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“Where are you going?” Armand asked, following after Daniel, ever curious.
Daniel sighed, irritated that he couldn’t even get a second of peace, “I’m just getting some groceries.”
“Interesting…”
“It really isn’t,” Daniel deadpanned. Once he entered the store, he picked up a basket and was surprised to find that not only was Armand still following him, but he was looking around the store with wide eyes. “What? You never seen a grocery store before?”
Unexpectedly, Armand shook his head, “No. I never cared to look at what was inside.”
In retrospect Daniel supposed it made sense; what would a centuries old immortal with no need for human food want in a grocery store? Though, looking over at the vampire, he seemed to find it all very fascinating.
Still, Daniel had an errand to run so he walked through the aisles of the store, quickly passing by the fresh produce. “Are you not going to get some fruit and vegetables?” Armand asked, pausing to look at the displays. “You should take better care of yourself, Daniel.”
“I’ve made it this far in life I’m fine,” Daniel responded, placing a hand on his hip, “Why do you even care? Didn’t you say you were going to kill me?”
“Maybe I prefer to eat healthy humans.”
“More reason not to then.”
Armand huffed, indignant, then waved his hand, “Continue with your shopping.” So, Daniel did just that. First he grabbed some chips, only to immediately be distracted by Armand asking about the different flavours and brands and what ‘flaming hot’ meant. The same happened in the cereal aisle, as well as Armand trying to persuade him towards more healthy options, instead of the sugar infested crap he liked to eat. He ignored him and chose what he wanted.
“I could make you pick the healthier option,” Armand spoke, his tone stern and almost threatening.
“You could make me do a lotta thing,” Daniel replied casually, not sparing him a second glance as he moved onto the next aisle.
Armand didn’t stop him. He continued walking with him, his eyes scanning around the store—he watched a mother struggle with her child who was crying over not getting the sweets he wanted. Daniel walked past the scene like he didn’t even register the sound.
He moved onto the fridge area of the store, grabbing some milk and bacon. Armand stared at the refrigerator in awe, like it was a massive technical achievement—Daniel realised maybe to Armand it was. Daniel stayed standing in the section of the store, despite not needing to grab anything else, just to watch Armand admire the machine Daniel rarely gave any thought to. He ignored the cold, putting his free hand into the pocket of his jacket.
“What is going on? Why have you stopped moving?” Armand asked, turning his head to look at Daniel after noticing he wasn’t doing anything.
Daniel smiled, “Just taking a second to enjoy the view.”
When they finally moved onto the freezers, Armand was just as interested in the technology, while Daniel focused on getting some easy ready meals. This time he moved quickly out of the area, already freezing from the other aisle. Armand glanced into the basket and spoke very judgmentally, “Are you seriously going to eat that?”
“Yes.”
Daniel sighed as Armand picked up the cheap lasagne and started reading the packaging information, “This is incredibly lacking.”
Daniel snatched the food back, “Yeah, well, I’m working with a budget.”
Armand’s eyebrows furrow like Daniel just told him a riddle, “Money is no object, I will buy anything you desire.”
“Why?” Daniel scoffed to hide the rising hope in his chest.
“How about as a thank you for this outing?”
“No,” Daniel replied immediately, frustrated, “I want to know your actual reasoning.”
Armand smiled fondly at him, which only made him angrier. “You have grown on me, Daniel. I… care for you.”
The irritation and anger in Daniel disappeared with a growing warmth and happiness taking its place. “Alright… Then…” he flustered, “Let’s eat out.”