First date.

Beacuse of the storm school was closed untill Wensday. The whole group spent the first two days helping the rest of the town clean up. It was mostly a bunch of branches that needed picked up and a few broken windows that needed to be sweeped up and replaced. On Wensday their was some internal wiring that needed to be fixed in most placed, including the school, because of a lightning strike. It was just a few frayed wires, nothing big.

I was laying in my room playing on some apps on my phone when Ivan texted me. I smiled and opened up the text.

*I*
Mind if I steal you for the afternoon?

*A*
Sure! I'll ask mom.
Brb.

I walked out of my room in excitement. I tried to control it so the rest of my family wouldn't ask questions. I peeked into moms room. She was home because her workplace was shut down all week because of a small fire a lightning bolt started on the roof. She seamed to be taking her small, payed vacation with glee. She looked up from her laptop when she noticed me.

"Was up Alfred? Need something?" She asked me with a small smile.

"Ivan wants to hang out with me this afternoon. Mind if I go?" I asked.

"Where will you be?" She asked.

"Just around town." I told her as I waved my hand.

"Sure. Be safe and take your phone." She blew me a kiss and I sent one back.

*A*
I can go. When are you picking me up?

*I*
I will be there in fifteen minutes. See you soon Fredka.

I smiled as I got ready. I couldn't go out of my way to look good, but I did put on a nicer outfit. It was a pair of dark blue jeans that
made my butt look good and a plad button up. I looked good, but still casual. I grabbed my wallet and my set of house keys. I said bye to mom and waited outside on the tiny porch. I played on my phone to keep busy.

"Hello Fredka." I heard a voice say and yelped.

I looked up to see Ivan standing in front of me. "Vanya! You scared me! Don't sneak up on me like that!" I whined and he chuckled.

"Izvinite moya dorogaya. I did not mean to scare you." He apologized. I huffed and rolled my eyes, but a small smile was on my face. "You look good today."

I blushed lightly. "Thanks. I can't do any better without drawing attention, but I did my best. So, where are we going?"

"I thought we might stop by Irinas Icecream Parlor, then I got tickets for a movie. I hope you don't mind it's a horror." He said while rubbing the back of his neck.

"It sounds like fun and I love horrers! Lead the way?" I gestured down the side walk.

"Da." He nodded.

The walk was pleasant. The air was warm and the sky was sunny with only a few clouds. You could tell summer was right around the corner. The walk was filled with mostly small talk, but not in the uncomfortable way. The walk was mostly a strait shot, but we did stop once to help one of our elderly neighbors, Mr. Spiden, get his kitten Thunder out of a tree. Little cutie climbed up but couldn't figure out how to get back down.

When we got to the ice cream parlor I tried to pay for my own shake but Ivan wouldn't let me. His reasoning was, after we sat down and were away from prying ears, he was taking me on a date and he should pay. I blushed and studered out a small thanks.

"I love coming to this place. Mom would take the three of us all the time when we were little. Usually in the summer or if one of us had a bad day. Sometimes just for fun." I told him after taking a drink of my Oreo snake.

"Why did you stop?" He asked curiously.

"I don't know. I guess we just got too busy. We started making more friends, we'd hang out with them, Britt and I would spend part of the summer in the cabin. Over time we just kinda stopped coming here." I said thoughtfully. I should probably convice mom and Mattie to come back here some time. Relive the good old days. "Did you have a spot where your family would hang out?" I asked him.

"Oh, nyte. Both my parents worked and would be too tired when they came home. Though when my sister live in Russia with us she would sometimes take Natalie and I to this pond in the summer. We would swim and sometimes fish untill the sun would set and we'd have to go home." He said with a fond smile.

"That sounds fun. Their's a river near by that Mattie and I would fish at when we were little. He wanted to take one home and eat it but I threw a fit about. Said we shouldn't take him from his home. After about ten minutes of me crying about it he eventually agreed. I mean, it's not like we needed to fish to survive, so to take him would be kinda mean." I said with a laugh. He chuckled fondly.

"You have to protect everyone don't you?" He asked with slight amusement.

"Duh! I'm the hero after all! I will always protect those in need!" I shouted before striking a hero pose. "Even if they're animals."

"What started your desire to be a hero?" He asked.

"I'm bot really sure. It's not just one thing, it's a bunch of them. I guess it really started back when I was in first grade and I saved Feli from a bunch of bullies. I got beat up instead, but he was safe, so I guess that didn't really matter to me." I said thoughtfully as I told the story. "From then on I have always done what was needed to protect others. I want to help others so they don't have to feel away pain, even if that means I have to take it in their place."

"That is a noble mission Fredka." He said with a smile. "But be careful, even diamonds break when enough pressure is pressed on them."

"Don't worry, I'll be fine. I have you guys to help me out." I said referring to the group. "You especially." I blushed.

"Da!" He agreed, blushing as well.

