The plan was set into motion. After the enjoyable panel discussion, it was time for both cosplayers to partake in a bit of food. Of course there was plenty to eat at these conventions, they catered food or there were vendors, but the majority of them were fast, greasy, and liable to clog your heart the second you swallowed; hardly the appropriate meal for Juliette’s first time out. Besides, she already had a churro, had been stopped by several people who wanted pictures from or with her, so it was only fair that Booker actually treat her to a meal that was away from the hustle and bustle.

The Red Panda was a favorite of Booker’s especially when he went out to nearby conventions. It was a small place, hidden away from the world via a dark alley that most would avoid. However those who knew of it’s location would always find a comfortable atmosphere, quiet, and away from the madness of the convention center, exactly what the pair needed this day.

Walking through the rust-green door, the duo were immediately met with a dim-lit environment that looked like a little slice of heaven. The comforting scents of cooking food filled the air, while the sounds of an unnamed string instrument filtered through from hidden speakers. Booker smiled, watching as a woman approached them before she suddenly gave them both a rather uneasy look.

>>”For two, please.”

Juliette took the brunt of the looks but she still managed to give the woman a bright and warm smile. That seemed to dispel some of the judgment but it was clear that this hostess was not fully used to the cosplayers coming in through their doors. A glance behind her, though, showed that there were a few here, but only a handful and scattered throughout the establishment, nothing at all compared to what the eatery in the center would look like.

Ushering them to follow, Booker followed with Juliette at his side, all smiles and satisfaction at the savory and sweet scents that filled the air. It was only then that Booker actually realized just how hungry he was. Cosplaying was a hungering task, not one to be taken in lightly. Whatever sweet snacks they had before heading out, were definitely burned off now with how much walking that they had done. This was exactly the meal the two of them needed.

Once taken to a table, Booker was a gentleman and he pulled out her chair for her so she could seat, before moving around the table to take his own. The woman still was giving Juliette odd looks, something to which Booker was a little surprised by. Then again, he didn’t recognize this woman either as most of the people here tended to be very, very friend. Maybe it was the tight outfit, maybe it was the green paint on her skin, either way the woman seemed just a little put off by her appearance. Unfortunate but, being the hostess, this would be the last interaction they had.

Left with their menus, Booker sighed as he opened it up and started to glance, only pulled away when Juliette spoke up.

>> ”Anything that you would suggest ordering here?

”Oh, it’s all good,” he said with a wide smile. ”I particularly like the Crispy Beef and the Sweet and Sour Pork.” Just saying those out loud made him want to salivate. ”I would avoid their Beef with Hot Garlic Sauce. They aren’t kidding, that sucker is hawt.” He chuckled. He then paused as he turned his attention to her. ”How’re you holding up? I have to say, you are a trooper to wear the paint as long as you have.”

The menu was all good. That was great to hear about a restaurant, but it didn’t exactly narrow down her selection choices any. Both of the items that Booker listed off sounded awesome, too. She made a face that suggested that she was deep in thought as she continued to scan the menu, making sure to avoid the Beef with Hot Garlic Sauce. There were far too many options to choose from. Couldn’t there just be a sampler option?

>>”How’re you holding up? I have to say, you are a trooper to wear the paint as long as you have.”

Juliette looked up when Booker addressed her and her body paint. For the guy who had painted her, he was awfully considerate of how she felt in it. A grin spread across her lips and she leaned forward a little bit. ”I’m doing well. I barely even feel my feet anymore,” she joked with a wink. That was a lie, actually. She could feel most of her feet. For the most part.

”Seriously, though. If I’m not doing alright, I’ll let you know. Maybe I’ll even make you carry me,” she winked a second time. It was fun to tease him a bit. He deserved it after the stunt he pulled that morning. It was cute that he cared so much, though. ”How’s the curse of the squeaky jacket?” Such a burden for him to bear, really.

