Caleb was nervous. He stood in front of Luz's mirror, wearing a black shirt, a black jacket, black pants, black red and a red tie. His hair had been brushed, making him look like some kind of doll markets towards girls.
"I look ridiculous." Caleb said.
"Nah, you look great." Luz assured him. "Willow will love you."
Her girlfriend, Amity got off the bed and analysed him. "I don't know Luz, I think the hair is too much." Amity said.
"What?! I think he looks smooth." Luz said. "Like a British secret agent."
"I mean, what if this isn't a formal date?" Caleb asked. "What if I'm meant to be informal but the informal nice?!"
"Hey, quit panicking, you have two hours till the date of your life." Luz said. "Willow is going to think you're nice even if you aren't wearing anything. But for the sake of the date and keeping you out of prison, please do find some clothes."
"Listen Caleb, sometimes on a date you need to expect the unexpected." Amity said. "I mean, when me and Luz went on our first date, I came in a dress that Luz described as perfecta and she turned red. I find it cute when she blushes."
"Sweet potato!" Luz exclaimed while blushing with embarrassment.
"Ah, you're doing it again." Amity said while pointing at her girlfriend. "But Luz accidentally got her clothes dirty and came in an otter onesie."
"You could have found something else." Caleb pointed out.
"Well, it was the first outfit I found and it stuck." Luz said. "Plus, Amity couldn't take her head off of me."
Amity blushed. "It was….so comfortable."
"So, I should go in a otter onesie?" Caleb asked.
"Go in whatever makes you comfortable." Luz replied.
Later, Caleb was dressed in a fancy buttoned shirt that was tucked in some beige pants, some brown shoes and a grey jacket. His hair was messy which he thought looked better than the smooth hair he had for a short time.
Caleb turned red with embarrassment. "How do I look?"
Luz whistled while Amity had her thumb and index finger to her face like she was some kind of fashion critic.
"Honestly, the shirt and pants are a nice match." Amity said. "Plus, I doubt the smooth hair would have been a nice fit."
"It's an outfit that says, I'm confident." Luz said. "And confidence is key when you succeed on a date."
"Just don't be so confident that you kind of become a bit smug." Amity suggested.
"So, I should try and be confident?" Caleb asked.
"Mmm hmm." Amity said. "People usually like that."
Luz then looked at the watch on her wrist. "Oh, if you're keeping time in check then Willow should be here by now."
"You have any plans?" Amity asked.
For the first time, Caleb was pulling a confident grin. "I'm taking her to a surprise location and then we're going for something to eat and finally, we're going to have a stroll."
"Great." Luz replied. "Got any plans to kiss her?"
The mention of a kiss made Caleb blush and to turn red in his face. "K-k-kiss?!"
"Yeah. Come on, you can't end a date with no kiss." Luz said.
"I mean, you do want to kiss her, right?" Amity asked.
"I-I-I-I-I-I-I do." Caleb stuttered. "I-I-I just don't know the right way to do it. What if it isn't perfect?!"
Luz chuckled. "Why does a kiss need to be perfect? A kiss is a kiss. Yeah, sometimes it's awkward but when someone lips smashes into yours, it's still breathtaking."
"You two have kissed plenty of times before, right?" Caleb asked.
Luz blew a raspberry. "Caleb, Amity is my girlfriend. Why wouldn't we have an occasional smooch fest?" Amity blushed while Luz gave her a wink.
"Well, if it doesn't sound weird, could you please give me a demonstration?" Caleb asked. "How would you do a kiss?"
Luz and Amity, instead of being uncomfortable, just looked at each other gave him a gentle nod. "Alright." Luz said before she and Amity turned to face each other. "Okay, this is how I'd usually kiss Amity. Since we have been together for a year, we just look at each other and we know when to kiss. But since this is your first, sometimes you have to ask permission to kiss but do it without sounding desperate. Or sometimes, you just have to go for it. Now, the kissing part, I suggest you be gentle. Like this." Luz gently held Amity by her cheek with Amity holding her by the waist. The two then gave each other a gentle kiss on the lips which Caleb began to analyse. They pulled out after five seconds, blushing.
