"Hey Noah, you awake?"
My eyes opened wide and I saw Chris opening the door to the room. I panicked, moving fast to hide Mr. Snuggles under the blanket.
Except sitting open on the floor was my duffel bag and box of Legos in perfect view for Chris to see. And of course he saw my eyes looking down at it so he noticed them too.
"Oh my god, these are awesome!" Chris gasped, reaching down to grab one of the boxes. The one he grabbed wasn't a childish one though, it was a flower bouquet. My favorite one! They were pretty white Lillies.
Although I was still embarsssed, I tried to reach for the box but he dodged me.
When I moved, so did the blanket and out came Mr. Snuggles.
Oh god! I rushed to grab the box from Chris, shoved it in my bag and threw Mr. Snuggles inside of it, zipping it up and out of sight. This is why I hate not being in my own space.
"Please don't think i'm weird." I blushed, feeling around blindly for my glasses.
"Why would I think you're weird? You're my best friend, Noah. I could never think anything bad about you and I would never judge you. With that being said, can I ask you something?"
Oh no.
I nodded.
"Are you a little?"
"I. . ." I breathed out, my body tensing. I've gone two years without him or really anyone knowing about this side of me. I've always been good at only letting it happen when I'm alone. Being judged scares me.
"I don't know? I um, I just like certain things. Like coloring and building things sometimes I guess? Oh! And stuffed animals."
Chris bent down and unzipped my bag. He took Mr. Snuggles out of it and set him on my lap. I've never felt so shy before so I just hugged him to my chest.
"I've always had a feeling but I didn't wanna make you feel weird for asking. I think that's really cool if you are. I'm not a little, but I like coloring and stuff too!" He smiled excitedly. "You can tell me anything, Noah. I'm the last person to be judging. Like I literally have a Dom and we spend half our time at a BDSM club together." He laughed, nudging my shoulder with his.
"Thanks Chris. I'm really happy you understand. Would you mind maybe not telling anyone else though? I don't think I'm ready for everyone to know." I blushed.
"Of course, you have my word. But just know that no one in our friend group is going to judge you."
"Oh, crap! I have to get to work!" I gasped, jumping out of bed. "What time is it?!"
"Relax, it's only ten. Don't you start at noon?"
"Oh thank god. I hate being late!" I giggled, flopping backwards onto my pillow.
"Trust me, I know you do. Go get ready and I'll drive you to work. We'll get some lunch on the way. Sound good?"
"Yeah, that sounds great! Thanks!" I smiled, jumping into Chris's arms for a hug. "You're a great friend."
"I know." He chuckled. "Alright, I gotta get dressed. Meet me downstairs when you're ready!"
After Chris left, I showered and got myself dressed in a pair of black jeans and my pastel yellow Daisy's shirt.
I'm glad to be going into work today. It's the perfect place to get my mind off of everything.
Once I got all my things together, I met Chris at the front door and the two of us got into his car. Anthony had to go into work today so it was just us. Chris was being his usual self bouncing in his seat, listening to God's menu by stray kids. I have to admit it was funny watching him try to sign along when he didn't understand any of the words they were saying.
I'm proud to say I was the one to get him into Kpop music. It's just amazing and I love it! It always cheers me up when i'm having a bad day.
Chris and I stopped for some lunch on the way. We got chicken quesadilla's and ate in his car. I've never had someone care about me so much before, it just made me feel so happy.
"Thanks for driving me! See you later!" I smiled, gave him a big hug and got out of the car.
Daisy's was pretty busy when I got in. The whole shift went by so fast, I almost wished it could last forever! I could talk about flowers all day without getting tired of it.
When the end of my shift came around it was now dark out and Chris was waiting out front for me. There was a small part inside of me that either Alek would show up again, but he's probably with his new boyfriend. Or even worse, a girlfriend. Ugh.
Am I jealous? Yes, yes I am. And do I care? Not one bit.
Why wasn't I good enough for him? I didn't think I was that bad of a person. Or that bad of a lay for that matter, but apparently I was because if I wasn't, he would have stayed. Or at least said something.
I slouched against the counter, taking a moment to look around the shop. It got me thinking about what he said last night. . . Where flowers bloom, so does hope. What did he mean by that?
I shook my head and grabbed my bag, locking the door behind me.
When we got back to Chris's place the three of us had dinner together then I decided to go back to my room. The moment I shut my eyes, I couldn't help but think of mine and Alek's first date together.
After we exchanged numbers at the club, I agreed to meet for dinner the next night. Alek offered to pick me up but I said no, because why would I get into a stranger's car without knowing him? People are crazy nowadays and I really don't feel like getting murdered.
I can't drive because I never had anyone to teach me, so after arguing with myself for a good hour on what to wear, I made it to the bus just on time.
It dropped me off a couple of blocks away from the bar, so I took my phone out and fixed up my hair the best I could. I even put on a dress shirt so I looked nice for him!
I didn't realize how nervous I was until I reached the front doors. I made it all the way there without hesitating, but once my hand touched the handle of the door, I froze.
And I stood there until the door came flying open, smacking me right in the face. I gasped and grabbed my nose, stumbling backwards until an arm reached out and caught me.
"Shit, Noah. I'm so sorry, are you okay?"
Oh god! "A-Alek?"
"Sweetheart, why are you just standing at the door? I saw you walking past but when you didn't come in I got worried." He said, wrapping his big arms around me. My face was squished against his chest and he smelled so good. He can just hold me like this forever if he really wants to. I wouldn't ever complain about being in this man's arms.
"I um, I was just a little nervous I guess." I mumbled.
Alek pulled back, lifting my chin up. "Don't be nervous, sweetheart. Are you alright?" He adjusted my glasses making my cheeks go pink as a peony.
"I'm better now." I simpered.
