Without the heroic uniform of justice his mother crafted, Percy felt vulnerable and exposed both physically and emotionally. Even when dressed in his father's formal clothing, Percy couldn't understand why he felt so unsure of himself. He was only escorting Rhajat on their first proper romantic evening – an act that he ventured she and her parents were expecting to be a success. Surely he was overreacting, he thought.

Hesitantly, Percy lightly rapped his knuckles across the door. It wasn't enough to appear presentable for Rhajat – he and her parents hadn't been properly introduced yet. From the short interaction they shared, Percy understood how welcoming her father was, and could only imagine what her mother would be like - if Rhajat's sometimes unwelcoming attitude was anything to go by.

As the door unlocked, Percy prepared himself to greet the older woman but found his gaze slowly migrating downwards to address somebody quite young (possibly no older than him). Rhajat never mentioned anything about siblings. Could this woman really be her mother?

Percy didn't have time process the development as the young woman studied him curiously. Noticing this, Percy composed himself.

"Good eve - no, wait…goodnight. Mrs…oh, that's not right either." He smiled nervously. "H-hello, Mrs…excuse me – milady. Ma'am? It's…nice to meet you..."

Having already made a fool of himself, Percy expected the woman to reproach him. Instead, they returned the smile.

"You must be Rhajat's man. Perry, is it?"

"Percy, actually."

"Right, of course." She hesitated before bowing apologetically. "Forgive me. Rhajat – she doesn't appreciate her father and I inquiring about her personal life. We respect her privacy. She doesn't speak about you terribly often."

Although not unbelievable considering his girlfriend's nature, Percy was still hurt to hear that Rhajat was averse to talking with her parents about him. Was he really that embarrassing to associate with?

"Oh, OK."

The woman smiled warmly. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

Percy grinned. "Same."

Before he could continue the polite introductory conversation, something caught Percy's attention. A marvellous sight appeared – one that made Percy's entire body tense with anticipation. In a dark purple velvet dress emerged Rhajat, decorated in exotic eyeliner and lipstick that accentuated her youthful beauty.

Percy could hardly speak. Instead, a soft, mesmerised whisper emerged. "You look amazing."

"She does, doesn't she?" Rhajat's mother added.

The young woman payed no attention and glided past him out the doorway. "…Let's get this over with."

Percy had come to understand how refrained Rhajat could be form talking, but that night was proving to be a new record for prolonged silence. Upon leaving her house and finding their reserved table outside the small restaurant, the young woman had barely.

Gazing across the table, Percy offered a hopeful smile for the girl he admired ever so much – desperate to try and restore the mood.

"You look so beautiful tonight."

Rhajat stared blankly. "Is that so? Really? I wouldn't have thought. You've only repeated that more than a dozen times."

Her unforgiving, sarcastic tone pierced the innocent boy's heart and soul. He had never meant to upset her; he had only wished to reaffirm how wonderful she looked. His affections weren't appreciated, evidently.

Percy sank further down into his seat. "Sorry. I'll be quiet from now."

It wasn't even dark yet and Percy knew he had already ruined the evening with his repetitive comments about her appearance. He was beginning to regret ever proposing a meal together.

His penitent self-reflection was disrupted by the presence of an unexpected hand extended across the table. Returning his attention, he was startled to witness Rhajat's solemn demeanour.

She shook her head. "Please don't…" she whispered, "I didn't mean that."

Hesitantly, Percy gently placed his hands upon hers. A small, apologetic smile appeared – one that he offered in return.

"I apologise for my behaviour" she whispered sorrowfully after retracting her hand, "I haven't been fair to you at all. I'm…I feel agitated. All of this is a step outside of my comfort zone."

"I understand" reassured Percy, sheepishly. "I'm…a little nervous as well. I've never done something like this either." He hesitated before reluctantly continuing. "I just…I though you should you know that I think you look really nice. I don't think you've ever looked more amazing than you do tonight."

Percy hoped very much he hadn't bothered her by repeating himself. To his relief, her cheeks began to erupt with passion as well.

"Thank you", she whispered. "You don't know how relieving it is to hear you say that." She closed her eyes. "It was a long…and exhausting process creating this outfit, and to hear your consensus is…"

Percy stared uncertainly. "Why? Why was it a process? What do you mean?"

Rhajat sighed with exhaustion. "…You and I both know my usual attire would not be appropriate for this sort of evening. So, for the very first time in my life, I accompanied my mother into town to purchase new clothing." She smiled weakly. "I tried to explain I didn't desire anything…excessive or out of our budget…but my mother stubbornly refused, explaining that due to the circumstance, nothing was out of the budget."

Curious and attentive, Percy inquired further. "Couldn't you have just - I don't know? – borrowed some of your Mum's clothes?"

"Did you not see my mother? She and I are of completely different size ranges. She insisted that I deserved to look my best. I tried to explain that 'looking my best' wasn't enough – that how presentable I believed wasn't important." She addressed him the eyes. "Your approval was going to be pivotal."

