Fan Prize Story #4: Once Bitten, Twice Shy, Thrice Prepared
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Chapter Summary
Modern AU
Cal takes you on your third date, this time to the Ren Faire.
Rating: Teen+
Words: 3.7K
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You are laying out tomorrow’s clothes, hoping to jump start the day to make your mornings a little easier. Your phone lies on the bed’s bottom corner, the mirrored black screen lighting up, drawing your attention.
CalHey! Wanna go with me to the Ren Fair this Saturday?
Your heart skips a beat, a rush of butterflies filling your stomach. You’ve been on two prior dates with Cal, making this offer the inevitable third date. Three dates fill you with fear since you’ve survived the first two dates without hooking up. These days, waiting to fuck makes you an excellent candidate to become a Sister at the church. Except you don’t want to have sex on date three, but you know the ridiculous expectation is common.
You perch on the bed’s edge, staring at the message, debating the best way to respond without giving him the wrong idea. You really want to say yes. Cal has been sweet, and his good looks don’t hurt. But he’s a guy, and after the experiences you’ve had, it’s best to assume all guys are the same.
The Renaissance Festival is over an hour’s drive, putting you at his mercy for the adventure into the mountains. It’s surprising he wants to see you again, considering you haven’t shared your first kiss with him yet. Maybe he wants to isolate you so that you can’t reject his advances.
If he wants to sleep with you, and you refuse, he’ll dump you, just like the others. While it hurts, it’s not the end of the world. Better to weed out the bad guys. But if he rejects you, it’ll ruin your birthday on Sunday.
To make things worse, Cal and James are friends, and after what James did, it’s possible Cal will do it too. You flop back onto the mattress, dropping your phone face down onto your chest. The ceiling offers no reassurance, but you search the texture for answers. Your phone vibrates again, and despite your hesitations, you are quick to pull the screen before your eyes.
CalNo pressure! But, if you do want to go, I was thinking we could dress up? Just let me know what you’re going to wear and I’ll try to match you.
His messages offer enough reassurance to type out a response, confirming the date. He’s been kind during previous dates, buying all the snacks at the movie theater. Not grabbing your hand when you’d sneak a fistful of popcorn from the bucket.
He’s even an attempted gentleman. He tried to pull out your chair at dinner, which was disastrously awkward. Apparently, neither of you knows how to work together for such a simple task. He ended up hitting you in the back of the knees with the seat and you fell back into the chair, too far away from the table, scooting in yourself while he mumbled apologies.
But you won’t take any risks, creating a game plan to keep yourself safe, and alerting your friends of the details. You rifle through your closet, trying to figure out a good costume for the weekend.
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I wait, my heart pounding, for her response. Most of my closet contents lay strewn across my bed. Obviously, I will need to go shopping to get an adequate costume. I’d like to match her if she agrees to the date.
My phone chimes with the ringtone I assigned to her. She said yes.
I look over the description of what she’ll be wearing and make a plan in my head. Saturday is going to be great, as I’ll have her all to myself the entire ride there and back.
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You’ve got it all figured out; friends on standby, ready to drive over an hour away to pick you up if a repeat of the James incident occurs. For extra safety, you’ve got a pocket knife clipped in your boot.
Cal is joyfully telling you a story in the driver’s seat, dressed in a regal patterned tunic with a shoulder cape, brown pants, and boots to match. He looks adorable and you can’t help but smile at how much thought he put into matching you. You’re wearing a floral print corset with off the shoulder puffy sleeves, a knee length blue skirt, and a brown belt matching your boots.
Cal’s ranting, though a smile stays on his face. “So she comes into my work, screaming, obviously, because her tea was the wrong color. What does that even mean? It’s tea!”
You offer a sympathetic laugh. “Customers are crazy.”
“That’s for sure. I can’t stand this job for much longer. I need to get something real.”
You tilt your head. “What job do you want?”
He crinkles the freckle kissed skin between his brows. “I dunno, maybe something in an office. You know, nine to five, PTO, insurance.”
“Sounds boring.”
“Yeah, but it’s better than what I’m doing.” He sighs dramatically, his jade eyes playfully meeting yours. “What job do you think I should get? You know, something exciting?”
You giggle. “Exciting…how about…an astronaut? Or secret agent?”
He’s almost bouncing in his seat. “How ‘bout both?”
You shake your head. “A secret agent astronaut? I didn’t realize there was so much space crime that needs a man on the inside.”
He laughs loudly, the sounds warming you. “Well, there might be, and I promise, if that becomes a job, I’ll be the first in line.”
