Archive of Our Own

“Taranza! Over here!”

Taranza lifted his gaze away from his supplies and to his surroundings. Merry Magoland was not only a large location, but it was almost always crowded. The entry road was worse, seeing as it was the one way to both enter and exit the theme park. Species alike darted around to different areas, and the Floralian had to keep his hands close to him in order to not bump into anyone. Especially not to drop the basket he was currently holding with two hands.

He squinted in front of him, barely being able to see the rest of the theme park from where he was. Taranza may have eight fully functional eyes, but that didn’t always help spot the center fountain, or the person he was looking for.

With a tilt of his head, his front facing eyes caught cream gloves waving above the crowd, and Taranza felt relief. A sign of who he was looking for? He straightened his posture, so that he could see better above the crowd. And lucky for him, the gloves were owned by the person he was looking for.

Magolor was near the main entrance path, right next to the archway and the flowering hedges on the other side of the fence. He continued waving to get Taranza’s attention, that or he was waving to the passing customers. Maybe a combination of both.

“Excuse me,” Taranza awkwardly said, pushing past a couple of ecstatic waddle dees who were darting past. They only gave him a glance as they ran past, and Taranza quickly floated his way over to Magolor, adjusting his scarf with two of his hands.

“Thank you for coming on such short notice!” Magolor tilted his head, the top hat in his manager attire following along. “I meant to ask about this days ago, it kept slipping my mind.”

Taranza shrugged in response, giving his friend a smile and gesturing towards the basket he held, which contained several shears. “It’s no problem, trimming hedges isn’t too complicated.”

Besides, his job was lenient with him leaving the premises. He could not show up for days and Dedede would just laugh it off and tell him to get back to work. Of course, he never did that, but he was still aware that he had a lot of freedom. It was so different compared to when he lived in Floralia, and worked under royalty there. 

He once thought that lack of strictness was a disrespect to kingdom culture… but he’s since mellowed out on that opinion.

“I would do it myself,” Magolor explained, leading Taranza away from the archway and along the yellow and white fence. “Or get one of the waddle dee’s to do it. But if someone shaves a wrong branch it’ll ruin the symmetry.”

Taranza turned his head slightly, putting his attention towards the bushes in question. He couldn’t help but smile seeing the small flowers finally beginning to bloom in them again; it was spring season, after all. However, he did notice that the bushes were getting particularly tall and fuzzy, losing the spherical shape that Taranza helped Magolor modify them into all that time ago. Magolor was right, the bushes did need to be trimmed. 

“Don’t worry about it Mags.” Taranza looked back over to the floating feline, two of his hands floating over to give him thumbs up. “I’ll treat them just fine.”

“Oh, I know you will!” Magolor laughed, turning his attention over to the railing that usually kept citizens from being able to get too close to the bushes. In the shrubs’ current state, several leaves and branches were beginning to find themselves above the rails. “Wouldn’t have called if I wasn’t completely confident.”

Taranza couldn’t help the snort of a laugh, one he quickly covered with a cough. Taranza knew his friend was only being honest. Didn’t mean he was used to getting compliments.

Yet another difference from Floralia to Dreamland, one he once disliked and was growing more accustomed to. Dreamland in general was way different compared to his old home. Even before Sectonia took over, Floalian royalty and customs were pretty traditional. 

Magolor opened the gate that blended in well with the gear themed fences, and allowed Taranza to float inside. Magolor followed after him, closing the gate behind them. 

Taranza placed the basket onto the ground, giving the bushes a look of love. It felt like only yesterday when the park had just opened, and he brought along seeds to help decorate the front. He had only just met Magolor at the time, and he thought it’d be a sweet gift for the starting off manager. 

A sweet gift that Magolor tried to reciprocate by making a mask of Sectonia, when she still called herself Princess Joronia.

Some gifts are better off not given. 

“Afternoon lovelies,” Taranza couldn’t help the baby voice, reaching forward and patting a couple bushes. The leaves brush between his fingers. “You’ve all grown so fast!”

Magolor cleared his throat, and Taranza’s back eyes looked over at him.

“While on the topic of the bushes, I’ve found a couple little bugs in the area too.” He explained, adjusting the bow on his neck. He had grabbed one of the shears that Taranza had brought, inspecting it with a finger. Taranza knew he cleaned them all before he got here.

“Oh! Those must be some regular honey bees.” Taranza said, turning his head completely to face his friend again. He knew these particular shrubs didn’t usually attract anything else.

“Yeah. Those.” Magolor waved his hand away from the shears, a bit of annoyance coming from his tone. “You know any way to keep them away? If they sting anyone that comes out of my paycheck.” 

“I wouldn’t recommend trying to scare them off.”

“At least a way to deter them?” Magolor asked.

Taranza shook his head. Almost like it was summoned, a small honeybee was found resting on one of the nearby blooming flowers. He only smiled as the bee flew off the flower, unbothered by the two.

“They’re just here to pollinate.” Taranza explained, grabbing the shears when Magolor handed them to him. He began inspecting the closest bush to him, seeing that all the leaves were still healthy. “They shouldn’t go out of their way to the citizens, especially since they’re making noise. Besides!” Taranza began to cut some small branches on the edge of the bush. “Keeping them around means the flowers will stay healthy and-”

Magolor waved Taranza’s explanation off with dismissal. “Yeah, I know.” He sighed, quickly hiding away that small bit of annoyance. “Thought it’d be worth asking.”

Taranza was a bit frustrated by his words being dismissed, and not being listened to… but he put it aside. 

“...If you want,” Taranza put the majority of his attention onto the bush he was working on. Several branches and leaves fell by him. “I can search around just to double check that no hives settled in the park?”

“That’d be fantastic.” Magolor answered.

Taranza hummed in acknowledgment, brushing some stray leaves off of his cape before he got back to work. He wasn’t exaggerating when he told Magolor that trimming the bushes wasn’t complicated. He was already almost done with one side.

“You could also make a couple signs to tell customers not to stray too far past the fence.” He added as he moved to the second side. “Wouldn’t hurt.”

“Maybe.” Magolor nodded. One glove rested on his chin, the eyes glowing underneath his hood in thought. “Wouldn’t cost too much. But I have a lot to do today…”

And while Taranza didn’t respond, mostly focusing on finishing trimming the bush down, his friend took the silence as an excuse to groan and complain. 

Magolor rested on the fence, one hand shielding him from the tips. “One of the rides shut down today that I have to get maintenance for, I need to file in the paperwork for Mr. Dooter’s upcoming performance. And I also promised Marx that I’d try making this Halcandran dish the Lor found in her archives tonight. We finally found some ingredients that work as substitutes, and he’s been annoying about reminding me.”

“Oh! Exciting!” Taranza perked up. One way to get his attention! “Are you going all out for it? I have some fancy candles in my room at the castle. Could set the mood with some appropriate lighting!”

