hu

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Kitsu POV

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Waking up and stretching, I promptly flop back down on my bed. Enjoying the warm feeling coursing through me. 

I went with option three, [Conduit] made the appropriate modifications last night. So today is the first day of my yearly estrus cycle. I start developing today, and I'll finish in about two to three years. 

Honestly? I just feel giddy and warm. Like that feeling you get when you just get out of the bath, dry off and climb into a freshly cleaned bed? It's like that. And I kinda like it. 

So here I am, nuzzling Mr. Star the narwhal. High on life and hormones. Looking around my room at the stars all over the walls of my room, courtesy of my new nightlight projector. I forgot to get an alarm clock. Oh well, maybe next time. 

Hopping out of my bed and stretching. I go to pick out my outfit for the day, before I stop halfway to my closet. 

'Screw it. Lazy day.' I think to myself and just wrap my blanket around me, laying down on my new rug and letting myself fall back asleep. 

-7:00 am- 

*Knock* *Knock* *Knock* 

"Kitsu get up already! Of all the days you choose to sleep in!"

"Hmm?" This feels familiar. 

Sitting up with a yawn I look around. Oh, right. 

"Doors unlocked, you can come in!" I shout. 

Opening the door, she walks in fully dressed for the day in a pink shirt and skinny jeans. 

'Weird, she normally sleeps in on weekends.' 

"Kitsu there's-" She stops before sniffing. "Did you spray perfume? It smells sweet in here, like apples and, bread?" 

Taking in a big whiff and getting nothing. "I don't smell anything." I reply. 

Shaking her head, she continues. "Never mind, anyway, there's someone here for you at the door." 

"Who could be here for me?" I ask with a tilt of my head. 

"Just go alright, I got things to do." She says and walks out. 

Wrapping the blanket around myself, I walk out and head to the door to see what this was about. 

Meanwhile 

Dennis "Clockblocker" POV

Pacing back and forth I can't help but lament at how stupid this is. When I'd said I'd even go on a date with her I wasn't thinking! I just saw a chance to save my dad and went for it. 

'No, no. Mom was right, I dug this hole, now I gotta dig myself out. I'll just take her to the mall, and treat her to a meal. And that's it! Except that I promised to give this an honest shot! And I'm fairly certain mom and Vicky would murder me if don't!' I think while running my hands through my hair. 

"Okay, okay! You're Dennis Dynamite! You got this, you can handle anything! You're sleek, suave, and smooth." I run a hand through my hair and make finger guns at the car in the driveway. "Yeah, you can do it." I say with a nod. 

"Pshht" I hear a snort from behind me. 

Turning around I see Kitsu. Wrapped up in a blue grey blanket, one hand on the door, the other covering her lower face. With the way she has the blanket bunched up in her hands I can only see the upper half of her head. Amusement dancing in her eyes. 

"Uh, how long where you there?" I ask, feeling a massive blush burn my face. 

"Dynamite." She says with a barely restrained giggle. 

'At least she's got a cute voice, No! Bad intrusive thoughts. Go away!' 

"Well, uh." 'Shit, what did Vicky say? Okay.' going through the mental checklist in my head. Avoid calling her hot, it's crass and comes off as lazy, call her gorgeous or beautiful. 

Recentering myself and putting a hand on the door frame, leaning on it I look down at her. 

"Hey beautiful, how're you?" I say, and mentally cringe at the sounds that just came out of my face. 

I backpedal that thought in favor of astonishment at the blush that floods her face. Her ears go flat against her head as she shrinks into her blanket just a little. Her sharp oval pupils expanding slightly as she reddens slightly. 

'That WORKED?! How?' 

"I, uh, I'm good." She says. 

'Okay? Keep it rolling! You're a natural!' Leaning a shoulder on the doorway, crossing my arms and looking down on her even more. 

"I was just wondering if you had any plans for the day? If not then I figured I'd take you out on that date, I was thinking the mall would be a good spot, lots of things to do, lots of places to go, they got that amusement area at the back we can check out. You in?" 'Confidence, don't overdo it and come off as entitled or arrogant.' 

I see the back of the blanket start swishing around as I speak. 

"Um, yeah, that's, that'd be great." She squeaks out. Teal eyes wide and staring right into mine. 

"So I'm free all day, what time works for you?" I ask. 

"I, uh, now? No! Nine? Nine works." She says fidgeting in place. Looking away from me. 

'If she keeps this up, I don't think- No!' I don't let that thought finish. 

"Right. Nine, see you then." I push off the frame and start walking away. 

Hearing the door close. I let out a breath and put a hand to my racing heart. 

'Honestly though, if I'd known it was that easy, I'd already have a girlfriend by now!' 

*Ring* 

Grabbing my phone, its Vicky, I answer it. 

"What'd she say?"

