Take Me Home II: London 1 of 2

Take Me Home II: London

"Tarance, I like you," London said, staring ahead. She watched the mirror watching her facial expression, trying to imagine how he would react. "I know it's weird...you being a giant and me being...like this...but I've been thinking about it for a long time and I think...I really do think I like you. Do you think that there is any chance you could like someone like me?" She took in a deep sigh. "You don't have to tell me now, I know this is a bit much but..." she jumped in the air, hearing the door slam shut. She stopped starring at the mirror and turned around. As she listened to Tarance, she thought she caught say something about...Having a date?
Tarance walked into their room, stretching with a smile on his face. "Ugh, hey London,” he said with a casual wave before going into a thinking stance. "... Hey, can I ask you something real quick?"
"Ask me something?" She tried not to sound as curious as she felt. Had he actually heard her talking? She tried to remain casual, standing on Tarance's dresser. "Sure thing...what's up?"
"What sounds like a romantic first date to you?" he asked her, moving over and starting to dig through his closet. "Maybe the park, or... I dunno, dinner someplace that's nice, but not too fancy. I haven't done the dating thing in a while after all."
"D-date?" London asked, watching him curiously. She didn't want to become too excited but this was how Tarance acted. Maybe he was trying not to make such a big deal about the whole thing so he wasn't officially asking her. Her face lit up, watching him. "I think a dinner date sounds amazing," she said, walking to the edge of the bureau. "Not a lot of pressure, just talking and eating and having a good time."
"Just a casual dinner date... yeah." He smiled and nodded, apparently having picked out something to wear for the occasion now too. "That does sound like a good idea! London, seriously you're awesome. I'm gonna call her and let her know now,” he said, pulling his cell phone out before looking at her. "You need a hand down from there?"
She chuckled. "Why yes, I am rather awesome aren't I..." she trailed off, looking surprised. "Wait...what?"she asked, backing away from his hand. "Who? Who are you talking about? Who's her?" she asked, feeling her heart plummeting. "Who are you going on a date with?"
"Oh, this girl I met a while back. She seems pretty sweet, so I'm gonna give her a shot.” he said, shrugging. Getting no answer he soon got a text, smiling and keeping his hand beside her. "Come on, she says she wants to meet you too before dinner."
"W-what? No! I don't want to meet her," London said, glaring at his hand. When had this all gone wrong? One minute she was getting ready to tell Tarance how she felt about him and now she was meeting his date? "W-wait a minute..." she said, searching her memory. "You're not talking about that Sarah girl are you? That hyper chick from the gym?"
"Well... yeah,” he said, smiling sheepishly. He tilted his head though, a bit worried looking. "Hey, you ok?"
She didn’t return the smile, feeling as though someone was pinching her heart, squeezing the life out of her.  “I’m…I’m fine…moron,” she said, though she knew it was a lie.  She turned away so he couldn’t see how upset she was. “I didn’t know that you liked Sarah.  She didn’t seem like your type.”
"Yeah, she's really... bubbly, I guess is the word for it,” he said, taking a seat in front of the bedside table to be eye level. "She asked me out though, and you know me. I aim to please. Are you sure you’re ok? Usually by now you'd have teased me or called me a name."
“I did call you a name,” London grumbled.  “I called you an idiot. And what do you mean, bubbly??" London asked, still in shock.
“She just seems nice, I mean.”
"I see." She continued to look away from him, getting more pissed off instead of upset. "I'm fine...I'm just...you really are a moron," she said. "So when do I get to meet the bubbly Sarah?"
Being called a moron actually seemed to relieve him, sighing and looking at his phone. "Well, in an hour or two by the looks of it." Her not stepping on willingly, he sighed and scooped her up as gently as he could.
"Can't wait," she said, her voice sounding somewhat like a growl. She didn't bother fighting with him when he scooped her up, still too dejected to get completely back to her normal self.
"On that subject though... Have you ever considered trying to find someone?"
"Are you kidding me? How the hell would I find someone? Why would I want to?" she grumbled. "I'm your freaking pet, remember? I go where you go."
