#thank you all for the requests!!!! excellent ideas across the board it kept me entertained throughout comms

[saltseashark]

4077 but make it PINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (request doodles and stupid edits)

[loverscreation]

2- FIRST DATE-ISH

Here's to V-Day, the start of a beautiful relationship. It took me forever to write this, but it's finally here. Thank you for all your patience!

About a month had passed since I met The Second, and we scheduled a movie for this evening. It was going to be just the two of us this time. No family, no friends. Just us… The intentions weren't set in stone, but that didn't take away from the joy.

This was by no means a formal event, but choosing an outfit was still stressful. I stared blankly at my closet, suddenly hating every choice.

Ping.

My music was interrupted by a message, causing me to check it in a hurry. Great, he was on his way, and I hadn’t even gotten dressed! Why must I be so indecisive?

The thrown-together outfit was something simple but cute. A long sleeve, tucked into high waisted jeans, topped off with casual black vans. You couldn't go wrong with that as a go-to, right? It was put on at record speed before my attention was set on makeup. The basics and a lipstick were enough for the occasion.

Hurrying to the bathroom mirror, I took in my appearance. It wasn’t bad! He’d never be able to tell I threw it all together in half an hour.

The other half hour was torturous. All that rushing was for nothing, now all that was left to do was wait. I should’ve taken longer getting ready.

But soon enough, there was a knock. My dog barked away and crowded the door at the intruder's beckon, but sliding through without her was a success. With my back to the now closed door, I smiled nervously at The Second, who had witnessed the struggle.

Hi,” I greeted with a breathless laugh.

He paused to take in my body language. The uneven breathing and tense muscles indicated I was nervous, however, he didn’t mention it. “Hello. Shall we go?”

Brushing off the awkward start, I straightened my posture. “Yes! We shall!”

He then offered me his elbow, which I happily looped my arm into. We strolled down the porch steps together like a princess being taken away from her prison.

Could you blame me for feeling that way? I was leaving to spend a night with my sharply dressed charming prince, who I was hooked arms with for all to see. This was far beyond the social status of my neighborhood too, the wandering eyes from across the street said as much. It didn't help that the man inhabiting the house across the way and I used to see each other (take that, Anthony). But still.

Upon our arrival at the vehicle, our arms unlinked and the back door was opened for me. A smile of gratitude was flashed his way before hopping in. He rounded the car and sat in the seat next to me.

The air was still as we took off. The radio was muted and no conversation took place for a good couple of minutes. Some higher power was to thank when The Second broke the silent spell.

“Could you turn the radio on?” The chauffeur did as requested, right hand reaching over to mess with the device. “Thank you.” A calm ballad carried through at a comforting volume.

Humming emitted from The Second, swooning my very being. My shoulders took on a less tense form as I not-so-secretly listened to the rich tones coming from him. His eyes looked to the side to see as much.

“You sing, correct? That is a requirement of musical theatre.” Looking me head on now, he lifted a curious eyebrow.

I nodded as I refused the urge to avoid eye contact. “I mean, sort of. I love to, but I've never taken lessons or been in a production before.” A chuckle slipped past my throat. “The most I've ever done was a karaoke contest in middle school.”

With continued interest, he continued his questioning. “Why have you started now instead of earlier in life? It is clearly a passion.”

“I guess I never had the opportunity, I was too busy learning how to dance,” my voice trailed off. That was a topic of shyness for me, though my lowered guard let it slip.

He gave a single nod of his head. “Ah, I see. It all makes sense now.”

“What makes sense?” It was my turn to raise an eyebrow. Whatever he was speaking of went right over my head.

A hand gesture up and down my body. “You clearly take excellent care of your body…” My cheeks set fire. “And your posture is very proper. Would I be in the presence of a ballerina?”

I tucked a curl behind my ear. “Not an experienced one, I only started ballet a few years ago. I've been doing hip hop.”

His eyes held a glint of skepticism, which only half surprised me. This reaction wasn't a first time offender. “Intriguing. How long have you been dancing?”

Having to think back, I made a quick count. “I started in sixth grade so almost seven years now.”

The remainder of the car ride went a similar way, poking and prodding at my musical background. He seemed to notice my reminiscent attitude, taking advantage of it to keep me speaking since I was so quiet in our first encounter. Seven years of dancing shifted to eight years in band class, which turned into the fears of what theatre held. He just kept me talking like no other.

The vehicle pulled over to the curb right in front of the mall, idling as the driver waited for us to leave. The two of us climbed out, and like earlier, our arms hooked together.

The mall was overflowing with shoppers and viewers alike. The ticket line for movies was massive, but that was acceptable as we hadn't picked what movie we wished to watch.

Studying the board of options, we chatting lowly about what seemed interesting. Chick flicks weren't an option for either of us and the action movies seemed dull.

The horror movies proved to be of common acceptance.

Though I had agreed to a horror movie, I gave a disclaimer. “I do like horror, don't get me wrong, but I'm also a huge wimp about it. I just wanted to warn you now.” My cheeks heated in embarrassment.

The Second removed his sunglasses and pocketed them.“Oh?” He raised an eyebrow with a teasing quirk of his lips. “Will I have to protect you, dear Alys?”

My eyes rolled before I dramatically leaned against him. “Please, hold me, Emeritus! I don't know what I would do without your protection!” my tone was slightly sharpened with humor.