"So, when does the movie start?" I asked after a moment of silence.

He checked his phone, it was 2:36. "It starts in about twenty-four minutes. We should start heading over so we don't miss the movie." He said getting up.

I followed suit and we left the empty cups on the table with a nice tip. The owners daughter works here and my mom was friends with her, so I wanted to help her out a little. This place is still open in the winter and serves more brownies and hot coco instead of ice cream.

"So, what's the movie called?" I asked as we steped out.

"Uh, I have forgotten its name, but it is supposed to be about a haunted house filled with demonds that wants to drag the family down to Hell one by one." He explained vaguely so as not to give it away.

"Nice! Sounds super scary!" I cheered.

"Are going to get scared?" He asked teasenly.

"No! The hero never gets scared! Especially not by something stupid, like a movie!" I protested with a pout.

"Okay Fredka, whatever you say." He put his hands up in surrender, but was laughing.

"Meanie." I stuck my toung out at him. "Come in, I want some popcorn, extra butter."

We walked in to the theater. It was surprisingly not very packed today. Usualy on wensdays this place had quite a few dozen people walking around, mostly kids our age. I guess with school being out the teens had already been here. I was filling mine and Ivans cup with coke when I heard a familiar voice. I looked around and spotted a distinctive curl.

"Hey! Feli!" I called out and jogged over to him. He turned around in surprise.

"O-oh, hey Alfred. How have you been?" He asked. I didn't know why, but he looked a little nervous.

"Just fine, a little happy that school is out for a few days. I finally caught up on some sleep, you know what I mean? How have you been though? You seem nervous." I asked trying to find out what's bothering him.

"I'm not nervous. You just startled me is all. Ve." He tried to wave it off. I noticed that he was figgeting a lot.

"Okay, if you say so." I said playing along. "So, you here with anyone?"

"N-nope, just me. I-i came to see the new romance movie, al-l by myself." He stuttered out.

"Okay, well, I'll see you around then bro. I have my own movie to watch. Bye." I told him slowly.

"Okay! Ciao!" He waved good bye and took off.

"Weird." I shrugged and walked back over to Ivan who just finished getting the popcorn. "Hey, guess who I just saw."

"Beyonce."

"No, but good guess. Feliciano is here." I told him as we started to head to our seats.

"Did he ask what we're doing here together?" He asked a little worried.

"No, he only asked me how my day was. He seemed nervous for some reason and wanted to get away from me. He said he was here for a movie, so that could be why, but the weird part was he said he is here alone. He hates being alone." I told him as I tried to put the pieces together. "Usually Ludwig is with him."

"While Feliciano is acting a little weird, I think you are over think things Fredka. Even the most social person enjoys a day or two to themselves. He probably wants to relax today by himself and was trying to get away from you before you asked to hang out with him." He suggested as we sat down.

We chose seats in the back so we could hold hand and no one would see us. Sure it was harder to see the screen, but we are less viable as well. Plus people prefer the middle, so the back was mostly to ourselves.

"You're probably right. No one in our group like romances except him, Francis, and, don't tell him I told you, Gilbert." I whispered the last name to him. What? News travels fast in our town.

"Gilbert, as in Mr. Too Awsome for anything mushy feely, likes romances?" He chuckled slightly.

"Yes. He will drag me over to Matts house so we can all watch one together. I can not tell you how many sappy romance movies I've had to sit through so if anyone catches us we could say it was a dare. It would only work if all three of us were there." I rolled my eyes. "Oh, and another little secret, he cries at the end or sad parts."

"I would have never taken him for someone who enjoys romance." He said thoughtfully.

"Well, their is often more too people then each of us are willing to let on. We feel the need to hid certain parts of ourselves that doesn't line up with others opinions or the image we try to hold. We do it to avoid judgement and rejection." I told him softly.

That was something that I had learned over my years of people watching as well as with my own experiences. We live a life of fear of rejection and feel the need to hide. We keep a big part of ourselves in the dark for years to protect ourselves. Often from those we love. That is the wrong way to live, and the wrong way to make others live with our own judgement, but their is another, more beautiful side to it.

While having to keep parts of ourselves hidden isn't healthy, by showing that part to someone we love and trust can deepen bonds between people. It shows the trust and faith we have with them. It can strengthen a relationship. It also gives us a safe place to be ourselves. While it may not be a physical place, it is a spiritual place. A home where you and the ones you love and/or trust the most have the key too. It is a home you can take with you anywhere you go.

"It is sad that people have to live that kind of life. Even in America, the land of the free, others are still rejected and ridiculed for being who they are." He said sadly.

"It may be like that for now, but I bet one-day we will all be able to see another persons hidden side and say 'okay, you are your own person'. We'll then go about our day. We'll still be friends with them. We won't try to shove our beliefs down their throats, nor will we hate them for not accepting our beliefs. We'll all live the kind of life we want to live. And that day will come when we decide." I said firmly.

