Zaid was nervous. Despite having much of the day to plan, he felt completely unprepared for the rest of his evening. It was just noodles. It wasn’t anything fancy or crazy, but it was a date, nonetheless, and he was getting nerves. His fur kept causing problems, and despite his many attempts to straighten his shirt, he kept finding a wrinkle. At least his pants were tailored now and his tail looked mostly normal. He looked nice. Cute even. Attractive? Maybe, in his own, Zaid kind of way.

After fidgeting in front of the mirror for a few moments he frowned before sighing and walking over to the small nightstand. Settling in on his knees he looked at the picture, trying to swallow the lump in his throat.

”So, how do I look mom? It’s kinda like a first date. Well, second date. Remember I told you about cooking with Jude? I think you’d like him.” he flattened his hair, but a little tuft sprang back in the air. It was a losing battle.

”You said blue was a good color on me so I went with this one. I really should have bought some better pants. My work ones aren’t bad I guess. Nicer than jeans.” after a few extra washes they were a little faded, but clean. His shirt was a dark blue that made his eyes stand out. It had been one of his moms favorites, and it rarely made a trip out of the closet.

”Stars, I could have really used you around for this. Both of you,” he rubbed an ear and looked at his watch. It was almost time. He gave a little smile, standing up and getting his jacket.

”I’ll tell you everything when I’m back!” he knew no one was really there to listen, but sometimes it made this whole apartment feel left empty when he left.

Rubbing his hands, Zaid made the short walk to the corner they agreed to meet at. A leftover holiday display kept the area well lit, and it was close to the area Jude had picked. Now that he was outside, the nerves changed into excitement, and his ears swiveled happily, listening for Jude’s arrival. He wasn’t wearing a hat today, so his hair looked nicer, although it did gather a few extra looks as he found a spot to wait, glancing at his phone.

His nose was red and trying to run. That's what Jude got for taking the dogs on a walk first. He jogged up with his gray scarf and hair askew. He wasn't into this whole 'oversized' fashion trend, nor did he buy into the tiny bag (aka FANNY PACK) that guys were now wearing strapped across their chests. No, Jude was still mired in more classically tailored fashion: olive green trousers cuffed to show off his funky stegosaurus socks and brown chukkas as well as a well-fitting cream sweater and overcoat. New York was chilly, but really it was the wind that felt like it was getting to him.

Dammit and Revvie did not care one lick. They rushed in to share kisses with Zaid before Jude ever had a chance.

"Were you waiting long?" The dogs had gotten excited as soon as they'd scented Zaid and Jude'd had to jog more than he thought. He was currently trying not to huff or puff, though he very much wanted to.

"It's uh- It's an outside place? Jude eyed the clouds that were zipping by, pushed by strong and hair-mussing winds. "The old guy at the counter assured me that there's nothing better than hot ramen when you're out in the cold. Ready?" He offered an arm to Zaid and an leash. One dog each. Eventually he wouldn't have to walk these monsters, but the Ranger still had not come home or even out in the open.

"Oh. Uh, I realized I don't know your last name yet."

Zaid heard the dogs coming before his nose picked up their scent. He had a quick glance at Jude before he was smothered in dog kisses, but it was enough to note to the stylish outfit choice Zaid had come to admire. He temporarily stressed about his own choice in attire, but it felt short lived with paws threatening to leave wrinkles in even this choice.

Once his tail had been intrusively sniffed by both dogs, he looked up and smiled at his date, taking the extra leash in his hand. ”It wasn’t bad. My ears stay warmer than I bet yours do,” he admitted. His own hair did a few flips in the wind, but his ears seemed to keep it from getting too out of hand.

”Outside sounds fun!” he, was trying to find the balance between excited and mature. He was still somewhat new at this dating thing. ”My last name? Oh, it’s Wylde, actually.” he laughed. ”It didn’t feel so ironic until we moved here to the States. What’s yours?” he felt curious now that it came up. Zaid has a fairly easy time holding the dog in check, letting his legs do the work like last time.

”You aren’t too cold, are you?” he noted Jude’s nose and felt a flicker of concern. He wondered if his own cheeks would be pink by the time they reached the restaurant.

