(no subject)

[talktogirls]

His heart had been racing faster than the parts of the Hallowen music occupanying the theme park when Ruby agreed to come join his group. Gus, Hazel and the others went ahead of him, with the promise he'd catch up. Sam waited near the front as he promised, next to markers he pointed out over their communication in the unsettling but brightly colored clown mural and the merry go round of elephants, lions and tigers.

This wasn't like any other time meeting up with Ruby. It was a date. One of the first since he had a few conversations with Ruby and his mother seperately about boundaries and having a relationship anyway. In preparation, he had bought the couples package worth of tickets so they could go on rides and play almost every game at least one each. He thought she would like candy floss so he bought her one; at it's core it was red, orange in the middle and yellow on top.

From a certain distance he looked anxious but the minute he saw Ruby come up, he smiled his trademark bright and white smile. It had only been eightteen hours since he saw her last but her presence never got old. "You're right on time. Uh...so, this is for you." He hands her the floss. "Everybody went a head to the haunted house already but I let them know we might play a few games first too. We can start where ever you like." Yes, he's a little awkward but he'll a hang of this platonic dating thing eventually.

Comments

[peaceonearth]

Ruby hadn't expected Sam to ask her out this publicly so soon after their discussion. She'd thought he'd want a little more time to get used to the idea; however, she'd been pleasantly surprised when he had. The whole group had taken one car and Ruby thought it might be easier if she had her own car. It would be easy for her and Sam to make an escape should they feel like it was all too overwhelming. She's wearing a pair of distressed jeans, and an oversized band tee shirt with the neck cut out so that it slides off her shoulder. It's chilly enough that she's added a broken-in leather jacket on top. She's swapped out the stiletto-heeled boots for a mid-calf pair with a chunky high heel that will be more suited for the carnival atmosphere. Her hair is curled in loose ringlets that fall to the middle of her back.

She'd felt a little silly getting so nervous about this hangout. Physically, it wouldn't be much different from any other time they'd hung out, but it is a date: their first official date. Ruby isn't sure they've got Melissa's blessing so much as Melissa admitting defeat, and Ruby is okay with that. The sight of Sam waiting for her makes Ruby smile; it's a big, honest, open smile that one rarely sees unless that smile is directed at Sam.

She hums in appreciation when he hands her the candy. "You know all the ways to my heart," she tells him and she leans in to hug him, her lips brushing his cheek. She hugs him tightly for a moment, and when she lets go, she slides her hand down his hand to catch his hand with hers. She knows he's awkward about this. She is too (because it's very hard not to kiss him), but they'll figure it out together and she's trying to make it less awkward. She bumps his shoulder with hers lightly. "How are you feeling?"

[talktogirls]

He'd offer her his jacket tied around his waist if she came under prepared. But as far as her outfit goes he might even think her clothes are all brand new had he not seen them before. In any case, he has to almost remember how to speak because she's visibly stunning in her bad girl biker look. Her ringlets make up his favorite of her hairstyles. He sighs outwardly, happy. He's more open to Halloween and dressing up unlike his past life, but his own costume is very minimal. Rather than his usual school uniform, he is in the Hogwarts uniform and cloak.

His mother had let him know that she would be fine with him asking Ruby out as long as they remained chaste. Of course Sam had prodded this answer out of her and brushed off the strange feeling his mother was off in some way as only his overactive imagination. Besides he promised Ruby that kiss wouldn't happen again until he was old enough. Her smile doesn't seem so rare when it's always directed at him.

"No... I guess. I mean I didn't want you to wait if there was a longer line by the time you got here." He sweats as the truth is that she's on to him a little. Though he knew it would take her a bit to arrive and used that time to wait in line for her. He's red where lips touch his cheek and not from the lipstick. He squeezes her hand because it's an assurance that they're doing this together as a date. He thinks her shoulder bump means they should see where they end up and start walking. He leads her through the crowd away from the all-ages area to where some of the rides and games for ages 13 and up. "About us? My heart is racing, but if I'm being honest I'm glad we both can do this together. It feels....right somehow. You look good, by the way. I like your jacket."

[peaceonearth]

The jacket is probably older than he is. The boots are more new than the rest of her outfit. She's learned to have hunting clothes and normal clothes to keep things nice. Regardless, it seemed like the right outfit for the event and the crowd. It's good to see him happy and not traumatized by Halloween in general.

