Chapter Text
The sun shined through his window, blazing a hopeful bright light into his face and awaking him up from his dreams and slumbers. He quietly stretched his arms out, letting out a big yawn as his back arched up to feel the warm breeze of the morning. He turned his head over to his bed counter and grabbed his rectangular block, clicking the screen on and seeing him and Leonard smiling back at him. He smiled with delight and noticed a message on his phone. It was from Leonard.
Leonard: Good Morning <3
Red looked at the message as butterflies ran through him and up to his heart.
Me: Good Morning (^//v\\^)
He replied back, once Leonard taught how to make little emojis, he couldn't stop sending them, His phone still amazes him even after so many months of using it. Of- course though, the times he can use it, is limited, as it must always ensure no one sees his phone. So, to avoid any problem, he always leaves it under his bed, specifically his cushioned pillow. Red got up and did his usual routine, having a shower, eating breakfast, brushing his teeth and getting dress. Usually in random order, and afterwards he waltzed out of his home to the sound of cheers and good mornings from other people.
Now every day, almost everyone says hi to Red. They smile and look so genuine that Red can't help but smile and wave back. For him, life had gotten so much better, he was finally being seen and he had the best people by his side, Chuck, Bomb, even Mighty Eagle maybe and of course Leonard, who although isn't literally by his side, is always there for him. Red walked throughout the village, stopping to smell the flowers, watch the kids play and run around and see everyone just be happy. For once he didn't mind seeing such happy folk and was actually happy himself.
Up ahead, by a familiar tree, stood both Bomb and Chuck who were merrily waiting for his arrival. Chuck waved passionately as Bomb waved back a simple wave, the smile on his face showing how happy he was to see Red. Red waved back and approached both men, a smile also on his face.
"Hey guys, how's things going?"
Red asked, placing his hands on his hips.
"Things have been going great! And I can sense that things will be even greater at this totally secret thing that we are taking you with us."
Chuck announced, surprisingly Red a bit as he stood back straight with his eyes raised.
"Oh what sort of thing do you have in mind?"
"Can't tell ya- Duh! It's a secret."
Chuck pointed out, crossing his arms and motioning his hand to zip his mouth and threw away an invisible key. Red let out a amused smile as he slowly got excited for his friends had in mind.
"Okay, well sounds exciting!"
Red exclaimed, as Bomb and Chuck both looked at each other, smiling from ear to ear. Chuck wrapped an arm around Red with Bomb doing the same.
"I promise you- you will love it!"
Chuck prospered as they all went on, guiding Red somewhere mysterious. It was a bit of a walk, each step they took, the more, Red got excited and impatient. But still he stayed calm and just waited, imagining all the different things they might have in plan for him. Suddenly Chuck and Bomb stop in place, making Red stop as well.
"Okay, we are almost there- but you have to close your eyes! Wait... we'll cover them and we'll guide you."
Chuck exclaimed again with Red becoming even more suspicious and curious.
"Ookkaaay."
Red waited as both Bomb and Chuck covered his eyes and walked him slowly forwards, turning him left then right, then another right, then left and another right until eventually they stopped. Slowly moving their hands away, Red opened up his eyes and slowly adjusted to the light before seeing what stood right in front of him.
"Speed Dating?"
Red couldn't help but let out a chuckle.
"Ooh haha guys, you two are so hilarious, what is actually the surprise?"
Chuck and Bomb just continued to smile at him, obviously more excited than he was.
"This is the surprise! We all are going find our one true love- or maybe more, you could have multiple true loves."
Chuck pointed out with Bomb nodding along. Red slowly realised that they were being serious and looked back at the speed dating sign. This wasn't at all what he had expected.
"Oooh, well thank you- though for the offer- but I think I will probably.."-
"You can't leave now!"
Chuck argued, holding onto Reds arm, softly but enough to ensure red doesnt leave. His face turning into a sad, helpless little puppy, making Red feel bad as he sighed.
"Aalright, fine I'll come with you guys- but only because you are my closest friends! And not because I want to find someone."
Chuck gave him a big hug, thank you him profusely as he trotted over to the entrance,
holding Reds hand in his.
"It'll be fun, you could make some new friends, if not lovers."
Bomb added, walking beside Red and slightly calming him down. They all entered through the large wooden doors and saw the amount of people standing around, already talking to each other. Red gulped a big one, never being in such a crowded area like this before in a long time. Chuck and Bomb though stood right beside him in support as they looked around as well.
"Okay! Love birds."
A women spoke up, using her loudest voice.
"For todays romantic adventure, we have four rows of tables where you may find your one true love."
All three looked down to where the lady gestured and did see four rows of tables.
"When you hear this sound."
The lady continuing, moving her hands to her mouth and making a loud whistling sound.
"That will be your queue to move to the next table."
Everyone started walking over to different tables, quickly stirring up conversation. Chuck quickly pushed Red forward, racing over to a random table with Bomb doing to same. Red looked around and hesitated. He was already with someone, Leonard. How would he feel if Red participated in this? Red stepped back, worried when suddenly a hand fell onto his shoulder. It was comforting and gentle, first thought that came to his mind was Leonard but when he turned around to see how it was, he was surprised to see someone else. Until he realised Leonard would definitely not come here at this time and with this many people.