Just as they were finishing up their conversation about costumes, a waitress appeared beside their table, a notepad in hand. She looked a bit more friendly toward the cosplayers than the hostess had, at least. “Can I start you guys off with some drinks?” she inquired lightly, looking between the pair.

”Uh… yes, I’ll try the taro bubble tea with tapioca,” Juliette said after a second. The drink menu was rather extensive, and that looked like an interesting thing to try. She looked back at Booker once she had placed her order to give him a chance to go. The waitress turned herself over to him to give him her full attention.

Booker was having the best time and he hoped that the same was true for Juliette. Really she was a trooper today, going out in full make-up, in a costume, and being asked to take pictures left and right, almost starved and allowed to just subsist on churros and candy alone. It may sound like a torturous times, but, really, it was just the everyday life of a cosplayer. The nurse may not have ever partook in it before, however she was truly shining in the role. Booker, needless to say, was impressed with her tenacity.

Still, for as well as she looked on the outside, the librarian wanted to check in on her to make make sure she was actually okay. He offered her a comforting smile and inquired how she was doing. Was she okay? Was she surviving her ordeal? They were at the tail end of it so, hopefully, she would be able to survive just fine.

>>”I’m doing well. I barely even feel my feet anymore,”

He snorted and nodded. ”Fair enough.”

>>”Seriously, though. If I’m not doing alright, I’ll let you know. Maybe I’ll even make you carry me...How’s the curse of the squeaky jacket?”

Another laugh. ”Oh I would be more than happy to carry you out of here in my arms. After all…” He grinned as he leaned forward to match her. ”...what’s one more bit of swag.”

Sitting back in his seat, Booker sighed as he lifted his gaze and looked around the restaurant. Really it was the perfect place for lunch. With minimal cosplayers around and the majority of the wait staff not being too put off by their costumes, really it was the perfect break that they needed. Now they just needed to decide on the best meal to go with the experience. He wasn’t sure was Juliette was going to chose but already he found himself leaning towards one meal in particular…

The waitress appeared, one whom he was familiar with and who was clearly familiar with his kind. She offered them sweet smiles and asked what drinks they would like to enjoy. Booker gestured for Juliette to take the lead on this one.

>>”Uh… yes, I’ll try the taro bubble tea with tapioca,”

He nodded. ”I’ll have the iced ginger and peach tea, please.” The waitress was dutiful as she wrote this down. She was about to inquire if they were ready to order but Booker could still see that Juliette was a bit indecisive still so he chimed in. ”Um, you know, actually, if you could give us an extra minute? The bounty is so large, we’ll need to consider carefully.” A charming smile was added, to which the waitress giggled.

“Haha, no problem. I’ll be back with your drinks.” With that she turned and slipped away.

Booker turned his eyes back to Juliette and smiled encouragingly. ”There. More time to decide. And if you want my opinion, really, their crispy beef is amazing.”

”Did you just call me swag? Talk about objectification!” Juliette protested with a smile. With Booker, there never seemed to be too far when carrying on a joke, and she didn’t mind pushing his buttons a bit. That was not, however, to say that she didn’t take great pleasure in the thought of being carried by him, or the thought of his arms flexing…

Ahem.

She blushed a little and sat back in her chair, distracting herself with the menu once more. It wasn’t as if there was a lack of items to be distracted by, either. There seemed to be absolutely no shortage of things to order at the restaurant, and there was a never ending row just of drinks! So many customizations and different types! She’d at least settled on a drink that sounded good: taro bubble tea with tapioca bubbles. It was hard to wrong with a classic like that.

The waitress came by and the two ordered their respective drinks before Booker asked if they could have another minute to look over the menu. Juliette watched her go for a second before giving him a grateful glance. She honestly had no idea what to get yet. She’d narrowed it down to about… the whole menu. Part of her was hoping that someone would just come along and choose for her so that she wouldn’t have to do it.

