Prodigy x New Kid

Natalia doesn’t do… dates. Not that she wouldn’t, or couldn’t — it’s just that everyone on campus has some inkling of the terrible things that have happened to her, so what’s the point in trying to get to know a stranger just as well?

She sighs, gazing into the mirror. Her dress sparkles and lays on her figure tightly, a fuzzy white cloak caped over her left shoulder… No, it doesn’t really matter that she wears it. Most people know who she is regardless. But for her own sake, she doesn’t have to look at the eyesore, the imposing spikes protruding from her skin and fur. 

So she’s heard this person is kind. A little nervous, but with a good heart. That doesn’t bother her. She has enough boldness and curiosity for two, that much is certain. Still, the concept of the date to her is… Perplexing. Those old chatty friends she used to spend all her time with start talking to her again, and it becomes about getting her set up?

She’s no dating expert, but she knows sure as the Void that this isn’t going to fix her.

When she steps off of her Dracor, giving it a loving neck scratch before she gives a delicate wave goodbye, Natalia turns and faces the Crystal Cafe. Various shops and local stores pop up on campus all the time, though a handful of the ones present before her forest incident are no longer there. The passage of time, hm?

When she enters, she looks around the dimly lit, quaint eatery. It evokes a nostalgic feeling, something strong welling up inside her…

Warmth. She almost feels warmth. 

Then, she spies a familiar face all dressed up, waiting for her across the various tables. 

No. No way. Absolutely not. 

Flaune sits in their chair, apparently talking to their backpack (when in truth it’s a cherubun trying to get out), when they finally glance up and realize who exactly it is they’re looking at.

“Uh! Uh. Nat! Wow, uh, are you—?”

“Your date?” She interrupts. After staring for an unruly amount of time and accepting the setup, she finally strides over into the seat across from them. “It would seem so, yes.”

Flaune shrinks into themself a little, before lowering their eyebrows in determination. “Wait,” they say, rising from their chair and walking to the other side of the table. They pull out the seat for her, to which Natalia’s lips quirk into an amused smile, charmed by their goofy gentlemanly behavior. 

“How chivalrous of you.” She takes a seat, smoothing out her silk cloak. “…Flaune. Thank you.”

Heat spreads across Flaune’s cheeks. They adjust their Starleaf Cloak, unclasping it so their button up and tie can show. “…You look really pretty.”

Natalia raises an eyebrow.

“I mean— You always do!”

Her expression quirks into a smug little smile. “You’ve thought about it before?”

“I, uh— I mean. It would be a lie to say I haven’t.” They scratch the back of their head, awkward, kicking their legs under the table.

“It’s almost surprising. That you’re going on blind dates, I mean,” Natalia murmurs, looking to the side as she props her head up on her hand. “It’s just…”

Flaune tilts their head. “Huh? What is it?”

Natalia makes circles with her nails on the table cloth until the server brings them water. “It’s hard to find people as genuine as you are. You’re a complete dork like me, but you don’t try to be… Popular, or concerned with what other people think.”

Flaune almost snorts. “They scare me, anyways.”

Natalia leans forward, reaching for her glass to sip from it. “How’d you end up here, then?”

Flaune shrugs. “Uh… I mean… Just.” Shaking their head, they smile sadly. “Lonely. Just lonely. And I guess it’s obvious.”

Natalia hums, frowning. “Well… That makes two of us.”