After the two young men finished eating their meals, Ryan paid for both of them before leading Connor out of the restaurant and into the cool November night.
“You didn’t have to pay for both of us,” Connor said as the two of them began to walk down the sidewalk. “I could’ve paid for my meal so you didn’t have to use more money than you had to.”
Ryan shook his head. “No, it’s fine,” he said. “Dinner was my treat to you, so you should have to pay tonight.”
“Well alright…” Connor relented. “But next time, I’m going to be paying for you, okay?” Ryan chuckled and nodded his head in agreement.
As the two walked down the sidewalk together, Connor couldn’t help but notice how quiet it was. After being told so much about the current debate on whether or not to reveal the Were secret to the world, part of him was expecting to see (or at the very least hear) an anti-reveal protest. The fact that there wasn’t one happening was a pleasant surprise, to say the least.
“It’s awfully quiet tonight,” Connor said to Ryan. “Is it always this quiet at night?”
“Pretty much,” Ryan responded. “I take it you haven’t had a chance to walk around town after dark?”
Connor shook his head. “No, I haven’t,” he confirmed. “I usually get home before its this dark since my parents never liked me staying out after sunset. They started to ease up on the restrictions for how late I stayed out as I got older, but I still tend to get home before it gets dark.”
“Well, that might change fairly soon,” Ryan stated with a chuckle. “If you become a species of Werewildcat that’s based off a nocturnal wild cat, such as a Bobcat like I am, you might find yourself becoming a little more accustomed to staying up later. Plus, it allows you to better enjoy late-night walks like this.”
“Huh...interesting,” Connor said, thinking on what Ryan said. “Late night walks through the woods or the park sound pretty nice.”
“Then how about we go on one tomorrow night?” Ryan suggested. “Maybe even stop for a bit of fun in the park while we’re there.”
Connor blushed as he thought about what Ryan was implying. “That does sound kinda nice…” he said with a nervous chuckle.
“Believe me, there’s nothing better than feeling the cool night air on your fur,” Ryan said, wrapping his arm around Connor’s shoulders. “I’m so excited to show you all the pleasures of being a Werewildcat. And best of all, we only have to go inside to get started.”
Connor was a bit confused by what Ryan meant at first until he realized that they were outside Ryan’s house. Weren’t they just at the diner a few minutes ago? Had time really gone by that fast? Connor’s questions stopped as soon as Ryan opened the front door and ushered him inside. As he walked inside, Connor realized that this was where the night really started.