Twizzlers (MxMxM)

Chapter 28 - Bonding

After we all ate, I hurried them to the car and began driving us to our next destination. I hoped they'd like it. Coming up with dates was harder than I thought. My only hope was that they would have fun.

This time, Aubrey sat next to me and messed around with my music. I didn't mind seeing as I had no preferences for music. He found something he liked and began bobbing his head to the beat. I glanced over and smiled. He looked so cute with his curls bouncing around. His tongue was peeking out of his mouth too as he danced in his seat.

A few minutes later, we arrived. Once we got out, I looked to Evander. This stop was for him mainly. By the smile on his face, I could tell I'd done well. Pride welled in my chest and I felt a smile of my own nearly split my face apart. Grabbing both of their hands, I pulled them into the bookstore.

"Thank you, Aaron," Evander said.

"Of course. I noticed you're starting to reread books so I figured you'd want to look at some more."

The bookstore was small but big enough that we were able to explore a decent amount. I quite liked the atmosphere of it. The gentle glow of artificial candles and wood flooring made it feel very rustic. There were plenty of plants hanging and a lot of rugs. Quiet music was playing in the background that added to the atmosphere. Why hadn't I come here sooner? I was never one to read a lot, but maybe I should if I get to come to places like this.

We wandered around for a bit before Evander found some books he was interested in. I found a book or two as well. Aubrey found a little alcove with seats so we sat down together and Evander offered to read the beginning of one of the books he'd been really interested in.

"Oo, yes!" Aubrey agreed, plopping down in Evander's lap once the vampire was settled in a chair.

I chuckled at his excitement and sat down on the ground by them, carefully resting my head against the chair. Evander let a hand hang down to run through my hair while he read. His voice was so smooth, Goddess. When he spoke, you couldn't help but pay attention. I briefly wondered why we hadn't forced him to read to us before. It was comforting. I fought off sleep multiple times.

"I like this book," Evander commented, waking me from my doze.

I blinked my eyes open and looked up at them. They both had teasing smiles on their faces. They caught me. "Shut up," I grumbled, looking away.

"We didn't say anything," Aubrey giggled. "I enjoyed it, too. Can you read it to us some more later?"

"I would love to," he said and surprised me by pecking Aubrey's lips.

Aubrey hummed and pecked him back. "Great. I think we should do it before bed, though. Otherwise, Aaron will keep falling asleep when he's not supposed to."

I gasped and lightly pinched Aubrey's leg. "Hey! It was just because I'm full and that makes me drowsy."

He laughed. "Right, of course."

I huffed. Since when was he so teasing? With a grumble, I stood up. "Let's go buy whatever you guys want now. There are more places to go."

They stood up as well and Aubrey walked ahead of us. Evander lingered behind to offer a small smile. "Thank you for taking us here."

"It's not that big of a deal," I muttered bashfully.

Evander hummed and lifted my chin. "Well, it is to me."

I found myself briefly getting lost in his beautiful dark eyes. There was something in his eyes that sent a small thrill through my entire body. "Aaron," he whispered.

"Yes?"

"I want to kiss you, to show you how thankful I am. Is that okay?"

It'd been a while since either of them brought up kissing and stuff. But, after spending so much time with them, learning how much I cared about them, I realized that I was ready.