>>”There. More time to decide. And if you want my opinion, really, their crispy beef is amazing.”

”Yeah?” she confirmed as she scanned the menu down until her eyes fell on the dish in question. It did sound good, and at this point, she definitely trusted Booker’s judgement with food. It seemed like a safe bet to go with the recommended item for her first time there. ”Maybe I’ll get that, then. Do you know what you’re getting yet?” she glanced over at him to see if he had settled on any particular items.

Sending the waitress away would certainly buy them some time. Juliette had a tough decision to try and figure out what she wanted for lunch. After an entire day of running around a convention center, dressed head-to-toe in green paint and leather, she certainly deserved to have a free moment to enjoy her meal. But what would she choose? With such a vast selection, and the majority of it being amazing for lunch, she really wouldn’t go wrong with any selection.

Taking a sip from his drink, Booker sighed in satisfaction as he sat back. He offered her a choice that he would make, difficult among everyone on the menu, but there it was. The crispy beef was actually fairly safe. It wasn’t spicy, the flank steak was fried and tossed with certain herbs and sauces that made it pure heaven to put in your mouth. Really, if there was anything that Juliette could order it would provide a great meal, it was that.

>>”Yeah? Maybe I’ll get that, then. Do you know what you’re getting yet?”

He just grinned. ”I know exactly what I’m getting,” he said with an earnest nod of his head. ”Orange chicken is actually my favorite here. The chicken is lean and coated in flour, friend, and soaked with this orange sauce that is both so very sweet and has just enough of a kick to it. Mmm, very good.” He grinned. ”Maybe I’ll even let you have a bite.”

A wide smile on his face and Booker set down his menu. Ever since he had suggested this place, he knew that was what he was going to order. It was filling and flavorful, exactly what he would need to complete this day out on the town with the costumed goddess across from him.

As he eyed her, Booker had to admit just how lucky he was. Again, so few actually liked to do this kind of thing with him and the majority only did it because they wanted him to be happy. Juliette, though, seemed as if she were truly enjoying herself. It was a lot for her first time but so long as she was keeping an open mind about it and not complaining every two steps, that was enough for him to work with. So with a grin he just sighed as he watched her from across the table until she caught his eye.

”You really are beautiful, you know that?” he complimented. ”I don’t just mean the costume, which is hot, but...you are just genuinely a beautiful person...inside and out.”

When Booker told her what he was planning on getting, Juliette looked down the menu to see where his pick was. It sounded good too, but not quite good enough to make her change her decision. She had taken far too long to choose it in the first place, and they couldn’t order the same dish. That would make sharing no fun. Who would want to steal a bite of the same thing that they were already eating?

She watched him with a growing smile as he took in the rest of the menu. It was clear that he was enjoying himself, which made her happy. It definitely hadn’t been a bad day for her, and she’d had quite a bit of fun, but her first idea of a day out would likely never include walking around a convention center covered in green paint. Watching him sit like that at one of his favourite restaurants in a matching costume, though… that was definitely worth it.

Her eyes travelled back down to the menu and over to the waitress, trying to catch her eye now that they had decided. They did have a costume competition to make it back for, after all. They couldn’t spend all day eating Chinese food, as tempting as the thought was after looking over the menu.

When she turned back, she was surprised to see that Booker was trying to catch her eyes. ”What’s up?” she inquired casually.

>>”You really are beautiful, you know that? I don’t just mean the costume, which is hot, but...you are just genuinely a beautiful person...inside and out.”

Juliette’s heart stopped for a moment and her cheeks flushed bright red behind the green paint. How on earth did she manage to get so lucky? She smiled gratefully for a second, unsure of what to really say to such a genuine compliment. There was absolutely nothing cookie cutter or disingenuous about what he was saying; he really meant it. ”Booker… I…” she shook her head and reached over to put her hand in his. ”I don’t know how I managed to meet a person like you, but I’m so glad that I did. You’re a wonderful guy-”

She had been about to mumble through a tangent about how much she admired him as a person, but thankfully, the waitress stopped by their table before she got too far along her mess of thoughts. “All set?” she asked as she set two drinks down in front of them.

