Page 55 of First Kiss with a Mothman

“Well, like…we have similar monster powers. We both connect to flying creatures.”

“Huh. I guess so. With everything that’s happened this week, it must have slipped my mind.”

“Yup. So in that regard we are a pair.” His wings stop buzzing, and he taps my hand. “And people will have to get used to this pair when they see us next weekend.”

“Huh?”

“The, uh…” He clears his throat. “The Halloween Ball? I assumed you’d be my date.”

Oh my monster god. I grin, and my heart feels like it wants to fly out of the car. “Uh…um…”

“Unless you, like…found a…different date?” Those last two words reek of discomfort. I can tell he’s irritated at the mere thought of me dating someone else. He’s jealous of an imaginary dude, and it’s so freaking hot.

“I haven’t. But then again, no one has officially asked me,” I say in a teasing tone.

He bristles and tenses up. “You’re gonna make me say it, aren’t you?”

I giggle and squeeze his shoulder. “You’re so cute when you’re uncomfortable,” I remark.

He sighs, and we both laugh. “Arie Baker…will you…” I can tell he’s licking his lips. “Will you be my date to the Halloween Ball?”

No sweeter words have ever been spoken. I lean forward and touch his face. When the car stops, I plant a kiss on his cheek. “Mort Rain, I’d be honored to be your date.”

For the second time in weeks, Mort has asked me out. Maybe I’m blessed after all.

Chapter

Seventeen

MORT

The Halloween Ball is always the grandest event on campus; no surprise there considering we’re the infamous Creepin U. While I only saw pictures last year―I refused to attend, choosing to sulk in my attic―I remember it from two years ago, and it’s only gotten bigger. The inclusion of humans must have inspired the administration to add even more décor. There are several booths for pictures, and students mingle about in their formal wear before the actual dance. The campus is buzzing with energy in the starry moonlight. I generally don’t like crowds, but tonight is such a vibe, I can’t help but grin. A lot of my joy might be from the guy on my arm.

As Arie and I walk down the quad toward the union building, I describe the sights in detail. Sure, he could commune with Reginald to see what’s going on, but I respect him not wanting to be reliant. Plus, I like describing things to him. I genuinely enjoy being his eyes, his guidance, even though Reginald sits perched on his right shoulder.

I like Arie relying on me―no, I simply like being around him.

Tonight is our first official date that’s actually occurring, and neither one of us can stop smiling. Most students wear gothic formalwear, so I’m wearing a custom blazer that allows for my wings to stretch out in the back. Arie looks absolutely decadent in his dark suit with violet bowtie. Tanner and Kovi allegedly helped him with his hair, pushing down his dark curls with hair gel. I don’t like the idea of two gay dudes running their hands through my man’s hair, but he wanted it to be a surprise, so I respect it.

I miss the untamed original hairstyle of Arie Baker. But I can’t deny he looks incredibly handsome.

“You…look spectacular,” I say.

“Thank you. You do, too. I mean, I assume. I mean, I know so. You, like, smell great. So obviously visually you must, uh, look…” He shakes his head, and his smile falls. “I’m sorry. I finally get a date with you and I’m fucking it up.”

“You’re not messing anything up.” A spark of courage pulses through me, so I lean in near his ear and lower my voice. “As for fucking…we can discuss that at the end of this date.”

He shivers but smiles again―mission accomplished.

Passing by some booths, I take selfies with the man on my arm. I pass by some familiar folks and new faces. This human dude, Christopher, appears even closer to his best friend, the ogre, than usual. The nurse guy and the orc, Thane, also appear to be sharing flirty eyes with each other. The romantic atmosphere of the Halloween Ball is its own type of magic.

Minutes later, the ghost faculty announce that the doors are open, and we all pour into the union. The ballroom is decked out in black-and-orange tablecloths and mystical chandeliers that float above us all. The aroma of a buffet calls to me. Meanwhile, the DJ booms the latest house and hip-hop music.

When Reginald flies off, presumably back outside away from the sound, concern grows in my chest. “Is it too loud in here for you?”

“No!” Arie smiles at me. “You?”

“I’m good.”