"I just got done, how'd you know-" 

"Me and Dean are down the street. Not important! What. Did. She. Say?!" She says quickly. 

Looking around I spot Vicky waving two blocks down. I start walking towards them. 

"She said yes, nine o'clock." I answer. 

"Okay, so show up at eight forty-five and be prepared to leave at ten." She replies. 

'What? That made no sense!' 

"But she said nine? Why would-" I'm cut off as Vicky explains 

"You want to show up earlier than stated, it shows you WANT to be there. And if she is anything like a normal girl, if she likes you, she'll wanna look her absolute best and will agonize over her looks, redoing her hair and trying on multiple dresses until she's certain she's wearing the perfect one. Classic first date jitters. And she has a LOT of outfits. Like, more than fifty complete outfits. All custom." She explains. 

'Who needs that many?' I think to myself. 'And I don't want to be here.' 

I have like, three pairs of shoes and maybe fifty pieces of clothes all together, not including socks and underwear. 

"Who is she trying to impress with all those outfits? She trying to be the Eidolon of fashion?." I say with a laugh. 

"Uh, no one." She says sounding unimpressed. "We wear what we wear for ourselves, we LIKE looking our best. The only time we girls dress up for someone else is when we're trying to get someone's attention." She hangs up at that seeing as I'm only three houses from her. 

Reaching them she continues. 

"Also, whatever you do, and I cannot stress this enough. DON'T, do not, ever, mention Boston or the Slaughterhouse 9." She says with a stern look. 

"Um, why?" I ask. 

"It's not your business, and it's not my place to say. Just know it will turn out badly, for everyone, I will know, and you will be in pain." She says ominously. 

Looking to Dean he just shrugs and shakes his head. 

"Remember the key to impressing a girl on the first date?" She asks divertingly. 

"Good hygiene?" I don't remember, but that's gotta be a good guess at least. 

She glares at me while Dean shakes his head and mutters to himself. "Ha, no. If you think good hygiene is the key? You've already failed miserably." She says sternly. "Good hygiene isn't the key, it's a prerequisite. No girl want's to kiss a guy with garlic breath. The key is to pay attention to her, if she says something, you better damn well be paying attention. Don't let your attention drift, today is supposed to be about you and her. Make sure that's all it is." She finishes. 

"Real quick, why go through all this effort, couldn't we have just, met around the side of the house? Instead of being this far?" I ask. 

Dean rubs the back of his neck with a blush. 

"We uh, recently discovered she has, very, good ears." He says, looking down and away as though suddenly finding the sidewalk interesting. 

'Sounds like there's a story there.' 

"Also, there's a fifty/fifty chance she knows about you and Deans 'Vocational' activities. So don't be surprised if she drops that out of nowhere." She adds. 

"What? How? Does this have to do with her speculated Thinker rating?" I ask. 

"Confirmed, actually, as of yesterday. Allegedly she gets information by spontaneously remembering things even if she wasn't there for it, it's not always accurate, and often times vague, but yeah." Dean answers. 

I go to say something but get interrupted. 

*Ring* 

"Hmm? Oh, it's Kitsu. Everyone hush." She takes a few steps away and answers it. 

"Help meeheeheeheeheeeee!" And she immediately holds the phone out at arm's length, waiting for Kitsu to quiet down. 

"Okay, first. Volume, second what's going on?" 

… 

"Okay, yeah I remember." 

… 

"Well, maybe, okay again, volume, I'm right here." 

… 

"You want me to come home? Kay be there in a bit." She hangs up. 

She looks at me with a smirk. 

"Someone left a lasting impression, eh Casanova?" She says. 

"What? What'd she say?" I ask, feeling the blush creep up my neck. Being more than a little self conscious. 

"Oh, not much." She says smiling, tilting her head and making that thinking gesture, tapping her phone against her chin. 

"Just that, you have gorgeous almond shaped ocean blue eyes that she got lost in, and that your deep, smooth, voice mesmerized her into agreeing to a date like an incubus tempting a maiden." She says in a dramatic wispy tone. "And that those jeans really show how cute your butt is when you walk." She finishes with a grin. 

"My mom picked these out for me." I say quietly, not sure what else to say. Feeling embarrassed at having my butt of all things called cute. 

Vicky levels a flat look at me while Dean just smacks a hand to his face and groans. 

"Dennis, that's fine and all, but don't bring that up on your date." Vicky says. 

"Why not? It's true." What was wrong with it? The clothes work! 

"Because Mama's boys, can be a major turn off." She says plainly. 

"Turn off?" I say. 

"Some girls are okay with it, some even find it attractive. Emotional vulnerability and all that." Dean says reassuringly. 

"But again, bringing up your mother? It's a first date don't, unless she asks about your family." Vicky finishes. 

