Vlad couldn't help but be a little bit worried, this was his first date in… well... ever. Danny was helping him get ready for the occasion — apparently once he got over the shock of Clockwork and Vlad being together, he took it on himself to make sure they would stay together. Not that it was an extremely hard job, they had been pretty close since Vlad landed in the hospital. Clockwork had hardly left his side since then, much to the anger of the observants. Clockwork could manage his job just well during Vlad's sleeping hours, as thankfully full ghosts didn't need to sleep.
It had been Vlad's idea for the date since he knew surprisingly little about Clockwork despite their time together. He supposed the time ghost knew everything about him, but getting to know more about each other in a better setting just felt right. Not that he didn't love the time he spent with Clockwork in the hospital but between recovery and all the pain medications, it was a little fuzzy.
He was also still having a hard time believing that someone like Clockwork liked him.
"Earth to Vlad, come in Vlad. You there?" Danny was waving his hand in front of Vlad's face. He must have spaced out. Oops.
"Sorry Daniel, what did you say?"
"I said I think you're ready."
The biggest challenge Danny faced was dressing around the two braces. The casts were finally off so he could walk around on his own, but the boot and arm brace were somewhat awkward. Danny had made it work though.
"Well, I don't know what he sees in you, not exactly a good listener. But at least you look like you're ready to go on a date."
"You know, you are an awful motivational speaker. Has anyone ever told you that?"
"Several people, actually. I'm more of a stand up comedy guy." Danny shrugged, fixing the man's bowtie.
"And…" Danny quickly snatched the headband out of his hair via intangibility which earned an indignant sound from Vlad as it all fell down around his shoulders. "You'll thank me for that later."
"Why don't you annoy someone else for a little while?" Vlad grabbed his crutch and got to his feet, going to the mirror to make sure his hair looked okay.
"It looks fine fruitloop. Just leave it."
"You just love taking me out of my comfort zone."
"You make it too easy." Danny grinned. "Now get going or you are going to be late."
Clockwork was waiting outside for him in his human disguise. He was also dressed smartly, wearing a paisley purple tuxedo vest and matching tie with some nice slacks.
"You look amazing," Vlad said in slight awe as he made it out the door.
"Thank you Vladimir. I'm sure you look very handsome." Clockwork returned the compliment with a smile.
Vlad offered his good arm to Clockwork who accepted it graciously.
"So what do we have on the agenda tonight?"
"Well I reserved us a table at what I am pretty confident is the best restaurant in town. It's only a few blocks from here."
"That sounds lovely, thank you Vladimir." Clockwork ran his thumb over Vlad's cheek before leaving a small kiss.
"You left your hair down, it's nice."
Vlad blushed. "It's no problem really."
As they neared the restaurant Vlad spotted a bit of a problem.
It seemed someone let slip they would be there, because there was a small crowd waiting outside. He faltered in his step ever so slightly.
"What's the matter?"
"Some vultures seem to be circling the entrance."
"Vultures?"
"Paparazzi, same difference." Vlad looked for another way around but they had already been spotted.
"Is that bad?"
"They are like news reporters, only they don't care about anything useful. In fact they only care about getting the most shocking story to keep their reader base entertained, no matter how wrong it is."
"That sounds awful… and they are here because you are someone of note in the human world?"
"Yes." Maybe they should turn back. But they had such a nice dinner planned.
Vlad decided to just press forward, they were going to have a nice date.
Once they were in the throng of people there was a stream of endless questions. Vlad tuned them out the best he could but he could see that Clockwork wasn't too happy with the company. He pressed closer to Vlad with a frown, he could tell them all off but a quick look into the future revealed it to be a bad idea. Once they were in the restaurant they both breathed a sigh of relief.
"Hey, are you okay?" Vlad asked with a look of concern.
"Yes, they are rather loud." And rude. He hugged Vlad a little closer. "Those people have no respect for personal space."
"I know, it's awful. But it's allowed because everyone wants to know what goes on in the life of the rich and famous. Unfortunately I qualify."
They were quickly escorted to their table away from any windows per Vlad's request.
Vlad guided Clockwork to his chair before sitting down himself.
"I like your sense of fashion, the suit really looks nice on you."
"Oh thank you." It was Clockwork's turn to blush. "Danny helped me pick it out."
"He has been rather helpful as of late. I suppose I should thank him but with all the sass I can hardly get a word in edgewise."
Clockwork laughed. "Yes, he does seem to have a limitless supply of snark, I find it quite entertaining. I'm sure you will find it such eventually."
"I'll have to take your word on that one." The waiter came by to take their order, Vlad decided on the beef ravioli and Clockwork asked for the same. Vlad's food choices were always great.
"So… you wear a lot of purple I noticed."
"Oh yes, the cloak was given to me along with the job. But after I heard you describe it, I decided I liked it. Cool, while still being warm. It's a paradox yet it sounds like a very comfortable color. I'm a bit of a paradox myself so I suppose it suits me."
"It does. It goes well with your complexion, no matter what form you take."
"My complexion compliments my clothes, that's an interesting concept to think of. I'm sure yours do the same for you?" He asked, tilting his head in a curious manner.
"I suppose so, though black works for just about anything. I'm actually rather pale so a fair few colors don't work well for me."
Clockwork found his hand and held onto it loosely with a grin. "No matter what, you are perfect to me."
He could have sworn that his heart skipped a beat as Clockwork smiled at him. His face displayed the kindness that he always treated Vlad with, his hand the reassuring steadiness Clockwork brought to his life.
The ghost brought to his life a completeness he hadn't known was possible. He was happy around him and even though their relationship was just starting. There was a contentment in just being close to him.
"Perfect doesn't even begin to describe you… or how you make me feel." Vlad blushed, in part from his own attempt at flirting but also because of the way the ghost's face lit up when he complimented him. Hot fudge, he was cute. How he hadn't come to the realization that he was in love with him sooner was beyond Vlad.
Their dinner came out and they sat in a comfortable silence as they ate, though they never stopped holding hands. The evening was so perfect, the food was great but what really made it was the company they shared.
Vlad was tempted to ask his boyfriend for some more time but he had a feeling it was a request that wouldn't be indulged. They lingered there for some time, ordering some dessert and coffee. Once they were done Vlad made sure to leave a generous tip seeing as the wait staff put up with their slow pace.
As they made it to the front doors Vlad realized they might be in over their heads.
"Oh… fudge buckets."