His ears were a tad chilly. His scarf only went up so far. "I was out for a bit to get in extra walking. Had to make sure the dogs wouldn't be too crazy. Should be fine once we get eating."

Honestly, he had debated about bringing Dammit and Reville, but decided that since they were the reason that Zaid and Jude had met, that they could be allowed to ease any potential tension. Also, the more outside time they got, the better behaved they were once inside. "I hope you don't mind the dogs. Still no word from bossman. I'm trying not to worry 'cause he's a big kid who can take care of himself, but it's also been a while."

And of course, the last name. He hadn't asked for no reason. "Zaid Wylde, I hex you to not attract trouble in the next hour." He nodded, satisfied. Poor Zaid's eye hadn't changed much in the last day. Jude resolved to come back with healing next time, should he have time to run back to the Mansion and snag the power again. "There. It takes a full name and very specific instructions. The tighter the time frame, the better the fulfillment. Bonus. Now you can't be hexed until you fulfil that one." One hour should cover a date, right? They could get into trouble after.

Jude worked to wrangle his power from escaping and considered his own last name. "Mine? It's nothing, really. On paper it's Csendes. Spelled with cs, but said with a ch? It's Hungarian and totally made up by adopted dad." It would have been so much easier to just call them mom and dad, but he never did. Never.

"My adopted dad was cool at first, but... ehhh." It was just too much to explain that he was a unicorn who'd tried to bring about an apocalypse. "He skipped out after a while, cheated, now he's off in Idaho or something last I heard." They had a couple of blocks to walk which gave them a little time to chat. Not enough time to explain an apocalypse, but ... a little time.

"I could go to my adopted mom's maiden name, but she's already re-engaged to someone else so I'll probably never be in synch with her anyway." Family was messy, even or maybe more so for adopted ones.

The wind gusted and Dammit seemed to be trying to bite back at it, which Jude thought funny, he didn't seem particularly bothered with any of what he was sharing.

"I think you mentioned you're living alone." That was the best way he could think to ask if his parents had passed without actually asking. Tact. He tried sometimes.

Zaid made a mental note to find Jude some earmuffs. As a bunny, he never got the chance to really appreciate them, but he felt maybe Jude could use a pair. Then again, would he even wear ear muffs? As much effort as Jude took with his hair made Zaid second-guess that thought. He would really need to spend time getting to know the other boy and asking the right questions.

Then, the hex came. It caught Zaid a little off guard, but after the slightly odd sensation washed over him, he laughed, ”You thought I’d a practical hex! I admit, I seem to have a back for bringing trouble around.” he rubbed the back of his neck with a sheepish grin.

”And no, I don’t mind the dogs at all! I know they must be a handful so I’m really glad I can help. I know I uh, initially reacted badly to them, but now that we got to know each other I feel a little safer with them near, honestly.” it was hard to explain how it felt being part bunny. With the stronger animal nearby, it was like he had a little shield to deflect any encroaching danger.

Zaid let Jude talk, ears steady and taking in the story, careful not to interrupt. He was a good listener, for one thing. It helped that he was all ears. Zaid could sense a little resentment toward the father figure, which seemed warranted. He didn’t have much right to comment at this time though. ”I think there is a lot of unwarranted emphasis on last names sometimes. It shouldn’t be such a big stamp toward who you are. It was worse in Japan, since you didn’t use first names as often...” he much preferred going by Zaid. The cultural change was comfortable to him now.

There was a little flash of sadness following Jude’s next question, but then Zaid smiled, feeling glad he could open up again it. ”My parents passed away awhile back. I’ve been on my own since then. They were visiting family and there was an accident... it’s been okay though. I was always pretty independent so not much has changed. Mom would have been fascinated by your powers though. She was always really cool about mutants.” he admitted. Zaid was distracted for a second and was brought back to walking when a tug on his leash let him bump shoulders against Jude. Whoops! He redirected and watched the dogs tail wag ahead of him.

Oh. Right. They really did do things differently in Japan. He might not have been, but both his adopted parents had spoken. "Oh so you were Wylde… chan?" He hadn’t really paid too close attention. Usually they spoke in Japanese to exclude him, specifically, from their conversations.

