Ryan and Haiku had just gone through Royal Woods' Haunted Adventure, they both were having a light laugh but for different reasons. Ryan because he was amused at how well the attraction actually scared him. Haiku was laughing because she felt it was over the top.
"It's amazing what they think scares people, but I know in the end, it's just make-up and special effects," said Haiku.
"Yeah, really good make-up and special effects," agreed Ryan. Then they went for some ice cream, Haiku ordered chocolate while Ryan had Oreo cookies and cream. They sat down on a park bench, enjoying the frozen confectionary.
"Y'know, we've been going together for a while, honestly. I mean, you've gone with me for walks in the cemetery, I've gladly gone with you to sporting events. We've gone to the movies and out to dinner, I think we're technically dating. I've just been thinking about that," Haiku said.
"Well, I guess I was just too afraid to bring that up. But yeah, I guess in a way, we are dating. That's not a problem is it?" asked a now very nervous Ryan.
"Oh no no no, I just thought that we should be aware of what we're doing. Also, when we started hanging out, we told everyone that we had just become good friends. But honestly, I think there was a part of me that was only saying that so my friends wouldn't give me a hard time for dating someone who is technically twenty-eight years older than me. But I do like you Ryan, you have been willing to listen to me from day one and you've been a better companion than anyone I dated in college," said Haiku the two of them were now looking into each other's eyes. Ryan was speechless for a moment, before he shook his head violently.
"I'm sorry Haiku. I mean, you're a great gal and everything, but I don't know if us being in a romantic relationship is right. I mean, you were in school with both of my boys. If people see us actually dating, what will they say? That I'm a cradle robber? Or maybe a total creep?" he asked, trying hard to keep his voice down. Haiku just held his hand.
"Nobody thinks you're a creep. You didn't even know me when I was in public school. Besides, does the age thing really matter to you? There's a saying: 'Love knows no bounds.' Look at Clyde McBride, he grew up with two dads, and they clearly loved each other, and probably doted too much on their son when he was growing up, but he's a healthy normal guy and a great husband and father now. Your daughter-in-law Lucy, her older sister Luna is in a relationship with a girl named Sam, everyone thinks their cool," said Haiku.
"Yes, but they're a little closer in age to each other. Can you think of anyone else who would be in a relationship like the one you're proposing?" asked Ryan.
"Well, not personally, but there was that show 'Modern Family,' Jay and Gloria had a huge difference in their age, but they were popular with the fans. Then again, all the characters were likable in one way or another," said Haiku.
"I used to watch that show. Okay, so maybe age doesn't matter. If I'm being honest, the moment I met you in that coffee shop, I did feel something special towards you, I don't what it was, but getting to listen to your poetry was nice, and when we started talking to each other, I couldn't help but wonder if I was meant to visit that shop," answered Ryan.
"You said that you wandered there on impulse, I know this might sound crazy, but suppose some divine providence intended you to go there that night, maybe it was destiny?" asked Haiku. For a moment, the two of them didn't say a thing. They just looked at each other, silently. Ryan brought his face a little closer to Haiku's. Then Haiku brought her face up to his, and they shared their first kiss. It wasn't anything over the top, but they tasted the flavor of each other's ice creams on their lips. They separated after a few seconds and then blushed.
"That was certainly something," said Haiku a little embarrassed as she finished up her ice cream. Ryan continued to do the same, he didn't know what to say. After finishing their frozen confectionaries, they continued walking. Then they looked back at each other when they reached Haiku's apartment. They stayed silent for a moment and then kissed each other again.
Two days later, the two of them were having dinner at Rusty's house. Rusty and Jordan already knew about the two of them hanging out together and had already learned to accept it. Will was still grasping the concept of dating and didn't think anything more about his granddad bringing a woman over than he would about any of his family members bringing a friend over.
"So, Jordan, when are you and Rusty expecting the next family member?" asked Haiku, trying to make small talk.
"This little ripper is probably going to pop in about a month. Willy here's excited about being a big brother," answered Jordan. She was sitting next to Haiku and out of nowhere grabbed the goth's hand and placed it right on her stomach.
"Oh wow, quite firm," said Haiku, then she flashed a smile that almost seemed uncharacteristic of her.
"But doesn't seem to be moving around right now," she added.
"Yeah, he's resting now, but he say's thanks for the chicken," answered Jordan.
"So, Willy, why don't you tell us how school is?" asked Ryan.
"It's awesome! We're learning about butterflies in science and Ancient Greece in history!" answered Willy.
"Well it sounds like you're enjoy school, that's always good," answered Ryan. Jordan then turned to her husband who was busy eating his food, and it appeared as though he hadn't even looked up at all.
"Rusty sweetie, is everything okay, you haven't really said a word during dinner?" she asked, finally Rusty looked up, he appeared a tad peeved.
"Is everyone okay with the fact that my dad is dating a woman that went to school with us?" Rusty asked.
"Rusty, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, you agreed to let us have dinner with your family, and I thought you had moved past the fact that I was now with someone younger than me," exclaimed Ryan, trying to ease the new tension.
"It's just weird for me, Haiku, Jordan and I graduated in the same class. You're technically old enough to be Haiku's father! With the two of you now an item, it's just awkward okay. I don't know how I'm supposed to feel about it!" Rusty said. Willy started crying, he hated seeing his father shout like that. Of all people, Haiku was the one who got up and hugged him, made an attempt to console him.
"Rusty, please understand. Your father listens to me, he understands me, he's been a better boyfriend to me than some of the jerks I found myself dating in college. If it makes you feel better, I didn't know your dad when we were at school, in fact, I don't think we met before Lucy and Rocky got married, and even that was just a passing moment. I'm not trying to replace your mom either if that's what's bothering you," said Haiku as she then sat the boy she was comforting on her lap.
"Haiku, can you take Willy someplace quiet, I'll just have a word with my husband and father-in-law?" inquired Jordan. Haiku nodded and took Willy to the living room where she most likely had him watch a little T.V.
"Look Rusty, you have no right to get enraged in front of our son like that. Furthermore, your father and Haiku are adults, and they have a right to hang out with whomever they choose. If Haiku chooses to date your dad, that's their decision and we'll just have to respect that. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones had a major age gap, and they made it work. When Haiku and Willy come back, you are to apologize. Ryan, you're a nice guy, a lot of people might say you're robbing the cradle, but once again, you and Haiku are both legally adults with their own lives. I will say no more on the subject," Jordan lectured.
Haiku carried a now much calmer Willy back into the dining room where they ate the rest of their dinner in peace and continued talking about their work, basic table talk to keep things calm. Ryan later asked Haiku where she learned to be good with kids.
"Let's just say in October, I volunteer to help with story time sometimes at the library, tell the kids a good scary story," answered Haiku as she held her partner's hand as they left Rusty and Jordan's household.