He looked down at her, arching a brow in confusion as he took a seat out on the couch, setting her by him. "Uh... Hello? Is London around because I'd like to speak with her?" he said, resting his feet on the coffee table. "I thought we were over this a long while ago, you're my friend. Sure as hell not a pet."
"Whatever, Tare," she grumbled, sliding further away from him on the couch. "And I'm still here, I'm just a little pissed off with you is all. I didn't know you were going on dates with girls," she grumbled. "Does this Sarah girl also have a human? Is that why you're asking me if I'm looking for someone?"
"No, you just seem... grumpier than usual,” he noted, flicking the TV on to wait. "And I don't think so, I'm not sure anyway. She might."
“I hope not.”
Pausing to think, he nodded. "Oh, yeah she does actually. Says he's a cutie, but that's probably just her."
"Grrrreat," she grumbled. "A cutie? She said that her human is a little cutie? Oh hell..." she trailed off, standing up and walking to the edge of the couch. "You know what? I don't think I'm feeling too well. Let me know when Sarah gets here." She slid down to floor and started walking back to Tarance's room.
"Oh, alright. Do you need me to bring you anything?" he asked her, looking over the edge of the couch and watching her walk off. What was with her today? Maybe she really wasn't feeling well. "If you're not feeling good, I'll tell her to come later. I can just help you out today."
"No..." she called over to him. "I'll be fine in time for your precious date," she said not wanting to finish her statement. What she wanted was to say that she would be fine but she just couldn't look at him right now. It hurt. She couldn't imagine him being on a date right in front of her. "Stupid, idiot," she mumbled, crawling onto a bunch of blankets from Tarance's bed that were on the floor.
He looked towards his room with concern, sighing. "Man London, what's bugging you?" he mumbled to himself, scratching the back of his head. Deciding to listen to her, he simply turned towards the TV again and let her rest, waiting for his date.
Time passed slowly in the afternoon into evening with London still refusing to come out and talk to Tarance after hearing about his date. It wasn't only but a few hours later that a nervous girl was standing in front of Tarance's door, nervously getting ready to ring the doorbell.
"'I'm so nervous," Sarah said. "I still can't believe that he said yes to me, can you?" she asked her human so was sitting on her shoulder. He was quite a few years younger than her but she treated him like one of her best friends. If not for cuddling him too much.
"Well, I'm happy for you! He sounds so cool though from what you described. I bet he's cool!" he said, just as excited for her as she was. "Ring the doorbell, Sarah! Go on!"
Tarance happened to glance out the window and see her there, a rather young looking human on her shoulder. At the sight, Terrance got up and headed into his room, speaking quietly. "London? London, how are you feeling?"
"Ha!" Sarah said to her human, nuzzling her cheek against his body. "And who knows? Maybe his human will really get along with you!" she squeals. "Oh maybe even a double date! That would be so cute! Oh I hope this works out!" She rang the doorbell.
Upon hearing the sound of Tarance's voice and the doorbell London sat up, her eyes still red. She would never let Tarance know she was crying so she sniffed and made a show of being pissed off. "I'm feeling just great," she grumbled, looking up at him. "Just allergies driving me crazy. I take it that your girl is here?"
"Er, yeah... geez, I didn't know you had allergies,” he said, scooping her up carefully, concern on his face. "If you're not up for it, you could just stay in here if you like."
The young human laughed, nuzzling her back as he was both used to and enjoyed the snuggles. "I'm too young to date people, you're silly!"
"Haha aww you're never too young to start thinking about dating," Sarah said. "I really do hope his human gets along with you...you're such a sweetie, it would be hard for anyone not to get along with you!"
"No...I'm going, no matter what," she said, trying to remain firm. She wanted to look at this girl even if it killed her. "I'll be fine, you don't need to worry about me."
"If you're sure." He cupped her close, heading out and to the front door, opening it up with a smile. "Hey! Sarah, you made it." Looking over he saw the human she had. A child, no wonder she thought he was so cute. "And hey to you too, mini man."
