"Is Leon going to be okay?" Jaxon asked in concern when it was time to leave.
"Perfectly fine." Darian said without hesitation, taking Jaxon's hand.
He had already texted Ian to come get his twin, he'd get back at Leon after his date.
Darian had planned to prepare a picnic basket for their date before going to get Jaxon but Leon had ruined that plan so now he'd have to prepare it with Jaxon in the kitchen.
"Sit here." He muttered to Jaxon, helping him sit on the high stool before getting to work.
Jaxon watched in surprise as Darian skillfully put a picnic basket together, it was obvious that he knew his way around the kitchen.
"Let me help y…" Jaxon offered, already making a move to get down.
"It's fine, I got this." Darian refused gently with a small smile and that was enough for Jaxon to sit his ass back down.
Because, just then, he imagined a shirtless Darian wearing an apron and suddenly he felt the urge to fan himself, how did it get so hot in here?
And he absolutely had it, that was for sure, he was not exactly a terrible cook himself but Darian looked so relaxed even while making gourmet sandwiches and cutting up fruits.
The scent of pumpkin spice caught his attention and he perked up, Darian was taking out pumpkin pie from the fridge to reheat in the oven and that was enough to make Jaxon's eyes grow rounded.
"You baked pie?" He asked in a small and wowed voice, stars in his eyes.
"Yeah." Darian said over a shoulder, a faint smirk on his face at Jaxon's reaction.
Bless his mother for teaching him how to cook.
In no time the picnic basket was all packed up, complete with blankets and everything they'd need.
Darian walked over to offer Jaxon his hand which the other gratefully took, too caught up in the thought of eating the pie in the nearest future to be flustered by this.
Jaxon had worn shorts and hiking boots and was looking forward to the day ahead, as much as he loved going to new places and trying out new things he also liked solitude especially when it was shared with someone special.
They made their way down the staircase, few people milling around, it was still quite early, just a few moments after sunrise.
This was all Leon's fault.
"Are you cold?" He asked with concern while opening up the passenger side door, the rains were pretty much gone but it was still cool.
Jaxon glanced up at the much taller werewolf, heat crawling up his cheeks at their close proximity. "N-no, I'm fine." He muttered, letting Darian help him in.
"How about we drive around for a bit? It's still early so there's going to be a lot of dew, not sure I want to get you wet like that." Darian said by way of conversation, backing out of the parking lot with one hand on the steering wheel.
Jaxon choked and had to remind himself to breathe, it took a while for him to realise that Darian was waiting for his response.
"Of course not!... I-I mean … y-yes, I'd like that." He stuttered, pinching himself on the thigh to try and gather his wits together.
Darian didn't even mean it that way, what was up with his thoughts so early in the morning? Maybe it's because he didn't get enough sleep, he would blame it on that.
The corners of Darian's lips lifted again as he trailed his gaze over Jaxon who was visibly giving himself a mental lecture, the day would be fun.
"Are we hiking for long?" Jaxon blurted out, it had been bugging him ever since he got Darian's card and he had to say something.
Darian glanced to the side in surprise. "You like hiking?"
Jaxon blinked a couple times, trying to understand how his question had managed to come out like he was interested in physical labour, cause he wasn't.
He was already freckled from the day before and that would already take quite a while to clear up, adding another couple layers wouldn't help out his situation.
But Darian's expression immediately went from surprised to wowed and next he was talking Jaxon's ear off about the best paths to take and saying things about a run…
But he was so adorable oversharing and Jaxon couldn't find it in himself to say no, he didn't mind hiking actually, if only he weren't so out of shape.
The drive was fun, they kept to the roads around the woods which were mostly empty so it was just them on quiet roads, driving slowly and holding light conversation.
The sun got bright and warm quickly so Darian drove over to the starting point of their hike, going around to open the door for Jaxon who muttered his thanks, dreading the journey ahead.
"Where are we starting from?" He asked, anticipation gleaming in his eyes.
Darian felt his heart warm up, Jaxon had packed his wild hair up in a loose bun, in a thin and loose shirt, he was so adorable it made his heart ache.
"Right there." He pointed at the path right in front of them.
Jaxon skillfully hid his shock, he could not believe how he had managed to miss the path that was directly in front of them, Darian must think he was a dunce.
Darian offered his free hand that wasn't holding the picnic basket, a soft, sun warmed smile on his face.
It made Jaxon feel like butter, warm and soft, hmm… maybe this trip wouldn't be so bad after all.
He hadn't taken more than three steps before he was taking his words back, distracted with ogling Darian, an outcropping root tripped him.
This sent him careening into Darian's arms who caught him easily, supporting his slight weight with his free hand.
"Are you okay?" He asked anxiously.
Jaxon bit the inside of his cheek gently, flustered. "Yeah." He replied in a quiet voice, glancing away in mortification when Darian let him go.
"Great, ready to go?"
His response this time was a nod, taking the hand offered, Jaxon let Darian lead the way, following contently behind him.
"Where are we?" He asked curiously after they walked for just a few minutes.
"The far end of the Pack run trail, we're going in the opposite direction so you can get to see new places." Darian explained properly.