Magolor shook his head with a laugh. “That’s okay.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah.” Magolor said, with a gesture of his hand. “You know Marx and I aren’t… like that.”

“True.” Taranza frowned. He didn’t know Marx as well as he knew Magolor, but they’ve definitely hung out before. And Taranza did know that the two’s relationship was a bit… different compared to other’s. Which wasn’t bad- Taranza wasn’t judging. Every relationship, romantic or otherwise, has its own perks. Magolor and Marx seemed happy being close and sometimes affectionate. They didn’t need any grand romantic gestures like some liked.

…Or looked at with adoration, in Taranza’s case.

“Well, if you ever one day want any advice in romance, I’m always here!” Taranza settled with, cutting a particularly large branch that left the bush spherical like it was supposed to be. He then moved to the second bush. “You know I love thinking about those things!”

Magolor responded with a “mhm”.

The two fell into silence, with Taranza tending to the shrubs while Magolor floated nearby. A couple citizens seemed to notice Magolor and some of them stopped to say hi or ask some questions, but they would continue on their way after Magolor would respond. Taranza couldn’t help but hum a simple tune as he made sure not to injure any branches he wasn’t cutting. 

Taranza’s back eyes caught Magolor’s ears twitching for a moment, which didn’t prepare him for the question the Halcandran-like figure soon asked.

“When was the last time you went out, by the way?”

Taranza stiffened, turning to face Magolor with a confused glance. He moved the shears away from the fourth bush he was beginning to work on, just so he didn’t unintentionally cut a flower stem. “...Are you asking me to hang out alone with you and Marx?”

Magolor laughed. “No no.” He moved himself to no longer be resting on the fence, instead grabbing the basket that Taranza had left on the grass. “While hanging out with you, Marx and the Lor Starcutter together seems… intriguing,” His eyes glinted in a way that didn’t speak completely genuine. “What I meant was… if you went out with anyone lately. You seem to enjoy those types of things.”

“Oh.” Taranza glanced up at the sky, taking a moment to think. “Not recently, no.” Taranza said, pushing a couple loose branches out of the way. “I don’t think I went on a proper date since before Sectonia’s death.”

The fact he was able to admit that without getting emotional spoke massive growth! Good job Taranza!

Magolor tilted his head. “I see.”

“Yeah, I used to go on a lot of dates.” Taranza laughed, turning his main eyes' attention back to the bush. “With a couple friends I knew back in Floralia. They were fun! Even if none of them went too far.”

They usually didn’t go too far because he was in love with his best friend. And no matter how hard Taranza tried to repress them, he couldn’t get over Joronia. Being a hopeless romantic made him stuck, he seeked out other options, imagined finding the one there, only to go home afterwards idolizing the story of a princess falling in love with a royal advisor’s son. After all, none of them felt like ‘the one’ more than she had.

Taranza smiled fondly at the memories. A part of his heart would always be towards his old friend, and he knew that.

Magolor hummed, adjusting his manager hat. He appeared to get an idea, because he started to smile with his eyes a lot more. “If you enjoy it so much, why not try it out again?”

Taranza’s smile faded away, and he finished trimming the bush he was on. “I don’t know…”

“Too soon?” Magolor asked.

“No, not that.” Taranza sighed. He straightened up, a couple leaves getting tangled in his hair. “It’s just…” He trailed off, fangs resting outside of his mouth. How could he word this? “I don’t know anyone that I would… consider?”

Magolor tilted his head.

Right, his friend wasn’t interested in romance himself. “Like- I don’t know…” He grew more awkward, all six of his hands trying to gesture to what he was thinking. “I don’t really know people outside of the Star Allies…”

Magolor gave Taranza a look that said he didn’t need to be told that. Ouch.

“And new people? Not my thing. You know that.” Taranza remembered just how shy he was when he first came to Dreamland, after the Dreamstalk incident. He barely talked to anyone. He still wasn’t too close to a majority of them. Star Allies like Gooey, Daroach and Susie were still enigmas to him. “I haven’t been… interested in anyone I’ve talked to. Nor has anyone been interested in me.”

“Knew you’d say that, that’s obvious,” Magolor snapped his fingers, practically grinning. Taranza couldn’t help but frown more. What was that supposed to mean?! “What about if someone set you up?”

“Set me up?” Taranza echoed.

“Yeah!” Magolor lightly slapped Taranza’s back, making Taranza almost trip over nothing. Wouldn’t be the first time he did that. “I’m gonna be transparent here, Taranza. You need to expand your social circle.”

“Thanks.” Taranza’s eyes narrowed, before spinning his head and pointing several accusatory fingers at Magolor. “Hey wait! Says the one who’s friends with a literal ship!”

“I’ll have you know that the Lor Starcutter is fantastic company.” Magolor argued, resting one hand on the fence railing again. “She tells great jokes.”

Taranza rolled his six eyes that had pupils. 

“And you said it yourself,” Magolor continued, using his own hand to lightly push the hands that were still pointing at him. “You enjoy that sappy lame stuff, and you had fun doing it. I know a lot of people- lots of friends. I could help set you up to get you started! What’s it called-” Magolor snapped his fingers again. “Like a blind date!”

“I-I don’t know.” Taranza found his back eyes staring at the ground. A blind date? With a stranger?! “I’d rather not go on a date with someone I don’t know the name of.” Taranza answered, now awkwardly playing with his hair, resulting in the leaves and branches falling out.

That probably wouldn’t be a good reintroduction to the dating game. All his previous dates were with people he at least met beforehand.

“Then I can surprise you with someone that you do know!” Magolor suggested, with one eyebrow raised.

“That…” Taranza couldn’t help himself from being a wiseacre. “That means it wouldn't be a blind date. If I knew them.”

“Nova-” Magolor’s eyes narrowed. “Half blind date, then?”

Taranza didn’t respond, instead looking down at the grass below them with the rest of his eyes. It was still littered with leaves and branches from when he was trimming down the shrubs. He would definitely help clean those up later. 

“Taranza.” Magolor said, which was enough to at least make two of Taranza’s eyes look back at him. “It’s a good idea, is it not? And I’d be further proven to be the bestest friend ever.”

“...”

“And it’d be fun?”

Taranza sighed in defeat. He was always easily convinced. “It sounds a little fun…”

Magolor continued staring at him.

“Fine.” Taranza rolled all of his eyes again, with a nervous laugh. “I’ll let you assist me in this… half blind date thing.”

“Amazing answer!” Magolor clapped his hands together. “It will be fun! I promise you!”

Taranza’s forehead eyes looked down at the ground again, seeing that he had dropped his shears at some point in the conversation. Picking them up again, he let himself smile.