The ramen shop waited for them, a slender teal awning wedged between a flower shop and a asian convenience store. It may have been obvious to Zaid what it was by the signage, but Jude had wandered up to the standing-height bar the first time and asked. It had been the smells that lured him in.

It was the same this time. Even his non-bunny nose could pick out warming spices and salty sides. Jude sidestepped the bar-height table for now as it was housing three very squished ramen eaters who just barely made it work with their bowls and elbows. Luckily, they seemed close tot he ends of their bowls.

”Irasshaimase!”

"Hello!" It was hard not to marvel at the efficiency of movement in the tiny kitchen quarters. The menu was a chalkboard behind the lone old guy dressed in a happi coat to match the store’s awning. "Can you read any of that? Last time I just picked a number."

Zaid tried to stop himself from laughing but stars if it wasn’t adorable hearing Jude try to say his name. He appreciated the efforts he was taking to sort out the honorifics, even if there was a little clumsiness involved. ”Yes, for much of my childhood. Though there were plenty of usa-chan, Usagi jokes in those days. My mother never wanted to hide my ears when I was a child, and it was easy to embrace just being cute back then. Kawaii culture rose a lot during my youth and it helped me blend in, even as a mutant.” he missed those years sometimes. He was just the little bun who people could pat on the head and remark how precious he was. It was one thing for a small boy to have rabbit ears, and quite another to still have them as an adult. He felt that twisting pang of disappointment with his own appearance. His mutation only brought him frustration as he got older.

”I suppose France was more similar to American culture? At least, linguistically? Uh, structurally? I don’t exactly know what word I’m looking for honestly,” he laughed and rubbed the back of his neck. The leash gave a tug and he quickly regained focus before he could be pulled on a detour. There was the faintest tug of the hex leading him toward the main path he didn’t register. Trouble could really lurk around the corner if it weren’t for preparation ahead of time.

The scent of noodles made his tail flip once and his nose twitch. He felt surprised and excited to see the little stand, eyes scanning the pictures excitedly. ”What? Oh yes! I can read it. It takes a few minutes to adjust but I haven’t forgotten everything at least. Uh, this one-“ he shifted a leash so he could point easier. Good doggo sat at his feet, tail thumping hopefully as they looked at the menu. ”Is in a tonkotsu broth. These marks are for Shio, salt, and Shoyu, soy sauce, flavors. There are different proteins with some of the options, like chicken, or soft-boiled eggs.” Zaid smiled.

He looked over the menu for a moment and politely greeted the shop owner in Japanese. The man seemed much more fascinated by conversation than the fact the boy he spoke to had ears, which put him in an even better mood. He glanced back at Jude to ensure he wasn’t being rude changing languages. ”He admires your dogs. They have some bones they can have if you would like while we eat. They keep the good ones that won’t splinter, but knows not everyone gives those to their pets.” Zaid explained. Then he looked back over the menu. ”I am probably going to have the number 3, it’s a lighter broth with the egg. Do you want something spicy? Sweet? I have no idea how useful I’m being or not.” he looked sheepish but good natured.

Usa and Usagi. Jude tried to take mental note of things that he might want to look up later, but quickly realized that he was just going to have to ask because there were too many. "What's an usagi?" Jude had known that he would be an "invisible" mutant even before he'd been a mutant... until it hadn't exactly worked out that way.

"I wasn't born with my power active, but once it took hold it took me an embarrassingly long time to figure out all the ups and downs. I kept getting stuck with other people ears and wings and tails. You name it, pile it on, and then blend it up." So, while he wasn't unused to being visibly marked as mutant or other, he'd absolutely never been accused of being cute. He'd been quite motivated to find a way out.

> ”I suppose France was more similar to American culture?"

"Uhhh. No." He laughed it off, but also scratched the back of his neck with sudden nerves. Okay, so maybe it was better to just say it. Sooner, rather than later. "I was in an orphanage until I was 9 and that's not... normal culture. I kept dreaming that I was going to be a mutant and be somebody important. To save the world. Kid dreams, you know?" Totally normal kid dreams, but in Jude's case they'd been taken up to eleven. Even as a child he'd been wildly aspirational. Add in a realistic shared predictive dream and... yeah. He'd long since stopped telling people he once had a dream about a future that never happened.

