We were sitting on the couch watching a movie when Sylus started rumbling and grumbling about. I tried to ignore him until he started pulling the blanket off my legs.

“Can I help you?” I tore it back.

He thrust his head back like the drama queen he often became.

“What, don’t like the flick? Too new for you?” I slapped him across his massive thigh.

He huffed.

“Use your words. Please.”

“I’m hungry.”

“You’re always hungry.” I groaned.

He shook his head. “For something specific.”

“A craving?”

He nodded.

“For what?”

A snarl rippled across his lips before a huff burst forth.

“Don’t make me read your mind, Sylus. Use your words. For the love of God please.”

He muttered something too low and fast for me to hear. I glared at him.

“Tuna melt.”

I sighed. “I can make you one if you want.”

“No. Tuna melt from a corner market in a small down in the Midwest specifically.”

I clutched my shirt. “Is mine not good enough?!”

He shook his head. “Yours is very good. I just kinda want this one right now.”

I sighed again. “How close can you get us? I don’t really feel like walking.”

“Right on their doorstep.”

“Alright.” I flopped my hand in his lap. He took it and we weave walked away.

It was a small building with a ran exterior. Definitely had neiborhood convenience store vibes.

Wherever we were, the weather was beautiful. Warm with a brisk wind and a white cloud smeared blue sky.

Sylus hurried inside and I followed.

Register and deli right inside. Aisles of goods filled the room. He made his way to the counter and I took a look at their goods. All pretty good quality. No weirdly branded stuff. Local produce and honey, decent prices. I was pleasantly surprised.

I found a bag of cherry BBQ kettle chips. Sounded weird enough.

I met Sylus on the end with the coolers. He reached in and grabbed bottle of Shirley Temple. He held the door open and I grabbed a cream soda.

“I got you one, too. I hope that’s okay.”

“You only got one?”

He nodded. “I just want the taste. Americo cheese and tomato on marble rye.”

“Sounds good.” I handed him my drink and chips and he took them to the counter to pay.

We waited a few minutes before our sandwiches were ready. He handed me our bag and carried them himself. He lead me outside and across the street to a small grassy area with some tree cover. A yellow picnic table awaited us.

I sat down, resting the bag on the table. Sylus did some fat math before deciding on sitting sideways, straddling the benc. I laughed. He offered me my sandwich. I traded it for his red sugar drink.

We each took a bite. It really was pretty good. But what made it different from mine? A tuna salad was a tuna salad.

“Dill.” Sylus explained, his hand outstretched.

That’s exactly what it was. Maybe I’d try some with my own.

“Use your words.”

“Crisps.” He flexed his fingers.

“Well I suppose that is a word.” I handed him the bag of chips. He popped it open with ease and tilted it to me, offering me the first try.

I took a red dusted chip. Definitely kettle cooked with some skin on the edges. I put it in my mouth. A spicy but warm fruity taste hit followed by a satisfying crunch. The seasoning was perfectly balanced and the cherry was far from lost in the smoky bite of the chip.

Sylus hummed approvingly.

I looked around. We were surrounded by a very nice neighborhood and a few restaurants. Buses went by in both directions. A middle class foodies’ dream.

“I’d live here.” Sylus spoke between bites. “If I was normal.” He swallowed. “If I still had Daniel. If I’d been able to get my shit together sooner.” He sighed. “I once dreamed of living in a place like this. Having food and neighbors close at hand. Quiet nights in with my son. A home. Our home. That’s… Just not my reality. Never could be.”

I reached across the table and put my hand on his.

“Please don’t misunderstand me. I’m very grateful for the life I have. Those dreams were the product of someone very different than what I’ve become.”

“How about this: When the war’s over, we’ll get a little slice of a tiny town for ourselves.”

He smiled and resumed eating. So did I.

“It’s very good. Thank you, Sylus.”

He nodded as he tidied our garbage into the bag we’d brought it in. A trash can stood on the corner just off the small park. Cheating, Sylus just teleported the bag into the bin.

He leaned back and sighed, clearly satisfied.

“That hit the spot?” I chuckled.

“It did indeed.”

“Good because it’s getting chilly and I miss our blanket.” I offered him my hand.

With a smile he took it and carried us home, right back to where we’d left.

I cuddled back under the blanket and threw it over him.

“You sure this movie isn’t too modern for your dated sensibilities?”

He leaned over, resting his head on my shoulder. “If you like it, I like it.”

“That’s not how it works.”

“How about if you like it, I can tolerate it.”

“That’s better.” I scritched his chin. “That really was a pretty good melt.”

“Small placed have the best food.”

“Very true.” I breathed before returning my attention to our movie, idly running my fingers through his hair.