The first taste of my attitude made him draw a blank for a quick moment. He gave a weak shake of his head and chuckled.

The sweet sound of his enjoyment in the form of a laugh made me uncontrollably smile. “I'm glad you invited me out tonight,” I blurted. “It's just that I'm very thankful you're giving me a chance to get to know you.”

Heart to heart confessions was never his strong suit, though he managed a reply. “If you are anything, it is sweet.”

His tone may have been a bit hard for the subject matter, but I chose to believe he meant it. No coherent reply presented itself to my mind so I opted to give his arm a slight squeeze of endearment.

By the time I tuned back into reality, we were at the head of the line and The Second was ordering our tickets. The young boy running the booth gave us a look that could only resemble shame. It was about our ages no doubt. Yes, I'm an adult, but he is still much older than me. I released my company's arm out of anxiety, and my eyes drew downwards to study the tiled flooring.

Moments later we left for concessions.

I tried to blow off how small I felt from that uncomfortable interaction. My Emeritus of the evening seemed to notice my shifted behavior.

“People fear what they do not understand,” he stated. He was right, though unwanted feelings never make things easy.

I gave him a start of a smile and a nod. “It's hard but true.” He wasn't a spoonful of sugar type, but his logical thinking was comforting. Who cares about some ticket booth boy with a narrow understanding? I didn't need his approval.

The Second put a hand on my back, giving it a small rub before retracting. “What would you like to get? My treat.”

Having someone else pay for my things always made me feel guilty, but I pushed it aside. “Just a small drink and some popcorn sound alright.”

Once it was our turn to order, we stood at the tall counter, big enough to come close to my shoulders. This elicited an upward tug of my date's lips.

“A large popcorn and a medium coke,” The Second stated. The staff got to work, meanwhile, I was too busy being entertained by the idea that we'd be sharing our treats. As small of a deal as that was, it had an oddly romantic feel to it.

We were sent on our way a few moments later, him with the popcorn and me with the coke. The medium size was larger than life, having to occupy both my hands. I sipped from the straw every now and again as we walked down the long hallways to our stop. He held the door open for me, which I thanked him for with a sweet smile.

“Where would you like to sit,” he whispered in my ear with a hand on the small of my back.

Leaning into him, I replied with a sure answer. “The middle right behind the bar. It's perfect viewing level.” Maybe I'd seen too many movies in the cinema when I was younger, but I knew it to be true. Seemingly pleased with my response, we sat exactly where I suggested.

He must have been studying me like an anthropologist that night, always giving an entertained chuckle or quirk of his lips. How I took my seat was no exception. While he sat with a mostly proper posture with both feet on the ground and leaning into the seat slightly, I sat criss-cross in my seat with a straight back. Most people aren't small enough to do so comfortably, but I was.

Just like always, there was the longest wait imaginable for the movie to begin. The screen destroyed our patience with advertisements, though we got by with light conversation and popcorn.

I was overflowing with excitement when the movie began. It was moderately scary, but the movie itself actually wasn't that good. It was all jumpscares and a half assed plot, though most newer horror movies had the same fault.

The best part about it would have to be The Second's arm finding itself resting around my shoulders. During the first scare, I flinched and he pulled me into him. I could've sworn I was dreaming because it was too good to be true. But it was real, and it stayed there until the lights came on at the end.

“They do not make them like they used to,” he commented on the way out as he threw the empty popcorn bin away.

Following his lead, the drained cup was thrown out as well. “I couldn't agree more.”

There was no purpose of stopping at the any of the stores since they would be closing soon so we started to head for the exit.

He looked over at me with calm eyes. “Was tonight's movie a waste?” The wording of his sentence led me to believe that he actually wanted to ask if I enjoyed going out with him, though he didn't wish to say it.

Returning the gaze, I gave him a soft smile. Despite the quality of the movie, I wouldn't take it back for anything. “Not at all.” Judging by his silence, he was pleased with my answer.

Talking my anxiety down, I made the next move. I didn't have the will to look at him, though my small and slightly shaking hand meekly slide into his all the same. He gave my hand a squeeze of endearment to my surprise.

The way back to my house was very much the same. Our hands were locked, my soft humming and his singing lacing the air in the vehicle. I felt besides reality, off in my own world, though it soon came to an end.

The Second walked me to the door. After unlocking it, I turned to him.

“Thank you. Maybe the movie was a little laughable, but I had a really good time.” My eyes glistened with infatuation. “Is there any chance we can see eachother again?”

He nodded. “Yes, of course.” Thinking that was that, I was about ready to turn around and bid him goodnight. His voice stopped me. “Be mine,” he blurted out.

“What?” I blinked a few times in surprise. “Are you sure?” There were at least a million people on this earth that would be better than me, but his expression remained unmoved.

“I am sure.” He took both my hands in his, my heart fluttering about in my chest. “Tonight has opened my eyes. I want you to be mine, nothing less than that. What do you say?”

I tried to push the smile away, I really did, but there was no stopping it from spreading across my lips. Cupping the back of his neck, I got on my tip toes. he was still just out of reach. “Come here,��� I said softly.

Leaning down like I requested, he was in my range. The softest of pecks was placed upon his cheek. I pulled away and opened my door. “I hope that answers your question.”

We shared a smile. “Goodnight, Alys.”