*Ring* 

She pauses to look at her phone. 

"It's Kitsu again, I better go help the poor girl. Probably stuck between outfits and thinking about those 'mesmerizing eyes' and fantasizing about that 'cute butt'." She says with before walking off towards her house. 

"Why me?" I groan. 

All I'm learning is that dating is convoluted as all hell, and Vicky enjoys playing matchmaker way too much. 

Dean pats me on the back reassuringly. 

"Don't worry, you'll do fine. From what I was seeing she really had the hots for you there. Hell from what I saw her radiating, I'm more worried about you keeping her off you." He says. 

"What?! Dude! She's twelve!" I say in horror. 

He just raises an eyebrow at me. Before sighing. 

"According to Vicky she could be as old as fourteen, twelve is just the number she goes by, and besides that, you do realize girls develop those kinds of feelings earlier than guys, right?" He asks. 

"How do know that!?" I ask, more than a little concerned. 

He just gives me blank stare for several seconds. 

"Right, empath." 'Now I feel stupid.' 

"Look, will something like that happen? I strongly doubt it, but just remember she likes you, I can guarantee that." He says. "At first it was idle attraction and amusement when she messed with you. But just now? When you just opened that door and asked her out? I saw a literal spectrum, of affection, lust, nervousness, and excitement." He finishes. 

"Do you have to mention the lust part? It sounds, I'unno." I do not need those images in my head right now. 

Dean just rolls his eyes at me. "Dennis, when you see what I do, you quickly realize that humanity is a mess of all emotions in equal measure, like if there are ten emotions, and you look out at a crowd of people going about their day? You'd see an even split of all the emotions. Lust? Is just one vague emotion mixing among a very broad spectrum." He rants. 

I just stare at him, kind of spooked at the info dump. 

"Sorry, I can't turn the empath thing off and it gets annoying." He apologizes. 

"Do you uh, want to talk about it?" I say, genuinely concerned for him. 

He stares at me questioningly before sighing. 

"No it's fine, thanks for the offer though, it means a lot." He says. 

"Anytime man." I pat him on the back with a smile. 

"Alright, let's go. I got a list of things you need to get. And apparently, we can go ahead and skip getting you new pants for this." 

I sigh in defeat, resigning myself to my fate. 

'Just, get through the day.' 

Dallon house 8:30 am 

Kitsu POV

Sitting in front of the mirror in the bathroom, braiding my hair to a simple side braid going from where my hair parts in the front, along to the back of my head, running under my ear, and reworking my hair to have a wavier texture while allowing the side without the braid to hang over half my eye. I cheated and used my biokinesis. I can't help but nitpick at my appearance. 

'Why did I say yes! He just called me beautiful and I went all has crashed, please stand by. And now I'm freaking out!' 

I spent the last hour just bathing and brushing. Vicky's here helping me pick out the right makeup, I've never worn it before, never had reason, and I still haven't decided what to wear. I thought about my Lily outfit, both of them, but it's the mall, not a picnic. My Jasmine of Olivine outfit? Too formal. My Serena outfits? Just doesn't feel right, maybe if it were a restaurant date. My Neptunia outfit, the dress one? I'd need to change my hair color otherwise it'd be garish, and I'm not changing my hair color for this, it feels wrong. 

'I didn't think he'd accept! I was hoping he'd call, try and talk his way out. I'd say I was joking and it was all good. And I could use that as brownie points with the Wards! Nothing he said or did before ever implied he would say yes!' I think anxiously. 

Hearing the door open behind me and seeing Vicky come in with what looks like a mini pink suitcase. 

Setting it down on the counter she opens it up and grabs a small bottle. 

"Alright, stay still. First, we apply the primer." She grabs a little yellow bottle, squeezes a small bead of it out and starts rubbing my face with it. 

"What is this supposed to do?" 

"Keeps the make up on your face." She answers. "Alright next is foundation, luckily you and I have the same skin tone, so we don't need to experiment or anything." 

She grabs a little brush and a small clear glass bottle with a pinkish peach coloring in it. Putting dots of it on my cheeks, forehead, chin, and the bridge of my nose. She grabs the brush and spreads it out on those areas. 

"What does this do?" 

"Creates a uniform base for us start. Okay, get that out of your eyebrows." She finishes up and just stands there in a thinkers pose. 

"Is, something wrong?" I ask worried. 

"Just wondering if we should use contour or not, I'm thinking not. I use it to make my nose slimmer, but you really don't need it." She explains. " Even then, I can't think of a way to apply it without making it look like you are wearing makeup and we don't have time to try. So just bronzer this time." 

She grabs a little disk and pops it open, taking a small brush and spreading it on the sides of my face. 

"There, you have a bit more of a rounded face, almost oval, so we want to work with that." She points out. 

