Aleu soon came back into the boiler room carrying a raw steak in her mouth. Kirby and Ralph didn't bother asking her where she got it.
For the next hour Kirby, Ralph, and Aleu hung out together in the boiler room. It was a very awkward hour. Aleu finished the steak very quickly and for the rest of the time she was mostly quiet and mopey.
Then Ralph got up and yawned. "Well, it's been fun, but I gotta get going," he said. "I'm hooking up with Krystal tonight." He winked at Kirby and then turned and headed out the door.
"Good luck," called Kirby as he left.
"Krystal?" said Aleu thoughtfully. "Does he mean Krystal as in Star and Dixie's daughter?"
"The same," said Kirby.
"Isn't she like half his size?" Aleu asked.
Kirby snickered. "Its more like one third, but anyway, speaking of dates, I was wondering if you wanted to… you know… go out on one?" he asked her.
Aleu stared at him for a moment, making Kirby feel even more uncomfortable. "With you?" she asked.
Kirby smiled sheepishly and nodded. "Yeah."
Aleu was quiet for a moment and then she shrugged. "Eh, what the heck," she answered.
"Great," said Kirby. "So lets go."
"Right now?" asked Aleu.
"Yeah," said Kirby. "You know, while the night's still young."
"Okay," sighed Aleu. She followed Kirby out the door.
While they were walking, Aleu said, "Kirby, you don't have to do this."
"No, I want to," said Kirby. "Come on, we'll have a great time."