Dear Patience (n.j.h.)

chapter eight,

The two walked out of the restaurant quietly.

Eva felt bad that she'd ruined Niall's plans, especially because he was so excited. 

She lightly bumped into him as they walked, he looked at her with a smile.

"Sorry," "I'm sorry,"

They both said as they reached the car and they laughed.

"You have nothing to apologize about. It's a religious thing, I can't ask you to do something you don't feel morally correct doing." Niall stated and Eva nodded.

She appreciated his understanding and willingness to alter his plans for her.

"That's very respectful and kind," She said. "Thank you." And he nodded before he opened the car door for her.

"So, I was thinking we could cook dinner together," Eva suggested as Niall turned on the car.

"Yeah? What exactly?" He asked, loving the idea of cooking with Eva.

"Well, it's an Afghan dish but it's pretty basic. It's called butter chicken. With rice and I don't know, ice cream?" She said shaking her head.

Niall nodded, "I'm down for that, but I'm assuming we have to go somewhere specific for the chicken?"

"You assume right, darling. Just look up any international market, I'm sure they'll have something."

"Alright, this is gonna be a hell of a meal, I bet," Niall said as he drove out of the parking lot.

"You're right yet again. Tonight is going to be wonderful." She said smiling and he laid his hand out and she lightly put hers on top before he wrapped his fingers around hers. 

After multiple misdirections and various u-turns, some legal, they found a store near Niall's apartment. 

"This is it, this is the good stuff, Niall." She said and held a package of frozen chicken breast.

"Not gonna lie, looks the same but moving on," He joked and she hit his arm before they moved throughout the store to get the rest of the ingredients.

"Rice!" Eva exclaimed and tossed the bag of basmati into the cart. "Alright, I think that's it."

"What about some sake?" Niall said holding up a green bottle.

Eva chuckled before shaking her head, "I don't drink either." 

Niall silently "Oh"-ed before placing the bottle back on the shelf.

"Religious thing," She stated and Niall nodded.

"Ice cream mochi?" He chirped.

"Now that's an idea I can get behind."

After they paid, they loaded the bags into the trunk of Niall's car and drove to his apartment.

"Woah, this is a tall building. And! You have a security guard?" Eva said as she looked around the luxurious lobby.

"What can I say? The music connoisseuring business is booming at the moment," Niall simply responded.

"Evidently," Eva said as they entered the elevator. When she saw he clicked the highest number she shook her head.

"Carrying groceries must be a hassle for you, huh?"

Niall laughed. "I don't shop often, I usually get what I need for the day or whatever. Plus it's just me... there's not much to buy other than junk food and beer."

"Well, that's about to change mister because after today you're gonna want the recipe to this dish and you're always going to want to make it." She smiled before getting out of the elevator happily.