Hello loves,

here is another one of my stories. It's sitting in my files for...

I can't even remember how long. It's as usual all about Detty. But this is slightly different. Same characters, but a slightly different setting.

Bradford never died, Daniel was never the spoiled kid, man-whoring his way through Manhattan and Betty never worked for him or MEADE PUBLICATIONS. But one day, they just see each other. It all begins with a look.

It was an interisting idea. One I wanted to explore a little. This is what I came up with. And I finally feel like its ready to be read.

Like always I wish you all the best and hope you enjoy this.

Love,

Steffi


Chapter 1

He takes the same way to work every single day. Walking to work gives him time to go over his schedule for the day. The appointments he has, the tasks he set for himself. For the last four years it became a routine to prepare himself for work. Walking home after work clears his head. He can think about what still needs to be done. What he will have to do the next day, or next week. Make some mental notes for himself. And once he's home, he's done with that and ready for a quick meal and sleep.

That's just it. Work, food, sleep. That's his life. Ever since his father gave him the job at one of his magazines, he's just so concentrated on that. That he doesn't really have a personal life. He dated sure. But nothing ever became of it. And if it did, then it would only last for about three to four weeks. Because the women decided, that he's not spending enough time with them. And he gets it really. But he just couldn't care enough to make more time.

One day in January, he remembers it like it was yesterday. Not the day in particular. But the weather. It was cold, but sunny. Almost spring. He looked up, thought about the conference meeting he would have to hold. When all of a sudden there she was. Bright red coat, white mittens and cap. She stood out between all these black, grey and cream coloured coats.

Everyday he sees her. Everyday they walk past each other. And at first he would just watch her. See her demeanour. Takes in her content smile. Sometimes she looks down on her phone. But on other days she's going over some notes. He can see the handwriting, when they're next to each other. After a month they first made eye contact.

And he was taken aback by the depth of her warm chocolate brown eyes. Like hot syrup did they melt into his own cerulean ones. And ever since then he can't wait til the next morning to see her again. To see her eyes. They speak to him. In a way he feels like he already knows her.

There is just something about her. How she stands out in her colourful dresses. How beautiful her smile is. She would smile at him, like she tells him a secret about herself. And maybe she does. Maybe he does too. It's so much easier to be open with someone you don't know. They don't judge you.

She just captured his attention completely. Yet he doubts that she has any idea how much he really thinks of her.

What is her name? Where is she going? What does she do for a living? How is it, that he never saw her before? And how the hell is it possible, that he's so obsessed with a stranger?

Sometimes they walk past each other after hours. Not often. But when they do, it's always the same. Everybody rushes home. She isn't. She usually walks slow, her head lifted up to the sky. Soaking up some of the last rays of sunshine. The little swing in her step so light, he sometimes wonders if she would break out into a dance any second.

And her smile. She's always smiling. Even if she doesn't look at someone. Never has he seen her with a frown on her face or being sad. No, there's always this small smile on her lips. Content and happy. That's how she looks. And this little glint in her eyes? It makes it hard for him to not think about her.

But in the last six months, he never ones spoke to her. He thought about it. Thought about stepping in her way. Making her stumble accidentally into him. To give them a reason to talk to each other. But he feared that the magic would be gone. That this mystery of the unknown woman would be not a mystery anymore. That it kills the little spark.

Who knows. By now he excepted his fate of never getting to know her. Of her just always staying this stranger he can't get out of his head.


'Mom, you know how much I hate shopping', he whines pathetically. But he really doesn't want to go. He would rather put a needle in his eye. Hell, give him ten.

'Daniel, I wanted to spend time with you this weekend'

'I know. And I would like to spend some time with you too. But please, don't drag me into all these boutiques. You know what will happen', he really tries to make it clear. Not only will he die of boredom, but also will the designer think they can get a free advertising deal out of it. He made that mistake once. Being the Editor-in-Chief of the most successful fashion magazine will sadly do that to you.

