough about my love life or lack thereof. I don’t need you giving her ammunition.” 

“Okay.” Lori said. “I mean, Yes, Sir.” 

She didn’t salute that time, but if Arthur noticed he didn’t mention it. She smiled, catching her breath and enjoying the soft bed beneath her as Arthur rejoined her. The blue quilt was messed up, and they hadn’t gotten under it, so it had some stains on it that neither of them mentioned. 

“I need to pee.” Lori declared. “But after that… shower and then go again?” 

“You want to go again?” Arthur asked, surprised. 

“After you made me wait for two whole months? I want you to chain me to this bed and fuck me all weekend long.” Lori said, squeezing him in her embrace. 

“I’m sorry.” Arthur said, his voice suddenly dour enough for Lori to look at him. 

Lori blinked. “For what?” 

“For making you wait.” Arthur said. “For… being afraid.” 

Lori kissed his shoulder. “Hey. It’s okay.” 

She slid her fingertips across his abs, sweeping down toward his cock. His flaccid length stiffened as she raked her fingers through his pubes. The process began again as she squeezed the slick length and stroked him gently. 

“You were worth the wait, Arthur. And now that we’ve done it? Are you okay?” Lori asked. 

Arthur nodded. “Yeah. This… this was amazing. I’m sorry for calling you a bimbo. I just got caught up in–” 

“Don’t apologize.” Lori said. “That was hot.” She said. “I’m not sure Bimbo is the right pet name for me, though. We’ll workshop it.” 

“What should I call you then? In the moment like that?” Arthur asked. 

“I don’t know.” Lori said, not admitting the first name that came to mind. “We’ll figure it out when you’re ready. For now, Bimbo works. Or Silly. That was cute.” 

“And what should you call me?” Arthur asked, fondling her breast as she stroked his dick. 

“What do you want me to call you?” She asked. “Sir?”

“Sir.” Arthur tested the name on his tongue. “Like a knight. I like it.” 

That wasn’t what she’d intended, but if he liked the name, she was fine with that. “I could call you something stronger if you want. My Lord? Master? My King?” 

Arthur considered the options. “Those seem a little awkward.” He decided. “Sir is fine.” 

“Yes, Sir.” Lori said, kissing his neck. 

“I thought you had to pee?” Arthur asked. 

“Right.” Lori said, realizing she’d gotten distracted. Arthur was fully hard, and she hated to leave him like this. “But I don’t want to leave you with blue balls.” 

“I’ll be fine for the thirty seconds it takes you to pee.” Arthur said, laughing. “Then, maybe we can… in the shower?”

Lori grinned. Shower sex wasn’t always what it was cracked up to be, but she had an idea for something she wanted to do. “Ooo, yes, Sir.” 

Arthur chuckled as she rolled out of bed and crossed her arms over her breasts to keep them from jiggling too harshly as she trotted to the bathroom. She closed the door behind her, keeping what little mystery they had between them in place. 

Arthur sat up in the bed and checked his phone. He had a “Happy Thanksgiving!” message from Brad with a selfie of Brad and his family. Arthur liked the photo and sent him a “Happy Thanksgiving, Bro!” in return. Kelly had posted a picture of her brothers at the Thanksgiving table, the food laid out in a spread fit for a king. He liked the photo. By the time he was finished checking socials, Lori had washed her hands and started the shower water. She opened the door. 

Arthur looked up from his phone and licked his lips. 

“You want to take a picture?” Lori asked, glancing at his phone. 

“Oh, uh–” Arthur hesitated. 

Lori struck a pose, raising her arm along the door frame, reaching for the top of it with one hand, her side pressed against the doorway, her double-DD breasts hanging forward, with her tiny pink nipples hard and pointed. She moved her other hand low, just above her pussy, but not covering it. She stood with one leg beneath her, the other spread slightly to show the inside of her thighs. She looked like she was about to pleasure herself and stared at Arthur with heavy lust in her eyes. 

He was hard as a rock again, and he swallowed thickly. 

