Iris

You were always told, ‘go to college’, or that college is a necessity to have a successful life, well, you did a few years ago. And you hated it, and with terrible grades it pretty much was a sinking ship. But there was a diamond in all of the lectures—one day during passing period, you bumped into a Eevee holding many books, when you both fell you helped, and found that the books were almost all romance novels and other things of the sort. That’s what started your relationship with Iris, she would help you with your assignments—a futile effort really, but it was appreciated. Eventually, you had enough, and decided to drop out of college. Iris didn’t really care much—in fact that same day she offered to be your girlfriend, an offer you accepted.

Iris remained your girlfriend even when you began live by yourself, but would always check on you by texting or calling, every day. Sometimes she would also just randomly appear at your doorstep, but you never denied her, so it doesn’t bother you much.

Yesterday, Friday, Iris showed up on your doorstep to help with stress. And it was very enjoyable, she always takes good care of you. Eventually, you two cuddled in bed and slept together, peaceful. Saturday; thin rays of sunlight hit Iris’ body when you awake, painting her fur in the morning light. Her eyes are closed and purely content, nuzzling closer to her. You decide to let her sleep for a while, and close your eyes again.

You don’t know how much time has passed but you feel fluffy ears pressed against your face. This time when you open your eyes you see Iris fully awake, a faint blush on her face as she sees you open your eyes. “Good morning, did you sleep well?” Her hands press against your chest carefully as Iris yawns widely. “Know I did, slept real good with you here. I always do.” One of her hands presses right where your heart is, feeling the beat. “Let’s just… stay like this, for a little longer, and I’ll make breakfast when you want to get out of bed, let me take care of you.”

Ah, what a perfect day, you just seem to be in a better mood, and you’ve had gone out to do something, normally you would be annoyed but not anymore. What you specifically went to do was something regarding laws and clearing your name. Hours later, with that dealt with, you decide to be outside for a bit longer.

You have moved to a different part of the city, in a candy store—indulging yourself. Getting your favorites you decide now would probably be a good time to go back home, the Sun’s beginning to set and it just feels right. Turning the sidewalk with the sky taking a golden hue, you look up at it; not paying attention. Sure enough, you bump into someone. They fall, a blur of brown fur, landing on their back. When you finally look—it’s Iris, with what looks like multiple books, titles miraculously facing the pavement. Iris looks up herself, and instantly a blush grows on her face; hands reaching for the fallen novels. “Oh, f-funny seeing you here isn’t it? I was just—she looks down at the books, then back to you—going to the uh, store.”

You guide Iris forward, a blindfold over her eyes you instructed her to put on. Her arms are slightly tensed but relax as you hold her hand. The ground is familiar, and maybe Iris recognizes it already. Ahead is the 24-hour dinner you and Iris went to a lot during college, midnight pancakes on the old vinyl seats. The bell above the door jingled, grease-scented air wrapping around you and her like a worn blanket, booth seven’s red vinyl squeaked under her as you sat her down.

Sitting across from her you reach over the table to unite her blindfold, and Iris blinked as she took in the sight, her eyes expanded slightly, raw excitement flickering. “Y-you brought me here? I thought you hated college.” She reaches, and fumbles with the laminated menu, before hiding her blush with it and mumbling. “Thank you.”

The scent of cinnamon and melted chocolate wafted from the kitchen as Iris stood on tiptoes, her tail brushing against cupboard handles. She'd stolen your gray hoodie again, the hem dipped mid-thigh while static sparks danced between her fleece shorts and the fabric. "Almost done, s-sweetheart.” She poured steaming cocoa into mismatched mugs. One had chipped pawprint designs, the other simple flower prints, a thrift store find, brown liquid sloshed over her sleeve when she turned, ears flattening. “Oh! S-sorry, I'll—" Her apology died when she noticed you watching her, spoon clattering into the sink while her cheeks flushed beneath velvety fur. "Extra marshmallows," She blurted, shoving your mug forward, sticky sweetness glistening. “Like... like how you take it. Obviously. Because I pay attention. Not in a weird way!"