"Good, come on now. It looks like it might rain and i'm sure you're hungry." Alek grinned and held my hand, leading me into the bar.
I'm glad he didn't take me to some fancy restaurant. I hate those places.
Alek led me to the booth and let me take a seat first. I assumed he was going to sit across from me, but when he sat down beside me I felt even more shy! I wish he knew how nervous he made me sitting this close!
"Did I tell you how gorgeous you look? Because you look wonderful this evening."
"Thank you." I whispered, fiddling with my hands in my lap. "Y-You look really nice too."
"Have to make a good impression, don't I?" He smirked. "What would you like to drink?" Alek asked, holding out a drink menu for me.
There were so many options that I pretended to look over. I knew I couldn't make a decision so I told him to get me whatever he was having.
"I'm having a beer, are you sure that's what you like?"
I held back a grimace and nodded. I hate beer it's the nastiest drink ever created.
The waitress came to our table a few moments later, looking at us with a smile.
"I'll have a bottle of bud and I'll also get a vodka cran." When she left, Alek looked over to me. "I have a feeling you didn't want beer so I hope that drink is more to your liking."
"It's great. Uh, thank you." Did I really make myself that obvious? Apparently. Maybe I need to work on my facial expressions.
We talked for a little while, well, Alek did more of the talking I was so shy! My responses were so short and awkward, but he seemed to never be out of things to talk about.
When it came to ordering food I felt my palms getting clammy and my foot started tapping the ground anxiously.
I've looked over the menu five times and still can't decide on anything!
This is why I don't go on dates and also why I don't like to go out in public very often.
"Have you decided, sweetheart?" Alek asked. I looked up and saw the waitress standing there with a little note pad in her hands.
I bit my lip and nodded my head from left to right awkwardly. Alek's hand landed on my thigh, starling me. "Can I order for you? Is that alright?"
I nodded.
"I'll have the spicy chicken burger with fries and he will have the sweet chili chicken wings with fries and can we also get two orders of Caesar salad?"
The waitress nodded and walked away. "Is what I ordered for you alright?"
Alek moved the hand that was on my thigh to grab his drink and take a sip. After he set his glass down he shifted towards me and the second he did, our eyes locked on to one another.
"Your eyes are so pretty." I spoke before I could stop myself.
"Pretty? Can't say I've heard that one before." Alek responded with a gorgeous laugh that made my insides do somersaults.
"Your eyes are more beautiful than the ocean its self." I giggled at his compliment. He has got to be the cheesiest yet sweetest person I've ever met! You wouldn't expect it from someone who looks like him, but that just goes to show not to judge a book by its cover.
"And you are absolutely adorable." He added.
____________________________
Dinner was great.
Actually, it was beyond perfect.
When I went to pull out my bank card to pay, he wouldn't even let me! He paid for everything even after me trying to convince him. He said because he asked me out, he's the one who should pay.
I still felt guilty, but I made him promise that if we went out again I'd be the one paying.
When we were outside I didn't know what to do so I waited for Alek to say something, which he did.
"Would you like to go for a walk? Or I can give you a ride. If you don't feel comfortable with me in the car, I can also get you an Uber home."
"A walk sounds nice, but only if you want to."
"A walk it is." He smiled and held his hand out to me.
I felt more comfortable then when I first got here, so I didn't hesitate as much to grab his hand. He held it tightly. Not enough that it hurt, but enough to let me know he actually wanted to hold it. It made me feel amazing!
We walked a couple of blocks until we found a beautiful little park.
The sun has gone down by now, but the path was illuminated perfectly.
It smelt so fresh outside too, like it was about to rain!
"So are you from around here?" Alek asked, breaking the silence.
"Yep, I've been here all my life. What about you?"
"Technically I am from Russia, but I was brought here as a young child and don't remember much of it." He shrugged. "I can't say i'm disappointed though because if I weren't here, I wouldn't have met you."
"I'm happy I met you too." I said quietly, squeezing his hand.
"So I think it's safe to say we're going to do this again?" Alek spun me in his arms, pulling me close to his chest. "Because I would absolutely love to go out with you again."
I gasped at the sudden force of our bodies colliding and couldn't find my words. I did what I do best when I can't speak and nodded in response.
As we stood at a standstill, something wet hit my cheek.
One drop turned into two, and two turned into twenty. It started pouring! It usually never rains in California!
I shrieked and giggled, wrapping my arms around Alek.
"What, don't like the rain?" He laughed, resting his hand against the side of my cheek.
"Look at me, gorgeous." He breathed out softly. "Can I kiss you? I really want to kiss you."
My first kiss! I wanted to scream in excitement.
"Mhmm, yes please!" I smiled brightly, doing my best not to giggle at the rain drops tickling my cheeks.
And as we stood under the pouring rain, Alek leaned forwards and he kissed me! His soft and perfect lips moved effortlessly against mine. It was incredible!
I whimpered softly when his tongue pushed forwards and after a moment I parted my lips and let the kiss intensify.
The man pushed me against a tree and laid his hand along the small of my back. The action caused me to arch into him and he only held me tighter.
I think if he were to ask me to tear my clothes off right now, I would most definitely say yes. I just hoped that he didn't actually ask it because I don't want to be charged with public indecency. Especially not on a first date! And not forgetting to mention that i'm a virgin! I don't think I'd like my first time to being a dark, raining park.
After what felt like an hour, the two of us were drenched and panting for a breath of air.
I reached between us to straighten my glasses and looked up at him with what felt like hearts in my eyes.
I was so happy so I hugged him.
"I knew you were special." He whispered to me, placing a kiss to my temple. "Let me get you home before you catch a cold, sweetheart."
The entire walk back to his car, I couldn't help but wonder if this was the man I'm supposed to spend my life with.