Coffee Date

Anthony sat at one of the folding tables set up on set, reading over some edits to the script suggested by the actors. He always took the time to read them over because he wanted the show Cascadia to continue to thrive and be scientifically accurate. He enjoyed the different quips from Atlas and Lyla as they wrote on the script.

He smiled some and sipped his coffee. “I wonder if they argue like this in person or just on paper.”

His ears perked a bit as a shadow was cast over the table. “Can I help you?” He asked, his garnet and gold eyes flicking up to meet the amethyst eyes of the costume designer, Cassiopeia Alula.

Cassiopeia looked at the ground before taking a deep breath. There was a certain air about her that she was going to say something important but it deflated as her eye met Anthony’s again. “What sort of fabric do you want these new costumes to be?” She asked, nearly in a voice of defeat.

Anthony tilted his head some, watching her intently. “I think something that breathes well would be good. As much fun as shiny materials are, they get too hot under the set lights. Unless you know of some fabric that is both shiny and breathable?”

A short nod came from Cass. “I think rayon would be best? It can be a little shiny but it's fairly breathable and good for scenes that are outdoors. I would do another fabric but cotton absorbs sweat easily and that’s not pretty for the camera.” She laughed slightly, placing a hand on the back of her neck and rubbing it. 

“Mm. Can you do me a few mock-ups? I would like to see the two and see what would be better. You know I just want what’s best for both the actors and the actual scene.” He sat back in his seat, watching her.

Another short nod. “Of course. I’ll have it done as quickly as I can. I would hate to have my costumes not work for the actors. They are the reason the show exists. A-And you of course but-” She trailed off, sounding like she was worrying a little too much over her word fumbles. “I also have something else I wanted to ask but it’s kinda dumb now that I think about it so I’ll just go make those mockups.”

“Cas, what did you want to ask?” Anthony replied, standing up and catching her wrist lightly.

Cass could feel her heart pounding in her ears. She clenched her fist and looked up at him, some fire reignited in her eyes. “Are you free for a date? With me?” 

“A date?” Anthony’s eyebrows rose. “You do know my reputation, right? I’m… not a great person to get involved with. But… You know what, sure.”

“I couldn’t care less Anthony about your reputation. You treat everyone on the set like a real knitten. Not just some prop in a big scheme of things. Honestly, I wish they would focus on that more.” She huffed. “I.. I really like you. A lot. And I know it is taboo to date a co-worker but one date can’t hurt can it?”

“I suppose one date couldn’t hurt.” He smiled at her and sat back down. “Just as a matter of transparency, I am currently in a relationship, but it’s open.”

She smiled softly. “I don’t mind that. I really don’t. Just as long as the other person is aware. I would hate for them to be caught off guard with you going out on the date with me.” She smiled wider and felt her cheeks get warm with a slight blush crawling over her pale skin. 

“I’ll let him know after I finish these edits. What sort of date are you looking for?” He sat back in his seat, smiling at the blush on her cheeks.

“Oh! Right! I was thinking like a low key coffee date. I want to get to know you. I know what knittens say and how you are at work but … I think it important to know a guy outside of what others say.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her cow ears and chuckled softly. “It’s kinda dumb. I just like knowing knittens before anything else.” 

“A coffee date sounds good,” He chuckled and nodded. “How about after we close up shooting for the day?”

Cassiopeia couldn’t smile wider. “That works for me. If you need me before then you can find me.” She started for the door and once the door was closed behind her, a small squeal could be heard from the other side of the door. Cass was excited it seemed.

Anthony chuckled and shook his head. He sent a text to Titan before he went back to working on the script edits. His mood stayed pretty elevated throughout the day and he was waiting for Cass by his car when they called it quits for the day.

Cass scrambled out of the building, swearing under her breath for getting so wrapped up in her sewing and costuming for the day. She was gonna blow it with her date before it even started. She reached the parking area for the cast and crew, nearly panting from booking it from her little area on set. 

“I’m so sorry. I got wrapped up in a tear in a costume and the mockups.” She explained, placing her hand on her neck nervously. 

Anthony smiled some and tucked his phone into his pocket. “It’s okay. I got wrapped up in a call so I haven’t been here very long. Are you ready to go?”

She nodded and smiled back at him. “Do you know a place or should I take the lead?”

“That’s up to you. There is a coffee place pretty close we could go to.” Anthony opened the car door for her. “It’s within walking distance if you feel like you need to go.”