“Maybe you should stick with the nine to five.”
He looks both ways before taking a turn. “What, you think I can’t handle it?”
You roll your eyes. “I think I’d miss you if you left.”
He checks his mirrors before looking at you. “Really?”
You sputter. “Oh…well, yeah, of course. Because we’re friends.”
He looks disappointed. “We’re friends?”
You speak too loud. “No! I mean, yes, but…nevermind.”
The car is quiet for a bit, only the sound of the radio on low. Cal doesn’t reach to turn it up, the hint of a smile on his face. You stare out the window, watching the pine trees passing on the scenic drive.
Worry seeps into you, remembering how your last date went. How James tried to force himself on you in his stupid, dirty sports car. Your skin crawls at the memory, wishing you could scrub your skin until it no longer lingers.
You won’t be a fool this time since you have a plan to ensure your safety: no physical contact. You can have a good time together without touching.
Only Cal is terribly good looking. His sharp jawline and muscular form both intimidate you and draw you in. He could have anyone, and yet he keeps asking you on dates, surely because of what James told him. Maybe they have a bet, trying to see who can get the furthest with you.
Cal pulls you from your thoughts. “So not that I think you’re a criminal or anything…”
You whip your head to look at him. “What?”
He puts a hand up, a big smile painting his face. “Hang on, lemme finish. The fair has a strict policy about weapons. They gotta be peace tied. You don’t have any weapons on you, do you?”
“Oh!” A laugh escapes your lungs. “Sorry! Yeah, I have a pocket knife, and it’s not, uh, peace tied or whatever.”
He smirks. “I don’t really think it’s time period appropriate, and I don’t have any zip ties so that we can bring it in. You’re welcome to leave it in the glove compartment, though.”
Your heart drops, knowing that part of your plan for safety will be eliminated. But you take the small weapon out of your boot and slip it into the glove compartment.
“Great, thank you.”
He nods, turning into the crowded parking lot. “For sure! Glad I asked.”
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The festival is in full swing as you enter the castle gates. Lords and Ladies yell down compliments of your costume from the watchtower overlooking the entrance. Cal gives you a reassuring smile and leaves to grab a map of the park.
A group of men dressed as the entire adventuring party from Lord of the Rings walks past as you wait for his return. Children dressed as princesses and princes squeal as they look around the fair for the first time. A woman dressed as a fairy sells individual long-stemmed flowers to happy couples from a wicker basket draped over her arm.
Cal returns. “Alright, we fit right in.”
You take the sides of your skirt and drop into a mock curtsy, earning a chuckle and half bow from Cal. “Thanks for suggesting we dress up.”
He unfolds the map. “It’s fun to do stuff like this together. So, where do you wanna go first?”
You look over the events. “I really like the big cat show.”
He offers his arm with over-the-top politeness. “The big cat show it is. Looks like the first performance is starting soon. Let’s head over.”
You had promised yourself that you wouldn’t let him breach physical contact. But this surely doesn’t count since it’s in character. You brush off the anxiety over such an insignificant gesture and link your arm through his, allowing him to guide you towards your favorite event.
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The big cat show is your favorite for obvious reasons. How often do you get to see large predatory cats unleashed and uncaged? Remarkably, they stay on stage and don’t glance towards the audience, focused instead on the treats provided by the trainers. Though, there is a warning not to let small children run around near the front.
You both sit in the dangerous seats, two rows back. You considered taking the front row, but decided you’d rather not get eaten first if things don’t go well.
The entire show is incredible and three different species perform a variety of tricks, showing off their immense power and speed. You perk up when the black panther comes out, practically bouncing out of your seat to see over the heads of those in front of you. It runs up a wooden pole and immediately receives a reward, earning a cheer from the crowd.
Cal shares in your excitement, glancing between the stage and your face. He pulls out his phone to snap a few photos of your favorite cat before pocketing the device and taking your hand. His larger, warmer fingers wrap around yours, and in your excitement for the show, you accept the intimacy, squeezing his fingers as they meet your palm.
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After the show, you are buzzing with excitement, going over all your favorite parts while Cal eagerly listens. He has not let go of your hand, so he drags you over so that he can tip the performers, the humans, not the cats. The two of you stroll through the many booths, looking over the trinkets and festival specific oddities.
