We left on another walk, arms locked together, through the bustling and crowded sidewalk. The afternoon became really hot and Kate was fanning her hand at me and herself. It was kind of working.

"The next place is going to be perfect for this weather." I looked over at her as she continued to fan.

"I hope it's that frozen yogurt place coming up." Kate referred to the bright pink sign in the distance. It was pink-and-blue, self-serving frozen yogurt, and it served different flavors every day. I may or may not have chosen the place to share again.

"Today's your lucky day!" I nodded. It certainly felt like my lucky day. I fucked up a couple times already, but I already have plans to fix it within the day.

"You really put a lot of work into this." She sounded like she was impressed.

"I didn't wanna let you down."

"You're not going to, Max. You're fine."

We entered the little shop, incredibly crowded and it was cold on impact, hearing one employee say "hello welcome!" as they worked behind the counter. I guided Kate through the crowd towards the towers of cups of various sizes we could choose from.

"Would you like to share again?" I asked her. I think I'm overdoing the whole sharing thing.

"You still don't feel bad about the whole cup thing, do you?" She placed her hand on my back again.

"No! No, no... no." My reply became less confident and quiet.

"Max."

"I don't feel bad!"

"Max."

"I kinda do!" I blurted. Kate's hand fell down to my lower back.

I took a step back, "But I really want to, for real. I'll forget the cup, we've been sharing all day."

She hummed and smirk, and said, "Okay, we can share. I'll pick this time."

She went ahead and picked the biggest cup and turned to look back and forth at the flavors. I followed behind her as she chose double cookies and cream, cinnamon roll, mint chip, and cheesecake. It was piled high, going above the rim, and it only got higher when she went to the toppings and added M&M's, Fruity Pebbles, and coconut flakes.

"You really went all out on that." I twisted the cup around to see all the different flavors she got.

"It's hot outside! You can't blame a girl for wanting so much."

"I'm not complaining."

When I bought the heavy cup of dessert, we were given two pink spoons and we left to the tables outside with blue, pink, and white umbrellas. Before eating, I obviously had to take a picture of it for the multiple colors and lighting, and then take a sudden one of Kate while she was on her phone. I tried to get a little bit of everything to eat, which was nearly impossible, and ate it. It was very delicious and it all went together so well, I almost made the same sound from the omelet.

"You like it?" She was only eating in tiny bits. I couldn't reply; I continued to eat in increasingly bigger amounts. About halfway, I started to feed her, since she kept eating in small bites. She had a huge grin every time I fed her, making me wonder if she was doing that on purpose. And of course, she did the same to me.

"Why do you keep eating like that?" I finally asked.

"No reason." She replied without making eye contact with me. She then took the cup for herself, not allowing me to get anymore.

"You ate here before?" She finished the bowl, leaving the rest of the melted yogurt.

"Everything we're doing today is new to me too," I pulled my hair tie out and fixed my hair up again, "Except for the last part of the day."

"How fun, I can't wait for the next place!"

The next location was very risky. I chose it because I found it very interesting and really wanted to go for myself, but I picked it for us to see her reaction to it. She had to have some interest in women, but the whole jumble of her being so touchy, compliment-y, yet also devoted to God and Christianity was killing me. The next destination was another museum with a little twist.

"I keep getting texts from my friends even though I told them to not do that." Kate grumbled as she put her phone back in her pocket.

"What are they asking for now?"

"Help with assignments for school and asking what we're doing. I haven't replied to any of them."

"You should tell them to stop."

We stopped at a crosswalk and waited for the light to turn. Kate kept a distance and when we stopped, she simply rolled her eyes.

"I don't want to. I just want a day with you."

"Unless it's like your family or something, by all means answer it."

"... Right. Same to you."

She became aloof in an instant. Did I say something wrong? I wouldn't want to. Should I ask again? Gah, I dunno! When we started to walk across, she held onto my arm again, but she didn't say another word. The whole walk was very quiet and I could hear her audibly huff in annoyance. I looked at her every couple of minutes and she gave a small and weak side smile every time. I had to stop for a second, taking her over to the shade and out of peoples' paths. Just ask, maybe she's fine.

"Kate, are you okay?" I grabbed Kate's hands.

"I'm fine. Why?" She said blandly.

"You're not talking anymore."

"It's nothing," she shook her head and held my hands firmly, "I'm exhausted from all the heat, you know?"

"Oh, do you want to sit down for a bit?"