Cass got into the car and smiled softer. “Thanks. I wouldn't mind going somewhere close. I know this area better than most around here. Lunch breaks and pizza cravings help you find interesting places.” 

“That’s true,” He smiled and closed the door once she was in. He walked around the car and slid into the driver’s seat. “The place we’re going is a chain place, but I’m weak for their pastries.”

“Weak for their pastries huh? They must be pretty good then.” She commented, tapping her finger against her chin. “I didn’t peg you for a sweets person but that’s why I wanted to do this.” 

“I have a bad sweet tooth. Most alcoholics do.” He replied as he drove. “Thankfully, I am pretty good about keeping myself in line. Discipline is important if you don’t want your life going off the rails.”

“I’ll have to keep that in mind then. I won’t spoil you with sweets then if you are trying to stay on track but I know of some really good chocolate in Havenhallow. The guy who runs the bakery I love is located there. Best salted chocolate I’ve had in ages. I don’t have much discipline but I’ve been getting better about it since working for the show.” She chuckled. “Stops me from going there often enough.” 

Anthony’s ears perked some at the mention of chocolate. “Hopefully, you can take me there the next time we’re both there. I live most of my non-working life there.”

Cass’s heart skipped a beat. He wanted to have her take him to the bakery? She looked out the window of the car and tried to calm herself down. “I have a few friends there. So I try to go there often. I’m good friends with a purr-stagram model who likes trying new fashions so it’s fun talking with him. “ Was she talking too much about herself? She had no idea if she was truthful. 

He smiled some. “It’s good that you have friends outside the crew. I always forget about what life is like outside of work. I’m getting better about it though.”

He pulled into a parking spot and turned off the car. “Shall we?”

“I’m glad. You deserve to have a life outside of work.” She nodded and got out of the car, stretching slightly while waiting for him.  “Having the crew as friends is odd. Nice but odd. This is my first costuming gig outside of high school productions so being friends with people is interesting.”

“Oh?” Anthony raised his eyebrows as he got out of the car. “I guess I hadn’t thought about how old you are.”

“Is that an issue?” She asked hoping that it wouldn’t be too much of an issue at all. “I’m 24. I know I’m younger but I never really cared about my age.” 

“Not really? There… Is a little bit of a power imbalance going on here, though,” he shrugged some. “I’m your boss and almost three times your age.”

She rubbed the back of her neck. “Never really thought about it much, to be honest. I just .. I think that maybe I am starting to have doubts. I don’t want you uncomfortable with this. Just because I don’t mind- doesn’t mean you will. Or your partner will care.” She muttered frowning a little bit. “Power imbalance or not- I do really like you.”

“I just want you to know that I can’t treat you differently when we’re working. If this goes beyond today.” He replied, getting the door for her. “We can take it slowly and feel it out if you’re interested.”

“I am. I don’t mind being treated like everyone else. It would make me feel better about this actually if it goes past today.” She walked into the coffee shop and took a deep breath, enjoying the smell of the coffee scent around them. She looked back at Anthony. “What’s your favorite thing to order here? Besides the pastry?” 

He had an easy smile on his face when she looked back at him. “I usually get a black coffee with a little bit of the caramel syrup in it. I’m pretty easy with my coffee.”

“I like my drinks bitter. Or salty. So that sounds pretty good actually. I think I will try that out then.” She pulled out her wallet and looked around for her card. “I asked you out so I don’t mind paying.” 

His ears perked some at that. “If you want. I don’t mind paying though.”

Cass shook her head and smiled. “Nah I got it. If this works out - you can pay for the next one?” She suggested as she walked up to the counter.

“Sounds good,” Anthony replied, walking with her, his hands in his pockets. “Do you like the work you do? Did you go to college for it?”

“I actually did some college for it, yeah. I finished college early so I got to work on some things before working on the show. I do really like doing it. Proves to others you can get a degree in a form of art.” She smiled as she started talking to the cashier about their drinks and paid for it. “What about you? Do you like it?”

“It took me a long time to enjoy the work, but I do. Mostly, I went into directing out of spite,” He said with a shrug. “I don’t know how much you looked into me, but I’m sure you know my father also directs.”

“Yeah, I know a little bit. I try to stay away from gossip because I don’t think it's right but sometimes it's got me curious. Did he really use scare tactics for his actors like I have heard?” She asked, walking to a small table with him. “I would much rather listen to you as a director if so.” She was glad that he enjoyed the work he did. She was proud of her work that she had done for him so far and she was glad to hear that he enjoyed what he did at least now. 

