I took Kara's hand to warm it. It was chilly waiting to get into the community center. I hadn't guessed there would be so many people. "Your hand is warm," she said. "Yours isn't. We’ll trade places in a little bit so I can warm up your other hand." “Why are you so much warmer? Is it because you're an elf?" “No. I have pockets and I'm not afraid to use them." "I'm not afraid to use mine. My hands won't fit. Women's pockets are for decoration. They only hold a little maybe your fingertips. Guys’ pockets can hold two or three hands." I glanced at her with a grin but said nothing. She glared at me. “No.” My grin grew. "I didn't say anything. You did. I promised to be a gentleman. I serve the goddess of loyalty. Breaking a promise would bring her displeasure." "Have you seen all three of these?” I asked. "Not Vertigo. You?" I nodded. “I saw Psycho and Vertigo opening nights.” “What about The Birds?" "My girlfriend had to work that night. So we went later." “You didn't go with someone else?" "No. I wasn't seeing anyone else. When I date someone, I’m faithful. Just because I don't like to keep my pants on, doesn't mean I won't.” “I haven't seen you with many women lately.” “That's because I've been thinking about asking you out and I knew you wouldn't agree if I was sleeping around. I'm not going to hurt you like that." "Even if I won't sleep with you?” "Yes, and I'm okay with you not sleeping with me.” "So this isn't another attempt at getting me into your bed?" "No, I won't lie. I do want to sleep with you. But, I want to spend time with you too. I'm sorry for that pass I made and I'm sorry for flirting so much." "And what about that time you invited me to join those other women?" I sighed. "I shouldn't have done that.” "You've never apologized for that." “I'm sorry I put you on the spot and made you uncomfortable. I'm glad you said no. I'd rather sleep with you alone." "That's as close to an apology as I'm going to get, isn't it?” "Do you want me to lie?" "No.” "Good. Because I'll never lie to you.” “So you're thinking of us in an actual relationship?" I nodded. "Yes." "And not like you and Lorraine?" I chuckled. "No. Lorraine is a good friend. I was someone for her to be with while she got over Payton. She was someone to go to when I didn't want to be alone." "And what about your ex?" "What ex? The one I took to see The Birds? She's not even still alive." "No. The one you just saw in Hartvale.” "Oh. That's over. It was a little odd because I never got to say goodbye, but I'm no longer interested in her. I had no desire to get back together with her." “Even for a night?" "I was interested in someone else." I looked her over to let her know who it was. "Worshiping the Goddess of Loyalty doesn't mean being loyal only to her but to everyone. I take my faith very seriously." "Anyone who will sit on a rooftop until midnight naked in January has to be. But I don't know much about your faith." "Maybe sometime I can teach you." I paid for admission and we finally got inside. I switched sides with Kara to warm her other hand. She smiled. As we sat down, I took off my hat and glasses. I noticed the looks we got. I'd offered to use a glamour to look human, but Kara hadn't wanted me to. I used the hat and glasses instead. Too many made a fuss. Either they didn't like me or they wanted my autograph. I got a few dark looks as Kara leaned against me and I put an arm around her. If I wanted to date her, I couldn't worry about others. Soon the movies started and people focused on those. I relaxed and enjoyed the first real date I'd had since Tiffany. I enjoyed all three movies. Kara seemed to also, though she'd press closer to me as the music got intense. I chuckled at that a few times and she made a face. I laughed again and asked if she wanted to sit on my lap. She moved for about two seconds. I didn't mind. “Where do you want to go eat?" I asked as we were leaving. Kara shrugged. "I'm flexible. What about you? What do you need to avoid again?” "Things high in iron. No spinach, beets, or beef.” "So no steak house.” “Probably for the best. Do you like barbecue?” “I love it.” “Great. Why don't we go there?” The dinner conversation consisted of a lot of questions about my diet and comparing elven food with human food. Kara was surprised to learn that Underhill we had the same animals but none had iron. I didn't mind. I was used to questions and she was just curious. We got more looks, but we ignored them. I wasn't even sure if Kara saw them at all. Back at the apartment building, I made sure Kara got into her place before going into mine. I met Rich again. "More apples?" "Smoked string cheese." "Sahar's pregnancy is going smoothly so far, with no complications and no morning sickness. Count your blessings." “I know. I am. I just wish she'd get these cravings at a normal hour. What about you? Where have you been?” “A date." "Looks like you were coming from Kara's." "I was.” Rich cocked his head. "You were on a date with Kara?" I nodded. “She trusts you?" "For one date. Let’s hope there's more.” "Don't you hurt her. She's been through enough already.” “I know. I won't." "That explains why it's been so quiet at your place." "I'm not always loud.” "Uh-huh, I need to get these to Sahar. Good night.” "Night." I was getting ready for bed when someone pounded on my door. "Sean Riley Wysanorin, you open up," Sahar called. I chuckled. Her baby wasn't going to get away with anything with a voice like that. I answered the door. "What's this I hear about you and Kara?" “We went on a date. We saw the Hitchcock marathon." “Is this another of your attempts to get in her pants?” “No, I want to date her and spend time and have fun with her." "You better treat her right." "I intend to.” “You better. I don't care if you are eight feet tall, I'll kick your ass if you hurt her.” "Yes, ma'am." "Sahar, come get the cheese you just had to have ten minutes ago," Rich said from the door. "I need to watch out for Kara." "Sean isn't going to do anything tonight. Let him sleep and come on." Sahar frowned but followed her husband. I sighed and went to bed and dreamt about Kara instead.