Post by TimePuppy on Apr 24, 2020 20:02:18 GMT
Arthur walked through the quiet snow-covered streets of the Canadian town near Gateway, picking twigs out of his hair. Helping their wildlife foundation with a toxic hydra problem was not the cleanest work, as his mud-caked coat plainly demonstrated. It also left him hungry, but the town didn’t appear on Google maps. And without anyone sticking around the lamplit streets, he didn’t even have the option to ask for directions. Just as he was considering flying somewhere he was more familiar with, something caught his eye. A truck with food drawn on it! He wasn’t expecting a food truck in a place like this, but he wasn’t going to complain. He dashed over to it instantly and could see that hand-painted on the sunset-colored side of the van was a logo and a whole menu of southern and Korean barbeque of all things.
“Hi,” he said before he even looked at the person manning the truck.
“Hey, what can I do- Mr. Cromwell?” The woman behind the counter was none other than Jenifer, looking nearly identical to how she did when they met at Arthur’s resort a few years prior. The only difference was the apron over her torso and her hair, bound back in a ponytail to keep out of the various dishes cooking on the grills behind her.
The familiar voice made Arthur’s heart skip a beat. Usually, he’d have trouble recognizing someone after so long, but this was a voice he’d thought of many times since he last heard it. “Jenifer! Um, miss Slate. It’s been a while. I wasn’t expecting to meet you again so soon. In Canada, even.” Arthur smiled at the chef, then remembered the state of his clothing and instantly pulled off his coat, stashing it in a pocket dimension.
“Well Canada’s where I live, you know. Still had a low-rent apartment here when the job in Arlon went bad. Bought this truck on a loan and I’ve been doing some business! I never thanked ya for giving me a boost back then. I can’t afford to give ya one for free, but ya can have any half off!” She chuckled when he put his coat away. Was he still trying to impress her? He really didn’t have to try so hard.
When the job went bad, Arthur thought. Well, he couldn’t deny the whole situation wasn’t the best, but it wasn’t a good sign that’s how she remembered it. “Oh, no, full price is fine. After all, I’m the one who was supposed to thank you, remember? I still owe you that dinner.” The snow below him stirred and rose up into a bar stool. “But I’m glad you managed to start something like this already. Though I’m not too familiar with the cuisine you offer. Any recommendations?”
“Yeah, the dinner. Ya know, about that… ah, forget it. Lemmie introduce you to a whole new world, Brit. Ya ever had pulled pork? I’ve still got enough for a last sandwich.” She turned to stir the bowl, getting it heated up again over the grill.
“Only one?” Arthur said, looking at the long ponytail swooshing with her movements, following it as it flowed down her back. Her hair was still as beautiful as it was back then.
“You should have come earlier if you wanted more! Stuff takes forever to make, so supplies are limited, and everybody wants some.” Was he looking at her ass? Wait, no, her hair! She almost blushed. It was just a pragmatic thing to keep it out of the food, but her hair was always one of her proud features, so if it still turned heads…
“But then you can’t make one for yourself. Guess that means I should suggest we get that dinner now. If you’re not too busy,” he said hopefully.
“That’s the thing. I’m on a tight budget. I was about out of supplies and ‘bout to close down here, but I gotta head right home. No eating out for me till I pay off the truck.”
She’s worried about money, hm? Now Arthur was worried stating the obvious, that he was paying, might come off as braggadocious. On the other hand… “If we make it a date, it’s no problem. A gentleman pays for the date, right?”
“Well, how about that. I’ll accept that offer, but you gotta let me make you dessert. I insist! If it’s your job to pay, it’s mine to be sweet.”
“Then you’re a master of your craft.” Arthur winked.
Jenifer smiled in response. She closed up the till and undid her apron. “Meet me in 20 in front of the Lupine Steakhouse. You want the sandwich still?”
“Sure. I think your other customer would appreciate it.” He looked at a calico cat patiently swooshing her tail next to his stool, clearly used to being fed here. “Ah, right. Where exactly would that be? I’m new to these parts.”
“Over on fifth, you can’t miss it. Just follow the signs.” Jenifer handed the sandwich over and hopped into the cabin. “Dress nice, hon!” She called out before driving away, leaving Arthur with the cat.