The more he thought about it, the more Magolor’s idea didn’t sound half bad. If it was someone he at least met before… he wouldn’t be as awkward! And as he thought about it more, he did miss going out on dates, dressing up all fancy and being chivalrous and romantic. It would be fun! Shoot, now he was getting a little excited at the idea.

“Thanks, Magolor.” Taranza laughed. “If I don’t freak out then I’ll applaud you.”

“Pff, I know what I’m doing.” Magolor scoffed, resting a hand on the top hat he wore. He was ignoring the fact that when it came to his own life, romance was irrelevant.

How humorful.

Magolor blinked a couple times, pointing directly at the shrub behind Taranza. “Could you be so generous to trim the bushes again?” He asked, despite being the one who started the conversation to begin with.

Taranza gave a quick glance to the bushes with the eyes on the back of his head.

“Right.” Taranza answered anyway.

✥✥✥

Taranza took a deep breath as he felt a couple waddle dees spare him a glance.

With an awkward wave, he floated past them, a bouquet of peach-colored flowers held close to his chest. He turned his attention to the town surrounding him. Popstar was full of many towns for its citizens to live in harmony, but when it came to towns that Taranza had visited that weren’t a part of Floralia, the one in Dreamland had been the only one. Admittedly, Taranza should leave Dreamland to visit some of Popstar’s other countries and towns. He’s heard that the Reef Resort was a fantastic vacation area for tourists. 

But Dreamland’s town was still remarkable in its own ways. Houses and other buildings stretched along the roads, from as far as Taranza’s main eyes could see to as far as his back eyes could see behind him. They were compact in a way that made everything feel close together compared to the spinning roads in Floralia’s upper class areas. The pathways were made of simple decorative stone, with grass poking through it. In any other location, it’d speak of age, and yet here? The grass seemed welcome, like they were friends with the cracked stone paths. Shop stands and working citizens filtered in and out of the town, with one of the Star Allies’ Dream Palaces near to end.

The gardening nursery and shop that Taranza found himself flying past had always been his favorite, it was usually the place he got his supplies. He considered himself on good terms with the waddle dee that worked there; the waddle dee most likely respected him from a customer standpoint.

It wasn’t long for Taranza to make it to the area he and Magolor agreed would be a good spot for his “half blind date”. A small cafe perched in a corner of town, near the edge of a cliffside that had a beautiful view of Green Gardens. A couple tables sat outside, and from what Taranza could see, it wasn’t crowded today!

However, based on how… casual those cafe customers looked?

Taranza was beginning to feel a little overdressed.

Taranza stopped himself a good trot away from the cafe entrance, feeling a sting of embarrassment that could almost be mistaken for a bee sting. On all the other dates he’s been on before, they always took place in fancier locations. Restaurants in Lollipop Land that you would have to schedule months in advance, and not everyone of the sky could afford. And even during the dates where he didn’t go somewhere to eat, the locations were for royal ceremonies. Ones that had strict dress codes and rules. 

But that was in Floralia, and this was Dreamland. And while he didn’t mind going somewhere simpler, he dressed up with what he was used to in mind. A fitting suit with a cloak pretty similar to the one he always wore, with a tie and everything. And while he didn’t do anything different with his silver hair, he had taken the time to prevent any frizz.

Combined with the bouquet of flowers he was holding with two hands, he looked way out of his element. 

Perhaps he shouldn’t have brought the flowers. Or gone all out. For all he knew, his date might get the wrong idea and think that he was already head over heels. Maybe they’ll somehow think he was a creep? Or perhaps…

No. Taranza wasn’t going to get anywhere if he worried about his previous choices. It wasn’t like he could race back to Castle Dedede, make it to the room the king had given him, change into something more casual and then make it back here before his date noticed. As tempting as that idea was…

…

Maybe he could race back home. It sounded better than waiting here. 

When his back eyes noticed more citizens sparing him a glance, he decided not to make a scene. More than he already was, anyways. 

Taking a deep breath, he floated towards the cafe’s entrance, and pushed open the doors. 

A small bell dinged as Taranza took a quick look around. Magolor had told him that he would quote on quote, “know who your date is immediately”. Given that the requirement was he had to have met them before, that statement made sense.

The cafe wasn’t too large, with maybe ten tables max. A counter and kitchen was also easy to see, with two or three baristas there. The sounds of brewing coffee beans and conversations filled the air, but none of the chatting individuals looked familiar to Taranza. Which meant that he had arrived before his half blind date.

Should he go back outside, then? Would that be more polite?

“Welcome in!” Taranza looked down to see a Cappy waiter approaching him. There goes the idea of going back outside. “Feel free to choose any seat! We’ll help you shortly!”

“Thank you!” Taranza nodded, moving his bouquet closer to him. Should he tell them that he was expecting someone? No, if he chose a seat then his date could meet him there. 

After all, if Taranza’s met them before, then that means his date knows him too. Whether Magolor told them that they would be hanging out with him or not.

As the Cappy hopped along to the kitchen, Taranza took note of the tables he could choose from, while keeping the eyes on the back of his head focused on the doors. He decided to go near the end of the cafe, a table that was pretty close to a couple windows with the views of Green Gardens. It also was a ways away from the majority of the other customers, meaning that their conversations wouldn’t potentially drown out his half blind date. Whoever it was.

He sat down facing the doors, noticing the menu resting in the center. Two hands placed the bouquet of flowers on the table beside him, two went to grab the menu and the last two went to play with his hair.

While doing so, he kept the eyes on his forehead focused on the doors. He took note every time he heard the bell ring, which usually followed by more strangers entering or exiting the cafe. His two white eyes- his main eyes- observed the menu, finding a drink on the list that was familiar to him and he knew was appealing. The eyes on the back of his head watched the window outside.

He couldn’t help but wonder who exactly Magolor had contacted for this half blind date. While Magolor did know a good chunk of people, Taranza’s smaller social circle narrowed those choices down to people who just so happened to know Kirby. 

He doubted that it would be Kirby themself. Unless Kirby was under the impression that this was a friendship date. 

And Taranza also eliminated Kirby’s prince friend, Bandana Waddle Dee, Gooey, Adeleine, Ribbon, and Elfilin. They all didn’t seem like choices Magolor would pick.

He also doubted Dedede. Dedede was technically his boss now, and he’s taken by that knight of his. Kine was also married, right? Taranza didn’t know that one for sure. He hasn’t talked to the fish a lot.

Those eliminations didn’t really leave a lot of options.

Taranza heard a small hint of the cafe’s bell ringing once again, and the forehead eyes caught a sight of bright magenta. A figure just walked in, her blue eyes focused on a device she was holding right in front of her.

Taranza lifted his head, his main eyes trailing over to the woman. Dreamland customs have shown that people react better when Taranza uses his main eyes to give them attention, rather than any of the others.

And he definitely recognized this person.

