Dude, Really?

Reginald and Arthur sat in their favourite coffee shop for their yearly visit. They met other times as well, but here at the shop they didn't have to hide who they were. Because this coffee spot was for those immortals who walk among us.

They could talk openly about all the lives they'd lived. The people they'd lost. Arthur drank his coffee and leaned into Reginald. "So how did Debs take the news?"

Reginald looked away.

"Reggie! You haven't told her yet?"

"No," he whispered.

"Dude, really? You have to... You’re getting close to 45, she’s gonna notice you're not aging like her!" Arthur lectured.

"I know, I know." Reggie sank down in his seat. "I just can't."

Arthur’s face softened. "Reg, I haven't seen you put it off this long since you married that princess."

Reggie smiled. “I guess Debbie reminds me of her." Reggie's mind wandered back to his princess Evangeline. He hadn't thought of her intentionally since he met Debbie.

If he thought hard enough, he could see her dancing through the castle halls, could hear her laugh with children. His children... All of his children were gone, and he had yet to pass on his gift - or curse, depending on whom you asked.

Arthur had a daughter; they often got together. His daughter's mother had been his last wife, and Arthur couldn’t bear the loss of another love. But Reggie - he only had Arthur.

With Evangeline, at a certain point, they had pretended he was too ill to be seen in public. It wasn't easy but doable. Eventually, they let the kids in on the truth. Watching Evangeline fade away to nothing was so painful.

He left the Kingdom at night and would sneak out to see his kids; he even got to meet his grandchildren. Yet not as their grandparent, but as friend of the king or princess.

Modern medicine made being immortal so much more difficult. Almost every ailment could be cured, and with face ID and scanners, immortals were getting harder and harder to hide. Sure, they had people to help with that, but it was a challenge.

Reggie and Arthur had both taken a break from marriage - not quite swearing it off, but not seeking it out. The pain of loss was just too much. Until Reggie met Debbie. She was perfect, kind, caring, loving, and just the most amazing woman.

He'd married her without too much thought. He was in love, hopelessly in love with her. "It's gonna crush her, Art... She's dreamed of growing old together. And I hid that from her."

Arthur sighed. "You were able to explain it to Evengline and you helped her rule a Kingdom. Debbie may be livid with you, but she also may choose to forgive you and to keep loving you."

“I know... You understand I will need to stay with you if she’s mad, right?"

Arthur laughed. "You're always welcome."

The men finished their coffee and shared a hug. “You got this, man. Debbie might just be surprised." Arthur tossed some cash on the table for the drinks.

"Yeah, she might." The men headed to their cars and drove home.

When Reggie got home, he found Debbie in the kitchen tidying things up.

"Hey Love, I made cake!" Her smile could make him melt.

"Any reason?" He could deal with this in a moment.

"Cathy gave me her recipe. And I couldn't wait to try it out!" She beamed.

"I'm sure it will be even better when you make it." He wrapped his arms around her and just held her.

"Love? Are you alright?" She reached up and touched his face.

"No my dear, I'm not. I have something I need to share with you." He pulled them toward the couch. It was time to stop hiding.