Reader pov

"What did he want?"

"Jeez, George let me come in before you start bombarding me with questions." I pushed past him and set my bag on the floor.

"Well? Did he offer you a job at Fittes? He wants to take you, I knew it!"

"I'm not going to Fittes. Calm down. He just wanted to chat. As acquaintances. Normal people. He didn't offer me a job."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. You can't get rid of me so easily. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go out again. I just came back for my wallet."

I grabbed my wallet and ignored George's glare as I walked back out the door. Letting out a sigh, I went to the local shopping center.

The truth is, I had actually been returning home to just stay there, but Kipps stopped me across the street and asked me out for coffee. I'll be honest, I know my friends hate him, but I think he's a nice guy. He seems genuine enough, especially since his gift faded almost completely and he became a supervisor as opposed to a group leader. He's less stuck up anymore.

However, after I had accepted, I realized I had no clothes to wear to a casual date. My wardrobe was almost exclusively athletic clothes for work and about two very fancy outfits for formal events.

I went through a few stores before I eventually just decided to wear a nice long sleeve v-neck and some nice jeans. Nothing fancy, but better than basketball shorts and a stained hoodie.

Once I got back home, George still seemed upset but didn't say anything as I made my way up to my room. I shared with Lucy, but she was on a trip to see her ghost locked friend this weekend, so it was just me. I changed into comfier clothes and got into bed.

It was still early morning, but the sleep schedule of an agent is all over the place. We're mostly nocturnal because we work all our cases during the night. George and Lockwood are likely to be getting to sleep pretty soon too.

We didn't work a case last night so it's a bit of a struggle to fall asleep. I usually get so exhausted I'm barely able to make it to bed at all.

I listen to my surroundings. Lockwood and George are arguing about something I can't make out. There's young children laughing outside. There are some birds singing in the trees by my window. And suddenly it doesn't take long for me to fall asleep.

*************

I get up at eight o'clock pm. A bit of an early day for any of us, but honestly I'd rather not be seen leaving anyway. It's to my benefit George and Lockwood are asleep.

I get dressed in the outfit I bought yesterday. Suddenly, it doesn't seem as nice as it did in the shop. I frown and try to fix it but to no avail. I just sigh and go downstairs, writing a note telling the others I've gone to the library. I grab my bag and begin heading out the door when I hear a voice.

"Where are you off to at such an hour?"

I whip around. "Lockwood! You scared me!" I huff. "Just the library."

"Are those jeans?"

"Yes? What about them?"

"I didn't even know you owned a pair. Why so dapper for the library?"

"I just felt like it. Now can I please leave? They close in an hour and I've still got to walk there."

He motions toward the door. "Have at it. I'll see you later." I turn the knob again. "Oh! One more thing! I don't know who it is you're meeting with, but tell them I said hello." He smiled and ducked back into the library, leaving me there with my mouth agape.

I looked at my watch; 8:30. "Shit!" I run out and get a cab to take me to the cafe Kipps agreed to meet me at. I tip the driver before rushing into the building to see Kipps sitting at a booth alone.

"I'm so sorry I'm late! I got a bit held up at the agency." I sit across from him.

"Oh! It's no matter! I was actually running a bit late myself." He smiled. "One of our new recruits is a bit nervous and I had to calm him down so he didn't quit."

"Goodness that's stressful."

"All in a day's work. What's your drink, I'll go get it for you."

"Oh no I couldn't possibly-"

"I asked you to accompany me, so I'll be the one paying, okay? Now, what would you like?"

I smile. "A (f/d) please."

"Coming right up." He goes to the counter to order both of our drinks.

He returns a few minutes later and slides mine in front of me. "One (f/d) just for you."

"Thank you very much, Sir Kipps."

"Oh please, call me Quill." He waves his hand. "I'm not your rival anymore. Well, not directly."

I nod. "Right, you just train our rivals now." I laugh a bit. "It's alright, I can't imagine I've got much longer with my gift."

"It's not that bad after a while. Sure, at first you think your entire world is collapsing, but you get used to it." He shrugs as he takes a sip of his drink. "But let's talk about something else. I want to get to know you outside of work."

I nod. "I'd like that."

"So... What do you like to do? For fun?"

"Hm... I like going to the movies. And the library. And there's this place in my hometown where you can go to just break stuff, lots of fun."

"That sounds awesome!"

"Right? I'll have to take you sometime, it's brilliant!"

"Does that mean you're interested in this being a regular occurrence?"

"I'm not opposed to the idea." I take a drink. "Though, I didn't tell anyone I was meeting with you."

"Ooh, risky~" he flexed his eyebrows.

I scoffed. "As if. I could take you down if need be."

"Honestly, I don't doubt that." He looks at me.

We both just start laughing. It's nice to finally have some new company that I don't live with.

We stay there for about an hour before he has to go to work. Before he leaves, he hesitantly kisses my cheek. "Give me a ring, will you?"

"Uh- Yeah! Yeah, of- of course." I bumble out.

He chuckles. "I'll see you around."

"Be careful tonight!"

"I always am! But I'll be extra careful! Just for you!" He smiles and waves as he walks out the door. I start my way back home, keeping an eye out for any early visitors.

I get back rather quickly, only to find George standing by the stairs. "Where've you been?"

"Out. Didn't you read my note?"

"I don't believe it. You were out with Kipps weren't you?"

"No. Whats it matter anyway?"

"Because I am essentially your brother, I worry about you."

"There's no need. I was alone and back before the curfew bells rang. It's all fine. Now, if you'll excuse me-" I push past him. "I need to get out of these clothes and into some sweatpants."

I go up to my room and change into my athletic clothes. We don't have a case to work tonight, so it's going to just be a chill night in. I go to the library and sit next to Lockwood.

"How was your date?" He asks, not looking up from his magazine.

"It wasn't a date!"

"If you say so..." He turns the page.

"... It went well."

"Well how splendid." He looks at me. "Mind telling me who it is if you're going on a second?"

"You know, I think I'll wait to disclose such details for a while longer."

I smile. It's refreshing to have something to myself. Nobody demanding for me to share. It's just something for me.

Me and Quill is just my little bit of information. Splendid.