Narico was sweating. This was probably the biggest moment of his life. And he was terrified as he looked in the mirror. "Fang?"
"Yeah?" Fang asked. "What's up Narico?"
Narico gulped. "Have you...ever gone out with a girl?"
"Not really, but I know what it means to get close to a girl." Fang said as he scratched his chin. "Why?"
"I...have a date." Narico said nervously. "And it's my first one."
Fang grinned as he patted his adopted little brother on the back! "Looks like you're growing up to match your body!"
"This isn't funny!" Narico panicked! "I've never been in love before, and now I am! What do I do?! Where should our first date be?!" Narico gripped his head as he fell on his back. "AGH!" Narico let out a sigh. "You think any of the other guys can give me some pointers?"
Fang nodded. "I'll call up Burst, Inferno, Steel, Ty, Akage, Ice, and North." Fang called up the guys, and they soon gathered around Narico.
"Well, we've got some advice that never fails." Burst said with a smile.
Narico buzzed his wings happily! "Great! What is it?"
"JUST BE YOU." The guys all said at once.
Narico blinked. And he immediately facepalmed. "Why didn't I just think of that sooner?!" Narico then shrugged. "Well, I might as well see if Abyss is free tonight." Narico walked over to the house Abyss was renting, and knocked on the door. "Uh, hi Abyss!"
"Such a pleasure to see you again Narico." Abyss said with a smile. "So? Care to finally take me up on my offer?"
Narico nodded. "Y-Yeah! See you tonight!"
"Oh, and Narico?"
Narico gulped. "Yes?" He then blushed when Abyss kissed him on the forehead!
"You're cute when you're nervous." Abyss said with a giggle before heading back inside.
Narico clutched his chest! His heart was racing! Not even when he ran away from the hive had it been beating this fast! "No one told me true love was so scary!" Narico said as he tried to calm himself. "Okay. Deep breaths Narico. Phase 1 is complete. Now for Phase 2. Actually showing up for the date." Narico returned home, and tried to stay in a calm state of mind. It didn't last.
"Oh man." Fang said as he watched Narico pacing back and forth in the kitchen. "There's gotta be some way to snap him out of it."
Aria put down her water. "Give me a sec." Aria walked up to Narico, and lightly bonked Narico on the head. "Two words. Calm. Down."
"Sorry." Narico said with a nod. "This is the first time I've ever felt in love. And I feel like the whole world's made of glass!"
Aria sighed. "Listen Narico. I'm no expert in relationships. But in the countless years I've been alive, I know this. When love's real, it's everything at once. Scary. Happy. Nervous. Confused. And it's never easy." Aria then gave Narico a small smile. "But that means it's worth holding on to." Aria then shook her head. "Wow. Never thought I'd hear those words coming out of my mouth." She then looked to Fang, and her smile returned. "But I guess a lot of unexpected things have happened in my life."
"Thanks. I think I needed that." Narico said with a sigh of relief. He then looked at the time. "Well, here goes nothing!" And with that, Narico headed to Abyss's house and knocked on the door. "Hope I'm not too early."
Abyss smirked. "You certainly look more composed. However, I wouldn't mind you falling apart in my arms." Abyss said with a wink as she led Narico inside. "So how did you come to live here anyway?"
"Well, it's a bit of a long story." Narico said with a chuckle. "It all started when I ran away from the hive..." And with that, Narico recounted the events that had led him to his new home, and new family. As well as all the events that had transpired since his arrival. "So, yeah. Life's been anything but dull so far."
Abyss smiled. "Hearing all of that kind of makes you appreciate moments to slow down, doesn't it?"
"Moments...like this." Narico said as he put his hand over Abyss's. "You know, I never thought I'd know what love is."
Abyss smiled as she took hold of Narico's hand. "I'd say you do now." Abyss then leaned leaned over the table. "Time to show you what I've learned as well...." Abyss then pulled Narico into a kiss. It felt like an hour passed, but only a moment had gone by. "Always make sure to surprise your love with a kiss."
"....I think I'll pass on dessert." Narico said with a smile. Abyss just giggled as they resumed dining. "Thanks for tonight. It was pretty sweet."
Abyss smiled. "Much like you are." Abyss then kissed Narico again. "I'll be dreaming about you. I know it."
"Me too." Narico said with a blush as he returned home. Smiling as he slept. Both he and Abyss dreaming of each other.