Where is it? Where is it? Where is it!?

Humphrey was getting worried quick. It was almost time for him to go so he could meet up with Kate but he couldn't find anything! He was stressing so much over a simple hang out! Who does that!? Not normal people. Then again, he was far from normal...

"Dang it! Where are they?" He mumbled angrily to himself. Where did he leave his stuff? His keys weren't on the bureau like normal. He didn't see his pills for his anxiety. And his deodorant seemed to have vanished! He had never been more stressed over a simple hang out in his life!

"Yo, you okay Humph?" came the sudden voice of his buddy Salty. Who was watching Insidious on Netflix. Definitely was a top three favorite movie for him, which Humphrey couldn't understand. Then again he hated the horror genre so how could he complain?

"No, I can't find my keys, pills, or my deodorant and I leave in ten minutes to the main building! What am I gonna do!" Humphrey said. Too stressed to stay quiet he just kept panicking and looking everywhere for his lost items.

Salty paused his movie and looked at him confused. "One, your deodorant is on the place you put your keys, your keys are in the bathroom where the pills should be, and the pills are in the food cabinet. Two, why are you leaving? Three calm the fuck down bud," He proceeded to get up to guide his perturbated friend. Showing him his lost stuff. Calming his nerves.

After getting his things and taking a few pills to calm down. "I'm meeting with Kate at one o'clock. She wants to hang out as an apology and so we can have better chemistry for our project," Humphrey soon explained to his confused friend.

He didn't think about how his friend would react but the reaction was definitely surprising. His face was in a feared scowl. He seemed worried and angry at the same time. It was definitely a weird face. And one Humphrey wasn't used to seeing from Salty. "Shoulda known..." He said pinching his snout. Seeing his friend's confused look he continued. "She had texted me yesterday saying she wanted help saying sorry to you cuz she felt really bad for what she did, I told her to fuck off wanting nothing to do with the damn bitch,"

Humphrey went wide-eyed. He had never seen Salty so strongly hate someone before! "You okay man? Why do you hate her so much?"

Salty gave him a glare. He had never looked at Humphrey that way in the time they've known each other. Never toward him, or toward anyone to Humphreys knowledge. His glare had a hint of surprise. His face showing his thought. Even though it did Salty still asked the question, "How couldn't I? You can't seriously be telling me that after everything that bitch has shown. That she has done. You can't with a straight face say you don't dislike her! She just an entitled sexist asshole! She has blown up on all the popular boys, she's treated every man like scum and let's not forget what happened at Dunkin'!" He had never felt this strongly about someone. Ever. Not to the bullies or some of the teachers in middle and high school. Just Kate. She was the only one who triggered this side of him. It was new and scary to Humphrey.

But he had a point...

Kate had been nothing but awful to Humphrey. He had never witnessed her being nice or even just neutral to a guy. She had done nothing but berate and lash out. She hadn't done anything less or anything more.

So why?

Why would he even give her a chance? Why would he even agree to have this hang out? Why would he accept her apology after what she did to not only him but his friends? Why would he even give her the chance at redemption? He couldn't think of a reason why.

Except for the memory of how she acted at the very end yesterday. She wasn't being an asshole, or mean in any way. In fact, she even laughed! She joked with him! A man! He still couldn't believe that she did that! It was crazy to think about. Now she wanted to hang out to make amends? How could he say no?

Humphrey sighed, "Salty I can't say that I like her... though I can say that I don't dislike her. Sure she's done shit in the past, but she wants to make up for it. I'm gonna give her that chance like I would give anyone else. I think you should too. Now if you'll excuse me I'm actually running late... See ya,"

With that said Humphrey was out the door, leaving behind a shocked and angry Salty. The dorm wouldn't be fun tonight...

It took him a few minutes to make it to the main building. He had been running the whole way, apparently, he was later than he thought! When he finally at 1:05 arrived he saw Kate in a white Mercedes Benz C63 AMG. It wasn't exactly the car he was expecting a daughter of one of the wealthiest family's would own. Not to say that it was a bad car. It was just an unexpected reality.

When he finally was within a couple of feet of the girl he had to take a moment to catch his breath. Through his heavy breathing he just barely managed to speak, "S-Sorry... I'm late... had... an issue... at home..." His voice fading the more he talked, his throat threatening to completely seal shut. He would be lying if he said he wasn't scared. In fact, he was terrified, he talked more just today than he did in over four months. And at the rate he was going, he would beat what he said all of last year in just a single day!

He was expecting to get a mouthful from her for being over five minutes late but she just laughed. "Thought something might have happened and judging by the fact I wasn't given a text I safely assumed that you weren't canceling. You don't seem like the type to purposely be late, or not show up without a reason. But please elaborate?" Her tone turned serious. Surprisingly there was no hint of anger.

