Better Together - A Kalen Does Stuff x Reader Story

First meeting

Kalen's path is all too familiar to him. He's meeting up with his friends Jade and Wolf at the local restaurant, Chi Chi's. As he starts up his car and turns on the radio, the familiar voices of his favorite talk show hosts drown out the noises of everything that needs to be fixed in his car.

The drive is all too familiar, and Kalen could make the whole trip asleep if he had to. He parks the car in the designated area and exits, remembering to lock his car this time. He will never make that same mistake again.

As he enters the building, Jade and Wolf are sitting in their usual booth, the window seat away from everybody else. He smiles warmly as he approaches them, and takes a seat next to Jade.

"How's life, bros?" Kalen asks, looking at Jade.

"My boyfriend bought me the prettiest necklace, look!" She shows it to Kalen.

"Oh wow, that's beautiful Jade! You're really lucky to have someone like him."

"I know!" She grins.

"And you, Wolf? What about—"

"Can I start you off with some drinks?" The waiter asks them.

Kalen looks up to match the voice with the face, and sees what he believes to be the most gorgeous man he had ever laid eyes on.

"Dr. Pepper, please!" Jade smiles.

Wolf and Kalen stay silent.

"And for you?" The waiter asks Wolf.

He starts to shake, unprepared to answer the question.

"Uh, I'll have a water with lemon. Heh." Kalen interrupts, saving his friend.

Wolf looks like he's about to cry.

"U-uh, an apple juice, please," Wolf speaks softly.

"Coming right up!" The waiter cheerfully walks away, leaving the trio to their thoughts.

"You like that waiter, don't you?" Jade wastes no time.

"I'm not looking for a relationship at the moment."

"It couldn't hurt to try!"

"I guess. But I'd rather not."

"Come on, Kalen, just try!"

"Jade. Come on. I'd rather not."

Jade decides not to push the issue, but secretly makes a plan up in her head. She texts Wolf.

Hey Kalen is into the waiter. I'm gonna ask for his number on behalf of Kalen. Watch my purse for me

Wolf reads the message, and watches Jade's purse as she does exactly as she says she would do. She lies to Kalen that she needs to use the bathroom, waits for the waiter to bring the drinks, and catches the waiter on the way back.

She saves the number in her notes app in case Kalen destroys the paper, and returns to the table.

"Hey Kalen, I got the waiter's number!"

"What? No way! Really?"

"You seem pretty happy about this. At least, for someone who doesn't wanna date right now."

"I...I don't know. Okay?"

"Kalen, it might be time to put yourself out there and give dating a go!"

"I guess..."

Kalen takes the number, and promises Jade to text the waiter tomorrow, when his mind is more clear.

"So Wolf, how is life for you? Are you seeing anyone?"

"No" he shrugs.

Wolf takes a sip of his drink.

"Well I'm sure you'll meet someone soon!" They both say.

"Yeah. Thanks."

Wolf doesn't talk much for the rest of the meetup.

As Kalen drives home, he's distracted. Should he really give this random idea a shot? Dating hasn't worked out well for him in the past, it's always felt like a burden more than an enjoyment. Like one wrong move could screw everything up, like he was putting on a show, trying to be perfect and feign interest, even though he didn't really feel much. It was much more simple to just stay friends.

His feelings hadn't changed now, but he figured he should probably give this a try. He didn't wanna let Jade down after she got that guy's number for him, after all.

He pulled in the driveway, then exited and locked his car. As he entered his house, his phone vibrated. He checked it. A message from Wolf.

"He's probably messaging me to thank me for hanging out with him. He's just...like that," Kalen thought. But Kalen was wrong. That's why you don't judge people.

U don't have to message that guy if u aren't comfortable with it. Take as much time as u need, it's ur decision Kalen and this is a big one

Kalen laughed to himself. "Wolf is so thoughtful, trying to check in, but I think I'm gonna do it this time."

I think I'll do it this time, Wolf. Thank you, though

A large smile spreads across his face as he hits send. He's so glad to have such caring friends, even if Wolf has a crush on him that he will never return.

The next day, Kalen keeps to his word and sends the message to the waiter.

Hi, I'm Kalen. I was at the table of three yesterday with the girl who asked for your number and the stuttering person.