"If you don't mind."

We went to the nearest bench in the shade, right next to a pizza shop, and we sat down. She instantly rested her head on my shoulder, letting out a tired sigh, and resting her hands on her lap.

"I didn't think it would become this hot. Will you be okay?" I rubbed her back.

"Yeah, it might be the beanie." she sat up straight again and then took her hat off. Her blonde hair was messy and she did her best to fix it.

"The one time I don't style my hair and this is what happens," She finally giggled again, "Sorry to worry you. We could go."


I ended up picking the GLBT History Museum. The building was brick and a lot of bright blue colors surrounding it and leading inside. On the window it held a sign, bright and clear, "gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender History Museum." The place was more of a personal choice; I really wanted to go personally.

"I've heard about this place!" Kate's eyes opened up and had a twinkle in them, "I've always wanted to go!"

"Oh, thank dog, I wasn't sure about this one. It was a little far." The last part was a lie. I was not worried about distance what so ever.

"No, it's perfect. I can't wait to see what's inside."

The building was a lot bigger on the inside. It started with a white room that moved in a circular path and had various memorabilia and the details within glass cases against the walls. Kate took the time to read every single one and look closer at the pictures. It leads into another white room full of photos and easels lining along the walls and sculptures in the middle.

Kate was silent, but she was smiling wide as she read and observed. I couldn't help but gaze at her more than the actual artworks around us. She finally noticed and her cheeks promptly turned pink.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

This is my chance, try to flirt, "Because you're cute when you're excited."

Kate hit me on my shoulder and went back to looking at the glass cases, holding her beanie to her mouth to hide the smile she couldn't hold back. She avoided even touching me; she was probably really warm.

Once again, we were stopped by strangers who wanted to tell us how cute we were together and how pretty Kate was. It was flattering, but Kate was right, it really was easier to just say thanks. After the eighth person, I knew we had to look a little busier than just looking. I decided to stay behind again, taking out my camera to take pictures of the history and of Kate. I did the same, the back or side of her was best to see both her and the museum. I felt really inspired by all the black-and-white photographs of people of different races, backgrounds, and ages that took up a whole wall from ceiling to floor.

"I have so many ideas to draw out later." Kate said as we left the building.

"Me too," I squinted my eyes from the bright sunlight, "If you don't mind, we need to take the metro for our next and final stop."

"Oh, we're at the final already?"

"We're going to eat there too and it's huge. It's an hour away."

"Alright, lead the way, Max."

On the metro train, there were about twenty other people inside. Kate and I sat in a middle aisle. On our travel, she was on her phone. I'm actually kinda okay with her on her phone. Her friends were bothering her, after all. I started to look over little-by-little, until I was just leaning over and my head was touching hers.

"Shi—Crap, sorry." I sat normally again.

She moved closer to me, "It's okay, you could look too. I'm reading my friend's suggestions and I just responded to them."

I looked again and there were text messages from someone named "Ledah."

Ledah: Can I make it gayer?!

Me: You could if you want!

Ledah: Okay, so I'm thinking they are always with each other BUT only at the library and they always stealing glances or whatever and at one point they almost kiss and it's like AHHHHHHHHHHH BUT THEN—

The message was way longer than that, but that was a lot to take in.

"What an excitable friend." I smiled. She seemed nice, but also unpredictable.

"She's the one directing it. She recently got into a relationship with a girl and she has been like this ever since."

I let out an understanding hum, "I feel like I would be the same way."

Kate only nodded, "I didn't want to keep her waiting, but I won't reply to this one. She undeniably told everyone else on the project."

She avoided what I said completely. I wanted to push on it or finally let this moment be the one where I finally asked her about it.

"Hey, do you like girls?"
"Have you been with a girl before?"
"Are you gay or bi or...?"

She went back to other texts, still allowing me to read them. However, there was a Victoria one that she ignored and turned off her screen. After putting her phone back, she put her beanie back on her head. There was one thing I haven't stopped thinking about, though.

"Hey, I'm sorry if this is super personal and you don't have to answer, there was something I've been wanting to ask."

I couldn't help but bite my bottom lip. The question was making me nervous. It is pretty invasive. It might give me an idea if she's gay? Unless she'll be vague again.

"It's fine, what's on your mind?" Kate looked at me and waited patiently. She had her hands together and her legs were crossed. I took a deep breath and I kept rubbing the back of my neck.