”Um… yes, I think so,” Juliette nodded and looked toward her, her hand still in Booker’s. ”I’ll have the crispy ginger beef, please. With a side of steamed veggies.” She then fell quiet again to allow Booker to put his order in and took her drink with her free hand.

He liked Juliette. That much he had been sure of before and now he was even more sure of it. The fact that she came out here to experience this life with him, it wasn’t easy for a lot of people to accept. Most thought grumble about being too old for it, even insinuating that Booker should “grow up”. While he was sure that to the outsider it looked childish, to Booker it was just part of who he was. He was a grown up; he had a job, he paid taxes, he had responsibilities that he more than tackled with gusto, so what every few times a year he dressed like a comic book or video game character?

But the key here was that Juliette didn’t judge him for it. And if she were uncomfortable or disliked it, it wasn’t in any way evident upon her face. She didn’t sour his experience or his enjoyment of the time and, deep down, he could see that she actually enjoyed it too. That made everything all the more encouraging. This woman, he truly was lucky to have met her.

Therefore he saw no reason why he shouldn’t say that. Leaning forward against his table a bit, the man watched her cutely, waiting for her to catch his eye. When she did, he could see the small flick of a smile on her lips inquired what was wrong. There was nothing wrong; instead he told her absolutely everything that was right about her.

His words seemed to have an embarrassing effect upon her. She suddenly looked shy and grinned as she hid her face a little. Turning her gaze up to him, Booker’s own expression grew luminous with a smile of his own. She reached across the table, her hand gentle grazing against his. He turned his fingers up, running them across her wrist in a tender gesture.

>> ”Booker… I… I don’t know how I managed to meet a person like you, but I’m so glad that I did. You’re a wonderful guy-”

His grin only widened with honestly with every word that she uttered. Truly he was indeed a lucky man and while he was humble enough where he wouldn’t praise himself, the words that came from her were so sweet and pure that he could feel his heart pulse just a little faster. However, before she could even finish her sentence, the waitress returned, interrupting their moment. Juliette recoiled a little, acting as if his sister had just walked in on them again. Understanding, he leaned back and picked up his own menu.

>>”Um… yes, I think so...I’ll have the crispy ginger beef, please. With a side of steamed veggies.”

”Yes and I’ll have the Orange Chicken with a side of brown rice.” He beamed happily. He handed the menu back before he stopped. ”OH! And can we have a plate of the fried wonton appetizers?”

“Of course! Coming right up.” The waitress sang as she slipped away.

Booker turned back to Juliette and gave her a beaming smile. ”Their fried wantons are the best.”

Juliette had had a rough year. She’d gotten out of a relationship that had more issues than was healthy, and she hadn’t even realized it until it had ended. What was worse was that it ended poorly, and she’d made mistakes near the end. It would always be a low point in her life and she would always remember the feelings of guilt that had nagged at her for weeks.

Still, there had been good things that had come out of the situation. After moving out of the mansion, she’d moved in with Rebecca, and that had been a great situation. But, best of all, she’d been able to save the weird situation with Booker. Yes, things had started off strange and rocky, but they were there now, sitting and holding hands across a table at a Chinese restuarant, in matching leather jackets. If it had taken that bad situation to get there, then she was glad she experienced it.

She had tried to mumble her way through explaining exactly how she felt about him, but she’d only gotten a sentence or two in by the time that their waitress returned to the table. It was probably a good thing, though, judging from the way that she was struggling to put everything that she felt into words. She would get another chance to try again later, hopefully.

She’d ordered first and then let Booker order what he wanted. He didn’t waste time telling her what he’d already picked out well before Juliette had even scanned the whole menu.

