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You arrived home from work that day, a strangely empty house greeting you amidst the Sun’s evening warmth. Silently and to yourself, you complained about not even Cat being there for you. A yawn prompted you to stretch and navigate your way to bed. There, you discovered a note left on your nightstand. It was a small yet hardy paper, one of those you'd use to study as flashcards for a test. What differentiated it from the rest of its brethren was the gentle pink hue to it.
" Happy Tuesday! Lunch is waiting for you on the dining table. "
It read cheerfully, though with Xyx you could never tell what devious plans he had up his sleeve. On the back he signed it with his name and " Clue 1 " with a heart beside it. So this was his game, huh? Well, you were delighted to play along.
On the dining table was a platter with one of your favourite meals, decorated with heart shaped ingredients. It was clear that he had put in good effort to make it not only look good but taste wonderful. It seemed that his nagging at your "peculiar taste" was somehow effective for him to remember just how you liked your food. Barely hidden beneath the plate was another note, on the same type of card as the last. You read and thought about it as you ate.
" Hidden from light, I toil away.
Despite its cries, my back cannot sway (me). "
A laugh escaped you, his poor attempt at a rhyme coming across as endearing. You figured that this clue led to the home office; there were no windows for light and toiling away in there... was kind of the entire point. Upon finishing your meal, you set aside the dishes and made your way over.
Fond memories resurfaced as your eyes fell on the well loved bookcase that lined the entire back wall. No stock image could hide its glory, that was for sure. You traced the shelf where you "met" Cat for the first time, smiling to yourself when thinking about how Xyx had tried to hide them at first. It was clear he loved the little beast so much and still he tried to conceal it. It was a lovely memory, one of the first moments you saw his soft side.
After checking the numerous books on law, legalese, and various anecdotes from his student days you moved on and found yourself at the desk. It was hard to spot at first but then you rolled your eyes at how obvious it was. The next clue was taped to the monitor screen, hidden amongst countless sticky notes of diverse purposes.
“ It all began where interests aligned,
where our love blossomed somewhat blind. ”
Okay, that one rhymed well and was cute. You could let him loose for the previous clue for this one. Only issue… the clue was incredibly clear. He meant the Blooming Panic fanserver. But… did he genuinely mean the Blooming Panic fanserver? You pondered his intentions before running off to find your own computer to log on.
You had a message from Xyx waiting for you in #deleted. It was… almost the same as all the other clues. You would’ve been more at ease if it wasn’t, though. It was a photo of one of those same note cards being held up in some backyard.
“ Home picnics weren’t always this wonderful.
You made them so. ”
Some small part of you was disappointed when there wasn’t a rhyme nor even an attempt at one. Nevertheless, a gentle flurry of heat found its way to your cheeks. Ignoring your blush, you inspected the image closer, zooming in on the surroundings.
A hybrid groan-laugh escaped you when you realized that the scenery was indicative of your very own backyard. Cat peeked out from wherever they had been napping to rub against your legs as you walked to the back door of your home, chirping and purring at you the whole time.
You left them alone inside after giving them an ample amount of pets. Waiting for you on the patio table was a bouquet of vibrant red roses, still fresh as was evident by the lovely aroma.
It was funny, you thought. Xyx was sending you on a treasure hunt down memory lane. First, the dining table where you’d spend every meal possible together, laughing about serious topics and fretting over menial ones. Following after were reminders of your relationship’s humble beginnings, online voice and video chatting. Now you were led here, where the two of you enjoyed treating the other to a fun time or nice meal.
You couldn’t help but hold excitement for where the rest of his journey would take you. Enthusiastically, you looked about for your next clue. Tucked under the flower stems were two cards, the one featured in Xyx’s photo paired with a new one.
“ Road trips with cat weren’t always quiet,
but with you my heart beat violent. ”
Your immediate thought was of relief, relieved that this clue was easier than its predecessor. As you walked to the driveway out front your mind dwelled on the second line more and more, heat continuously rising to your cheeks.
Xyx was always so suave when the two of you would take Cat out for a road trip. He kept cool, always beaming that charming grin at you. That very same grin that you had fallen for countless times, and would no doubt continue to over and over. The very idea of him getting nervous was so… foreign, in the best way possible. You always respected how he could keep a straight face in the worst and best of times, this tidbit only boosted that respect.
It was also cute, you thought. A giggle escaped you as you found Xyx’s motorcycle missing, leading you to the car instead. Your next clue card was stashed on the dashboard, cleverly stowed between polaroids you two had taken together. You admired the pictures for a moment before moving onto the note.
“ Do you prefer the back or the front?
…
Of the card. What were you thinking of? ”
You burst into a laughing fit, fondly remembering where and when you had first heard similar words. You scoffed, a smirk growing on your face, only able to believe that Xyx quoted himself because it was him .
Thrill fully enveloped you as you started the engine and pulled out of the driveway. It seemed like your treasure hunt would come to a conclusion soon. With Xyx’s bike being gone and where this card was obviously hinting, you were sure of it.
The drive from your house to the airport wasn’t long but it wasn’t exactly short, either. In search of something to keep you company, you turned the stereo system on. Instead of a radio station, which you had expected, a CD with Xyx’s voice recorded on it began playing.
