Thank you so much to those who supported me during this hiatus (I never thought I'd do that but here I am)

I'm trying to get my motors running and have fun again cause I recently have felt my life crumble around me, you're all here so I'm sure you understand.

Thank you again, let's get this show on the road!

—-

October came around and we hadn't gone on a second date, something always came up.

"I work that day." Or "we have family coming in." Or whatever dumb reason one of us gave.

"This is more annoying than when I broke my leg." I sighed at the lunch table. "And thats saying I couldn't do anything fun without being behind the rest or be in writhing pain."

"And that's why it took so much longer to heal than it normally would." Ray said to Norman who laughed at my expense.

"Aren't you annoyed too, Ray?" I rested my head on the table.

He looked up and without much thought said. "Not really."

Norman held back a laugh as I stared in annoyance. "Oh ow."

"It's not that deep, Emma, we've both just been busy." He looked at me, a slight panic for a second. As he should.

"Yeah so? That doesn't mean I'm not bored since our schedules don't ever line up."

Ray sighed. "I get that but it's just temporary, if you're so bored why don't you go out with Gilda, Don, Norman, or the million other friends you have. I know it's not the same thing but it'll at least entertain you for a while." he looked over to Norman who was quietly observing our discussion. "You have time this weekend, Norman?... 'Cause I don't and she does so you two wanna hang out?"

I stared a bit in disbelief, did he really set up a replacement him right in front of me? As astounded as I was it didn't sound like a bad idea, the two of us haven't hung out in awhile anyway. I looked over at him, "Say yes for me."

Norman still in disbelief smiled awkwardly. "Why not, I guess."

---

"I have a friend-date with Norman today." I mentioned casually to Yuugo, who was enjoying a piece of toast before heading to work.

"Replacing Ray so quickly I see." he snickered, refusing to take his eyes off the article he was reading. "Is he busy today and felt bad for saying no to another date?"

"You could say that."

"Wait seriously?"

"Seriously, a few days ago at school we talked about it and decided Norman is hanging out with me so I'm not lonely. Norman and I also haven't hung out in a while so it worked out." I laughed. "So technically it's not a replacement just a meeting set up by Ray to entertain me."

"This whole thing is kinda funny I have to say." Yuugo got up and ruffled my hair. "I gotta get going, have fun."

I waved goodbye and went to go sit down at my desk, I had 30 minutes until Norman came by to head out, maybe I should pick out an outfit. A sigh escaped me as I looked to my closet, Ugh.

Rolling my chair over I looked through it, and quickly decided upon a warm look, it is sweater weather right now. Should I wear my normal shoes or boots, oh decisions decisions...

As soon as I had the outfit on I waited for a short time before I heard a knock on the door.

"The doors unlocked!" I yelled as I hurried out of my room. "Come in!"

I ran my hands through my hair, straightening out a few knots and tangles, hopefully.

"Hello, good afternoon, Emma." Norman walked in, wearing a near identical outfit to mine which we both quickly noticed.

"Nice nice, I see you're a man of style as well." I mimicked a snobbish accent.

"Ah yes, we're both dressed rather exquisitely." He played along, holding out his hand. "Let's head out and show the city."

Cute. I thought, shaking his hand. "Too soon to hold hands, I have to put on my shoes." I looked at his feet, I suppose boots it is

—-

"Where are going?" I asked. "I have suggestions if you have nothing planned."

"I have a plan but if you get bored tell me."

"Alright, so what is this plan, Norman?"

Norman glanced at me, that calm smile cemented onto his face. The one thing I have trouble reading.

"We're going to go shopping, eat dinner, and end the night with a nice walk." He turned his head towards me, looking for a reaction. "Sounds like a fun replacement date doesn't it?"

"Oh yeah... wow you really have this planned out don't you." I smiled.

"Always do, now let's get this started."

—-

If I could sum up this experience it's that I don't think I could handle Norman as a boyfriend. We first hit up every interesting looking shop we came across, and when I showed interest in something Norman offered to pay.

And dinner, dinner wasn't fancy but it certainly wasn't cheap. Out of budget for me but Norman was quick to pick up the check, I ended up settling to pay for the tip.

At last the final activity came and here we are, on a detour route to my house, on a walk along a river as the sun sets, nearly dark out.

"Today was fun." Norman says.

"Ahaha yeah, super fun." I looked over at the water, the myriad of colors looking back at me. "Though I feel a little bad about the price, you spent so much on me. Why?"

Norman stayed quiet, that calm smile on his face still active. He slips his hand into mine and grabs it.

"Are your hands cold too?" I asked.

"Not at all." He says. "Just holding hands."

I try to pull away slightly but he holds on tighter.

"Why?" I look at him. A moment of silence ensues.

He finally looks at me. "You and Ray make a cute couple, I'm a little jealous."

"Oh really? That's nice to hear." I release the tension building up in my shoulders. "Jealous of what exactly."

Norman let's out a sigh. "I'm not sure." He pauses. "Of your kindness, you're prior relationship, maybe of you."