Leaning against the railings of the restaurant's patio, arms resting on it as I watch Ava scramble nervously, trying to think of a plan or probably regretting not having said no when she had the chance to do so.
Turning my head to look at him, Rhys. "Look, once we get in there. you follow me, do not act on impulse or say anything so sudden." Folding my arms firmly, swishing my head to glance at the glass of the restaurant's door.
"Saying anything unnatural to us humans may.. no will come off as odd and suspicious, if you answer or plan to say anything, tell me first." Speaking so bluntly, I needn't anymore unecessary chatting.
To be frank, I'm genuinely sweating out of nervousity on how we were gonna pull this off. Just what was Ava thinking??
Yet it didn't stop Rhys from inquiring further from what I meant, "What exactly do you mean by unnatural to humans? do we speak such terms that humans don't understand?" Raising a brow, he stood beside me. Posture straight and refined, body language relaxed, hands neatly placed beside him.
"I guess so?" Though I myself wasn't sure aswell how to respond to that, "You say foreign things that don't exactly apply to us humans nor do we get it either." Shaking my head to emphasize my words, I could see Mr. Andrew and Mr. Devon politely chatting with the receptionist for quite enough time for us 4 to speak amongst ourselves.
This truly was nerve wracking for me, how are we gonna pull this off? These guys don't know a thing about human dating...
After a few more minutes of awkward silence, Mr. Devon and Mr. Andrew finally told us to come inside and get seated as I nod along before heading in first but before that I held out a hand to Rhys.
"Hold my hand since we have to act like we're courting each other, let's do it properly." I explained thoroughly, eyes staring right at him, almost as if looking deep into his soul where he could find nothing, having no need to feel so embarrassed. This was a fake date so no need to get feelings involved.
Though I noticed Rhys hesitate, his hand stumbling itself when he tries to grab my hand, cheeks flushing a slight rosy pink before taking a deep breath as he further reaches out and held my hand.
Feeling another gaze from behind, I could see Noi stare at our intertwined hands blankly before immediately shifting his gaze away quickly once he noticed I was staring right at him.
Now as he tries attempting to converse with Ava to seem busy, I was curious about what was going on inside Noi's head but said nothing about it. Instead heading right in, still holding hands with Rhys as I walk to our table while Noi and Ava followed pursuit.
Letting go of Rhys hand immediately after we were seated, I shuffled in my seat slightly before finally speaking to get rid of the silence surrounding us. "We thank you so much Mr. Andrew and Mr. Devon for inviting us out as well even if you didn't have to." Expressing my deep gratitude with a small smile but I couldn't help but stiffen up against their gazes.
It has been a while since this had happened, the last time was probably when me and Ava were in highschool.
"It's nothing, (Y/N). You're practically family to us. So really we should be the one apologizing instead for not doing this sooner when we heard you came back!" Mr. Andrew explained, a tad bit regretful that he had not made time for us before but I just shook my head.
"It's completely fine! Right, Ava?" I inquired, shifting my gaze towards her while the others followed in pursuit.
I felt a bit guilty for driving all the attention towards her but this was all her fault so she needs to take responsibility.
"Y-yeah! It's okay Pop and Dad, it was kinda nice just lazing around and relaxing for a bit." Ava replied, showing off a small and flustered grin. Obviously getting embarrassed with how many people were staring right at her.
"Anyways~" Mr. Devon chimed in, averting all the attention from us to him now as he glanced at the two boys Infront of him. "Isn't about time both of you introduced us to them, (Y/N) and Ava?"
Both me and Ava glance at each other before I nodded first, signaling that I go first before her, seeing us how she shuffled nervously in her seat still trying to think of something.
"So, Mr. Andrew and Mr. Devon. This is Rhys. And Rhys, this is Mr. Andrew and Mr. Devon." I didn't feel like saying anything more than a boring yet simple introduction as I nudge Rhys to say a simple greeting, though it seemed he didn't get why I nudged him for as he stared at me with a dumbfounded expression.