Melissa had been far from fine with it, but it was like stopping a moving train. She had to get fine with it because Sam was 17. He'd be 18 in 7 months and she'd have very little say in who he dated. Realistically though, she's aware that she has little say in it now. If she'd said no, Sam probably would have snuck around behind her back. She'd rather him talk about it and they make some compromises and lay some boundaries, which is exactly what they'd done. She's grateful to have Ruby on board. Of course, it's also literally in the contract (not demon deal exactly-no one's soul was forfeit) they'd signed. The rarity of Ruby's smile isn't likely something he'll realize until he's older and more accustomed to seeing her around other people.

There's nothing wrong with her being onto him. In fact, it makes dating easier on his end. The blush is adorable and she takes pleasure in having been the cause of it. The shoulder bump isn't so much a nudge to move as it is as a reassurance from her. She did it a lot with Jack and the girls growing up. She is happy to let him lead the way as they talk. "About us. About us and your friends tonight. About everything." She wants to make sure the reality of their decision isn't too overwhelming in the public light. "Thank you. I'm trying to fit in," she admits. "The school uniform look is a good one on you," she winks at him. Yes, she knows it's Harry Potter. "Maybe I should have dressed up as Hermonie but....biker Barbie seems more me."

[talktogirls]

He never barfed on Ruby after the effects of too much candy and butterflies in his stomach while apple bobbing either. He's never done that in his known life. And he's dressed up thus far every single year. The smile on his face widens when Ruby subtly hints that knows what he's dressed as. Harry Potter is a cult classic in the literary world.

He most definitely would have snuck behind Melissa's back but he would have been so torn and hurt if Melissa had said no. His mother was and is his support for so many things. Her words and opinions impact his life everyday. Most often she's the reason his days start on a good note because she sends him off to school with the same words she's said since pre-school: You can make a difference in the world.

Maybe he needs a little reassurance from time to time. Even if he doesn't realize it on a conscious level, he does seem to understand her reassurance on a subconscious one and relax more as they walk. There's no doubt in his mind that he wants to introduce her officially to those that don't already know about them, or her specifically, that they're an item. He turns a little brighter red, affected by her compliment and thinking about her dressed as Hermonie. "You'll fit in fine as biker Barbie. Hopefully it's fine that I'm in, um, another school uniform. Seems like I'm always wearing one." He pokes fun at his own expense. "Then why don't we start with the games and catch up with them afterwards."

[peaceonearth]

She's counting that as a good thing, though if it had happened, it's far from the worst thing she's had spilled, spewed, or sprayed on her. Hunting monsters is (sometimes) gross. She remembers when the books came out and everyone was obsessed with them.

Melissa knew that she was fighting a losing battle. She had to trust Sam and Ruby to make the right decisions for their lives and keep their word. She also remembers being a teenager and knows it won't be easy for Sam. She's right: he can make a difference in the world. She'd wanted him to know it. Little does he know, he's already made a difference. This time around he can make a different sort of difference.

Ruby is happy to reassure Sam because she needs the same reassurance from him. His dating life would certainly be more fun and less frustrating if he dated girls his own age, so she figures the least she can do is reassure him that this is just as difficult for her and that she wants him as much as he wants her. She hums a bit at his poking fun. "I like a man in uniform," she responds then turns her attention briefly to the midway in front of them. "That sounds good. Anything you see that you want to try?" She'll destroy some of those games and surprise the vendors running them. There's a big difference in practical hand-eye coordination (shooting a gun, throwing a knife) and the hand-eye coordination most people develop.

[talktogirls]

It's debatable if his life would be easier with a girl his own age. Sure this imaginary girl would have as little relationship experience as he does, but fun is in the eye of the beholder. Sam (still) has a fixation with serial killer stats and monster lore. He's nervous around gnomes that pop up out of the blue. Very few girls wouldn't find that strange. Doesn't matter if he is (unbeknownist to him) a heartthrob at school. Ruby's good at assuring they're in this together, too. He'll take that over any girl letting her nerves get the better of her and the date stalling any day.

Sam ducks his head because technically he was trying to ask her what to try first but he believes it's only fair he give her a answer. "Sure. The ones that are a little bit harder have better prizes. I'd like to warm up with the ring toss or darts." Not to spoil anything but there was something he saw that he wanted to try winning for her.

[peaceonearth]

She does know and is accepting of all his quirks. Personally, she much prefers that he's her heartthrob, even if the next several months will prove to be difficult for both of them in various ways. By contrast, Ruby has a hard time putting on the brakes. Rather than stall, she has to keep herself from rushing too much.

Oops? She's a little too focused on making sure that he has fun. "Ring toss and darts sound good." She'll watch him do his thing, but she'll probably also try her hand at winning him something. She spies the ring toss and heads that way, his hand still in hers.