“He…” Anthony hesitated. “He did much worse than that. He is awful. His entire reasoning for his methods was that it was more genuine and life-like if you…” He hesitated again and sat down, rubbing his jaw. “If you gaslight your actors. He takes a sadistic sort of thrill over tormenting his actors.”

Cass pulled a face. “Disgusting. What an awful man. I’m glad you treat your actors so much better. It’s not fun being gaslighted. “ She remarked with a tone that sounded like she knew that pain. “We can move from the topic. I don’t want to see your smile fade off your lips. It’s too pretty.” She blushed slightly and rubbed her neck. 

Anthony blushed a bit at that and laughed. “You think so? I’ve had people tell me it’s weird to see me smile.”

"I think it's nice. You never really smiled much and then recently you.. you have been and I just…" she started to grow flustered and looked away. "I like seeing you smile more. Makes me get butterflies." She admitted softly. 

“Seeing me smile got you all flustered?” He smiled more at her, his eyes soft. “It’s flattering that you find my smile so endearing.”

She rubbed the back of her neck as the barista walked up to them with their drinks. Cass smiled at them before looking back at Anthony. "It a good look on you." She mumbled, trying to avoid getting red-faced again. She looked at her drink and smiled. She felt like she was in high school with her first crush again. But this was so different at the same time.

“Thanks,” He said as he took a sip of his drink. “I… can’t remember the last time I smiled this much, actually. It’s been almost surreal.”

He sat back in his seat, looking thoughtful for a moment. “The guy I’m dating… He’s one of Atlas’s siblings.”

Cass blinked. Atlas had siblings? As in many siblings??? Oh, poor guy. She wasn’t particularly close with the actor but that shocked her. She thought he was an only child. 

"Does he know? Or is it hush-hush?" She asked, being a little curious for her own good. She started to wonder. She knew someone whose looks screamed Atlas too. Sibling? Or was she overthinking it?

“From what I understand, Atlas was given over to his mother’s family when he was young. His parents went on to have enough kids to start a literal circus. Titan isn’t… Ready? To meet Atlas? And I don’t know how Atlas is going to take me dating one of his siblings. There is evidently some pretty bad blood there.” Anthony shrugged a little and looked down at his coffee. “I’ve been feeling guilty about not telling Atlas, though.”

"Titan is a pretty name though. If he's not ready I would advise you to not tell him yet. If it's bad blood I don't think he will take it favorably but you never know. It's not my place to tell you what to do tho Anthony." She reached out and hesitantly placed her hand on his. She was glad she had soft hands for once. 

"I won't tell anyone. Thank you for telling me. Do… do you want to talk about him some? I don't mind if you do." 

Anthony turned his hand over under hers and curled his fingers around her hand, rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb. He was quiet for a long moment, his eyes still downcast as he took his time mulling over her offer.

“Let me show you a picture,” he said, pulling out his phone to show her a selfie that Titan had sent of him and Orion. “This is Titan and his fraternal twin, Orion. When I first saw him, I was immediately struck that he had to be related.”

Cassiopeia's purple eyes widened seeing the picture. Titan was the spitting image of Atlas almost. "He's so pretty. I bet that was a shock to see." Cass pulled out her phone and pulled up a picture of her and Alexander from when she last went to Iridis. 

"This is Alexander. He’s a friend from online but now you mention it, he looks a decent amount like both of them." She rubbed her forehead in disbelief. "Makes me wonder a little bit." She chuckles softly and squeezed Anthony's hand. "Seriously, is this family blessed with good genes? Because Titan and his twin are stunning. And Atlas is .. well Atlas."

Anthony chuckled at the last statement. “Yeah, Atlas is Atlas. Titan said that they have a sister who left the family and became a popstar. I have a few ideas who that is, but I haven’t asked him about it. If you ever meet Orion, please tell him you think he’s stunning. The kid is… He wasn’t treated well from what I’ve managed to get out of them.”

"How? Why?" Cass frowned deeply. "How could one be so mean. I mean I know how one can be but…" she shook her head. "Poor thing doesn't deserve mistreatment. No one does." She took a sip of her coffee and frowned again. "Not much pisses me off but that really irks me." She stated. She didn't want to compare herself to him but if he thought he wasn't stunning, she could relate.

