- Beanie -

Chapter 9 - The Date

Yen's POV

I nervously laced my shoes. Damien will be here any minute now. It's 5:54 PM, 6 minutes to compose myself. Am I actually gonna do it? I feel like I'm living in a dream. Am I actually awake? I pinched myself, trying to wake up from this crazy dream. "Aw." I said as I rub my left arm. That was stupid. 

I sat on the couch, contemplating of what I'm gonna say once I open the door to reveal the man I am gonna go out with tonight. I might seem so completely out of it but it's been a while since I've been out in the spectrum. It's hard retransitioning, but I am excited.

I heard faint knocking on the door. I stood up immediately. Oh my God this is it. I fixed my flowy skirt and got my bag. I took one last exhale before opening the door. "Hi." I said, with eyes wide open. I took a deep exhale to see Nancy. "I thought it's Damien." I said. "Ooh, you seem so excited, are you okay?" She said, closing the door behind her. "I am, it's just that I'm actually doing this again, and I don't know what to expect." I said. "Yen, don't expect a lot. Just chill, get to know him and enjoy the moment, I'm sure you'll be fine." I exhaled yet again, releasing the frustration. 

"Thank you." I said, giving her a hug. Then I heard rustling coming from behind the door. Nervous whispers but you can obviously tell it's Damien. I smiled at the thought of him already here. I looked back at Nancy as a huge grin was plastered in her face. "Have fun!" She said, before going in her room. 

I double checked myself before opening the door. And this time when I opened it, it's definitely a Mr. Damien Haas holding a sunflower. A smile slowly crept in my face as he gave it to me. "Thank you." I said, smelling the flower. I put it inside a vase and locked the door behind me. I looked back at Damien who is obviously looking at me. "Wow, uh sorry. God damn, you look undeniably gorgeous." He said.

My heart started beating even faster, the smile glued on my face became wider and the rosy cheeks I had are definitely red now. "Gotta say, you clean up pretty well, young sir. You look very handsome." I said, earning a smile from him. He moved his head to the side, trying to hide the fact that I have made him blush. "Shall we go now?" He asked. I nodded excitedly and followed him to the car. 

The drive to the restaurant was nice, we were listening to some tunes that would come up and we actually ended up getting to know more about ourselves. We settled in a Korean BBQ Restaurant. We got the best place in the restaurant. We were at a booth near a window that displays a view of the city. The lights are mesmerizing. I can't help but smile. "I'm sorry, I'm just attracted to beautiful scenery." I said, shifting my gaze from nature back to him. "I couldn't agree more." He said, looking straight at me. This man knows how to make me feel so soft. 

We continued eating our fine dinner and had small talks in between. My feelings for this man just increases as each second passes. "So, how long are you gonna stay?" He asked. "I'll be here until the 16th." I said, as I chew on my Bulgogi. "2 weeks from now?" he added. 

"Yeah, I'll be back in New York." I said, getting less enthusiastic. The thought of being away from Nans makes me sad, other that that, I will surely miss Damien the most. I know it's weird. It's been a day since I knew the guy, but we have this undying connection that we just can't let go. Our souls are fit for each other. I sense belongingness with him. What if I convince my boss to relocate me to LA, since we also have an office here and conviniently near the Mythical Building?

Damien noticed the change of mood. "Yen, are you okay?" he said, holding my hand. I looked at him and gave him a smile. "Yes. I'm just thinking how 2 weeks is not that far from now. I'm gonna miss this, you, everything." I said. Damien stood up from his seat and sat beside me. He put his arms around my shoulder and gave me a comforting side hug. "We'll make every second count." he said. I looked up at him and couldn't help but stare at him. 

Him staring back at me sent chills all over my body. The smile grew back and I didn't feel worried anymore. At this point, I just wanna kiss him. I'm fighting the urge to kiss him. He cupped my face with his hand and caressed it a little making me bite my lip unintentionally. His gaze alternates from my eyes and lips. I did the same. 

"Excuse me, sorry for ruining the moment, here's your bill." A waiter interrupted us. Damien looked at him and gave him a smile. "No problem man." He said, before looking at me and giving me a smile. His infectious smile drives me crazy. He got his wallet out and paid for the bill. He scooted out of the booth and offered me his hand for me to reach. "Thank you, kind sir." I said, giving him a curtsy. "You're adorable." He commented, before we walk out of the restaurant.

"That was amazing, Damien. Great food, great service, perfect ambiance, not to mention a perfect buddy to come with." I said. We walk the streets of LA, walking back to where he parked the car. 

We walked past an ice cream shop and I immediately pulled him in. "This time, I'm paying." I said. He was about to interject but I held his hands. "Please, let me pay this time." I said earning a sigh, "fine, just now" he said giving me a dimply smile. We both got our order and sat in a little booth, with us facing each other. 

"Yen, I know this is weird but I hope you're okay with going out with me again after tonight." He said, taking a spoon full of ice cream. He wants another date. I squealed internally and flashed a smile. "I would love to, but in one condition." I answered him which caught his attention. "I'm listening..." he said. "I would love to meet the geese." I said. "Easy, we can meet them tonight. If you don't mind." he said, I nodded as I continued eating.  Looking at the clock behind him, 8:30 PM it stated. This has been the most fun I've ever been in a while. 

This night is perfect. The man in front of me is perfect. I couldn't ask for anything more. God has been spoiling me too much, and I am very grateful of these blessings. I looked back at him and see him enjoying his ice cream. I can't help it, I got my phone out and took a picture of him. It caught his attention. 

"I'm so sorry, I can't help it, you look so adorable. I just wanna capture the moment." He looked at me and had the idea of doing the same thing to me. "I'll let you keep that as long as I get to get my own shot." he compromised. "Fine. That would be fair." I said, scooping the ice cream as he got his phone out.

Now we're back at the car and now we're on our way to his home. Damien was driving and I just can't get my eyes off of him. He looks so peaceful and wonderful. How did I get this lucky? His free hand got a hold of mine and it made me blush intensely. He squeezed it tight and smiled at me. I caressed his hands as the drive went so smoothly. The song 'I Love You 3000' played on the radio.

We hummed to the tune of the song. I can't help but admire this wonderful man sitting beside me. 

"Baby take my hand, I want you to be my husband, 'cause you're my Iron Man and I love you 3000." I sang, still caressing his soft hand. 

"Baby take a chance 'cause I want this to be something, straight out of a hollywood movie."  I continued serenading the man driving us to meet the fluffy geese he owns. A few minutes have passed and we're parking in his garage. We got out of the car and made our way inside. 

As soon as he opened the door, 2 beautiful cats walked towards him. "Hi baby girls." He greeted giving the pets a soft rub. "I'm sorry, how rude of me. Yen, this is Zelda and this is Freyja." He said pointing to the two cats that are looking at me. I walked closer and pet them. Freyja walked in between my legs as Zelda sat in front of me. "Oh my God, I love them already." I said, trying to lift Zelda.