"Is that good?" I ask uncertainly. 

"It helps you look younger than you typically are, but that's a good thing! With your height and stature, and that celestial nose, it's perfect, you don't want to try and be someone you're not." She says. 

A warm feeling spreads through me as I smile at the compliment. At least I think it's a compliment. 

"Next some blush." She brings out wide puffy brush. 

'How many brushes are there?' 

After that she takes a long pause. 

"Now, lets move to eyeshadow, you have large, vibrant sea green, turquois eyes, I'd say they're one of your best features, so we want to use a more earthy color to draw attention to them." She applies a yellowy brown makeup to my eyes, but it's so light I barely notice it's there. 

"Are you sure this is going to work? I can't even tell I'm wearing makeup." I ask nervously. 

"Kitsu, that's the point. Besides, the only reason you don't notice is because you've been watching the whole thing gradually. Trust me." She says. 

"Right." I say uncertainly. 

"Now some liner to really make your eyes pop out, close your eyes." Doing so, I feel her press the pencil and draw. 

"Okay, open." She says. 

'That's me?' I think as my attention is just drawn in to my eyes, the black outlining my eyes and just over all making them appear to shine. I think I see some specks of blue glittering in the black. I like it! 

"Honestly your lashes are perfect, I'm a little scared to mess with them, maybe just a little on the bottom outer edges." She grabs a small black cylinder, unscrewing it to reveal ANOTHER brush. Brushing it daintily on my lashes. Making my eyes seem twice as expressive as before. 

She takes another pause, rummaging through the box and continues. 

"Now some lip balm, this one is my favorite. It's called royal blush." She says. 

Again it's applied so lightly I can hardly tell it's there if not for the slight shine it gives. 

Honestly? I can see myself using the eyeshadow and eyeliner, and lip gloss more regularly in the future. Not everything else, the foundation, bronzer and everything else can stay in that box. 

Along with all those brushes. 

"And finally, setting spray, helps it last, close your eyes again." Doing so, I hold back the flinch at feeling the wetness hit my face. 

"Thank you Vicky." I say genuinely. 

"Thank me when you get a second date, or second base." She adds with a teasing smile. 

Blushing, I start to squirm a little at the image. 'I'd be straddled in his lap, leaning up on my knees so that our faces could meet, we'd be kissing softly as he held me gently yet firm against him, just enough so that I could push away if I wanted to, but I wouldn't. My arms wrapped around his neck tightly, deepening the kiss as he wraps an arm around me and presses a hand to my hip, forearm crossing the small of my back, pulling me even closer to him as we break for air, we'd gaze into each other's eyes as-' 

"KITSU!" 

"Eep!" I jump in surprise. 

Vicky just stares at me with a knowing smirk, looking all too much like the cat that caught the canary, and I can see my face in the mirror rapidly lighting up. 

"My God you've got it bad. At first I was feeling sorry for Dennis, but now at this point I'm more worried about you. Think you'll go the day with your lipstick in tact?" She asks with a teasing grin. 

I squirm in place. Feeling myself die a little at the mortification I'm feeling. 

"Stop it, please." I mutter out. 

"You are surprisingly easy to tease when it comes to this stuff. Don't blame me for capitalizing on it." She says. "Consider it revenge for everything, I'm going to enjoy this as much as I can." 

'I can't even argue that.' I think in despair. 

"And speaking of." She continues with a devious smile. 

"Huh?" I say dumbly, still struggling not to get lost in my thoughts. 

"Just imagine it, months from now, it's your half year anniversary, You decide to surprise him with something special, you sneak into his room, he gets home and you're there on his bed, you start making out, he pushes you down onto the blanket, his hand cupping the side of your face, trailing from the base of your jaw, down to your side as he reaches just past your stomach. And then, just as you think he'll pull back up, he goes lower, reaching the brim of your-" 

"STOP! Stop! Please!" I cut her off. The images in my mind racing. 'Of all the times to start my cycle, it had to be when I got my first date! WHY DID I SAY YES?!' 

She bursts out laughing. 

"Oh God! This is far better than anything I could've hoped for! Consider that one payback for yesterday in the lunchroom." She jabs. "In all seriousness, you good?" 

After a few seconds I answer. "As I'll ever be, I guess." 

"Alright, I'll leave you to finish your hair." She says and gets up to leave. 

"Vicky?" 

"Hmm? Yeah?" She stops. 

"Would he even, want me? Like that? I know what I look like, even taking away all the Case 53 parts. Am I, desirable? I look so much younger than him, what if other people get the wrong idea?" I can't help but vent my insecurities. 

"Oh Kitsu, yes, you are. I can't speak for every guy out there, but you are attractive. And hell, if you ever decide you want to grow up? With how you look now I can guarantee, Dennis will be glad he got you before someone else could." She reassures me with a hand on my shoulder. 