“Dress nice, hm?” Arthur mumbled as the truck sped away. Fast though he was, without his time powers there was no way he’d get home and back in time. He crouched down and gave a piece of pork to the kitten before biting into the sandwich himself. Wow, it was surprisingly good... “I hope Haruko can do something for me in less than 20 minutes…”
-20 minutes later-
The Lupine Steakhouse was run by a First Nations werewolf couple, descendants of one of the founding families of Gateway. It was an impressive building of wood and glass, supported as much by magic as architecture. A massive pine in the center of the building was magically integrated, trunk growing into the roof. Jenifer sat on the steps up to the restaurant, clad now in a sleek violet dress that clung to every curve. Her heart fluttered. It had been so long since she met him, but she admitted to thinking about him from time to time. He wasn’t her boss anymore. She could do more this time.
Arthur just arrived, wearing what Haruko prepared for him. A simple dark jeans and dress shirt combo with a blazer on top. She even let him take a shower for which he was eternally grateful. Especially when he saw Jenifer, sitting there in a dress that made him forget how to breathe for a second. “Woah. You look stunning.”
“Aw, opening up with the flattery right away, are ya?” Jenifer twirled one of her long hair tails, entangling her hand. “Gotta say you know how to dress too.” She admired the look. He really did pull off the tech CEO look, even if she knew that he was solid muscle under it.
Remembering to pick his jaw up from the floor, Arthur smiled. “Why thank you. I don’t think it counts as flattery if it’s true though.” He offered her a hand. “Should we go inside?”
“Well we can’t eat out here, I didn’t bring my truck,” Jenifer said, provoking a laugh. She took his hand and after a moment, decided not to let go.
---
Their table was secluded and comfortable, off in a romantic corner with a good view of the woods. They sat close to one another, separated only by the table’s corner.
“See that? That’s one of the things I love about this place.” Jenifer gestured with the wine bottle to the woods. “If I ever get my own restaurant, I want it to be near nature. At the very least, I want a garden people could eat in when the weather’s nice.”
“Oh? Do you have a specific place in mind?” Arthur asked.
“Nah, I’m barely even thinking about that step. I haven’t even paid the car off, remember?”
“Heh, true. But I think it’s nice to have plans like those. I mean, you already took a big step. That’s a level of ambition I admire, especially when you’re actively working toward your goals.”
“Aw, thanks. That’s nice to hear from a CEO, you know. Ya already made it. Let’s see, if I did have a particular place, I think I’d want to set up shop somewhere in the Appalacians. I visited a few towns around them as a kid, back when I was with my family. There’s a lot of nature out there.” Jenifer took a sip and thought. “Where did ya start? Were you a rich kid, or ya work your way up from the basics?”
“Me? I was definitely a rich kid. Though I never really wanted to be a CEO, believe it or not. I wanted to be a programmer, but dad kinda pushed me into this position. He was preparing me for an even greater position, though I wanted that even less. Still, after he died, I figured running his company on Earth was the least I could do.” Arthur looked at the wine glass in front of him. “At least it comes with a few nice perks. And it led to some nice things.” He winked.
“Must have been so hard for you, becoming a billionaire and all.” Jenifer winked back. “At least it worked out for ya though. Hold up though, on earth? As in, your dad had business… not on earth?”
Arthur rubbed the back of his neck, trying to figure out how to put it. “Well… Yes. He’s from a different dimension. We are, I mean. Yes, that means I’m technically an alien! Probably.”
“...okay, that’s not the weirdest thing I’ve heard.” Jenifer took a deep breath and calmed herself down. It was true. She had met worse. She tried to eat something weirder than him back at the hotel. “Just tell me you don’t have tentacles or something in your pants and we’re cool.”
Arthur laughed. “No, I’m exceedingly human in everything but name. What about you though? You’re not from Canada originally, are you, hon?”
“Hey, don’t make fun of it!” Jenifer blushed and batted at his hand. “No, I’m from Tennessee. I try to hide it, but you see right through everything, don’t you? Asian girls with southern accents in Canada get funny looks.”
“It might be a bit unusual, but I think it’s cute. Meeting a proper southern belle in the icy Canadian wastes, why, I could seldom have imagined it.” He put on a southern accent for the last bit, which mixed poorly with his british one.. “Okay, not gonna try again, you pull it off much better. Though I have to ask then, what brought you here? I mean, not that I can blame you for trading the US for its much nicer cousin.”
“I ain’t close to proper, pardner.” Jenifer played up her accent with a smirk. “That was Texas, I don’t actually sound like that. Wasn’t really by choice, it was, uh. A long story, really.” Jenifer studied Arthur for a while. It was hard not to trust him, really. He had given her space when she wanted it and remembered a promise from way back when she first met him. And he really was charming. And a hero. But no, not on his first date.