'Well, then what do we do?'

'How about you go shopping. Find the things you need. And I'll go over to Central Park, grab a coffee and sit under one of the many trees. I could get some work done'

'Daniel, don't you think you work enough on weekdays? I'm telling you...'

'Mom, don't you think I'm too old for your scolding?'

'I'm telling you: One day, you wake up and realize it's too late. I just don't want you to regret anything. I want you to have a life'

'I know, mom. And I promise you, I have a life. And I'm happy. So, go shopping, when you're done you can find me in Central Park under a tree. Probably sleeping', kissing her on the cheek, he smiles one last time before turning around and leaving her behind.

Grabbing a coffee from the coffee cart on the corner, he takes a big sip and finds a nice big tree. It's such a lovely weather. The sun is so warm and bright. And the soft breeze makes it just pleasant enough to have him break out into only a light sweat. This is nice. He should thank his mom. He usually stays in on the weekends and works on the book. Or the next issue. He rarely steps out. But working outside has its advantages.

So he gets to work. Once in a while looks up and examines the people around him. There are not many sitting here like him and work. Most of them are little families with kids who are feeding the ducks at the pond, or couples who lay down on a picnic blanket and spend time together. He doesn't really envy them. The whole relationship thing just never really worked out for him. The women he's been with would start to complain after a few weeks. He works too much and has no time for her. Or doesn't make time for them. And it's not as if they were lying. It was true. He didn't make time to be with them. And even on weekends would work. At least one day. So they would break up and Daniel would live on.

The next time he looks up he sees her. Sitting almost opposite of him against another tree. Laptop, notebook and pen out. Currently writing like a maniac. She's working too. Getting transfixed by her way of switching between writing and typing, he forgets his own letter from the editor that he wanted to write. It's fascinating, how she chews on her lip when she's concentrating. Constantly twisting a strand of her hair around her finger. How her face lights up like a Christmas tree and then all of a sudden types away like crazy. If he listens close enough he could maybe hear the sound of her keys clicking. It's a sound he's so used to. It's soothing. Has something meditative. At least for him. Hearing the clicking of keys always calms him down. His heart rate slows down and his mind clears up. His thoughts are less messed up. It gives him the possibility to sort through them. And it usually motivates him. Spurs him on. To work harder and longer. Only now, he can't seem to tear his eyes away from her.

And that's when she stretches her arms high in the air. Throws her head back and moves it from side to side a few times. Her spine presses against the tree so delicately, while she slowly rubs her bare feet against the grass. Grabbing a to-go-mug, she takes a big sip and closes her eyes for a few seconds. The small smile never wavering. But then she opens her eyes and looks directly into his.

It's a slow mischievous smile that stretches over her face. Makes her head fall to the left side, while she can't seem to go back to work herself all of a sudden. His own smile must look ridiculous.

And his heart. Boy, that beats like crazy. Is almost leaping out of his chest. As if it's already running ahead of him in her direction. Is jumping at the mere idea of seeing her here. On a weekend. When they don't seem to be in a rush like usual. Maybe this is what he had to wait for. Seeing her on a lazy Saturday in a slow environment. No one would took notice of them. Judge them. They could walk away later and no one would be able to say if they were even here. Making a split decision, he closes his laptop, takes the bag and makes his way over to her.

And her smile? That's getting brighter with every step he takes in her direction. Less mischievous and more genuinely happy.

'Hi', looming over her, he admires her soft features. Her almond shaped eyes, the cute button nose and full lips. And the little blush just highlighting her high cheekbones further. She's absolutely beautiful. He knew that before. But seeing her so open in front of him? It's an exhilarating sight.

'Hi', she pushes her back away from the tree and straightens her upper body. Slowly scoots over to fold her legs beneath her body. It's a silent invitation. One he takes immediately.

'I have so many questions', he blurts it out. As if they didn't just meet for the first time. Well, they haven't. But they never talked before. Yet, here she is, sitting in front of him. Already so familiar, so personal. As if they know each other for years. It's crazy.