"I'm Tiko!" he said with a smile, waving at the two of them.
Sarah also waved excitedly. "Hello there! Nice to see you again Tarance! I've been looking forward to this all day!" She stepped past him to walk inside the room, smiling at London. "And who is this little princess?" she said, crouching down to look at her. "Aren't you adorable?" she asked, gently ruffling her hair.
London frowned, wishing she could deck this girl and her chipper smile. She didn't dare shrug her off but smoothed her hair down. "It's nice to meet you," she said evenly, looking at the human. "And you too, Tiko."
He at least knew what not to do with London, and the cutesy stuff was not it. He moved her away, setting her up on his shoulder. "Heh, she's actually not a fan of all that nuzzling and cutesy stuff. Actually, she used to be a pretty accomplished fighter,” he tried in her defense.*
"You can fight? Could you teach me?" Tiko asked, eyes lighting up at the thought. "I wanna be tough!"
London looked at Tiko, trying not to look disgusted. This chipper young human was already starting to get on her nerves and Sarah was no better. "Maybe some time," she said, though it was obvious she had no intentions of teaching him anything.
Sarah squealed. "A fighter? That's so cute!" she said, coming up close to London again. "Oh don't worry, Tarance, I've had Tiko for almost two years now. I know how to handle humans. They may fight you at first but they love attention," she chuckled, petting London again. "I love your little pout, London.  It makes you look so cute," she said. "And who did you fight?"
"Screw off," London said, not able to take much more.
He backed away for London's sake, smiling sheepishly. "No seriously, she hates that stuff... I don't treat humans like pets, and especially not London. She's my friend, and more like a roommate,” he explained.
Tiko tilted his head, confused now. "But... humans are pets. That sounds weird, and I like the petting,” he said with a smile, nuzzling Sarah's cheek.
Sarah nuzzled back Tiko, planting a tiny kiss on the top of his head. "Well...okay, but that's still kind of weird," she agreed with her human. "I didn't know how you felt about humans, Tarance." She rubbed the back of her head, as though confused. "I...I dunno really...it's hard to think about."
"That's a huge surprise," London couldn't help whispering in Tarance's ear.
"But whichever! I'm sure she'll come to love it eventually, I mean it's obvious that she loves you," Sarah said. "But what human doesn't love their owner, huh? What do you guys say we head out to dinner? I don't mind driving."
He sighed, shaking his head. "I'm not her owner, but... alright, yeah let's head out. Just gimme a sec, ok?" Tarance asked, wanting to talk to London for a moment in private.
London was somewhere in between livid and fuming when Tarance walked away. Humans always love their owners? she thought to herself angrily. She wished she could have punched her right in her damn bubbly face. That other human too, sitting there happy to be degraded that way. She crossed her arms, pissed and embarrassed for having to deal with her.
"I hope...I hope I didn't say anything wrong," Sarah said, worried for a minute once the two were out of sight. "His human seemed a little grouchy. And Tarance just seemed to let her act that way. She seems a little ungrateful if you ask me."
"London, I'm so sorry... I had no idea any of that would happen." Tarance said sincerely. "I'm not gonna make you sit around with her if you don't like... I'm not even sure I'm gonna sit around her at this rate,” he said honestly. London was so much more than a pet. She was his best friend, roommate, and... well... he wasn't sure about the last bit. She's probably just call him stupid for it anyway.
She waved him off angrily. "It's fine," she said. "Go on a date with her. I'm happy for you. And of course I'll still go. Don't you get it? You and her are alike...and you were so excited about seeing her earlier. Don't let her..." she fumed slightly. "Don't let how she treats me bother you. It's fine."
"But it does bother me!" he countered, huffing and shaking his head. "Fine... let's just get tonight over with. I am sorry about that though,” he said, heading out the door and putting on a smile for his date's sake.
"You're being impossible," London muttered. What did he expect? This was how giants viewed her race. What surprised her was how upset Tarance became. He really was different despite not being the sharpest knife in the drawer. But Sarah's words still hung over her. Maybe she did only like him because he was her owner. She tried not to think about it.