“Hellooo? Is this thing on? Heyyy.” You smiled and cringed, his flirty wink audible in his tone. “You know, doll, I took a chance with this one. There was no guarantee you’d even look for music or something. But… you know. You’re worth every shot.” He had to have been flustered recording this. No way he wasn’t, you told yourself, that tone of his was too affectionate. You wouldn’t allow him to get off scot-free when you were doing your best to pay attention to the road.
“Well, nevermind that.” Xyx continued after stalling, hopefully trying to regain his composure. “I hope you enjoyed the treasure hunt. I mean, of course you would’ve. Knowing you, you probably kept each card and sat the bouquet in the passenger seat.” You had to actually pause the CD. He was exactly right. How long did this take him? How much had he planned?
When you resumed the recording he had begun laughing, honey oozing in bellow. “All that said, safe travels, my love. I look forward to seeing you. Here’s a playlist of our favourites over the years.” True to his word, only music followed after. It made for an enjoyable drive as you navigated your way into the parking lot where you had met him in person for the very first time.
After parking, it took you a bit to find Xyx amidst the crowded lot but when you did… repose washed over you. From the looks of it, the same rang true for him just as well. You ran into his arms while he had them open for you, ready to hold you tight in his embrace.
“Oh, my love …” Xyx cooed, melting into your warmth. “I thought you’d never come.” His words were teasing, made clear by the many kisses pressed into your cheeks and by his adoring gaze.
“You! Youuuu!!!” You fake pounded on his chest out of your fluster and frustration. He took each hit gleefully as he beamed at you, almost as though he were trying to provoke more out of you. “You’re a punk, I hope you know that.”
He started to snicker, which then evolved into full on laughter. This was much better than the recording he put on the CD, you noted. You could feel the reverberations from his chest on yours. “Thanks to a certain special someone I am well aware, doll.” Xyx plucked your hand off of his chest and brought it to his lips, leaving gentle pecks on your knuckles before pulling you to follow him to his motorcycle.
“So, tell me. Please. What were your thoughts on the hunt?” His tone went tender, momentarily looking into your eyes for solace. His facade returned. “I worked hard on it, just for you.” He grinned, cheekier and cheekier in every syllable. “Though, maybe that part I don't need to stress too much.”
You rolled your eyes at him, smiling wide. “I enjoyed it, Xyx. Despite all that trouble you gave me the entire time, I had a wonderful time.” Your gaze met his for a moment, electrifying the both of you. “I wasn't bored for a moment, the entire time.” You chuckled, squeezing his hand in yours as you two stopped in front of his bike.
“Ah, what a relief. Haha, shit. I can't explain how happy that makes me.” This time, his words and expressions were true to his heart. “In that case, I have one more card for you.” He bit his lip, tensing for a second before pulling a similarly styled paper as all the ones previous. “You… can read it whenever. It's not similar to the clues at all. Actually,” Xyx began tripping over his words. “Don’t even worry about it. Here, I’ll just… keep it safe for now…”
He tried to pull the card, already halfway passed to you, without success. As quickly as you could, you took it for yourself and read it.
“ My heart beats for you,
for you alone hold the key.
Hold me too, my love. ”
Xyx groaned and grumbled, averting his gaze from yours as he scratched his neck. He felt his skin incessantly growing warmer with each breath. “Alright, alright. Ya’ve looked at it long enough by now, yeah?” His tone was borderlining on a plea. “Come on, let me rescind this one gift.”
You laughed, happy to finally have the upper hand. As though you were playing keep away, you kept the note just out of his reach. “Hey, Xyx. If you get to soul read me on the fact that I kept each clue, as well as the roses, then I get to keep this note!” Unexpectedly, he laughed.
“Oh, so I actually got it right? Pfffftahaha.” Xyx raised his eyebrows, grinning right at you again. “Fine then, I cede.” He placed a hand on his hip before grabbing two helmets off the handles of his bike.
“What? You’re letting it go?” He handed you one of the helmets as you spoke. “Just like that?” You were flustered, pouting at the fact that Xyx didn't let you have this one win. “This is so unfair.”
“Now, now, doll. Unfair is just another type of fair.” He chuckled, buckling your helmet on you after he did his own. “And to hell with that, we’ve got bigger fish to fry. Hop on.” Xyx straddled the bike and pat the seat behind him for you.
“Wait, Xyx, what about the car? The roses?” You worried, fretting about the bouquet wilting, something bad happening to the car, or even extended stay fees. “If I go with you now, what will happen to the car?”
Xyx responded to your questions with a simple smile, giving you a gentle rub to ease you. “I’ve got it covered, my love. Don’t dwell on it, alright? Thank you for your concern, my thoughtful darling.” He bumped his helmet against yours, soft and tender with earnest intent.
You mumbled a few things before letting out a sigh, giving in. “Alright, Xyx. You’re the mastermind, huh? I trust you.” Though he couldn't quite see your expression, he could tell you were smiling from the inflections in your voice. You wrapped your arms around his waist, for safety reasons only, of course. “Let's see where this ride will take us.”
♡
Xyx brought you to a romantic dinner, set up to divinity for you, where you two had your first date. The candles and starlight illuminated your time spent together, making for one of the best nights of your life.