“Their father is a real piece of work,” Anthony shook his head. “He and Tony would get along, I think.” There was an edge of sarcasm to his voice and he took another sip of his drink. “But the time I have spent with Orion has been him just being quiet and kind. Titan worries about him a lot. Their relationship isn’t great, but Titan is trying to be better.”

"At least he's trying. That's what counts isn't it?" She smiled slightly trying to ignore the comment beforehand. If Tony and the twins' dad got along she wouldn't want to meet either. Ever. She took a deep breath and sighed. "I'm glad you met Titan then. He seems like an interesting knitten. And he makes you happy. I can tell Anthony." 

She wished that it was her that could make him so happy but she was so thankful for Titan now. And now she had a name to thank for making the man she was so fond of happy. Nothing else mattered as long as he was happy.

“It’s weird,” he said softly, stroking the back of her hand with his thumb. “I am very open with him, which is something I’ve had so much trouble with partners in the past… It’s also weird that I’m being so open with you.”

His eyes flicked from the table to meet hers. “You’re very easy to talk to, Cass.”

Cass made a sound that was indescribable. Her whole face was bright red and her ears lifted up in surprise. "I-I'm glad. You are really easy to talk to once I got over my fear of rejection. If you ever need anything, I will be here for you. As a Friend or more. It doesn't matter to me." She told him and gave him a soft smile as his hand holding sent arrows straight through her chest. He was being so soft with her. And so open. She was honored.

"I think you are fantastic. You care about others' feelings and you care so much about Titan and his brother and it's nice to see a guy who cares."

“I know most people think I’m a hard ass and a grump, I’m just…” He shrugged. “It’s hard to be open. I want to be, but it’s not something I can do easily. Old habits die hard.”

"Grump I can see." She teased softly, rubbing her own thumb against his skin. "But Anthony. Even you trying is amazing. Old habits are hard to break. Trust me. I know." She thought about her habit of tugging on her ears when she lied. Or the nasty habit she had for biting her hand when she was crying that she developed after a certain ex left her. 

He smiled at the teasing. “Yeah, they can be pretty hard to break. Thankfully we live long lives that give us time to learn to be better, huh?”

"True. Longer lives mean more habits to break and gain." She sipped her coffee and smiled at him. "I like this by the way. Us talking and the coffee both." 

“I like it, too. It’s nice,” He replied and finished his coffee. “Do you have any questions you want to ask me?”

Cass nodded. "Favorite thing you like to eat? And what would be your perfect vacation or day off? I want to know you. Outside of all the news. The gossip. So I might ask questions they do but… I sincerely mean it when I ask. I’m not looking for pretty answers, too. I just want to know Anthony."

He tilted his head some, his ears perked some. “I like cooking, so I usually like to eat at home mostly, though I do have a few restaurants that I like to go to. I really enjoy sweets, but I think my favorite meal is probably surf and turf.”

He sat back some and scratched at his goatee. “Let’s see, about the vacation or day off… Sleeping in at home. I travel so much that a destination vacation is boring, honestly. But getting to spend more than a week back in Havenhollow is more than a perfect vacation for me. As I said, it’s my primary home. Tony doesn’t like Idris and my sister lives there, so it lets me spend time with her. It’s also where Titan is living currently, so that makes it even more of a connection for me, I guess.”

Anthony tilted his head some. “What about for you? What’s your favorite meal? What’s an ideal day off?”

"Surf and turf sounds great. I really like a good burger and fries. I love fries more than I love anything in this world. Garlic fries make me weak too. I live with a professional cook so she makes all the food for me actually. Or we do take out when she's too tired and I can't move my hands." She smiled and tucked her hair behind her ear. 

"But for a day off? I would spend it getting a tattoo I have been thinking of getting. I have one right now but I want more. Pain on the wallet but they are so worth it." She laughed and smiled wide. "Do you have any hidden tattoos?" She asked before raising an eyebrow and sipping her coffee.

“No tattoos… Just scars.” He reached up and touched his left shoulder. “I’m actually a little bit afraid of needles, to be honest. Spent one too many nights under the hold of drugs for me to be comfortable getting a tattoo.”

Cass nodded. "Right. I don't blame you. Needles are scary but I have made peace with the fact I got to see them to get a piece. The artwork by my artist is amazing. I would show you but uh… it's not right to show such things in public." She chuckled slightly and looked away. "Scars are pretty interesting tho. I think they tell a story. That someone is strong and can overcome stuff thrown at them." She played with the lid of her cup and looked up at him. 