[talktogirls]

He can promise to be on his best behavior again if it helps the two of them. So far he hasn't tried to kiss her again since the first time, which is something. Nothing is worth risking the trust she has in him and their closeness.

He should be more clear with his words anyway. Ever since they've established that they're dating, it's only gotten a little trickier to be clear and concise. Of course it's just all in his head and the hormones. Everythings changed and nothing at the same time. He matches her pace with the direction she chooses, pressing her hand to his side. The attendant informs them how the game works and Sam lights up when he turns to Ruby during and after the spiel. "Which one would you like me to try to get?" The most complicated prize is getting five rings on five bottlenecks for the big teddy bear or any prize.

He doesn't let go of her hand when he has his rings. He misses the first few times but each time allows him to analyze what the trick to the game is. In the end, he gets two rings on the bottles. His attitude remains positive, not at all discouraged because he still won something from the smaller section. "Well, I tried. What do you want from these?" He gravitates to picking up a pencil with a ghostie face eraser or a small plush keychain of a werewolf inquisitively looking them over and holding them up for her perusal.

[peaceonearth]

That's a good thing. If he kept trying to kiss her, she'd have to reconsider their deal. His best behavior definitely helps her behavior.

He'll wrap his head around everything and settle a little with time. Though, she hopes he doesn't completely cease to be flustered by her. She nods a little, giving a couple of suggestions when he starts tossing the rings. She points out a dog with long ears that's a bit smaller than the big teddy bear. What can she say? She ikes puppies.

She's not even the least bit disappointed by the outcome of his ring toss. She considers the prizes. The werewolf reminds her too much of Madison (a wound that doesn't often sting anymore). "I like the ghost. I can take him with me to work."

She considers the midway and the games involved. "Come on. It's my turn to try and win you something," she says tugging him along toward a game in which a ball is thrown at some weighted milk jugs. The attendant is condescending, asking if Sam is going to win something for the little lady. Ruby responds with "No. The little lady is going to win something for him," she says then winks at Sam as the attendant explains the game.

Of course, the attendant doesn't know that Ruby has an advantage. She's much stronger than the average little lady and she's had centuries of target practice. She throws the first ball, getting the measure of the game. It hits the center of the three pyramid stacked jugs and the first one falls hard, but the other two only wobble a bit. The attendant jabbers on about beginner's luck and reminds her she has to take down all three of the jugs to get anything bigger than a plastic spider ring. She has two balls left and the guy running the game is irritating her. Sam can probably tell by the expression on her face. She tilts her head, winds back with the ball and lets it fly low toward the bottom of the two jugs standing side by side. They scatter, going two different directions and landing on the ground with a thud.

"That's some arm you've got on you," the guy stammers. Ruby smiles sweetly. "I used to play professional softball." She didn't, but it's far more acceptable than I'm a demon who hunts monsters. She looks to Sam. "See anything you like?"

[talktogirls]

For starters, he respects her wishes too much to push against her boundaries. Secondly, he's mature enough to understand what rejection is and what isn't. He can see clearly that this isn't it.

Her suggestions are as helpful as his mathematical analysis of the game. He feels he did pretty well in the end for a first attempt. Too bad it isn't enough to win the puppy dog plush but he smiles when she points it out, all too able to connect it to his nickname. Unfortunately, werewolves and puppies are similar so the small keychain is one of the prizes he holds up for her approval or not. Thankfully there's no connection to be made to it and happily abandons it in favor of the ghost she directs his attention to. He's more than eager to grab it with his fist. "Allow me." He's all too unafraid to attach it to one of the belt loops on the front of her jeans, smiling at her with a twinkle in his eye. He's happy to present it to her. "Do you wanna name it?"

He lets himself be dragged along by taking her hand. His sense of excitement grows exponentially when she calls it her turn. He looks a little red both times she says it's her turn to win something for him. The game seems a little more rigged than the last one but he's confident in Ruby's abilities to not say anything and hand over the tickets for her play. "She's got this," he says to the attendant. His focus the whole time is on her play.

If Ruby can ignore (stick up for herself) the attendant, then so can he. He singles the attendant to quiet down with his finger over his lips after the first throw. "You got this," he repeats, this time to her. The guy shouldn't bother her anymore as he takes the hint from the unusual couple in front of him. Sam wasn't threatening him at all but he is unaware of the dark expression he got when he shushed him. Top that with Ruby's irritation it's enough to make anyone stop and think. The second the bottles scatter, Sam nudges Ruby and pats her shoulder.