Susie stayed by the cafe entrance, completely focused on the device she held by her face. She must have been talking to someone. Her usual straight hair was instead curled, a light pink beret on the top of her head with a golden heart clip on it. Red glasses rested on her face, she wore a simple turtleneck and skirt with it.

It was so… unlike what Taranza usually saw her in.

He didn’t know Susie that well- she always seemed busy with that company she owned. He usually saw her during Star Ally meetings or back when they were still dealing with those Jamba hearts. Those times, she always carried an aura of professionalism around her. Sure, she was nice and cheerful! But she talked like someone would with a coworker rather than a friend, and she always wore those suits. 

And now? She looked like anyone would in an area like this. Unlike a certain someone, who was still wearing a necktie.

Sure, he didn’t know Susie that well. But he had just assumed she always stayed professional. 

…And Taranza couldn’t help but admit to himself- she was pretty. Well- she was always pretty! Taranza always acknowledged someone’s beauty. But this look definitely proved she knew how to style herself.

“You’ll know who your date is immediately!”

Huh, Magolor really was right.

He wondered if he should catch Susie’s attention. What would he say? Asking if she was here for a date first seemed a bit weird. Could he perhaps ask her if Magolor told her anything? No. Maybe he could just say hi? Then ask what she was doing here? That seemed natural, on the chance she wasn’t his half blind date.

While thinking, Taranza almost didn’t notice that Susie was now looking right at him. It probably looked weird, maybe a little creepy, that he was just staring at her with half of his eyes now. 

Feeling his nerves running again, he gave a simple wave with one free hand.

Susie blinked her eyes a couple times, and she looked like she was saying something to her device again. She then put the device away, wasting no time in meeting Taranza at the table he had picked out. She walked until she stood right in front of the table.

“Good morning, Taranza!” Susie gave a small nod. “A pleasant surprise, seeing you here.”

“H-Hi!” Taranza choked out, his nerves making him forget what he was previously planning on saying. Curse shyness! 

“I was contacted by Magolor,” So she was getting straight to the point, then. “He was talking about something silly, something about a ‘half blind date’?”

“Half blind date, yeah.” Taranza nodded.

“And I’m assuming that’s…?”

“That’s me, yeah.” Taranza nodded again. 

“I can’t stay too long, apologies.” Susie said, her hands resting right in front of her in a calm and collected manner. “I have a business meeting in about two hours.”

“That’s okay!” Taranza reassured. “You… uh… You look nice…”

“Thank you… you too…”

After that, the two fell into an uncomfortable silence. Susie glanced around the cafe, and Taranza couldn’t help the nervous chuckle, messing with his necktie. He felt even more overdressed now that Susie was right next to him. She smelt like vanilla- perfume, maybe? At least he wasn't the only one who made themself look nice.

His four eyes darted around, and he remembered the thing he brought with him. “Oh!” Upon grabbing them, he held the bouquet of flowers in front of Susie. “I brought these for you.”

Susie blinked in surprise. After a few moments, she grabbed the flowers with her two hands, brushing against Taranza’s hands as he let go. Susie let one finger brush against some of the petals, and it appeared that she finally decided to sit down in the chair across from Taranza’s.

“Thank you.” Susie said, closing her eyes to mimic a smile. She placed the flowers on the table beside her, which happened to be across where Taranza had previously put them. 

“They’re peach roses…” Taranza awkwardly added. She probably could tell- roses were pretty recognizable. They symbolized gratitude. 

“Right.”

Another moment of silence. This one, however, was interrupted by the same Cappy waiter that Taranza saw when he first walked in. The Cappy hopped over with enthusiasm, and they either didn’t notice the awkwardness that Taranza was feeling, or they didn’t bother in pointing it out.

“Anything I can start the two of you off with?” The Cappy asked. 

“Just a plain black coffee for me, please.” Susie said with a gesture of her hand. She hadn’t even looked at the menu. 

“Of course!” The Cappy nodded, turning their attention to Taranza. “And you, sir?”

Taranza’s brain momentarily blanked. The eyes on his forehead took a quick glance at the menu. He was looking it over before, and he even had an idea of what he wanted. And yet, now, he only saw the first thing that was on the list of popular drinks, and saw nothing else.

“I’ll have the Iced Hibiscus Tea.” Taranza said. 

The Cappy nodded again. “Very well! I’ll be back shortly!” 

Taranza watched the Cappy walk away, frowning. Well, guess he had to live with the choice he made.

“You like tea?”

Taranza turned his head back to Susie, who showed nothing but friendliness.

“Oh, yeah.” Taranza said, nervously laughing. He thought at least knowing someone would mean he wouldn’t be nervous. That was a stupid assumption. “I usually prefer hot tea… but it wouldn’t hurt to try something new?”

“I suppose not.” Susie said. She moved her hands onto the table, resting them right in front of her. Even with her casual attire, she still held that aura of professionalism. “The Iced Hibiscus tea isn’t too bad, it’s just very sweet here. That can put off some people.”

“Oh… you’ve been here before?”

“No.” Susie shook her head. “But I’ve had some assistants bring me drinks from here. Usually coffee, but like you said,” she gave Taranza a smile. “It doesn’t hurt to try something new.”

Taranza blinked his eyes a couple times, before smiling back.

“Tell me a bit about yourself!” Susie rested her head on one hand. “We haven’t talked that much… what got you set up on this ‘half blind date’?”

She talked almost like she was interviewing him. All she needed was a notepad and pen, and it would be like he was offered a place under her company. Realistically, Taranza knew he wasn’t. He didn’t know a single thing about robotics, unless you counted the similarities electricity had to magic. Which Taranza didn’t. 

At the very least, Taranza’s nerves were finally beginning to calm down. Right, he came here to have fun. Dates were fun.

“Magolor said I needed to get out more.” Taranza started, twirling a bit of hair in his fingers. “And I like going out on dates. Usually with people I know a little better… but Magolor thought this would be a fun way to introduce myself back in.”

“I see!” Susie said. “So you’ve gone on dates before?”

“With friends here and there.” Taranza said. Usually they were friends he knew since childhood, like Joronia had been. Sometimes they were people around the castle his age that found interest in him. Either way, it was people he at least knew for a while before going on a date with them. “What about you?”

“Me?”

“Yeah… have you gone on any dates before?”

Susie seemed surprised at the question. But she shook her head. “Usually too busy for it. They seem… appealing, but I’ve never made the time.”

Never made the time? That statement stumped Taranza. It was one thing to say you didn’t find any interest in people you’ve met. Or not having the time. But she didn’t say those. She said ‘never made the time’.

Maybe Taranza was reading too much into words.

“I do like romance as a genre.” Susie added on. “My favorite types of books to read have been romance books. And I have found interest in people before…” She shrugged. “But my dating experience isn’t much outside of that.”

Taranza sat up. “I also like the romance genre!”

Something in common! That was a great start!

Susie nodded in response. “It is a popular genre.”