It took Jude's brain a few clicks to realize that he'd been linguistically left in the dust. He'd thought that he could keep up if it was about food, but native speakers were on a whole different level than he was as far as Japanese went. He smiled and let them talk while he made sure the dogs were settled. They were big enough that if they jumped up to the bar, he was sure they would have knocked the whole thing into the tiny kitchen behind. So the dogs both sat and then were asked to lay down.

Hey. At least his Russian was improving.

Eventually Zaid came back to English, roping Jude back into the conversation.

"That's so kind, thank you." He dipped his head, having picked up on the sort of micro-bows that had been going on in his household as he grew up. "Domo arigato."

As far as what he wanted to eat... "Totally helpful. I like the really fatty ones. And salty. Spicy is good too, but fatty is the best by far. Is that... duck?" From the picture, he thought it might be duck or pig meat. "Ehm. Would it bother you for me to eat meat?"

Zaid tried not to laugh, but the faint snicker still made its way past his lips despite his best efforts. In typical sassy fashion, he flicked one ear at Jude, making sure the other boy’s attention was directed that way. ”Usagi, is rabbit. They both basically reference to the fact I am a bunny. Probably good words for you to learn.” Despite the embarrassment that could come with it, he did have a bit of pride to his appearance. Okay, maybe not the tail, but he did enjoy being able to have dexterous ears. He could not convey the level of emotions he did without the extra movement. Plus, fur was warm. He never had to stress about freezing his ears off like other people did.

Zaid listener as Jude talked, politely taking in the information offered. There was something about early conversations that was rewarding. Like reading a book, he was finding out the back story that shaped Jude into who he was. All the messy adventures, the grand ideas he once had. Zaid admired him even more. He couldn’t help being drawn to that spark from the beginning. Jude was like a blank canvas, with so many opportunities ready to be found. Zaid saw glimmers of unwritten destinies that he wanted to be around to see fulfilled one day.

”Having a mutation like yours could be a handful. But you seem to handle change well. It takes someone special to be able to adjust to uncertainty. I would be a mess with something like that.” he shivered slightly at the idea. Never knowing what he would wake up to would be a little unnerving. ”Although, I can say your ears were pretty dang cute,” he teased.

He sobered as the topic of the orphanage came up, but he didn’t display the level of pity some people would. Just an expression of understanding. He was, after all, an orphan in his own way. But he never had the chance to be adopted by a different family. ”I think everyone had kid dreams. I remember when a certain Drisney film came out and I was ecstatic about the idea of a bunny cop. Although my own skills of saving the world and even martial arts are clearly lacking. It doesn’t matter how old you are sometimes. Everyone wants to be somebody. I think people just want to matter to someone...” he glanced at the leash in his hands, cheeks feeling pink for a moment.

As they settled in, Zaid noted the menu item Jude was questioning, and smiled, ”No, go ahead! Eat what you want! So long as it’s not rabbit I am pretty understanding. That’s the only time it gets personal.” it was said in jest but he had found a place from time to time serving rabbit and he swore his stomach felt a little queasy at the smell. Having split genetics made him crave protein from time to time but he would stay vegetarian when possible.

After the orders were placed it didn’t take long for the bowls to come. Zaid breathed deeply and his ears folded back with contentment. It was a comforting sensation being in a place like this. The language, the smells, and being with someone... someone who made him feel like he mattered.

”How’s it taste?” he asked after he had finished a few somewhat greedy bites. It was hard to be dainty when slurping noodles. This was a task he would just have to accept being a little clumsy with.

Zaid thought he handled change well. He didn't know the half of it. Jude was fractured, totally incomplete inside and always scrambling.

> ”Although, I can say your ears were pretty dang cute,”

He flushed and fumbled his scarf in front of his face.

"That- That was my first thought, the first time I saw you." So it was completely believable that Zaid had thought the same. And they both trod carefully around the subject of parents. Jude didn't know the circumstances about Zaid's parents, but Jude's had walked away and planted the first seed that he was unworthy and unwantable... disposable. So what Zaid said next resonated through Jude down to his chilly toes.

