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Iro made his way up to her apartment, his heart pounding. On his way up, he was hyping himself up. You got this. She definitely will want to go on a date with you. He got in the elevator with the Jasmine flower in his hand. Don’t be nervous. It will all be okay. The elevator had stopped on the right floor and all he needed to do was get to her door. He took a deep breath, steadying himself, and walked out of the elevator. He was prepared for anything. Well, that’s what he thought. When the elevator opened, Nephthys and Bronzo were standing in front of the elevator. Surprised, Iro hid the flower immediately. Oh great. It’s the guy in the skirt.
“Hey, Iro!” said Neph. Her smile always lit up the room, and Iro found himself distracted. With her warm hazel eyes, shiny dark hair, and her staple purple lipstick, Nephthys was one of the most beautiful women Iro had ever met. It was hard to focus whenever she was around. She made him feel stupid, like a bumbling teenager all over again.
“H-hi Neph. And you too, Bronzo.” He nodded at the gray-haired man, avoiding eye contact. He tried to keep himself from blushing but he couldn’t help it. Bronzo saw his face redden, and he smirked. “Hey, man!” He said innocently, and Iro felt his heart sink. This bastard. “Looks like you’ve been out in the sun too long! You should really get some aloe on that,” Bronzo said cheerfully, but his eyes were mischievous. Oh, he knew precisely why Iro’s face was so red. Iro held back the urge to snap at him, but then he looked at Nephthys, and all his rage melted away, replaced by butterflies.
Iro was just embarrassed at this point.“Y-yeah! The sun can really get to me.” Aw, man. I hope Neph doesn’t notice. I will definitely get him for this later.
“Aww, I hope it doesn’t hurt! I would help but Bronzo came and asked me to come and check on Vee. She seems to be pretty sick.” Bronzo smirked. Iro took a large, internal sigh of relief.
“That’s right. Even though I’m not her biological father, I basically raised her for that one hour when she was small. I am obligated to keep her healthy.” Iro was barely listening because he could not hear over the deafening sound of his nervousness. He just could not comprehend the healer’s beauty. Neph looked at him with concern.
“Iro? Iro, are you alright?” He snapped back into reality.
“Yeah, I’m okay. I-I just wanted to ask you something.”
“What is it?” Iro had never experienced such stress in his life. “Would you, um… you know–” A man who usually had a world of words to say could not find any. He tried to mutter the words but he couldn’t seem to muster the strength. “Would you come by to check on my burns when you are done with Vee?” Iro really wanted to bang his head into a wall at that very moment. Nephthys gave him a kind smile.
“Oh! Of course! I won’t be too long, I promise! Just keep yourself in cool air until then.”
“Ok, thanks.” Iro smiled in the most awkward way possible and put his hand behind his head. Bronzo and Nephthys got into the elevator.
“See ya, Iro.” Yes, please leave.
“Bye, Iro! Be back soon!” No, please don’t leave!
“Bye, guys.” The elevator doors closed and they were gone. Iro could not help but be hard on himself. “Come on, Iro! Why does this have to be so hard for you? It’s just one question. Get it together.” He sighed. “Maybe I’ll never have a chance.” What he didn’t know was that a sparkly blue being had been right around the corner and heard the entire interaction. As Iro was walking down the hallway to his apartment, Cib appeared out of the darkness of the corner.
“Heya, Iro!”
“Ahhh!” Iro jumped at the blue-haired girl’s entrance. He fell right on his butt like a frightened child.
“Oh, sorry! Didn’t mean to scare you.” She totally did.
“Well, you did Cib. I don’t mean to be rude but I am heading to my place now. So, if you’ll excuse me.” Ciboulette could see his soul being crushed with the Jasmine in his hand. She could not bear to see someone so in love so defeated.
“What happened back there?” Iro was taken by surprise. “What are you talking about?” He hoped if he played dumb, Ciboulette would just let it go. He really should’ve known better.
“Ya know, with Neph. You should have just asked her out right there.”
“Um, I’m n-not sure what you are referring to.” His heart was beating super fast at this point. He felt as if he was being interrogated for crimes against the state.
“Don’t play dumb, Iro. It’s kinda obvious that you have a thing for Nephthys. And that flower was supposed to be for her.” Iro realized he couldn’t hide from her. “So, what happened to you?” She asked.
Iro sighed. “If you must know, I got nervous, especially with Bronzo there. I’ve never experienced anything like this before. I’m not sure what to do.” He held his head low. He felt like he had lost a part of himself.
“It’s called love, Iro, and I’m more than sure that she feels the same way. It’s what I feel for Ragan and I know it when I see it. The first step is to ask her on a date,” Ciboulette says confidently.
“But when am I going to have another opportunity? I might have lost my chance.”
Ciboulette could not believe she had to spell it out for him. This guy isn’t the brightest tool in the shed, is he? “Well, isn’t she coming over to check on your ‘burns’?”
“You really were eavesdropping, weren’t you?”
She chuckled. “Oh, Absolutely. I will help you out with everything else, all you have to do is ask her.” Iro thought for a moment. He definitely did not think he could do it on his own.