Cal releases your hand to try on a dragon mask and you laugh and shake your head. As he puts it back on the wall of colorful masks, you wonder if you made a mistake getting carried away by excitement and allowing him to hold your hand. So far, you are doing a terrible job of keeping your promise to not allow physical contact. Cal interlocks his fingers with yours as you continue to the next booth and you make a decision that to counteract the physical contact, you limit your responses to one-word answers. That way, he doesn’t get the wrong idea about your eagerness.
He pulls you towards a booth with chain mail and various weaponry. “Look at the metal working over here! Do you wanna go over?”
You smile and nod. “Uh, sure.”
Cal pulls the various swords out of their sheath, thumb flicking perpendicular to the blade to test its sharpness. At the end of the stall, is a selection of metal worked tiaras that catch your eye. Cal follows your gaze and gently guides you towards it, trying to determine which one caught your eye. He guesses correctly and takes the delicate piece, placing it on your head. You blush and close your eyes momentarily as he adjusts it.
He pulls back to admire you. “It suits you. You must have been a queen in another life.”
You let out a laugh, almost toppling the jewelry from your head. “Maybe.”
He adjusts the crown, snaps a quick picture of you in it, and places it back on the rack. “Anything you wanna do?”
You shrug. “Whatever.”
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Trying to beat the lunch rush, you break for mealtime early and easily score food and a decent table. A dish with an artichoke sits in a slathering of melted butter, prompting you and Cal to exchange a knowing glance.
He clears his throat. “This looks messy. Stay here. I’ll go get us some napkins.”
You arrange the food on the table, trying to only take up a small portion of the community picnic bench.“Okay.”
Cal places his phone on the table, marking that he is also sitting there in case the food rush starts early. You get settled in your spot and hear his phone chime go off. You don’t mean to look, but his settings allow for full messages to show on the lock screen, and your eyes naturally read the message.
DanielHey dude, you planning on staying down there tonight?
The constant chatter of the festival turns to white noise as blood pumps through your ears. You feel a sense of cold dread wash over you, reminding you that Cal is no different from the other men. He’s not the first to expect more, especially by the third date, and he won’t be the last. Maybe you should give up dating all together.
You have tried so hard to set limits for men who only want to stomp right across those boundaries. You stopped kissing before the third date because they would get the wrong idea and expect a lot more. That backfired with James. He barely made it through the first date without assaulting you.
Cal returns, a goofy grin on his face. “You’ll never guess what I saw while grabbing these.”
You’re barely listening. “Huh?”
He babbles on. “There was an exceptionally drunk Ring Wraith arguing with Doctor Who over the accuracy of the festival in this time period.”
You stare at the pile of napkins he deposits on the table. “Right.”
He sobers. “You okay?”
“Yeah, just hungry.”
He smiles. “Let’s eat then.”
The meal is dead silent, despite Cal’s attempts to keep the conversation going. After a few halfhearted stories and commentary, he focuses on his food, offering you space to think.
You wonder if you should text your friends, let them know what you saw and that they should probably start the long drive to save you. But you don’t want to inconvenience them, especially if you’re wrong. You really want to believe Cal isn’t like that, but the evidence is damning. At the very least, confronting him is necessary before bailing. You can’t just disappear in the middle of nowhere or you’ll accidentally set off a manhunt.
After an awkward lunch, you stop at the privies, which is nothing more than a line or porta potties, but there is a sink outside to wash up after the meal. You return to Cal and he looks nervous, like he has something he wants to say, mirroring you. He doesn’t take your hand, but walks towards a clearing in the crowds, away from the now bustling food stands.
He wrings his hands. “Hey, you seem distant. Did something happen? Did I upset you?”
You press your lips into a tight smile. “Everything’s fine.”
He shifts his weight, not quite meeting your gaze. “Okay…it’s just, you haven’t looked happy since lunch.”
The illusion cracks. “Nope.”
“And I thought that maybe something happened?”
Your face flushes and you tremble. “It’s…I saw…nevermind.”
He looks confused and sad. “What? What did you see?”
You don’t let his puppy dog eyes win. “So you’re just trying to sleep with me, right? Use me and be done?”
He shakes his head, eyes wide, voice raising. “What? What are you talking about? I’m not trying to sleep with you. I mean, I am, but-”
“I knew it. You’re just like James!”
“What?”
“Men like you just want a bed warmer!”
You storm off, leaving Cal standing near a storefront selling metal roses.
