What NOT To Do On A First Date

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Summary: Lassiter has a date. Finally.

Part two of Social Norms and College Dorms

Notes: Welp. Was supposed to be a oneshot. Guess it's a two-shot now, lmao

Word Count: 1,779

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Two stressful hours later and Lassiter had completed his exam. As he packed up his things, Juliet tapped him on the shoulder.

"How do you think you did? Did the notes help?"

"Pretty sure I nailed it thanks to those notes."

"Good, I'm not sure if Professor Spencer would've gone easy on you if you did bad on the exam." It was true, the man could be a real hardass on students. He'd never let up on anyone, and Lassiter had even heard rumors that the professor held the same standards on his own kid as the students. "Anyway, I saw there was a new coffee place out on 7th street. We could go there?"

"Actually, I've already got plans to go there." The words slipped out before he could even think.

Juliet stopped right there. "Ooo, really? Are you going with someone?" She let out a tiny gasp. "Are you going out with someone?! Who is it? Do I know her? What's her name?"

Lassiter's head spun at the rapid-fire questions, and he began to regret opening his mouth. He knew what she would do if she knew he was going on a blind date. Well, not exactly blind date, per se. He knew what he looked like. Along with one fact about him, which was that he smoked weed. But it was thanks to that that Shawn had found his way to Lassiter's dorm, consequently leading to this date. So he guessed that maybe weed wasn't all that bad. In certain circumstances.

Then the meaning of exactly what Juliet had said hit him. She'd said 'her'. Her name. Not 'his', not even 'their'. Her.

That's when he realized he'd never told her he was pansexual. He could've sworn she was the only person other than his mothers that knew. But apparently not. He must have dreamed of their conversation about his sexuality or something.

Lassiter realized Juliet was looking at him expectantly, and remembered that she'd asked him several questions. For the first time in a while, he was at a loss for words. How would he explain to her that he was meeting up with another guy? Should he lie and make something up? Did he even really want to tell her? But he couldn't just say nothing, that would be rude to do to his only friend (he may not know much about social etiquette, but telling a friend to buzz off when they're being genuinely curious was one thing he knew not to do).

"Well, if you must know. I am going on a date-"

"Oh my gosh Carlton, that's great! I'm so happy for you!"

He smiled awkwardly at the praise. "Eheh, thank you, uhm. And no, you wouldn't know... her. She's... Lauren's... friend?"

If Juliet had noticed the hesitancy in Lassiter's voice, she didn't give any indication. "Well, I'm really happy for you. I hope it goes smoothly."

A small genuine grin formed. "Yeah, thanks-"

"Oh! A word of advice:" She motioned him a little closer when she said her next sentence. Under her breath, she said, "try not to bring up the dead clown story. I know you think it's funny-"

"It is funny!" He tried to defend himself.

"But the last time you did that I had to pick you up from a restaurant fifteen miles from campus because your date left you."

Lassiter opened and closed his mouth. Juliet wasn't wrong. He had in fact waited and waited patiently at the table for his date to come back from the bathroom, eager to continue in the telling of his favorite story. Lassiter had acquired it by being in, what he would consider, the right place at the right time. He couldn't fathom why some people who were standing nearby had to consult with an on-site therapist (who was most likely there for the children that would be scared of the circus performers).

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