"Okay, gently take a hold of her face and go for it." Caleb said. "I got it."
"Just don't force it." Amity said. "Allow me to demonstrate." Amity took Luz by the back and kissed her on the lips which made Luz surprised before Amity pulled out. "See?"
Luz just smirked. "You wanted an excuse to kiss me again, didn't you?"
Amity grinned at her girlfriend's assumption. "You know me too well."
Then the sound of knocking on the door was heard. "Caleb, your date is here!" Camila shouted.
Caleb adjusted his shirt. "Okay, here we go." He left the room and shut the door behind.
"Don't forget your ears!" Luz then gave Amity a flirtatious grin and approached her. "Well, looks like it's just the two of us. What do you want to do?"
Amity grinned and took hold of Luz. "How about we read some Azura together and then watch one of your favourite Animes?"
Luz grinned. "You know me too well, Blight." Luz and Amity started to share a kiss that no one could possibly interrupt.
"Luz! Mantenga la puerta abierta, tres pulgadas!" (Keep the door open, three inches.)
Luz pulled out of the kiss. "Mom! We're 15!"
"You two are thinking it!" Camila yelled back.
Downstairs, Caleb, putting on a beanie, approached the door and took a deep breath. "You can do this Caleb." Caleb said to himself in an attempt to give some encouragement.
He opened the door and was greeted by the most stunning sight. Willow stood in front of him with long hair to hide her ears, a chartreuse dress and dark green shoes, something that made the former golden guard blush like mad.
"Hey." Willow said.
"Hi." Caleb responded. "You look…..beautiful."
"And you look….smooth." Willow said just as Caleb left the house and closed the door.
"Thanks." Caleb said, unable to say anymore words while Willow looked at the flowers to hide her blush.
"So, have you got plans?" Willow asked.
Caleb grinned. "Walk with me."
And so, Willow and Caleb began to walk to the first location which Caleb knew what it was, but Willow didn't. They had been walking for ten minutes and passed many restaurants and many places that would have been considered romantic.
"So where are we going?" Willow asked.
"Can't tell." Caleb responded smugly.
Willow gave her boyfriend a teasing smirk. "Come on. Hints?"
"Okay, we're going to admire something people consider artistic." Caleb replied.
"A museum?" Willow asked. "Not exactly a romantic location."
"No, you're right." Caleb responded. "Which is why we're not going there."
"What?!" Willow exclaimed in surprise before smirking again. "Oookay, I'll play your little game Caleb. Artistic? Are we going to some arts and crafts place?"
"No." Caleb replied.
"Okay, movies are considered artistic, are we going to watch a human movie?"
"No."
"A play? I heard theatre is artistic."
"No."
"Oookay…..uh…."
"Come on. Take a guess."
"I'm thinking! I'm thinking!" Willow said. "Uh…..library?"
"Yeah, because we're Luz and Amity." Caleb retorted.
Willow groaned. "When are we going to get there?"
"In time. In time." Caleb replied.
After about 12 more minutes of walking, they eventually stopped outside a botanical gardens, something that made Willow's eyes light up. The garden had a giant glass dome centre of the area along with a lot of flowers and trees as they walked in. Plus, the benches were covered in vines along with the gazebos.
"Yup. This is where we're going for our date." Caleb said. He then noticed Willow marvelling at it in silence and didn't know how to respond to it. "Um….if you don't like it…" Caleb began to play with his hat as he stuttered. "….I-I-I have plenty of other locations. Uh, why-why-why did you think it was a good idea, Caleb?"
"Hey Caleb, I was just marvelling." Willow assured him. "I have never seen something this beautiful before."