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You find a secluded spot away from the crowds near the jousting arena. Sitting in the cool shade of a large pine tree, you face away from other guests and cry. It’s humiliating, crying in public, so you keep the tears minimal and wipe them away quickly to avoid smudged makeup. There’s a lot of discomfort with how the conversation went; you wanted to confront him to hear what he had to say, but your anger got in the way and you don’t really remember much of what he said. You do remember that he said he does want to sleep with you, and that is enough to justify your outburst. Plus, this entire event has surely ruined your birthday tomorrow since you will be laying in bed all day.
As endorphins from crying replace the anger, you find it easier to think. Which unfortunately has the side effect of making you realize that you may have been brash. Cal has always been nice to you, never pushing to kiss you on the earlier dates, unlike James.
He’s seems genuinely pleased to be around you, not like he wants something from you. Maybe you were wrong. Maybe Cal isn’t anything like the guys from before. Even if James is his friend, it doesn’t mean he is the same.
You rest your forehead against your knees, realizing your mistake, having judged too quickly out of fear instead of giving him a fair opportunity to prove himself. Even if he is a good guy, he definitely isn’t going to want to date you now.
A voice cuts through your thoughts. “Hey.”
You lift your head, sniff, and use your fingertips to catch the remaining tears. “Cal.”
He holds his hands behind his back, squatting to join you. “I’m really sorry. It was that text, wasn’t it?”
Another sniff. “Yeah.”
He gives a gentle smile. “I’m not trying to use you, or just get in your pants. I mean, I’d like to…get in your pants, if you would, one day. But it’s not my end goal. I really like you.”
You let out a chuckle, and Cal’s smile widens. “I’m sorry Cal. It wasn’t fair to assume that you wanted to hurt me. You’ve been nothing but nice to me, and I ruined our date.”
He gives a full, toothy smile. “So, this is a date? I was worried when you said we were friends.”
You shake your head. “I just didn’t want to make you think that I’d let you use me, too.”
His face changes to worry. “Too? Who hurt you?”
You swallow. “Um. It’s a friend of yours.”
“Who?”
You sigh.“James. He took me to dinner, and he invited me back to his place when we got in the car. I said no, and he tried to force himself on me, to…convince me… I pushed him off and he yelled at me, called me names, and told me to walk home.”
Cal’s eyes harden. “Are you serious? What a tool! For the record, he is an acquaintance, not a friend. And after what you said, he’s an asshole that I won’t be associated with. Definitely going to talk to the guys about how we can handle him.”
You look at the grassy ground. “You don’t have to do that for me.”
“Are you kidding? Of course I’m going to. I’m not like him, and I won’t be friends with any guy who treats women like that! I’m really sorry that you had to go through that. I understand why you’re scared of sleeping with me.”
You meet his gaze, and his expression softens. “Thank you, it’s not that I don’t want to, one day.”
“I get it. You don’t have to explain at all. I won’t push you into anything you don’t want to do.”
“Thanks, Cal. You’re really great.”
He pulls his right hand from behind his back, holding a long-stemmed flower. “Here. I got this for you.”
You accept the vibrant pink peony, brushing his fingers in the exchange. “My favorite! How’d you know?”
He soaks in the joy on your face. “You told me on our first date.”
A smile creeps across your lips as the jousting show begins. There is a long introduction of the competing knights and the rules for the tournament. Cal sits in the shade beside you, turning to watch.
As the first knights take their position at the ends of the field, Cal leans over. “Can I hold your hand?”
You giggle and trade the flower to the other hand. “Of course!”
The first horses race forward, the blue and white knight versus the red and white. The red one takes a lance square to the center of his chest and falls from his steed. Blue moves onto the next round as green and yellow prepare for their match.
Cal squeezes your hand. “I have another question.”
You look at him. “What is it?”
A smile ghosts his lips, his eyes hooded. “Can I kiss you?”
You part your lips and nod. His soft lips connect with yours, fitting perfectly against you. His free hand moves to cup your cheek, his thumb stroking your skin.
Cal pulls you in, parting his lips. You mirror the action and he slips his tongue in the front of your mouth, brushing the underside of your teeth before pulling away.
As you separate, he keeps close, looking into your eyes, hand still on your face. “I really like you.”
You look down at his lips, then back into his eyes. “I like you too.”
“I’d like to keep seeing you.”
“I’d like that too.”
He chuckles softly, pulling further away, ensuring he can properly see you. “I’m sorry, but I have one more big question.”
You look up at him. “Yeah?”
He sucks in a breath. “Would you be my girlfriend? Because I’d really like to keep kissing you.”
You bite back a huge smile, feeling shy. “Yes, Cal. I’d like that.”
He lets out the breath he was holding and laughs. “Okay good.”
