Devon stared at the closed door for a few seconds, while Kira happily ran around the house. What. The. Fuck. Just. Happened? Who was that guy again? Craig? How did Kira get out? Did he forget to close the door before leaving for work? It was a good thing that Craig took care of her, but what if he wanted something in return? He said he was a vet. What if he wanted money for taking care of Kira? Devon could barely pay the bills, how on earth would he find money to pay for a vet? He had a little stash of money in case Kira got sick, but it would be a waste to use it to pay for a dude that only took care of her for like an hour. He ruffled his hair and sat on the little red chair on his dining room/bedroom. "If he wants anything I'll just say I'll cook him a meal or something" Kira dropped her head on Devon's knees, demanding ear scratches. Devon rightfully obeyed. "You know what, next time I see him, I'll just offer to cook him dinner or something to repay him. Yeah. That should do it and he won't bother me again."

After playing with Kira for a while, Devon got up decided to take a shower. He brushed his teeth, put on his pajamas and went to the hallway veranda for a smoke. It was a small shared space on the building floor that was the only smoker-friendly space on the whole apartment complex, and only because it had glass doors that would close for the smoke not to get in. He put on his earbuds and listened to a calm song while smoking slowly, letting all the things that happened that day slowly drain out from his head.

Craig stood for a few seconds looking at Devon's door, still amazed at how weird the tiny man was. He looked grumpy and unfriendly, but Craig was sure he was just shy. Maybe if he took baby steps, they could even be great friends. He just had to control his over-hyped personality and take it calm and easy. Calm and easy. He went inside his own home and started cleaning up the mess the dog made. Kira, right? She was the most cuddly, adorable, fluffball he had ever met. He smiled and headed to the shower.

Craig turned on the ceiling fan and laid on the bed. The room felt too stuffy and hot. He decided to go out and get some air. Walking out on the hallway, he saw a familiar gray fluffy head on a suspiciously short body. He silently walked to the glass door and tapped a few times. Devon didn't turn. He noticed that the boy had earbuds on and just opened the door. Devon still didn't notice him. Craig poked the guy right in the ribcage, and Devon jumped so high he almost hit the ceiling and his earbuds fell off.

"What the fuck was that??" Devon put his hand on his heart and suddenly looked amazingly like a tiny old man. Craig smiled at the thought.

"Sorry, I tapped on the door and you didn't listen, so I got in and you still didn't notice me. I'm sorry for scaring you."

"It's okay. You didn't strike me as the type to smoke..." Devon lowered the volume on his phone and left only one earbud in.

"I don't, but I felt like I was suffocating inside that tiny apartment" Craig smiled "But I wouldn't mind a cigarette right now, if you have one to spare"

Devon quickly handed a cigarette to Craig and promptly offered to light it for him.

"Oh, what a gentleman" Craig laughed, lighting the cigarette on Devon's lighter. Devon blushed profusely and lowered his head, placing the lighter back in his back pocket. They smoked in silence, each one absorbed in their own thoughts, looking forward but focusing on nothing. Devon lit another cigarette for himself.

"Stressed out?" Craig asked.

"It's been a long month of long days. Can't wait for December to arrive..." Devon sighed and placed his forehead on his crossed arms in the balcony. Craig wanted to say something to comfort him, but felt like it was not his place to meddle. At least not yet. They stayed in silence for another long while, until Craig's cigarette burned out and then some more. Devon finally looked at the other man.

"Oh! Do you want another one?" He took his hand to his pocket.

"No, no. I'm just enjoying the night air and the nice company" Craig smiled with the corner of his lip "It's nice to be comfortable with someone without having to make small talk and just enjoy the moment together"

"Yeah... It sure beats being alone all the time" Devon smiled shyly and caught Craig by surprise.

"You didn't strike me as the type to smile" Craig said, smiling widely.

Devon's smile immediately disappeared and his face turned as red as a tomato.

"I'm not, but I'm not made of stone. I guess I'm just not used to social interactions."

"It's okay, everyone has their time and way of opening up to people. All I can offer is my company when you don't feel like being alone while being all stoic and all" Craig laughed softly.

Devon widened his eyes, remembering his earlier thoughts.

"Oh! I wanted to make you dinner to repay you for taking care of Kira. I don't really have any money, so food is all I can do..."

"You don't really have to repay me, but it would be my pleasure to accept. Plus, I get to see Kira again"

"Ok, so if you're not busy the day after tomorrow by around 7 pm, just let me know. I'll make something good." Devon offered his phone for Craig to add his number. "And also warn me if you have any food allergies or anything you don't like, ok?"

"It's a date, then" Craig gave Devon's phone back and smiled. "I'll bring the wine"

"It's... a... It's a d-date." Devon blushed and ran back to his apartment, feeling like his head was about to explode. Did that dude even know what he was saying? He seemed to say things so carelessly and without thinking about what people might think.

Craig slowly headed back home, with a big smile stretched across his face. He knew it wasn't a real date. But Devon was cute, and there would be wine and dogs, so he couldn't be happier.