Caleb blushed and coughed while he adjusted himself. "Right, right." He then held out his arm. "Shall we?"
Willow smirked and hooked her arm with his. "You're acting quite confident tonight." Willow remarked.
"What?!" Caleb reacted before chuckling. "I'm being myself."
Willow smiled. "I'm saying that's fine but if you're nervous about something, please don't be afraid to tell me. I am your captain after all."
"Don't worry." Caleb assured her. "You'd know when I'm not being myself."
They entered the dome where they noticed all sorts of magnificent plants including bamboos, elms, a lily and some cacti. While staring at the cacti, Caleb and Willow took a long stare at each other, their eyes sparking a bit. It was at this moment, Caleb and Willow were now leaning in. He was about to close his eyes, but Willow was really leaning over his shoulder as she had noticed something incredible, leaving Caleb a bit disappointed.
They then walked outside where they noticed a tree with leaves so narrow and long that they looked like they were about to touch the ground.
Willow had never seen much plants or trees in the Human Realm. She was aware of elms and bamboos, but she hadn't seen this tree before. "That's a nice tree. Do you know what it's called."
"Willow." Caleb replied.
"Yes?"
"No, that's the name of the tree." Caleb replied. "Willow."
"Wow, it looks pretty." Willow remarked.
"Yeah, she sure does." Caleb said while staring at Willow, whom was glowing behind a bright light which showed off her beauty. How Caleb started going out with someone so brave, strong, sweet and beautiful was a question he himself did not know?
"Which tree are you staring at?" Willow asked. "Are you staring at me? Or the tree?"
Caleb blushed and looked to stare at the tree just to not make her uncomfortable. "I-I-I-I…" He then realised what she said. "Where did you get that from? Luz?"
Willow cringed. "Wow, that sounded very cheesy."
"Nah. It's a date." Caleb said. "I think being cheesy is a part of it."
"Fair." Willow said.
It was at this moment, the two of them started to slowly lean in again intent on possibly sharing a kiss. But they were interrupted when a bright flashing light flickered.
"Sorry!" Yelled a photographer. "This is an old camera. So, the flash is a bit blinding."
"That's okay!" Willow yelled out.
Caleb, despite disappointed that his first kiss was interrupted, waved to the photographer. "Yeah, it's fine."
"So, what are we going to do next?" Willow asked.
"They have a exhibit dedicated to flowers." Caleb replied. "I can take you there."
"That sounds delightful Caleb." Willow responded as she took his hand. "Take me there, will ya?"
"Of course." Caleb said before leading Willow to the exhibit. He pulled a disappointed look, knowing that attempt number two had failed.
They arrived at the flower exhibit where Willow marvelled at all sorts of flowers. She didn't get the time to admire the Human Realm flowers during her short time there, but now that she does, she is in awe at their beauty.
"Wow. These flowers are beautiful." Willow remarked. "I can see why Luz's dad liked them."
"You know, I read that flowers in the Human Realm can take meanings." Caleb said. "Like the Bluestar, which means I admire your strength, determination and endurance."
Willow blushed. "Is that true or did you make that up?"
"No, they said so in a flower book." Caleb replied.
Willow smirked. "Wait, did you learn about botany to impress me?"
Caleb blushed. "Well, Camila did tell me that a key to a healthy relationship is understanding the lover's interests. So, I've been reading up on botany and plants. Like for example the Begonias symbolise gratitude, uniqueness and caution."
"So, if you give me that flower someday will you be thanking me or warning me?" Willow asked.
Caleb shrugged his shoulders. "Depends on the situation."
"What about that one?" Willow asked.
"The Pink Azalea represents family and familial duties." Caleb replied.
"What about that blue flower that kind of looks like a bell?"
"Bluebells represent kindness."
"And those flowers? What are they?"
"Hyacinth. They represent sport." Caleb replied. "Sometimes people give it to someone they know. As a way of saying good luck in a game."
"So someday I could expect a Hyacinth at my next game?" Willow asked.