“For good reason.” Companionship in all forms have always been important. Especially to Taranza. Which probably wasn’t a surprise to most people. 

“Correct answer!” Susie beamed.

“I haven’t been able to read any recently,” Taranza said, messing with his hands. “Been a bit too busy with gardening.”

“I get that.” Susie glanced away. “Being made the new president of a company has also made me behind on some of the books I’ve been looking at.”

Right, Haltmann Works Co. Taranza didn’t know much about the company, other than it was once a threat to Popstar and that it focused on robotics. Taranza had been around when that happened, but at the time he just stayed with King Dedede and let Kirby handle it. He wasn’t told the bigger details about that incident until after it was over, and when the Star Allies all gathered together for the first time.

Also, again, robotics had never been something Taranza knew much about. So that was also a reason why Taranza didn’t know much about the company.

“If you don’t mind me asking,” Taranza found himself saying before he could really think about it. “Why did you come today?”

He made sure to smile, showing Susie that he asked out of pure curiosity only. Who knows? Maybe she would answer with ‘decided to step out of my comfort zone’ or ‘I thought going out with you would be interesting!’

…

Snap out of the romantic idealization Taranza! The date just started! And so far, they had only one thing in common!

For all he knew this would be like the past ones, and wouldn’t lead to anything afterwards. Which was fine! He was doing this to have fun. To hang out with someone one on one. It didn’t need to lead to anything else. He grew to accept that, even if the romantic in him idolized those types of stories where the couple fell in love at first sight and clicked with each other easily.

“Lost a bet.”

Taranza was shoved out of his thoughts. “Huh?”

“I lost a bet to Magolor a while ago,” Susie explained, her eyes looking to the side. Almost like she was embarrassed to admit such a fact, without doing something less professional like blushing. “He said that I would owe him a favor due to losing. He called me yesterday to cash in, by coming here.” With a laugh, Susie added. “A weird favor to use, if I'm being honest. I wasn’t even told it’d be with you.”

Taranza found himself also laughing. “That’s completely in character for Magolor.”

The Cappy returned to the table, setting down two drinks. Susie’s was put in a mug with a drink that looked almost pitch black. Taranza’s, on the other hand, was in a glass with a given straw. The bright red iced tea inside was already making Taranza feel icky inside. It smelled sweet from here.

Susie grabbed her mug, giving a quick sip of coffee.

Taranza ignored his own drink. “You know Magolor well?”

“Yes. He’s a great second opinion when it comes to ancient technology.” Susie answered, placing her drink down. “I’d consider us friends. You?”

“I see him the same.” Taranza said. He wasn’t quite sure why Magolor hung out with him at first. Sure, Taranza had given him those bush seeds when they first met, but Magolor had been willing to hang out with him, even after he messed up! It was almost like Magolor knew him before they actually met. “He’s fun to talk to.”

Susie nodded in agreement. “He has a lot of interesting ideas. I find a lot of intrigue with the Ancient vacation ship he has. No one has ever been able to find one of those in decades.” Susie hummed to herself in thought. “I wish to learn more about that ship, but I’m choosing to respect Magolor’s privacy.”

Admittedly, Taranza doesn’t know much about the Ancients. They were never really brought up in Floralia.

But hearing the way Susie spoke about it, it wouldn’t hurt to learn. “You enjoy Ancient history?”

“My company was founded off of researching Ancient technology and building tech that surpasses it.” Susie explained. “So it comes with the job.”

“...But do you enjoy it?”

Susie looked at him for a moment. But she soon loosened up. “I like learning.” She later on answered. “I like technology. So I suppose that would mean I like learning about the ancients. Their technology has always been my priority, but their history is tied with it. History is fun to learn, so I guess I enjoy it.”

Taranza nodded along. “I don’t know much about them personally. Except for the magic and technology divide.”

Susie seemed to brighten up at that topic. “You’re a magician- aren’t you?”

“I… suppose so.” Taranza looked at one of his hands. He knew magic, he studied it. Guess that made him one.

“I don’t know a lot about magic,” Susie admitted, taking another sip of her coffee. “But I find it interesting how connected it and technology are in their history. Without magic we’d have never made the developments in tech we have.” Susie brought up her hands. “After all, it was finding a being with magic that made the ancients discover portal magic!”

A magic he knew- somewhat. His own ancestors were known for making dimension bound portal spells. The only experience he had with dimensional portals was with the Dimensional Mirror. 

Which was a sore subject even now.

“And yet, the ancients couldn’t decide which was superior.” Taranza joked, tilting his head to the side. 

“Exactly!” Susie said, before tensing up. She straightened up, like she was still in the workplace. “Apologies, I didn't mean to go on that tangent.”

Taranza momentarily panicked. “No- it’s okay!” He squeaked out. Maybe he said that a little louder than he intended- if the couple glancing customers said anything. “I like learning too.”

Susie stared at him. 

“And it’d be impolite to not let my half blind date talk about what she finds interesting.” Taranza grinned. He wasn’t sure when their conversation stopped sounding like an interview, and when Susie felt more like a welcoming presence rather than a professional. Maybe when he started asking his own questions, when they were both listening. All he knew was that this date was turning out more fun than he expected. “You can continue… if you want.”

Susie stared a little longer, before looking at the flowers sheepishly.

“Well.” Susie looked back at him with enthusiasm. “My company has been researching that new dimension Kirby found recently.”

“Yeah?” Taranza found one of his hands grabbing the glass cup he was given. Well, since he ordered it, may as well try it. He took a sip. He waited a few seconds as the taste savored in his mouth, before he took a longer drink. 

Very sweet. Like Susie had said… but he kind of liked it. Guess first impressions weren't everything.

“Yeah!” Susie continued as he enjoyed his drink. “The ancients there date back longer than any of the ancient inhabited planets dated except for Shiver Star!” She explained, resting on the table. She looked like she was enjoying this too. “And we have evidence showing that their capture of Fecto Elfilis led to the first ships to allow dimension travel!”

“For real?” Taranza asked.

“Indubitably!”

“Do you know what happened afterwards?”

“I can guess. The Dimension was abandoned, and they traveled elsewhere. That brought the divide between magic users and technology! Which then…”

✥✥✥

Taranza opened the door to the cafe, feeling a small breeze hit his face.

The eyes on the back of his head noted Susie behind him, so Taranza made sure to leave the cafe quickly. He left the door open for Susie to walk through, to be polite, of course. 

Susie moved to walk beside him once they were away from the cafe entrance, holding the bouquet of peach roses in one of her hands. The light from the sun reflected off of her glasses, making her eyes look almost reflective. 

“...and because of all that, that is why that entire generation of weapons have been lost to history!” Susie concluded, with a sigh of disappointment. “Really is a bummer, would have loved to gather some of them. At least blueprints.”