> "...It doesn’t matter how old you are sometimes. Everyone wants to be somebody. I think people just want to matter to someone...”

"Yeah. I mean yes. Absolutely! Everybody wants to be somebody, but it's even more difficult to recognize that everybody already is somebody. Off in their own little worlds, affecting those around them daily. Maybe people like you and me- maybe we can't change the world on our own. But we can choose who matters to us. And we can matter to each other. Our friends, our communities. Butterfly wings have to flap somewhere, right?" But even if he didn't matter like he had in his future dream, he had to believe that he would matter eventually to someone, somewhere.

And he'd totally gotten off on a tangent while the ramen orders took place. It was a quick turnaround, which was good because the next set of ramen hopefuls were starting to edge in for a look at the menu boards. Tonkotsu Ramen was what was announced when Jude's bowl arrived and the broth looked almost milky, it was so pale. A little round of pork and plenty of garnishes were made it picture-worthy. But even better, he got to eat it.

Zaid didn't waste a single moment. And the ears. They melted adorably in an echo of the curl of contentment Jude felt. This moment was nearly perfect.

"Say cheese." He held the camera out so the could both be in the shot and, though he caught Zaid mid-noodle, Jude was sure that only made the photo that much better. He did let Zaid see, but he would guard and protect that photo from deletion.

"I hear it's polite to slurp. Is that a thing?"

He slurped. How could he not? It was hot and every bit of fatty, salty goodness that he'd wanted.

Jude was really adorable when he blushed. Suddenly, Zaid understood how people felt when he did something cute and they gave him that look like they just wanted to freeze the moment forever and frame it. He never had a crush like this before. Never had this much fun just spending time with someone. It was cold outside, but his insides felt warm and fuzzy. All those cheesy things about butterflies and the rush of feelings were so dang true.

>>That was my first thought, the first time I saw you. Zaid felt his own cheeks get pink now. He was smiling. Stars, he was smiling a lot today. If he could bottle the feeling of happiness and just keep it with him, he would find it hard to ever frown again.

We can matter to each other. Our friends, our communities. Zaid listened to the words, feeling them resonating in his own head. They shared similar thoughts about the world and their place in it. Zaid often felt useless because he lacked a stronger mutation. But even someone like Jude, with a roulette of opportunities, had his own insecurities. There was no right answer, no perfect power, no single solution to life. "I think you just have to remember that you can be that important person without even realizing it." Zaid wanted to say something cheesy, and the conversation had the opportunity to take that romantic twist. That wasn't what he wanted though. Jude mattered, not just as a guy he had a crush on. He mattered as a person. Zaid wanted him to realize his own value, and wished he had a better way to convey it. It didn't even have to be Zaid he touched, or his life that was impacted. They were just two souls who wanted to find their place. Right now, they were finding comfort just with each other.

Midway through his noodles, Zaid was in the warmest place he could possibly be. Food, a date, two dogs he had come attached to, a first feeling of belonging he had in a long time. With all those emotions filling him, Jude took the chance to snap a picture. Mouth full of noodles, he was momentarily horrified how terrible he would look. Then, Jude shared it. It...wasn't so bad, actually. Everything he was feeling seemed to be captured in the snapshot. He was actually a little jealous Jude kept it.

"Hey, you can't be the only one with a photo," he complained lightheartedly. Jude asked about the slurping, and Zaid answered by downing the last of the broth noisily. Yes, slurping was fine. There was nothing he wanted to leave behind here.

Jude chuckled at Zaid's complaint. "I'll send the photo to you if you like."

The owner sent a kindly old woman out with two bones for the beasts. All that difficult sitting and staying practice was thoroughly tested as she put them in range of the puppers. Dammit whined, but ultimately refrained from bowling the old woman over. She did pepper her with licky kisses of gratitude that could not be stopped. Another round of thank yous and all-in-all it hardly broke the pace of Jude slorping up his share of noodles.

His ears and nose were tinged with red, but his previously chilled hands were now quite warm. And as an added bonus, the dogs were too preoccupied to make trouble or test boundaries.

"I guess the guy was right." Jude pushed a lone noodle around his bowl, but couldn't seem to get it with his chopsticks. "Hot ramen on a cold day is perfect."