Catching his breath Humphrey sighed. "Well, I was stressing a little and couldn't find my things. I asked my roommate and buddy Samuel if he knew where everything was. After pointing to my things he asked what the deal was. I told him I was meeting you and he just got really angry. I guess he still isn't fond of you because of the whole Dunkin' thing," He had explained everything so quickly. Showing just how nervous he was. Kate had to wonder why he was so nervous.

With a simple nod, she opened her door. "Okay. That makes sense. Any way ready to start our hang out?" She had a simple smile on her face. Unphased on the news that she was talked about behind her back. It confused Humphrey. She wasn't gonna be angry? She wasn't gonna demand answers? She wasn't gonna lash out at him or cancel the hangout?

He didn't have time to think of that now, he couldn't just stand there and think. With a sigh, he walked around to the passenger door and entered the vehicle closing his door behind him. When he fastened his seat belt Kate started the car. "So what should we do? Wanna eat or just hang out somewhere?"

Humphrey took a second to think. He really felt bad. She now knew that she was a topic of conversation and that it most likely wasn't a good one. What should he say? What should he do? "You're not gonna say anything about that? Aren't you angry?" Once he said it he regretted it. He shouldn't have said anything. He should have just let it go. He just couldn't though. He just had to ask. Why? Simply put since it was about her. Anyone would want to know what others say about them behind their backs. At least he knew he would.

Looking at her he saw the smile fade. She didn't frown. She didn't scowl. She just went blank. "No, not really, I kinda figured. He didn't exactly give me a nice text when we talked. I don't care what he thinks of me though. But now I'm curious. What do you think of me?" Once she said that her head turned to face him. She didn't look angry. Just curious.

Humphrey looked forward. He didn't know how she'd take his answer. Not that he planned to lie to her. Just the truth can hurt and he didn't want a repeat from Dunkin' "Well. Simply put I don't like or dislike you. All my friends don't like you and after knowing about how you lashed out at me they expected me to hate you myself. To be honest I think I started to yesterday. But the way you acted had shown me that you weren't a bad person. So I'm neutral right now, but after today I'll either like you or I won't,"

He was scared to look at her. To see her reaction. But in the end, he did anyway. He was surprised, to say the least. Not only was she not mad, but she seemed to approve the answer. "I can take that. If I'm honest I thought you would think worse of me. I haven't been nice to you... at all. Listen I'm sorry that I lashed out. And thank you, for giving me a chance. I guess in a way I'm sort of giving myself and you a chance too," She said smiling. He looked confused to which she giggled. "I mean I never talk to guys and I'm giving myself a chance to trust them again. And that chance was given to you,"

He nodded. He looked about to ask something but ultimately decided against it. What was he gonna ask? She was curious. "Hey Kate, if it's okay, I'm not good at deciding places to go. In fact, I'm usually at my dorm or the park so can you please decide what we do first?"

He beat her to it. He had changed the subject before she could ask what he was gonna ask. Not that she minded. Now she had to think of where to go. As she thought she could feel her stomach begging for food. "How about we eat somewhere? I'm quite hungry," He had a simple nod. "Cool, where to eat... Hey Humphrey where do you usually eat?"

He shrugged, "Nowhere out here. I usually just cook my food or have my buddy Mooch cook it,"

Kate was shocked, which sparked a question, "You at least have had Olive Garden right?" Humphrey shook his head, "Never in your life?" Another shake, "Well then too Olive Garden. There is no way in hell you can live without having Olive Garden at least once!"

With that, she started the car and left for Olive Garden.

Once at Olve Garden Humphrey could smell the food. The scent of the kitchen invaded his nose making his mouth water in longing. His stomach begging to put at least something in his stomach!

They were seated next to a window where they could barely see one of the parks that resided on the campus. The menu was given as soon as they sat. Looking over the options he just couldn't decide! They all sounded so good! "So you know what you want?"

With a shrug followed by a nervous chuckle he responded "Uh, I actually have no idea what to get... I'm not even sure if I can afford the stuff here... I only have fifteen bucks,"

Now it was Kate's turn to laugh. "You're not paying buddy. I got it. As for your meal. How about we both get a Chicken Piccata?"

Humphrey looked at the mentioned meal and nodded, "That actually sounds quite good! I love zucchini! In fact, it's probably one of my favorite fruits,"

With a gasp, Kate shockingly agreed, "Same here! I love zucchini! Mostly when my mother makes it! I tell ya perfection!"