Taranza only smiled and listened on. He found that he was really enjoying Susie’s voice, with her passion and that small hint of professionalism that she was known for. 

The two of them didn’t know exactly where they would go after the time spent at the cafe, so Taranza found the two of them simply walking through town together. Just like Taranza did to get to the cafe in the first place. But this time, instead of focusing on his nerves or the people looking at him for his choice in outfits, Taranza only saw Susie’s blue eyes and how her hair moved with her gestures.

He could imagine doing walks like this regularly. Walks where he only watched and listened. Like he did with Joronia back in the day. With rose petals flying in the wind around them, perhaps…

…

Taranza saw Susie looking at him, and awkwardly cleared his throat.

What was with him right now?! He knew he often idolized romance, but…

“You said those weapons were destroyed for a reason, right?” Taranza carried on with Susie’s previous conversation, as a way to forget about his previous thoughts.

“Correct,” Susie said, still looking disappointed. “But even so, those weapons had the potential to be lethal with just a single fire! Would have loved to study them… or just have them.”

Taranza nodded. “Would be able to know more about that era of weapon development if you had examples. I get it.”

“Oh. That too.” Susie said. 

The two looked at each other, before they both laughed.

Taranza couldn’t judge. With the enemies they’ve had to fight while being Star Allies, it was important to have ways to protect yourself.

And when they knew people like Marx and Dark Meta Knight, who still cackled at the idea of being threats to anything. Even some Jambastion cult members. 

“But that’s enough about the joys and wonders of technology and robotic weapons.” Susie gave a little giggle just saying the words, which made Taranza feel a familiar flutter in his chest. Before he could think much about it, it was gone. “What about you?”

Susie stared at him with expectation, almost as if Taranza was suddenly being quizzed. While her voice still held an inch of that familiar etiquette, her eyes showed nothing but friendliness and intrigue. Maybe a third thing too, but Taranza wasn’t sure. 

“...What about me?” Taranza asked, resting his hands in front of him.

“I’ve talked about my passions! But I assume you’re different than I.” Susie explained. “Is it just magic you enjoy? What does the Taranza find so interesting?”

Taranza let out a snort fueled laugh that he covered with two hands. Susie didn’t seem to mind his laugh. 

“Well, since you inquired,” Taranza grinned, one of his hands resting near his neck tie. “I have studied lots of dark magic in recent years. It became useful when I was serving under Queen Sectonia.”

“Right. Makes sense.” Susie looked away. Taranza knew she knew to an extent about what happened with Sectonia. Just like Taranza knew bits about Susie’s father. 

“I also find interest in romance, obviously,” Taranza gestured to the fact they were literally on a date. “But recently? I’ve been really getting into gardening.”

“You mentioned that earlier. Explains the flowers.” 

Taranza found his face heating up being reminded. “T-That was to be nice! And maybe romantic!”

Susie laughed. “It’s okay!” She looked at said bouquet in her hands. “It was very sweet of you. And romantic.”

Taranza found two of his hands going to play with his hair.

At least she didn’t think it was weird.

“...After everything that happened in Floralia, gardening started as just a form of therapy.” Taranza explained. He wasn’t sure if Susie wanted a more fact-based explanation of his passions, like she had given him regarding the history of ancient technology. But as he found the words coming out, it came out a lot more emotionally driven instead. “Something to do while I grieved, you know?"

“I know that feeling.” Susie laughed. There was a bit of sadness in that laugh, and it crushed Taranza. He could relate.

Taranza nodded. “It was something my old friend had loved. And I found out why…” Taranza noticed something thanks to the tilt of his head as he was focusing on Susie. While looking with his back eyes, a very familiar shop came into vision.

Getting an idea, Taranza beckoned with his hands and led Susie across the pathway they were on, towards the gardening nursery.

“The thing about plants… is that they’re all filled with some sort of life.” Taranza explained. He stopped in front of the gardening nursery, near the window that laid next to the door. You could see the inside of the nursery very easily, from baby ferns and flowers to different types of shovels and watering cans. “No matter the shape or size, no matter the color, every plant lives. They may need different types of soil, some may need a lot of water while others need little, some don’t even need sun. But they all want to survive.

“I guess the drive to help something grow is… comforting.” Taranza shrugged. “Especially when I was sad. It was nice to be dependent on. You can grow food you can feed to those in need…” Taranza smiled slightly. “Or flowers you later give on a date.”

Taranza saw Susie look down at the bouquet in her hands. Guess when he worded it like that, where he got the flowers was obvious.

“It’s just nice to see a life cycle you help along with, I guess.”

“I get it.” Susie nodded, with a lighthearted tone. “It’s a little like how I feel with robotics.”

“Yeah?” Taranza questioned.

“Yeah!” Susie adjusted her glasses, like they had lowered down her face too much. “I find the work comfortable too. I’d spend hours in one sitting with one project. Guess you can’t exactly do it all at once with plants.”

Taranza laughed. “No. There’s definitely time you have to wait.”

“So, what plants have you grown before?” Susie asked.

Taranza huffed a little sheepishly. “A couple vegetables here and there, some fruit bushes. That’s mostly what Castle Dedede uses with me as their gardener.” He’s appreciated the job ever since he left Floralia. It was something he at least was knowledgeable in. And found fun. “But I've always favored flowers the most. They’ve always been tied with special meaning, or with companionship. That, and they’re all so beautiful. Even the hybrids. It’s always nice to see flowers.”

Flowers always brought beauty to life, in Taranza’s opinion. Just like love did. The two were very similar in his eyes.

“As for flowers I’ve planted, I have a lot more experience with that.” Taranza said. “Orchids, Carnations, Tulips…” He pointed towards some flowers that the shop had, which coincidentally had some of his favorite flowers. “I’ve tried growing the flowers that bloom on the Dreamstalk… but so far that’s been difficult with breeding flowers and such.”

“The Dreamstalk does contain magical properties.” Susie pointed out, with Taranza nodding.

“I do have experience with magical plants, but the Dreamstalk doesn’t have a lot of information on it.” Taranza admitted. It was a seed valued as treasure of the royal family, supposedly being the last remaining one of a once species of plants that led to the discovery of Floralia. But due to being the last one, it meant Taranza didn’t know where to start when recreating the blooms it grew.

Then again, maybe that was for the best.

“For now though, I’ve been trying out growing some Morning Glories.” Taranza grinned when he saw a planter full of them through the window. He promptly pointed at them for Susie to look at. “Very lovely flowers that are spoiled with their choice of soil. They always symbolized love and resilience. They’re known for only lasting a day.”

“Only living a day?” Susie asked, with her eyes trailing down to the bouquet of flowers she was still holding. 

“Yeah, but they seed and grow more flowers very quickly.” Taranza said. “Withering is a part of every plant’s life, some like the morning glory just don’t have long lifespans. But there are plants that can live for decades!”

“...Does it not bother you that they wither?”