“Sorry. I… it’s too personal for a first date. I do trust ya. But… it’s just not a very fun story.”
"I understand, no pressure. Had I known, I wouldn't have even mentioned it. And hey, we've got time to build trust." He put a hand on hers. Was he coming on too strong? He couldn't help it though, that dress covered her in just the right way. And left just enough uncovered.
“Thanks, Arthur. I knew ya wouldn’t push. Ya’re a gentleman like that.” She couldn’t resist it anymore. He was definitely coming onto her as much as she was to him and he just looked damn fine in that jacket. Starting with a kiss was too much, but surely a hug would be fine?
She leaned forwards across the table, pulling herself close to Arthur, and extended her arms. Arthur was enveloped in a tight hug, pressing their chests together. Jenifer smiled at him, enjoying the feeling of his muscles under his clothes and his comfortable scent. No cologne, she liked that.
The hug took Arthur off-guard and her softness made him blush. He needed a moment to compose himself before he returned the hug. He was close enough to smell lavender from her hair. It did nothing to calm him down though.
“Are ya ready for the first course of dessert, Mr. Cromwell?” Jenifer bit her lip and leaned towards him, body tightening.
“I can never say no to dessert.” He leaned in as well until their lips touched. Jenifer pulled on his blazer, holding him close while they made out. She was rough, barely restrained. Her tongue stabbed at his lips and within until she released him to sit back in her chair, dabbing her mouth with her napkin.
“...sorry. It’s been a while and I… ah wanted to do that with you fer a while now.” Jenifer said, a new hunger in her eyes. Her accent was stronger now, too excited to keep it in check through carefully-learned mannerisms.
“You’re not gonna see me complaining. I’ve had similar thoughts, especially in the last hour or so.” He smiled playfully. “Now I don’t think the second course is gonna match that.”
“It’ll exceed it. If you’re ready, we can get going. I’ll take ya back to my place. It’s not nice, but that won’t matter too much.” Jenifer stood, pulling Arthur to his feet with her.
Better than that kiss, Arthur thought. Must be one hell of a chocolate cake! He tossed some money on the table, not caring how large a tip he was leaving. “Well, now you’ve got my attention. Let’s go.”
Smile on her lips, Jenifer led Arthur out into the town. She stopped once in a while to point out fantastical structures, landmarks, places she knew and wanted to take him one day. The Fountain of the Founders, the peaks of Gateway peeking over the trees, the little alleys where littler fae lived. She grew less enthusiastic about showing him things as the buildings began to lessen in quality, dull concrete slabs marked by graffiti and worn by lack of maintenance. It was here they stopped, walking up to a particularly weary old apartment complex. She seemed embarrassed as she led him down the steps.
“It’s not great living underground, but you know, it blocks the moon out a little. Don’t transform as much at night.” She explained as she fiddled with the lock.
“I’ve always preferred being more on the practical side myself. I don’t mind a bit of coziness,” Arthur reassured her. His house was a lot more barren before Loveline moved in.
“Oh yeah, I remember how practical and down to earth yer hotel was.” Jenifer chuckled, kissing him again. The door swung open, revealing a narrow hallway with a bedway at the end and a tiny kitchen and bathroom off to the side. “Welcome to my extremely humble home. The kitchen works, so that’s really all I need.” She showed him the cramped space before opening the bedroom door, showing him a sparsely decorated room with a mattress right on the floor. “I didn’t need a frame, so I don’t have one. Gotta be thrifty.”
“Oh yeah, quite a cozy place.” Cozier than he’d expected. And far more barren. He was starting to wonder if he seemed like he was showing off with his money. But he decided to focus on the most important thing in the apartment right now. Her.
“But there are some things you just can’t skimp on, aren’t there?” He put a hand around her waist and ran it across her dress.
“Can you believe it was rotting in some thrift store? I couldn’t resist the deal. It just required some repair magic and it was good as new.” Jenifer pressed her body into Arthur. His arm around her felt good. Felt right. “Hold me tighter.” She said before kissing him again, slowly pushing him towards the bed. He followed her lead until the back of his foot hit the mattress and he fell back into the wall. He laughed and pulled her along while he slid down it before kissing her again. Jenifer’s hand moved over his body before she pulled back slightly to pull her dress up over her head. Seeing that finally triggered something in Arthur’s head. He put his hands on hers to stop her.