Leaning closer, noticing how Rhys tensed up at the close proximity, his ears turning a shade of red as Rhys breath seems to pause and heave, trying to calm himself down. Glancing at Mr. Andrew and Mr. Devon, I could see them getting slightly flustered at how close I was with Rhys... On the other hand, I could see Ava and Noi furrowing their brows slightly in curiosity? Surprise? Jealousy? I didn't know but seeing the sight I couldn't help but stifle a chuckle.
"Just say a simple greeting, like nice to meet you or anything similar." I whisper into Rhys ear before he immediately leaned away right after, his face being that same rosy pink from when we held hands.
'So his ears were sensitive? That's new information for me... Do you think all their ears are sensitive? I should test it out when I get the chance.' Tapping my fingers on the table in a rhythmic pattern, I watch as others converse and introduce themselves to one another.
But one thing that keeps giving me goosebumps was the feeling of gazes from outside the window but I couldn't see anyone at all, which was even more terrifying... Doing my best to ignore it, I just looked at the time. Wanting this so called 'date' to end faster.
"So (Y/N)" the sudden call out of my name snapped me right out of my trance as I turn my head to look at Mr. Andrew who was now talking to me. "Where did you and Rhys meet?"
"Well... Um- me and Rhys met during me traveling around, we basically exchanged numbers, practically texted each other everyday then boom! We just became a thing..." It wasn't the most convincing lie I made but I had not idea what to say when I was suddenly dropped a bomb on, having to say how me and Rhys met.
And it seemed Mr. Devon didn't bought it either but Mr. Andrew certainly did, not even doubting me a bit as I try to smile to ease the tension.
Opening my mouth, I was about to say something else before light yet firm footsteps began to approach. Catching my gaze, the waiter smiled in return before happily announcing the pizza was finally here and served.
"Here you go, Ava. Your favorite! A pepperoni pizza with a smiley face." The waiter announced happily, all the while Ava's face flushed as red as roses could be.
Putting a hand over my mouth, I stifled a chuckle. My body was slightly shaking and swaying, it was hard to contain my laughter before I finally straightened up, smirking at Ava cheekily.
Glancing around, I could see both Noi and Rhys curious stares at the presented pizza.
Hesitantly Noi takes a slice first before Rhys, Noi's arm reaching out as he curiously stares at it for a bit, tilting my head I could see Rhys following in pursuit after Noi, taking a smaller piece before observing it carefully and cautiously while Noi had already carelessly taken a bite, some cheese and few crumbs sticking to the corner of his lips as I shook my head side to side in second hand embarrassment.
Even Rhys couldn't help but stare at his fellow daemos, Mr. Andrew tries to keep it positive as he chuckles half heartedly while Mr. Devon comments rather bluntly on Noi's lack of manners.
Ava's face flushes once more as she stands up rather hurriedly, grabbing at Noi's arm as she chuckles half heartedly as well. "You know what, Noi? How about I show you where the bathroom is? so we can get you cleaned up.. hehe..." Hurrying off with Noi, I sigh quietly before turning back to Rhys.
"You can eat it, you know?" I uttered quietly, Rhys eyes turning to make eye contact with mine as he glanced between me and the pizza. his hands still holding onto the pizza by the crust, cheese slowly slopping down his hand. "It's not poisonous, I swear. If it was, Noi would've died right away so just eat it."
Rhys nodded, slowly closing the distance between the pizza and him as he took a small bite out of it before humming in delight as he begans to chow down on it before suddenly slowing down to properly savour it as his face flushes.
'Must've reminded himself to have manners unlike a certain someone." Watching him slowly eat his pizza, I couldn't help but chuckle and smile at how he still tried to remain polite regardless if he even knows how human etiquette even works.
Noticing crumbs on the side of Rhys face and cheese fragments on his hands, I looked around before handing him a napkin to which caused me to pause for a moment as his cheeks light up once more before thanking me as he gladly accepts. Feeling a tad bit nice today before a rather audible yet quiet 'aw' was heard, turning my head. I could see Mr. Devon rather quite in awe of us which caused my face to flush up as well as Rhys.
A cold breeze pushed past the table as a shiver went up my spine, getting me distracted from Mr. Devon and Mr. Andrew's questions being thrown to us. My eyes peering around, I still could not see anyone but the goosebumps crawling up my spine remained.
After a while, Noi and Ava returned once more to the table. Noi not having now traces of crumbs on his face as he walks side by side along Ava's quicker footsteps despite her having shorter legs.