Looking at her with tears forming, I can't help but feel so loved. 

"Hey! No! No." She grabs a washcloth and dabs my eyes. "No crying. We just got done, you are not ruining your makeup. This stuff is not cheap." 

I just hug her tightly. Enjoying the warmth between us. She takes a moment before hugging me back. Rubbing my back gently. 

"And hey, if someone does say something, just say you have dwarfism or something, make'em feel like shit for not minding their own, it's not entirely false." She says. 

"That's mean." I say with a small laugh. 

We stay there for a minute before Vicky moves to let go. 

"Okay, that's enough of the sappy shit, save it for your date. Now come on, you still have to get dressed and Dennis is in the living room waiting, Dad just got back from dropping mom off and he's giving him the shovel talk." Vicky says. 

I push off her in alarm. 

"HE'S HERE!? I'm not ready! Oh God what time is it?! I'm not even dressed! I haven't even decided what to wear!" I panic. 

"Don't worry, I picked out the perfect outfit for you. You labeled it Rosa on the hanger." 

9:48 am 

Turns out she did pick my Rosa outfit. And I have to agree, it's perfect for a mall date. A white short sleeve tee with the shoulders, sleeves and collar being sky blue. A pink pokè-ball design with a black border on the chest. My version swaps out the wavy shorts in favor of a slightly longer, wavy skirt over black leggings. I drew the designs for each outfit and didn't do a good job detailing the shorts. This was like, outfit thirty something and I didn't have the heart to tell Parian she got it wrong. 

That and I was too lazy. 

No hat, I do have the purse though. Overall it accentuates what little curves I have without coming off as slutty and trying too hard. 

I really love these shoes as well. 

I peek into the living room and see a ghost white Dennis, he's sat next to Mark whose got an arm wrapped over his shoulder. 

"Just remember what we talked about kay? And don't worry, it'll be less painful than what someone like Lung would do. And seeing as he also has a soft spot for Kitsu, you can bet he'd be in the line of people waiting to get a piece." Mark says cheerfully. 

'I got a good guess at what he's talking about. Still, it's nice see Dennis is about as nervous as I am.' I think as I gain a little more confidence at seeing Dennis lose his. 'Okay, you can do this! You're cute! You look amazing! You're not small, your fun size!' I blush again at the implication I just put in my head. 'NOT THAT KIND OF FUN! Well, maybe? Maybe he likes girls that are shorter than him? Yeah, he likes me! He wouldn't be here if he didn't, he even showed up early according to Vicky! He'd have called and tried to find a way out of the date if he wasn't interested!' I cheer myself on. 

Like I initially thought he would. 

Stepping out and taking in the sight. I take in his state of dress, form fitting blue jeans, folded at the ankles, a black shirt with blue lightning strikes across it. Over it is a red flannel jacket. He's clean shaven and got a jawline like Taylor Lautner without the cleft. His red hair's grown out and styled like Mitchel Musso's was back in, well now in 2010. Broad shoulders set in place, giving me the impression of a swimmers build. He's holding onto a long pink plastic bag with white flowery designs. 

He sees me and goes to say something before he stops, mouth slightly open, eyes roaming up and down. It makes me feel a mess of excited, nervous, and embarrassed. Mark notices his attention is no longer on him, looking over he smiles brightly at me. 

While Dennis just winces at Mark squeezing his shoulder a little tighter. 

"I, didn't make you wait too long, did I?" I ask, arms behind my back, staring at my foot pivoting into the carpet. 

"I, uh, not really no. Was just talking to Mark for a bit." He replies numbly. Looking up I see him staring right into my eyes. Getting butterflies I immediately look away. 

*Click* 

Turning to the sound, I see Vicky, hiding around the corner of the hall, on her phone taking pictures. 

"Shit, forgot to put that to silent." She says. Looking up she just smiles. "Ignore me." She says cheerfully with a wave. 

Dennis gets up and, taking a small breath, reaches into the pink bag and hands me a small midnight blue rose bouquet. Five roses surrounded by green bushes with small white flowers I can't name, wrapped in a black cloth with a silver bow. 

With a confident smile he hands me the bouquet. "Thought I'd get some beautiful flowers, for an even more beautiful girl." He says. 

'That was so corny! And I love it.' I think and take the bouquet, holding it tight against me. With the roses up to my nose, hoping it hides my burning face. 

"Thank you, I love them." I say quietly, trying and failing to use my biokinesis to stop my blushing and hammering heart. I keep getting distracted! 

"Alright!" Mark says with a clap. "How about I drive you two to the mall? It's hot out and it's a long walk from here. I can drop you off and you can go on your way." He says, though the way he says it leaves no room for denying the offer. 

"Uh, let me go put these up." I say and hurry off. 