“Uh, hold on. I’m sorry. I lost myself there for a moment. You’re super hot and I like you, but... I’m not the type to have sex on the first date. Sorry if I led you on.”
“Not… oh.” Jenifer blinked a few times. She coughed and brushed her messy hair out of her face. “...I’ll, uh, get the cake out of the oven.” She stood up, rather stiffly, and shuffled out to the kitchen. Oh god. That was awkward. Had she come on too strong? Did she ruin it? Was he just not attracted? There was an ugly well of emotions mixing in her stomach like oil and water. Her heart was sinking into her stomach, meeting the horny butterflies demanding she get off. Her body acted on autopilot to take the cake out of the oven, leaving it out to cool before frosting. Shit, she had to go back and talk to him. What about? Come on Jen, you’re not stupid and you’re not a kid. You can talk about sex like an adult. Put on your big girl panties and go have a proper conversation!
With a sigh, she left the kitchen, coming back around. She sat on the end of her mattress, within touching reach of Arthur if he chose to do so. “Uh, the cake’s coolin’ off. That’ll be a while, so…” Jenifer lay on her back, kicking off her heels. “Ah come on too strong?”
“Oh, it’s not you. Trust me. It’s just, I want to have sex with someone I know I love, especially for my first time. Sure, I liked you even last year, but this is only our first date. It’s gonna take a while for me to be sure though. Is that a problem for… Us?”
“Ah… don’t know.” Jenifer said. “Ah’ve been single for years now. Haven’t had much sex in a while. But with you… sex and love are connected to me, Arthur. Ah like intimacy. Ah like cuddlin’ and touchin’ skin and gettin’ wild together.” She rolled onto her side to look at him. “But ah really like ya, Arthur. Yer a special man. An’ if you gotta wait, ah’ll wait.”
“I get it. They’re connected for me, too. It’s just wanting one before the other. But I’m all for kissing. And for cuddling.” He put an arm around her. “If that won’t leave you too frustrated.”
“Mmmmm, ah have ways of dealing with it.” Jenifer pulled him close. “Ah want a clear set of rules. What ya do and don’t do. An’ you can change it any time, ah jus’ wanna know tonight.”
“Well… This is fine.” He kissed her mouth. “As is this.” He kissed her neck. “And this.” He moved his hand to her hips. “And variations of that. Just nothing explicitly sexual.”
Jenifer giggled when Arthur kissed her neck. “Ah don’t get where ya draw the line! That kiss is plenty sexy!”
“Oh, it is. But it’s fine as long as naughty bits aren’t involved.”
“Well ah get that then.” Jenifer immediately pecked his neck. “Ah won’t push the matter! Yer a good enough kisser to keep me satisfied for now.” She lied. Her fingers were going to get tired tonight. Frustration drilled her at this distance. She could feel his arousal. She felt it in his body heat, smelled it on him, knew he was aching just as much as she was. It was no fair!
“Can ya spend the night at least? Do yer girls expect ya back?” Jenifer asked.
“I texted them before the restaurant, don’t worry.” He told them he had an unexpected date and that they shouldn’t wait up. Love seemed predictably enthusiastic. Knowing Hazel, she was probably a bit more apprehensive about that sudden news, but he didn’t see any butterflies around. It was definitely a good sign.
“They won’t mind me, right? Ah don’t know what ah’m steppin’ into.” Jenifer took his hands. “And ah don’t want to come between you and yer kids, ever.”
“Don’t worry. Loveline will love you. She already mentioned you a few times since last you met. And Hazel… She just takes some time to acclimatize to changes. I’m sure she’ll come around quickly.” Having met her in the resort already, Hazel shouldn’t have problems adapting. Arthur hoped so at least. The way and speed at which she matured made it harder to predict these things. Still, Jenifer was kind and patient. If anyone had a chance at winning her over, it would be her.
“That’s great!” Jenifer beamed. “They’re lovely girls. Ah knew Love wouldn’t mind none, but Hazel, ah never mind, if it works it works! Oh, uh. ‘Bout you sleepin’ here. Ah, uh, I don’t sleep with clothes.”
“Oh.” The news gave Arthur pause. “That never came up before.” Not even Yancy wanted to sleep nude. “Well, I guess that shouldn’t be a problem. Though… I don’t know…”
“If ya can’t, I can throw on an old shirt. Not as comfortable, but ya will more than make up for it.” Jenifer put a hand on his knee.
“Hm… No, you don’t need to change your habits for me.” He concluded. “How’s this, I go home today and mull it over for next time?” He emphasized next time, because he certainly hoped there would be one.
