"Babe, hurry up!" Harry called from the living room sofa where he'd been sitting for the past twenty minutes. "I have a surprise for you, let's go before it's too late."

"In a minute," Robbie called from their bedroom. "I still have to change. I don't know what to wear."

Harry scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Seriously? Change for what, we're not doing anything fancy. Wear what you had on, come on."

"I wanna take a shower," Robbie whined. "It's been a long day, I'm so funky. Don't you want your bae all fresh and clean?"

Harry sighed and sat back against the sofa. He may as well get comfortable. This was the new routine, waiting forever and a day for Robbie to get ready. It was all part of living together.

They had recently moved into a simple one bedroom apartment on the North Side. Robbie had wanted to get a three bedroom condo in the fancy Gold Coast neighborhood but Harry had insisted that they get something practical that was within their budget. These days they weren't exactly rolling in the big bucks.

Mr. Kay had allowed Harry to have his job back on the condition that he end his relationship with Robbie. Harry decided that he wanted to come clean.

"I know you don't approve of us," Harry said while he stood in Kay's office. "But we're back together and we're going to stay that way. Robbie really means a lot to me and I promise I'll be good to him."

Mr. Kay wasn't quite convinced. "I've heard all of this before, from Paul."

Harry looked him in the eye. "I'm not Paul. I will never be like him."

Although Kay didn't accept it, he did allow Harry to work for him.

A miracle happened. Robbie got a job. It was at one of his favorite high end clothing stores. He went in one day and applied as a salesperson. His charm and personality more than made up for his lack of experience so he did very well.

Like Harry, Robbie didn't make a lot but at least he had a steady paycheck. Plus one of the perks of the job was the ten percent discount on the clothes in the store. Their closets at home were full to overflowing. Almost every day Harry could count on coming home and finding yet another new shirt or slacks. He knew it was difficult for Robbie to live within his means, but he was learning.

"Are you sure you're okay with this?" Harry had asked Robbie the first night at their new apartment. They still had boxes everywhere. They were lying together on a mattress on the floor.

Robbie gave him a squeeze. "No," he said with his cheek on Harry's chest. "It's no problem. As long as I'm with you, I guess I can live without the rest of the stuff." He poked at Harry playfully. "Maybe."

Harry hugged him back. "I'm glad. I know I can't give you all the things you're used to. All I have is me."

Robbie leaned over and gave him a kiss. "That's more than enough for me."

They lay quietly for a moment, just touching. Then Robbie suddenly propped himself up on his elbow. "So," he gazed down at Harry with his chin in his hand. "When are you going to put a ring on it?"

Harry groaned. "Aw geez, it's a little too soon for that, don't you think? I'm not ready."

"You weren't saying that earlier when we were in the shower."

"Shut up," Harry pulled Robbie closer. "Can we at least wait a bit for marriage? Just until I get my stuff together?"

Robbie looked him in the eye. "You do want to marry me, don't you?"

"You know I do," Harry kissed him. "I want it all. Kids, house, pets, the whole nine yards."

Now it was Robbie's turn to groan. "Kids? Seriously?"

"What's the big deal? I want at least one, don't you?"

"I don't want to share you with anyone else." Robbie snuggled close, putting his face in Harry's neck. "I wanna keep you all to myself for a while."

"Sure, there's plenty of time for that too, but I think you'd be an amazing parent," Harry said. "I can see you holding our baby."

Robbie smiled. "Well, maybe one. For you, daddy."

They kissed again.

"You know," Robbie said with his wicked leer. "We still have a lot to do here in the meantime."

"Yeah?" Harry smiled back. "Like what?"

Robbie ran a finger seductively along his chest. "We still have to finish christening the rest of the rooms."

Harry was doing the same thing to Robbie's chest. "Well then we'd better get a move on, don't you think?"

Robbie moved his hand below the covers. "What are we waiting for?"

As they enjoyed each other Harry knew that this would be the beginning of a most awesome adventure.

The sound of a slamming door brought Harry back to the present where he was sitting in the now furnished apartment waiting on Robbie. He looked at their painting that was hanging on the far wall. His best work, he thought.

Robbie finally came out of the room and stood in front of him. He wore jeans and a plaid flannel shirt. "Ready." he announced.

Harry looked him over. "Aren't those my jeans? And my shirt?"

Robbie smiled, swaying a little. "Maybe."

"With all the clothes you have?"

"I felt like wearing something of yours. Be glad I'm not wearing your underwear."

"You're so crazy."

"You know you love it."

Harry drove out to Columbus Drive just before dark. He got out and led Robbie by the hand to the surprise.

"What is it?" Robbie kept asking. "Where are we going?"

"For the hundredth time, quit asking me," Harry said. "It won't be a surprise if I just tell you. Okay wait, stop here. Close your eyes."

Robbie obeyed. Harry took his hand again and slowly guided him for a while before stopping. "Okay, now you can open them."

Robbie opened his eyes and was surprised to find himself standing in front of Buckingham Fountain. "Oh my God!" He couldn't believe it. All this time he had been in Chicago and he hadn't had a chance to visit his favorite landmark until now. Many people were also gathered around.

Harry stood close. "Do you remember what you told me about visiting Buckingham Fountain?"

Robbie looked up at him. "That it was my fantasy to be here. . ."

Harry finished his sentence. ". . .holding hands with the one you loved."

Robbie took Harry's hand. He gave it a squeeze while staring into his eyes. "Exactly. I can't believe you still remember that."

The water show at the fountain began. They watched in awe as the colorful lights blended with the splashing water that shot several feet into the air. Harry and Robbie stood among the crowd holding each other and enjoying the sights.

Later when the show was over and the people were leaving, the men remained standing there, still holding hands.

"Harry," Robbie said. "I love you so much."

"I love you too, Robbie."

They kissed again.

A passerby who was also watching the show stopped when he saw the two nearby. He froze.

Robbie. That was his Robbie. It had been a while but that was him.

What was he doing here in Chicago?

End of Book One

A/N This chapter is dedicated to all you readers. Thanx so much. Please read the continuing story of Harry and Robbie in Restless in the City 2 which will be posted soon. Please read and vote. Also comment. Thanx again :)