The bell is rung loudly three times by the attendant to signify a winner and draw interest. People start to crowd over to see who won with oohing and aweing.

"He's right. Not just anyone can do that." He knows it's because she's a demon and a hunter but he hardly considers that a cheat. He's busy smiling at her accomplishment to snap out of it right away. The attendant has to clear his throat and begin going over the prizes to bring him back to reality. He's never been a huge teddy bear kid, but looking over the prizes he holds up a peculiar Knight pen holder with a sword pen (something he can actually use everyday). He was fairly well set on it but wanted to share his excitement with her. "Sir Henry Pency." A pun on the English knight Sir Henry Percy. His fascination with knighthood and the stories around the honorary people of old that held the title carried into his next life.

[peaceonearth]

Good. She definitely doesn't want this to feel like a rejection because it's the furthest thing possible from that.

He did an excellent job and Ruby already has a puppy. She doesn't need a stuffed one. She shifts her hips forward when he starts to hook it to her belt loop, bringing herself closer to him for a moment. She taps her lips with her fingers, considering a name. "Gustoff, the ghost." Obviously.

Oh, the game is definitely rigged, but Ruby knows how it's rigged. She appreciates the belief he has in her. She's pretty sure before she takes the first toss that she can topple the milk cans even if she has to have Sam distract the vendor, let her eyes go black, and use her powers for half a second. The vendor behaves himself after the silent, subconscious threats and lets the game play out. It's good for business if someone wins occasionally; after all, if a little blonde can do it, a big strong man can do it and he'll be happy to waste some money trying to show his girlfriend he can. It's a win/win.

"You're biased and I like it," Ruby says in response. She'd have very little objection to cheating, but it's nice that she hadn't needed to. A smile spreads across RUby's lips when Sam makes his prize selection. "I think he'll have a long, honorable service on your desk," she smirks. She glances around the midway. "Where to next?"

[talktogirls]

He wouldn't complain if knew that's what she thought of him. He accidentally sees a little bit of her skin along her hipbone as he hooks it to her belt loop and it tugs the fabric forward. He drops the ghost once it's attached, head ducking down apologetically. He's a tiny bit red when her eyes make eye contact with his. "I like it. It's a strong name."

If she gave him any indication to distract the vendor, he would have tried his best to. He's not the best at hiding all his tells. Good thing Ruby is able to win on pure talent alone.

"Really? Does it change anything if I don't agree with you?" The answer to that is no. He has no qualms about being biased one bit either. If she wants to show off some more, he'd happily watch her all day. His grin gets a little wider with the attention she gives him. "Do you think his arms will ever tire?" It's more a way to continue to poke fun than an actual question. He makes it simple for them and gestures his head over to the next one over. "There, or we can go to the haunted house?" He's satisfied having won something for her and vice versa. No reason to try to win more than they can carry.

[peaceonearth]

She can't help but swallow hard, her own skin a little heated when he tugs her belt loop (and her a bit closer). In another life that alone would lead to a serious makeout session. She's the slightest bit flushed as well when his eyes make contact with hers. She reaches out to touch his cheek, her thumb gliding along his cheekbone before she drops her hand.

He's awful at hiding his tells right now. It's charming.

She pretends to consider his question. "Nope," she tells him with a grin. She doesn't need to show off for him. She'd much rather spend the evening cuddled up with him on a ride. His joke gets a smirk out of Ruby. "That would be rather dishonorable of him," she continues. She considers the options then tugs him toward the haunted house. "I'll hold you if you're scared," she jokes as they get in line.

[talktogirls]

There's the briefest moment where his eyes lock with hers before he's able to blink and snap himself out of it. His thumb leaves behind a trail that tingles as he thinks about how his birthday couldn't come soon enough. He definitely would have kissed her if it was not a boundary.

No version of lying to her would ever sit with him.

He loves her ability to play along in any situation. "Good," he tells her, a teenager's crack in his voice. He's always going to be confident in her abilities. Next they can definitely go on something that requires the two of them to sit together. He scratches his cheek with all the grins she gives him. "I'll let him know that," he muses with a small amount of laughter. He squeezes her hand as he follows her, matching her pace. The line is shorter than other lines. It's their turn to go in before long and the attendant gives them the short entrance tale. "I might take you up on that." He is only joking but he shivers as the cold blast of air hits them (mechanics of some sort) as they pass through the threshold.

Nothing is very subtle about the haunted house. More mechanics can be heard echoing throughout, screams that follow, and an electronic sound.

[peaceonearth]

He might not realize it, but she's counting down the days until his birthday as well.

