Chapter 12: Day Date with Damara (Part 2)

"Shit! I hate running!" I yelled as I began to sprint in the direction the thief had gone. "That asshole stole my phone!" I yelled hoping others would come to my aid. "Guess it’s up to me!" I huffed, barely able to keep the thief in my sight.

The thief moved with practiced efficiency as she glided from rooftop to rooftop.

I pushed through the crowded street beneath her, nearly eating shit when someone stepped in front of me. "HEY! STOP!" I yelled, looking up just in time to see her silhouette trip over a ledge.

Unable to correct, the thief toppled over the edge. They cried out and began waving their arms frantically. "HELP! I’m going to die!"

On instinct I shifted from hunt to rescue as I placed myself directly below her, ready to catch her.

My gut wrenched as the seconds passed. "I’m going to catch you!"

Just before they reached my arms, the thief–a now visible cat woman–shifted mid-air. She coiled her legs inward as her feet landed onto my face. With crushing pressure, she kicked off, sending my reeling backwards, landing hard on my butt.

"You’ve got to be joking..." I huffed. "Who could have seen that coming?" I asked, looking around for someone to answer. "Honestly it’s for the best that nobody saw that," I added before continuing my pursuit.

As I rounded a corner, I was forced to come to a complete stop. The cat woman was standing only a few feet away, her tail swaying hypnotically.

Noticing I had arrived, she promptly walked toward me, holding my phone out. "I’d feel bad if I just kept this after you tried to save me," her final word had a cat-like twang to it. "Honestly the thing wouldn’t stop making siren sounds," She said as she handed me my phone.

After our exchange the woman promptly ran away, flashing me a wink before leaving my sight. I couldn’t help but laugh a few times before my brain returned to its regularly scheduled broadcast. I looked at my phone and was bombarded with notifications, a seemingly recurring sequence.

Damara: Where’d you go Sam?

Damara: Hellooooo?

Damara: I have some bad news... Where are you?

"Oh boy..." I muttered as I began texting her back. "I hope she’s alright."

ME: Had a little situation. It’s taken care of now. Heading back to you now.

Below my message the words ’typing’ did a little wave, then promptly disappeared, replaced by a new message.

Damara: Tell me about it when you get here. Hurry up!

Before I was able to put my phone away another notification noise played.

[ Objective Complete: Making New Friends ]

REWARD: 1000 Favor

[ Objective Complete: Get Your Phone Back ]

REWARD: 2000 Favor

[ Objective Complete: Acquire Your First Housemate ]

REWARD: 5000 Favor

"Holy cow... the rewards just keep getting bigger!" I said before throwing the device in my pocket.

Retracing the path I had run, I found Damara standing outside of the apartment complex, her arms crossed. She let them down after spotting me. A grin formed as she walked toward me.

"Have you been crying?" I asked, wiping a tear from her eye. "I was only gone a few minutes–"

"It’s not that!" She interrupted. "This place is full, the next place is full. I even tried calling a few of the more pricey places. All full..." She whimpered, placing her head on my chest. "What am I going to do Sam?"

I grabbed her shoulders and lifted her away from my chest, making sure I was able to hold eye contact. "Serioulsy. Come stay at my place. Most of the things I said this morning are true. And I’d love to have you," I said, watching as relief flooded her face, softening the look in her eyes. "Really. It’s no bother."

"It’s not asking too much?" She questioned, her voice cracking.

"It’s definitely asking too much... but not to me," I teased. "So... what would you like for dinner tonight? Can we walk and talk? There are a few more places I’d like you to show me."

"As long as you explain why you disappeared, it’s a deal," She said, holding out her arm.

I walked forward and wrapped my arm around hers. "I’m not sure if anyone has told you this before but, you may be the prettiest chauffeur in town."

Her face shifted as her cheeks became flush. She slowly lowered her hand into mine.

"You have a way with words Sam," she stopped walking and turned toward me, her eyes shifting looking everywhere but into mine. "You make me feel special... I don’t want this to go away," her eyes finally settled on mine. "I’ve never felt this way before."

My heart took off, pounding viciously against my ribs. Heat rushed through my chest and spread across my face as I held her gaze. I could feel the smile tugging at the corners of my mouth, but I couldn’t bring myself to look away.

"I really like you too Damara, I’m glad it was you who stumbled into the woods around my house. Maybe if we’re lucky that boar is back from space and I can thank him too."

She began to giggle quietly, quickly falling into a downright outburst of laughter. Tears formed in her eyes. "You’re funny too. I really like that about you."

"How about we just head home for the day? I have a surprise I’d like to show you once we get there," I asked, my excitement barely contained. "I think you’re going to really like it."

We made our way back through the town, the conversation continuing naturally as we walked through the crowds. Before long, the familiar streets gave way to the quieter path leading toward my house. I should put a path here sometime. My excitement reached an all time high as I reached for the doorknob.

"Pick any room you want when we get inside," I said, opening the door.

She slipped past me, intentionally rubbing against me. "Remind me where your room is again."