"Wow." He said after a minute. "I hope you're right about that. This work would be a lot better place to live if that were to happen. Maybe wars would cease to exsist."

I smiled slightly. "Maybe. Who knows. Ooh! The movie's starting." I was instantly distracted by the horrer movie I came to see.

Turns out the movie was a lot scarier, and longer, then eaither of us thought it would be. About half way through the movie I had my arms wrapped around Ivans arm. He, on the other hand, didn't seem to be as scared of it as I was. He was a bit board if anything!

At a particularly scary jump I hid my face in his shoulder. He turned to me and gave me a look that was both amused and concerned.

"Are you alright?" He asked as he gently tried to coax my face out from his shoulder.

"Y-yep! I'm just m-making sure you d-don't get t-taken by any d-d-demons!" I studered out as my wide eyes darted around the room.

"We can leave if you want?" He offered.

"N-no thanks. I-I'm fine. I have to see how this ends anyway. I have got to know if the little girl makes it." I told him as I tried to put on a brave front. I burried my face again when I heard more screaming. "Just stay close okay? S-so I can catch you if demons try to take you!"

"Okay Fredka." He said fondly. I felt his hand take mine in a compherting way. Surprisingly it helped to sooth me.

The movie lasted for about another hour. In the end only the father and daughter survived. It was kinda sad that so many of their family and close friends died, but at least they managed to destroy the house and all the demons in it in the end. When we finally got out it was starting to get late. I checked my phone to see that it was just past five.

"Wow, that movie lasted for a long time." I said surprised.

"Da. I am sorry, I did not think it would last that long." He apologized.

"Don't worry about it dude. I don't think anyone in there believed it would last this long." I waved it off with a laugh. I felt my stomach rumble and stopped.

"Do you want to get something to eat before I take you home?" He asked with a small smile.

"Yea, that sounds good." I blushed slightly in embarrassment.

"Come Fredka. I know where we can grab something to eat. It is a little dinner just around the corner." He said as we walked down the street.

"I know where you're talking about. At the end of each school year the whole group comes out here to eat in celebration. You'll be joining us this time in about a month. Boy do we party. It happens at Italian twins house since it's big enough to hold all of us at once. Their's home made pizza and ice cream and karaoke. And it lasts all night long." I told him excitedly. These party's were awesome and got better each year!

"It sounds fun. Are you sure I will be invited? I have only known you all for a few months, not even a whole year." He asked nervously.

"Of course dude! Everyone in the group loves you! We'd be mad if you didn't show up." I laughed loudly. It was true. Dispite how little time he's been with the group he was one of us.

"If you insist. I do not want to over step my boundaries." He said shyly. It was really cute how he hid in his scarf.

"Don't worry dude. Everything is gonna be fine. You can even help set up with me, Mattie, Britt, and the Italian Twins. If you want." I offered. He gave me an appreciative smile and nodded.

Dinner was nice. We made small chit chat and just got to know each other better. We couldn't stay too increadably long. Mom wanted me home before dark and we can't make it look like a date. As much as I would love for people too see he was taken, I just wasn't ready yet.

He walked me home, all the way to the front door. Like a classy gentalman Arthur was always going on about being. It was a sweet gesture, making sure I got inside.

"I guess I will see you tomarrow then." He said a bit nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Yea, I guess." I shifted my feet nervously.

I knew how this was supposed to end in the movies. I wanted to kiss him. I looked around him real quick at all my neighbors houses. I checked the window to see if my brother was watching.

Seeing that the coast was clear I turned back to him. He looked at me confused for a second. I mustered up all the courage I had. Fast as a snake I pulled him down by his scarf and pressed a kiss against his lips. I kept him there as long as I dared and released him. I checked the area one more time and let out a sigh of relief.

"Well, see you tomarrow." I said quickly and darted inside. I closed the door and pressed my back against it. I brought my hand up to my racing heart, trying to calm it.

"Alfred, hunny, is that you?" I heard my mom call from the kitchen.

"Yea mom. It's me." I shouted back.

"Dinner's done if you're hungry." She called back.

"No thanks, I ate while I was out." I said going up the stairs.

"Okay. See you latter." She told me.

"Have fun on your date!" Mattie's voice finaly called out.

"It wasn't a date. We were just hanging out." I shouted back. I was in our room before I heard his response.

The second I closed the door I dove for my bed. I pulled out my phone and texted the one person I could talk about with this.

*A*
You'll never guess what happend with me and Ivan.

*B*
One; Ivan and I.
Two; do tell.

____________________________________

For those of you who have been waiting, sorry it took ne months to get this out. I've been focusing on my other books. Currently Seven Days of Thanksgiving. So updates will be few and far in between untill I get this book done. Don't worry, I'm still writing this one and I should be done with the other soon. Thank you for your patients.