There was a first time for everything. He'd been careful as to how he would approach this subject. She knew his history. She knew what he was like. A rude awakening he had gotten this summer was something he realized he needed if he ever planned to talk to Linnea like he was about to now. If he was going to ask her out, he had to be all in. There were no takebacksies and having fun. Not with her. She meant that much to him to be serious and have her be the only girl he gave his attention and affection to. After witnessing firsthand the kind of disaster he could create with his reckless behavior, he knew he didn't want to ruin what the two of them had, even if they didn't work out like he'd hoped.
Quietly in his room he had stressed about this decision. The worst that could happen was she hated him for the rest of their lives. It churned his stomach to think of it. He had to be ready to make himself open to her. Gradually, over time, he would expose his weaknesses and share things about his life that he preferred to keep at home once he felt comfortable enough to do so.
His palms had been sweaty as the anticipation to ask her built up all day. Then came his Dueling class with her. The second he saw her, he suddenly forgot about his worries and fears. There she was, a shimmering glittering jewel. She was always so pretty. He noticed the care she had taken in her appearance and how her hair had been carefully styled.
Out of habit, he took his seat right beside her before class began. "Hey," he smiled at her with his crooked grin. There was a soft feminine smell in the air about her. Perfume? He'd never noticed it before. It smelled like berries or flowers. But he couldn't tell the difference. She smelled good though. "This friday, may I take you on a date after dinner? I can meet you at 7." Before he could stop himself, he found the words tumbling out of his mouth. The fell so naturally as if this was just another casual conversation with her.
Linnéa grounded him when he was near her. His nervousness had left him the moment he saw her. Kalevi was sure he had their friendship to thank for that. If she said no to his date, he would play it off and that would be it. The Krov wished silently that she would give him a chance at this.