"Oh good!" Sarah said. "You’re back," she smiled at the two of them. "I don't know about you guys, but I'm starving. I know a really nice place downtown that's only about a ten minute drive. They even let humans sit on the table so you and Tiko can hang out," she said with a bright smile. She leaned and linked her arm through Tarance's. "Shall we head out?"
"Oh, sure." Tarance said with a nod. Pondering for a moment, he pulled his arm away and unzipped his jacket a touch. "Heh, sorry... just kinda hot." He lied with a sheepish smile.
"Oh..." Sarah said, pouting, slightly. "Well if we're going to drive, do you mind holding Tiko? I usually just place him..." she giggled a bit. "Well I put him somewhere safe while I'm driving but something tells me your human would probably take offense. Since the little princess seems to think she's special," Sarah said with a smile, walking to her car.
He paused for just half a second, stealing a peek at what he assumed she was referring to... Lucky human. Still, she had somewhat of a point... more than she probably realized. "Well... I guess I could hold him, sure. And London is special, because she's not a pet." He repeated, hoping to drive the point home with this girl.
"Oh thank you so much..." she started to say, handing Tiko over to him. She noticed London's disgusted face. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"That's degrading," London grumbled. "How can you think that that's appropriate?  He’s a damn child."
Sarah smiled, nudging Tarance with her hip. "Don't be jealous little princess, I can see that your owner would love the opportunity so you better watch out before you have to sit with me," she giggled, ruffling her hair and getting into the front seat. "Come on Tarance, let's get going!" She shot him another smile.
He sighed, taking Tiko in one hand and using his other to switch London to his far shoulder. "Sarah, in all seriousness you need to stop the petting thing with her. She doesn't like it, ok?"
Tiko sighed, sitting and trying to get comfortable in Tarance's hand, obviously missing his previous place of rest.
Sarah pulled out of the driveway, starting to make her way towards the restaurant. "What do you mean?" she asked, keeping her eyes on the road. "What does it matter if she doesn't like it? It doesn't make sense, Tarance. You feed her, you give her a place to sleep and you even let her come on a date with you. She owes it to you...and heck...even to me to deal with some petting. Who bites the hand who feeds them?" She shook her head, still not getting it. "It's not like Tiko enjoyed it at first but you have to keep trying. And now he loves it. You're too soft on her..." she frowned towards London. "I thought you were supposed to be tough and care for him...don't you think you're being cruel?"
London felt the words bubbling in her mouth but she held her tongue for Tarance’s sake.
"I do care for her. Put it this way, when you've got a friend, your best friend in the world, and they don't like it when you do something... do you keep doing it?" he asked her firmly, obviously starting to get ticked, not to mention protective of London.
"Of course I wouldn't," Sarah said, getting a bit miffed herself. "But I wouldn't have a best friend who...was a human...I mean they don't even care." She frowned, still not understanding. "Tarance, you’re certainly a lot stranger than I thought you were," she said, trying to lighten the mood. "They're humans, you treat them well and they treat you well."
London just rolled her eyes, not wanting to argue with this girl. She seemed like she was nice, but she really didn't like how she treated humans. Still though, she felt a little stung from her comments and didn't want to piss her off. Instead she turned away from her and just looked out the window.
He sighed, looking out the window for a moment before setting Tiko in her lap. "Sarah... listen. You're nice, and bubbly, and as much as I'm sure you could make someone happy... I don't think this is gonna work out. Like, at all. London is a huge part of my life, and if you're not going to take that seriously, then I can't be serious with you." Tarance stated simply.
"I am taking it seriously, you're the one that's playing around," Sarah said, pulling into the nearest parking lot. "And I don't get you, Tarance. You're a nice guy, you could have any girl you want...me included. And you would throw that all away for...for her?" she said, pointing a finger at London.
"Get your fucking finger out of face or I'll bite it off," London said, not able to hold in her anger much longer. "You don't deserve a guy like Tarance," she snapped. "I feel bad for you."
