As Saturday dawned, so did new possibilities for Eary. Today was the day of his and Decan's 'date'. Although he wasn't positive it was a date for sure, that did nothing from Eary telling himself it was. As he got ready for the day, he stared at himself in the mirror. He and Mote had gone through almost all his outfits to find the perfect choice: a black sweater with a white button-up underneath. He looked great, but he felt he needed something extra. Searching around the suite, Eary was delighted to find a bottle of unopened aftershave. Giving himself a generous dose and one last glance, he got his coat and headed out the door.

In the elevator, he was taken aback when the doors opened to reveal Decan standing there. The two smiled as he boarded. Making their way to the lobby, Eary and Decan shyly exchanged glances. Arriving in the lobby, the two made their way out of the Stargazer and down to the bus stop.

Decan complimented Eary on the way. "You smell really nice."

The compliment made Eary light up, this time on the inside. He could hardly maintain his smile as they boarded the bus. Decan dropped some quarters in the slot while Eary found them a seat.

Bright Hope, a charming mountain town near the Academy, had become their new sanctuary. Its picturesque streets blanketed in a fresh layers of snow, provided a serene backdrop for their day of exploration. As they disembarked, The two found the matted-down sidewalk amid the towering snowbank. Eary, his blonde hair now dusted with frost, walked alongside Decan through the glistening streets, feeling a mix of emotions. With his warm smile and dark brown eyes, Decan glanced at Eary as they walked along the frosty downtown. Their interest was piqued by a cozy, dimly lit café whose interior exuded warmth and charm. Decan held the door open for Eary as they entered. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and the soft murmur of patrons filled the air.

"Decan," Eary began, his voice carrying a touch of curiosity and vulnerability, "I appreciate you inviting me to hang out, it means a lot. I didn't really have any friends back home."

"Eary, the school was rough for you because Josh told people stuff," Decan said glancing down at his coffee. "I used to tell the other kids to back off you," he said smiling shyly at the reveal.

Eary's heartbeat began to speed up. He replied, "Thank you."

Decan cautiously smiled back, his eyes sparkling in the café light. The moment was interrupted by Calvin and Mei's arrival at the café. As they entered, theycaught Mei's attention.

"Hey!" she exclaimed as the two made their way over to the boys. Sitting at their table, Mei continued, "What are you two up to today?" she asked curiously.

Eary and Decan glanced at each other awkwardly. Decan replied, "I'm just out, seeing the sights."

Eary smiled nervously as he nodded along.

"We are, too!" Mei said, grinning cheerfully. "I needed a break from being cooped up! Then yesterday, Calvin asked me if I'd like to explore the town."

Eary suspiciously glanced in Calvin's direction. He wore a faint smile aimed at Decan. Eary looked down in his lap. His eyes lit up, and a giant smile danced across his face.

"Calvin and Decan cooked up this idea together," Eary thought to himself. He replied, "What a coincidence, Decan asked me the same thing."

"Maybe we should all go around together?" Mei cheerfully exclaimed, her hands clasped over her mouth.

"I thought you said you two were going to go do something," Calvin said, staring intensely at Decan.

He quickly responded, "Oh, right. That thing."

"What thing are we doing today, Decan?" Eary smirked and inquired trying not to let on he had figured it out.

"It's a surprise." Decan nervously replied.

"I like surprises," Mei stated naively.

Eary, feeling Decan's unease, exclaimed. "Oh, yeah! That thing we have," he turned towards Mei and mournfully stated. "I'd love to hang out today, but it is private for us Toronto boys."

Mei looked noticeably disappointed.

"Alright, I guess. But we all have to get together later. Okay?" she sighed and replied.

Eary smiled and replied. "It's a date!"

The two quickly departed and returned to the snowy streets. The coffees warmed the boys' hands as they walked along the winter wonderland. Eary noticed a tall building in the distance. As they strolled, it revealed itself to be the Bright Hope library. Eary said beaming,

"Let's head in there!"

Decan smiled in agreement. Growing up together, he knew of Eary's love of books, and headed inside.

It was a quaint, two-story building clad in faded gray carpeting. Old, blonde desks congregated in the center of the stacks. The two boys greeted the elderly librarian. After signing up for cards, they made their way through the stacks.

Stopping in front of a collection of urban fantasy books, Decan stated, "You always did love your books."

Eary peeked up his brows as he replied, "I do. You noticed?"