“Well alright.” Jenifer tried to hide the disappointment in her voice. But that next time sounded and felt good. “Best not make me wait a whole year this time, okay?”
“I’ll try not to.” He kissed her again. “But I do have one very important question. Can I still have some cake?”
“Course you can, sugar. You can’t let a gal eat that whole thing by herself!”
“Hi,” he said before he even looked at the person manning the truck.
“Hey, what can I do- Mr. Cromwell?” The woman behind the counter was none other than Jenifer, looking nearly identical to how she did when they met at Arthur’s resort a few years prior. The only difference was the apron over her torso and her hair, bound back in a ponytail to keep out of the various dishes cooking on the grills behind her.
The familiar voice made Arthur’s heart skip a beat. Usually, he’d have trouble recognizing someone after so long, but this was a voice he’d thought of many times since he last heard it. “Jenifer! Um, miss Slate. It’s been a while. I wasn’t expecting to meet you again so soon. In Canada, even.” Arthur smiled at the chef, then remembered the state of his clothing and instantly pulled off his coat, stashing it in a pocket dimension.
“Well Canada’s where I live, you know. Still had a low-rent apartment here when the job in Arlon went bad. Bought this truck on a loan and I’ve been doing some business! I never thanked ya for giving me a boost back then. I can’t afford to give ya one for free, but ya can have any half off!” She chuckled when he put his coat away. Was he still trying to impress her? He really didn’t have to try so hard.
When the job went bad, Arthur thought. Well, he couldn’t deny the whole situation wasn’t the best, but it wasn’t a good sign that’s how she remembered it. “Oh, no, full price is fine. After all, I’m the one who was supposed to thank you, remember? I still owe you that dinner.” The snow below him stirred and rose up into a bar stool. “But I’m glad you managed to start something like this already. Though I’m not too familiar with the cuisine you offer. Any recommendations?”
“Yeah, the dinner. Ya know, about that… ah, forget it. Lemmie introduce you to a whole new world, Brit. Ya ever had pulled pork? I’ve still got enough for a last sandwich.” She turned to stir the bowl, getting it heated up again over the grill.
“Only one?” Arthur said, looking at the long ponytail swooshing with her movements, following it as it flowed down her back. Her hair was still as beautiful as it was back then.
“You should have come earlier if you wanted more! Stuff takes forever to make, so supplies are limited, and everybody wants some.” Was he looking at her ass? Wait, no, her hair! She almost blushed. It was just a pragmatic thing to keep it out of the food, but her hair was always one of her proud features, so if it still turned heads…
“But then you can’t make one for yourself. Guess that means I should suggest we get that dinner now. If you’re not too busy,” he said hopefully.
“That’s the thing. I’m on a tight budget. I was about out of supplies and ‘bout to close down here, but I gotta head right home. No eating out for me till I pay off the truck.”
She’s worried about money, hm? Now Arthur was worried stating the obvious, that he was paying, might come off as braggadocious. On the other hand… “If we make it a date, it’s no problem. A gentleman pays for the date, right?”
“Well, how about that. I’ll accept that offer, but you gotta let me make you dessert. I insist! If it’s your job to pay, it’s mine to be sweet.”
“Then you’re a master of your craft.” Arthur winked.
Jenifer smiled in response. She closed up the till and undid her apron. “Meet me in 20 in front of the Lupine Steakhouse. You want the sandwich still?”
“Sure. I think your other customer would appreciate it.” He looked at a calico cat patiently swooshing her tail next to his stool, clearly used to being fed here. “Ah, right. Where exactly would that be? I’m new to these parts.”
“Over on fifth, you can’t miss it. Just follow the signs.” Jenifer handed the sandwich over and hopped into the cabin. “Dress nice, hon!” She called out before driving away, leaving Arthur with the cat.
“Dress nice, hm?” Arthur mumbled as the truck sped away. Fast though he was, without his time powers there was no way he’d get home and back in time. He crouched down and gave a piece of pork to the kitten before biting into the sandwich himself. Wow, it was surprisingly good... “I hope Haruko can do something for me in less than 20 minutes…”
-20 minutes later-
The Lupine Steakhouse was run by a First Nations werewolf couple, descendants of one of the founding families of Gateway. It was an impressive building of wood and glass, supported as much by magic as architecture. A massive pine in the center of the building was magically integrated, trunk growing into the roof. Jenifer sat on the steps up to the restaurant, clad now in a sleek violet dress that clung to every curve. Her heart fluttered. It had been so long since she met him, but she admitted to thinking about him from time to time. He wasn’t her boss anymore. She could do more this time.
