Chapter 14: A Step Into Something New

 Dev had never been on a real date before.

Sure, he had seen it in movies, read about it in the comics he and Cole used to sneak into class. But actually preparing for one? It felt foreign, like stepping into a life that didn't quite fit him.

The whole day at work, Marty wouldn't shut up about it.

"So, where are you taking her?" Marty asked, tossing a garbage bag into the truck.

"She picked the place," Dev replied.

Marty grinned. "Ooooh, so she's taking the lead. I like that." He dusted off his hands and turned to Dev with a serious expression. "Alright, listen up. You need to clean up nice. No showing up looking like you just got out of prison."

Dev shot him a look. "I did just get out of prison."

"Well, that was like 6 months ago but whatever," Marty said. "Which is why we're going shopping after this."

Dev groaned. "Oh, come on Marty"

"Nope. No arguments. If you're gonna impress this girl, you gotta at least look like you know what you're doing."

Dev sighed. He wasn't sure why Marty cared so much, but at the same time, a small part of him was grateful. He wasn't used to people looking out for him.

After their shift, Marty dragged Dev to a thrift store.

"This is the best we can do on our budget," Marty said, pushing him inside. "Let's get to work."

Dev shuffled through the racks, feeling out of place. He had never cared much about clothes, but when Marty tossed a dark button-up shirt at him, he had to admit it looked decent.

"Try it on," Marty ordered.

Dev sighed but obeyed. When he stepped out of the dressing room, Marty let out a low whistle.

"Damn," he said, nodding approvingly. "You look clean, my guy."

Dev glanced at himself in the mirror. He barely recognized the person staring back at him. The shirt fit well, highlighting the lean muscle he had built in prison. His face, though still rough from years of hardship, looked… different.

"You think she'll like it?" Dev asked, feeling strangely uncertain.

Marty grinned. "She already likes you, man. This is just bonus points."

Dev arrived at the restaurant ten minutes early.

It was a small, quiet place with dim lighting and soft music playing in the background. He felt out of place, shifting awkwardly in his chair as he waited for Josie to arrive.

And when she did…

Damn.

She looked stunning. Her dark curls were pulled back in a loose style, and she wore a simple yet elegant dress that hugged her figure just right. When she spotted him, she smiled, a real, genuine smile.

"You're early," she teased, sitting across from him.

"Didn't want to mess this up," he admitted.

Josie tilted her head, studying him. "You look good, Devan."

He swallowed. "Thanks. You too."

She smirked. "I know."

That made him chuckle, the tension easing a little.

They ordered their food, and as the night went on, Dev found himself relaxing. Josie was easy to talk to. She told him more about her dreams, why she wanted to become a doctor, how she was saving up for her medical exams.

"I always liked helping people," she said, stirring her drink. "It's a long road, but… I think it's worth it."

Dev listened, admiring her drive. He had never met someone so sure of what they wanted.

"What about you?" Josie asked. "What do you want, Devan?"

He hesitated. No one had ever asked him that before.

"I don't know," he admitted. "I've never really thought about it."

Josie nodded as if she understood. "Well, maybe it's time to start."

Her words lingered in his mind as they finished their meal.

They left the restaurant, walking side by side down the quiet streets. Josie wrapped her arms around herself, and without thinking, Dev shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

She looked up at him, amused. "Mr charmer, huh?"

Dev smirked. "Don't get used to it."

Josie laughed softly, then nudged him with her elbow. "I had a good time tonight."

"Me too," Dev said, and for once, he actually meant it.

As they reached her apartment, she turned to face him. "So… are you gonna kiss me goodnight, or are we doing that awkward 'just say goodbye' thing?"

Dev blinked, caught off guard. "I…"

Josie rolled her eyes and took matters into her own hands, leaning in to press a soft, lingering kiss against his lips.

When she pulled back, she smirked at his stunned expression. "Goodnight, Devan."

And with that, she disappeared inside, leaving him standing there, heart racing.

For the first time in years, something inside him felt… alive.

Dev stood outside Josie's apartment for a few seconds after she disappeared inside, still feeling the warmth of her kiss. He couldn't remember the last time someone had made him feel this… wanted.

He let out a breath, turned, and walked away.

Inside, Josie made her way toward her door, but something felt… off. The doorknob was slightly turned, the door not completely shut.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Slowly, she pushed the door open, her hand tightening around the strap of her purse just in case she had to swing it at some intruder's head.

But when she stepped inside, she let out a sharp breath.

Sitting casually on her couch, legs crossed and scrolling through her phone, was Layla.

"Girl, you scared the shit out of me," Josie groaned, tossing her purse onto a chair.

Layla barely looked up. "Well, you look all dolled up. Where the hell have you been?"

Josie bit her lip, a small, shy smile creeping onto her face.

Layla's eyes widened. "Noo, don't tell me… that garbage guy?"

Josie frowned at the way she said it. "Layla, come on"

Layla sat up, disappointment clear in her expression. "Josie. Seriously? That dude just got out of prison. He's a killer."

Josie bristled. "Don't say that, Layla. He was framed."

Layla gave her a knowing look. "That's what he wants you to believe."

Josie sighed, rolling her eyes. There was no point arguing when Layla got like this.

Layla waved a hand dismissively. "Anyway, let's not fight about your questionable taste in men. I have my own drama."

Josie flopped down on the couch beside her. "Why are you even here?"

Layla groaned, rubbing her face. "Had another fight with my mom. So, I'm crashing here tonight."

Josie smirked. "Again? Girl, if you're gonna be doing this, you better find your own place."

"Find my own place?" Layla scoffed. "I love it here."

Josie chuckled as Layla pulled her into a half-hug, but then Layla's voice dropped to a quiet, serious tone.

"But for real, Jo… what do you even see in that guy?"

Josie exhaled, staring at the ceiling. "I don't know. I'm just… drawn to him. He's awkward, but it's kind of cute."

Layla shook her head. "Just be careful, okay? I really don't trust him."

Josie didn't respond.

She didn't want to admit it, but a small part of her wondered if Layla was right.

And if she was getting herself into something she shouldn't.