"You were talking to Rachel when we were studying and it's been stuck on my mind. Have you... Did you... D-did... W-what—"

"Oh... When I said the purity ring thing?" She already knew it, "Everyone asks about that."

"I'm sorry if it's weird."

"It's not. I'll tell you what I tell everyone. I don't wear it anymore for the exact reason you think."

My eyes widen so much, I think my eyes were going to pop out of my head.

Kate wasn't upset but rather, she was happy, laughing even, "That's usually the reaction I get."

"You don't feel awkward or weird for talking about it?"

"I've had to tell so many people, it doesn't matter anymore. People usually ask after I mention it, so you're the first to wait."

"It's pretty shocking. And that's it or did you ever have to elaborate?" I finally relaxed. Damn, I barely had my first kiss.

"I never told anyone beyond that. My friends try, but I don't know, I don't feel ready to do that? It was challenging enough convincing myself it was okay."

"That's understandable. Have you lost friends from talking about it?"

"Of course, plenty of friends. That makes me sad, but it happened a while ago and I don't regret anything. You don't have a changed opinion about me, right?"

"No, in fact, I feel a little closer to you now. I feel honored that you trust me."

"I've always trusted you." Kate reached over and held my hand. We interlocked our fingers and changed the subject to movies that came out recently and more books Kate would recommend.


We finally arrived at the outlet, the same one Rachel and I went and she spent around five-thousand and I nearly slipped into a coma from adding up everything. It was close to sunset and there were hundreds of people walking and shopping. It was the weekend and it only made sense it was full for the day.

"I've been here too, actually! Victoria shops a lot and she makes me hold her bags." Kate said that too happily.

"That's mean of her." I raised an eyebrow. Her roommate's such an asshole.

"It's how we connect."

We started our walk. I wasn't sure which stores Kate wanted to go into, so I told her to go into one whenever. In the meantime, we got into another conversation about her rabbit and how I personally have taken cared of plants.

"You named your plant Lisa?"

"I did! I did a pretty good job taking care of her too, but she's gone now because I accidentally drowned her."

"Oh my, did you ever get another one?"

"I haven't gotten around to it. At this moment, Chloe and Rachel are technically my moms and are looking after me."

"Did you check your phone if you ever got messages from them?"

"I could right now." I took my phone out, welcomed by multiple messages from Rachel and one from Chloe.

Chloe: Text me so I can pick you up!

Rachel: I have big news!

Rachel: Will tell you when you come home!

Rachel: How's the date?!

Rachel: Don't ignore me!

"I did, I'll reply right now." I did so, giving Chloe a single emoji and Rachel two different answers: Can't wait to hear and It's going great, mom.

"They do seem like parents for you, now that I think about it."

"They're the cool parents."

On our walk, the first store Kate went into was Aeropostale, looking at colorful shirts and ripped jeans. She eventually tried some, making me wait outside her dressing room and asking for my opinion when she went out again. She stated she wasn't going to buy any of it and she just wanted my opinion. Of course, I thought she looked nice in all of them. We left again, Kate dragging me behind her by the hand.

"Who's walking fast now?" I teased.

Kate stopped abruptly and swiftly turned around, making me bump into her. I think our faces were an inch apart for a second.

"I already know what I want, but I want to try on things because I like it when you compliment me."

I couldn't reply and let her drag me around again. Into stores like Forever 21, Gap, and Levi's, she went in, grabbed clothes she liked, tried them on and made me check her out, and then leave without buying a thing. She told me to wear a couple of things and complimented me, but none of them were really my style. I could only describe them as either floral or white. About another hour had passed and suddenly, the weather was chilly again. I shivered, but Kate was shivering harder. I had to do something.

"Are you okay?"

She was shivering a lot and was trying to hug herself for warmth. She nodded and grinned, "I'm good."

I took my flannel off, fixing it off and draped it over her shoulders. I felt very bare after taking it off.

"Oh, Max, you don't have to do that!" She started to take it off, but I stopped her, holding the front together.

"You're way colder than me. You can use it. It matches and it looks way better on you than me." I let go and she started to put her arms through the sleeves.

"And that's why I like your compliments." She folded her arms again, continuing warming herself up again.

"I try," I chuckled, "Where to next, Kate Marsh?"

"Well, Max Caulfield, I'm a bit hungry so we should go to the food court for something."

"Agreed," I nodded, "What about after that?"

"Then I'm going to buy something for the both of us, but it's a surprise."

