That night, my dreams were just about as unpleasant as they could fucking get.

That afternoon at work, Dexter asked me to go out with him for a friendly co-worker dinner. It was kind of random. He didn't say where, he just said he would pick me up at my house. At first I didn't want to expose my address, I don't fucking know Dex yet, but eventually just said fuck it and dressed up in casual clothing, brushed my hair and he came at 5:45pm.

When he arrived sharply right on the time, I was stunned at his dress up shirt and black pants with his hair looking brushed for the first time I've ever seen it brushed. Damn.

"Is this a gay date or a friendly co-worker outing?" I joked.

Dexter laughed. "Do you not like my outfit?"

Was he kidding? "You look good." I smiled. He actually looked really fucking hot. "You should dress up more." I said suggestively.

Nothin wrong with flirting a bit. I doubt Vic's gonna be coming back.

His lips formed this soft and friendly smile. "Thanks."

We hopped in his car and got there. He fucking takes me to Los Hermanos, the best Mexican food place around here. Did I ever mention how much I love Mexican food? That would be Vic's doing.

"LOS HERMANOS!!!!" I shrieked.

He grinned. "You like Mexican food? I wouldn't have known."

"My ex was Mexican and we would go here all the time. It was the best place there was!"

"What makes you so damn excited Kellin? You're about to trip," he laughed.

"They have the fucking best mex rice, chicken is off the fucking roof, and god damn, the yukka fries give me orgasms."

Dex gave me a huge smile. "Glad I chose the right place," he said jumping out the car waiting for me to walk with him "Y'know, i would've never known I'd be talking to you like this let alone taking you out to eat."

My stomach dropped in somewhere between nervousness and joy. This was a sweet move he was making. I missed being able to have someone care about me, i didn't really care that we were just friends. Did I?

"Kellin?"

"Yeah, me neither, I responded.

He ordered the food and we sat down at a two person table and talked as long as the night allowed it. I loved talking to him. We talked about everything from our job to the new year and plans we had, music and personal interests. Like me, he didn't really play video games but I enjoy them every once in a while. We were both only children and grew up enjoying varieties of rock. I was to say the least surprised that Dex liked rock music even though my taste of post hardcore/metalcore didn't quite fit him.

"I'm more of a Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, Bon Jovi, Red Hot Chili Peppers kinda boy. But every once in a while I can enjoy some Metallica or AC/DC. You know, all the old stuff," he had said.

We didn't talk about everything but we almost did, at least it felt like it. I felt somewhat accomplished like I had unleashed mysteries behind this nerdy ass little ginger fluff.

When we were long after done eating and it was a little past 9pm, Dex pointed out the time.

"I'd love to talk more with you, but it's getting late."

I groaned. "Bummer cause I love talking to you." I looked up and met his eyes looking dead center to mine when I said so and he didn't respond for what felt like 10 seconds.

"You're interesting, Kellin. I like you a lot more than I thought I would. I...I'm glad you like talking to me...I thought I'd always just be a nerd to you." he smiled.