“You feel bad for me?” she said, with a snort.  “You’re a human and you feel bad for me?  Can you believe the stuff she’s saying?”
“I rather be a human than some judgmental close-minded, bit-”
“London,” Tarance cut her off, not because it wasn’t true but Tiko and his young ears were still sitting in his lap.
Sarah winced before narrowing her eyes. "You little..." she trailed off, realizing that she was raising her hand. "I mean..." she looked at Tarance. "Come on Tarance, if you just give me a chance...just leave her at home next time. She's a total...you would have a better life without a human like her."
"You know what? I think you could benefit from a human like her." Tarance said with a frown, opening the door and unbuckling. "And I feel sorry for you, Tiko," he said, handing heim back to Sarah.
He puffed his cheeks, sticking his tongue out at the two. "Yeah, well you're a meany!" he said, snuggling close to Sarah.
Tarance just sighed, shutting the door and starting home on foot.
Sarah looked bewildered by the whole thing. "Can you believe him? What a jerk. Letting her talk to me that way," she said, tucking Niko away so he was safe while she drove. "I suppose not every human can be as sweet at you, Tiko." She kissed the top of his head, pulling away leaving the two to walk.
London watched the car go before looking up at Tarance. "I know that I usually say you're the idiot, but in this case, you can be mad at me," she said, worried about how he was going to react.
"Believe me, you're the last person I'm mad at,” Tarance said simply before shivering. "Dammit it's cold... you alright?" he asked her, turning to face her. Not only would she probably be freezing if he was cold, but he wanted to make sure she was alright after that little exchange.
"I'm fine," she said in a low voice. She wasn't sure why but even though Tarance was no longer going on this date she didn't feel happy about it. She was still a human and he still had no idea how she felt. She was back at square one. "She probably wasn't all that bad," she said off-offhandedly. "You know despite her feeling about humans and that boy who loves her."
"Then they can have each other and screw off, I don't need that,” he said firmly before scooping her up and holding her close to him. "Sorry, I know you hate contact and all, but I'd rather just one of us freeze our asses off."
She tried pushing away from him. "Really Tare it’s okay, don't worry about it. I'm fine," she turned away from him, not wanting him to see her look embarrassed. "Really I rather you just focus on getting us both back home in one piece. Or hell..." she frowned. "There's other fish in the sea, you'll find a good one eventually. I just don't think that she was the one. Which was good, she was freaking freaky!!" She was desperate to lighten the mood again.
"Heh... seriously. All that snuggling and petting... I meant what I said you know, you're a big part of my life by this point,” he said down to her, keeping her cupped despite her struggles.
She stopped struggling for a moment, looking up at him. "Heh...yeah I know Tarance...I know but..." she trailed off, shaking her head. "Yeah, let's just get back home before we both freeze."
He wanted to keep going as he walked, but the thought of how harshly London of all people could shoot him down... well it honestly scared him. And things didn't scare him. Ever. "London... can I say something kind of stupid... without you mocking or punching me?"
"And that would be different from how you usually are...how?" she said, trying to chuckle. "I'm kidding though; I'm pretty used to you saying stupid crap 24/7 so I doubt you could say anything more annoying than usual." She looked up at him, locking her sharp eyes on his. "What's on your mind? You regret letting the bubbly Sarah go?"
"Pff, hell no." He shook his head with a chuckle. Taking a moment to ponder, trying to think of the best way to say it. Considering it was London though…the direct approach was usually best.  “London, we’re cool right?”
“I’m cool,” she said, chuckling.
“No that’s not what I mean…”
“So what do you mean?”
“I’m trying to get it out,” he said.  Damn this was harder than he thought. “London, I... I think I like you. I have feelings for you anyway... I'm just not completely sure what sorts... You can punch me now,” he said quickly, sighing as he looked away, still keeping her cupped close in the cold as they approached their home.
"Y-you...you don't like me," London said, waving him off. She wanted to take him seriously, actually she was dying to take him seriously but she couldn't accept it so easily. "You care for me as a friend and you may...you may be confused about how you're feeling but I don't think you like me, Tarance. Otherwise..." she trailed off, not wanting to be vulnerable around him. "Otherwise you wouldn't have gone on that date with...that that girl."