>>”Yes and I’ll have the Orange Chicken with a side of brown rice. OH! And can we have a plate of the fried wonton appetizers? Their fried wantons are the best.”

His order sounded excellent, and the appetizer that he ordered sounded awesome, too. ”Can’t wait,” she grinned, already looking forward to the fried wantons. It seemed like they were going to be in for a good meal. To punctate that, she took a sip of her drink as the waitress walked away, savouring the unique flavour of her pick.

”Um, so,” she said after putting her drink back down, trying to figure out where exactly to pick things back up. She took a deep breath before saying anything else, trying to make sure that she didn’t trail off like before. ”I just want to say that I’m so glad that I met you. You’re kind of amazing, Booker I-still-don’t-know-what-the-B-stands-for Bookman.”

Booker sighed, smiling to the young woman across the way from him. Their orders were made and the addition of fried wantons was added to the mix. However, his mind had drifted back a bit, to just before the two of them had been interrupted by the waitress. Juliette had seemed flustered some by what he had said. It was true, though, he meant every word he told her. Really she was an amazing person and while their beginnings had been pretty rocky, he was glad that things had settled. There was a time there where he wondered about how moral this all was, considering that they met while she was still in a relationship, but now in the midst of it, he wouldn’t have changed a thing.

>>”Can’t wait,”

He blinked away his thoughts, nodding his head in agreement. The fried wantons really were some of the best.

A glance at Juliette and there seemed to be unspoken shyness now. She sipped at her drink and Booker did the same with his. The air was silent around them as the scents of food being prepped filled the small room and the dull hum of conversations they couldn’t quite make out buzzed around their heads. Juliette would be the first to break this silence, however, when she set her drink down and attempted to bring back their conversation.

>>”Um, so...I just want to say that I’m so glad that I met you. You’re kind of amazing, Booker I-still-don’t-know-what-the-B-stands-for Bookman.”

The smile he gave her was quite pure. It had been sometime since anyone had spoken about him in such a way, at least relationship wise. It made the man’s heart lighten a bit, but small chuckle fell from his lips at the mention of his mysterious middle name. It was true, he had been keeping that particular part of his name a secret from a lot of people, not because he was embarrassed by it, but because there was a small part of him that enjoyed watching others be annoyed by not figuring it out -- especially when it was so deceptively simple.

”And you are all sorts of amazing...Juliette DJ Nurse Dizzle Lawson.” He grinned, shyly looked down, and waited for their food to arrive.

---

The rest of the time at the convention was just great. Lunch was yummy, the trip back to the convention center was filled with people wanting to take more pictures, and a minefield of swag opportunities. But there was only one thing that needed to be completed -- the costume contest. Normally Booker had entered these things alone but, seeing as this was a special occasion and he had an amazing partner, Booker entered them both in. Being on stage was not a new experience for him but, admittedly, he was worried that Juliette wouldn’t care for it. Luckily the event was quick. Though they only won honorable mention for the overall contest, they two of them did bring home the gold for their particular category of Sci-Fi Movie Costumes. That definitely made the whole experience worthwhile.

Now, sounds of Booker grunting and struggling on the other side of his apartment door filtered through. When the sound of key turning the lock followed, the scene was suddenly filled with Booker chuckling as he adjusted the Juliette who was scooped up in his arms. He did promise to carry her once they reached the apartment again and the man kept his words. A grin on his lips, he stepped into the room, kicking the door closed behind him as he kept the green-skinned woman safely in his arms.

”And...we’re finally back,” be breathed a sigh of relief. He turned back to Juliette, smirking. ”How was that for your first Con experience? Be honest and don’t fear giving me a wrong answer because I will unceremonious drop you.” He beamed. ”I mean, it would be totally warranted, but that’s the risk you take.”

In all honesty, Juliette really hadn’t know what to expect of her first con experience. Booker had been rather vague leading up to the event, and she had no prior knowledge to pull from. So, she’d been rather nervous before it started. It didn’t exactly help that she was walking in in a full body costume, either. It was a hell of a grand entrance into nerd culture.

