When Affection Blooms [ Blind Date - Kaden and Kohana ]

Kohana entered the restaurant, eyes flicking down to the card in his hand. His dear shadowy friend had been so insistent that he attended this date, and Tzillah asked so little of him, so… here he was. Blind dates normally weren’t his scene, but he’d give it his best go. A bouquet laid cradled in the crook of his arms; hellebore for optimism, nigella for exploration and new experiences, heliconia for curiosity, and daffodils for new beginnings. 

Another fleeting glance was given to the card before he began to navigate towards the table…and another glance when he realized there was a familiar face sitting in the designated booth.

Kaden was scrolling through his phone while sitting and waiting for his date. Stupid Harmony and his need to get his friends to date while he stays single! Though, he knows his heart is in the right place, which is why he came to this dumb blind date. It felt like someone was staring holes into his face, so he looked up to see… Oh?

Oh.

Kaden’s face flushed immediately, knowing that this person was his blind date… The guy he met at work and started flirting with him! What are the odds?! Maybe he just should just run to save the embarras-- Oh he’s coming over. “... Just so you know, I had no idea it was you who my friend set this up with. I wasn’t-- I wasn’t stalking you or anything like that.” His face felt so much hotter now. It was bad before, having an attractive guy come into his shop was bad for his heart, but this?! This is going to kill him.  

Kohana was nervous, but clearly not as nervous as Kaden. He’s starting to see why Tzillah had been so insistent, however… He approached, gently shaking his head before stopping at the tableside. “You needn’t explain; I would never assume as such… here.” The bouquet was gently slipped into Kaden’s arms. “I brought some lovely flowers for our date, but…” Gently, he caressed Kaden’s cheek. “They hardly compare to the beautiful blooms of color I see here.” Was that smooth? He hoped it sounded as good as it had in his head. 

Wow. Was there something called being too smooth? Not in a cringey way, but Kaden pretty much felt like he was going to melt through his clothing and become a soggy puddle on the floor of that nice restaurant. Trying to contain himself somewhat, he didn’t notice that he naturally nudged into Kohana’s hand, looking at him. “Honestly, are you sure you didn’t take that one from one of my customers? It almost sounds like it.” He playfully teased, taking the flowers more into his grasp, looking down at them. “I feel like an asshole for not getting anything, I kinda was hoping this would be a free dinner for me.”

Kohana chuckled. “If I’m sounding like your customers, then I fear I may have to work on my game… Next I’ll be asking for your manager.” He playfully clutched at his heart before stepping back, moving to take a seat across from him. “Really, you needn’t… my dear friend was so insistent on my arrival here, I decided to at least make it memorable… And memorable it was; I would have missed the loveliest blossoms of them all otherwise.” A playful wink was tossed across the table, followed by a menu sliding across the polished surface. “And if you wish for a free dinner, then so be it. I can easily pick up the bill.” 

Kaden huffed, shaking his head a little before smiling. That was so corny that he had to admit, it was cute. “I’ll say. This dinner has me definitely expecting something now.” He purred, moving to tap his foot playfully with his own. “Don’t worry, I know I’m a barista, but I actually do have pocket money, unlike my friend who set me up on this date.” Harmony… He definitely had his type down, which he wasn’t sure if that was flattering or scary. Maybe both.

“I do feel a little nervous, here you are all handsome, and I am extremely underdressed for this.” Not that what he was wearing was bad, but! Kohana definitely cleaned up much nicer than what Kaden did for himself. “We should order… Maybe share something?”

Kohana was doing his best here; he didn’t often go on dates, so the game of courtship was mainly him winging it, using a mixture of romance novels and his love of poetry for reference. “Well then, I’ll have to do my best not to disappoint then, won’t I?” A soft chuckle tumbled out as he began to peruse the menu. “And if you are sure; we had four bridal orders this week, so carats are plentiful, to say the least.” It had been a hellish week of flower arrangement, but he’d survived. And made about a month and a half’s profits in seven days. “And you really needn’t feel so; you underestimate the joy your presence can bring. A true gift is special, regardless of the wrapping.” There’s a pause, eyes flicking to the menu. “We should; it’d be a lovely experience. Is there anything in particular that you wish for?”  

It was working on Kaden, so perhaps he was more cliche than he thought he was. He hummed, thinking before pointing down on the menu, the Devilhair Pomodoro. “Maybe if you’re lucky, we'll grab the same one and end the night with a kiss.” He playfully joked. He looked over to the flowers again before looking back to Kohana. “You were that busy and you still had time to make a bouquet for the date? Thankfully it’s me who is your date…” Thinking about it being anyone else definitely stung. Was it even right of him to feel jealous?

“Oh, but, I’d live if we got some Rosewater Mochi for either here or we could maybe eat them at my place later… Of course, only if you want to.” 