'I can imagine', her laugh is clear. Rings through the air and makes him think of Christmas morning.

'Who are you? I've never met you before. But all of a sudden I see you every day'

'Maybe we haven't seen each other before, because I just moved to Manhattan. Before, I lived in Queens and had a different route to work'

'Oh, that makes sense', they both chuckle. Can't believe that this is really happening. They're really here. Together. And finally talking.

'Tell me about you, stranger'

'My name is Daniel, I'm 34 years old, I live in Manhattan too and have a business degree from Harvard'

'Daniel..., that name suits you', the way she says his name. As if she wants to get used to it. Saying it. The feel of it in her mouth. On her tongue. It's pleasant and he likes hearing the sound of his name. As long as it's her saying it. 'It's great to finally know you're name, Daniel'

'Tell me about you'

'Alright, well, my name is Betty, I'm 28 and I graduated with an honours degree in media from Queens College. And I work at the New York Times as a full time Seniors-Editor'

'The New York Times? Dang it, you're a real journalist', his chuckle under his breath is soft. And he could swear he sees a coy smile for a fleeting second. Only to be replaced with a bright blush and brilliant smile.

'Well, I don't know about that. But what do you do? Business degree? That could mean a lot. Finances? I don't know. You don't look like a guy that works in finances. Probably advertising? Or publishing?'

'Publishing. I'm the Editor-in-Chief of MODE'

'MODE. As in MODE Magazine? As in the most successful fashion magazine in the industry? Like that MODE?'

'Hey, you heard about my magazine. Wouldn't have picked you for a fashion slave'

'I'm definitely not. But I know my industry. And that is absolutely impressive. It may not be my cup of tea, but I give credit where credit's due'

'Thank you', they share a short laugh. And he realizes, that she may heard of MODE. But she doesn't seem to know who he is. He rarely gets the chance of making a first impression. And he finds that he likes it. Especially with her.

'So, you're here alone? At the park? And just - ...what? Work?'

'Yeah, pretty much. My mom wanted to do something with me. Well, she wanted to go shopping. But that's not really my most favourite thing to do?'

'It's not? I thought you're the EiC of a fashion magazine. Don't you like fashion, Daniel?', she's a tease. The cutest one he ever saw. Her flirting is subtle and enticing. And it makes his heart flutter and his palms sweaty. What a heady effect.

'I tell you a secret, Betty. A 34 year-old, straight guy like me is not really into fashion. I don't care what or who you're wearing'

'You don't?', her grin hits a nerve he hadn't known was still there.

'No, I only care about that you look absolutely gorgeous in whatever you wear. Which you do', her blush intensifies. Oh how interesting. It's a simple compliment. But her reaction is quite the sight for him. Seeing that he has such an effect on her makes him bold. 'What do you think about coffee, Betty?'

'That I can't live without it?'

'Perfect. Would you like to grab a coffee with me?', leaning forward, he observes her face in excruciating detail. The little twitch in her muscles, before her lips curl up into this gorgeous smile and her eyes light up like a Christmas tree on Christmas morning.

'Only if I get to choose where we get it'

'It's just coffee'

'You say that now. Let me guess, you grabbed a coffee at the little cart on the corner?'

'Yeeess...', he looks carefully at her. Did she see him earlier? He just wanted to ask her. But all of a sudden she jumps up, slips into her cream coloured wedged sandals and straightens out her soft peach coloured summer dress. Standing up, she looks even more beautiful. The short skirt of her dress is playfully swinging around her toned legs with every passing breeze.

'Come on, I'll show you where you get a real coffee', she stuffs her laptop, notebook and pen in her big purse and looks excited at him.

'Alright', and getting up, he finds himself walking along her side, to a coffee shop not really nearby, but it has excellent coffee. Well, he takes her word for it. She talks animatedly the whole way. Talks with her hands flying through the air and her hair falling into her face. Never was it so easy to talk to someone. About everything. And never before did his face start to hurt from smiling so much.