Still, after everything, it had been an awesome day. There was no other way to describe it. She’d gotten to experience a tonne of new things, had a wonderful lunch, and they’d even won the costume contest. Her absolute favourite part of it all was that she felt a little closer to Booker after it all; she’d seen a part of his life that she’d previously known nothing about and now they had a little more to connect on.

Well… that and the little Groop in a pot that moved. That was going on her desk at the mansion.

The day was nearly done, though, and she could barely feel her feet. Well, she really could barely feel her feet because she didn’t need to feel her feet. ”You’re doing great, babe,” she chuckled as he struggled with the door, the currently green woman in his arms. He had promised to carry her back, and he had kept his word. No apartment stairs for her.

She felt a little bad for him, watching as he attempted to shove his key into the door and get it open, but he had been the one to pick the costumes, so the guilt faded pretty quickly. If he hadn’t wanted to carry her, then he could have just picked a costume without awkward heels or body paint.

They made it into the apartment and Booker shut the door behind them. Once inside, Juliette briefly strained her neck to see if Nessa was in the apartment, but she couldn’t see the taller woman, so she assumed that the coast would be clear. It was always good to check around the Bookman siblings, who she learned had a shared bad habit of walking in on one another at the worst moments.

>>”And...we’re finally back. How was that for your first Con experience? Be honest and don’t fear giving me a wrong answer because I will unceremonious drop you. I mean, it would be totally warranted, but that’s the risk you take.”

”Oh, it was the worst,” Juliette announced as a joke, having decided to test whether or not he would actually drop her. She braced herself for impact as soon as the word left her mouth, and she did her best to hang on tight around his neck. Hopefully he would have some mercy and be able to take a joke. ”That was a joke, I actually loved it,” she added quickly.

Juliette had been a good sport throughout all of this. That was the reason as to why he agreed to carrying her the last few steps of their journey from the convention. Truth be told that the man probably would have done this anyway, considering how long she’s been in those shoes, but he still used it as a bargaining chip early on. He really was just the kind of a goofy guy, willing to carrying his partners around, especially to make up for whatever jokes he happened to pull on them. It was just his nature.

Once inside the apartment, Juliette didn’t let go but instead tightened her grip around his neck to prevent from falling. She was all laughs and teasing as Booker had struggled to get the key into the door that, when he finally managed it, he couldn’t do anything else but just laugh along with her.

The door closed behind them, Booker easily kept the young woman in his arms as he inquired about her experience with the convention. He really did hope that she had had a good time, especially since cosplaying and this general kind of environment was something that he had made his own. While he would understand if it was too much for her, he truly and deeply hoped that it wasn’t the case. Yes, he made a vague threat about dropping her if she didn’t care for it but he really wouldn’t be that upset by it. After all, that was a lot.

>>”Oh, it was the worst...That was a joke, I actually loved it,”

She held tighter when she initially joked that she disliked the experience and, before she could recant her statement, he did loosen his arms a little, jostling the young nurse, but he didn’t go so far as dropping her. Instead the man just grinned, hefting her up again as she kept her arms wrapped aroudn his neck. With confirmation that it was an enjoyable experience, he breathed a small sigh of relief.

”Great! I’m...really glad,” he admitted. The relief was clearly there. Still holding her up, Booker carried Juliette to the large couch, one that the both of them were intimately familiar with, and he set her down upon the cushions. Once she was down, he knelt down next to it, and sighed as he leaned in and kissed her. ”Again, thank you for going. You really were a good sport.” He then smirked as he prodding all the bags full of swag that was sitting on her stomach. ”And you have all this junk now! Where else could you get quality junk like this?”