He pulls you in for another kiss as the knights collide. You don’t know who fell from their horse, too distracted by kissing your now boyfriend.
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You are laying out tomorrow’s clothes, hoping to jump start the day to make your mornings a little easier. Your phone lies on the bed’s bottom corner, the mirrored black screen lighting up, drawing your attention.
Cal
Hey! Wanna go with me to the Ren Fair this Saturday?
Your heart skips a beat, a rush of butterflies filling your stomach. You’ve been on two prior dates with Cal, making this offer the inevitable third date. Three dates fill you with fear since you’ve survived the first two dates without hooking up. These days, waiting to fuck makes you an excellent candidate to become a Sister at the church. Except you don’t want to have sex on date three, but you know the ridiculous expectation is common.
You perch on the bed’s edge, staring at the message, debating the best way to respond without giving him the wrong idea. You really want to say yes. Cal has been sweet, and his good looks don’t hurt. But he’s a guy, and after the experiences you’ve had, it’s best to assume all guys are the same.
The Renaissance Festival is over an hour’s drive, putting you at his mercy for the adventure into the mountains. It’s surprising he wants to see you again, considering you haven’t shared your first kiss with him yet. Maybe he wants to isolate you so that you can’t reject his advances.
If he wants to sleep with you, and you refuse, he’ll dump you, just like the others. While it hurts, it’s not the end of the world. Better to weed out the bad guys. But if he rejects you, it’ll ruin your birthday on Sunday.
To make things worse, Cal and James are friends, and after what James did, it’s possible Cal will do it too. You flop back onto the mattress, dropping your phone face down onto your chest. The ceiling offers no reassurance, but you search the texture for answers. Your phone vibrates again, and despite your hesitations, you are quick to pull the screen before your eyes.
Cal
No pressure! But, if you do want to go, I was thinking we could dress up? Just let me know what you’re going to wear and I’ll try to match you.
His messages offer enough reassurance to type out a response, confirming the date. He’s been kind during previous dates, buying all the snacks at the movie theater. Not grabbing your hand when you’d sneak a fistful of popcorn from the bucket.
He’s even an attempted gentleman. He tried to pull out your chair at dinner, which was disastrously awkward. Apparently, neither of you knows how to work together for such a simple task. He ended up hitting you in the back of the knees with the seat and you fell back into the chair, too far away from the table, scooting in yourself while he mumbled apologies.
But you won’t take any risks, creating a game plan to keep yourself safe, and alerting your friends of the details. You rifle through your closet, trying to figure out a good costume for the weekend.
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I wait, my heart pounding, for her response. Most of my closet contents lay strewn across my bed. Obviously, I will need to go shopping to get an adequate costume. I’d like to match her if she agrees to the date.
My phone chimes with the ringtone I assigned to her. She said yes.
I look over the description of what she’ll be wearing and make a plan in my head. Saturday is going to be great, as I’ll have her all to myself the entire ride there and back.
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You’ve got it all figured out; friends on standby, ready to drive over an hour away to pick you up if a repeat of the James incident occurs. For extra safety, you’ve got a pocket knife clipped in your boot.
Cal is joyfully telling you a story in the driver’s seat, dressed in a regal patterned tunic with a shoulder cape, brown pants, and boots to match. He looks adorable and you can’t help but smile at how much thought he put into matching you. You’re wearing a floral print corset with off the shoulder puffy sleeves, a knee length blue skirt, and a brown belt matching your boots.
Cal’s ranting, though a smile stays on his face. “So she comes into my work, screaming, obviously, because her tea was the wrong color. What does that even mean? It’s tea!”
You offer a sympathetic laugh. “Customers are crazy.”
“That’s for sure. I can’t stand this job for much longer. I need to get something real.”
You tilt your head. “What job do you want?”
He crinkles the freckle kissed skin between his brows. “I dunno, maybe something in an office. You know, nine to five, PTO, insurance.”
“Sounds boring.”
“Yeah, but it’s better than what I’m doing.” He sighs dramatically, his jade eyes playfully meeting yours. “What job do you think I should get? You know, something exciting?”
You giggle. “Exciting…how about…an astronaut? Or secret agent?”
He’s almost bouncing in his seat. “How ‘bout both?”
You shake your head. “A secret agent astronaut? I didn’t realize there was so much space crime that needs a man on the inside.”
He laughs loudly, the sounds warming you. “Well, there might be, and I promise, if that becomes a job, I’ll be the first in line.”
“Maybe you should stick with the nine to five.”
