---

---

---

---

I chuckle, glancing down but not meeting their eyes. ”Ich mag deine Beine und deine Augen und deine Hände.” I slip my hand into theirs and place a kiss on the back of it, my eyes meeting theirs as I do so.

I can hear heeled footsteps approaching, so I know I’ve run out of time but I still lean in to whisper in Nero’s ear. ”Vielleicht gefällt es mir einfach, dich in meinen Hemden zu sehen.”

The associate gives me back my card and Nero’s bags after I decline their help with carrying them out. They are generous with their thank-yous and I assure them we would visit again.

”There are a couple more stores we can hit if you are feeling up to it tonight.”

---

---

---

---

Maybe, I say with a gif. Nic's ability to pick up on things was something I wasn't used to when it came to guys. I've dated a few times, and really, after a while, men all seem to be the same. They aren't intuitive, and they don't pick up on subtle changes, but Nic is different. He seems to really see and understand. I wonder if that was because he was a nurse or if it was what made him gain the experience to become head nurse.

---

---

I watch him carefully, relishing in the attention before I shivered. I don’t think he knew what whispering in my ear did to me. Ears red, I follow him out of the store. “Were there more outfits you wanted me to get?” I ask curiously, peering up at Caden.

---

---

---

---

Chucking, I type out my next response with a grin. So, what I’m getting here is that I can become a sorcerer myself now, right? I hear my dad let out a loud snore and I sit up to peek over at him, but he rolls over on the couch into a more comfortable position. I smile before I lay back down.

---

---

---

---

”I think you could use a couple more, then we can leave and get something to eat because even if you don’t need to eat, I do,” I say and tap their nose. We walk a couple of stores down and head inside to receive similar treatment to the store before.

---

---

---

---

Haha, keep dreaming. No, I think you just might be more intuitive than the majority of men. Honesty was best, and I did tell Caden I would try with Nic and with Nero. Besides, it was time I did something for myself again.

---

---

My eyes cross a little when he boops my nose, taking me by surprise. This next shop goes by much like the first, with me asking for a couple of things that I didn’t show Caden only because modeling underwear or swimsuits for him seems a little too much. As we leave the store, I stand on my tip toes to whisper to Caden. “Okay, so I might like being spoiled by you.” I kiss his cheek before standing normally again with a grin.

---

---

---

---

I smile at this observation of hers. I think it’s become second-nature for me to just make sure everyone around me is taken care of. I text her back honestly. And that everyone feels seen and heard as well. It’s nice that she recognizes this of me, especially since our interactions haven’t been long yet. It makes me happy that you’ve noticed it :)

---

---

---

---

After I've paid, I escort Nero out of the store and back down the sidewalk towards the car. I smile at them. ”Good, because I rather enjoyed spoiling you.” I said. Despite the circumstances of today, I truly had enjoyed my outing with Nero and the little adventure we had. Except for now I was rather hungry.

---

---

---

---

It wasn't hard to see. It's a shame others don't always see it. Although I am jealous you can just help people but also help yourself and do things you want. I find myself confessing to him.

I roll over, tired of being on my back. Wayland merps and readjusts as well, but he doesn't leave my seat. He's like a little heater, and I adore the comfort he brings me.

---

---

I grin widely up at Caden as I skip beside him. ”So, where are we going for dinner?” I ask, his car coming into view. I don’t know how to explain it, but having things gifted to me rather than me having to earn it, whether it was lying, cheating, or stealing, is a nice experience. Plus I now have cute clothes to wear while I prance around with Caden.

---

---

---

---

I chuckle, scoffing to myself a little about her last text. It might have appeared that way the last couple of days, but they were out of the ordinary for me. Why do I get the feeling you don’t help yourself or do what you want very often?

---

---

---

---

"Well, due to time we'll go to Ever. But I would like to take you to Alinea one day," I tell them. Alinea required a minimum two and a half hour dining experience, and I didn't feel like buying out a restaurant for one meal.

We reach the car and I help Nero inside before I put the bags of clothes in the boot of the car. I get inside shortly after and pause after starting the car. I smile before pulling away. Once I'm on the road I rest my hand on Nero's leg, rubbing my thumb along the inside of their nyloned leg.

"You also look incredibly good in this car," I inform them. "Do you know how to drive?" I ask curiously.

---

---

---

---

I snort and sit up. What gave it away? I get up off the ground, Wayland completely unmoved, and go get something fresh to drink from the kitchen. While I'm up I grab some sage and other cleansing herbs to burn.

---

---

I wiggle happily in my seat, enjoying the shivers that Caden caused by just touching me. It’s hard to concentrate on answering his question. ”Oh, um, no. I never learned.” I say sheepishly. ”I never had a reason to, at least.” I add.

---

---

---

---

I chuckle. Oh, you know, just everything you do seems to never be for yourself. There’s her shop, for instance, and the fact that she wouldn’t let me pay - something that I’m sure is common for her to do. When was the last time you did something that was just for you?

