The Innkeeper

"I will be honest, Lex, I hadn't thought about this," Gerard said as he brushed his goatee with his hands. "Dating is a topic I never really gave much thought to at all. But at that moment, when she asked me out, I felt like it was a good idea, and agreed. As for the future… well, besides how to improve the Inn, I've never really thought about much else."

"There's nothing wrong with that," Lex said with a tone of confidence, as if he had thoroughly mastered the art of relationships. "It's perfectly fine to not have all the answers at the moment. Right now, you are in the beginning stages, so all you really need to see is if you enjoy each other's company. Don't put too much pressure on yourself, and act naturally. But if things go well, and you guys decide to continue dating, then you definitely should mention it.

"This is important so that you two can identify if you both have the same thing in mind. Having different expectations is not a problem, but hiding your expectations from one another is not a good foundation to build a relationship on."

"What about you? What do you want?" Gerard asked, looking at Lex. He froze. What did he want?

"My situation is a little different. You caught me unaware. Usually, when you invite someone on a double date, they already know about it, and are open to it. For now, all I want is to accompany you and make sure everything goes well. As for the long term… I'm not sure. I have too much work to do. The Innkeeper has given me many tasks. I don't think I'll have time for a long, committed relationship.

"After all, I never know where I'm going to be from one day to the next. My cultivation realm is also rapidly rising as a result of all my work. It would be awkward if I start dating someone in the Nascent realm, and in ten years become an immortal. Then, in another hundred years I become a heavenly immortal, all the while she is still stuck as a Nascent realm cultivator. I don't know if that will affect the dynamic between us much, but it might get awkward."

"You've thought a lot about this, it seems," Gerard commented. "Does a large gap in realms usually hamper relationships?"

"Well, I've not dated since I started to cultivate, so I'm not sure. But I imagine it creates a divide. You've felt yourself the difference between realms of power. You must have perceived the world differently when you were weaker compared to when you were stronger. So similarly, I imagine, if the cultivation gap is too large, then it becomes hard to understand one another. Of course, I bet people overcome such things all the time as well. If it's true love, then I'm sure both people will overlook any differences.

"But I think, for now, we're getting ahead of ourselves. For now, what we should focus on is only today's date. Tell me, do you have anything in mind?"

"Uh, no that's exactly why I called you along."

"Alright, well, ideally, a good date should have some activity or experience that you both can enjoy, as well as some time to enjoy and talk to one another, and connect. Can you think of anything you might want to do, or shall I give suggestions?"

The two bounced a few ideas off each other, right up until they reached the Midnight Tailor, discovering Velma already waiting for them there with a smile.

"I thought I'd let you two talk a bit while I have things prepared."

"What do you mean?" Lex asked.

"I mean, right before a big event is no time to begin experimenting. I've already told what outfits to prepare, he's getting the materials ready. You just need to give your updated measurements for a good fit."

Lex suddenly shuddered as he remembered his weight the last time he gave his measurements. He was convinced that he would weigh even more now. Best not to think about it.

When they walked in, to their surprise, it wasn't just Geeves waiting for them. Z, Luthor, Anita, Harry and Sandra were sitting around chatting with one another, but froze when the two entered.

"Why is everyone here?" Lex asked, suddenly staring at Velma.

"I thought everyone could give suggestions," she said innocently. "Date ideas, you know."

"Not bad," Gerard said with a nod. "With more minds, we can think of better ideas. Lex was just suggesting we take the Silent Wanderer to a spot a little distance from here where there is a wonderful natural dirt track we can use for a small race. Afterwards, we were considering having a picnic by an enchanted lake."

"That sounds too tame," Luthor said seriously. "You should go hunting so you can display your martial prowess."

"Whatever you do, don't forget to style your hair first. Your attire won't count for much if your own hair is all over the place," said Harry.

"I agree with Luthor. Back when Gawain was courting me, we used to go on conquests all the time, and conquered many enemy nations. It really strengthened the bonds between us," said Anita, as she lovingly rubbed her slightly protruding belly. The lich's charm was recently growing, taking on a motherly glow.

"I think one of you should play music for them, or maybe both," Z said, shyly. From time to time, he would glance at Sandra, and everyone in the room besides the girl herself noticed his interest in her.

"Forget all of them. You need to go to the beach. Since you're getting to know one another, it's very important you go to the beach to really get to know one another better."

She was pretending to know exactly what she was insinuating, but Lex's spirit sense could see the chit full of random pieces of advice she had hidden behind her back. It seemed like she had copied them from a magazine.