Yours, Until Needed
Chapter 99: Amusement Park

Chapter 99: Amusement Park

And that was how I got roped into an amusement park "date."

Rina wanted to come with us, but Idris managed to corner her into returning to Loretta after he was barred from going with us.

She had no choice now that the Building Permit had been issued.

So, it’s just me and these two cuties—of course, that’s if I don’t count the number of security personnel in civilian clothes around us. I felt terrible because this must be a security nightmare for any security team. Therefore, we should enjoy our day out to honor their efforts.

Thankfully, the amusement park wasn’t as packed. But when your charges barely reach the top of your thighs, it tends to feel crowded.

"You guys, what do you say about getting some balloons?" I asked, wanting to tie it onto their clothes as markers.

The children liked my idea, and we hurried towards the nearest stall. I didn’t mind moving around with a balloon tied around me, and if anything, it would help the kids find me in case we ended up separated.

Due to the height limitations, there weren’t many rides we could try, but that did not deter the little kids, who ran around like they were high on sugar.

"Phew!" I breathed out as I caught up with their pitter-patters. The kids zoomed out of the bumper cars like their butts were on fire.

And by lunchtime, we’d already tackled half of the rides they were allowed on.

"Now that we’ve finished riding the teacups, we can have lunch. Is there anything in particular that you guys would like to try?" I asked after ensuring they had no further intentions of riding anything that would go in circles. Picking up after vomiting children wouldn’t be fun, after all.

"Cake!"

"Hotdogs!"

"Hey! Those are snacks and desserts!" I teased the kids by pinching their chubby cheeks.

Their faces drooped until I told them we could eat both afterward.

"But only after we eat a proper lunch!"

I would definitely love to eat snacks like them, but I’m supposed to be the adult here! I need to set a good example, whatever that should look like.

So, I ordered responsibly. We’ve got the overpriced roasted chicken, veggies, mashed potatoes, and several fruit juices.

Actually, I’ve wanted to ask the kids about this supposed date. What were they even thinking when they decided to go on one?

"Joshua, I heard it was you who asked Lily to go out today?"

"Yeah! Because mom said a good man needs to take their partners on dates!" said the little guy, and I had to suck in my lips to avoid laughing.

"Ohhh...I see. That’s true, but you shouldn’t be pressured into doing that because you guys are still young." I have a feeling their concept of "partners" was more of the "partners-in-crime."

Cuties.

"But Big Sis, isn’t this fun?" questioned Lily, who had been pro-dating since she got invited.

"Yes, but remember, when you’re older, you need to be more careful about going on dates with just anyone, okay?" I reminded them.

After such an enjoyable date, these two might have skewed beliefs, and I’d hate to be part of the problem.

"Okay, but Big Sis, when are you going on a date?"

Ugh. Maybe I shouldn’t have asked?!

What kind of answer would even satisfy this kid?

"I’m not sure. I’ve been pretty busy, so that would be a little difficult. Also, aren’t we out on a playdate today?" I smiled at them.

"But isn’t this our date?" Joshua asked with his big mouth. Sometimes, kids need to be stuffed with food to stop saying hurtful things.

My smile cracked a bit, but I’ll be fine. I’ll recover.

"So you two don’t want to go on a play date with me?" I acted pitiful, and the two babies panicked, wiggling their butts on their seats.

"We, we want to!"

"Yes! But my mom said group dates don’t count!" Joshua said again.

By now, its Joshua: 2, Eliana:0

But I laughed it out since there really was no point in diverting the topic, and they’ll learn about this sometime in the future anyway.

"I guess you’re right. Though people go on dates for many reasons."

Like a captured audience, the kids waited for my explanation.

"Some go on dates with friends, some with their parents, and some with their lovers. There are many types of dates, and this is just one of them."

Heck, then you’ve got those arranged dates that would just piss anyone off. But I’d rather not tell them about that yet.

"So, provided all parties willingly attend, then that’s already a good start to your date. Just remember that you don’t owe anyone a date just because they asked, okay?"

I don’t know how we ended up with a lecture on entitlement, but I hope they learned something from it.

"Then, you’re not planning on leaving my brother because you haven’t gone on a date?" Lily asked, dead serious.

In fact, she looked positively scared, so I had to reassure her while trying to rearrange my face.

"That’s not really how it works, so don’t worry." I offered my most reassuring smile, hoping that would have some effect.

"Are you sure?" She asked as if pleading.

"She’s sure. Don’t worry."

For a moment, I thought I was hearing things because they sounded so much like Lucian.

"You, aren’t you supposed to be at work?" My face probably looked odd, but there was no helping it because this was rather unexpected.

"We finished early," Lucian responded while taking the seat next to me.

There was no need to ask about how he located us, considering our security detail, but I found the concept of "finishing early" a bit suspicious.

For Lucian, there was no such thing as finishing early. He normally starts new tasks in advance to maximize his time.

"No need to worry about us. We’ll go on one once you two are home safe."

My head whipped back, and I think my neck didn’t like that.

Just what the hell was he talking about now?

"We are?" I couldn’t help but stare at him, trying to weasel out an explanation.

"You’re not just saying that, right Big Brother?" Lily was close to kneeling on her seat, her face positively shining.

That’s the face that would crucify liars, and I had no idea how to respond, so I just transferred the accountability to Lucian.

Well, he started this!

"Yeah, so have your fun while we’re still here."

The kids took that to heart, fiddling with everything they could get their hands on.

But what took most of our remaining time were the arcade games.

The kids witnessed couples getting each other prizes and refused to let up. And we let them play because at least they were easier to watch this way.

But they really weren’t hitting anything like most arcade newbies, and Lucian, the machine, found that inefficient.

So the guy rolled up his sleeves and slaved away for the crazy kids.

"That big one, please!" Lily said that in nearly every booth, and in all fairness to Joshua, he kept on trying to win her one.

"Want me to teach you how?" I asked the kid.

At least Rina’s teachings would have some use.

Both kids looked at me with wide, admiring eyes, and I laughed at how transparent they were.

"You see, your brother just happens to be skilled at everything, so he probably has no particular tips, but Rina loves games like these, so we’ve had a bit of practice."

"So you two better watch," I said as I flashed them a wide grin.