Humphrey chuckled, "Really? That sounds amazing! I'm jealous. I don't know what a perfect zucchini taste like,"

With a chuckle, Kate laughed, "Yeah... Now I'm curious, tell me something about your Mom,"

After she said that Humphrey went quiet. Looking out the window he sighed. "You know... I could if I would Kate. I never met her. All I know is what she looks like. I haven't seen her since I was three,"

Kate was about to speak but the waitress came up and asked if they were ready to order. After giving their orders for their chicken piccatas (Kate ordering a Corona with hers and Humphrey getting a coke) they went back to their conversation. Kate stressing that she was sorry about the topic and Humphrey dismissing it with a smile.

Eating the meal Humphrey couldn't help but admire the dish. Now wanting to know how to make it he made a mental note to look up the recipe. By far among his favorite dishes now that he tried it. Kate was also noticeably enjoying her dish. Though she ate it sophistically she didn't hide how much she was enjoying the flavor that invaded and conquered her taste buds. Humphrey had to try really hard to make sure he didn't laugh at her reaction to the piccata. To put it simply, it was a hard task.

Soon the bill came, which caused Humphrey a lot of embarrassment. The waitress had placed the bill in front of him! She thought he was gonna pay! Humphrey had blushed and in shame slid the bill to Kate, who was trying her best to hold in a giggle. She couldn't help but want too, he just looked so adorable doing that! Wait what?

What did she just think? He's adorable? That can't be right... She's not supposed to think that anymore! Not after the last time... Mentally she just pushed the thought away. Just have fun Kate. Nothing is gonna happen because of one da-hang out... Shit.

Shaking her thoughts she took out her wallet and paid the amount she owed, along with a five-dollar tip. As they left the store she felt a poke on her shoulder. "What is it?" she asked avoiding eye contact.

Humphrey sighed, "So we're gonna act like you didn't just space out? Or do you wanna talk about it? I'm here to help if you need it, Kate,"

She was shocked. He noticed something was up? She spaced out? "How long did I space out?"

Humphrey tapped his musk, "I think only a few moments but it was enough for me to notice it. It seemed serious so if you're not comfortable talking about it I understand. Just know that I'm here to help,"

So he noticed all that after only a few seconds? How? With a sigh, she finally looked him in the eye. Her expression was blank but her thoughts were going a mile a minute. "Yeah... it's pretty personal but thanks. I would tell you otherwise but I just can't. The only people that know are my family and at least for now I'd like to keep it that way," She started to instinctively rub her nape. With a sigh, he nodded in understanding. With that, they walked to her car. The time now was 2:47.

"Where shall we go next?" she asked looking at Humphrey, her smile returned and it was beautiful. It was like a Goddess was smiling for the blonde wolf. Humphrey could stare at that smile all day if he was allowed to. Sadly though he couldn't. Wait what do I mean sadly?

Shaking the thought out of his head he quickly and nervously replied, "Uh... Well, how about we just walk around the park?"

After giving him a weird look she finally had to ask, "Why go to the park? We could do so many other things!"

It was true. They had everything on the campus. It was that large. They even had their own movie theatre! But Humphrey had his reasons. "Well I mean most things cost money, and I'm broke. Besides walking around the park is peaceful and helps us digest the food! I mean we don't have too if you don't want too but...,"

With a sigh, Kate chuckled. "I don't think I've ever known a guy to like peaceful never mind say it. You're a strange one Humphrey. You're a strange one. So any park you have in mind? Like a go-to park?"

With a shake of his head, Humphrey simply replied with, "I don't have a certain park I like. I just go to the closest one when I feel like it,"

That confused her. Though now she had to ask another question, "Okay... What do you even do in the park? You know other than walk around?"

Humphrey hadn't expected her to agree with his idea, he was even more surprised to hear that question. "Well, I usually go for a run or for a walk. Sometimes I go there and lay in the grass and enjoy the heat. We could just walk and talk or relax somewhere. Unless you wanna do stuff at the playground they added," Humphrey had chuckled at the mention of the park. What a childish thing to do, not that he wouldn't do it. Just wasn't something you'd expect an adult to do.

Kate joined him in his chuckling as the thought of going on the swings or climbing the rope pyramid like she did when she was a kid. Those were the good old days. Just playing with her sister and random kids at the playground. Whether it was tag or hide and seek. Just being a kid who didn't know what life was like or the dangers that came with it. Being able to smile and laugh over everything. Definitely the good old days.

"Okay, I'll bite, just know if we see a swing set we're swinging!" She said as she set off to park near the park. It didn't take long as it was just behind them, she just didn't want her car in the Olive Garden parking lot, where someone could report it and have it towed in the matter of minutes of her leaving.

All that could be seen as they walked in the park was trees and an open field. Kate would be lying if she said she wasn't even slightly nervous. She couldn't help it though. It was uncontrolled anxiety built through past trauma. "Hey, Kate... you okay? Wanna head back?"