"What's your favorite animal?" She asked softly, loving just talking to him.

“I had a machii growing up. I love watching them jump around excitedly.” He smiled. “Yours?”

"Chichens. I grew up on a farm and chichens use to be my friends." She laughed. "They never teased me so I told them everything. I think that's why I love them so much to this day." 

“Chichens are pretty cute.” Anthony chuckled some, shaking his head.

She smiled and nodded. "Are you a morning or a night person? " she questioned. " also if you ever want to ask me something go ahead. I don't mind answering and throwing it back at you." 

“Night. Sunlight hurts my eyes. I have spent too much time in dark rooms watching film reels, I think. Is this your dream job?” He waved over a barista for a refill of his coffee.

Cass hesitated for a moment. Would he make fun of her? No. Anthony didn't seem like he would. "I always loved designing clothing and I wanted to be a fashion designer one day but working on the show has been so much more fun than I ever thought. So I guess for now. It's my dream job. I never work a day in my life because I'm doing what I love." She shrugged, trying to play it off as a casual thing and not that she had years of issues behind her about this topic.

“You’re really skilled. I was quite impressed with your portfolio when it crossed my desk. Getting jobs like this one will open up doors for you in other areas, so I have no doubt it will be no time before you’re designing the new haute couture styles coming out of Thaecia.” Anthony said, his thumb stroking the back of her hand again.

Cass felt those damn butterflies again in her stomach. She cursed them internally. They made it hard to focus on anything. "You think? I'm touched you think I'm that skilled. I wish others did too." She smiled sadly and tilted her head. "If you had to pick a new job, what would it be? " 

“I think I’d go to school to become a chef,” He replied. “Cooking is cathartic, though, I don’t know that being a Chef would be terribly different from what I do now. Something creative, high pressure, and exhausting.”

“I would love to taste your food one day then. If you like cooking and would be willing to be a chef? I would love to try it. I could always hook you up with my roommate. “ she paled. “Oh, I mean like having her help you. Oh, damn my mouth sometimes.”

Anthony laughed a bit and shook his head. “That came out wrong, but I get what you mean. I wouldn’t mind taking a few lessons. Mostly I look up recipes, get the ingredients, open a bottle of bourbon, and just wing it. I haven’t had any bad incidents yet, though I don’t know if I ever plugged my smoke alarm in after I burned some tortilla chips I was trying to make from scratch.”

Cass giggled at the picture of him burning the chips. “Rosalind is a great teacher. She’s really sweet too. A little shy but overall- a great person. But your method doesn’t sound too bad. Maybe I should try it sometime when she’s not home.”

“I wouldn’t mind cooking for you if you’d like.” He smiled at her, his eyes lighting up some at her laughing. “You have a nice laugh.”

The knitten flushed deeply. “You can’t just say stuff like that to me and not expect me to blush Sir.” She teased, trying to rub away the blush on her cheeks. “But having a meal cooked by you.. It sounds nice.” Her heart flipped in her chest seeing that smile again and his eyes lighting up. 

“Maybe we can make plans for that later on,” He tilted his head some. “That’s if you want to go on another date.”

She nodded eagerly. “I would love that. Another date sounds wonderful.” She smiled and rubbed the back of her neck. “I was hoping you would ask for one but I didn’t want to push my luck.”

His face softened a bit and he nodded. “I would like another date. Just to put this out there, I’m demi-romantic. It… usually takes me a long time to feel a connection. However, there is something different here, I think?”

Cass smiled wider. “It’s okay. I’m Demi-sexual. So forgive me if things go a little slower on my half for that end of things.” She rubbed the back of her neck more and looked at the empty coffee cup.

“I don’t mind taking baby steps as most people call it. We can have our own pace.”

“Slow sounds like a good idea,” Anthony nodded and pulled his hand away finally so he could pull out his wallet as the barista came with two new cups. “Thank you. I guess they figured you’d want a second as well.”

“Well, at least they assumed right. I have a few things I need to work on when I get home. Alexander wanted me to design him some clothing for his model account so it’s my secret project for now.” Her hand felt empty without his in it. How odd how touch starved she was. 

Anthony put his wallet away and offered his hand back to her, tilting his head. “Should I get you back to the studio so you can head home?”

She tapped her finger to her chin. “I guess that would be the next move. “ She slipped her hand into his and smiled softer, amethyst eyes lighting up as their hands touched. She liked this. It was nice.