I don't use my speed as I don't want to mess up my braid, and I don't know how it'll effect my makeup. Vicky can fly off at super speeds and not worry about it because of her force field. 

I don't have that luxury. 

Putting the bouquet on my nightstand I take a moment to touch it and see its genetic makeup. Out of sheer curiosity and a need to distract myself for a few seconds to get myself calm. 

Interestingly enough, the flowers are real, they just have a blue dye added to them. They're naturally white. Looking through its genome helps me calm myself. They smell nice, a bit more citrusy than I would've thought. 

Now calmed from my earlier hysterics. I take a breath and prepare myself. 

"Okay, you got this, you're Kitsu! The Endstopper! As stupid as that name is. You don't get flustered, you fluster others!" I say to myself. Finding my confidence in full and recovering from being caught off guard, I head out to do what I do best! 

'I'm going to give that boy a day he'll never forget!' 

-Brockton Bay Mall, Downtown, 10:09 am- 

The drive to the mall was more nerve-racking than I thought it would be and I found myself losing my confidence again at the tension. Mark made Dennis sit in the front seat, while I sat in the back. I couldn't stop thinking; scenario after scenario of how this could all go playing in my head. Some wholesome and sweet, others terrifying, and few, spicy, ones. And I'm pretty sure Dennis noticed me fidgeting and squirming in the back seat. 

Mark dropped us off at the mall's entrance and waited for us to head inside before driving off. Dennis held the doors open for me as we walked into the mall. 

"Where to first beautiful? It's your day." He says, flashing a sincere smile. 

'Stop calling me that!' I think. It makes me want to run and hide when he says it with that smile. 'Turn it around, make him blush damnit!' 

"Anywhere is fine as long as I'm with you handsome." 'Please work, he's not blushing damnit!' 

Dennis "Clockblocker" POV

'How in the hell am I supposed to take her somewhere if she just says anywhere?' I think in frustration. 'The food court is a good first spot right?' 

"How about the food court? Have you eaten yet? We can share a pizza?" I suggest. 

She smiles at that, her tail, which was swaying lazily, is now wagging a little faster at the mention of pizza. 

"That sounds good." She says with a smile. 'I swear, she was not glowing like this before. Does she actually like me? We've barely talked, hell the first time we met she killed me!' I think, and then laugh at the idea, getting a scene in my head. 

A small red-haired boy with large fox ears and a tail walks up to me. 

'Daddy, how did you meet mommy?' 

With a chuckle I respond. 'Well son, it all started when your mother killed me while stealing a TV.' 

I'm snapped from my thoughts as Kitsu latches onto my arm. 

"What's so funny?" She asks. 

Feeling a blush creep it's way up my face and burn my ears, I see her start to grin that vulpine smile of hers. The way her perfect teeth glimmer, the canines longer than what would be normal, making me think of a vampire or a modern Earth-Aleph anime character. 

"Were you thinking of me?~" She asks in a teasing voice. 

"No?" My voice cracks. 'Shiiiiit!' 

"Don't lie to me Dennis~" She says with teasing grin. 

"Uh, maybe I was?" I say, embarrassed at being forced to admit I was in fact thinking about her. 

Like a light switch she returns to her earlier shy cheerfulness. Tail swishing about, ears flat against her head as she looks away from me. 

"Oh, uh, that's." She says quietly. "I was thinking about you, if it helps you feel better." She continues. Peeking up to meet my eyes, and immediately turning them to the side again. 

It both does, and doesn't make me feel better. 

'I mean, hey, look on the bright side man. She could be fourteen and just short! All you know is that she's at leasttwelve. That's not as bad, right?' I try to think further but can't focus the thought as I feel Kitsu start to nuzzle the side of her head into my arm, making my heart thump harder than it already is. 

'Stop being so cute damn it! If you keep this up I'll run out of excus- reasons to, dump you? Not like you? Go back on the deal I agreed to? God there's no way to put it without sounding like douche.' I think. 

Stepping on to the escalator heading to the second floor, I can't help but shrink at all the stares we're getting. Raised eyebrows and a few glares. 

'Just ignore them, they don't know the full details.' I think to myself. 

"What's the matter? You suddenly got goosebumps." She asks. 

"It's nothing you need to worry about. Why don't you tell me about yourself?" I flash a winning smile and she once again looks away, ears hugging her head again. 

"There's, not really all that much to tell. Outside of recently, my life has been nothing but hitchhiking and just trying to survive. The amount of people I even knew personally before a few months ago could be counted on one hand." She says. 

"Well, tell me about them, who are they?" I ask. 

"If you're sure you wanna hear it." she says. 

"I am, it's about you, and you are what I want to hear about." I say smoothly. I totally ripped that from one of my mom's romcoms. 