"You…you didn't think I'd like it?"

Rhajat caressed the bangle around her wrist uncomfortably. "I was prepared for any reaction…but deep down I knew you'd be content with however my appearance may have been." She hesitated. "But I wasn't going to accept that. I didn't want to wear something you were going to just be content with. I…I wanted to impress you."

With an accelerated heartbeat, Percy smiled with disillusion "You did? Really?"

She confirmed with a nod.

"Why?"

Rhajat scoffed half-heatedly. "I wish I could hold my inner competitive perfectionist accountable for my pursuit, but that wasn't the case." She brought a hand to her chest. "…I wanted to prove to not only myself but you that I was…" she hesitated, "…that if I really summoned the drive, I too could appear…presentable."

The young woman averted her eyes. "I knew how important tonight was going to be for you - how important this occasion was- and the efforts I knew you would go to in order to make this night as exciting and memorable as possible. And if you were going to those lengths, than I would too."

Fidgeting with his hands, Percy smiled bashfully, totally unprepared and overwhelmed to have heard such a confession. "You didn't need to, really."

Rhajat shook her head. "No. But I wanted to."

With a hopeful grin, Percy reinforced his previous comments. "Well, consider this my signature of approval, because I think you look incredible."

After of moment of stillness, Rhajat returned the smile. "Thank you."

"Well, since you asked for my opinion on your outfit" he began bashfully, "would I be impolite in asking for yours on mine?" He stood from his seat for a better display. "I didn't go to quite the same lengths as you; these are just some of my old man's clothes from when he was 'round about my age. But I still wanna know if…"

"I think you look rather handsome."

Percy returned to his seat. "Really? Wow, that's a relief." He laughed nervously. "I was afraid you might've thought I looked cute or something; Mum certainly thought I did."

"I must confess", Rhajat smirked, "that little tie of yours is quite adorable." She extended a hand to readjust it, prompting Percy to recoil with embarrassment.

Rhajat expressed a sincere and passionate smile. "I appreciate the efforts you've gone to – for my sake."

Percy shrugged bashfully. "Yeah, same."

The young woman's sly smile returned. "How does it feel to wear something other than your little costume?"

Having come to know her quite well, Percy could instinctively predict when she wished to tease him. This time he countered with one of his own.

"I don't know. How does it feel to go outside for a change?"

As he expected, the pride evaporated from her face. Instead of an apology, Percy extended his tongue.

After a moment of silence, Rhajat scoffed softly before exhaling with defeat. "Touché."

Romantic meals and starlight strolls were activities Rhajat typically dismissed as trivial or childish – certainly not relationship activities she would have normally wished to engage in. But truth be told, she cherish every second. She didn't want the night to end.

Immense disappointment enveloped her when they finally arrived at her door-step. Judging by his despondent demeanour, he too was disheartened the evening had reached the end.

Rhajat bowed politely. "Thank you for everything. I've very much enjoyed myself tonight."

"Same."

After a moment of comfortable silence and exchanging sheepish gazes, Rhajat broke the stillness. "…Goodnight."

"Wait."

As her hand graced the doorknob, she hesitated upon hearing Percy's announcement.

The young man stirred uncomfortably. "Before you go inside, can I…may I ask you something?"

The desperation and urgency in his tone was alarming. Rhajat permitted his request with a nod.

Percy acknowledged appreciatively before biting his lip nervously. "Well, I…I'm not trying to tell you what to do, but I just want to remind you that I…I have been patient." He hesitated. "N-no, that's…not right. What I mean is: I know you've said before that you've wanted to wait for a special occasion – when you're ready, that is – and since tonight was…pretty special…I thought…"

He fell silent. "Never mind. I know what you're gonna say anyway."

Concerned as to what was causing him such uncertainty, Rhajat folded her arms. "Try me, then I'll provide a conclusive answer."

Rhajat hadn't meant to command him, but the intensifying glow on his cheeks emphasised how uncomfortable he was feeling. She waited expectantly for his response, observing as her typically charismatic boyfriend fidgeted with his hands frantically.

After a moment of inactivity, Percy finally spoke. "May I…kiss you goodnight?"

His question wasn't completely unexpected; a part of her anticipated such a question considering the circumstance. Her suspicion, however, wasn't enough to prevent a rush of blood to migrate to her cheeks.

Rhajat stopped to process his question and explanation. He was right; she had established she only wished to properly embrace when she felt ready, and a part of her still didn't feel completely compelled. However, the dominating part of her being reflected on the wonderful experience he had blessed her with that evening. After everything he had done for her before and then, she believed he was entitled to fulfil his request.

Summoning the composure to appear collected, Rhajat acknowledged his request with a polite nod. "…You may."

Time won't leave me as I am / But time won't take the boy out of this man

Oh, you look so beautiful tonight