A Forced First Date Is Not Usually A Good One

"She likes...well, nobody who can overpower her. She likes people who she can control. I think...you intimidate her," he replied, shrugging. "She dislikes men who try to push her around. Knowing sign language, even a little bit, is a must."

"So I should...change," she said quietly, swallowing. "Is that what you're saying? I should become more of a pussy, like...like you?"

"No!" He exclaimed. "She wouldn't like that, I'm sure you have a soft side, just...show it."

She bit her lip and nodded.

"...Okay. So like, be more...nice and girly and shit?"

"Uh...I guess, I mean, Renee likes men, I don't know what she'd like in women..." He admitted.

"Well, you're not a faggot, are you? What do you like in women?"

"I like both," he replied, shrugging. "My preferences for women...are not similar to Renee's at all."

"How so?" she pressed, narrowing her eyes. "Am I gonna have to punch you?"

"What?" He asked, confused, and hoping she would anyway. "I just...like different types of women!"

"Well, explain, then," she snorted. "Unless you want me to...I don't know, rip your dick off or something!"

"No, I...no, it's...none of your business!" He insisted, suddenly feeling embarrassed.

She stood up, crossing her arms.

"Tell me. I asked nice."

He shook his head rapidly.

"No, no thanks..."

Lydia moved closer, so she was standing over Max. Even if he had been standing, the height difference still would've been impressive.

"Tell. Me."

He whimpered, bracing himself. "Lydia, please..."

She yanked him up by the shirt.

"Wow, you really want me to beat the shit out of you, don't you?" She growled. "Tell me and maybe you can stay out f the hospital, even if Ip beat your face in. I'm not happy right now."

Max swallowed, feeling himself break into a sweat.

"I....I...I like women, well, like...strong and, uhm, muscular."

Lydia glared at him, but she lowered her fist.

"...Okay, so maybe that was a little rash. Fine. you got me." She reluctantly released his shirt. "Will you...please tell me what you think I should be like if I want Renee?"

Max sighed in relief, but also disappointment.

"I...I don't know, Renee...is weird. But I know the only way she'll take you seriously is if you learn sign language."

"Is that it?" she pressed. She cracked her knuckles, but all the anger had drained from her face; instead she pouted at the floor.

"That's the only thing I know of, for sure," he replied, playing with his poofy hair. "She's not very talkative, and I don't mean that jokingly. She's never really opened up to me, even though, as far as I know, I'm her best friend."

"...Oh," she said, her face brightening a little. "So it's not just me? She's like that around everyone?"

"No, she's especially cruel to you," he admitted. "...I don't know if that's good or bad."

"It's...it's probably good, right?" she said, completely unconvincingly. "I mean, I'm prime dating material--don't you think so? I've never even had to ask anyone out before."

"I..." Max shrugged. "I don't know. Renee is a puzzle."