Arthur just arrived, wearing what Haruko prepared for him. A simple dark jeans and dress shirt combo with a blazer on top. She even let him take a shower for which he was eternally grateful. Especially when he saw Jenifer, sitting there in a dress that made him forget how to breathe for a second. “Woah. You look stunning.”
“Aw, opening up with the flattery right away, are ya?” Jenifer twirled one of her long hair tails, entangling her hand. “Gotta say you know how to dress too.” She admired the look. He really did pull off the tech CEO look, even if she knew that he was solid muscle under it.
Remembering to pick his jaw up from the floor, Arthur smiled. “Why thank you. I don’t think it counts as flattery if it’s true though.” He offered her a hand. “Should we go inside?”
“Well we can’t eat out here, I didn’t bring my truck,” Jenifer said, provoking a laugh. She took his hand and after a moment, decided not to let go.
---
Their table was secluded and comfortable, off in a romantic corner with a good view of the woods. They sat close to one another, separated only by the table’s corner.
“See that? That’s one of the things I love about this place.” Jenifer gestured with the wine bottle to the woods. “If I ever get my own restaurant, I want it to be near nature. At the very least, I want a garden people could eat in when the weather’s nice.”
“Oh? Do you have a specific place in mind?” Arthur asked.
“Nah, I’m barely even thinking about that step. I haven’t even paid the car off, remember?”
“Heh, true. But I think it’s nice to have plans like those. I mean, you already took a big step. That’s a level of ambition I admire, especially when you’re actively working toward your goals.”
“Aw, thanks. That’s nice to hear from a CEO, you know. Ya already made it. Let’s see, if I did have a particular place, I think I’d want to set up shop somewhere in the Appalacians. I visited a few towns around them as a kid, back when I was with my family. There’s a lot of nature out there.” Jenifer took a sip and thought. “Where did ya start? Were you a rich kid, or ya work your way up from the basics?”
“Me? I was definitely a rich kid. Though I never really wanted to be a CEO, believe it or not. I wanted to be a programmer, but dad kinda pushed me into this position. He was preparing me for an even greater position, though I wanted that even less. Still, after he died, I figured running his company on Earth was the least I could do.” Arthur looked at the wine glass in front of him. “At least it comes with a few nice perks. And it led to some nice things.” He winked.
“Must have been so hard for you, becoming a billionaire and all.” Jenifer winked back. “At least it worked out for ya though. Hold up though, on earth? As in, your dad had business… not on earth?”
Arthur rubbed the back of his neck, trying to figure out how to put it. “Well… Yes. He’s from a different dimension. We are, I mean. Yes, that means I’m technically an alien! Probably.”
“...okay, that’s not the weirdest thing I’ve heard.” Jenifer took a deep breath and calmed herself down. It was true. She had met worse. She tried to eat something weirder than him back at the hotel. “Just tell me you don’t have tentacles or something in your pants and we’re cool.”
Arthur laughed. “No, I’m exceedingly human in everything but name. What about you though? You’re not from Canada originally, are you, hon?”
“Hey, don’t make fun of it!” Jenifer blushed and batted at his hand. “No, I’m from Tennessee. I try to hide it, but you see right through everything, don’t you? Asian girls with southern accents in Canada get funny looks.”
“It might be a bit unusual, but I think it’s cute. Meeting a proper southern belle in the icy Canadian wastes, why, I could seldom have imagined it.” He put on a southern accent for the last bit, which mixed poorly with his british one.. “Okay, not gonna try again, you pull it off much better. Though I have to ask then, what brought you here? I mean, not that I can blame you for trading the US for its much nicer cousin.”
“I ain’t close to proper, pardner.” Jenifer played up her accent with a smirk. “That was Texas, I don’t actually sound like that. Wasn’t really by choice, it was, uh. A long story, really.” Jenifer studied Arthur for a while. It was hard not to trust him, really. He had given her space when she wanted it and remembered a promise from way back when she first met him. And he really was charming. And a hero. But no, not on his first date.
“Sorry. I… it’s too personal for a first date. I do trust ya. But… it’s just not a very fun story.”
"I understand, no pressure. Had I known, I wouldn't have even mentioned it. And hey, we've got time to build trust." He put a hand on hers. Was he coming on too strong? He couldn't help it though, that dress covered her in just the right way. And left just enough uncovered.
