The town square was a dizzying mosaic of motion, people scrambling for cover. A hundred different colored hoodies flashed past, their owners frantic beneath the drumming rain, bullcaps pulled low. Others simply waited out the storm by the curb, their faces lit by the slow, hypnotic pulse of the traffic lights.
Anthony, a tall figure holding a huge black umbrella, his eyes like golden orbs, frowned up at the churning sky. "Last time I checked the weather, today was supposed to be sunny," he muttered, letting a few fat raindrops hit his outstretched fingertips. He wanted to take Aegir to the butterfly garden, but the rain was a bitter bitch.
Worse, the confession script was still burning a hole in his back pocket. He had rehearsed every word. Bringing Aegir on dates without a proper label felt like a crime, and today was supposed to be the day he finally made his intentions clear.
Aegir, comfortable in his plush pink sweater and beanie, tightened his grip on Anthony's arm. His pink lips pulled into a sweet pout. "Told you it felt like rain," he said in a calm, matter-of-fact tone, resting his head on Anthony's shoulder. "Should've scheduled the trip tomorrow."
"We're supposed to be sightseeing," Aegir's voice was laced with pure disappointment. He glared past Anthony's shoulder at the dark clouds. "Can you just ask the rain to stop?"
Unbeknownst to Anthony, Aegir wasn't just disappointed about the sightseeing. He was very much aware of their supposed situation—a date. It was a concept he'd seen and read about in Vin's blasted romance comics, and he was looking forward to it as much as Anthony was.
Aegir also wanted his master to have this moment for himself. Anthony had been so preoccupied with his friend, Saint, unable to truly relax until Saint was finally out of danger. 
And, if Aegir was honest, he wanted to gatekeep Anthony today, all for himself, without any interference.
His lips puckered into a slight pout. He shuffled his feet, then gave a soft kick to a loose stone, sending it skittering towards a wet puddle.
Anthony sighed upon watching Aegir's reaction. He had taken detailed notes for this outing—their first date—and was so ecstatic, but the heavens weren't cooperating. "It won't stop anytime soon. Want to go to the mall instead?" He gestured with his chin toward the towering building just across the street.
He glanced pityingly at his wallet inside his jean pocket. This trip would still be worthwhile if he got Aegir whatever he wanted, right? He’d promised Aegir that their trip would be worthwhile.  
Honestly,  he doesn't know about dates but the mall is also a viable choice—hopefully. 
In a flash, Aegir's disappointment evaporated. He removed his arms around Anthony's and looked at the mall with wide-eyed excitement. 
Supermarket! He loved the supermarket, especially holding the huge metal cart—and having the intrusive thought to sit in it, a reckless urge he knew would get them both in trouble.
Aegir beamed and motioned for Anthony to start walking. "Are we going to the supermarket again?" His mind instantly filled with images of fresh fish, eggs, meat, and stacks of snacks.
Anthony's lips curved into a soft smile. He laughed lightly and pinched Aegir's nose, earning a scowl from the latter. "There are a lot more fun things in the mall other than... the supermarket."
Aegir's eyebrows shot up. "There's more fun than... food? Really?"
"Yes, other than food." Anthony’s laugh was genuine. Aegir’s lack of conviction was understandable; their rare mall trips were usually quick, just enough time to buy necessities, as they were constantly busy with their training. This break was their reward, as Artemisia had said, a chance to savor every moment before Anthony's classes started next week—and before their nighttime missions began to creep back into their evenings and weekends. 
The thought of that fatigue already sent a cold shiver down his spine.
Aegir's brow furrowed. He vaguely understood that humans enjoyed things comparable to food, like toys, clothes, and art supplies, but to him, food was the ultimate priority—and the mall had it all.
And if dating means enjoyment,  he'll definetely find happiness there. 
Anthony laughed again, a warm tremor vibrating his chest. It was always Aegir who could instantly lighten his mood. "Like... clothes, new art supplies, entertainment like the arcade, or maybe the cinema, spa, or a salon..."
Aegir placed a hand on his chin, considering the options. Then, his face brightened. "Why not we try it all?" A sweet smile bloomed on his lips, and his green eyes twinkled, making Anthony's heart skip a beat. The rain was supposed to be cold, but a sudden heat rose in his face.
Anthony simply nodded. Aegir laughed and pulled Anthony's hand, fingers intertwining instantly. Anthony's cheeks flushed even deeper.
Forget about those damn butterflies—Aegir had bested him. Anthony felt a whole flock of them taking frantic flight in his stomach.
Aegir’s gaze fixed on his, and he grinned, his teeth flashing. “C’mon now, master... we must make the most of today. I get the feeling you’ll miss me soon, once you’re busy,” Aegir joked, but the words were half-meant. He knew he would definitely miss his master.
A trace of sadness crossed his face. Seeing it, Anthony reached up, cupping Aegir’s jaw and startling him. He pulled their faces closer and smiled. "How about we ask Artemisia for a day off? I'll definitely miss you. Are you sure you don't want to enroll late at my university... I'll pull some strings—” Aegir didn't let his master finish, pressing his index finger between Anthony’s lips.
“And who’ll take care of Tibby and Tabby?” Aegir sighed. "Let's just ask Artemisia for a day off..." he decided. Anthony agreed without question, using his free arm to pull Aegir into a deep hug.
Aegir sighed contendedly, burying his face in Anthony's chest and inhaling the calming sandalwood scent—familiarizing himself with it, not wanting to forget a single note.
Amidst the chilling wind and the sky’s constant lament, they found warmth in each other’s company.
The gentle cold of the rain and the warmth of their embrace shielded them completely from their surroundings. Hidden from their view, a dark figure spied on them from the shadows, patiently waiting for the right moment. From the alley where he stood, black cats he had lured lay lifeless on the cold cemented floor, bathing in their own blood beneath his feet.
The hunt will soon begin...a befitting present for a pesky raven. 
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A 2.5k update,  yey! We only have 8 chapters left.  
What will happen next? 👀🙊