He stroked the back of her hand with his thumb again. “Do we finish our coffee first or take it to go?”

“We can finish it here. I don’t mind.” She sipped her coffee, letting the bitter yet caramel-y taste hit her tongue. She could get used to the coffee choice too. It was a good mix of sweet and not at the same time. 

“Alright,” Anthony replied and took a sip of his own coffee. “Next question, when do we have a second date?”

“Whenever you feel like it. I don't want to rush things. So if it's next week or next month that's fine. Also depends on how shooting goes and how busy we get. Or if in your free time you would rather be with Titan.” She offered up, pulling a look of thought. “I am busy next Friday though- unless you want to come with me to Havenhallow.”

His ears perked at that. “I wouldn’t mind sneaking back to Havenhollow. You can show me the bakery you were talking about, and I can cook for you. Maybe even introduce you to Titan if you’re up for that?”

“I would love to show you the bakery.” She did bite her lip though. “Do you think Titan would mind? O-or even like me?” She asked after a beat of silence. “I would be okay with it if you think he would at least not hate me.”

“I’m not sure how anyone could hate you, Cass. But I also think the two of you would like one another. He needs more friends, too, I think.” Anthony smiled and took another drink of his coffee. “Though, fair warning, he’s flirty and likes to touch people.”

“You would be surprised... “ she trailed off, drinking her coffee. “I don't mind touching. The flirting I will have to get used to. I honestly can’t think of a time when someone flirted with me on purpose,“ she admitted, thinking back to her shitty ex who shall not be named. He was an asshole but he never flirted or complimented her truly. It was a show for him- meaning none of his words. Titan wouldn’t do that though would he? She sighed and gave a weak smile.
“I could use more friends too.”

“I guess that’s fair, some people just hate others for no reason,” He nodded some. His ears perked because of her sigh and the change in her expression. “I can hold off of introducing you to him if you want.”

“No. I’m just overthinking things. I want to see who makes you smile the way you do. He sounds nothing like someone I would normally hang out with so it will be an adventure for me.” she smiled and squeezed his hand softly. “I will be okay. I just might get a little on edge. Not because of either of you though.” 

“Alright. I think you’ll like each other,” he responded, his thumb stroking her hand again. “He’s like no one I’ve ever met, though, neither are you. I… I think broken people can see those cracks in one another.”

She nodded slowly. “Yeah… I think so too. Broken people can see the gold filling in the pottery that is another person. Shows that they have been through hell.” She closed her eyes and focused on his thumb rubbing her hand. “I’ll tell you one day what I’ve been through. I’ve found broken people also need time. And luckily… we have a lot of it.”

“I’m willing to wait,” He said as he kept stroking his thumb. “There are things that may take me time to tell you, too. I’ve already told you things that I never really tell other people. As I said, it’s weird but it’s also nice. We do have a lot of time.”

“I am honored that you trust me enough to share these things. I can’t stress that enough. We have a lot of time though. We can get through things together slowly and at our own pace. And Titan too. He can take his time with us.”

“I appreciate that. I think Titan will, too.” He smiled warmly at her. “I’m happy to take things slow, honestly. Most people in our line of work want to go fast. I can’t even count how many people tried to push me into things like marriage over a period of weeks. It’s insane.”

“Marriage? In a matter of weeks? I’m so sorry. Ew.” She pulled a face again. “That’s not right. I’m good with slow. It's easier to manage then fast-paced and rushed.” the nagging thought of the asshole came to mind. Damn, she wished he would stop haunting her once and for all. She just wanted to enjoy this date. And the fact she was going to get more.

“People want the image of fame, prestige, and power. They also want to control those in their circles. Many of my exes thought that they were going to be able to pull the wool over my eyes and get themselves comfortable in a seat of luxury only to find out that I’m not so easily fooled.” He shook his head and sipped his coffee. “Gods, the number of starlets that tried to claim some kind of attachment to me is nauseating. It’s part of why I stopped dating altogether for a long time.”

“If anything. I’m going to get that fame on my own. I want to earn it myself because of who I am and what I do. I can’t picture using someone for a gain like that.” she shook her head and took a sip of her coffee as well. “If that was the case I don’t blame you for not dating. I would be fed up with it too if I was in your paws.”

“It gets exhausting. Thankfully, I made sure that none of them were able to pop up with a surprise later.” He shook his head some. “I don’t have the patience for the sort of mind games people play and I had more than one try to say that I’m about to be a dad.”