She squeals in what I hope is delight and presses herself closer to me. Tail hitting the back of my legs as it goes wild. 

"W-well, there's Wade, I met him in Chicago just shortly after he triggered about a year ago. He's a chubby kid, African American, and now stays holed up in his room. He's a Thinker specializing in data analysis and a Tinker specializing in code. He made me my phone after I helped him out and he gives me a discount on his services." She explains. 

'Okay, interesting, but still normal enough all things considered.' 

"What'd you help him out with?" I ask. 

"Uh, bullies." She says quietly. 

'I can see that. If for no other reason than it being a whim.' I mentally shrug. 

"Anyone else, you said there were others." I ask, more because I don't know what else to say. 

"There's Nilbog and his children, they're nice to me." She continues. 

'And once again I'm reminded of who I'm talking to.' I think plainly. 

"Nilbog is nice to you so long as you play along with his fantasy, referring to him as king, show respect and kindness to his subjects. If you're powerful enough he'll even treat you as an equal of sorts." She lists off. 

'What am I supposed to say to that? That's nice?' 

"He calls me The Errant Princess." She says with a giggle. 

'Princess, saving that for later.' 

"Mark mentioned Lung when we were, talking, earlier. How do you know him?" I ask. 

"I was in the bay a few years ago, I was bored and just staring at the sidewalk when he ran into me in his civilian identity. Literally by the way, I was trying to avoid attention, so I was invisible at the time. After apologizing he let it go, even helped me out later that day." She says with a small smile. She looks up at me. "What about you? What do you like?" 

Reaching the top of the escalator and stepping off we headed to the food court. Though I'm 90% certain Kitsu isn't paying attention to where we're going. 

"Well, I like a lot of things. Comedy shows, action movies, I enjoy fps games, and listening to music." I answer. 

"What kind of music?" she asks. 

"I don't really have a preference outside not liking country, just feels a bit depressing to me." I say. 

"Fair. After we eat where do you want to go?" She asks. 

"We could visit a few stores, maybe see the indoor arcade. If you want, we could check out the small amusement park at the back of the mall." I answer. 

'Can't really say I have no idea.' 

"I'd like that." She says and nuzzles me even more. 

'Is the nuzzling a fox thing? Is it a her thing? A girl thing I just don't know about? Is it rude to ask?' 

We reach the food court to see a bunch of people going about their day and eating, more than a few eyes turn to us. Though Kitsu doesn't seem to notice, her eyes looking up at me, ears twitching about every other second. 

"HAAAaaaa!" someone squealed. 

Spooked at the high-pitched wail, I look to my left to see a thin guy in a striped shirt, several feet away on a table, hunched over and clutching his crotch. 

"What happened?" I ask no one in particular. 

"I'unno, sounds like he has issues, c'mon let's go get that pizza!" Kitsu says and starts pulling me towards the line in front of the pizza vendor. 

Kitsu POV

'People need to keep their comments to themselves.' I think bitterly. The guy had jokingly called Dennis a furry fucker to his friends. 

'How about an invisible block to the dick? Think that's funny? Cus I do.' 

I calm myself down, a little thankful for the distraction as now I'm getting past my earlier nervousness and anxiety. 

Standing in line I can't help but to enjoy myself. Just letting myself be happy at the idea that someone wants me for themselves. He wouldn't be trying so hard if he didn't want to impress me. The corny lines, the false bravado, it shows a level of effort I can't help but appreciate. 

Being this close I notice his cologne has an earthy sweet scent to it. I like it. 

We finally got to the front of the line. 

"What kind do you want?" I ask him. 

"Well, what kind does the Princess like?" He asks with a smirk. 

'STOP THAT! STOP IT BEFORE YOU KILL ME!' If he keeps up the names, I'm either going to run away, pass out, or kiss him. 

"M-m-mushroom." I stutter. 

'No, we are not doing this again! I make you blush and stammer! I'm the one in control!' 

"One large mushroom pizza for the beautiful girl at my side. Oh, go ahead and make it stuffed crust too please." He says like a dork. 

'He's polite to staff, that's a good sign.' If he had been rude I probably would have just up and left without a word. 

"Drinks?" The skinny, tired-looking teen behind the counter asks. 

'He seems familiar.' 

"Mountain dew for me, medium. What about you?" Dennis asks. 

"Lemonade, large." I speak out, looking everywhere on the menu to avoid risking seeing that smile again. Or those blue eyes. 

The guy types into the register before looking back to us. 

"That'll be Twenty eight, eighty six after tax." The teen says. 

'Why is it so expensive?!' 

Dennis pulls out a black wallet with grey clocks all over it and hands him a twenty and a ten. 

"Keep the change." He says. 