He looks both ways before taking a turn. “What, you think I can’t handle it?”
You roll your eyes. “I think I’d miss you if you left.”
He checks his mirrors before looking at you. “Really?”
You sputter. “Oh…well, yeah, of course. Because we’re friends.”
He looks disappointed. “We’re friends?”
You speak too loud. “No! I mean, yes, but…nevermind.”
The car is quiet for a bit, only the sound of the radio on low. Cal doesn’t reach to turn it up, the hint of a smile on his face. You stare out the window, watching the pine trees passing on the scenic drive.
Worry seeps into you, remembering how your last date went. How James tried to force himself on you in his stupid, dirty sports car. Your skin crawls at the memory, wishing you could scrub your skin until it no longer lingers.
You won’t be a fool this time since you have a plan to ensure your safety: no physical contact. You can have a good time together without touching.
Only Cal is terribly good looking. His sharp jawline and muscular form both intimidate you and draw you in. He could have anyone, and yet he keeps asking you on dates, surely because of what James told him. Maybe they have a bet, trying to see who can get the furthest with you.
Cal pulls you from your thoughts. “So not that I think you’re a criminal or anything…”
You whip your head to look at him. “What?”
He puts a hand up, a big smile painting his face. “Hang on, lemme finish. The fair has a strict policy about weapons. They gotta be peace tied. You don’t have any weapons on you, do you?”
“Oh!” A laugh escapes your lungs. “Sorry! Yeah, I have a pocket knife, and it’s not, uh, peace tied or whatever.”
He smirks. “I don’t really think it’s time period appropriate, and I don’t have any zip ties so that we can bring it in. You’re welcome to leave it in the glove compartment, though.”
Your heart drops, knowing that part of your plan for safety will be eliminated. But you take the small weapon out of your boot and slip it into the glove compartment.
“Great, thank you.”
He nods, turning into the crowded parking lot. “For sure! Glad I asked.”
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The festival is in full swing as you enter the castle gates. Lords and Ladies yell down compliments of your costume from the watchtower overlooking the entrance. Cal gives you a reassuring smile and leaves to grab a map of the park.
A group of men dressed as the entire adventuring party from Lord of the Rings walks past as you wait for his return. Children dressed as princesses and princes squeal as they look around the fair for the first time. A woman dressed as a fairy sells individual long-stemmed flowers to happy couples from a wicker basket draped over her arm.
Cal returns. “Alright, we fit right in.”
You take the sides of your skirt and drop into a mock curtsy, earning a chuckle and half bow from Cal. “Thanks for suggesting we dress up.”
He unfolds the map. “It’s fun to do stuff like this together. So, where do you wanna go first?”
You look over the events. “I really like the big cat show.”
He offers his arm with over-the-top politeness. “The big cat show it is. Looks like the first performance is starting soon. Let’s head over.”
You had promised yourself that you wouldn’t let him breach physical contact. But this surely doesn’t count since it’s in character. You brush off the anxiety over such an insignificant gesture and link your arm through his, allowing him to guide you towards your favorite event.
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The big cat show is your favorite for obvious reasons. How often do you get to see large predatory cats unleashed and uncaged? Remarkably, they stay on stage and don’t glance towards the audience, focused instead on the treats provided by the trainers. Though, there is a warning not to let small children run around near the front.
You both sit in the dangerous seats, two rows back. You considered taking the front row, but decided you’d rather not get eaten first if things don’t go well.
The entire show is incredible and three different species perform a variety of tricks, showing off their immense power and speed. You perk up when the black panther comes out, practically bouncing out of your seat to see over the heads of those in front of you. It runs up a wooden pole and immediately receives a reward, earning a cheer from the crowd.
Cal shares in your excitement, glancing between the stage and your face. He pulls out his phone to snap a few photos of your favorite cat before pocketing the device and taking your hand. His larger, warmer fingers wrap around yours, and in your excitement for the show, you accept the intimacy, squeezing his fingers as they meet your palm.
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After the show, you are buzzing with excitement, going over all your favorite parts while Cal eagerly listens. He has not let go of your hand, so he drags you over so that he can tip the performers, the humans, not the cats. The two of you stroll through the many booths, looking over the trinkets and festival specific oddities.
Cal releases your hand to try on a dragon mask and you laugh and shake your head. As he puts it back on the wall of colorful masks, you wonder if you made a mistake getting carried away by excitement and allowing him to hold your hand. So far, you are doing a terrible job of keeping your promise to not allow physical contact. Cal interlocks his fingers with yours as you continue to the next booth and you make a decision that to counteract the physical contact, you limit your responses to one-word answers. That way, he doesn’t get the wrong idea about your eagerness.