'You are a coffee snob', disregarding their things in the shadow they plop down next to them in the sun. Soak up the warmth, while they sip on their coffees.

'I wouldn't say I'm a coffee snob. I just know better'

'No, you're a snob', he chuckles at her adorably crunched up nose.

'Ok, so maybe I am. But it's the one thing I treat myself too, you know? Good coffee. Excellent even. Because to me it does make a difference. It just hits the nerve different'

'And I have to admit, the coffee does taste amazing'

'I know right? There is just nothing like the first cup of coffee in the morning. The boost it gives your still snoozing mind?'

'Wow, that's kind of poetic, you know? Snoozing mind?'

'Shut up, what do you know?', sticking her tongue out to him, he bursts out laughing at her silly behaviour. Enjoys this dynamic they seem to have.

'Apparently absolutely nothing when it comes to coffee'

'Apparently...', she snickers for a few seconds before giving her entire attention back to him. 'Tell me about your family. What do your parents do for a living? Are you an only child?'

'My parents both work at my dads company. He runs the company and my mom runs her own magazine. And I have a brother turned sister. She's two years older than me'

'Brother turned sister? Does that mean what I think it means?'

'When you think that it means, that my brother pops hormones and had plastic surgery to make himself look like a woman? Than yes, it means exactly what you think it means', Daniel looks expectantly at her. Sees her big eyes and open mouth. She looks so cute like that. Absolutely speechless. 'Wow, cat got your tongue? That's the first time your not saying anything'

'Because I'm not sure how to respond', she presses out under her breath. Is still looking shocked at him. And decides to focus on him for a while. 'What do you think about that?'

'When I really think about it, then it is kind of weird. I mean, he's a she since she turned twentyfive. It's normal to talk and think about him as my sister. And she has a nice boyfriend and is happy with her life. That's what matters'

'Wow, that's..., uhm, ...quite something. And to be honest, your sister has my utmost respect. To go through that and come out strong. That's incredible. It can't be easy. Not knowing how her life would be afterwards'

'Yeah, it wasn't easy, you know. Finding a man who accepts her the way she is. Past and all. Not being able to have children. But Greg is a really nice guy. And crazy about her. Only god knows why. She's still such a pain in the ass', shaking his head, he thinks about all the times she kicked his ass. Literally and figuratively. How he hates when they competed against each other.

'That's a sibling to you, I guess. My sister is eight years older than me, and she didn't want me. When I was born, she tried to sell me away to strangers', Betty says nonchalant, nodding more to herself.

'What? My brother tried the same thing. It's the curse of being the youngest, isn't it. Older siblings are awful. They think they have a special birthright, don't they?'

'Totally, but once she realized that my parents wouldn't have any of it she stopped eventually. And now she's like my best friend. And sometimes, if we haven't borrowed anything from each other without asking, we have a sister thing. Talk about anything and everything. It's great', she softly chuckles, looks down at her hands and remembers that she actually has a pair of earrings from her sister. She has to give them back to her, before Hilda gets mad at her.

'And your parents? What do they do?'

'My dads a chef. A damn good one. Best mexican food in all of Queens gets served at my Papis. And my mom, well when my parents first came to the states she worked as a housekeeper. She would do that on and off. With my sister and me. And then nine years ago we found out that she had cancer', looking down on her hands, she remembers it like it was yesterday. How shocked they all were. How time stood still, only to run away afterwards. And the tears well up on their own. She can't help it. It hurts so much. Not having her around.

'I'm sorry. If I would've known. I wouldn't have asked', Daniel grabs her hand. Softly squeezes it, before his thumb draws slow gentle circles on the back of her hand.

'No, it's ok. It hurts. Of course. It will always hurt. And it's a part of me. One that's naturally comes up in conversations. It's just that..., it depends on the situation. When and how it comes up. And with you I know that I don't have to pretend...', taking a few breaths, she looks up into his eyes. Sees only patience and understanding.