"Our game." Caleb retorted. "I mean, we could give each other a Hyacinth at the next game?"
Willow smiled at the thought before pointing to the next flower. "So, what does that flower mean?"
"Oh that flower? The Calla Lily." Caleb blushed and rubbed the back of his head. "Nah, it's stupid."
"What?" Willow asked.
"I…I…I..I..I…It might make you uncomfortable." Caleb said.
"If it does, it might not make me change the way I feel." Willow assured him. "What does it mean? I really like to know."
Caleb took a deep breath. "Usually, the Calla Lily says that I find you beautiful. Inside and out."
Willow blushed. "Wow, is that true?"
Caleb sighed. "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable. But yes. That's what the meaning of the flower is."
"No, I meant, is that how you feel about me?" Willow asked. "Do you really think I'm pretty inside and out?"
Caleb didn't want to make Willow uncomfortable but he also didn't want to hurt her feelings. It was time he had to be honest with her. "Yes Willow. I think you're really pretty. Inside and out. I mean, you have a gorgeous face, the glasses really help and your hair really suits you. Plus, you're sweet, you're strong, you're determined…." Willow blushed. "….you're strong and you don't take anything from anybody. Why would I not be in love with someone like that?"
Willow was very bashful. She looked away from Caleb to hide her blush. "Well Caleb, I think you're beautiful, inside and out. In a way, you're a Calla Lily."
Caleb smiled. "And that makes you a Bluestar."
"Awwww." Willow held Caleb's hand and they continued to watch the flowers. But then, they started to stare at each other. She looked really beautiful by the sunlight and it was a sight that was making the former Golden Guard very sweaty. "Hey Caleb, get a bit closer."
This was it! His first kiss. Caleb and Willow began to lean in to each other with Caleb closing his eyes, preparing for the kiss. But, unexpectedly, Willow began wiping his face with a napkin.
"Hey!"
"Sorry, you're sweating." Willow said.
"Oh." Caleb responded. "Maybe it's the humidity in this greenhouse."
"Possibly." Said Willow. "Anyway, are you hungry?"
Caleb grinned. "Thought you would be. I know the perfect place."
They later went to an Italian restaurant titled Cibo's where they were seated. Unsurprisingly, they have a no hats policy so luckily, Willow brought him an illusion necklace from Gus so his ears will look human and wouldn't stick out.
They had been reading their menu for about 6 minutes until a staff member with short orange hair and glasses. "Okay, is everyone ready to order?"
"Hi yes, I'll be having the spaghetti and meatballs." Caleb replied.
"And I'll be having the same…." Willow placed her menu down and gave him a flirtatious look. "….as the gentleman." Caleb quickly hid behind the menu to hide his blush while their waitress just grinned.
"Aww, so sweet." The waitress known as Dana remarked. "Ookay, unfortunately we don't have enough spaghetti for two plates. There's strangely been a spaghetti shortage so you're going to have to share a plate."
"Okay, that's fine." Caleb assured her.
"Don't mind." Willow said.
"Who knows, maybe you could go for a Duchess and the Bum kiss." Dana said.
"Huh?"
"You know?" Dana asked. "Two cats share a plate of spaghetti and meatballs together that while slurping one of the strands, their lips connected?" Caleb and Willow stared at her with confusion but there was a blush. "Oookay, apparently you haven't seen the movie so, I'll get the spaghetti."
Caleb and Willow then stared at each other, with a heavy blush on their face before giving each other a smile.
"A kiss, huh?" Willow asked, trying to act all cool. "I mean, wow!"
"Yeah! I mean….Imagine us, kissing!" Caleb said.
And so Caleb and Willow imagined themselves kissing each other on the lips, but it only caused them to blush and for their stomachs to turn. So they just looked out of the window.
But Willow wasn't having the awkward silence, so she decided to start the conversation. "So, who's idea was it for the restaurant?" Willow pondered.