He pulls you towards a booth with chain mail and various weaponry. “Look at the metal working over here! Do you wanna go over?”
You smile and nod. “Uh, sure.”
Cal pulls the various swords out of their sheath, thumb flicking perpendicular to the blade to test its sharpness. At the end of the stall, is a selection of metal worked tiaras that catch your eye. Cal follows your gaze and gently guides you towards it, trying to determine which one caught your eye. He guesses correctly and takes the delicate piece, placing it on your head. You blush and close your eyes momentarily as he adjusts it.
He pulls back to admire you. “It suits you. You must have been a queen in another life.”
You let out a laugh, almost toppling the jewelry from your head. “Maybe.”
He adjusts the crown, snaps a quick picture of you in it, and places it back on the rack. “Anything you wanna do?”
You shrug. “Whatever.”
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Trying to beat the lunch rush, you break for mealtime early and easily score food and a decent table. A dish with an artichoke sits in a slathering of melted butter, prompting you and Cal to exchange a knowing glance.
He clears his throat. “This looks messy. Stay here. I’ll go get us some napkins.”
You arrange the food on the table, trying to only take up a small portion of the community picnic bench.
“Okay.”
Cal places his phone on the table, marking that he is also sitting there in case the food rush starts early. You get settled in your spot and hear his phone chime go off. You don’t mean to look, but his settings allow for full messages to show on the lock screen, and your eyes naturally read the message.
Daniel
Hey dude, you planning on staying down there tonight?
The constant chatter of the festival turns to white noise as blood pumps through your ears. You feel a sense of cold dread wash over you, reminding you that Cal is no different from the other men. He’s not the first to expect more, especially by the third date, and he won’t be the last. Maybe you should give up dating all together.
You have tried so hard to set limits for men who only want to stomp right across those boundaries. You stopped kissing before the third date because they would get the wrong idea and expect a lot more. That backfired with James. He barely made it through the first date without assaulting you.
Cal returns, a goofy grin on his face. “You’ll never guess what I saw while grabbing these.”
You’re barely listening. “Huh?”
He babbles on. “There was an exceptionally drunk Ring Wraith arguing with Doctor Who over the accuracy of the festival in this time period.”
You stare at the pile of napkins he deposits on the table. “Right.”
He sobers. “You okay?”
“Yeah, just hungry.”
He smiles. “Let’s eat then.”
The meal is dead silent, despite Cal’s attempts to keep the conversation going. After a few halfhearted stories and commentary, he focuses on his food, offering you space to think.
You wonder if you should text your friends, let them know what you saw and that they should probably start the long drive to save you. But you don’t want to inconvenience them, especially if you’re wrong. You really want to believe Cal isn’t like that, but the evidence is damning. At the very least, confronting him is necessary before bailing. You can’t just disappear in the middle of nowhere or you’ll accidentally set off a manhunt.
After an awkward lunch, you stop at the privies, which is nothing more than a line or porta potties, but there is a sink outside to wash up after the meal. You return to Cal and he looks nervous, like he has something he wants to say, mirroring you. He doesn’t take your hand, but walks towards a clearing in the crowds, away from the now bustling food stands.
He wrings his hands. “Hey, you seem distant. Did something happen? Did I upset you?”
You press your lips into a tight smile. “Everything’s fine.”
He shifts his weight, not quite meeting your gaze. “Okay…it’s just, you haven’t looked happy since lunch.”
The illusion cracks. “Nope.”
“And I thought that maybe something happened?”
Your face flushes and you tremble. “It’s…I saw…nevermind.”
He looks confused and sad. “What? What did you see?”
You don’t let his puppy dog eyes win. “So you’re just trying to sleep with me, right? Use me and be done?”
He shakes his head, eyes wide, voice raising. “What? What are you talking about? I’m not trying to sleep with you. I mean, I am, but-”
“I knew it. You’re just like James!”
“What?”
“Men like you just want a bed warmer!”
You storm off, leaving Cal standing near a storefront selling metal roses.
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You find a secluded spot away from the crowds near the jousting arena. Sitting in the cool shade of a large pine tree, you face away from other guests and cry. It’s humiliating, crying in public, so you keep the tears minimal and wipe them away quickly to avoid smudged makeup. There’s a lot of discomfort with how the conversation went; you wanted to confront him to hear what he had to say, but your anger got in the way and you don’t really remember much of what he said. You do remember that he said he does want to sleep with you, and that is enough to justify your outburst. Plus, this entire event has surely ruined your birthday tomorrow since you will be laying in bed all day.
