Picky Eater

Ch 6: Prince Nino Ventura

"Take your time, Evie. There's no rush. We can start with colors. What's your favorite color?"

She looked at Nino again, seeking more permission. When he didn't have an answer, she admitted, "I don't really know. Um, my mom usually picks out my clothes and my furniture and um..." She quirked her lips and looked at her shoes again. If Ben had to guess, he thought Evie might be embarrassed, and that realization weakened Ben's resolve into mush.

"Hey, that's fine. I don't have a favorite color either, so since you don't have one, we'll add it to the to-do list." Ben smiled and turned Evie around. "Go on. Run. Explore. Have fun."

After she got a nod from Nino, she smiled a little and sped off in a flash. Ben couldn't help but try to catch one last sight of her. She was gone.

"You don't have to lie to her," Nino pointed out. He started walking, hands in his pockets, as he looked around the store, leaving Ben behind with that question.

"What do you mean?" Ben forced himself to walk faster just to be by Nino's side.

"Your favorite color is green."

Ben's mouth gaped slightly. "Why do you know that?"

"Given the option, you always go green. Green couch, green plates, and you have tons of green clothes."

Placing his hand over his eyes, Ben asked, "What color are my eyes?"

"Brown," Nino said.

"What's my favorite meal?"

"Me."

A laugh flew out of Ben's mouth, and he was extra giddy just from the sound. It was the first time Nino made him laugh since Evie arrived. It felt so much closer to them.

"Speak for yourself," Ben said, and shoved him a little. He wandered over to a couch and fell into it, checking the spring.

"Uncle Nino!" Evie called out, "Can I have a desk! And a chair!"

"Yes!" Nino yelled back. "Anything you want!" He walked through the kitchen section and Ben got up to follow him. They fiddled with drawers and cabinets. Nino said, offhandedly, "We could really just clear up the space issue if we just get you a new fridge."

"I can make room. Trust me, I won't be devastated to lose the spoiled jar of pickles or the bottle of ranch that smells like blue cheese."

"What about the guest room?"

"I'll..." Ben made a face. "I'll figure it out. I think I have closet space."

"You can always junk some of that stuff."

"No way. I might need some of that stuff."

"Nino! Nino!" Evie called out again and Ben couldn't help but smile. "Can I get pillows too?"

"Evie, it's a yes. It's always going to be a yes."

"Okay!"

Ben chuckled. He wandered over to the nearest bed and hopped on top, letting himself bounce. "Are you not worried about spoiling her?"

"I'm allowed to spoil her," Nino joined him, flopping down on his back. He smirked and Ben fell back too, curling towards him. "I'm her uncle. I'm actually very good at spoiling my loved ones when I want to."

Their eyes met, and Ben's chest squeezed. He shifted a little closer. It wasn't a beg or anything, but he wouldn't mind being a little spoiled after a handful of near-death experiences. Nino held his head in his hands, staring down at Ben.

"This bed is nice," Ben said.

"Just the bed?" Nino raised his brow.

"So stupid," Ben grumbled, pretending he didn't enjoy a nice steaming hot plate of cheese. He pushed Nino but didn't move his hand. Instead, he grabbed a handful of his shirt and pulled the vampire forward.