my back reassuringly, then he went to the counter and got himself a beer. When he asked me what I was in the mood for, I asked for the same. I hadn’t done much drinking, but that was mostly because alcohol doesn’t affect wolves like it did humans. I found out pretty early, alcohol takes a lot longer to influence me.
Hunter led me through a small opening. Judging by the small stage and the folding chairs, I had no idea where we were. We sat down, Hunter made sure that I sat next to an aisle way, and he sat on the other side of me. I hid my smile, knowing the move well enough. Griffin had done it to me many times we went to movies. He was just being overly protective. It was instinct for wolves.
There was a small, scuffed up stage in front of us. It was more of a platform then a stage really. It wasn’t much farther up from the ground floor. The seating area became crowded fairly quickly, and a low murmur surrounded us. Others whispered or talked loudly to their friends. The room we had entered had a false wall, separating the bar, pinball machine and entrance way from sight.
A little while after the seats were filled, a hush slipped through the hall. Hunter had been quiet in his seat, but scooted a little closer, taking my hand in his. He brought my knuckle up to his mouth and pressed a small kiss against the skin there. I turned my head down hoping my hair covered up my blush.
The lights dimmed in the audience area and brightened on the small stage. A single man dressed in a t-shirt with the building’s name on the front stepped up. He had overly large glasses, and his mop of hair flopped on top of his glasses.
“Welcome ladies and gentlemen. I am so pleased that you came to join us tonight. It’s Improv Friday!”
The crowd seemed to already know this, and started to clap and join in at the last second screaming ‘Improv Friday.’ The announcer went on to explain the rules of the night and welcomed all new customers and regulars.
The show began a few minutes later after the announcer explained that there were three troupes that were going to be performing. I was laughing hard after the first few minutes. I looked over at Hunter he would crack a few open mouth smiles. I wanted really hear him laugh. Intermission came and Hunter went to refresh our drinks. When he got back I smiled up at him.
“Are you having fun?”
“I am.”
He sat down and handed me my drink.
“Good. Thank you for this.”
Before he could answer, the show started up again.
“We would like the audience to give us a place, if you will,” the announcer asked the audience. A couple people screamed out a few things, but Hunter and I remained quiet watching the show. “Alright we will take the woods! So next up these will be scenes that take place in the woods. Enjoy!”
Different groups went on. When the last group took the stage I was sure that Hunter was going to finally crack a mega-watt smile. A group of three went up front and began their scene.
“I can’t wait to find the fairy that will grant us any wish,” the announcer who opened the show said. They came upon the third actor who stood waiting for them. “Are you the great fairy who will grant us our wishes?”
“Oh, I am not that kind of fairy.”
The crowd began an uproar of laughter that didn’t stop until the scene was finished. I even heard a few laughs leave Hunter. My heart lifted when I watched as his lips form a full smile. He had a smile that I knew I could love forever.
Hunter and I started to head out. He took my hand as soon as we exited the building. We walked quietly for a while. The overwhelming sounds of the city accompanied our warm silence. It was nice, and never once felt like it was strained or awkward.
I leaned my head on Hunter’s shoulder. Things felt different now. Perhaps it was the time we spent apart, or it had something to do with my announcement the other day. Things suddenly didn’t feel so hard. I wasn’t worried about saying the wrong thing.
Today though, Hunter had done something for me that I knew was out of his comfort zone. Even now, I knew that he was