Benefits

You pick Maisie up from her place for the second day running. It is typically you who initiates all of your social excursions, extending invitations which she can accept or decline as she wishes, normally dependent on if she feels she has anything better to do, or whether there is anywhere she wants you to take her. Perhaps it is only now you are starting to realise just how unbalanced your relationship with her had been.

But today, for the second day running, it was Maisie who contacted you. Yesterday, you now realise, it was purely so she could unload the secret of her curse onto you. But today, she just wants to hang. It may have taken a fair few attempts and a number of short term memory wipes for Maisie, but you were saying and doing all of the right things yesterday. She views you in a different light now, and actually wants to be with you rather than throwing you the occasional bone when it is convenient for her.

She is also dressed noticeably differently to last time, she has made an effort and put on something cute rather than just going with a hoodie. And you know it is just for you, since all other guys see her as bang average looking at the moment, and she wouldn't waste the effort. She is playing with her phone, as usual. But this time it isn't to text someone else.

"Check your Spotify later, I made you a playlist. Some of my absolute favourite tracks that I think you will appreciate" she tells you as she straps herself in "You gotta make me one too"

Shit. That could take a lot of guesswork and a few memory wipes, but it is a nice positive start nonetheless. She is bringing you closer into her own world, not keeping you safely at arms length like she always has. You decide to bring up your make out session from the previous evening, since you can't stop thinking about it.

"So, about what happened between us last night.." you begin before being cut off.

"Damn boy, at least start the engine first before you break into the big talk" she tells you, not looking impressed "I already said, it was a nice moment and I love you as a friend, but it was a one time thing. I really hope you aren't going to be weird about that now"

Okay, in retrospect that was too soon. First fuck up of the day to correct already. But no harm done.

"Maisie, forget I mentioned what happened last night"

Her mood brightens instantly, and she seems excited to be with you again. You don't mention the kiss for now, In fact you don't say anything, and wait for her to speak.

"So, where are you taking me?"

You don't think Maisie has ever asked you that before, she normally just tells you where you will be going. But it seemed she was so impressed with your decision making yesterday that now she trusts you to show her a good time. And you know where you are headed, because it was an idea Maisie vocalised yesterday. One you made her forget, of course. You don't want her knowing you are secretly following her lead like usual.

"We're going shopping. I want to sharpen up my image a little and I need someone whose taste I trust to help me choose. I'll treat you to a new outfit of your own as a thank you, of course"

"Wow awesome idea, it is like you are a different person!" Maisie tells you excitedly "Of course I can help you. We need a new look to match this new you. And I don't need to be given anything to help my friend, but if you really wanted to get me something..."

"I do" you assure her warmly.

Shit, how are you actually going to afford this? That is a problem for another day, for now all you care about is this one going perfectly. Maisie is shifting in her chair a little. like she is weighing up whether or not to say something.

"So, about last night" she begins. Your heart is racing, but you manage to stay calm "I just wanted to say, I'm not really looking for a relationship right now, and I don't want to do anything to mess up our friendship. But you are just so much cooler than the assholes I usually date. They wouldn't even have heard of The Strokes, let alone have the exact same favourite track as me. And you are such a good guy too. So now you have matured and you aren't just my dorky friend with a crush, no offence.."

"None taken" you tell her with a smile, **** to find out where this is going.

"I was thinking we could become friends with benefits. And maybe keep things exclusive between us for a while to see how that goes?"

Holy. Shit. This is huge. She is actually into you. Keeping things exclusive? She is basically asking you to be her boyfriend, just giving it a different label, which is understandable considering the almost lifelong history you have.

"So what do you think?" she asks.

"Fuck yeah" you grin like a Cheshire cat "In fact, shall we leave the mall until tomorrow and head back to mine now?"

"Jesus, cool it Romeo" Maisie looks at you with a heartbreaking expression of disappointment "I didn't mean lets do anything right now. I didn't even mean today, necessarily. I meant when the moment was right. But you know what, forget it. It was a bad idea. Sorry"

Fuck it, fuck it, fuck it! What is wrong with you? On what planet was she ever going to be turned on by you acting that thirsty for her? Time to give that another go.

"Maisie, forget I just suggested going back to mine"

Her demeanour instantly improves, and she asks you again.

"So what do you think?"

"Well" you answer calmly "I think when the moment is right, and you are sure you are comfortable with it, that would be really nice, Maisie"

Her eyes widen in awe.

"Who the fuck even are you and where have you been hiding all my life? Most guys would have tried to jump me right here in the car if I had offered them that" She pushes back her hair and even blushes a little "You know what? The shops will still be open tomorrow. Why don't we head over to your place instead?"