As long as she's in the situation, she can and does play along. With anyone else, she's a little more reticent to play along. Not in the least bit subtle. Ruby is certain something will jump out at them soon enough. She slides a little closer to Sam, ducking under his arm as she does so that she's pressed against him. On schedule, a skeleton jumps out at them just as they turn a corner.

[talktogirls]

The second Ruby slides under his arm, he forgets for a split second there might be jumpscares or actors around the corners. His attention turns downwards on Ruby and he feels knots in his stomach grow quickly like vines with flowers bloom. Afraid is the last thing he knows Ruby would be in the situation so all logic points to is her playing along. Suffice to say, he finds it endearing. The second a skeleton jumps out in front of his face, he reacts by taking a step back and pulling her with him. (He would never abandon her.)

He laughs and shakes his head at himself the moment he realizes his distraction got the best of him.

[peaceonearth]

Oops? She's enjoying this dating/not dating thing that they're doing. No, she's not in the least bit afraid. Besides, she can hear all the mechanical parts whirring and the actors breathing.

His reaction gets a smirk out of her. "You're safe with me. I probably should have warned you. I could hear the spring being released."

[talktogirls]

What he wouldn't do to have some of her extra ordinary hearing. But he can't deny that it's fun just being human with her and sharing this experience.

He turns to look back at her and considers her words, thoughtfully, for a few seconds longer than normally he would. "Where's the fun in that? If I'm going to embarrass myself, I guess I'm saying I'm glad it's with you."

[peaceonearth]

Hearing and other extraordinary senses are helpful sometimes. She'd feel half deaf and nose blind without them.

His response gets a soft chuckle out of her as she loops her arm with his and tugs him forward a bit. "I"m always glad it's with you, no matter what I'm talking about."

[talktogirls]

He glances down briefly (embarrassed still) but makes eye contact with her when his smile grows wider at her mutual compliment.

"What do you say we show these monsters who's boss?" He breathes and puffs his chest with confidence but joking at the same time.

[peaceonearth]

"That's the spirit," she tells him as she threads her fingers with his and squeezes his hand, a little signal if he recognizes it that just up ahead, there's something waiting. She walks a step ahead of him and the masked 'killer' jumps out of an alcove with a machete. She takes a step back into Sam, not quite flinching, but reacting all the same.

[talktogirls]

To say that he isn't distracted by her would be a lie. The millisecond her fingers thread in his, he isn't ready or paying attention to another jump so soon. Unfortunately, he isn't so sure what her signal means. It isn't a stretch for him to accidentally fantasize about kissing her for a second or two. His attention snaps back to reality when he catches her stepping ahead of him and out of the corner of his eye, something moving towards her. His instinct is similar to hers but he steps into her bumping into him as if to cover her from the blurred danger. He remembers where they are only a second after, eyes focus on the culprit that once got the best of him.

He hesitates and asks Ruby a simple question, "Do you want to run?" He's pretty sure that they're supposed to run.

[peaceonearth]

Distracting him is fun and it makes the haunted house more exciting. She loves that his instinct is to step closer to her when something happens. Ruby laughs when Sam bumps into her. His question makes her grin. "I think you're right, but you know people are going to jump out at us when we run. You lead."

The haunted house will dump them into a dark room that doesn't seem to have an escape, but after a few minutes a door will burst open, letting them into the light.

[talktogirls]

His natural instinct is to get closer to her almost for as long as they stand there. He doesn't see anything wrong with brushing against her. Her grin as usual is a sign of encouragement. His hand takes hers into his and he starts to run. "I think we'll have to take that chance. If this were real, we'd have to run." He leads her fast down the hall or carefully around the twists and turns of the haunted maze.

His eyesight isn't as good as hers so he slows down the moment he steps into the dark room, he does not ever let go of her hand. With his other hand, he feels around to try to find a way out along the walls. The music at this point is a little discombobulating. There are traces of glow in the dark paint like veins either on the floor or ceiling that serve as a clue on how to find the way out. He is able to deduce that the red ones mean something sinister and the ones lead them close to where they want to be. He encourages Ruby to step into the light with him.

It isn't over just yet though. The next room is a room of mirrors with a projection of stars and the galaxy. Sam would say this is a great time pretending to run from monsters, and he's keenly aware there might be more lurking around, but his stare fixates on how Ruby seems like the whole galaxy. He squeezes her hand in amazement and appreciation to share this experience with her.