They had to clear away so the next group could eat. The shop was just that small. Jude called to the dogs and they both picked up their treats to take along with them. Hmm. That wouldn’t be fun in his tiny little apartment.

”That sorta concludes the whole of my evil plans. I dunno. Maybe we walk around a bit more? If it’s not too cold, that is.” Though he seemed to be suffering worse than Zaid.

Zaid looked pleased when Jude promised to share the photo. His ears perked up and he smiled. "Yes, you better." Okay, it was silly, but it was his first relationship and stars, if he didn't at least get a photo, he would feel a little disappointed.

His own nose twitched slightly when the bones came over. His brain was in that strange crossfire between the rabbit and human. That happened a lot around meat, honestly. But he had learned to separate the two emotions over the years and keep it from distracting him.

Zaid smiled when he watched the dogs express their gratitude, and rubbed one of the dogs on it's fuzzy head. He would never live down his initial fear of them, but was grateful for the awkward encounter that had followed. If he hadn't jumped into that tree, he wouldn't have met Jude. Or, not have met in quite the way they had, which had broken the barriers of awkwardness and helped them become close. Now, they just finished their first noodle trip, and things were progressing. Were they progressing? He tried to distract his thoughts. He didn't want to give himself any chance of tilting things out of the balance they had.

Zaid held his leash as they finally stepped away from the stand, noting how the cold was getting to Jude. The scarf was helping with his face, but dang, he really wished he had something...Ah!

"Wait here!" Zaid dipped around a corner, and the curse didn't stop him, so it seemed like it would be safe. A few moments later he had returned from on of the tiny tourists stalls with a pair of earmuffs that matched Jude's sweater. "Okay, they aren't exactly stylish, but if your ears get any pinker I'm going to feel horrible." He had found a pair that didn't seem like they would block out sound too much (although, he was not exactly one to have experience with that? It was hard when your own ears had fur). "If we keep walking, I can't just sit and watch you shiver to death." He stuck out his tongue. Revvie gave a bark of agreement and he nodded. "See, they're on my side."

Wait? Jude had to reign Dammit in as Zaid left with Revvie. She whined and he sympathized. They'd left him too. That did give Jude a chance to text the photo over. Since it seemed important, he didn't want to wait and forget even if it meant he had to sacrifice all that wonderful warm ramen bowl warmth.

Jude got a pair of cream-colored faux fur ear muffs. Not at all his style, but they were a gift.

"Well, they're no ears..." but he would have to find a way to make it work. 3/3 of his comrades agreed. So he put them on and tried to think warm thoughts.

"I am not shivering." He protested, but may have been on the verge. "Besides, walking helps that." So obviously they should start walking. He picked a direction at random, his favorite way to explore, and off they went.

"Have you done any college? I'm... I'm not sure it's for me."

The earmuffs looked comically silly on Jude. Yes, they definitely weren’t the guys style. But Zaid won, and at least Jude would be warm in the meantime. ”Seriously, you never have to wear them again, just tolerate it for now.” he was on the verge of smiling but contained it. His ears flicked once or twice as he tried not to laugh.

They chose a direction to walk and the dogs trotted happily now that they were back as a group. ”College, No, I uh... I never got the chance to finish high school, actually.” he looked a little embarrassed, and moved to explain.

”See, my parents died when I was 16, and I was living here in the city by myself. They had gone home to visit and there was a fire...Since I had no family, I had to sort of, support myself. So I got the job at the Cafe and I’ve been there since. Layne has been really great to me. She made sure I got enough hours to pay rent, and the landlord is a jerk but the cost is low. I read a lot and I sort of made up for things that way. Can’t say I miss school alway. Kids were always jerks.” he looked mildly uncomfortable and sighed.

”I don’t think school is for everyone. You can learn a lot of your own, and street smarts say a lot. I think you probably picked up a lot with the guys you work with?” he noted. ”I would have enjoyed some of the classes though, like culinary arts, or even literature.” He did like cooking. Maybe one day he would take some more classes. He needed a path in life. His expression was more serious as he considered it.

”Going to college would require me deciding what I wanted to be as a grown up though. I just never had the time to really think about it. I just, woke up one day, and there was a job I had to do, and that was it.”