I groaned, "Are you cereal?"

"Yes, but you'll be happy once I give it to you."

We headed to the building that had all the foods and mini restaurants inside. Kate and I were only a little hungry, so we ordered from Wetzel's Pretzels for the pretzel bits covered in brown sugar and almonds. We shared from one bag, taking one at a time and walking around aimlessly along the brick path.

"Can I get a hint on what you're getting us?" I asked. My mouth was full when I asked.

"It's small." She deadpanned.

"Can I... wear it?"

"Yes."

"That's all I need to know." I handed the yellow and blue bag to her, letting her take the last pretzel bit. She ate it for herself and then threw it into the nearest trash can. She then grabbed my hand and started to go in the direction of whatever this mysterious store was. Hastily and clumsily, I grabbed my phone in order to take a picture of Kate dragging me along. It was a better reply to Rachel.

We ended up at Tilly's. Kate stopped and made me sit down at a nearby bench. It was finally sunset and the sky was blue, orange, and even slightly pink.

"You stay here and I'll be right back." Kate went into the blue and dim store. I was from a far distance, but I could vaguely hear rap music coming out of the place. Back on my phone again, I sent the picture to Rachel.

After taking another picture of the sky, I went back to my phone and scrolled through Tumblr again, looking at the memes and aesthetic pictures with dramatic text under them. I let out a drawn-out yawn, finally letting the day sink in. Everything felt so unreal from all places we went to being with Kate at all! I impressed her and I took her to all the places she always wanted to go. We held hands and we shared food and we learned about each other. Once I get home, I'm going to fall into complete bliss and won't be able to get out for days... weeks... maybe months.

What was the most mind-blowing of all was the fact that Kate was experienced. She had sex before with whoever, but it happened and broke her promise to God to wait. I hate how fixated I am. In fact, everyone else in her life is. I dunno if I am, though. It was a curiosity to me and I wanted to know more. She was so shy but looks were deceiving after all.

It was a lot quicker than I thought, Kate already walked out with her hands behind her back and smiling from ear to ear. I stood up, my heart pounded and my cheeks burned from the sight of her in my plaid shirt and waited for her.

"Close your eyes." She told me right away.

"What is it?" I leaned over to see it, but she turned and hid it from me.

"Just close your eyes and hold your hand out, please?" She said sweetly.

I sighed, but obliged, closing my eyes and put my right hand out. I could feel Kate's soft hand and I felt a bracelet start to go on my wrist. I felt weird about the sensation and not being able to see it; I was uncomfortable, almost.

"Okay, open them." Kate sounded gentle.

I did so and I was met with her hand still holding mine, showing off the bracelets we now had. It was a braided bracelet; to me, it looked like shoe laces. Mine was yellow and black, and hers was green and white, with gold-colored aglets.

"I love it, Kate. This is so nice." I let go of her hand and twisted my wrist around to make it spin around and look at every part of it.

"I'm so glad you do. I was scared you were going to hate it or not say anything."

"No, I like it. I'll wear it all the time."

"I'll do the same."

We stayed at the bench to talk about random things, one of them being finding another time we could hang out together again.

"Do you go anywhere during the quarter breaks?" I tapped my foot to the beat of the Tilly's music.

"No, I stay at the apartment while my roommate goes out to parties and whatnot," Kate gripped the cuffs of my flannel, "Do you do anything?"

"Nope, I hole up at my apartment and get food from Chloe. I'm willing to bet that Chloe and Rachel have crazy plans, so if they are, I'll call you and see if you want to be a part of it?"

"I could try. I can't go too crazy, so I hope you don't mind that I might decline."

"It's all good. Chloe just might take me to a tattoo shop."

"Oh, you always wanted one?"

"This undercut changed me, Kate. I'm going rouge."

"So, you're a bad girl now?"

I chuckled at her comment, "Maybe. Do you want one? A tattoo, I mean."

"Ah, no, I've never been interested. I'll be there for support if you do get one. That's all I could provide."

"That's perfect, actually."

"Thought of any designs or ideas?"

"Well, I would go with a camera, but that's super obvious. I would get it on my left forearm, right below my inner elbow. Though, I had this shirt that I loved so much. It was a pink one and it said "Jane" on it, but right next to it was a female deer. So, like, Jane Doe, you know? Or just a deer, but I don't know where I would put that."

Kate hummed, "maybe... right here?"

