Trevor fought back a wave of nervousness as he knocked on Lin's door. While she preferred to sleep outside, she still had a room at the school so he'd assumed that was where she'd meant to be picked up from.
What if she meant the tree where we talked? Breath Trevor, it's not far, you wouldn't be late…
His fears were allayed as the door opened. As always Lin was wearing her school uniform. However, her hair was a little neater than usual, as if it had been freshly combed. That alone delighted him.
"Lin, you look great!"
"Thank you." She paused for a moment and then added, "you look handsome too."
Yes! He blushed furiously. "Uh, thanks Lin." He had opted for a "casual but stylish" look, donning a black polo neck sweater and matching jeans. "Shall we be on our way?"
"Yes. I am curious to see this place."
He offered his hand and she clasped it. They walked away hand in hand. Trevor had to fight to keep himself from grinning like a madman.
They took a bus to their destination. As usual both young mutants found themselves being stared at by the other passengers. Looks of curiousity mixed with suspicion and outright fear. Normally that would bother Trevor but right now nothing could mar his good mood. Lin for her part never seemed to care what humans thought about them. Trevor made a mental note to ask her about that sometime, but right now he just wanted to enjoy their date.
They arrived at the restaurant. It was clearly an upmarket establishment, with clean white tables and chairs and light cream walls. There were numerous potted plants on shelves and hanging from the ceiling, fortunately high enough that they wouldn't catch on Lin's antlers. All of them were a bright, vibrant green.
Lin moved over to the nearest plants and examined them closely. She smiled joyfully and turned back to Trevor. "The plants are happy here" she said excitedly. "They tell me they are fed and watered regularly, and they receive plenty of air and sunlight. The people who work here even remember to talk to them!"
"I'm glad" Trevor replied. "Wait, so plants do like it when people talk to them?"
"Certainly. They appreciate it very much."
"I'll remember that."
They took seats at a table and studied the menus. After a while a pretty waitress with long brown hair came over to them. "Are you ready to order?" she asked with a friendly smile, completely unperturbed by their mutations.
Lin ordered a salad and Trevor a veggie burger. While they waited Lin looked around, no doubt talking to the plants. Trevor waited patiently until she turned back to him.
"Oh, I'm sorry" she said. "I didn't mean to ignore you. It's just they have so many interesting stories."
"It's okay" he replied. "I know all your friends are important to you. I'd never make you choose between me and them."
"I appreciate that" she said fondly. "Do you remember our confrontation with the Rat King?"
"Sure. It was just after my eyes started going screwy and I started seeing through things." Secretly he thought to himself how glad he was that Lin had been the only person his X-ray vision hadn't worked on. If not… He hurriedly pushed the thought from his mind.
"Yes. When we learned that the park animals were being forced to steal by the Rat King, you rallied them to stand up against him. You cared. Not many other humans would have done that. It was then that I first started to consider you in a not-just-friends way."
"Uh well, I just you know, wanted to do what was right" he said shyly. "I mean, forcing anybody to steal is wrong."
"Yes. And of course, you saved me from the Rat King."
His face reddened. "I didn't really do anything. I just broke his flute. You and your animal friends really showed that creep."
"Only because you gave us the chance."
Just then the waitress returned with their orders. "Enjoy your meal" she said as she set them on the table.
"Thank you" Lin replied.
"Yeah thanks" Trevor agreed.
Just as the waitress was about to leave them there was a loud blaring of sirens. Trevor closed all of his eyes. No, please no…
A man wearing a ski mask came barreling into the restaurant, a canvas bag in one hand and a pistol tightly clenched in the other. His eyes were wide and he was breathing heavily. People screamed as he began pointing the gun around randomly.
"Shut up! Shut up!" he yelled. The screaming stopped.
Good thing there aren't many people here tonight Trevor thought. If there had been a big crowd, things could have gotten much uglier.
"Everybody down on the ground now!" the gunman yelled. "Put your hands behind your head!"
The terrified customers did as he ordered. Trevor and Lin exchanged a quick nod and did so as well.
Remember what they said at the Institute. Don't antagonise him, don't be reckless. There are innocent lives at stake.
Besides them the waitress was trembling with fright. Lin twisted her head slightly to look at her. "Don't be afraid" she whispered. "Help will be here soon."
Trevor had a good idea what that help would be and he grinned to himself. You're in for a surprise pal.
The air was suddenly filled with loud barks. The gunman turned just in time to see a pack of dogs come charging through the door with a black Great Dane in the lead. The dogs pounced on him and drove him to the floor, sending the gun flying into a corner.
"Get it off! Get it off!" the gunman screamed in terror as the Great Dane stood on his chest and pinned him to the floor, teeth bared as it growled at him. All the other dogs also growled.
Trevor and Lin stood up. Trevor walked over to the pistol and ejected the clip, taking care to use a handkerchief so he wouldn't get his fingerprints on it. Meanwhile Lin went over to the dogs. A few turned to her and barked happily while others stopped growling but kept their attention on the gunman
"Thank you all. You were very brave" she said as she fussed some of them. After a moment she looked down at the pinned man.
"Calm down" she said firmly. "I promise my friends won't hurt you as long as you keep still. If you make any trouble, they will start biting."
He got the message and kept very still. Trevor opened the front door a crack and called out, "it's okay officers. Everyone's fine."
The police entered, cautiously at first but when they saw the situation, they all relaxed. The gunman was put in handcuffs and led away.
"Thanks for your help" an officer said to Lin and Trevor once they had given their statements.
"No problem" Trevor replied.
"There is one thing," said Lin. "Could you please contact animal rescue services to have them pick up my friends?" She indicated the dogs that were gathered around her, all wagging their tails. "I would like to make sure they go to a good home."
"Sure thing Miss."
"Thank you."
The rest of the date proceeded without incident and a few hours later Trevor and Lin returned to the Institute.
"So, uh how was it? Aside from the whole "robber barging in on us" thing?" Trevor asked.
"I had a great time" she replied. "Even the part with the robber turned out well. Now those poor dogs will be able to find good homes."
"Oh yeah. I have to admit I didn't plan that" Trevor said.
Lin laughed softly. "I'll look forwards to our next date."
"Me too. Would you like me to walk you to your room?"
"It's fine. Besides some of my friends are curious and I promised I'd tell them all about it."
"Okay." He hesitated, unsure what he should do. Should I kiss her? No, that's way too forward. It's just our first date. But we have known each other for some time. Maybe just a little one on her cheek? No, don't take the chance.
As he stood there pondering Lin leaned forwards and kissed him. It was just a quick brushing of their lips but it left him dumbfounded.
"I'll see you tomorrow. Bye Trevor."
"Bye Lin" he managed to say.
She walked towards the trees. Trevor went into the building and headed back to his room, moving as if he was in a trance. Once inside he closed the door and leaned against it, all of his eyes blinking rapidly. After a moment a huge smile spread over his face. He punched the air triumphantly.
"WOO-HOO!"