“Thanks, Arthur. I knew ya wouldn’t push. Ya’re a gentleman like that.” She couldn’t resist it anymore. He was definitely coming onto her as much as she was to him and he just looked damn fine in that jacket. Starting with a kiss was too much, but surely a hug would be fine?
She leaned forwards across the table, pulling herself close to Arthur, and extended her arms. Arthur was enveloped in a tight hug, pressing their chests together. Jenifer smiled at him, enjoying the feeling of his muscles under his clothes and his comfortable scent. No cologne, she liked that.
The hug took Arthur off-guard and her softness made him blush. He needed a moment to compose himself before he returned the hug. He was close enough to smell lavender from her hair. It did nothing to calm him down though.
“Are ya ready for the first course of dessert, Mr. Cromwell?” Jenifer bit her lip and leaned towards him, body tightening.
“I can never say no to dessert.” He leaned in as well until their lips touched. Jenifer pulled on his blazer, holding him close while they made out. She was rough, barely restrained. Her tongue stabbed at his lips and within until she released him to sit back in her chair, dabbing her mouth with her napkin.
“...sorry. It’s been a while and I… ah wanted to do that with you fer a while now.” Jenifer said, a new hunger in her eyes. Her accent was stronger now, too excited to keep it in check through carefully-learned mannerisms.
“You’re not gonna see me complaining. I’ve had similar thoughts, especially in the last hour or so.” He smiled playfully. “Now I don’t think the second course is gonna match that.”
“It’ll exceed it. If you’re ready, we can get going. I’ll take ya back to my place. It’s not nice, but that won’t matter too much.” Jenifer stood, pulling Arthur to his feet with her.
Better than that kiss, Arthur thought. Must be one hell of a chocolate cake! He tossed some money on the table, not caring how large a tip he was leaving. “Well, now you’ve got my attention. Let’s go.”
Smile on her lips, Jenifer led Arthur out into the town. She stopped once in a while to point out fantastical structures, landmarks, places she knew and wanted to take him one day. The Fountain of the Founders, the peaks of Gateway peeking over the trees, the little alleys where littler fae lived. She grew less enthusiastic about showing him things as the buildings began to lessen in quality, dull concrete slabs marked by graffiti and worn by lack of maintenance. It was here they stopped, walking up to a particularly weary old apartment complex. She seemed embarrassed as she led him down the steps.
“It’s not great living underground, but you know, it blocks the moon out a little. Don’t transform as much at night.” She explained as she fiddled with the lock.
“I’ve always preferred being more on the practical side myself. I don’t mind a bit of coziness,” Arthur reassured her. His house was a lot more barren before Loveline moved in.
“Oh yeah, I remember how practical and down to earth yer hotel was.” Jenifer chuckled, kissing him again. The door swung open, revealing a narrow hallway with a bedway at the end and a tiny kitchen and bathroom off to the side. “Welcome to my extremely humble home. The kitchen works, so that’s really all I need.” She showed him the cramped space before opening the bedroom door, showing him a sparsely decorated room with a mattress right on the floor. “I didn’t need a frame, so I don’t have one. Gotta be thrifty.”
“Oh yeah, quite a cozy place.” Cozier than he’d expected. And far more barren. He was starting to wonder if he seemed like he was showing off with his money. But he decided to focus on the most important thing in the apartment right now. Her.
“But there are some things you just can’t skimp on, aren’t there?” He put a hand around her waist and ran it across her dress.
“Can you believe it was rotting in some thrift store? I couldn’t resist the deal. It just required some repair magic and it was good as new.” Jenifer pressed her body into Arthur. His arm around her felt good. Felt right. “Hold me tighter.” She said before kissing him again, slowly pushing him towards the bed. He followed her lead until the back of his foot hit the mattress and he fell back into the wall. He laughed and pulled her along while he slid down it before kissing her again. Jenifer’s hand moved over his body before she pulled back slightly to pull her dress up over her head. Seeing that finally triggered something in Arthur’s head. He put his hands on hers to stop her.
“Uh, hold on. I’m sorry. I lost myself there for a moment. You’re super hot and I like you, but... I’m not the type to have sex on the first date. Sorry if I led you on.”