He had said that he would drop her unceremoniously, so it was only natural that Juliette would brace herself for impact after her joke. She closed her eyes, tensed her muscles, and held on extra tight to Booker’s neck. She felt his arms shift underneath her and she squealed a bit, thinking that he was actually going to go through with the threat. She wouldn’t put it past him, either. He had already proven that he was a man of his word.

Instead of actually dropping her, Booker merely loosened his grip a little, causing her to roll a bit in his grasp. She shrieked and tried to roll into him to counteract the motion, expecting a sharp decline to follow. Rather than that, he hefted her back up into his arms and carried her all the way over to the couch.

She lay back into the cushions, letting the feeling overtake her after a long day of walking around. It felt good to be somewhere calm and comfortable again. She turned to kiss Booker, propping herself up on an elbow to get a better angle with the kneeling man. Gently, her hand travelled to his face, smearing the tiniest bit of the green paint that was beginning to wear off.

>>”Again, thank you for going. You really were a good sport.”

”Thanks for taking me,” she replied with a grin. It had been a big step, but it was one that she was glad she’d taken, and she wouldn’t have wanted to go with anyone else. Overall, it had just been a great day. ”And for carrying me back.”

>>”And you have all this junk now! Where else could you get quality junk like this?”

Juliette shrugged and chuckled as she dug quickly through a bag that was pressing into her stomach, searching for one item in particular. ”I honestly have no idea. I mean-” she pulled out a small box ”-where else would I have gotten this Spoch phone case? Nowhere!”

Still laughing at the idea of having a pointed ear each time she went to talk on her phone, Juliette sat up and carefully set the bags of swag down on the ground. ”Seriously, though. Thanks for taking me,” she smiled at him, ”I had a lot of fun, and I like seeing you in your element. The non-book element, anyway.”

Officially settled in after the long day, Juliette was beginning to get a bit sick of the green paint on her body, and she could already see where it had started to come off onto Booker. The last thing that she wanted to do was stain their couch green. She couldn’t imagine that would be all that fun to explain to Nessa. ”So, do you think that I could use your shower to get some of this green off of me, or are the Large Father plans so time sensitive that I should wait?”

>>”I honestly have no idea. I mean--where else would I have gotten this Spoch phone case? Nowhere!”

Booker laughed heartily at the comment about the phone case. As she pulled it out for display, he had to chuckle because it would look absolutely funny imagining her holding her up her cellphone whenever she answered his calls. He could see the looks that she may get, the photorealistic Spoch ear held up over her own. That would entertain him for quite some time, at least until she decided to no longer use it anymore. If she were anything like him, she would probably switch it out soon enough. Booker loved phone cases and it was the main reason he tended to stick with the same phone for as long as possible.

”Clearly!” he agreed, a light in his eyes. ”You’ll be the envy of everyone in this quadrant.” Reaching over, he booped her sweetly on the nose and winked. She really was adorable.

Seeing her in a good mood only continued to make the man smile. He was happy, elated, that she was having such a good time. He wanted that for her because of how important an aspect to his life this was. Thankfully she seemed to react favorably to the experience, she was just tired which was more than understandable.

>>”Seriously, though. Thanks for taking me...I had a lot of fun, and I like seeing you in your element. The non-book element, anyway.”

He gave her a bright and pure smile at her comment. Really it was true. While she had hints of his fandom from seeing his bedroom and his attire, really she had never seen him in his true element. The two of them had seen one another while enmeshed with work but never had they seen the other in other aspects. She had never seen him in cosplay, just had he had never seen her in her X-Men attire. That was what being in a relationship was like, though, wasn’t it? Slow exposure, learning the minute details of the other person until there are no longer separate aspects of the other’s life -- they are just them.

Honestly, the more time he spent with the lovely nurse, the more he wanted to know about her.

As Juliette sat up, setting their bags of swag down, and looking like her paint was getting ready to run off her skin, he knew what she would be asking. When they kissed earlier, he had felt her fingers graze his cheek and now he knew that was probably a small splotch of green there. Now was definitely the time to get it removed.

