Private Finished It'll All Workout in the End

Oz shook his head all this talk of mystery, but Kon's enthusiasm was infectious and it pulled a slight smile to his lips. Slowly, Oz began to relax and could enjoy their walk to the meatery. "Shall we sit outside?" Oz said, noticing the way Kon eyed the open tables. He kept his tone light, casual, but internally Oz felt tense. He avoided public restaurants for a reason and had to resist the urge to fiddle with his aura warning bracelet.

Once inside the meatery, Oz took the time to study the menu. He couldn't say anything was particularly two his tastes, but the less appetizing items were the ones that held the most nutrition and energy to him. "Order what you'd like," He told Kon and put in his own order for two stinger scones.

Oz sighed, "I don't think I have to worry about being cold." Not in this weather. After the two placed their orders Oz pulled out his wallet and card. "I was the one who invited you out for a meal." Oz said. Though they may have agreed to paying separately next time it didn't sit right with him to ask someone out and then not offer to pay. "I do not feel that you are taking anything from me." He continued, "But if you wish for us to pay separately then I have no problem with that either."

Whoever paid, Oz would take their orders and carry them outside to an empty table. Oz selected a spot that would put the most distance between him and the other dinners. There was a nervousness about him as he sat down. Normally he avoided eating out due to his aura. He kept the hand with his aura warning bracelet on the table, and where it could be clearly seen.

Oz wasn't much for that coy game either. It was nice to know that neither was Kon. Other time. . . it implied there would be other times, and that thought stuck with Oz as they went to their seats. He picked at his scones, pinching off pieces to eat. Kon's purr caught his attention, and Oz's eyes follow the curve of his tail, expecting more mischief.

It was not mischief, but a rather heartfelt compliment, even if Kon tried to pass it off as nothing huge. Oz popped a bite of scone into his mouth before he replied. "Here I thought I was predicable and clearly a gentleman. I shall have to reconsider my outward appearance and attitude." His tone was light and teasing, but also clearly fond. Maybe Oz was feeling bold but it was Kon's compliment that solidified what Oz felt.

"We should go out." Oz said, and then because that wasn't exactly what he meant, "We should see each other. As in date." Oz was always bad at this part.

"I'd like that."

Oz heaved a sigh of relief. The gap of silence between asking someone out and their reply felt like a tortuous eternity. The question had left him emotionally vulnerable in a way he never felt comfortable with. Much of Oz's life operated on predetermined path. The hard part was over, Kon had accepted, eagerly so. "And you can pay next time if you'd like." Oz said with a slight smile.

He hadn't noticed, but Oz had relaxed, his mind completely off his aura. "And maybe I can pick the place. I promise no where too expensive." It was a light jab, something to tease and continue their easy banter.

Never mind? Oz faltered, then leveled Kon with the flattest expression he could manage. Such an awful way to tease him after bearing his heart like that. Kon thought he hid his smile but Oz caught it. "What a shame." He said in a dry tone, "Now where am I going to find a colorful catboy to date and buy food for?" Oz shook his head, "To think my only mistake was an offer to pick the next date location and let my date pay, after he made the offer to."