"It was mine." Caleb replied. "Luz and Amity went there once, together. They were sharing each other's food." Willow stared at Caleb with a raised eyebrow. "I was looking for Flapjack and I happened to cross that sight."
Willow gasped. "You lost Flapjack? How?"
"I left my window open and he wanted some fresh air." Caleb replied. "So, he kind of flee out."
"Did you get him?" Willow asked.
"Of course I did." Caleb replied smugly. "How are things at the Demon Realm?"
"Same old thing with Boscha." Willow replied. "She keeps saying that you and I aren't cute together."
"Do you want me to teach her some manners?" Caleb asked. "Do you want me to…" He then made a slitting throat gesture. "…off her."
Willow chuckled. "Nah, that won't be necessary."
Then, their waitress Dana arrived with the spaghetti and meatballs all on one plate. "There we go." Diana declared. "For the couple."
"Thank you." Caleb said just as Dana went to tend to other patrons.
"Hey Caleb, was it just me or did this waitress seem familiar?" Willow asked.
"Hmm, I feel like this is someone we should know." Caleb remarked.
"Well, let's not dwell on it too long, let's feast." Willow declared.
They began eating their meal placed before them. Caleb ate few bits since he felt he was being generous to the captain while Willow did the same with her boyfriend. Willow, having never having spaghetti and meatballs found the taste absolutely delicious, especially with the complimentary sauce.
But then, when the two twisted another bit of spaghetti, they were unknowingly stuck together. Slowly, they began to slurp the pasta, unknowingly leaning in towards each other. Caleb was the first to notice and get what was coming, but in his excitement, he accidentally head butt her in the face.
"Ow!"
"Willow!"
Later, after finishing their meal and getting some tissue to stop Willow's nosebleed. The two of them were sitting in front of a pond staring into the moonlit sky. Caleb felt a hint of embarrassment at what he did to his girlfriend that he was repeatedly apologising.
"Again, I'm really sorry." Caleb said.
"It's fine. I assure you." Willow said.
"Yeah. I hope Luz and Amity never had any of this happening to them." Caleb said.
"Oh please, they're some of the most awkward people I know around each other." Willow retorted. "I wouldn't be surprised."
The two of them laughed before staring at each other, once again, the both of them blushing. This was his shot, a kiss. His first kiss. He was about to go for it, but soon stopped. Every attempt he had to kiss her on the lips had been futile. So there was one thing he had to do.
Caleb sighed. "Willow, there's something I've been meaning to do all night."
"What is it?" Willow asked.
"Listen, if it's too soon I'll never ask it again until you're ready." Caleb said.
"Oh no, I might have a feeling what it is." Willow said. "Caleb, I'm too young."
Caleb sighed. "And so are Luz and Amity."
"Wait, Luz and Amity are engaged?" Willow asked.
"What?! No! I was talking about a kiss."
Willow froze, embarrassed. "Oh. Right. A kiss. You want to kiss me?"
Caleb blushed. "Only if you want to kiss me. I don't wish to pressure you."
Willow sighed sadly. "Caleb, I know we've only been official for a week, but I feel I'm not ready for a kiss on the lips. I feel it's something that needs buildup in order to feel more satisfying. You understand what I'm saying?"
Caleb sighed. "I understand, Captain. Sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable."
"It's okay Caleb." Willow said as she shuffled up to him. "But that doesn't mean we can't kiss in other places." Willow then gave her boyfriend a kiss on the cheek, something that made the former Golden Guard blush, his ears turning red. "Was that enough?" Willow then started laying on his shoulder.
Caleb was speechless as he rubbed his cheek, but he soon smiled and wrapped his arm around her. "It will suffice, captain." He then kissed her forehead, an affectionate gesture that made Willow blush.
"Thanks for that….Calla Lily." Willow responded.
And so, the two continued to stare off into the distance while snuggling to each other. A perfect way to end their first date.
