"You sure you want to do this?"
"Yeah. I've been in this place too long. It's time for me to move on. But I can't do that until I know she's okay. I kind of... um..."
"You love her, don't you?"
"Yeah, I do." he said apologetically. "It didn't start out that way. I mean, she's a knockout, sure... I- I'm not blind. But there's a lot more to her than that. After spending so much time together, I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later."
"I hear ya," he said, taking no offense. "She's one of a kind, that one."
"That she is."
"And you're sure this is okay?"
"Listen, I've been tied to this place for a very long time, but that's over now. Thanks to her. I could stick around if I wanted, and don't get me wrong, I've thought about it, but... I don't know. There's just too much else to do. But don't worry...you have a choice. You can hang out here for as long as you want, and move on when it's time. They'll understand. Besides... I think she's going to need somebody for awhile."
"Okay then," he said, half overjoyed and half-saddened by the other's imminent departure.
"I'd shake hands but..."
His companion laughed and said, "I know. It's okay."
"You take care of yourself. And thanks... for everything."
"No problem. Just...take care of her, okay?"
"That, my friend, is something I'll be glad to do." And as his companion disappeared, he began to take stock of his new home.
Cordelia Chase came home after a late night of file research at the office, kicked off her shoes, and practically fell into bed. A breeze stirred up through a window that had been left open during the day, and although she was getting cold, she didn't have the energy left to close it, nor to pick up the comforter that had fallen at the foot of the bed. She let herself drift off, and suddenly she heard the click of the window sliding shut and a soft weight fell on top of her. She smiled to herself. Sometimes having a roommate wasn't so bad after all.
"Thanks," she mumbled as she let herself fall into the abyss.
She never felt the soft caresses on her cheek, or the voice that softly whispered, "Sleep well, Princess. Sleep well."
End