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Devon hadn't actually expected him to agree. She didn't have anything planned that they could do…
"Um.. We could take Layla to a park? Or… Uh, go to the… Um… I actually have no idea," she admitted with a sheepish smile.
Her sheepishness only served to widen the smile on Sebastian’s face, though he had no idea why. “Uhh…. what about— what about a movie? I don’t know, I don’t usually go on social outings.”
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Devon chuckled a bit, her smile growing slightly. “Neither do I, honestly. But if we wanted to bring Layla, I don’t think a movie would be such a good idea. Unless I should see if my parents will take her for a bit?”
Sebastian gave a shrug, biting down on his bottom lip. “It’s up to you, I don’t want to intrude.. or overstep anything..”
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"Well… Um, I think my parents wanted to see her soon, anyway, so… I could drop her off there and we could see a movie?" Devon said with a shrug, blushing slightly.
“Sure,” he agreed quickly, nodding. “What movies are on right now?”
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“Um… I’m not actually sure,” Devon admitted. “I could look some up?”
"Sure," Simon agreed, shifting Layla's weight slightly just in case she tipped. "What kind of movies do you like?"
Oh my god.. I'm planning a movie.. with a girl.. what am I doing?
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“I like most movies. Though I’d prefer to stay in the PG-13 or under range,” Devon said with a shrug. “But my favorites are either action, adventure, or sci-fi.”
Sebastian thought for a moment. He hadn’t actually set foot in a movie theatre in years. “What about… isn’t there a new Marvel movie? Infinity something or other?”
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“Infinity War? Yeah, I think that’s out still. I’ve seen it already, but I would definitely see it again,” Devon said, nodding slowly.
“Oh, if you’ve seen it already, then maybe something else…” he trailed off, thinking. “‘Venom?”
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"Hm… I knew it was out, but I hadn't thought about seeing it," Devon mused, biting her lip in thought. "Did it look good?"
“I think? I don’t know, I haven’t watched any movies in.. a while,” Sebastian admitted, his hand reaching up to subconsciously rub at the bruise under his collar.
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"Well, I think it was supposed to be good… I'm good with seeing it if you are," Devon said, her gaze shifting to Layla, who had stirred slightly. The girl stayed sleeping, but Devon figured that it wouldn't be long before she woke up.
“Sure,” he agreed, following her gaze back down to the sleeping child. “That sounds good. I’ll pay.”
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"Oh, you don't have to do that," Devon said, her gaze snapping up to him quickly.
"Don't worry about it," he assured her, though his reasoning complained. It wasn't as if he had a lot of money left.. but it didn't matter,
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“Are you sure? I can pay for myself, really,” Devon insisted, chewing on her lip.
She didn’t want him wasting his money on her. It’s not like she was worth it. Plus, this was starting to feel like a date, and she wasn’t sure she was quite ready yet to start dating. No matter how much she enjoyed watching him interact with Layla. Or how much she enjoyed his company. Or how much she actually was starting to like him…
Suddenly realizing his mistake, Sebastian scrambled to fix it. "Not like, a date or anything, I promise," he assured her, meaning every word. "But I don't want to make you pay."
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Devon instantly flushed and glanced away for a moment. “Um. All right. If you’re sure.”
Sebastian clamped his mouth shut, seeing her flushed cheeks. He’d done something wrong again, hadn’t he?
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Layla stirred again and blinked her eyes open. Forgetting where she was and who was holding her, she started to cry.
Devon’s gaze shot back to her crying daughter, and she quickly — but gently! — took her from Sebastian.
“Hey, baby, it’s okay. It’s all right,” she whispered, murmuring softly to the little girl as she bounced her gently.
Sebastian withdrew, staring down at his hands. Had he scared Layla? What had he done wrong this time?
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After a few soft words from her mother, Layla calmed down and looked around. Her eyes landed on Sebastian and she giggled, remember how much fun he had been.
Devon smiled and looked over at him as well. Seeing the look on his face, she chewed on her lip and glanced at Layla. Maybe she could help him be happy again…
“Bahstin?” Layla said sleepily, giggling again.
Sebastian's head snapped up, a smile instantly lighting up his face. "Yeah, Bahstin," he agreed, reaching out a tentative finger to boop Layla's nose. "Bahstin is right here."
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Layla giggled again, burying her face in Devon's shoulder to hide from him.
"She already loves you," Devon laughed, kissing her daughter's head.
Sebastian's smile grew a fraction, subtle happiness shining in his eyes and replacing the sadness of earlier, even though he knew how pathetic he was being. "I'm glad.."
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"Are you ready to go?" Devon asked, glancing up at him with her smile still pulling at the corners of her lips. "I could meet you at the theater after I drop Layla off."
"Sure, that sounds good," Sebastian replied, reaching over to boop Layla's nose once more. "See you then?"