"No I was stupid... She was a bitch, and that human was such a sheep,” he said bluntly, sighing as he finally got inside his home. Shutting the door, he held London up. "And London, you know me well enough to know I don't lie or bullshit around... when I say I've got feelings for you, I mean it."
Sarah's words rung heavily in her ears. "I thought I did too, Tarance. But you heard what that girl said. It's only natural for me to have feelings for my owner." She looked away from him. "And it make sense, you've been nice to me, you've always treated me like an equal. It makes sense...and honestly...before you came home earlier today, I was planning on telling you the same thing...that I kind of like you. But not I'm not so sure." She punched Tarance in the chest. "That stupid bitches words are in my head now!"
He rolled his eyes, scowling towards at the door as if Sarah'd be able to feel it. "... Well here's the problem with that theory. It's natural for humans to love their owners? That's all fine and dandy except since day one, I've always said you were my roommate, not my pet... only thing is you don't pay any bills." he said with a chuckle, giving her shoulder a light nudge since he obviously couldn't give her a good natured punch.
"I g-guess," London muttered, "Oh well, you know what? It really doesn't matter, I appreciate you trying to make me feel better on the account of that...girl, but no worries, okay?" She nudged him back. "We'll just go back to the way things were. So...do you want to order something for dinner tonight since we're obviously not going on a double date?" She tried to chuckle.
"No, no double date... but how's a normal date sound?" he asked casually, moving to grab his coat. He hadn't taken it before since he was expecting to be driven. "That little dinner by the gym allows humans."
"Wait, wait...you're serious?" London asked, surprised to watch him getting ready. "You're not serious...Tarance," she said, rubbing the back of neck. "Tarance, you don't need to do this. We can just stay in and grab something here. I need to work out later anyway." In truth she was honestly panicked. She couldn't imagine going on a real date with Tarance...he was making it seem so casual.
"Yeah, I am serious... You know me though, I don't like to let things stress me out..." he chuckled, a rarely seen sheepish smile on his face as he slipped his coat on, switching the hands she sat on as he did so. "To be completely honest, I'm actually pretty nervous too..."
"R-really? W-wow," London said, not able to hide her surprise. Maybe this was the time to say how she actually felt about him. Would that put too much pressure on him? She thought about what she had said to the mirror earlier today. "A-actually Tarance, there's something I want to tell you. If we can be somewhat serious for a moment."
"Hm?... Sure, lay it on me." Tarance said with a nod, setting her on the couch and crouching in front of it to be level with her. "... I'm gonna go out on a limb and say these feelings are a bit... one sided?"
She looked shocked for a moment, trying to remain composed. "W-what do you mean?" she asked. "Why would you think that?"
"Well, you're sitting here talking about serious talk, and I'm talking about... well, liking you... I dunno, my mind's a negative place no matter how positive my exterior is,” he said, waving a hand and sighing. "... Forget it, I'm being stupid I'm sure... what'd you want to tell me?"
"You're not being stupid," London said, continuing to soften her look. "I mean you are sometimes, but you're not." She took a deep breath, walking to the edge of the couch. "Look...earlier today before you came home, I was kind of practicing saying something to you. Something that I was honestly planning on telling you before you told me about your date with Sarah." She remembered rehearsing in the mirror. "T-Tarance...I like you. I know it's weird...you being giant and me being like this, but I really do like you..." she knew that she was rambling but she couldn't get it out any other way.
He paused a moment before smiling, chuckling quietly to himself. "You... you like me too... Ok, sure." With a smile he reached out and scooped her up, giving her a peck on the cheek without thinking about it before standing up. "... You know, if you'd just cut me off earlier like you usually do, we'd probably be on our date already,” he said, heading for the door.
"W-wait, wait!!" London blurted out, holding up her hands. "So...so that's it? You're cool with this? You...you actually want to go on a date with me? It can't be...it can't be that damn easy! You're a...and I'm a..." she was so confused and happy that she was starting to get flustered. "Dammit, Tare! Why did you agree to go on a date with that girl in the first place?"
