Page 58 of Sanctuary After Dark

"I've never been to a luxury theater before! This is so much fun!"

Opening the door for him, I let him go in first before I laced our fingers together and took him to the concession stand, letting him get whatever he wanted as I pulled my wallet out to pay.

I loved seeing him happy and so carefree, and if everything went well, after the movies he would be even more excited and happy.

Watching the movie with Elias cuddled up against my side was amazing. He was such a giggly mess while we watched it, and my heart felt like it was about to explode already from how adorable he was.

He held my hand as we walked back to my car, and he rambled on about the movie and all of his favorite parts. I smiled and nodded as he spoke, just letting him go on about it. Once we were at the car and he climbed into the passenger seat, I reached in and buckled him in.

"This is the bestest date ever, Tatuś. Thank you for taking me."

I leaned in and stole a chaste kiss from him as I smiled.

"The date isn't over yet, sweetheart. I have a surprise for you before we head home."

His eyes widened, and his lips spread into an excited grin.

"A surprise?! What is it?"

Squeezing his knee, I leaned in and kissed his nose, making him scrunch it in the most adorable way.

"Well, it wouldn't be a surprise if I told you, now would it?"

I walked around to the driver's side and got in, making sure to send a text to Luke to let him know we were on our way.

It didn't take us long to get to the mall where the surprise was planned, and I drove there entertaining Elias while he peppered me with questions about it, trying to get me to spill before it was time. He was practically bouncing in his seat while I found a place to park in the crowded lot.

Malls are definitely dying in America now, so I was thrilled that we still have a decent one so close to us. Gone were the days of hanging out in the food court of Century Three Mall like Luke and I had done when we were teenagers. Now, it was just a pile of rubble that they were working on demolishing. Their own fault, though for building on slag when they were told not to. It had a good run though, and I had a lot of memories there with my brother and our friends.

Taking Elias’s hand, I made sure he stayed out of the line of traffic while I led him inside and through the food court.

"Why are we at the mall? Oh! Can I get a mochi donut? And a boba?! I love mochi. It's so, so yummy. It's squishy and chewy and not too sweet, but just the right amount of sweet, and oh my goodness, there's so many flavors too! I swear they come up with new ones every day. Have you ever had mochi? Or mochi ice cream? We have to get some for the house!!"

Chuckling some at how exuberant he was about mochi, I wrapped my arm around his shoulder and pulled him in to press a kiss to the top of his head.

"First, we're at the mall for your surprise. Second, yes, we can get you a mochi donut and a boba before we leave. Third, I have had mochi before and mochi ice cream, and it's delicious. Fourth, we'll add it to the shopping list, or we can ask Raven if they know how to make it. And five, breathe, sweetheart."

Elias giggled and put his arm around my waist as we walked down the hallway towards the escalator. He let go of me when he stepped on, although I kept my hand at the small of his back, making sure he didn't trip.

I watched him as he looked around at everything, probably wondering where I was taking him, and I couldn't help but smile because I knew for a fact he was going to love it. He was probably going to break some eardrums too and turn some heads, but I didn't care what other people thought. As long as my boy was happy, that was all that mattered.

Stepping off the escalator, I guided him towards the store that made every Little freak out because they were so excited.

The yellow, red, and blue of the entrance showed itself with the bear standing guard in a tall display case. My brother was leaning against the wall right next to the entrance, smiling at us when he saw us walking down.

I could feel Elias practically vibrating with excitement as he took in the store. He hadn't noticed Luke yet because he was too busy taking in what was essentially a playground for him.

"Build-a-Bear?! Are we going to Build-a-Bear, Tatuś?!"

Laughing as he bounced on his feet, I nodded.

"We are and your Tatusiek right there has the stuffie you're going to make."

His head whipped around when I mentioned Luke, and he finally noticed him. He gasped before running over and jumping into his arms. My brother caught him easily while Elias wrapped his arms around his neck.

"Tatusiek!! You're here!"

"I am, little bunny, and I brought your new friend for you to build."