“Take the picture.” Lori said, fluttering her eyes at him. 

Arthur raised the phone and snapped the photo. Then, a second one, for safety. 

“Happy Thanksgiving, Sir.” Lori said, smiling. She stepped away, beckoning him into the bathroom with a hooked finger. 

Arthur followed, leaving his phone on the bed. He closed the bathroom door behind him. 

The hot water steamed both of them before they entered. The shower had one tile wall and tile floor, with three glass walls around it. Its sliding glass door shifted aside, and Lori stepped in first, moving to the other side of the spray. The detachable shower head looked down on them from above on the tiled wall. 

Arthur entered the shower and closed the sliding door behind him. 

He didn’t have time to ask questions before Lori dropped to her knees, the spray battering her hair flat against her head and forcing it down along her head and back. 

She planted her hands between her knees, framing her breasts between her arms, and leaned forward, opening her mouth. 

“I thought…” Arthur started. 

“This is for you, Sir.” Lori said. “Use me like I’m your dumb bimbo fuck toy.” 

“Oh.” Arthur said, surprised. “Okay. Uh…” He hesitated, but Lori waited him out, and he slowly reached for his cock with his hand. 

Lori nodded, and he started pumping himself back to full hardness. When he was ready to go, he stepped closer. The water sprayed against his chest and washed over her, but Lori didn’t mind. She opened her mouth wider as Arthur’s tip neared her lips. Arthur stepped forward again, closing the distance and pushing himself past her lips. 

Lori closed her lips over him, swirled her tongue over his tip, and sucked. 

Arthur clenched, and his cock flexed in her mouth. She motioned with her hands, and he stepped forward again, pushing further in. She sucked, bobbing her head with her tongue straight out against the underside of his dick. “Oh, that’s… good.” He managed to stammer. 

Lori wanted more. His cock was too good not to try and swallow. He tasted a bit like the lube and condom, but the water washed that taste away until all that remained was him. He smelled and tasted delicious to her mind, and she wanted all of him. She was going to take him into her throat, and they were in the shower. If she got sick by accident, they wouldn’t make a mess. It was a good plan. 

Lori sucked and sucked, bobbing her head rapidly on his cock, then pumping his cock with her hand while she did so. Arthur’s hands remained at his sides. She rolled her eyes, took his hands, and placed them on her head, pushing her head further onto his cock a few times so he’d get the picture. 

“You want me to push you?” Arthur asked. 

She pushed again to say yes. 

“You remember your safeword?” Arthur asked. 

Lori looked at him, exasperated, though her mouth struggling to yawn open far enough to swallow his cock hampered the expression. 

“Okay.” Arthur said, taking hold of her hair. “Get ready.” 

His warning came three seconds before the action, almost making her wonder if he would back down or chicken out, but no. He pulled her onto his cock and entered her throat with force. She choked on him almost immediately but didn’t let him push her away. She adjusted, swallowing repeatedly as tears stung her eyes. She pushed his hands again, and he got the picture. 

He held onto her head, stood before her, and pumped her face onto his cock. He withdrew her head far enough to let her breathe through her nose and pushed into her throat again in steady, smooth, and rhythmic motions. He moved his hips in time with the action, fucking her throat. She appreciated the timing and the consistency. 

Arthur groaned above her. “You really are a bimbo for my cock, huh?” 

Lori moaned in response, her throat vibrating as it sleeved him. Arthur shivered. 

“Keep doing that.” Arthur said. 

Lori moaned. 

“I never knew my girlfriend was such a slut.” Arthur said as if speaking to himself. Lori kept up her moaning below, still taking his cock into her throat with every thrust. “I knew you were more experienced, and I hoped you wanted to have sex, but god, you really are advanced. When you said to do whatever I want, I think you might have really meant it. Like, if I pull you to your feet, push you up against the glass, and take you from behind, would you use your safeword? Or would you thank me for it?” 

