Acetalia Week Day Four: Love
Characters: America, Poland
Feliks is wrestling with the lid of his Tupperware lunchbox when Alfred catches hold of his hand and turns it over to examine the black ring on his middle finger.
“Wow,” he says. “I like your ring. It’s very goth.”
Feliks withdraws his hand, slightly embarrassed. “Thanks. It’s, uh, actually a thing I wear to show I’m asexual.”
Alfred looks up at him from across the cafeteria table, his cheeks bulging with a mouthful of sandwich. “What’s that mean?”
“It means that, like, I don’t feel sexually attracted to anyone. I’m also aromantic, so I don’t want to have romantic relationships, either.”
“So you can’t love anyone?”Alfred shakes his head slowly. “Dude, that’s so sad.”
“No, no, I can love people. Just not in a romantic or sexual way.” Upon seeing Alfred’s bewildered expression, he pushes his lunch aside and leans forward, ready to explain. “There are more ways to love people than just physical attraction. I mean, you love your mom, right, but you don’t want to have a romantic relationship with her.”
His face crumples in disgust. “Ew, no way, she’s my mom.”
“Exactly. But you still love her, don’t you?”
“See? You don’t have to be in love with someone to love them. I love my parents, I love my family, I love my friends. I love lots of people platonically. I’m just not interested in romance or sex.”
“Oh, okay.” Alfred shrugs and glances down, takes another bite of sandwich. “I don’t really get it, but you do you, bro.”
Feliks grins. “Thanks, Al.”
They’re silent for a while as they eat. Alfred is clearly deep in thought. When the bell rings for the end of lunch hour and they both stand to leave, he catches hold of Feliks’ elbow. “Hey, Feliks?”
“Hm?” He shoulders his backpack and turns to face him.
“With this whole…asexual, aromantic thing - you’re happy, right?”
Feliks smiles. “Yes, Alfred.” He pats his shoulder gently, then steps away to begin navigating the crowd to his next class. “Don’t worry. I’m very happy with the love I can give.”