His voice was so soothing. It was so reassuring. How though? He was quiet but somehow his words spoke volumes. One thing was for sure, he didn't talk much but when he did he was the most impactful wolf around. How was that possible? She didn't know. She didn't care though. If he was anybody else she would have easily said yes, actually she wouldn't even be here with any other man! But somehow just those seven words were enough to calm her anxiety and convince her she was alright. That nothing would happen. "No, I'm fine but thanks for the offer. Can we sit for a bit?"

She looked at him hopefully. Would he agree? Or would he want to keep walking? They had barely gone out of sight of the car which was just barely visible through the trees. Her heart warmed up when he smiled, "Sure,"

With that one word of confirmation, they laid in the grass, looking up at the sun that was gonna set in a few hours. They lay in silence until Kate decided to break it. She had to ask something that bothered her for a while now. "Hey, Humphrey. Why are you so quiet anyway?"

He didn't answer straight away. Though she knew he was there. Right next to her in the grass, in fact, he was just two feet away from her. When she turned to him she could see he was debating. Debating whether or not to tell her. "Well, that's actually a personal thing. I would rather I not say. At least if it's okay that I don't,"

She couldn't help but feel weird about his answer. Sure the personal part was understandable but the end was just... different. At least if it's okay that I don't. An Omega indeed, though never has an Omega been... that Omega. She's never witnessed that. What wolf ask permission to not tell something personal? It was within his right not to. Though he acted like it wasn't. "Of course you don't, I won't push you to tell me,"

"Thanks"

"What do you like to do?" Kate wanted to change the subject, though her undying want to know Humphrey kept tugging at her. So a compromise was made in that question.

Humphrey smiled, "Realistically not much. I like to sing and rap, cook, hang out with my friends, play video games, and relax. I'm just your normal Omega. I know it's astonishing!"

They laughed at his sarcasm. "Really? Very interesting Mr. Omega. I also like to do most of those things, except cook. But add in exercise and anything that includes activity and I love that. Drawing is fun too," Kate finally replied. This was relaxing and fun so far. She never thought she'd enjoy laying in the grass with a cute guy this much! Shut up brain!

"You draw! Wow, ain't that something!" She suddenly heard him say. She looked to him to see him smiling, his eyes closed and his guard down. He looked so peaceful lying there, and she had front row seats to see him. She unknowingly took a mental picture of every detail of the sight before her. The way he lay there was just... mesmerizing. Why? Who knows, and who cares! The fact was this moment and this image was beautiful enough for Kate to want to stay there forever. Never in her life had she felt this way and she didn't know why. Though she knew one thing. This boy was different from anyone she knew, and she definitely wouldn't regret today.

Shaking the thoughts out of her head she responded, trying to hide her sudden shyness, "What do you mean?"

With a chuckle he faced her, his smile radiating her to smile. "Well, I for one couldn't draw if my life depended on it! So whenever I hear someone can I find it extremely amazing,"

She laughed at his joke combined with a compliment. "Well, what talents does the school quiet kid have?"

Humphrey chuckled at the nickname, he certainly was the quietest kid to be at the college. "Honestly I don't think I have one. You'd have to ask one of my buds since I don't see a talent within me,"

No talent? That makes no sense. Everyone on the planet has a talent. That was something that Kate firmly believed. Though to find out Humphreys she would have to ask his friends. The same friends who honestly didn't like her at the moment. "Oh. I doubt that Humphrey,"

With a shrug, he chuckled, "Yeah well guess we'll see huh," That being said they went quiet for a bit. Enjoyed the sun and each others company. They were silent for so long Kate surprisingly for multiple reasons, nearly had fallen asleep. She would have if Humphrey didn't speak up, "Thanks for today Kate, I had a lot of fun. I'm glad we hung out today,"

Him saying that made her smile. It meant a lot to know she wasn't the only one who thought today turned out great. "No problem Humphrey. I'm thankful you hung out with me today, I had a lot of fun. You're cooler than you let on. We should do this more. Maybe we could combine our friend groups to one day,"

Humphrey smiled as they made eye contact, "Maybe and definitely. Hanging out with you was great and I'd be down to do it more often,"

Him saying that made her smile. It was good to know he was happy. It was better to know that he reciprocated the feeling of doing this more. Honestly, she was happy to know him now. She was happy she gave him a chance.

I was thinking of adding a seen for Kate dropping Humphrey off and maybe adding some more drama but I decided to slow that down, besides this felt like a good way to end the chapter. I'm sorry this took so long I've been busy and a little lazy. Doesn't help when a certain Raven won't shut the fuck up about updating the same story! Nah but really sorry it took a while and I hope you all enjoyed it.

Anyway, I'll see all you beautiful people in the next chapter!