Pausing for a moment, Mr. Andrew leaned in. Elbows resting on the table as gives off a smile, trying to remain friendly. "So what may both of your jobs be?"
As Noi turns to open his mouth, Ava quickly cuts him off with a question of her own as a bead of sweat goes down her face nervously, "So... Dad, how's the campaign been doing?" Ava asks, eager to change the subject as soon as possible. Her feet tapping the floor nervously yet still trying to keep it light and quiet.
Mr. Andrew squints his eyes for a bit, raising a brow. Clasping his two hands together, he hummed rather unapprovingly "Haven't you been keeping up?"
A few moments of silence passes by as Ava sweats nervously even more, tilting her head and shifting her gaze to the ceiling. Not wishing to come in contact with her Dad's sharp gaze, almost if she even dares gaze at him, she would be caught red-handed immediately.
"Well..-" Ava pauses before smiling half-heartedly, "I've been busy having a job and what not..." Attempting to find a buyable excuse, she holds onto the table's edge for support as her feet tap even more rapidly, showing how nervous she was turning to be.
Mr. Andrew just sighs, looking at his daughter with an unimpressed yet also not shocked expression, knowing this was true like easily reading an open book.
"Ugh.. Ava.." Mr. Andrew shakes his head, dissapointed obviously at his daughter's lack of interest.
"Darling, now isn't the time to-" Mr. Devon tries to chime in and interrupt before a lecture happens, his brows furrowing yet he was simply ignored.
Mr. Andrew remains stubborn as he continues, "You're gonna have to grow up someday, Pumpkin.. you should care about-"
"What's a campaign?" Asking impulsively, without much thought, I couldn't say I was surprised Noi would ask such a thing but then again I would've preffered if he kept his mouth shut, knowing how dramatic Mr. Andrew can get with these things from experience myself.
Overdramatic gasps and rambles could be seen and heard, Mr. Andrew holds a hand to his chest as he stares in disbelief at Noi whilst Mr. Devon pats his back repeatedly trying to comfort his dear husband who was on a verge of a panic attack because of Noi.
Realizing how incosiderate Noi's question was by how both Mr. Andrew and Mr. Devon acted, Rhys profusely apologizes, "Mr. Andrew, Mr. Devon. I'm deeply sorry for Noi's impulsive question." Standing tall, he bows quickly to show respect. Looking at his feet as Noi scrambles to do the same.
Looking up from my seated position, I stood up aswell. Ushering them to sit back down to which they reluctantly agreed, though a rather awkward silence ensued right after.
Feeling tired of the silence, Ava speaks up first. Looking at the two daemos before explaining, "Uh.. Noi, Rhys. My Dad is running for city council which is like being a leader to a lot of humans..." She softly chuckles at the end.
"That's an odd way to describe it." Mr. Devon quips, raising a brow.
"But she isn't wrong."I throw right back to him with a witty comment, tilting my head to the side.
When Mr. Andrew finally calms down, he immediately begans to lecture Noi and Rhys but mostly Noi about democracy stuff.
Turning my head to Rhys, I could see his gaze staring off to the distance instead of paying attention like me, "...So does that mean Ava's a princess?" He softly murmurs, rather complexed at the situation.
"Ava." A deep and rather gruffy voice popped out from the side of me, just from the tone of it I could already guess who it was but I was still quite annoyed at the sudden interruption when I specifically asked them to stay back...
Continuing on speaking, Asch glares at Noi condescendingly. "Noi is obviously a less suitor than you."He points out bluntly with no remose for Noi's feelings.
Most of us gasp in shock but me and Rhys remained silent, almost expecting them to disregard our wishes and demands.
As more of them pop out of thin air like Asch, each one of them seemingly fighting for Ava.
Yet Ava remains frozen in her seat, her head spinning as she stumbles around, almost tripping onto the floor had I not catched her.
Quickly losing patience, I snapped towards them, my footsteps heavy and firm as I left Ava in the hands of her fathers whilst the boys continued to argue and fight amongst themselves.
"Out." I demanded, before even Asch could utter a protest. I began to shove them out the pizza place.
"We're gonna have a long talk about what just happened."