Taranza turned his head.

“Sorry, that came out of nowhere.” Susie laughed. “That was always what spoke out to me about them- their lifespans. When my company was still my father’s, plant life wasn’t really a priority. If anything it… got in the way.” Susie explained. “Dad always justified it as saying ‘it would die anyways’. Winter comes around, and lots of plants end up withering. Or like you said, some will only live a day.” 

Taranza found two of his eyes looking down.

“...He was very far gone at that point.” Susie said. “It just meant I never really paid attention to those things. Before I moved here and began changing Haltmann Works Co.”

Sectonia said some awful things once, too. She and Mr. Haltmann were pretty similar in those regards. Just like they were both missed.

“I do appreciate plants a lot more now, but how quickly they die does make me feel conflicted.”

Taranza understood that- maybe more than most did.

He moved one of his hands, going to rest on Susie’s shoulder.

“To be fair,” Taranza gestured to the entrance of the building. After catching on, Susie nodded and Taranza and her walked inside. Unlike the cafe, there was no bell that followed their entrance. Instead, they heard a chippy welcome from the store owner. “Most life isn’t permanent. Unfortunate, but true. I would love to have things like that last forever… but that’s not how life is.”

His words were layered with sadness, but his smile stayed and he waved towards the store owner. His back eyes saw Susie looking over at the plants they previously saw through the window, and he moved to stand next to her.

“And if you take good care of them, plants last a lot longer.” Taranza added. “Especially if you protect them during the winter. Some of them will die in the cold, but other’s just hide away until it’s spring, where they can grow again.”

Excluding plants like trees, that could live for hundreds of years. 

“I suppose you’re right.” Susie said, with a hum. One of her free hands moved to trail one of the ferns. “Very well said, too. About how life isn’t permanent.”

Taranza awkwardly looked away, his fangs poking out in his smile. “...Thank you.”

“Maybe there could be a way robotics and plants could coexist.” Susie wondered out loud. Taranza wasn’t sure if she said it for Taranza to add onto. “Perhaps robotics could be used to improve plant life and their health.”

“Maybe.” Taranza shrugged, adding to the thought anyways. His back eyes trailed over to the store owner in the process. The waddle dee was now helping with the transactions of another customer in the store. They must have just entered too. “I could definitely see something like a planter that helps keep a plant’s needed temperature to thrive. Humidity too.”

“Exactly!” Taranza turned his attention back to Susie, who was looking straight at him. “Or a special kind of fertilizer!”

“That would have to go into specifics.” Taranza explained. “Some chemicals can be unhealthy for certain plants. They’re all unique in their own ways. And you’d also have to consider substances safe for their pollinators, as they’re very important for both your plant’s health and the plants around them.”

He could imagine Magolor rolling his eyes over this topic.

“I suppose so.” Susie’s free hand turned to run through her curls. “Maybe you could educate me further on those.”

Taranza blinked a few times.

“You know, I’ve said before that I do love learning.” Susie rested her hands in front of her, like she tended to do. “And what you know is fascinating, and out of my knowledge zone.

“Maybe we could even work on tech that could improve plant life together. Would be a fun side project idea. Just an idea however.”

Taranza found his heart rate beginning to quicken. Was she implying that as a friend thing? Or…

In an idolized world, Taranza wouldn’t be afraid to ask. And Susie would say she did enjoy Taranza’s company, and that she would love to go on more dates with him. Without a third party organizing it this time. 

But that’s Taranza idolizing. He knew he’d be too awkward to ask. 

But he should. He should ask.

“It’s only interesting enough to be a side project?” Taranza asked instead.

Susie laughed at his light jab, which made Taranza smile.

He was starting to realize that wow, he wouldn’t mind going on more dates with Susie. To learn more about her and the things she knew. To listen to her ramble about the things she found interesting. How she was willing to listen to him just the same. How they could both voice their thoughts on the other topics. Maybe it was a bit too soon to think that. Maybe he just enjoyed this hang out to the point he wanted to hang out and get to know Susie more.

Could be a friend thing…

But he wouldn’t mind if it was romantic, either.

…Was this what the stories meant when their characters fell in love at first sight? It wouldn’t be at first sight here, as he met Susie a long time before this. Love at first half blind date? Was that a thing?

Was he just being a hopeless romantic again? Or was this normal to be this interested after the first date?

Taranza was thrown out of his thoughts by a light tune playing through the air. Before Taranza could even question where the tune was coming from (or if he recognized the tune), Susie pulled out a communication device with her free hand.

“Goodness me!” Susie exclaimed, before her eyes trailed from the device to Taranza, then back at the device. Flicking her magenta hair in an adorable way, she faced Taranza completely, in an all too familiar calm and collected manner. “It appears I have lost track of time. I’m late for my meeting.”

“Oh.” Taranza couldn’t help but be disappointed. But, he knew this date couldn’t last forever. “Right. Your meeting.”

Susie looked down back at her device.

“Right- well,” Taranza messed with his necktie once again. “We could end the date here… And you can get going.”

“Are you heading back to Castle Dedede?” Susie asked, as the two began to leave the shop. It was a quick visit, and Taranza gave the shop owner a wave of goodbye.

“Most likely.” Taranza answered. “Didn’t really have any other plans for today. Maybe I’d read the book I was in the middle of…”

“I see.” Susie put her device away. “I can walk you there then.”

“...You sure?” 

“It’s on the way to my home.” Susie explained, opening the door to the store and allowing Taranza to walk through. Like he had done at the cafe. “It’d be the least I can do since you gave me such a thoughtful gift.”

Taranza wasn’t sure how she mixed her etiquette with cheeriness, and how she could pull both casual and professional at the same time. Guess it was a part of her. But unlike the start of this date, Taranza didn't like a coworker. And she felt like she was actually enjoying his company, rather than being nice.

Taranza looked up at the sky once they were back outside, waiting for Susie to move to be next to him again. The clouds rested in the sky, with the sun well past the middle of the sky.

“Well, I’d like that.” Taranza answered.

Susie seemed pleased with that answer, maybe a little ecstatic. She led the way towards Castle Dedede, flower bouquet still in her hands.

“Do you know what roses symbolize?” She asked as Taranza sped up to catch up with her. She brought the peach colored roses up for clarification. “I assume romance?”

“You’re right, to an extent.” Taranza explained. “A lot of the romance books I’ve read do use roses"

"Same."

"But in reality, it depends on the color of the rose. Red roses are the most common for romance. Makes sense, they’re very beautiful. But the peach roses I gave you… that’s more for sincerity and gratitude. It’s to say thanks for showing up on this date in the first place.”

“Aw… How sweet.”

✥✥✥

Castle Dedede was not too far away from Dreamland’s main town; you could see the castle from the town if one knew where to look. It was placed on top of a field of mountains, a bit isolated from the rest of Dreamland. And yet, it was one of the most welcomed places to visit. And from the town, it was easy to get there. About a fifteen minute walk from the town. 