She poked her finger on my back, right on my shoulder blade.

"That sounds like a good idea. I'm still thinking about it."

"Don't force yourself then. I wouldn't want you to regret it."

"I won't. I might even get a sleeve on my left to match Chloe's right arm."

"Okay, that I don't know if you would ever do." She snickered. Yeah, it was a ridiculous thing to say.

"You're right... Are you ready to go now?" I asked her.

She sighed, "I don't want to yet. This has been such an awesome day. I don't want it to end..."

"How about we take a picture then? To remember this day?" I took my camera off my body.

She nodded, timidly smiling. I put my arm around her, holding her close, and held the camera towards us. I waited for a second before I pressed the shutter. It flashed in our eyes and it made Kate laugh. We waited for the film to come out.

"Would you mind if I keep this one?"

"Not at all, I was gonna give it to you!" I replied, bumping my arm with hers.

I called Chloe after the photo was developed and waited for her. Kate told me that her apartment wasn't hard to miss and it was super abstract and built in an odd way. It took thirty minutes for Chloe to arrive with Rachel and we got into the backseats.

"Hey you two!" Rachel greeted us.

"Hey Rachel, hey Chloe." I greeted back.

"How were your guys' days?" Kate asked politely.

"It was complete ass, thanks." Chloe replied bitterly. Another customer pissed her off passed her limit. She wasn't going off like before, most likely because Kate was here. I remembered her saying that she had to see Dana tonight again. I hope she'll cool down until then.

"Nothing much really. I saw that video of your roommate and I need and want to meet her." Rachel turned and looked over her chair.

"She would lose her mind. I'll try to find a way to surprise her."

"Please do and I saw the picture you sent, Max. It was cute!"

"Thanks, I tried."

"What picture?" Kate looked at me with her eyebrow raised.

"When you were dragging me around."

Kate snickered and nodded, "Payback for you walking fast."

"Oh!" Rachel interrupted, "Speaking of paying back, Kate, we got you cake pops."

She presented the white box we all knew and loved and handed it to her.

"Aw, thank you."

"You're welcome. Now, it has been a long day, so just tell us your address and you could nap for a bit."

When Kate gave her address and we got back on the road, she rested her head on my shoulder and went into a deep sleep. I felt myself going to sleep too, but I stayed awake in case Rachel or Chloe had something to say.

"What's the good news, Rachel?" I asked her.

"Oh yeah! My manager is the fucking shit, okay, she set up a photoshoot for Vanity Fair and you'll be the one taking the photos. It's just the cover, but you'll be coming with us!"

My mouth fell open to the fucking ground. "Don't fucking joke with me!"

"I'm not fucking around! Tomorrow, we'll be going to a studio and you'll be working with so many different people, you'll be exposed to all of it!"

"Holy shit..." I cursed under my breath. I couldn't believe it.

"It's a photoshoot for me and Chloe, so you better make us look good!"

Chloe finally laughed. Since she didn't seem as mad, I took the opportunity to say another nickname I came up with.

"Chlomoji, why—"

"Leave. The. Damn. Nicknames. To. Me. Max." She hissed through her teeth.

"Chloe... why are you so mad?"

"Worst workday ever! Everyone was fucking up! Us, the customers, the machines, fuck this day!"

I checked on Kate and she was still asleep after all that yelling.

"… Don't you have to see Dana tonight?"

"Shit!"

The rest of the ride was quiet for Kate and I was still stuck on how unreal the whole day was. It was the best day I could think of, if not better, and it was like it ended too soon.

"We're here." Chloe said, a slight bitterness in her tone.

I shook Kate around and she woke up with a groan.

"We're here, Kate. Want me to walk you to your door?" I asked jokingly.

"Do you want to?" She grumbled, rubbing her eye.

I thought about it. I mean, it would be the polite thing to do.

Kate got out first with the box of cake pops and I followed her to her front door. Her apartment was on the first floor.

"I had the best time today, Max." Kate said tiredly. She was still smiling, nonetheless.

"Me too, let's do that again sometime."

"Absolutely." She nodded. We told each other goodnight and to sleep well and I walked away after she unlocked her door. As I left, I didn't look back, but I could hear her door opening and closing again.

When I got into the car and they drove again, Rachel and Chloe were giggling. More likely they were trying to hold laughter back. Chloe drove away and then they laughed harder.

"What's so funny?"

Rachel turned to me, "You left your flannel!"

"Shit!"