[peaceonearth]

Honestly, Ruby doesn't see anything wrong with brushing against him either. They've always been close. "Or stay and fight, but I'm guessing that's discouraged here." Especially as, as far as she can tell, all of the people in the haunted house are human. She keeps up as he leads them through the twisting hallways.

Her eyesight is better, but she's content to let Sam lead. He's got the right idea after all and the haunted maze is less fun for both of them if she uses her better eyesight. She's occupied by the veins of light on the ceiling as well and is right behind him when he steps into the light.

She comes to a stop when the projection lights up. For a moment, that has her attention. "I wonder if it's accurate?" she wonders aloud, studying the projection for recognizable constellations or clusters in the sky.

[talktogirls]

Sometimes he doesn't know why he was so blind to trying things with Ruby to ask her sooner. So many things that are normal to them translate over to dating. "We can't fight them, I don't think," he says, but his head tilts in a way that gives away that he thinks there might be something to what Ruby said. It would be fun if it was encouraged to have a mock fight just as it is encouraged to run and be chased. It's very likely he will ask Ruby in the future if she wants to play a murder mystery with hired actors and some of his friends at his house before Thanksgiving.

Not sure if or when they stopped being chased, he looks back to check on Ruby a couple of times as he leads.

It's in his nature to want to figure things out on his own (and maybe impress her in a big way) but he recognizes that the maze should be for both of them. Every so often, he turns to her or nudges her for her opinion or thoughts of the puzzles before them.

The stars seem to have something to do with it as far as he can tell, but his head shakes in response. "As far as I can tell, no. Do you see any other clues?" But rather than let himself worry about the clues right away, he stays close to Ruby with his attention drawn in by the clusters. It's a moment he'd rather share with Ruby than rush through the house too quickly. At some point he can't do much else other than turn to her and be stuck on her.

[peaceonearth]

Depending on how old he'd been when he'd taken his shot, things might've turned out differently. At sixteen, they might have started this sort of chaste dating, but had he been any younger, Ruby would have felt a little uncomfortable about it. She's not sure why sixteen seems to be an acceptable age (maybe because she was sixteen when she died as a human). However, had they started this at sixteen, he might've given up out of frustration. Seventeen seems like the right age for both of them, she thinks. She will very much enjoy something like that and agree readily.

One of these days, Sam will learn that he impressed her a long time ago. Besides, they're better together so they should work on things like this maze (and every other aspect of their lives) together.

Ruby thinks that the stars have something to do with this as well, which is one reason she's studying them so intently. "The constellations are too close together, but there's Orion," she points out the three stars that make up his belt. "That first one points the way east and west, but the most important star in navigating is the North star." She searches a moment until she finds a constellation that looks like a W. "That's Cassopia and she's how we find the North Star." She continues pointing along the line until she gets to one star that's brighter than the others. "There." She draws her hand down in a straight line from the north star. "I think we look for a hallway or a secret door there."

[talktogirls]

They seem to have a way of navigating things better together. (Yes, if Sam had made his shot at 16, it would have certainly made it seem like an eternity that he had to wait to try to ask again.)

He stands closer to her when she starts pointing out the constellations that he missed. Almost as close to her as the stars were in size. He beams at how bright she shines (smart she is). "You're right. You're the one that taught me how to read the stars. I should have seen it too." He makes the grand gesture for her to go forward as it was her rationale that worked out the problem. "Ladies first!" When they locate the spot, he's fallen right back into step next to her. They seem to walk right through the darkest point of the room into a dim hall. What Ruby said about a secret door leads him to run his hands along the right side wall with little hesitation while shooting her a side glance to cover the other side. He knows she can see him better in the dark than he can see her. "If this is a test of blind faith, I'm glad it's with you." His hand reaches out to hold hers.

[peaceonearth]

In her very long life, she's actually had to navigate by stars before. It was out of necessity that she learned. "It's not something most people think about these days," she excuses. She steps ahead of him, taking the opposite side of the wall , pressing to find a door. Sam is the one that opens it though.

She can't help but smile when she takes his hand. "Blind tests of faith aren't really my thing, but I'll do it for you," she says as they step into the doorway. The hall takes a sharp left turn, navigates through some of those moving funhouse steps then lets them outside.

[talktogirls]

He squeezes her hand in the dark while they step into the light. "Promise to do something of your choosing next." He smiles at the way she puts things into words. Blind faith so accurately described what he was feeling too. He doesn't mean to but the moving funhouse steps have him hold onto her shoulder for balance outside they spat outside. Sam turns back to face her. "Hey, we make a good team."