He pondered a moment before shrugging. "... Guess I didn't know you liked me. Seriously, would have changed this whole day,” Tarance said, waving a hand in a sweeping motion. "So what kind of food would you like when we get there?"
She arched a brow at him. "Mexican...like always," she said. "I'm in the mood for nachos...and don't you dare make me go out in the cold to go walking again, moron," she snapped, feeling more like her usual self. "I might have been quiet earlier but it’s too damn cold to be walking around in that weather. Were you trying to kill me earlier or what?" she asked with a chuckle.
"Yes, actually. The plan was to smother you against my chest till you suffocated,” he said calmly without missing a beat, stepping outside with her cupped close to him. "Plan B starts now, so let's see if it works before I get to the car."
She rolled her eyes. "As usual you are just cracking me up with your with combined with your usual stupidity," she said, breaking out into a huge smile before frowning up at him with a slight shiver. "P-plan B?" she asked carefully. "What the hell is plan B?"
"Killing you with kindness,” he said with a smirk, pulling her away from his chest and pecking her on the cheek again before holding her close. "That or hypothermia."
"Hypothermia sounds more your style," she said with a chuckle though her face turned pink from his kiss. "Are you even able to kill with kindness, Tarance? You're uh...kind of neutral,” she said with a smile, looking in the car. "I think I'll take the passenger seat today, not really feeling in a cup holder mood."
"No cup holder ey... Alright, I thought of something." Climbing into the driver's seat, he set her down in his lap and started up the car, smiling.
"Uh...what're you doing there Tare?" she asked, looking up at him. "You know when you drive somewhere I usually sit in the cup holder or the passenger seat. This is...um...heh...." she rubbed the back of her neck. "This is bit cozy isn't it?'
"Just figured it'd be comfier and safer for you. Plus, why wouldn't you want to be closer to me anyway?" he asked with a smirk, starting to drive off.
Her face reddened, immediately hopping away from him and into the passenger seat. "I guess that I shouldn't be surprised that you are making fun of me about this," she grumbled, sliding against the back seat and crossing her arms. "Knowing you, I wouldn't be surprised if this was all some big joke to you."
His expression softened and he reached out, not picking her up but stroking her arm with a knuckle* "London... in all seriousness I do like you... I'm just trying to be funny so things don't change too much between us. As much as I like you, I don't want to risk losing you as a friend if things don't work out, alright?"
She turned away from him, crossing her arms. "M-maybe this isn't such a good idea, then," she conceded, her expression continuing to drop. "How about instead of calling this a date we just keep things casual okay?" She couldn't believe what she was saying but the words just kept spilling out without control.
He paused a moment as he drove, sighing. "... London, I really do like you. And you said yourself you like me... let's just go on this date, and if things don't go well, we'll keep being friends. Easy, right?"
"Sure thing, boss man," she said. As they continued to drive to the diner, she felt her anger draining again. As she felt Tarance pull into the parking lot, she turned back to him. "Hey look, I'm sorry okay? This is weird for me."
"Heh, I get that. Come on though, let's get us something to eat. Nothing to do but get used to this right?" he said, holding his hand out for her with a genuine smile.
She shook her head.  “I want to get used to it,” she said, looking up at him.  “I mean…this is you and me we’re talking about, not some other assholes…I really care about you Tare and I don’t want to mess things up if I can help it.  Maybe with other people, but not with you, okay?” She crossed her arms, looking huffy.  “And now look at me?  Acting like a total girl.”
"Well, last I checked you were a girl." He pointed out with a smile, scooping her up gently. "London, I'm willing to give this a shot... and besides, we're already here."
"Well alright," she said, relenting. "I mean it would be kind of rude to just sit in the car while you ate, wouldn't it?" she said, laughing for his sake. "Can't have you looking like more of an idiot than you already are."
"Hey, I resent that remark,” he said with a smirk, heading out of the car and towards the restaurant, date in hand.