I trudged along the grassy pathway to find myself a nice bench to sit under the trees.

" Yes, yes, I will eat properly... Yes... You too... Love you too! " I responded on my side of the phone call with my elder brother. He had a tendency of worrying too much.

Just as I ended the call and stopped walking I found myself looking at Brandon who was looking straight back at me.

" Hey. " I greeted him as I took in what he was doing. He was seated on the ground, leaning against the trunk of one of the biggest trees in the area with a notepad in his lap.

" Timing. The timing I tell you. The gods are in my favor!! " he mumbled with a smile as he got up and shook the dust off of him.

" Uh-huh? " I asked confused. " Are you busy? Do you have plans for the evening? I'll treat you for dinner too if you're free! " He excitedly continued.

" I was about to go to the room and freshen up after this. I guess I'm pretty much free after that. " I replied. " But why though, what's up? " I asked again.

" Oh that. Well, firstly, it's cause you've been taking care of me a lot the past week and secondly because I have a favor to ask of you. " He said with a sincere tone of gratitude to which I couldn't help but smile.

I gave a quick nod and agreed and Brandon literally bubbled with excitement. " Alright then, let's head back to the room!! " He chirped.

Realizing that he was being way too excited he stopped and cleared his throat as he said in a calmer tone, " I mean, alright then, let's go. ", visibly embarrassed.

I chuckled and before I consciously realized it I raised my hand and gave him a ruffle through his hair. The softness of his hair took me by surprise, I wouldn't have ever guessed it because it was always a bit rough looking, the way he styled it. And this just made me want to pet him even more.

His stunned look snapped me out of my thoughts, as I quickly stuffed my hand into my pocket. " Um... Sorry... Uh... I'm used to giving head pats. " I stuttered as I scratched my head in a failed attempt to make it sound normal.

" Ah, it's okay. I was just surprised, that's it. I um... like them too... " He said in a low voice, not meeting my eyes. The sight was so adorable that I couldn't have been more thankful for Fran's interruption that saved me from replying.

" Yoo Luke! " Fran yelled from behind me. " Oh, Hey Brandon!! " He yelled as soon as he noticed Brandon. " Hey, guys! " Brandon replied with his normal tone again, which just made me smile even more.

" Ah, good thing you guys are here. I won't be joining you guys for today's raid. " I said. " What? Why? " The twins looked at me and asked in sync. " Brandon's treating me for dinner. " I said with a grin. " What? Why? " They asked again in sync as they turned to him.

" Because I'm helping him out with some work. If you freeloaders made yourself useful too, then someday you'd get a treat too. " I teased.

" Excuse us, but what are we going to do without our healer on the team? " Conney asked as he stepped into the conversation. " Yeah! " The twins nodded.

" You said you were free! We can go tomorrow if you're busy! " Brandon asked as he turned to me sharply.

" For once let them manage without me. You guys depend on me way too much. See ya guys later! " I said quickly as I pushed Brandon out of the group and started walking away with him.

" Enjoy your date! " Conney yelled from behind. I yelled back with a, " Oh, shush already. " and rolled my eyes.

" Sorry, they're just jealous I'm getting a treat. " I said as I looked at Brandon to see his reaction. With a broad smile, he laughed as he said, " Ah no worries. No worries. "