The good ol' dating pool. Well, not really. Let's just say I strike out like a son of a bitch.

Enjoy.

~~~~~

The vast realization of it was rather inspiring. The line and wait for monsters getting ID's was around a week long. Pretty soon they were going to be normal parts of society as time goes on. This was a plus. Girls could shop for their own groceries and Mero could wheel herself to a local salt water pool nearby. Of course the Kimihito could sleep in peacefully with a routine. Outside of the full moon night with a needed chastity belt, but moving on.

A lunch was being served at the house as Chef put out a few platters of variations of food for everyone. Then he put his apron down and went to go grab a plate. A good, lean slice of meat, some rice, and fresh vegetables. And even the giant filets of white fish had everyone in awe. This was a a regular feast and Kimihito just had to worry about the other aspects. The word rest still didn't apply.

"So Chef, how goes it? You were with Smith recently right?"

"Yeah. I was speed dating some chicks she knew. And wow, monster girls in the dating pool isn't so foreign anymore. The fact that you will sometime see a plant with a Western accent on the near future just let's you know there is someone for everybody."

"Oh. I see." Pouted Lala.

"Criticizing again I see." Chef winked at her.

"Hmph. Perv."

"Moody." He smirked.

"She asked me to be part of an experiment. A survey basically. They didn't have much one on one conversations with human men before. We concluded basically what is here. Monsters and human kind can get along. As long as we don't judge. Everyone wins." He raised his glass of lemonade he made from scratch. "Cheers Ladies. And Hito."

"Cheers Chef." Kimihito smiled.

"So what's this game of yours?" Asked Lala.

"Live, learn, cook and eat food of many cultures, and meet new people as I go. Just like what I did in England. Except, I think I'll stay at home. I like it better here. And all of you have been good to me. Even you Lala."

"I am Death. No such thing." She turned away.

"With my new ID, I can prove I can play Pochinko." Chimed Papi.

"Hey-Hey. You don't need to pick up gambling. Trust me. I've seen people lose their houses."

"I second that." Nodded Kimihito.

"You don't have the money to lose like that." Put in Centorea.

"Awww." Papi frowned.

"Maybe theirs a free game of it?" Rachnera was thinking. "It has me thinking though. There has to be a free game somewhere right?"

"Really!? Suu and I would be here all day. Sweet." Papi was hopeful.

"Easy does it. More to life than games all day." Sighed Kimihito.

"You tell me. Chef here the bachelor." Lala glared at him.

"If you want to hold your head and prep a fish a time or two by all means. Don't get spice in your neck."

"Absurd!" She cried.

"I told you I'd want to date again but tastefully. I'd admit to that. And every single time you bring up the topic it hints jealousy. Keep your head on straight and lose the attitude then you can too."

"My word!"

"I said what I said."

The room put down their chopsticks and just looked at the two of them. Miia was thinking about this for a moment. Her Darling for once was not into some sort of harem shape. It was not a triangle. It was a whole sphere grid.

"You two should try." Said a voice.

"Miss Smith!?" Kimihito looked at the front door. The agent was right there with a smug look on her face.

"What the," Chef tried to eat some rice to make himself look occupied.

"Did I make it in time for coffee?" Smith asked.

"Coffee? Grab a chair. There's plenty." Offered Chef.

"Well Chef, how about you two finish eating and head for a walk. River side."

"Is this-" Chef's eyes widened.

"Yes. Now go. The weather is fine."

"If you insist Miss Smith. And don't worry, no pressure this time."

"Pressure is what you put in a tire. Stress is influenced power and force in the mental state."

"Good show. Now enjoy your date." Smith went to wait to take his chair. "Here." She slipped him a green credit card. "Don't be crazy."

"Yes ma'am."

Smith tapped him on the shoulder. "Throw in a beef wellington sometime and I just might find a good reward for you."

"Deal."

"I'm being pimped out for meat!? For the love of decency. My agent and chef are horny dogs." Cried Lala.

"Neither. None of them." Chef sighed. 

"So what do you want me to do?" Lala complained.

"Keep your head on straight and then get to water and talk? Enjoy the scenary since you've out of daylight for a little while."

"I am Death. I reach into the darkness of night."

"Point that sickle at me and I'll put your head in a box and Rachnera will tie you up." Threatened Chef.

"I wouldn't decline." Rachnera offered.

"Well that's not good." Smith smirked. Best be off now. 

"I suppose." Lala looked away.

~~~~~

It was a quiet walk to a few blocks away and to the river halfway to downtown. Sitting down by the dock and kicking their legs over and hearing the mellow sounds of the water flowing.

"So Lala, how goes it?" He asked.

"You tell me. If this was midnight this would be a crime scene."

"Forensics and detective work can't help you win." He chuckled.

"You're right. It's impossible to get away with it now unless they were to flee the country. And how and why would anyone do that? I mean, you and him take care of us." Lala leaned back. "It's been a little since I've been out in the day like this. The sun is nice and not too bright too."

"And not too hot. I love it."

"Is it rainy in the UK like they say it is?" 

"Some couple day stretches yes. Does it rain forever? That's not true."

"I figured. But there are some thing that are true right?"

Chef laughed. "Miia wouldn't even cook well there. The stench. Oh my goodness."

Lala even perked a smile. "It is that bad."

"Totally."

Lala then looked at him and blushed. It was now processing that the two of them really did have alone time this scenario. Everyone at Kimihito's house was there. No one could open the door or climb up the balcony. Could someone be watching? Always. Could someone be messing up a moment? Not likely. "So Chef, what made you think we are, normal?"

"We eat at the same table, communicate clearly, and have feelings too. Demi-humans are still humans. If I saw one of you on the street one day hungry I would call Smith and see what is going on. Make sure that monster got shelter and a meal at the very least. It's how I am. Same with Kimihito even though he is dealt more than he can handle. But its just how he is."

"You two are exceptionally kind." Lala smiled. 

"We try. It's just what we do. And well, you matter too."

"And you're going to date a monster girl?"

"Well you're cute." He winked.

"Huh?" Lala gasped and closed her eyes. "You dog." Turning around and taking her head off to hold it so he wouldn't see.

"I hope I don't swim for your head."

"Same..."

"But I think I'd try it out. I've tried your cultures with food, living space, and personal space. Why not try and take it slow?"

"Mmm!" She squeaked. No way.

~~~~~

Affection comes in many ways.

-Relly