“Would you really help me? I’m sure you have something better to do, like hanging out with Ragan.”
“Ragan is out of town with Gyrus and Tori at a medieval fair. They’ll be gone for a few days. I have all the time in the world.”
“I guess if you are willing to help. I’m in.”
Cib’s face lit up with excitement. “Yay! Let’s get to your apartment and work out the details before she gets back.” They headed into the apartment to sort everything out.
“Okay, do you think this looks good?” Iro stepped out in a brand-new tuxedo.
Ciboulette was stunned by how such a weird manchild could go to looking like a sophisticated adult. “You look amazing! If I weren’t happily in a relationship and gay, I would snatch you up right now.”
“Thank you… I think.” Now I’m scared.
“You're welcome. Now, just remember. All you have to do is ask her. I will make sure the rest of the night goes well.” Iro rolled his eyes a bit. Easier said than done.
There was a knock at the door. “She’s here!” Cib looked him in the eyes. “You got this.” She then proceeded to hide behind the couch. Iro made his way to the door. I got this. He opened the door to see Nephthys standing there. She looked even more beautiful the more he saw her.
“Hi, Iro-” She looked him up and down. “Wow! You look really good!” Feeling good about himself, he responded. “Well, thank you. You as well-”
Before he could finish his sentence, she butted in. “Your burns healed very quickly! I can’t believe you look this much better already!” Iro had a look of confusion. His ego could not have fallen any lower. Ciboulette smacked her hand to her forehead. Iro tried to get past the cute, oblivious comment.
“Y-yeah, they did. Wanna come in?” Waste of a good tux.
“Oh, sure!” She finally came out of the doorway and into the living room. Iro looked back at Cib with a worried face. She motioned to him with her hand telling him to ask. Once he looked away, she shook her head. I got to do everything for him. No way he has been living on his own for this long. “Hey, Neph?” He finally asked.
“What do you need, Iro?” Iro took a big breath and went for it. “Would you, maybe, um, wanna go on a date with me?” He looked at her with a smile. She stood there staring at him for a few moments. Iro and Cib were worried by this. Oh crap. I messed up, didn’t I? Iro had never been more afraid in his life.
Suddenly, Nephthys perked up with a big smile. “I would love to! I thought you’d never ask!” Iro was so relieved.
“O-okay! How about we have dinner tonight? How’s eight?”
“Sounds amazing!”
“Cool! I will come to pick you up then!”
Nephthys smiled brightly. “Love it! See you then.” On her way out, Nephthys blew Iro a kiss. When the door shut, Iro fell to the ground.
“Oh my gosh! Iro?? You good dude?” Ciboulette got her hand ready for a wake-up slap but lucky for Iro, he opened his eyes.
“Yeah, I’m alright. Just stunned.”
Dang it! I really did want to slap him. Maybe his brain would finally work. “I told you it would work! Now, do not worry. I will go over things to talk about on your date.”
“What if I forget?”
“Ah! I have a solution for that.” Ciboulette took out two earpieces from her pocket. “I will give you pointers through these.” Iro was confused as to why she just had them in her pocket, but he did not care for the answer at the moment.
“Are you sure this is going to work?”
“No, not really. But we can certainly hope for the best!” Ciboulette gave him a thumbs up and a smile with her response. Iro was unhappy with that answer but did not have much of a choice at this point.
Iro and Nephthys made it to the restaurant, which happened to be owned by their good friend, Olimedes. Iro tried to whisper when talking into the earpiece. “You didn’t tell me we were going to Oli’s restaurant! I was hoping there wouldn’t be anyone that I know.”
“Get over it! I needed somewhere to blend in and Oli makes the best food!”
Ciboulette might have been thinking primarily of herself in terms of food. “Fine, but nobody I know better come over.” Cib mocked him quietly so that he couldn’t hear her.
Nephthys looked over. “Who are you talking to, Iro?”
Iro had to think quickly. “Oh, just to myself. Hoping no one interrupts our evening.”
Neph smiled at him. “Me too!” Iro took a breath of relief.
“That was a close one,” said Ciboulette. The two made it to their table and sat down. The waiter came over to them.
“Welcome to Oli’s. Can I get you a drink to start you off?”
Ciboulette came in on the earpiece. “Order her drink, it seems chivalrous.” Iro imagined himself as a knight riding in to save his queen. He shook off the fantastic thought.
“Um, we’ll both have water.” Basic enough, right? Everyone likes water.
“Aw, I’m glad you know what I like!” That made Iro blush a bit. He took a little victory lap on the inside.
“I will be right back with those.” The waiter walked off.
“S-so, Neph. What’s your favorite thing to get here?” Ciboulette heard his question and made a face. Really? That’s the best he’s got? We are going to need a miracle for this to work.
“I absolutely love the Chicken Parmesan! How about you?”
“I’ve only been here once before, so I’m not really sure.” Nephthys was shocked.
“What!?” She exclaims, her hazel eyes wide. “ You need to come more often. You know Oli makes the best food in town.” Iro wasn’t sure what to say to that. Iro heard Cib sigh into the earpiece.