[peaceonearth]

"Oh, I've definitely had fun with this," she promises him. "I'm thinking Ferris Wheel next." Is it exciting, no, but it's got a great view and they get to be alone together in public. If she weren't a preternatural creature with freaky balance, she probably would have been thrown off balance as well. She helps him regain his balance as they step outside. "Never any doubt in my mind we would, Samuel," she tells him with a wink then heads toward the ferris wheel with his hand in hers.

[talktogirls]

He smiles at her suggestion. "I like that idea." Some time together without the noise is just what they need after the haunted house. He could use a moment to relax with her overlooking the night sky. "But can I get you anything else before we line up? What about the cotton candy?" He still has to find his balance once they're out but her assistance keeps him from stumbling over his feet too much. He feels goosebumps on the back of his neck when she says his name like that. His upstairs brain needs a moment to process that he should move his feet to follow behind her. "A little louder so everyone else can hear you."His knees feel weak the moment she winks at him.

[peaceonearth]

"I'm good. Promise," she responds to his offer to get her something else. "I'm pretty low maintenance," she assures him. The reaction to his name is noticed and it makes her grin a bit. "Oh, I think everyone else will figure it out," she assures him as they head toward the Ferris Wheel line.

[talktogirls]

"Alright. Let me know when you do." He won't push, but it's not a proper date unless he asks like a gentleman. He's there to have fun with her otherwise. "Do you indulge in anything?" He jests, but genuinely curious. He knows well by now that Ruby doesn't want for material things, much less food beyond sharing fries or fried food with him. Since they're dating now, there's more desire to get to know about her.

"Maybe." He looks to his side momentarily. It takes a number of moments before his heart slows again. He'll never get used to hearing his full name from her lips, her tone.

The line moves fairly fast as other couples go around the ferris wheel only twice before getting off. Before long it is their turn. It's more of a gesture of love when he gives her a hand up into the cage before he steps in behind her. As an added feature, there's a camera they can feed tickets into to get a photo at the top. Sam sits next to Ruby and studies the machine for a second. "I don't think it's a bad idea to have one memorable photo that isn't a selfie," he shares. "What do you think?" He looks to her, back to the machine and her again. Part of his excitement is that he never saw a photo stand in his life before.

[peaceonearth]

His question takes her by surprise a bit. "Bubble baths." She's got a bathtub that comfortably fits two people and a cabinet full of bubble baths, oils, and soaps. "Chocolate-covered strawberries," she pauses, considering her other indulgences. "Do you count paperback romance novels? I'm pretty low maintenance, but sometimes I like to spend all day in bed with a couple of books." She's not exactly sure that's what he's talking about, but it feels like an indulgence to her.

She would be very disappointed if he did get used to it and stop reacting.

Ruby likes when he makes those little gestures. Yes, she can get into the seat by herself, but she likes how they make her feel. Once they're seated, he snuggles up next to him. "I think it's a great idea." Sh studies the machine. It looks like one of those standard strip photo booth things so they'll get three poses to split.

[talktogirls]

It shouldn't. He has watched her with interest from the minute he was born and always wanted to learn and know about her best. He appreciates the thoughtful answer to her previous low maintenance one. He smiles a little wider. "I always thought something like that had to do with your company." If only he knew the full extent of it. "How does next time sound good for chocolate fondue?" Should she agree, she just given their next date idea. Books have always been something he felt they had in common but a part of him is surprised or flustered to learn she might mean spicier reads. Not that he judges her. In fact, the opposite comes to mind about how exciting it might be down the road when they can date more seriously. Just a few months more in the grand scheme. "If it has pages, it counts. Maybe someday soon we can read in bed together." The second part is quieter than the first. He realizes he said a quiet thought aloud and bites the corner of his lip.

Maybe Sam would get used to it with time, but his reactions will never cease. It has much to do with his attraction to her.

Sam feels electricity run through his body from his fingertips when she takes his hand. It's always the little things that create the largest spark. Next to her, he wraps an arm around her. He loves being close to her just like that, even though it takes some courage not to pull his arm back. "Any suggestions before we reach the top?" He assumes they only get one photo as there isn't any instruction. (Surely, the other two photos will surprise him when they come out.) He instinctively presses closer to her.

[peaceonearth]

She smiles a bit at his response. "Yes. I was making those things for myself before I ever made it a company." Her brows go up a little. "Chocolate fondue sounds delicious. We'll get fruit, maybe some cheese, and croissants too." Oh, she definitely prefers the spicy books in her downtime. She has other kinds of books on her shelves as well. He's welcome to pursue them and read whatever he likes. Her expression is surprised again, followed by a look of nostalgia and yearning that he might not immediately recognize on her. In his previous life, they spent a good deal of time in bed reading to each other or just reading their own books together. "I would like that. You could bring your own book over or borrow one of mine." Her library is fairly extensive. She has an e-reader, but prefers physical books of her own rather than ones borrowed from the local library.