Anthony rolled his eyes and shook his head. “That sort of desperation isn’t cute. I’d be a father a hundred times over if I hadn’t gotten myself fixed after rehab.”

She scrunched up her nose and shook her head. “That's so shitty. I don’t understand. I really don’t get others who get off on that power play and life-ruining bull.” She rubbed her thumb against his hand and sighed. “So many little hypothetical Anthonys…I wouldn’t want to see that many running around.” She curled her lips into a teasing smile. “I think being a mom... At my point in my career would be devastating. No thanks. Not gonna happen. So you don’t have to worry about me if that gives you any relief.”

“I didn’t think I needed to worry about it,” He teased back. “Oh goodness, but now.”

He laughed and shook his head. “I think that being career-driven is just as fulfilling as being family driven.”

Cass found herself laughing at his tease. It was so different from the teasing she got growing up. It had a sense of fondness to it. “I like my job. I would rather work most of my life and retire happily knowing I did good than anything else. Some of my old friends didn’t get it at all. But they all have families now. So I guess they wouldn’t understand.”

“Not everyone ticks the same,” Anthony replied with a nod. “And sometimes you outgrow old friendships. It’s a bittersweet transition, but it’s rewarding in its own way. I got into this job out of spite, but I love the work sincerely now.”

She nodded. “Yeah, that is true. Sometimes you just grow and they don't grow with you or they grow a different way.” she smiled at him softly. “I’m glad you love your work now.” She looked down at her cup and frowned seeing it was empty. Time to go, she guessed

He finished his drink and stayed there for a long moment. “This was nice. I had a good time, Cass.”

“I did too, Anthony. “ She replied back as she stood up. “Shall we go to the car now?” She asked, hoping she wasn’t the ending of this date. 

“Sure.” He got up and stretched some. “After you.”

She headed towards the door and had a slight bounce in her step as she walked. She had coffee jitters and post awesome date jitters as well.

He got the door for her, humming softly. “I’m glad you’re in a good mood.”

“I am. Why wouldn’t I be?” she asked, going through the door and waiting for him outside while she folded her hands together in front of her

He followed her out and smiled at her. “I don’t know. It makes me glad that you had a good time.”

Anthony led the way to the car and got the passenger side door for her. “So, Friday is when you’re heading to Havenhollow?”

She nodded. “Yeah. We can drive together if you want? Might be nicer on both of us if we go together?” She got into the car and looked up at him with admiration. Did he know that he was holding the doors for her or was it reflex?

“I could see doing that. I usually fly, but driving might be nice.” He smiled and closed the door, going around the car to get in on the driver's side. “I don’t know that my tiny car would be too comfortable for a long drive. I’ll rent something bigger if you want.”

“I have never considered flying there actually. “ She admitted with a laugh. I usually pop on a playlist and just road trip it with Rosalind but she doesn't want to go with me this time. If you want you can rent something the both of us would fit in, I wouldn’t mind.”

“I can do that,” He nodded and started the car. “What time do you want to head out? I can pack a bag and be ready pretty quickly.”

“I normally leave around 8 in the morning. I leave early so I don’t have to drive in nasty weather if it comes to that,” she told him, leaning back in the seat and relaxing for a moment. 

“Sounds like a good idea,” He nodded again. “How long is the drive usually?”

“About 13 -ish hours including breaks. I normally spend the night at Alexander’s so I can recharge for the drive home. Are you alright with that? It’s long. Flying would be faster but it’s more expensive I think?” She rubbed the back of her neck and looked out the window. 

“That’s not terrible. I have a condo there, so it’s not like I’d be crashing at your friend’s uninvited. Though, you’re welcome to come to stay with me if you want.” He said as he drove. “Faster and expensive, yes, but with us leaving Friday morning, we can be back Sunday night without getting in the way of work.”

She nodded and smiled, glad that this impromptu road trip was going to happen. “If you would have me that would be great. I always feel bad for crashing at Al’s. Ah right. If you ever meet him. Don’t call him Alex. He hates it for some reason?” She shrugged. “He’s really odd. Adore him. But he’s odd.”

“I’ll call him Alexander then.” Anthony nodded. “I don’t like nicknames, either. I may have punched someone for calling me “Tony” once. The details are foggy. Fairly sure I was drugged to my eyeballs.”

Cass giggled and shook her head as if she was trying to picture the scene. “I’ll keep that in mind then. No nicknames.  I like Anthony better anyways. Tony sounds  like a pizza delivery guy and not refined.” She chuckled again, remembering that his father went by Tony.

