You Should Try Dating Someone

Axel let out a heavy sigh, putting all the papers down, as his team members were leaving through the door. The first meeting was… Well, not bad enough to call it a disaster, but definitely not a success either. Half the time, he wasn't even sure if they were listening, or just waiting for him to screw up. So that they could later mock him over a beer for that. And Axel didn't know how to deal with that.

But, how was he supposed to know how to take a leadership role? People said it was in Alphas' blood, but it was a lie! One big fat lie! It was a skill that needed to be learned, an Alpha or not. Finding the right balance between being strict and understanding was not easy, not easy at all!

"Why sighing so much? You did well!"

Axel lifted his gaze to see Wynn's smiling face. "You think so?" he lifted his brows, not convinced.

"Yeah! Really good for your first time!"

Ah. That kind of 'well'.

"No, but seriously," Wynn plopped on the chair next to Axel. "Our previous team leader was no better, and he's been at the company for years. So, don't stress too much about it. Once you get used to it, you're gonna do great."

Axel sized Wynn up, still doubtful - did the man really think it, or was he just trying to cheer him up? Either way, it was a bit reassuring to hear, even if it wasn't a genuine compliment, so he decided to take it as it was.

He checked his phone, to see that his driver had already picked up Ollie - Axel asked him before the meeting to do so, since he knew he might not be able to get out on time - and they were both on their way, so he picked up the files and stood up. He still had a few things he needed to wrap, and he wouldn't want to make them wait too long.

"How are the things with your parents, by the way?" Wynn asked, as they walked back to the office. "Regarding, you know."

"Same as always," Axel sighed, shaking his head lightly. "They want me to find a date to grandma's party… We had a huge argument about it just the other day."

"Why don't you find someone then?"

Axel only gave Wynn a long, pointed look in response.

"No, but seriously. Maybe you should try dating someone! It's been years, you know?"

Rubbing his forehead, Axel let out yet another sigh. "You know why I…"

"Yeah, yeah, because you're worried how it'd affect Ollie. But I said DATING, not MARRYING. You should give someone - and yourself - a chance, cause you never know!" Wynn paused for a moment, before adding, "Maybe someone who doesn't know who you are would be good. Then you wouldn't have to worry they're with you for the wrong reasons, and it'd be easier for you to see who they truly are."

"Hmm."

Should he really?

To be fair, he didn't entirely disliked the idea. His parents probably would - they wanted him to marry someone with similar social standings, not a regular person - but it would only be dating at first, so maybe they could take it as a good sign that he's opening up, and turn a blind eye…

But it'd have to be someone Axel genuinely liked, and among his current acquaintances… Well, he had a lot of friends, and he liked them all, just not this way.

"I'll give it a thought," he finally said, as they arrived at the office.

"Alright! Let me know if you need help, I can introduce you to some people, or even set up blind dates!" Wynn patted him on the shoulder, and returned to his desk.

Axel, however, only winced at the idea. Introducing to new people, that was alright, but blind dates? He'd only make a fool out of himself, without a doubt!

It wasn't the time to think about it anyway. He went to his desk, plopped down, and started wrapping things up. It was all taking longer than it probably should, not because of Axel's lack of ability though, but rather, because he wanted to avoid making even the smallest mistake, so he triple-checked every single thing he wrote.

Ping!

His phone vibrated as a new message from his driver, Carson, arrived.

[We are waiting in Drip Point on the other side of the street.]

River's coffee shop?

[Buy Ollie a drink and a snack, I'll try to get there as soon as I can. You can get something for yourself as well.] he texted back, and returned to his work, trying to pick up the speed a bit.

It was only twenty minutes later that he was finally done. He quickly grabbed his briefcase, and rushed downstairs. Ollie was always shy with strangers, so he might feel uncomfortable in the coffee shop, especially if it was crowded! Carson, whom Ollie was familiar with, was with him, but still…

It was the parent's job to worry about their kids, after all!

As he rushed through the coffee shop's entrance, welcomed by the usual soft chimes and aromatic scent, he was up for a surprise. Ollie was sitting on one of the leather couches in a quiet corner of the shop, swinging his short legs that couldn't reach the floor, his head slightly lowered. Adorably shy as always, but with the corners of his tiny mouth lifted up in a smile!

And opposite him sat River, chatting with the boy.

It was an unexpected sight, and yet, for some reason, it felt… right. As if that's how it was meant to be. Axel couldn't quite understand this feeling that he had - he only met River a few days ago, after all, so he barely knew the man - but they just looked good together. A bit awkward, but good nonetheless.

So much so, that Axel couldn't help but pause, observing them for a moment. What kind of charm did River use to get Ollie out of his shell (at least to some extent)? And in less than half an hour, at that!

He stood like that, until River lifted his head, meeting his gaze.

"Ah, hello! I'm so sorry, I didn't see you there!" he apologized, as he slid from behind the table. "How can I help you?"