With his tea poured and sitting gazing out of the window, Nelchael finally began to relax. He was feeling much better until he went to pay. As he turned to leave a woman blocked his way out, smiling widely at him.

“I love the outfit.” She ran a finger along his lapel. “I’m into steampunk too.”

“Oh, no.” Nelchael shook his head. “No, really ... it isn’t. I’m not ...” Nelchael managed to sidestep her to get outside. But she didn’t seem to be prepared to give up on him.

With panic rising, Nelchael looked around, desperately seeking a place of sanctuary. Then he saw it.

“Do please excuse me.” He backed away from the woman, then made a quick dash to his refuge. With a sigh of relief he entered the building. Relishing the calm and serenity, Nelchael sat and let its ambience surround him.

He waited a few minutes, until he felt calmer, but as he stood up, he bumped into a young man who’d been carrying a pile of books back to the librarian’s desk.

They bent simultaneously to start picking them up but managed to bang their heads together.

“Ow! Fuck.” The stranger rubbed his head and Nelchael was instantly contrite.

“Sorry, sorry, all my fault.” Nelchael stared at the young man, a tingle running through his body.

“Um ... you’re staring. And you’ll catch flies if you stay like that.” The stranger smiled.

“What ...? Flies?” Nelchael shook his head. “Oh, no. I’m not looking to do that. But your eyes ...”

“It’s mascara and eyeliner. Haven’t you seen it before?”

There was an edge to the young man’s voice and Nelchael knew he’d offended him, but not why.

“Oh, yes. I used to see a lot of men wearing it. But you look ... particularly stunning.” Nelchael felt the blush burn his cheeks and ducked his head. “Sorry. That was very forward of me.”

“No, that’s okay. Thanks. I thought you were one of the types to have a go because I wear makeup. Name’s Neven.” He stuck out his hand and Nelchael took it.

“Nelchael.” He blinked at the sensation tingling from his hand up his arms, and Neven stared at him.

“What the fuck. For a minute I thought you ... fluttered.”

“Oh, no. No.” Nelchael shook his head. “Not at all. May I help you?” Nelchael indicated the pile of books still on the floor.

“Yeah, thanks.”

Between them, they scooped them up and took them to the counter.

“I haven’t seen you here before.” Neven eyed Nelchael up and down. “I’d remember if I’d had.”

“You would?” Nelchael felt an unexpected wave of pleasure and smiled.

“You doing anything tomorrow? Around three o’clock? We could grab a coffee or something.”

“Tomorrow?” Nelchael was temporarily lost for words and the light in Neven’s beautiful green eyes dimmed. “Well, um ... are you sure? You’d want to meet me?”

The light in Neven’s eyes came back, and he smiled. “You sound surprised. You’re a good-looking guy. Surely, you’ve been asked out before. For a moment I thought my gaydar was faulty.”

“Gaydar?” Nelchael stared at Neven and blinked again.

“Fuck, I really must get my eyes tested. You fluttered again.” Neven rubbed his eyes, and Nelchael shuffled uncomfortably.

“Neven, is there a problem over there?” A woman’s voice rang out, and Neven hissed.

“Sorry, that’s my boss. Bit of a dragon. Hates us chatting too long to customers. Can you pretend you want to join and that I’m signing you up?”

“Uh ... yes. Of course. I don’t want you in trouble.” Nelchael looked to his left at the stern-faced woman approaching. “Good afternoon, madam. Your assistant is signing me up.” He gave her his best smile and the hard expression on her face softened slightly.

“I see. Very well.” She nodded at Nelchael, then turned a sharper gaze at Neven. “Don’t dawdle. I’m sure the gentleman has other places to be.”

“Yes, Mrs. Jenkins.” Neven nodded, already setting out the necessary form. “Right, you said your name was ... um, Nigel.”

“Actually it’s --” Nelchael started, but remembered Crimson and Indigo used another name for him. “Nige.”

“Fine, we need the full name here. Right that’s on the form. Now ID. I need a photo ID like a driver’s license. That’ll give me your surname to fill in, and I need something with your address on.”

“I have the first, but not the second.” Nelchael brought out his license, and Neven grabbed it.

“Nelchael Smith. Cool. I’ll leave it as Nigel, no one will know. The second ID’s not a problem. I’ll tick off that I know you. Write your address here.”

Nelchael did as bid in perfect copperplate, and Neven stared at it.

“What does it say?” he asked, and Nelchael read it out. Neven shook his head. “I would never have known. I’ll just photocopy this, then we’re all good.”

As Neven moved away, Nelchael had the feeling that eyes were staring at him. He looked around but couldn’t see anyone. That wasn’t good either. Attracting attention was never good.

Neven came back quickly, and he shoved the card along with a piece of paper over the counter. “My name, cellphone number, as well as the name of the coffee shop for tomorrow. It’s a nice place. Good food is made on the premises. None of your bulk commercial made junk.”

“Cake?” Nelcheal leaned in. “I do like homemade cake.”

“Yep. You gotta try the hummingbird cake. Anyway, if you do want a book, feel free to look around. I’ll have to stay here. If I don’t see you before you leave, I’ll see you tomorrow. Don’t be late.” He winked and Nelcheal nodded enthusiastically.

“I won’t.” He took a slow walk around the library, not looking for books, but for anything that would confirm, or otherwise, the feeling of being watched. Then the importance of what he’d agreed to hit him.

I need Indigo to help me. I’ve never had a date.