Anthony smiled a bit at the pizza delivery remark. “That or a sleazy uncle that no one likes.”

Cass snorted before blushing. She had laughed so hard that she snorted in years. “You aren’t either of those so I think Anthony suits you well.” 

“Thank you,” he grinned a bit because she laughed. “You don’t mind being called Cass, right?”

“Oh no, not at all. I prefer Cass over my full name. It’s a mouth full and my parents didn’t think about how a little Cass would say her name growing up.” She told him, trying to ignore the nagging feeling eating at her about her name. “I love the name but Cass is best. Casserole is what Rosalind calls me sometimes.”

“Alright, Casserole,” He said with a completely straight face as he pulled into his parking spot. He watched her from the corner of his eye as a smile pulled at the edge of his lips.

Her ears twitched as he called her that. She could feel her face turning red. She hated she could feel it actively blushing. She covered her face and gave a small laugh. “I didn’t think you would call me that. You and Rosalind are the only ones who get to call me that okay? No one else. Drawing the line.“ She told him as she rubbed her cheeks.

“I will make sure to only call you that in private,” he laughed and turned in his seat to smile at her. “I apologize for teasing, it’s a very cute nickname.”

“No no, it's okay. I actually hate teasing but with you, I feel it’s not meant in a mean way. It's refreshing. Thank you though I will be sure to inform her that you like it too.”

“Can I walk you to your car?” He smiled at her, clearly not ready to end the date either.

“Of course.” She smiled back at him and placed her hand over his.

He turned his hand in hers to put their palms against each other before pulling his hand back so he could get out of the car. He came around the vehicle to get the door for her, blushing a bit.

“I keep doing that, don’t I?” Anthony laughed a little. “Old habits.”

“I don’t mind it at all.” She chuckled and got out of the car. “It’s rare to see someone who cares about smaller things.” She placed a hand on his cheek and pulled away just as quick.

Anthony followed the touch a little, smiling at her. He offered her his hand after he closed the door.

“Which way to your car?” He asked.

“It’s in the back.” She gestured before taking his hand. Cass smiled and sighed lightly. “It’s nice to talk to you.”

“It’s nice to talk to you, too,” He smiled and walked with her. “You have my phone number, right?”

“I think so. Would it be… “ she trailed off and blushed.”Can I message you outside of work?” 

“Yes, you can. I’m giving you permission to message me,” He smiled as they walked. “I’m much better at texting than calls, though.”

She felt her chest bubble with excitement. “Me too. Calling is so terrifying sometimes. Even if I know someone.”

“I’ll make sure to text for the most part then,” He nodded. “I just don’t like having to figure out how to fill silence over the phone.”

She nodded as they walked towards her car. “Yeah, it’s not the most fun trying to fill a conversation when you aren’t face-to-face.”

“There is a definite disconnect,” Anthony replied, walking with her. He paused just short of her car, stroking the back of her hand with his thumb. “I guess this is the end of the date, huh. I don’t think I’ve had a date this nice before.”

“Me either. I think this is the best date I have been on actually.” She admitted to him. “The rest I have been on were trash or expected more out of me at the end.” She let go of his hand and rubbed her upper arm. “I’m glad you aren’t like that.”

“I am never going to push you into something you’re not comfortable with, Cass. And feel free at any time to tell me to stop if you become uncomfortable.” He smiled at her, slipping his hands into his pockets.

She nodded and leaned against her car. “Same to you okay? I know what it’s like to be pressured to do things so I never want to do that to you.” She told him, knowing he was older than her and most likely would tell her when she was crossing a line. Cassiopeia was nervous though. Two demi people together? This was going to be the slowest relationship she would be in and while it was welcomed she didn’t know anything outside a fast-paced and burn out. 

“I will make an effort to make my feelings known,” He nodded. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Cass.”

He smiled at her and took a step back. “Drive safe, okay?”

“I’ll see you tomorrow. You drive safe too.” She told him, getting into her car and sighing as she placed a hand on her beating chest. Her heart was going crazy. She smiled as she started up the car.

Anthony smiled and waved before heading back to his own car. He hummed a bit to himself and leaned against the side of his car, pulling out his cigarettes from his pocket. He stood there, mulling over the date, smiling to himself.

“Well, that was unexpected.” He murmured to himself. “Things are looking up, huh, Anthony?”