Decan nodded shyly, "Of course, it was hard not to. When you weren't with Ephraim, you were reading."

Eary chuckled softly. He glanced at Decan and replied, "I stayed to myself a lot. Except for Ephraim, he always made me feel safe to be around," Eary sighed as he grabbed a book from the shelves, "Look where it got me. Friendless and teased."

Decan placed his hand on Eary's shoulder. "Look at you now. You're making all kinds of friends and having crazy adventures." His grip tightened slightly on Eary's shoulder as he continued, "I'd like to think you and I are becoming closer."

The two held each other's gaze. Eary's mouth wanted to agree. The words just couldn't find their way out. A familiar voice caught the pair off guard as Eary stood there speechless.

"Hey, guys!"

A voice rang out and soon Maggie rounded the corner. Her white button-up and prim demeanor blended seamlessly with the library. Decan and Eary both awkwardly stared as she asked,

"Hey! What brings two of the Academy's students here on a Saturday?"

"I like books!" Eary blurted out loudly.

He quickly retreated from Decan's personal space. The words had just sprang from his lips, he thought, as he nervously glanced at Decan. Much to his relief, his date flashed him a reassuring look. With new found courage, Eary swallowed the frog in his throat. He asked,

"What are you doing here on a Saturday? Shouldn't you be out with Hannah?"

Maggie smirked and replied, "I volunteer here. I love old books; I'm a collector of sorts."

Eary lit up excitedly as he inquired. "Really? I love books, too! What's your favorite genre?"

Maggie, still smiling, calmly replied, "I have a taste for the classics."

Eary pressed further, "What kinds do you collect?"

Maggie paused momentarily, then explained, "I enjoy the strange and unusual. So only the rarest are allowed into my collection." She seemed to quiver in delight as she continued, "The thrill of hunting them down. Bringing them back home with me. Painstakingly stitching the pieces back together. Until I own a new masterpiece!"

"Where did you learn to do that?" Decan asked as his face shifted awkwardly.

Maggie sighed as she explained, "My father was a surgeon. I always wanted to be. But look..." She raised her hands, and they trembled slightly in place. Maggie lamented, "I have an essential tremor. No matter what I do, it stays with me." She smiled softly as she dropped her hands and continued, "So, no surgery for me," she chuckled.

Decan placed his arm around Eary. He was in the process of wrapping the conversation when Maggie stated, "Oh, love is in the air?"

Decan nervously replied. "Actually, we were just exploring."

She smiled deviously. "It's okay, I like boys too, from time to time."

Eary groaned, "Thanks, Maggie."

Maggie quickly apologized, "I'm so sorry. I just figured since you two grew up together, well, don't let me hold you up."

After leaving the library, the two headed back to the hotel. As they entered the lobby, they proceeded to the café of the Stargazer.

Picking a booth and taking their seats. Decan lamented, "With everyone out in Bright Hope, maybe we won't have people barging in on us constantly."

Eary was about to agree when Alice arrived at their table. She greeted them and handed them their menus. She asked,

"How was the town?"

Decan smiled nervously and replied, "Crowded."

Alice flashed Eary a sly glance and a smirk before excusing herself. They glanced over the Stargazer's lofty menu. The prices were steep, and Eary cringed in his seat. He only had ten dollars Luke had given him for the day, but this was a ski resort after all.

Looking nervously for cheaper options, Decan exclaimed, "Order whatever you want. I've been doing odd jobs around the hotel for the professor. I got this."

Eary blushed and shyly accepted the offer. After they made up their minds and set the menus down, the two continued their intimate conversation.

"There is something I need to tell you," Decan said abruptly. Eary looked at him perplexed as he continued, "Back home, at the end of school last year. Josh came out to me and confessed he had feelings for me."

Eary was taken aback by the news. He inquired. "Did you say yes?"

Decan shook his head. He replied softly, "I didn't. I knew if I said yes to Josh, there could never be anything with you."

Eary's heart skipped a beat; he whispered, "Decan..." A smile spread across his face as he whispered once more, "Decan... I always wondered why you stared at me!" Eary said as the two boys giggled.

After a bit, Decan's gaze fixated on Eary. He asked, "Would you maybe like to be my boyfriend?"

Eary beamed as he nodded." I would like that very much."

Decan rose from his side of the booth. He quickly made his way over to Eary. As he scooted in, the two boys shyly moved in closer. Decan placed his arm around him, pulling him close. Eary closed his eyes and leaned in. Decan's lips embraced Eary's in a soft kiss. Pulling back, Eary was giddy. It was his first kiss. The two boys stared blissfully into each other's eyes. Until their date was once again interrupted.