“Just tell her you cook a lot. Women like a man that can cook.”
“Jokes on you, I already do that.” Cib looked at him up and down. Doubtful.
Nephthys heard him whispering, again. “What was that, Iro?”
“Oh, um, I was just saying that I cook instead of going out most of the time.” I gotta work on my whispering skills.
“Wow! I didn’t know that about you. Cooking is a really useful skill to have, and most women love a man who can cook.” She winked at him.
Ciboulette whispered, “See? Told ya.”
Iro didn’t know how he could control himself after that. His face was super red.
“Are you okay, Iro? Your face looks really red.” “U-um, I just need to go to the restroom and freshen up. I’ll be right back.” Iro was about to pass out from Nephthys’ beauty and attitude.
“OK! Don’t be too long! I’ll be waiting.” Iro got into the bathroom and slumped in front of the mirror.
“Phew, that was close. I just can’t keep myself together when I’m around her.” As he was slumped over the sink, his earpiece fell off his ear and into the drain. “Nooo!” He tried to retrieve but it was too far gone. “What am I gonna do now?” Iro decided to leave the restroom and as soon as he opened the door, something hit his face. “Oww! What was that?” He looked down to see a dinner roll at his feet.
He heard a whisper. “Iro, get your butt over here!” He looked up to see Ciboulette hiding in a plant.
“What the hell are you doing inside a plant??” “You didn’t answer me while you were in the bathroom. I was trying to get a read on your situation.”
“About the earpiece…” He told her how it fell down the sink.
“Dang, that was twenty bucks!” She sighed. “You are just going to have to get through the rest on your own.” And he is definitely paying me back.
“But how? I almost crumbled when she only winked at me! How am I supposed to get through an entire date by myself?”
“Like a normal person would, Iro. You just have to control yourself.” Iro didn’t know whether to be hurt by the comment or to be accepting of its truth.
“I feel like I should take offense to that, but I can’t argue with it. I guess I’ll try.” “You got this! Just believe in yourself. I will still be over at my table if you need anything.” Iro walked over to the table and took a deep breath. Cib watched as he walked towards the table. With a smile on her face, she said “Well, this will be a disaster.”
“Feeling better, Iro?” Neph looked as if she genuinely cared for Iro. He had to control himself and make sure he did not say anything absurd.
“Yes, Neph. I am.” There was a moment of silence until Iro spoke up. “So, what got you into medicine, Neph?”
“Oh! I’m so glad you asked! My mother was a doctor, and I wanted to follow in her footsteps. Not many people ask me why I help people.”
“Well I, for one, would love to know everything about you.” This time, Nephthys was the one who was blushing. The rest of the night went surprisingly well for Iro. Ciboulette could do nothing but be proud of him. She definitely did not think he could do it, but she was proud nonetheless.
Later, Iro and Nephthys were walking to her apartment. “Well, Iro, this is me. I had an amazing time tonight.”
“Me as well. To be honest, I was kinda nervous at first.” Nephthys just laughed. “What’s so funny?” Iro asked. Is my struggle funny to her? What if she thinks I’m pathetic? Iro was getting into his head until Nephthys finally said something.
“I knew you were nervous. I also know that you never had burns in the first place.” Iro was taken aback. “Wh-what are you talking about, ha?”
“Oh, sweetie. It’s ok. I knew about Cib as well. I came back to your apartment on purpose.” This was a complete shock to Iro. Iro really thought he was the one with the upper hand.
“So, why did you return if you knew I didn’t have burns?” Nephthys chuckled and put her hands on his shoulders.
“Aww, you can be so oblivious sometimes, hun. It’s so cute. I came so you would ask me on a date and so I could do this at the end of it.”
Nephthys then put her lips up against Iro’s and gave him the most passionate kiss. “Wasn’t that worth it?” Iro was speechless and also blushing the most he ever had. That was worth the world. Nephthys opened the door to her apartment. “Can’t wait for next time! And Iro?”
Still without words, he responded. “Y-yeah?”
“You did look really hot in that tux. Maybe I can take it off for you sometime.” With another wink, she closed the door. Iro was still frozen outside her door. Ciboulette, being the eavesdropper she is, heard and saw everything. She was in awe of what she had just witnessed. Well, I didn’t know Neph had game like that. Get it, I guess.
She snapped her fingers right in front of Iro. “What? Oh, hey Cib.”
“Uh, I see that apparently, you did not need my help at all.”
“I didn’t expect it to go as well either. And best of all, there is a next time!” He was running a million miles an hour inside. He had never felt so invigorated. Ciboulette laughed. “Even grown men can seem like children when it comes to love.” Even though this one seems like a child most of the time, ha.
“Thanks for all your help, Cib. I really could not have gotten there without you.”
“That’s what a wingman is for. Now let’s go back to your place and celebrate!” The two went to Iro’s apartment with a sense of success. Iro could not believe how lucky he was to have been blessed by Nephthys. He didn’t know that Nephthys was thinking the same thing about him. And Ciboulette just wanted something alcoholic to drink. She deserved it.