Fifteen minutes that Taranza didn’t want to be over just yet.

“So if your company has mechanized a plant in the past,” Taranza asked Susie, who was still walking with him. They hadn’t arrived at their destination yet, after all. “That removed all of the plant qualities?”

“Except the specimen’s intellect, yes.” Susie confirmed, with no hesitation. “It was essentially a robot that looked like Whispy Woods.”

“So if you made a robotic planter, would it mechanize the plants that use it?”

Susie laughed at Taranza’s question, but Taranza didn’t feel hurt by it. “No. Robotics don’t work like that. However it would be fascinating to develop a device that can mechanize things it touched…” Susie shook her head, like she was convincing herself not to think any further. “No. Mechanizing living things has been cut out of Haltmann Works Co.”

“Right.” Taranza had a good guess why. “Kirby?”

“Kirby.”

Taranza looked at the grass fields with the eyes on the back of his head. They blew in waves thanks to the breeze, and Taranza couldn’t help but smile when he saw a birds flying past. As fascinating that Susie made robotics sound, he was happy that some life was kept away from it. He wouldn't mind some more technology advanced plant supplies, however. It would definitely make things easy, and it had the possibility to have the plants live longer. That was why he entertained the idea Susie had.

“But back to the planter idea,” Susie spoke up again. Speaking of said idea. “It would be relatively simple compared to other projects I’ve worked on. The biggest issue would be the energy needed to keep them active at all costs. But, I’ve made batteries that can charge machinery for about two hundred fifty years! So, that is already solved.”

“Impressive!” Taranza gasped. 

“I could also add in weapons for self defense,” Susie shrugged, like the suggestion was normal to say. Well, guess it was for the Star Allies. And for the history of where they lived. “But it’s not necessary for this hypothetical invention.”

"Yeah, I'd say keep the weapons out for now." Taranza laughed.

Would be cool if the two of them helped make it a real thing. C-could be as friends, or…

…

As the conversation died off, Taranza awkwardly trailed all of his eyes away from Susie and towards their environment. Clouds were beginning to bundle up in the sky in clumps, and Taranza wondered if he would have to water his plants tomorrow. 

With a quick glance back at Susie, he noted that she had done the same as he. Looking away from him at the sky, playing with her magenta curls with one of her hands.

Taranza could see Castle Dedede getting closer and closer, and soon enough, this half blind date would be over and Taranza would have to deal with Magolor being super confident and exclaiming just how right he was for this idea he set up. Maybe Marx would be there too, just to back Magolor up.

“Well…” Taranza trailed off. Since they were almost done with this, he may as well say something. “I hope that this date was fun for you!”

He would love to do more with Susie. And he rarely if ever felt that way with his past dates.

Susie looked back at him. “Oh! It has been fun, yes!” She pointed at him. “And I hope it was for you as well.”

“It was!” Taranza grinned. 

He would love to get to know her more.

“And I do appreciate the flowers, truly!” Susie said, with a beam. “And this entire… half blind date thing. It was nice to finally go on a date… even if it made me late for a meeting.”

Taranza nodded. She had said something similar earlier, how she didn’t go on dates often. She didn’t make the time.

That wording was still weird to Taranza. But perhaps it was literal. She seemed to care a lot about her company, and put a lot of effort into it. Taranza could tell that fact even before today. Maybe that’s what she meant when she said she didn’t make the time for dates.

Taranza saw the castle right in front of them, and he tried to hide his disappointment. Of course, when he hoped the fifteen minutes wouldn’t go by in the blur, life had to make sure it went by quickly.

“Getting to know you too.” Susie spoke up. Taranza turned to face her completely, now that she had stopped walking. “Learning about gardening as well. This date with you was great.”

Taranza really wanted to ask her to go on more dates. He really did. But would that be weird? No, people said they’d love to hang out more all the time on first dates. When they felt a spark.

And Taranza was going to admit to himself, he’s sure he’s felt that spark.

“Better than some romance books?” Taranza asked, deciding to go with a teasing comment instead. 

Susie hummed, pretending to consider the question. She then looked at Taranza playfully, lightly jabbing him with her hand. “Certainly.”

Okay, here goes nothing Taranza. He’s gonna ask to hang out more. She’s said herself that she would love to hang out with him more. He just needed to rip the bandage off.

And say ‘hey, I would love to go on more dates with you. Could be as friends, could be more.’

Taranza was about to say something when he saw Susie pull out her device. She appeared to read something over, either a message sent to her or just the time of day. No matter what it was, she seemed disappointed.

“I better get going.” Susie said, after sighing. She began to turn away, so that she could start walking back to her own home. Where, presumably, she would hold her meeting.

“Right…” Taranza said. He himself felt disappointment, too. Perhaps he could call and ask her some other time. “I hope… I hope it is a good meeting!”

He waved his hands as Susie began to walk away. She didn’t get too far, only a few steps, before she stopped and turned her head back to Taranza. The wind ruffled her curls a bit, and Taranza could easily imagine this scene in some sort of book he’d read late at night.

“Could I ask you something before I go?” Susie asked.

Taranza blinked a couple times. “Sure… uh,” He rubbed his neck with his hand. “Go ahead.”

“You okay with hugs?”

Taranza barely nodded until Susie leapt at him, suddenly giving him a tight hug. Taranza could only make sure he didn’t fall over. His eyes all conflicted with each other. Some looked at her hair, others at the castle behind him. And his main two stared forward, feeling his heartbeat beginning to race.

For sure, he usually didn’t feel this way on dates.

Susie pulled back, glee and a little bit of awkwardness in her eyes. “We gotta hang out some more! It can be about that idea we had, or we could just…” She trailed off. “Do things like we did on this date. I don't mind.”

Taranza didn’t move much, his hands hovering in front of him. 

“...Yeah.” Taranza probably smiled way too big for that answer. “I would love a second date.”

Susie turned around again, this time fully intending on leaving. She waved wide, still holding Taranza’s gift close to her sweater. “I’ll look at my schedule! And I’ll get back to you the next time we can do this!”

“Okay!” Taranza called out, still grinning. He used two of his hands to cup around his mouth, so that Susie could hear him as she began to run away from the castle. “I’ll be looking forward to it!”

“Bye!”

“Bye!”

Taranza began to leave too, turning his body away from Susie’s direction and floating over to the castle entrance. He could see his garden in the front, and even if he was relieved to see them all okay, he couldn’t wipe off the grin on his face, or calm his heart.

The eyes on the back of his head saw Susie leaving until they no longer could see her. 

…Yeah. He was really not looking forward to Magolor’s smile and his ‘see? Told you this was a good idea’ comments.

And he hated that he would now say that this half blind date was Magolor’s best idea yet.