'Can I ask how your mom was?'

'My mom..., she was my idol. She is my idol. She was the most happy, supportive, passionate and loving woman I know. Her love didn't come with conditions. She accepted us the way we were. Always said, 'Dreams are made to reach out for them'. She had so much faith in us. And she was so proud. Of everything we did. Loosing her was hard for us. My dad was broken. Tried to push through. For my sister, my nephew and me. But he couldn't do it on his own. So I stepped up. Got a job at a pet-shelter. My dad..., he wasn't happy about it, but he couldn't deny that we needed the money. So I kept at it. After school I went to work and would learn for school when I was home. Most of the time til late into the night. That way I got a scholarship for Queens College. Otherwise I would've never been able to afford it. But I made it. We made it. And we're better then ever. My sister has her own salon and is married to her old high school crush Bobby. They live in Manhattan and my nephew is so fabulous. He's gonna become a big number on broadway for sure. My dad is working as a chef in a good restaurant and has a girlfriend. She's..., not my mom. And it took me a while to accept, that he loves another woman then my mom. But he deserves to be happy. And with Elena he finally is. The happiest he's been in a long while'

'Your mom sounds lovely. Your whole family, really', he still has her hand in his. And during her little rant about her family, they slowly intertwined their fingers. It's exciting and calming at the same time.

'She was. Everyone keeps saying that I'm just like her. I don't know. I like to think that I have a few good traits from her, you know?', she's lost in her memories for a second. Far away look, soft smile and her hand still comfortably clasped in his. Then she shakes her head and huffs out a deep breath. 'Ok, so that's all about my family. For now. And you know that writing and coffee is sort of my thing. What's yours?'

'I don't really treat myself. I wouldn't say it like that. I just work a lot. I like my work. It makes me proud. But I also know that I don't want to be an EiC forever. My dad has his own company, you know. And it was always assumed that my sister Alexis would take over. But four years ago, when Greg and her got together and became kind of serious, she told everyone that she doesn't want that. She has a son with an ex-girlfriend. Well, affair. It was more a One-Night-Stand that really hit the spot? A year ago he stood on my parents doorstep, because his mom died and he wanted to find out who his dad is. They're kind of like a little family already. But that means that one day, I'm gonna step up and into my dads footsteps. Take over for him. And that's what I'm working for. Why I'm working so hard. To relief some stress from work, I go to the gym. Work out if my workload is allowing me to. And that's it. It's work and the gym once in a while. Well, my family drags me out of the house every now and then as well. Like today. My mom does this to make me go out. And hopefully meet other people. Because usually I spend my time on weekends working on the book', he's so wistful. Looks down at their intertwined hands. How they seem to fit perfectly together.

'No friends who want to get together? No girlfriend who wants to spend time with you?', it's calm. And being open about this part of his life is so easy with her. He could never talk about this with his pals.

'No girlfriend. It just never really worked out. There was always something missing? And they complained about me not spending enough time with them. Or me not making time for us. So ultimately it would fall apart in a matter of weeks. My friends are all married, except for one. But he's in a relationship with his girlfriend of two years now? So it's only a matter of time. They are all starting their own families and I just stick out. They don't understand why I work so much. They tried to get me out. To make me go to a party once in a while. Maybe meet someone. But it's just not my scene. And after a while it just became inconvenient, you know? How about you?'

