That day when Justin got home, he felt more relaxed than normal. Usually whenever he had social encounters with people, he would end up more tired than normal, but there was no such feeling this time. He felt at ease, it was the first good conversation with a stranger than didn't involve anything work related.

It was nice..!

He sat on the edge of his bed, looking around the ro- well, apartment, it was more of a studio. A tiny room with everything a house needed, with the only separate room being the bathroom. There was a smile on his face, he always saw him at work now, so hopefully tomorrow he could see-

...

Wait..

He didn't even know the man's name! He never asked for it!

With a groan, he fell back into his bed, disappointed at his lack of speaking skills. He promised to try and ask for the man's name the next day, if he hopefully continued his routine of shopping everyday.

There was then a tap on the window, which slightly startled the young man, making him look over.

It was a little bug-like creature, with the resemblance to a moth but colors of a butterfly, and a tail like a dolphin's with an orb that floated above it. Pink, mint, and blue were the colors that ruled over the creature, its large wings flapping rapidly as it stayed in view.

Justin smiled at the sight, quickly opening the window so the creature could fly inside, receiving it with a gentle hug, "Vanilla, hi! You're back from your trip!"

The little creature grumbled in delight, sitting on the man's shoulder as it received gentle scratches under its chin.

Vanilla Bean was a little creature that had first found Justin about eight years ago during his lowest points. The little bigender being, both male and female in physical and mental form, had promised to forever protect the boy for as long as it lived. He was a hyper little thing, always flying around the apartment at fast speeds, and sometimes even taking little trips simply to get herself and Justin a few new and nice things.

They were companions, and Justin owed him his life; truthfully, Vanilla was the only reason the boy was still alive to this day, as much as he hated to admit.

"Where'd you go this time?"

Vanilla responded with a grumble.

"Oahu, Hawaii, huh? Did you have fun?"

Another grumble, this time more cheery. She then flew back outside, carrying back in a small bag that he placed on Justin's lap.

"You know, you don't have to get me gifts."

Vanilla huffed, nudging the bag, getting a chuckle out of her friend.

"Alright alright.." Justin opened the bag, taking out a small container that had a slice of vanilla cake inside. He was a big fan of the flavor vanilla even as a child, hence why when he first met his little buddy, he named it Vanilla.

He smiled, lightly petting Vanilla's head, "Thanks, this is delicious..!"

A purr escaped the creature, eyes closed as she enjoyed the petting before lying down on his shoulder. They were a strange duo, anyone could see that, but they had been through so much in their lives that being apart felt strange.

But Vanilla loved to travel, and that's something Justin simply couldn't take away from him, no matter how much he hated being completely alone.

He began to eat his slice, enjoying every bite; the fluffiness of the cake itself, the softness of the homemade frosting, and the little sprinkles that added tiny bits of extra flavor, it was all so good!

It was little things like this that really brought him joy, things he made sure to stop and take in, for it had been years since he wasn't able to do so.

Ten.. ten whole years, all spent in.. i-in..

He shook his head, now wasn't the time to think about it, he just wanted to enjoy the present.

Vanilla let out a grumble, to which Justin looked up at him, "Oh, uh, not much really.. Just work, staying home, .. kinda.. talked to someone.."

A squeak escaped her lips, standing on his shoulder with wide eyes, grumbling for him to continue.

Justin chuckled, "Calm down, okay? It wasn't anything serious," he took Vanilla in his hands, placing it in front of him, "But, well.. I did have a normal conversation with someone.. It was short, but nice..!"

Another grumble, this time tilting his head in curiosity.

"N-no, I didn't get his name.. But he's been going to the store everyday for the past two weeks, maybe he'll also come tomorrow and I can ask then..!"

Vanilla sad up proudly, puffing out his chest with a confident smile.

"I'll let you know how it goes. For now though, you should get some rest, okay?"

As if on cue, a yawn escaped the small creature, walking over to a little dog bed beside Justin's, curling up into a ball. Justin pet his little buddy before lying down himself, his pride a little higher than normal, happy about his actions that day.

Maybe he could make more progress tomorrow..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Another day at work with Justin behind the counter. He kept throwing glances at the entrance in hopes of seeing the man with bright blonde hair again. It had been a few hours now, and still no sign of him.

I mean, it's not like he had to see him, it was just part of a routine now; he just hoped nothing bad happened to him.

Just then though, the man walked into the store, Justin's ears perking up at the sight. A smile had grown on his face at the sight, as well as relief to know the man was still okay.

For a while, he minded his own business, staying behind the counter for about ten minutes before the man walked over.

This time, he was the one to start the conversation, a warm smile on his face after he placed the clothes on the counter and raised his hands to speak, "Hey, Ocean Eyes!"

Justin's cheeks grew a little pink, "Oh, hi..! Will this be all..?"

"Yup!"

"I still don't know how you can find something to buy everyday," Justin asked indirectly as he scanned the clothes.

The man shrugged, "I just pick anything that peeks my interest even a little. If I don't like part of it, I'll edit it to my liking."

"Wow, a model and designer?"

"More like DIY amateur."

Justin chuckled in response, with the man then leaning against the counter, "What about you? Any exciting hobbies? Besides charming your guests, of course."

"Charming my.." he muttered under his breath, cheeks even darker before responding, "Not really, besides my work I barely do anything in the day.."

"Really? There's nothing that even if you don't do it often makes you feel happy? Relaxed, maybe?"

"Uhh.." he thought for a while, his mind going back to his older days, ears flattened back in embarrassment, "Well, I.. I used to play drums a lot as a kid.."

The man gasped, "Handsome and a musician? You're a real package, sir~!"

"Heh, I'm super rusty now though, haven't played in years.."

"I'm sure it'll come back to you if you ever tried again."

"Maybe.."

When he finished placing all the clothes in the bag, he offered it to the man, lightly nibbling on his own lip, "... Justin.."

The man looked up as Justin spelled it out with his hand, "That's my name, by the way.."

Standing in silence for a moment, the man then smiled, spelling out his own name, "North."

Justin smiled back, part of it from feeling successful in gaining his name. But the conversation didn't end there, for North continued to speak, "Well, Justin, if it's not too soon to ask.." his smile was kind and warm, Justin's stomach fluttering at the sight, "I'd like to get to know you better, outside your work hours.."

The cashier grew red, surprised at his request, "R-really..? I mean- s-sure, if- if you want to..!"

North giggled a bit, then pulled out a small notebook and pen from his bag, writing something down before handing the little piece of paper to the other boy, "That's my number, text me whenever you're free."

"Alright.."

"Oh and.." he playfully poked his tongue out, "I think Ocean Eyes suits you way better."

With that, he grabbed the bag of clothes and left the store, leaving Justin a flustered mess. His face felt hot, heart beating fast, but he didn't feel bad. If anything, he felt.. happy?

He looked down at the paper, his cheeks even darker as it all sunk in. Not only did he get his name, but his number too!

The longer he stared, the more his smile grew, folding the paper and placing it in his bag.

"Social task of the day: success..!"

Thanks for reading!!! 'Till next time!!!

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