Page 52 of He Who Sleeps

"He's very well trained." He set his chopsticks down. "I'm stuffed. Is there more to come?"

She looked to Yuki and made the cut off motion, then looked to him. “Not anymore. You can eat, though! And you tried everything. I like that.”

Yuki walked over with a small tray and the bill, and Petra clapped and grinned. “Ooh, thank you, Yuki.” She looked to Easton. “Do you like mochi?” she asked as she handed Yuki her card, then picked up the piece of gooey ball. “It’s not ice cream; these have sweet ube inside.” She offered him one and took a bite of her own, closing her eyes, doing her little butt dance and moving her arms softly like she was dancing as she chewed.

"I like watching you eat mochi," he laughed. "Too cute."

“It’s so yummy.” She finished her second bite, doing her hand dance when she did. Sweet, refreshing and yummy. She blushed slightly at the look Easton was giving her.

“Here you go, Petra. You and your friend have a good day, yeah?” Yuki said as she came back with the slip to sign. She smiled at Easton.

“You, too, Yuki. Tell Hami that it was amazing today.” Petra signed the slip and pushed her chair out, standing. “I don’t want this to end, but I need to get back and finish my day,” she offered shyly.

"I'll walk you back," he said, and she wasn't going to argue.

Philly was quiet now that the lunchtime rush was over and she was more ready than ever to finish her day. “So what’s the rest of your day looking like? Working on something new?”

"I'm actually taking Niobe to a concert." He looked embarrassed. "There's a famous countertenor in town and he's doing a private show this afternoon for a handful of guests in the art world. I explained how Niobe adores opera and he was, in his words, 'just tickled pink' by the whole thing and 'thrilled to meet her.'"

“That is the coolest thing I have heard,” she said as they stopped at the gallery. She unlocked the doors and opened them, letting him walk in with her. “It sounds so fun! I hope you and your feathered little date enjoy it.” Setting her bag down, she turned to him. “And I’m hoping I can see you again soon, yeah? That was the best lunch I have ever had.”

"Now I know you're blowing smoke," he laughed. "You eat at that restaurant all the time. But sure. I was going to email the contracts for the new show to Lorne, but I'll stop by with them instead. And next time it'll be my treat."

"I meant that it was the best lunch because I was there with you, Easton," she said shyly. "I never go with anyone, so it was really nice to spend time with you. And if you would let me, I would hug you for it." Honestly, keeping her hands to herself was maddening. He constantly looked like he needed comfort and she ached to give it to him.

"I'm not there yet," he said softly, but he didn't look uncomfortable expressing that, which was a start. "I think... I don't fucking know. I'm driving blind here. I just feel like I need you to know more of me before I'm in a place I can take that step, you know? Like maybe you need to see my home and meet Niobe or something."

"Are you inviting me over?" she teased. "Or you could bring Niobe to my place...or...I don’t know..." She wrung her hands. The wrong words might break the fragile bonds blooming between them and she didn't want that in the least.

"I can't invite you round yet. Not until Devil has petitioned the Elders. There are rules." He sounded apologetic. "We've already broken a ton of them just by you knowing who we are. But maybe you could meet Niobe. I was thinking of getting tickets to a show next week and she usually comes with me. What do you think? Would you like a night out at the theater?"

She blinked. A date with her Snake and his favorite girl? She nodded, slightly dumbstruck, then shook herself. "I...yes. I never have been."

"Really?" He looked astonished and then a bright smile took over his features. "Well then, I'm honored to make it happen. I'll text you the details." He glanced at his watch and sucked in a breath. "I have to go. Be good. I'll message you this afternoon."

Gods, that smile. "You, too. And stay safe, yeah?" She just stopped herself from reaching out to him.

"Always." And with a smile and a wave, he was gone.

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