'Yeah..., you know, I come here a lot in the summer. Especially on the weekends. Because it's so pleasant to work here instead of being cramped up in my apartment. And I would see all these couples and think 'That must be nice'. To have someone. But then I remember how it was with my ex-boyfriends. And I think 'No, thank you. I don't want that right now'. I don't need someone in my life, who doesn't understand or get why I'm doing what I'm doing. If he doesn't understand why I'm working so hard. If he can't support me trying to reach my professional goal. If he's just gonna complain about me not caring enough, or taking him for granted? Than I say good riddance', she looks taken aback. Maybe because he's too shocked to control his facial features right now. He finally met someone who understands him. Who gets why he made these decisions in his life. And she's not judging him. No, she supports him. This stranger in front of him that he knows for almost four hours, is more understanding and supportive of his choices then his own family. 'You know how I mean that, right? Because I don't know how to interpret that look'

'I get it. I'm just shocked. No one understands what drives me. No one gets why I'm willing to sacrifice my personal life for my career'

'Yeah, my best friend claims I'm leaving broken hearts left and right. Ridiculous if you ask me. No one ever really tried to get close to me, you know?'

'No colleague that's lurking around your office space and try to talk you up?'

'No, not really. At least no one that stands out'

'It's hard to find someone who tolerates a demanding job', she looks almost sad at him. Because, of course. She knows exactly what he means. It's so hard for both of them. Being young, passionate and driven. Wanting to accomplish so much more then they already did.

'It's so complicated. On one side they tell you to be driven and reach for higher ground. But then again, don't sacrifice your personal life for your career. How am I supposed to be successful in my career without being driven, without sacrificing something. I only have my personal life to sacrifice. Because quite frankly, that's all I have. Work and life'

'Yeah...', maybe they just never met the right people. The spark in her eyes tells him that she has the same thought. And all of a sudden her smile gets coy. The blush a deep cherry red on her cheeks. This is the beginning of something incredible. He can feel it in his heart. In his tingling fingertips that gently squeeze her hand that still nestles in his. It's overwhelming and his heart is filled with joy and excitement. So much it flows over and almost makes him shiver.

And when the next soft breeze blows around them, he sees a strand of hair getting loose. The one she played with earlier. Reaching out, he gently tugs it back behind her ear, hears her soft sigh under her breath.

'You know how they always tell you to meet new people?', maybe his mom wasn't so wrong. Maybe there is more to life. He just hadn't found his more yet.

'You know how they always tell you to not trust strangers?'

'You don't feel like a stranger to me'

'Maybe because we just spend four hours talking about everything, Daniel', she whispers soft under her breath.

'Even before. You already felt familiar when I made the decision to come over'

'Six months of walking past each other. There's a lot you can see. If you're really looking', she's right. They did look. And the more he saw the more he kept looking. Saw every detail. And along the way got to know her through smiles, gestures, posture and behaviour. Of course, that's why she feels so familiar. She's not new to him. Not at all. 'I saw you before. I just had no name. And spending time with you? Getting to know you? It only confirmed what I already knew. I see you, Daniel'

'I see you too, Betty', cupping her cheek, he cherishes the way she leans into his hand. Her soft smile, the little blush on her cheeks and the sigh escaping her lips. It's maddening. And he realizes how much he really wants this. To be with someone. Someone who understands him. Before he just had no idea what it would feel like. That's why he didn't care about finding someone. That's why he dismissed his parents nagging. Because he thought, that it wouldn't be worth distracting him from his work. But he knows now. And it is worth everything. She is.

'Wohoo..., Daniel...', a waving Claire walks over. Still far away in the distance.

'And that's my mom. God, she must have the most shitty timing in human history', they both chuckle at the ridiculousness of the moment. This is so surreal.

'Well, she not only has terrible timing but she's also walking pretty fast', biting her lip she silently asks him what he wants to do. If he wants to hide this very new and very exciting thing they have going on for a little while longer.

'Please tell me that I can have your number?', his desperate look hits her right in the stomach and makes the butterflies go wild. And she grabs her bag and fishes out a pen. No time for paper. She hikes his sleeve up and writes her number on his arm. Neat and flourish.

'There. You have it', her hand still lays on his arm. Warm, soft and comfortable. And her thumb is absentmindedly drawing little circles against his skin. The goosebump forms on its own and finds its way over his arm and along his spine.

'Daniel...?', his mother gets closer by the second.

'I'll call you', scooting closer he looks directly into her eyes.

