For the next two weeks, Liam took care of me. We got to spend more time together and learned more about one another so I was content. “Morning,” he said, coming downstairs while I sat on the couch. “Good morning,” I responded, lazily going through the channels with the remote. Turned out it wasn’t just voice-operated, Liam had a remote he just didn’t use it often. “You won’t have to wear your neck brace at night anymore. I know it’s uncomfortable, but your neck seems to be doing fine so you should be ok. How is it feeling now? Last night you said it hurt.” 

I lowered the t.v. volume to give him my full attention. “It feels fine now thanks,” I said. Liam sat next to me on the couch and kissed my neck with an open mouth. I smiled and turned to kiss him properly on the lips. I started becoming more and more comfortable around him. I snapped less as well though didn’t waste time calling him an idiot when he acted like one. Even so, I began to think those moments of silliness were cute. Liam broke away first and I leaned into his chest letting him fall back onto the sofa. “What’s the city like?” I asked, wrapping my arms around his neck. Liam shifted to accommodate the position.

He explained to me a week ago that we were supposed to visit his dad in the city. I didn’t want to meet him, but I didn’t argue since I didn’t want to give Liam a hard time. I had never been to the city or any urban area for that matter before so while I was excited I was also nervous. “You’ve asked me this so many times already!” he laughed. “And I want you to tell me again,” I smiled, “I’m just a bit worried is all.” Liam sighed but not out of frustration rather just preparation to give me a hopefully reassuring description. 

“It’s crowded with lots of stores and things to do. Most people keep to themselves and don’t interact with you because of how busy it is. There’s something called street food. It’s like fast food but you buy it from a single vendor. If we see any I’ll definitely buy you something good to eat. There’s been a lot of innovation in technology recently like hoverboards and holograms. I think that might be new for you. Also, I was thinking maybe we could see a movie, go to the aquarium, and go shopping,” he said. There was a quiet pause as I thought it all over. 

“That sounds great,” I said against his chest with a smile. “I’ve read about aquariums in school, but I’ve never seen one in person. It seems really fun though. I’m excited. ” I whispered. “I am too but I’ll have to keep an eye on you since cats are known for attacking fish,” he chuckled. “That was the worst joke yet,” I scolded but I wasn’t serious. I sat up and looked at him smirking. “I don’t know how I’ve put up with you so far without punching you,” I spoke. Liam raised an eyebrow and I felt his hand wrap around my tail. I shivered at the sudden feeling. I also realized that my hands were rested on his chest and the position I straddled him in was somewhat suggestive. 

“Because I’m just so charming and handsome,” he said. I rolled my eyes as he squeezed my tail a bit. I moved it out of his hand and stared at him. I shouldn’t have told him not to hold back. He was taking it way too literally, doing whatever he pleased. It was annoying and it didn’t help that he knew exactly how to push my buttons.  “Stop that,” I growled. He raised an eyebrow challenging me. “And what if I don’t?” he asked, grabbing my tail again. I felt weak under his gaze and didn’t know how to respond. “No more kisses and hugs if you don’t,” I said. He smirked sitting up with me in his lap, still holding onto my tail. “You think you’d last a day?” I blushed but nodded my head. He let my tail go finally but grabbed my chin between his fingers tilting my head up. “Really?” I stared into his daring eyes and felt my heart quicken in pace. So much so I was convinced he could hear it. My mouth dried, making me feel like a fish out of water when I whispered a “yes”. “Well how about we play a little game then,” he said leaning closer right before his phone rang. I let out a sigh of relief, glad that I didn’t have to agree to whatever he said. There was always the option of declining, but I still had my pride and refused to let him beat me. Liam tapped something inside of his ear twice, causing the sound to stop. “Call, declined,” a robotic woman’s voice said. He took a small phone-like device from his pocket, which I wasn’t aware he had and looked at the screen before putting it away. Liam leaned into my neck, taking a deep breath. “Who was that?” I asked as he exhaled. “You smell so sweet,” he commented. My face went flushed and I pushed back against his chest to get a better look at him. “Liam who was it?” I questioned again. He pet the top of my head which made my ears fall flat. “Liam? Don’t ignore me,” I whined. 

“Just my Dad,” he sighed. “Well, you should have answered. It’s immature to hang up on him just because you don’t want to talk.” Liam playfully rolled his eyes. “Don’t scold me, I’ve done nothing wrong,” he grinned. I, on the other hand, wasn’t in the mood for his shenanigans. “Liam I’m serious call him back.” 

“Why are you so insistent that I call him, hm? You don’t even like him and whatever he called to talk about is probably stuff we’ve already discussed before.” Though his father was the last person I wanted to see, I knew that I would have to meet him the next day. I didn’t want him to take his anger towards Liam onto me. Not to mention there was always the chance that plans had changed. I opened my mouth to respond but the phone rang again. “Answer,” I said sternly, glaring into his eyes. His mouth was set into a thin line but he tapped the small earpiece once. 

“Hello,” he greeted. I couldn’t hear what was being said on the other end besides some mumbles, but Liam was quiet for a solid minute or so before speaking. “Yeah, I already know that,” he looked at me with a ‘told you so’ expression. “We’ll be there by tonight.” The was another pause. “Absolutely not. Goodbye. Yeah, you too,” he mumbled the last part before hanging up. “Was that so bad?” Liam looked up at me and frowned. “Yes, it was awful.” I smiled and stood up, stretching my back out as I did so. Liam stood up, extremely close to me. “ What do I get as a reward?” 

I looked up at him and shook my head. “Nothing.” Liam wrapped his arms around my waist. “There has to be something you can give me,” he said leaning over. “You only did what you were supposed to.” I pulled away and headed upstairs to take a shower. Liam came up behind me and was silent until we got to the top of the stairs. “Just so you know,” he began, his arms finding their way to my waist once more, “ You’ll need to be ready to leave by 7 pm tonight. I know that you don’t have many clothes but I’m sure you’ll find a few things you like while shopping so doesn’t worry too much, ok?” I nodded but the fact that his arm was still resting on my waist told me he wasn’t finished speaking. I looked up as he bent over and pressed his lips against my cheek. Then he found his way to my ear and said in a deep hushed tone, “Oh, and about that game, I wanted to play…”