A/N I've been struggling with some writer's block so I sincerely apologize if the next few chapters aren't on par with the rest of them. Yesterday, I wrote two pages in seven hours.

"Okay, Mattias said, breaking the silence between him and Tobi. "You've said that your date went well about a million times, but you never actually talk about it."

Tobi looked up from his phone.

Ever since reading Emilio's journal, he had been a lot more comfortable confiding in his brother. They had begun meeting up much more frequently than before the fire.

"I mean," Mattias continued, having not gotten a reply, "if it went well, wouldn't you want to talk about it?"

Tobi shrugged.

"Well can you talk about it anyways?"

Tobi sighed, slightly amused. "What would you like to know?"

"Everything! Where did you go? What did you talk about? How did you feel about it all?"

"It was just coffee. I don't see why you're making a big deal out of it."

"Because you had a date!"

Tobi gave his brother a glare. He didn't date because he didn't want to date. It had nothing to do with his ability to get one.

"Quit avoiding the questions," Mattias scolded.

"Fine," Tobi yielded. "It was a small shop near where he lives. We just talked about work, and family, and writing—"

"Did his journal come up at all?"

Tobi flushed. "He, um, knows I read it."

Mattias's eyes widened.

"What did he say?"

"He intended for me to read it. He knows me better than I realized."

"And the date was worth your time?" Mattias questioned, grinning.

Tobi gave a slight smile and nodded. "We're planning to go out again sometime." Tobi's phone began ringing. "Ah, speak of the devil. Do you mind if I take this?"

"Please!"

Tobi accepted the call, excitement coursing through him. "Hello."

"I'm taking my sister to get ice cream. Care to join us?"

Tobi blushed. "I don't want to intrude..."

"Nonsense. She suggested it. She wants to meet you. Will you come?"

Tobi nodded, then remembered that Emilio couldn't see him. "Yes, I'll be there. Text me the time and address." He hung up and turned to Mattias.

"What did he say?"

"We're going out for ice cream later." After reading the text from Emilio including the time and place, Tobi began gathering his things.

"Are you leaving?" Mattias asked. Tobi nodded. "Is it that soon?"

"It's in an hour."

"So then where are you going?"

"I have to get ready."

"For an hour?" Mattias asked incredulously. Tobi had never been one to devote too much time to his appearance.

"His younger sister will be there," Tobi said defensively.

"So?"

"So, he adores her! She has to like me!"

Mattias smiled, but didn't say anything, knowing he'd only receive a glare.

Tobi finished gathering his things and headed to the door.

"Don't stress yourself out about this," Mattias said gently. "Enjoy yourself."

Tobi smiled and nodded, then walked out the door.

"He's coming, right?" Vanessa asked.

Emilio checked his phone. "He's almost here."

Vanessa bounced impatiently as she and Emilio surveyed the parking lot. A car pulled into a parking spot and Tobi stepped out.

"Is that him? Is that him?" Vanessa asked excitedly.

Emilio nodded, waving to Tobi.

"Sorry I'm a bit late. I couldn't decide what to wear," Tobi admitted, flushing in embarrassment.

"No worries. I'm just glad you came," Emilio said, giving a soft smile.

"Me too!" Vanessa shouted.

Tobi turned to her, smiling. "You must be Vanessa. It's nice to meet you. I've heard a lot about you. I'm Tobias," he greeted.

"I know. I've heard a lot about you, too," she chirped. "Emilio's been really happy since you guys went on your first date."

Tobi tucked a loose strand of hair behind his ear, looking between Emilio and Vanessa. The two of them looked very similar.

"Come on! I'm starving!" Vanessa said, grabbing the adults' hands and dragging them along with her to the ice cream shop.

Tobi read the menu with about twenty or so different flavors of ice cream— most of which he had never heard of. What kind of flavor was "Superman"? He ended up playing it safe and ordering vanilla with chocolate sprinkles. Emilio ordered black cherry and Vanessa got the hot pink nightmare advertised as bubblegum. She led the way out the door and to the park across the streets.

The afternoon sun shone through the trees, dappling the ground with golden light. Tobi walked next to Emilio while Vanessa skipped ahead.

Emilio turned to Tobi and held out his ice cream cone, inviting him to try it. Tobi blushed and leaned over to taste the ice cream.

"Mm!" Tobi hummed, nodding his head. He moved slightly closer to Emilio and his heart pounded as he slipped his hand into Emilio's.

Emilio looked slightly surprised and smiled, squeezing Tobi's hand gently.

Vanessa glanced back and smiled. "Stop being all cheesy and sappy and hurry up!" she called.

Tobi chuckled and sped up, not letting go of Emilio's hand.

They came upon a playground after a while of walking. "Can I go play? Please?" Vanessa asked.

Emilio nodded and she raced off to the swings.

Tobi and Emilio sat on a bench on the edge of the playground and watched the scene.

"Thank you for coming," Emilio said quietly.

"Thank you for inviting me. It's beautiful here," Tobi replied. He watched Vanessa play on the swings, laughing the higher she went. "Do you think she likes me?" he mumbled.

"Vanessa? I think so."

Tobi leaned his head on Emilio's shoulder and sighed contentedly.

"She really was excited to meet you, you know," Emilio said. "I was worried I was getting ahead of myself. This is only our second date. But I like this."

"I do too," Tobi admitted. "More than I thought I would."

Emilio pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, then leaned down to place a chaste kiss on Tobi's cheek.

Tobi turned pink, but didn't shy away. After a moment of comfortable silence, he said, "I was thinking of going to this small historical town near my apartment for some sightseeing. I think it would be twice as enjoyable if you were to join me."

"I'd love to," Emilio said, smiling. He checked the time, then frowned. "We should get going. Vanessa! Come on!"

She hopped off the swings and ran over. This time, she stayed with Emilio and Tobi instead of running ahead. "Do you have any brothers and sisters?" she asked Tobi.

"Twenty-three of them."

"Wow! You must live in a mansion, then!"

"I've moved out, but I lived in a large church."

"Do you miss it?"

Tobi shook his head. "We were very closed off from society. I like living on my own."

"Oh," Vanessa said. "So you don't want a husband or anything? Because my brother has a nice house, and—"

"Vanessa!" Emilio scolded, blushing furiously.

Tobi couldn't help but let out a light laugh.

"What?" Vanessa said defensively. "Anyways, you should go there sometime." Her eyes lit up and she gasped. "You guys could have a romantic dinner!"

Emilio's blush deepened. "Vanessa, I am perfectly capable of asking Tobias on a date myself. You don't have to do it for me," he said.

"Sometime," Tobi told Vanessa, his voice tinged with amusement. He flashed Emilio a bright smile.

They walked back to the parking lot and said their goodbyes.

"It was nice meeting you, Vanessa," Tobi said. Surprise flashed across his face as she hugged him around the waist, but it was quickly replaced with a smile.

"Tell me when you plan to go to the town you mentioned," Emilio said.

Tobi nodded before getting into his car.

"He's pretty," Vanessa said.

Emilio smiled. "He is, isn't he?" he agreed.

"Don't mess it up, Emilio."

He let out a light-hearted laugh. "I won't."