Not so bad
Adea
Good company, food that hits, in a place where all you want to do is cuddle up around the fire was the sweetest date I’ve ever had. I can’t help but laugh, my shoulders shaking, as I remember that this is my first date. Our plates and bowls sit just off the blanket as waves crash. The gentle giant by my side bumps me with his shoulder, pulling me from my thoughts. I lift my chin to look up into kind brown eyes.
“I’m not so bad,” Donny said confidently.
“Woah there, cowboy. This date isn’t over yet,” I teased.
“I can tell you’re having a good time,” Donny said cheekily.
“Oh, yeah?” I asked. His arm wrapped around me as he gave me a squeeze.
“Your eyes say everything, pepe,” he said with a rumble.
“That’s either a lie, or you are the only one who can speak the language of my eyes,” I giggled.
“It’s a combination of things. From the worry line you usually have on your forehead to the slump in your shoulders. You’re enjoying yourself and I like that I can be apart of it,” Donny said.
I nodded as I took in his words. A sense of sadness washed over me as I leaned toward him until my head rested on his massive chest. It took meeting Shane to realize I had really nice guys around me. And it took Shane claiming me for them to make a move. I wonder if it would have been different if they’d tried sooner. Shaking my head, I laugh. There’s no point in wondering what could have been.
“I appreciate you, D,” I murmured.
“I hear a but,” Donny said.
“There is no but. I appreciate you. You’re sweet, you’re always there for me at the club, and you put a lot of thought into this date,” I said.
“Even though it’s not lobster at a fancy restaurant?” he asked.
“Yes. Even though it’s not a fancy one. This one is better than a fancy restaurant,” I said.
“Oi. And why’s that?” he asked, his eyes twinkling.
“Your date makes me feel warm and comfortable. It’s like… how do I say this? I’m looking for the right words,” I said.
“Take your time. There’s no rush,” he said.
His arm slid off my shoulder as he leaned back, using his hands to hold his weight. Donny’s words are like a balm for the wounds my heart has taken since Shane walked into my life. It catches me off guard. I’ve been trying to avoid going on a date with him. Not because I didn’t like him, but because my mate had shown up. I didn’t have time to spend with him and I didn’t want to give him the wrong impression.
I recall my first time with him and remember waiting—hoping for him to ask me on a date. I’d envisioned what we would do on our date, but never did I picture a beach date, but that was before. That was the past. This was the present. I didn’t want that anymore. My kind wait their whole lives hoping to find their mate. As a man, a provider, a caregiver and leader, Donny has no place in my life. My mate had appeared, and I owed it to myself and to Korra, to try and work things out with him.
“Your date is different, and I think it’ll be a long time before I feel something like this again. If I ever feel something like this again. If I were to describe it, I’d say it was like a hot coffee on a cold day. Warmth radiates from you, Donny. When I say I appreciate you, I mean it,” I murmured.
“It doesn’t have to be the only time you feel this. I’d make you feel like this every day. I’d keep you warm. If you chose me, I’d do my best to help with… the pull you feel to him,” he said.
“Oh, Donny. It doesn’t work like that. I have no doubt you could make me happy. I know whoever you end up with will be very fucking lucky,” I whispered. I refused to cry. I wouldn’t have him trying to comfort me when I was breaking his heart.
“So your mind is still set?” he asked.
“Very much so,” I said firmly.
“Because of him?” he asked.
“Yes. I don’t… I don’t even choice in the matter. It’s him. Always has been,” I said lightly. He tipped his chin back, his eyes on the stars.
“You make it hard to hate you,” he sighed.
“I’m sorry, D,” I said honestly.
“Don’t apologize. You can’t help how you feel,” he said.
He pushed forward, lowered his head to my thighs, and stared at the fire.
“What’re yo—”
“You can make it up to me. Just stay like this. I won’t burden you with my feelings after tonight,” he said.
“Just like that?” I asked.
“They don’t disappear overnight, pepe. I just… won’t bother you with them anymore,” he murmured.
Lifting my hand, I placed it on his biceps. The fire crackled and my vision was blurry. My date with Donny was coming to an end, but I didn’t feel guilty. I’d told him the truth and while I was happy I wouldn’t have to be cautious of his feelings, I felt a tinge of guilt for hurting him. I squeeze his hand as a door slams. The sound of heavy footsteps reach my ears, but a lot of people have come and gone while we’ve been here. Instead of passing by, or disappearing, the footsteps get closer and closer. The hair on the back of my neck stands as a thought crosses my mind.
No.
There’s no way.
The feeling I might be wrong doesn’t go away. Looking over my shoulder, my eyes locked on slacks. Lifting my chin, I stare up into blue eyes. I’m stuck between the feeling of relief and disappointment. I’m not sure which is better. Standing miles away from where he should be, Odis hovers above me. There’s a look of irritation as he glares down at me.
“What in Goddess’ name are you doing here?” I asked. Donny sits up at my tone and gets to his feet.
“I’m here to escort you back,” Odis said.
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