---

---

---

---

I nod, continuing to rub my thumb in light circles along their thigh. "That makes sense. If you ever decide you want to I can teach you. For now I don't mind playing chauffeur." I grin, looking at Nero and wink. A few minutes later I am pulling up to the front door of the restaurant. A valet opens the door for Nero and offers to help them out of the car while I get out on my side.

"Christian, do they have you working a double again?" I ask the young man as I had them the keys."

"Only because I offered, sir."

"Good man," I reply and pat him on the arm. "Don't take the car for too long of a joy ride," I tease him before I escort Nero inside.

---

---

---

---

I set my items out and light my sage to start cleansing the area. I puzzle over Nic's message, having to think longer about it than I should. Ummm. I showered the other day, does that count?

---

---

”Only if you’ll let me sit in your lap while learning.” I say to Caden with a grin. We arrive at the restaurant and the valet helps me out of the car. As we walk inside, I stare up at Caden, wondering who this man is to be recognized almost everywhere he goes. ”You’re quite the celebrity.” I observe.

---

---

---

---

I shake my head as I read her next message. No, it does not count lol I send to her. I know it’s not really my place to call her out on this, but she’s starting to remind me of my mother - never doing anything for herself and thinking she doesn’t deserve gifts. What are some of your hobbies?

---

---

---

---

"Once upon a time, my family would have argued to use the term 'royalty'. But in today's day in age, I just have a lot of money and flash it around." I lift Nero's hand to my lips and kiss it as we walk.

We're led through the resturant to a more secluded location for quiet conversation. There are several late diners to make the place look full but not overwhelmingly so. I pull out Nero's seat for them and help to push it in before I take a seat opposite them. I get handed the wine list and pick a bottle of red for us before we are left alone to puzzle over the menu.

"Make sure you get something really overpriced. They like that here," I inform Nero. Even if they didn't eat it and I did.

---

---

---

---

I smile slightly from the simple conversation. I don't mind this as much. If it was yesterday, I probably would be a bit more salty, but I told Caden I would try and well, Nic kissed me, so...

I enjoy my gardening and my plants, reading. Anything that gets me outside really. How about you? What does Nic Wu do for entertainment?

---

---

I peer over my menu at Caden, not knowing what anything on this menu really is. Sure, it lists the ingredients but there’s not really any explanation of what the actual dish is. “Um, what would you recommend?” I ask Caden instead of continuing to try and decipher the menu. Someone comes by with water and I happily guzzle it down before trying the wine Caden picked out. I smile at the nice aroma and depth of flavor it has, quietly humming in contentment as I wait for his answer.

---

---

---

---

I smile as I read it; it’s obvious that she likes gardening and greenery just from seeing her shop. Reading makes sense with how inquisitive she always is. I almost want to ask her to go on a picnic date in the park with me and we can both read and enjoy each other’s company, but I hold back, not wanting to come off too strong. I think about her question for a moment before I answer.

I like gardening as well as the outdoors :) When I have the time, I like to go hiking and just enjoy the quiet beauty of nature I send initially. If I’m being honest, I’ll try anything at least once and if I like it, I’ll devote a lot of energy into learning as much as I can about it.

---

---

---

---

"Do you want to have the same as me or something different?" I offer. The restaurant has a set menu that can't be deviated from, but courses can be skipped for the sake of time or preference. We also were dining later than most and that allowed for a special kind of treatment.

---

---

---

---

The sage starts to burn more strongly, cleansing the space and myself even while I talk to Nic. I feel myself become more relaxed and settled into the space around me. I sigh, breathing in the scents deeply. I'm instantly transported to the placed I find most peaceful and relaxing. It's a place I haven't been to in a very long time, but it is still the place I use when I go into meditative states like this. It's a process though, so I don't mind being pulled by the ping on my phone telling me that Nic has messaged me back.

I haven't been hiking it a long time. I haven't had much time to explore the hikes, other than Caden's property. I was grateful when Caden finally moved because I could plants things I had been missing or on low supply off. There were only so many things I could put in that little townhouse of mine. I loved the smaller space. It helped everything to feel cozy. I had my shop to grow things in as well of course, but some plants needed a different environment to thrive in.

I liked Nic's comment about trying anything and it had me writing a second message. You tried a psychic reading once. Do you think you'll devote more time into that?

---

---

I pause to think about it for a moment. “Something different, but still something you still like.” I decide with a nod. That way, if I don’t like it, I can just make Caden eat it. The thought makes me smirk a little to myself. Taking another sip of my wine, I resume wiggling happily in my seat. Thinking about it. I realize this is probably my first date ever. Now that thought brings a shy smile to my lips as my cheeks warm. I hide behind my menu once more.

---

---

---

---

Would you like to go on some of my favorite hiking trails with me? I have a few in the area that I really enjoy and then there are some that would require some travel first. Another message arrives shortly after I send the first one and I smile as I see that Cass caught that part of my last message.