“The pomodoro sounds fantastic…” There was a pause, and a small chuckle. “You mean like in the movie about the two impups? Hmm… sounds like a delicious addition to the meal if you ask me.” The menu was gathered and stacked to the side of the table, gaze moving to Kaden. “Well, I do have an apprentice now, so I was not working alone…but yes. I believe first impressions are important, particularly when it comes to dating… and glad am I that I did. I can think of no better recipient.” 

Kohana gave a hum of thought. “...That sounds delightful. Pomodoro here, then Rosewater dessert at your place… I would love to, Kaden.” 

Kaden flushed, but smiled nevertheless. As the menus were put aside, it really wasn’t long until their dinner came out. Kaden worked a busy week too, so he was definitely starving for something not cooked in a can for once. As he began to dig in himself, he tried to think about something that might interest Kohana. “You know, my place could look a little less dead… These flowers will really make it feel like someone actually lives there. I’m saying if you were to drop some off occasionally… It might bring a better mood to my place.” 

Honestly this was a very lame attempt to get Kohana to visit his place— or at least have his address on hand if he wanted to pop in for a ki— er, a drink. Yeah. Some coffee, probably. “Of course you don’t have to, that was probably dumb of me to ask.”

Kohana definitely ate lighter, subtly pushing meatballs over to Kaden’s side of the plate as they conversed. “I would love to… fresh flowers are the best way to brighten one’s space. Though, I doubt any place graced by your presence needs any brightening.” He chuckled. “I would be happy to drop more flowers off… and it wasn’t. I’m flattered by the invitation, and happily accept. Thank you for the warm welcome; I look forward to bringing some of my better work to your home.”  

Kaden could feel his ears burn, but took the compliment the best he could. He did snag a meatball or two from Kohana pushing it over to him. “Better than this bouquet? I’m interested to see how you decorate my place then.” He chuckled, leaning his head to his left side to just sort of look at Kohana. “This is fun. Let’s have more dinner dates.” He settled on. “My Baaphie and Floof would absolutely love to come one time for you to spoil them with treats.”

Honestly, it was kind of bad how Kaden spoiled them, but it was hard to say no to his cute imps. He had a feeling if Kohana liked him as much as he was saying right now? Then he was going to fall in love with both imps.

Kohana smiled. “I would be happy to help adorn your home with vibrance and life.” There was a small pause, the faintest cant of a head tilt as he mulled over a thought. “If you like, I can talk with my business associate and see about getting you some live specimens, if you would like.”  Kohana paused, giving a soft hum of thought. “This evening has been spectacularly pleasant, and I do enjoy your company. More dinner dates sound fantastic…and I would love to meet your little implings. I could bring my own… perhaps a picnic in the park so they can run around?”

Kohana was most definitely going to fall in love with the little imps, and would certainly spoil them positively rotten. “Perhaps we could discuss the details of our next date over dessert at your place?” Partially because he was more eager than he let on, and partially because he wanted to meet the little rascals.

Kaden’s face was absolutely flushed, but he couldn’t get rid of the fond smile on his face. “I think you being at my place will bring vibrance and life.” He spoke earnestly, moving to bring his hand over to place on top of Kohana’s hand. “I like all of that. My impies could use some exercise for a change, they are both so lazy.” He chuckled. “Yes, let’s head to my place. I have some Tiramisu waiting there with our names on it.” Just had to pay the bill! Kaden did feel a little sad that the walk home from where was short, but, the promise of Kohana coming over made it all worth it. “And don’t give the imps any no matter how much they bat their eyelashes!” They got it from Kaden. 

Kohana smiled at the roses blooming in Kaden’s cheeks; positively precious. “Perhaps… but I think it’ll pale in comparison to the vibrance we can create together.” His hand turned slightly to take a hold of his. “...Thank you for coming tonight. I am glad I got this opportunity… And I look forward to sharing more moments like this with you.” He waved the waiter over to pay for their meals before continuing. “I will do my best, but alas…I am weak when faced with precious little things. I fear I may not have the strength to deny them.” 

“Well, all is fair in love and war.” He mused, but he had to agree, he also had a weakness to cute things. One of the commonalities! “I hardly need thanks, I would have come if you invited me anyway.” He made sure to clean himself off to make himself look nice, not wanting to embarrassingly have anything stuck on his teeth as they walked back to his place. “I agree, let’s have more types of dates in the future, I think if we had a night around the town it’d be fun.” A future date for sure, maybe they could do a sweets tour! Kaden swayed his tail as he held Kohana’s hand back. 

“Had I known that, I would have asked you out sooner. But I didn’t want to entrap you whilst you were on the clock, nor would I want to be the sort of customer to bother you once you were off the clock…” He flashed a small smile, giving Kaden’s hand a squeeze. “I would love nothing more… We can discuss our options over tiramisu and doting on your implings.” His own tail swayed slowly, before moving to loop lazily with Kohana’s as he led the way to the door, and out into the starry night. The walk may be short, and the night would have to end eventually, but for now, they could enjoy this moment. Together.