As endorphins from crying replace the anger, you find it easier to think. Which unfortunately has the side effect of making you realize that you may have been brash. Cal has always been nice to you, never pushing to kiss you on the earlier dates, unlike James.
He’s seems genuinely pleased to be around you, not like he wants something from you. Maybe you were wrong. Maybe Cal isn’t anything like the guys from before. Even if James is his friend, it doesn’t mean he is the same.
You rest your forehead against your knees, realizing your mistake, having judged too quickly out of fear instead of giving him a fair opportunity to prove himself. Even if he is a good guy, he definitely isn’t going to want to date you now.
A voice cuts through your thoughts. “Hey.”
You lift your head, sniff, and use your fingertips to catch the remaining tears. “Cal.”
He holds his hands behind his back, squatting to join you. “I’m really sorry. It was that text, wasn’t it?”
Another sniff. “Yeah.”
He gives a gentle smile. “I’m not trying to use you, or just get in your pants. I mean, I’d like to…get in your pants, if you would, one day. But it’s not my end goal. I really like you.”
You let out a chuckle, and Cal’s smile widens. “I’m sorry Cal. It wasn’t fair to assume that you wanted to hurt me. You’ve been nothing but nice to me, and I ruined our date.”
He gives a full, toothy smile. “So, this is a date? I was worried when you said we were friends.”
You shake your head. “I just didn’t want to make you think that I’d let you use me, too.”
His face changes to worry. “Too? Who hurt you?”
You swallow. “Um. It’s a friend of yours.”
“Who?”
You sigh.
“James. He took me to dinner, and he invited me back to his place when we got in the car. I said no, and he tried to force himself on me, to…convince me… I pushed him off and he yelled at me, called me names, and told me to walk home.”
Cal’s eyes harden. “Are you serious? What a tool! For the record, he is an acquaintance, not a friend. And after what you said, he’s an asshole that I won’t be associated with. Definitely going to talk to the guys about how we can handle him.”
You look at the grassy ground. “You don’t have to do that for me.”
“Are you kidding? Of course I’m going to. I’m not like him, and I won’t be friends with any guy who treats women like that! I’m really sorry that you had to go through that. I understand why you’re scared of sleeping with me.”
You meet his gaze, and his expression softens. “Thank you, it’s not that I don’t want to, one day.”
“I get it. You don’t have to explain at all. I won’t push you into anything you don’t want to do.”
“Thanks, Cal. You’re really great.”
He pulls his right hand from behind his back, holding a long-stemmed flower. “Here. I got this for you.”
You accept the vibrant pink peony, brushing his fingers in the exchange. “My favorite! How’d you know?”
He soaks in the joy on your face. “You told me on our first date.”
A smile creeps across your lips as the jousting show begins. There is a long introduction of the competing knights and the rules for the tournament. Cal sits in the shade beside you, turning to watch.
As the first knights take their position at the ends of the field, Cal leans over. “Can I hold your hand?”
You giggle and trade the flower to the other hand. “Of course!”
The first horses race forward, the blue and white knight versus the red and white. The red one takes a lance square to the center of his chest and falls from his steed. Blue moves onto the next round as green and yellow prepare for their match.
Cal squeezes your hand. “I have another question.”
You look at him. “What is it?”
A smile ghosts his lips, his eyes hooded. “Can I kiss you?”
You part your lips and nod. His soft lips connect with yours, fitting perfectly against you. His free hand moves to cup your cheek, his thumb stroking your skin.
Cal pulls you in, parting his lips. You mirror the action and he slips his tongue in the front of your mouth, brushing the underside of your teeth before pulling away.
As you separate, he keeps close, looking into your eyes, hand still on your face. “I really like you.”
You look down at his lips, then back into his eyes. “I like you too.”
“I’d like to keep seeing you.”
“I’d like that too.”
He chuckles softly, pulling further away, ensuring he can properly see you. “I’m sorry, but I have one more big question.”
You look up at him. “Yeah?”
He sucks in a breath. “Would you be my girlfriend? Because I’d really like to keep kissing you.”
You bite back a huge smile, feeling shy. “Yes, Cal. I’d like that.”
He lets out the breath he was holding and laughs. “Okay good.”
He pulls you in for another kiss as the knights collide. You don’t know who fell from their horse, too distracted by kissing your now boyfriend.
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