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“do you promise?”
“with all the resources at your disposal, surely there’s a better way to—”
“no. the best deal i’ll ever get is tomorrow. promise me.”
sylus sighs beside you in bed. he’s waking up, you’re going to sleep. or trying to, if you can conquer the anticipation putting your mind on fast-forward.
“yes, sweetie. i’ll wake you up before midnight.”
you huff in satisfaction, diving under the covers. with the vow in your ears, you drift off into a fitful sleep.
──────
strong hands shake you awake. “wake up, kitten. it’s time.”
there are a few seconds of grogginess. then, you bolt out of bed. you don’t even bother putting real clothes on—you wore sweatpants and a sweater to bed to save time.
in 20 minutes, the laptop you’ve been eyeing for months goes on sale. in 20 minutes, you get 40% off on the decade’s most promising technology.
following you into the hall, sylus steadies you while you hop on one foot, trying to shove your second boot on. once the laces are tied, you grab your purse and run for the foyer—until you turn around at the last second.
“thank you!”
“there’s nothing to thank me for.”
grinning, you kiss his cheek and bolt out the door.
──────
you successfully fight your way through frazzled families and nuclear arguments, but your face falls as soon as you get to the tech section.
“um, i’m sorry,” you say to the sales rep nearby. “but do you have any more airbooks? the newest model. online, it said there were some in stock…” you trail off, looking to the display case where the laptops should be. empty.
the employee pouts, then shakes his head sympathetically. “we’re all out, unfortunately. i’m sure you won’t be the last person to ask.” with a conspiratorial glance, he beckons you closer. “you didn't hear it from me, but a customer bribed the manager, came in early, and bought every last one. even if we sell nothing else today, we’ll make record profits. i wouldn’t be surprised if we get sent home early—i’m praying for it, actually.”
you try to smile but only manage a grimace. months of planning and saving up, of trying not to smash your current laptop when the battery died in two hours, just foiled by one greedy person?
“i understand. thanks for letting me know.” with drooping shoulders, you turn back the way you came, forlornly pushing your empty shopping cart.
“don’t feel too bad, alright? maybe next year!”
──────
the light in his study is still on when you get back.
figures. it’s barely been 30 minutes.
“never come back from a hunt empty-handed. isn’t that what i always tell you?” he flips his book closed and pulls off his glasses. “couldn’t find what you were looking for?”
“no.” you don’t bother fighting the sniffle. “i got there, and they were all sold out already—just from one customer! it was probably some scumbag who bought them on sale so he can jack up the price and resell them later.”
sylus pushes his chair back and spreads his arms. you slump into them. “i wish i could help in some way, but i guess there’s not much i can do. those are all i have to offer.” he tilts his head toward the corner of the room, where a heap of boxes sits proudly.
upon further inspection, you know exactly what they are.
“sylus.”
“hmm?”
“what is wrong with you?”
rich laughter fills your ears. “what, you aren’t interested anymore? don’t tell me you woke up so early for something you won’t spare a second glance at.”
you pinch his pec, and he smirks lazily. “all of them?”
“i didn't know which color you wanted. plus, what if the one you choose breaks? you have to think ahead, kitten.”
“you…that’s what warranties are for!”
“warranties are at another party’s discretion. having every option readily available is…simpler. cleaner. wouldn’t you agree?”
“no, i wouldn’t! how did you even know that’s what i wanted, anyway? i never told you.”
“it’s not like it was difficult. you look in the store window every time we pass by.” he lifts you in his arms, walking you to the tower worth thousands. “now, take your pick.”
grumbling, you cross your arms and turn away.
“oh? should i choose for you, then? the black is my favorite. so sleek, and it fits right in with the base’s design.” slowly, tauntingly, he reaches for the box.
you capture his hand, looking up with a scowl. “the blue one, please.”