>>”So, do you think that I could use your shower to get some of this green off of me, or are the Large Father plans so time sensitive that I should wait?”

He laughed. ”Well, as eager as I am for you check out that helmet, I guess a shower is called over.” Standing away from the couch, Booker stepped over the to make-up box he left on the table, popped it open, and pulled out a small squeeze bottle of a clear liquid. He returned to Juliette, handing it off to her. ”Mix a little of this in with the soap. It will help to dissolve the pigment so it will more easily wash off all of it.” He beamed. ”Otherwise there will be a green tint to your skin for a few days afterwards.” He then grinned a bit as he nudged his nose gently to hers. ”And, of course, if you need anyassistance...I’m sure I can help…”

The convention really had been fun, and as much as she’d initially protested, the costume hadn’t been that bad. Sure, her skin was now green, and she’d had to walk around in awful heels all day, but it had been fun. Plus, she’d gotten enough compliments on it and people wanting to take pictures that she knew just how worth it it had been. She had to take her hat off to Booker; the man knew how to plan a costume. Halloween would be fun.

It had been fun, but she wanted the costume off. She leaned over and unzipped the boots, sliding them off of her feet. That did something, but the paint on her skin was getting very annoying, and the rest of the costume was starting to feel warm and unnecessarily heavy. Normal clothes were sounding better and better by the second.

The only issue was that she and Booker still had plans for the rest of the day, and the green paint would surely stain any shower that she washed off in. She didn’t want to just disappear and use all the Bookman amenities without at least asking first.

Thankfully, he was understanding enough to let her use the shower. Juliette’s shoulders slumped a little in relief as she thought about how good it would feel to wash all of the green from her skin. Her eyes followed him over to where he was getting a squeeze bottle from the makeup kit. She took it gratefully, realizing how much she needed it. It would be horrible to have to walk into a classroom full of teenagers and explain to them why she was dyed green. So much for a productive class.

”Thanks for this,” she nodded to him as she stood from the couch, letting her feet readjust to a normal alignment for a second. Already, she could see where her fingers were smearing green paint all over the squeeze bottle. The sooner she could shower, but the better for everyone. Hopefully, this would stop her from making Booker’s entire apartment green. Even if it would technically be his fault.

>>”And, of course, if you need any assistance...I’m sure I can help…”

A slow smile spread across Juliette lips as she stopped to take another good look at Booker in his costume. Showers were always more fun when there was company…

”I mean, there’s all this paint on the back of my neck that I’m sure I won’t be able to reach,” she pointed out, stepping slowly toward the bathroom. ”Maybe you should just come in to get it for me…”

Booker understood the need to peel out of a costume after a long day of cosplaying. However, the man also was driven by the image of Juliette peeling her pretty form-fitting costume off her. He had watched her take the boot up, unzipping it from the side before she stood and stretched, eager to take it all off. Unable to resist himself, especially considering the fact that he had an amazingly sexy woman in his apartment, the librarian offered her the vial that would fully remove the dye from her skin. And, upon offering it, he also proposed a chance for himself to assist...should she need it.

The look that she gave him said it all. She paused for a second, her eyes drifting over him as she carefully considered his offer. It only took her a few moments to voice her opinion…

>>”I mean, there’s all this paint on the back of my neck that I’m sure I won’t be able to reach...Maybe you should just come in to get it for me…”

She was already making strides towards the bathroom so Booker grinned wide, following her as he pulled off his leather trench coat. Hopping on one leg, he fumbled to pull off his boots, the sound of the shower turning on immediately made him quicken his step. By the time that Booker had reached the doorway, he was pulling off his shirt and stepped into the slowly forming cloud of warm steam. Watching as the angelic, green-skinned beauty stepped into the shower, he sighed.

”God I love cosplay…” he whispered to himself before he stepped in and closed the door behind him.