Only if you’re the one doing it ;) I don’t think I could trust anyone else to do it without trying to pull the wool over my eyes.

---

---

---

---

I nod, willing to work with that compromise. I set my menu down and sip my wine. I notice Nero's fidgeting and wiggling. It amused me that they had so much energy that sitting still was a challenge for them. I found it rather endearing.

"Hör auf, mich dazu zu bringen, dich zu küssen."

---

---

---

---

I return to my meditation while I wait for Nic's replies. I don't go for my phone right away when the first message comes through but I do look with the second. I'm blushing before I even read both messages entirely. I nibble on my bottom lip, thinking it over. Did I really want to do this? Of course, nothing may come of it. I could just gain another friend in Chicago and pass along valuable information for surviving the supernatural community and for helping those affected by it.

Ya, that could be fun. lol if you did go and see anyone else then I would curse you. I joked.

---

---

I freeze, peeking over my menu slowly to look at Caden. “Mach mich nicht nervös.” I retort with a playful glare. I try to find his leg with mine for a small kick, but the toe of my shoe only grazes him. I shrink in my seat, feeling defeated.

“Dumme kurze Beine.” I mumble to myself.

---

---

---

---

I flop back over onto my back, smiling still as I read the latest message. I pop some more snacks into my mouth before I type my reply. Exactly, here I am trying to avoid your cursing, so I definitely won’t go to anyone else. Let me know what days work best for a hike for you though :)

I’m enjoying the conversation with her, it helps distract me from everything else going on. I take another peek towards my dad as he sleeps. His brow is wrinkled just slightly, but otherwise he looks calm. I quietly hope that this calmness stays with him for a while longer.

---

---

---

---

I laugh when Nero attempted to kick me. "Ich mag diese kurzen Beine." I reach my hand under the table and graze their knee with my fingers. I pull back, sitting comfortably in my seat when the wait staff come over to take our order and refresh our wine glasses. I order for the both of us, so Nero doesn't have to try and explain what they want. Tonight is supposed to be an experience after all, and I want to give them the right one.

---

---

---

---

Sure. Maybe we can talk about it after tomorrow and you've had some time with you dad. How is he?

I know I've already asked about his dad several times, but what he witnessed and went through was a lot for anyone. Besides, I don't want to push myself onto Nic when he just went through a major loss.

---

---

When he pulls his hand back, I try to quickly grab it, but it’s too late and the waiter is here so I can’t really dive under the table for it. It’s unfair that he can tease me and leave me with no way to retaliate. I chew on my bottom lip to avoid actively pouting at him, but I’m glad when he orders for the both of us. As much as I want to ask him to get our food to go so I can tease him back at his house, I find myself also really enjoying this date.

“Sieht so ein Date normalerweise aus?” I find myself asking despite the embarrassment I feel, but I remind myself that Caden probably already knows that this is also new to me.

---

---

---

---

I sigh and run a hand through my hair. I’m a little concerned that he hasn’t said a word about it all since that morning at your place. I tell her honestly. I didn’t think that anyone altered his mind, but I did think it’s strange that he won’t mention anything related to it all. Do you happen to know a good therapist that he can safely talk to?

I steal another glance at my dad - his brow is more furrowed and his breaths are quick like he’s trying to talk in his sleep. I get up off the floor and grab one of the blankets we had brought, laying it over my father. Almost instantaneously, my dad relaxes again and his breathing returned to normal. I smile sadly before taking my spot on the floor again.

---

---

---

---

The staff member leaves and I pick up my wine glass and swirl the liquid around inside. I smile and nod at Nero.

”Ja. Normalerweise gibt es eine Aktivität, gefolgt von einer Mahlzeit,” I inform them.

---

---

---

---

Several. It would be good for him to talk to someone. Especially if he doesn't want to burden you. I send Nic the message before I copy a few contacts and send them to him as well.

The treaty Chicago made with the supernatural community was really good this way. I was glad there was finally a way to help people who encountered the supernatural community rather than just leave them to their own devices and hope for the best.

---

---

Wiggling a little, I smile back. “Dann glaube ich, dass ich sie mag.” I chirp happily, drinking some more of my wine as well. I definitely don’t think we need to spend this much every time, but I would definitely like going on more dates with Caden. I remember the first day when he mentioned the club he thought I would enjoy. ”Können wir noch weitermachen?” I know we haven’t really establish ‘what’ our relationship is, but I know we both enjoy each other’s company.

---

---

---

---

I start going through some of the contacts she’s sent me and looking them up online as well as through my dad’s health insurance, glad to see that many of them are in his network. Thank you, I think it will help. Now I’ll just have to think of a way to bring this conversation up casually. I don’t know how my dad feels about therapy, so it’ll be interesting to see how this plays out, to say the least. I remember that I also need to figure out how to convince him to get a tattoo.

Any chance a therapist might help us convince him on getting a tattoo? :P