"Alright, here are your cups, and your number is thirty-six, we'll call it out when ready. You can fill your cups at the fountain over there. And here's your receipt." He points to a soda machine at the end of the counter and hands Dennis the paper the register spat out. 

'Guess we didn't need to tell him what drinks we wanted.' Looking over I see Dennis is likely thinking the same thing, going by awkward look on his face. 

"Right, thank you. I hope you have a good day." He takes the receipt and his cup in one hand while I have to let go of his arm to grab my cup in both mine. 

"I'll try, see you at school Monday, Kitsu." He says back. 

'Chemistry! I sit next to him. Small world.' 

I nod to him and follow Dennis to the soda machine. 

'Okay, turn this around. Make him blush, trip him up somehow. Think, he's a teenage boy who-' I mentally pause at that. Reaching the machine, illusioning a step stool to more easily get my lemonade. 

'He's a teenage boy. He's got more hormones running rampant in him than I probably do right now! Maybe.' 

I am running on a ridiculous amount of estradiol and progestogen right now, among other things. 

Making our way to a circular benched table and taking a seat, I scoot in close to him. 

"So, what was the first thing you noticed about me?" I ask with a smirk. 

'Just don't stare at his eyes, and you'll be fine.' 

"Your tail." He says absentmindedly before his eyes widen and he looks down at me. "I mean, uh-" 

"Staring at me from behind huh?" I cut him off and scoot even closer. "Well I can't blame you, it is a nice view. And hey, be a good boy and maybe you'll get to touch it. It's very soft and fluffy." I grin at his rapidly reddening face. 

"I, I uh." He swallows a lump in his throat. "That's not what-" 

"Not what you were starring at back there?" I cut him off again, not wanting to lose my momentum. "Well what else could you have looking at?" I say with a wide grin. 

Leaning my shoulder into him, tilting my head to the side I look up and give him my best sly look. "Well? What is it?" I say in a teasing tone. 

His breath gets caught as he goes to say something, but just keeps opening and closing his mouth. 

"THIRTY SIX!" 

"I'll go get the pizza!" He says quickly and jumps up so fast I almost fell over. 

Watching him walk away I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. Feeling the pounding of my heart settle and taking a few deep breaths. 

With him gone I think to myself. 

'Okay, you got this. He's a boy with little to no experience with girls, and I'm a girl with no experience with boys. No! Don't think like that! He's more nervous than you are. Just keep pushing the right buttons and don't let up. He's putty in your hands! Keep it up and- HE'S BACK!' 

"H-here we are, one large mushroom stuffed crust for our resident princess, the Mushroom Princess one could say." He says nervously. 

"Hmm!" I cover my mouth to stop from laughing at the horrible joke. 

He grins that sincere smile again and continues. 

"You-a got-a that-a one? How-a about-a this?" He says in a very exaggerated high pitched voice. 

"How-a many pieces do-a you want-a Princess?" He continues. 

'It's not even that funny! It's just so stupid!' I think to myself. 

Shaking my head and trying not to laugh. 

"None? But-a Princess, it's-a your pizza, you-a ordered it." He keeps going!

"That's not! I, I!" and I can't hold it in anymore as the dam on my laughs bursts. 

-Earlier- 

Dennis "Clockblocker" POV

Reaching the counter and looking behind me, I see she's staring at the table now. 

'Good.' 

Pulling out my phone I call Vicky. 

"What's up Casanova?" She answers 

"Help me!" I whisper shout, not wanting to draw too much attention. 

"What's wrong, you're doing great from what Dean and I can tell."

"I'm dying out here! Every time I think I have things under control, she pulls something new and it, it just, I." I'm left at a loss for words as I struggle to get my thoughts across. 

"Why Dennis, it almost sounds as though you like her." I can hear the smirk she's giving. 

"I give up." I say in defeat. 

"Huh? What'd ya mean?"

"I like her, okay? She's cute, quirky, and I don't know! The more this date goes on, the more I want it to continue, there, I said it. Now please, for the love of everything, help me!?" I say what she wants to hear to move this along. 

There's a bit of a pause before I hear anything more. 

"Yeah I know I owe you; you don't have to be so smug about it." She says in the background. 

"What?" 

"Talking to Dean." She says quickly. "Anyway, make her laugh. She finds humor attractive, use that, be your usual goofball, dorky self."

"That's it? What happened to confidence and all that other junk?" I ask. 

"Dennis, you're an idiot. When I was talking about confidence I didn't mean put on an act, I meant be confident in yourself and who you are. Nothing is hotter than a guy who's not afraid to be himself."

Why can't her advice ever be clear. 

"Okay, I'll try." I say unsurely. 

"Good, now go, you're making a line."

*Click* 

Looking behind me I see two people. the guy right behind me raises an eyebrow. 

"Sorry." I say, grabbing the pizza and quickly rushing off. 

-Now