Black boots delicately stepped across the dew-covered grass as hazel eyes fixed on the world around them. Delicate black hair clung to soft cheeks as a silken purple bow bounced against it, and a gentle smile graced lips as the dark as the night. The young woman’s shoulders were tense, with growing nerves ebbing away at her, but her newfound euphoria could not be broken by anxieties, no matter how great. Her hands were folded before her as she stepped to the tavern door, and she thought about knocking before realizing how silly that was. A hint of embarrassment colored her cheeks, but she shook it away before reaching out with her hand, and gently pushing the door open.

Her eyes drifted to the familiar corner, and her heart began to race, but an unusual sight gave her pause. No brooders lingered in the darkness, despite the lateness of the day. They were instead gathered at a large round table, with a familiar face leaning over it, wearing a frown that was in no way practiced, but very, very threatening.

“Alright,” Garson stated as he slowly straightened himself, “So when he comes back, what are we all going to do?”

“Apologize...” the other brooders mumbled, and the young woman’s smile grew.

“And what are we going to say?” he folded his arms.

“We’re sorry for being assholes,” the brooders grumbled.

“And what else?”

“Black Rose Eleven is a wonderful, scary, broody name, and we are all very jealous,” the brooders answered.

“Good,” Garson smiled, placing his hands on his hips, “Now, remember that when he gets here, alright?” he pressed, but a delicate tap on his shoulder caught his attention, “Hmm?” he turned, and the young woman gave a small wave, “Oh, hello. I’ll be with you in just a second miss,” he turned back to the brooders, now then- wait, Wen- Black Rose Eleven?!” he nearly chirped as his eyes flew back to her, “I- You-”

“We’re sorry for being assholes. Black Rose Eleven is a wonderful, scary, broody name, and we are all very jealous,” the brooders all announced, and the young woman couldn’t help the slight laugh that escaped her lips.

“Thank you, all of you,” she smiled softly, bowing her head, “But thank you especially,” she looked to Garson, “You didn’t have to do this.”

“I- well... I wanted to,” he huffed, puffing out his chest a bit to appear more manly, “And you... you... you look really good. Did you do something with your hair?”

“I... cleaned it up a bit,” she gave an awkward smile as she fidgeted with her purple ribbon, “I... hatched,” her smile grew as she gestured to her elegant dress, and Garson gawked a bit as color rose in his cheeks.

“I- I see that,” he gulped slightly, “So er... should I still call you Black Rose Eleven? Or... Wend-”

“Wendy is fine,” she cut him off with a crooked grin, “Or... or just Rose.”

“I-... I like that,” he nodded, “Rose then. Right. I can do that.”

“Are... you alright?” she pressed.

“Oh me? Yeah, of course!” Garson waved her off, “Just- I err, well, I figured out I was a bit gay yesterday. Now I’m finding I’m bisexual? Er- I mean-!” he waved his hands in a panic as a blush took over Rose’s cheeks, “Do you- I-”

Garson’s panic was cut short as black lips crashed into his, and his eyes widened with his own blush growing. It was over before he’d had a chance to enjoy it, and the sheer shock of it left him stunned for a moment as he started to sway.

“I- W-wow...” he breathed, a wide grin finding his lips, “I’ve never kissed a girl before.”

“I suppose we’ve got a lot of firsts today then, don’t we?” Rose smiled.

“Yeah...” the words left his lips as he shook his head clear, “So... er... what now then?”

“Well...” she gently scratched her cheek, “there’s a lovely bakery in town... I heard their double chocolate cake is really popular with the ladies...”

“Oh! Right!” he grinned, taking her by the hand, “Off we go then! It’s a date!” he chimed excitedly, and Rose couldn’t help but laugh as the two set off, beginning the first days of their new lives together.