She rests her head on his shoulder when he puts his arm around her, content to sit snuggled up with him for the moment. She hums a little at his question. "I could kiss your cheek."

[talktogirls]

He always uses what she gives him for his hair as a present. That's part of why he's always noticed her hair is soft. "Do you make scents too?" He's wondered about her perfume since the beginning of time, but more as of late since he started to feel drawn to it. He sees her eyebrows as approval and smiles wider. "It's a date. I'll bring everything you said and those tiny pretzels and marshmallows too." His personal opinion is that neither anyone, nor himself, has lived unless they had tried the thing with marshmallows. Given time, he will warm up to the book she reads. He just needs a little encouragement to pick one up and read a passage to her. He might not recognize the look on her face, but it tells him she's open to the idea of growing closer and spending time. He could see himself spending hours just reading next to her in her company. "Is there one you're reading now? I am half way through one called Behind Closed Doors. I have mixed feelings about it, if I'm honest. It's everything not to do in a relationship." A loving relationship. Though he likes a good thriller, the hint he gives off is that he could be convinced to read something new.

With his other hand, he sweeps his hair back before coming up with an answer. "Yeah. I guess, sure. Maybe, I could put my head against yours." She gives him exactly the amount of confidence to nod to her statement in agreement and more.

[peaceonearth]

"We do now, but when I first started everything was lavender with a spicey undertone. The girls convinced me that not everyone wanted to smell like me," she says with a soft smile. "I still make the lavender and spice oil at home. It helps cover the sulfur scent," she explains. "You can come over right after you get out of school." It's a regular enough schedule for them already anyway. He doesn't have to read the same books as her; she's listened to him read his own books before. However, hers are sexier to read in bed. "it's called Hooked. Peter Pan for grownups retelling," she explains. "I've seen that one in the store. It's a domestic thriller, isn't it? Most of those have pretty messed up relationships in them. You can borrow mine if you like. I'll finish it in a day or so."

She half smiles at him. "Just smile and act like you like me," she teases in response.

[talktogirls]

Sam has an affinity for the way Ruby smells but he recognizes that the girls have a point. If everyone liked her smell, it wouldn't be special. He holds back a small bit of laughter that instead curls on his lips with the way Ruby fondly tells the story of the twins' honesty. It makes him think about what it must like to have kids. "If it's any consolation, I like," he stops midway to clear his throat, "I like the way it smells on you. It suits you. Sulfur doesn't bother me either." It matters to him that she knows, though he had said something to the same effect to her in his previous life too. "Tomorrow?" He already forgets if school is in or not the following day. Books along with her company are the root cause of his eagerness. It normally would be easy for him to admit that he isn't interested in certain books like that, but Ruby is a big factor that he becomes more curious than to shy away. He feels accepting her offer to bother it will help him understand her desires in the future and he nods. "It's just a book. I think I can handle it. Sure, I'll borrow it when I'm done." He might eat his words later. But it will be eye opening. "Yeah, that's the one. I can't explain what is so appealing about it, but I'm rooting for Grace. Maybe... Maybe it's because I want to be better. Sometimes, these kinds of books can show you even the small stuff that people mess up on. Do you think that's weird?" Even now, he has a sense that he might do something wrong if he doesn't read. "You can borrow mine, too. Like a trade."

The look in his eyes already cast back a look that shares with her that she is the most wonderful person he knows. The light of the camera captures them at that moment.

[peaceonearth]

It had been an acquired affinity in his former life, but it's something he's always known here. In any case, many of the products smell of lavender alone because it's calming. The twins had always been encouraged to be honest. Their father had simply tried to instill a sense of kindness along with the honesty. "It's more of a problem when I'm using any power, but I'm glad it doesn't bother you." Her brows go up and her expression turns to amusement. "It's a date. I'll set the living room up like a picnic."

She listens to his commentary about books, considering it carefully. "I don't think it's weird, but I think a lot of those books rely on mental illnesses or personality defects taken to an extreme to drive the reactions so it's very specific to that type of person. I think they can point out some more normal, less extreme behaviors to be aware of though." He needn't worry about that. They'd discuss anything he was doing that was an issue.

She looks at him with the same sort of affection and fondness. It's a good picture. The wheel crawls upward a few more feet then stops so they can get a good look at the view from above.