'Yes you do', smiling at him, she cups his neck and places a small kiss against his cheek. And embracing her for a second, he's gone as fast as the embrace lasted.

Walking into his mother's direction, he turns around one last time. Smiles bright at her and waves small. He can't hear her small laugh. But he can see it. And the little wave is just too adorable. So he tugs his sleeve down and turns back around to see his mom coming to a stop.

'Daniel..., didn't you hear or see me? I was calling for you'

'Mom, I heard you alright', holding the left arm out for his mom, he waits til she hooks her arm through and then begins to manoeuvre her gently over into a different direction. Away from Betty. That is a secret he's not ready to share yet. 'Did you have fun? Shopping?'

'Yes, very much. Now tell me, how was your morning? Did you get anything done?'

'Oh..., uhm..., no, actually I didn't', now that's a brilliant smile if she ever saw one.

'How come?'

'I got distracted. It was just too beautiful', he takes the shopping bags from her and sees his mothers sceptical look. 'The weather...'

'The weather is lovely, isn't it?'

'Yeah, too beautiful to work. I took a nap, just like I told you'

'Is that what you young people call it these days? A nap?'

'Huh...? What are you talking about?'

'The young woman who sat right beside you. You looked very, uhm..., familiar with each other'

'What are you talking about?'

'Daniel, don't play dumb. I've seen you two', she sees the little blush on his cheeks. How he can't control his mouth. The smile forming on its own. 'She is very beautiful'

He just kept on walking. Didn't say anything. He won't spill. The smile on the other hand? That was inevitable. He's just too happy.

'Aren't you going to tell me?'

'No...', he shakes his head, tries to be as resolut as possible without being rude.

'But I'm your mother. Don't you think I have a right to know?'

'No...', he laughs.

'Hmm..., this is new. You are blushing, darling. And you never blush', softly gliding her hand over his arm, his sleeve hikes up. Reveals the first four digits of a phone number. 'And what is this?'

She hikes his sleeve further up. Sees the little heart behind the last digit. Interesting. Very interesting. Especially how fast he pulls the sleeve back down.

'We're not going to do this, mom. I'm not going to tell you anything. And you are not going to ask anymore questions'

'But...'

'You are not getting anything out of me'

'Dan-...'

'You've seen her. That's already more then I would've liked to reveal to you'

'Why are you so secretive when it comes to your love life?'

'There is no love life. I have nothing to share with you, mom'

'The way you act indicates differently, darling', she takes a good look at her son. He's carefree. She didn't get to see him like this often. He's usually so tense. So worked up. Almost burnt out.

'There is the possibility. There..., you happy now?'

'Yes, very much'

'And for the record: 'Taking a nap' will never be a euphemism for sex', his scolding look combined with the soft shake of his head is too cute. And she has so many memories flooding her mind. When he was still her little boy. Already wise beyond his age. It was endearing back then. And it still is to this day. So she comes to a stop and asks him with a tug on his arm to do the same.

'I wasn't trying to offend you with my assumption. Especially if I'm wrong. And I didn't want to intrude. But please, allow me to be happy about the fact, that you seem to have met someone'

'We literally just met, mom', the role of his eyes is annoying. And she will give him hell about it. Once they settled this little argument.

'If you were able to get so familiar with each other within only a few hours, then she must be someone special. I know that there is more to it. You look happier then I've ever seen you, darling', she can't help the tears. She just worries so much about him. That he would be alone all his life. Wouldn't find someone who would be there for him. Who he can share everything with.

'Mom...'

'I'm sorry that I worry about you', cupping his cheek, she places a small kiss on his cheek. 'But don't worry. I will shut up. Because I know you are just as stubborn as your father. You have that in common, you know. It's very annoying, darling. You should work on it'

They keep walking down the street. And for once he's not being scolded for not putting himself out there. But instead she complains about his character traits now. And comically enough, the ones he inherits from his father. Is that really better? He is not sure. For now it just seems that he can't win.