He didn’t let her answer, but her moaning pitched up a notch for a moment as if to say ‘Yes, Sir.’ She hoped he got the message. She liked this side of him. The confident, sexy take-charge Arthur was difficult to draw out, but it was a dream come true once he took the stage. 

They were going to have to get a hotel. Or… better yet. They had the dorms to themselves this weekend. They’d have to wait an hour for the drive back, but once there, they could fuck like rabbits all weekend. They might need to stop somewhere and buy a ball gag to keep her screams from annoying anyone. Did adult stores have Black Friday sales? They should. 

Arthur shifted his grip on her head, twisting his fingers through her hair, and Lori let out an involuntary moan of pleasure at the taut pull. She rolled her eyes toward the back of her head, showing him how much she enjoyed that, so he did it again with his other hand. Then he used that to push and pull her face onto his cock, masturbating himself with her as if she were his toy. His slave. 

She shuddered at the thought. She’d already moved one hand and started masturbating as he fucked her face. She got close before he did, which surprised her. He had just cum, though. The condom had looked pretty full. She closed her eyes, imagining him taking her from behind. She wanted that. She wanted him in every way he could give it to her. 

Arthur twitched and froze, holding her head against his pubes for a moment. She swallowed and stuck her tongue out, lapping the edge of his balls. She scooted her knees forward, massaged his balls in her hand, and fingered herself with the other. 

Arthur grunted and pumped his load into her, gasping as he clutched and pulled her hair in his fists. 

Lori’s eyes rolled as she came, and she shuddered, choking as she forgot to swallow. Arthur pushed her away, and she slid to the floor of the shower, falling on her butt as the last of his cum blasted her in the face and washed away under the shower’s barrage. 

She tried to catch it on her tongue but failed. 

“Are you okay?” Arthur asked, concerned. 

“Yes, Sir.” Lori said after clearing her throat and coughing a few times. “That was hot as fuck!” 

Arthur smiled, shaking his head. 

Lori recovered, letting the hot water soothe her as she caught her breath. Arthur offered her his hand and helped her carefully to her feet. Hugging her close. 

“The shower was a good idea.” Lori said, smiling. “It’s a shame we can’t do this on campus.” 

Arthur laughed. 

“But you should tell Brad to expect a sock on the door a few times a week, even on weeks my pussy is out of service.” Lori said. Even on weeks she was out of service, she could still swallow his cock. She chewed her lip, just picturing it.  

“Out of service?” Arthur asked, confused again. 

Lori patted his chest. “Period.” She said. 

“Oh.” Arthur laughed, getting it. He shook his head. “I don’t think Brad will complain too much. He’s been wondering why I haven’t asked you to sleep over, and he’s offered to make himself scarce a few times.” 

“Oh, really?” Lori asked. “Remind me to thank Brad next time I see him. Maybe I’ll bring him some cookies.” 

Arthur nodded, laughing. They finished showering together, washing off and feeling warm, fuzzy, and comfortable as they dried themselves in the fluffy towels. Lori was on cloud nine, watching Arthur dry himself off, flashing her breasts and pussy at him to get him hard again. He caught her in his arms, pinning her towel in a playful wrestle. 

Lori had just enjoyed a proper fucking to work out all the frustration she’d built up over the last few weeks. She had a hot shower, and strong arms wrapping around her in a fluffy warm towel. She was in heaven and more relaxed than she could ever remember being. 

She dried her hair with a blow dryer from her bag and decided against wearing the pajamas she’d packed. 

They slept naked, and Lori curled into him, using his shoulder as a pillow with his arm wrapped around her, his palm against her back, hugging her to him. She wanted to go again, but Arthur was tired, and she was exhausted. Sleep beckoned, and in her daze of heady pleasure, Lori had one last confession to make. 

“I love you, Arthur.” 

Arthur didn’t stiffen like she expected him to. He didn’t laugh. He took a deep, slow breath. 

“I love you, too, Lori. I'm so, so thankful for you.” 

Lori fell asleep with a smile on her face as sleep took them into its dream-filled embrace.