“Not… oh.” Jenifer blinked a few times. She coughed and brushed her messy hair out of her face. “...I’ll, uh, get the cake out of the oven.” She stood up, rather stiffly, and shuffled out to the kitchen. Oh god. That was awkward. Had she come on too strong? Did she ruin it? Was he just not attracted? There was an ugly well of emotions mixing in her stomach like oil and water. Her heart was sinking into her stomach, meeting the horny butterflies demanding she get off. Her body acted on autopilot to take the cake out of the oven, leaving it out to cool before frosting. Shit, she had to go back and talk to him. What about? Come on Jen, you’re not stupid and you’re not a kid. You can talk about sex like an adult. Put on your big girl panties and go have a proper conversation!
With a sigh, she left the kitchen, coming back around. She sat on the end of her mattress, within touching reach of Arthur if he chose to do so. “Uh, the cake’s coolin’ off. That’ll be a while, so…” Jenifer lay on her back, kicking off her heels. “Ah come on too strong?”
“Oh, it’s not you. Trust me. It’s just, I want to have sex with someone I know I love, especially for my first time. Sure, I liked you even last year, but this is only our first date. It’s gonna take a while for me to be sure though. Is that a problem for… Us?”
“Ah… don’t know.” Jenifer said. “Ah’ve been single for years now. Haven’t had much sex in a while. But with you… sex and love are connected to me, Arthur. Ah like intimacy. Ah like cuddlin’ and touchin’ skin and gettin’ wild together.” She rolled onto her side to look at him. “But ah really like ya, Arthur. Yer a special man. An’ if you gotta wait, ah’ll wait.”
“I get it. They’re connected for me, too. It’s just wanting one before the other. But I’m all for kissing. And for cuddling.” He put an arm around her. “If that won’t leave you too frustrated.”
“Mmmmm, ah have ways of dealing with it.” Jenifer pulled him close. “Ah want a clear set of rules. What ya do and don’t do. An’ you can change it any time, ah jus’ wanna know tonight.”
“Well… This is fine.” He kissed her mouth. “As is this.” He kissed her neck. “And this.” He moved his hand to her hips. “And variations of that. Just nothing explicitly sexual.”
Jenifer giggled when Arthur kissed her neck. “Ah don’t get where ya draw the line! That kiss is plenty sexy!”
“Oh, it is. But it’s fine as long as naughty bits aren’t involved.”
“Well ah get that then.” Jenifer immediately pecked his neck. “Ah won’t push the matter! Yer a good enough kisser to keep me satisfied for now.” She lied. Her fingers were going to get tired tonight. Frustration drilled her at this distance. She could feel his arousal. She felt it in his body heat, smelled it on him, knew he was aching just as much as she was. It was no fair!
“Can ya spend the night at least? Do yer girls expect ya back?” Jenifer asked.
“I texted them before the restaurant, don’t worry.” He told them he had an unexpected date and that they shouldn’t wait up. Love seemed predictably enthusiastic. Knowing Hazel, she was probably a bit more apprehensive about that sudden news, but he didn’t see any butterflies around. It was definitely a good sign.
“They won’t mind me, right? Ah don’t know what ah’m steppin’ into.” Jenifer took his hands. “And ah don’t want to come between you and yer kids, ever.”
“Don’t worry. Loveline will love you. She already mentioned you a few times since last you met. And Hazel… She just takes some time to acclimatize to changes. I’m sure she’ll come around quickly.” Having met her in the resort already, Hazel shouldn’t have problems adapting. Arthur hoped so at least. The way and speed at which she matured made it harder to predict these things. Still, Jenifer was kind and patient. If anyone had a chance at winning her over, it would be her.
“That’s great!” Jenifer beamed. “They’re lovely girls. Ah knew Love wouldn’t mind none, but Hazel, ah never mind, if it works it works! Oh, uh. ‘Bout you sleepin’ here. Ah, uh, I don’t sleep with clothes.”
“Oh.” The news gave Arthur pause. “That never came up before.” Not even Yancy wanted to sleep nude. “Well, I guess that shouldn’t be a problem. Though… I don’t know…”
“If ya can’t, I can throw on an old shirt. Not as comfortable, but ya will more than make up for it.” Jenifer put a hand on his knee.
“Hm… No, you don’t need to change your habits for me.” He concluded. “How’s this, I go home today and mull it over for next time?” He emphasized next time, because he certainly hoped there would be one.
“Well alright.” Jenifer tried to hide the disappointment in her voice. But that next time sounded and felt good. “Best not make me wait a whole year this time, okay?”
“I’ll try not to.” He kissed her again. “But I do have one very important question. Can I still have some cake?”
“Course you can, sugar. You can’t let a gal eat that whole thing by herself!”