hacked title number 4

Shuni nibbled his treat happily, offering a bite to his brother and father, but mostly enjoying the taste of maple. Daddy was such a kind Daddy!

"I am hoping we will discuss that question this evening," she smiled.

After a few more minutes, the trio arrived back home. Sam and Gaster had politely declined Shuni's offer, although wished still that he enjoy it.

Ashton nodded. "Um, Geena? Can I ask you a weird question?"

Geena nodded. "Of course, dear. You can ask me anything."

"Uh, I am meeting up with a friend of a friend tonight. She's going to show me how to date, but, um, what should I wear?" Ashton asked cluelessly.

"What kind of place are you going to, and why are you having a girl teach you how to date?" Geena asked curiously.

"A club, and because I literally have no idea how." Ashton answered. "A friend of mine set this up so I could learn and hopefully not fail miserably when I actually do it for real."

Geena chuckled and sat next to him on the couch, putting a hand on his knee. "Treat her like a queen," she told him. "Open doors for her, pay for dinner, pull out her chair for her to sit in, be polite, and listen to her when she talks even if you're bored."

"Okay...." Ashton nodded a little. "But still.... what do I even wear?"

"You haven't told me what kind of place you are going to," Geena reminded him, amused.

Ashton took a moment to remember the name. "The Grey Gull." He said. "However, I'm meeting up with my friend before I meet my tutor there."

"Hmm, may I see what you have in your closet?" Geena requested, gesturing for them to go upstairs.

Ashton paused a moment before he nodded and led Geena to his room, scooping up Night to make sure the kitten wouldn't be in the way of anything.

Night didn't know what to make of this stranger in his room, but he snuggled into Ashton and watched without complaint.
Geena looked through the shirts until she located a soft blue button up shirt. "Here. Pair this with your least torn up jeans."

Ashton blinked in surprise. "That's it?"

"And nice shoes and socks. Make sure your shoes are clean," Geena warned.

"Would my  high tops work?" Ashton asked. They were black and slightly scuffed up, but clean and his favorite pair of shoes.

"Polish them up and they'll do fine. Be sure to brush your hair," Geena added.

Ashton nodded, making mental notes. "Okay... anything else?"

Geena considered. "That should cover you for a first date."

Ashton nodded once more and sighed. "I just... I want to be happy like everyone else... you know? True has Kat.... Lex has Layla.... And now Doctor Dad even has you. And you all seem so happy, I just want some of that too is all." He shrugged. "Sorry." He went to leave. He needed a walk now.

Geena touched Ashton's shoulder. "Ashton," she said gently, "other people don't make you happy. They can only add to happiness that is already there. You have to learn to be happy alone before you can be happy with another person."

Ashton stopped, but only slightly turned his head. "Doesn't that mean you have to be happy with yourself first?" He said with a little more venom and ice that probably needed before Ashton shrugged Geena's hand off and went outside, pulling his shoes on in one deft movement.

Geena let him go, giving him space before following him down.

Ashton was long gone from the house when Geena made her way downstairs. A few minutes later though, Gaster, Sam, and Shuni made their way back home.

Geena smiled and went to hug Gaster. "Hello, dear. And little sticky children!" she giggled, hugging Shuni and Sam.