"E'llo love!" Eary's blood ran cold at the sound.

"Shit," Eary whispered under his breath as Denby occupied the opposite side of the booth.

Denby, making himself at home, grinned a mischievous smirk. "Now, what do we have here? I thought I meant something to ya, love!" Denby said sarcastically.

Eary squirmed in his seat, glancing nervously at Decan. He nervously stammered back a reply, "Denby, I... I..." Denby burst into laughter. The boys quickly glanced at each other in suspended shock.

Denby laughed, "I was only given ya the bants," he said, giggling.

Eary sighed. He didn't know what bants was, but he thought it meant teasing. Eary smiled and politely replied,

"How are you doing tonight, Denby?"

Denby nodded his head in masculine confidence as he replied, "Aces, mate!"

"What are you doing tonight, Den?" Eary asked awkwardly.

Denby extended his arms across the booth as he replied, "Just waitin' on Alice. How 'bout you boys?"

Decan replied exhaustedly. "We're on a date."

Denby grinned. A grin that both bothered and intrigued Eary. As he was about to reply, Alice returned.

"What are you doing bothering them?" She said in agitation.

Denby hastily replied, "Oi! I'm just knockin' about with me mates, love, honestly."

Alice rolled her eyes as she informed him. "Yes, but read the room. It's a first date... that reminds me. We have a stage and a whole bunch of instruments, Eary. Interested?"

He shook his head in nervous revulsion. His heart sank to the floor, however, when he heard Decan announce, "That sounds fun! "What do you think?"

"I'm not ready for that. Also, I don't sing," Eary exclaimed.

Decan replied quickly. "I can sing a bit, come on... I'll sing if you play."

Eary felt a numbing tingle as Decan and his friends scooted him out of the booth and urged him on stage. Behind the curtain, Eary nervously gravitated towards the piano while Decan took the mic. He glanced back towards Eary. In a consoling voice, he whispered,

"Don't be nervous, you're great!" Decan said.

The words calmed Eary's nerves. Decan was like that. He was a great friend, even if they had drifted apart.

Eary replied, "Thank you, Decan."

As their short conversation ended, the curtain to the café opened.

Alice announced over the microphone, "Hey everyone, today we have a little treat for you. Please give it up for the musical stylings of Eary and Decan."

Eary's fingers moved, almost against his will, striking the keys to the song. The melodies rang through his soul, and he began to ease a bit. Decan's voice filled the room in synchronized harmony. As the words to 'Sweet Child Of Mine' filled the room, Eary glanced over to Decan. Taking a long hard look at the young man, Eary began to see possibilities. The two played on through the evening, completing multiple songs. The two returned to the café with applause from their friends, who had all assembled during the little concert. The group praised the boys for their talents, as they conveyed.

After the night of festivities, Eary and Luke returned to their small suite. Upon entry, however, they were greeted by a very different scene. A cold spread lay on the table, appearing to be hours old.

"Mote?" Eary announced as he walked into the tiny living room.

In an ethereal burst of blue light, the frustrated little moteling appeared.

"Yeah, what do you twos want?" Mote huffed.

Luke sighed as he replied, "Buddy, I'm sorry. Eary had his big date and I went out with my friends."

Mote shot back. "Must be nice!"

Luke inquired. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Mote burst into dramatic tears and quickly darted into Eary's room, slamming the door. Eary and Luke looked at each other with concern as they cleaned up the meal. After the dishes were done, Eary returned to his room to search for Mote.

The moteling was hammered and slurred when he announced to Eary, "Well, look who it is... Mr. Popular!"

Eary sighed as he exclaimed, "Mote."

Mote continued. "No, no, no. Don't worry about it, kid. I've seen where you come from. This is normal for you people."

Eary scoffed. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means you're just like Ephraim! As soon as you had new friends, bam, done with me!" Mote replied angrily.

Eary consoled the moteling, "It's new, and you still need to hide. I love you, Mote. I could never abandon you!"

Mote looked back to Eary in desperation. "I'm all alone in this world, squirt. You don't know what that's like."

Eary picked up Mote and held him close as he replied, "Yes, I do."

Eary agreed to let Mote follow him around the hotel, but he needed to hide from the hotel's officials. Mote agreed excitedly as the two old friends settled in for the night.