Oh, shut up. You're not helping.
I'm you, stupid. Just go talk to him.
I can't do that!
Kasey sighed and rubbed at her face with her hands before looking up at herself in the mirror. She had to go out and talk to him. They needed to deal with this. Didn't they?
Barry sat cross-legged on the floor, guilt lodging inside of him. Once she came out, he had decided that he would apologize for his behaviour and continue to act… normal. He had to make this up to her.
Kasey took a deep breath and stepped out of the bathroom. She silently made her way to sit across from Barry, crossing her legs like he had.
"I'm sorry for running out on you like that," she said softly.
Barry shook his head, staring down at his hands. "No, I'm sorry." He swallowed, heart squeezing painfully.
"You have nothing to be sorry for," Kasey assured him gently. "I'm sorry for a lot of things, though."
Barry ran a hand through his hair, still not meeting her eyes. "I made you uncomfortable. You didn't do anything, why are you sorry?"
"You didn't make me uncomfortable," Kasey murmured, looking down. "And I'm sorry because… because I haven't been entirely honest with you…"
Barry’s head snapped up. What was that supposed to mean? “Meaning…?”
"I, um… I…" Kasey flushed as she stuttered, looking down still. She cleared her throat and chewed on her lip.
“It’s alright.”, he said quickly. “You don’t have to tell me if you’re uncomfortable.”
Kasey shook her head before blurting out, "I really like you, Barry…"
Barry’s eyes widened. His heartbeat sped up, pulse rushing in his ears. What?? He was completely stunned. How is that— how is that possible? She likes me?? A stupidly wide smile began to slowly spread across his face. “Funny thing is…”, he chuckled anxiously, raising both eyebrows and looking down at the ground. Just say it.. “I really—— I really like you too.”
Kasey glanced up at him with a small smirk, still biting her lip. She chuckled even through a blush. "I know… You weren't exactly subtle."
Barry’s cheeks flamed up. “Not my— not my strongest suit. Subtlety, I mean. When it comes to— when it comes to—“ he gestured vaguely to her.
"It's fine," Kasey said with a smile. "That's part of the reason I was actually able to tell you…"
Barry grinned again, nerves apparent on his pink face. “There’s always that.”
"So…" Kasey sighed, looking down again with a darker blush. "What now?"
Barry covered his burning face with his hands. “I’m always bad at this part.”, he mumbled through his fingers. “The lunch tomorrow.. after the book signing… want to— want to call it a……… date? A small one?” His stomach was now tied into not one, but at least twelve knots.
Kasey looked up at him through her eyelashes, smiling gently. "Yeah. Yeah, I'd like that," she said softly, nodding.
Barry met her gaze for a full second before he had to look back down again. “Thank god, I was worried you’d say no.”
"I'd never say no," Kasey assured him softly, moving do that her knees were pulled up to her chest and her arms were wrapped around them.
Barry’s heart skipped a beat. He felt almost.. drunk, on euphoria. Not believing his luck, he glanced up st her again, the red fading from his cheeks. “I’m— that— I’m very happy to hear that.”
Kasey looked down with a blush and a somewhat flustered smile. "Good," she said with a slow nod.
(Want to keep going or skip? I gtg soon)
(Erm… Why don't we skip? Maybe to pre-date prep?)
(Sure!)
(Morning)
Barry anxiously tugged at the collar of his button down, nerves fluttering in his stomach.
What if I mess up?
What if she hates me?
What if I can’t do this?
Doing his best to ignore the invasive thoughts, he adjusted his belt, tugging on the loops of the jeans where it ran through.
Is this too casual?
Is it too formal?
He had decided on dark jeans with a black belt and a vertical black and white pinstripe button-down shirt. He’d spent fifteen minutes in front of the mirror trying to fix his hair. Emotionally, he was a train wreck.
(Morning!)
Kasey was in her bathroom, also staring at herself in the mirror. She chewed on her lip as she gave herself another once over.
She wore a maroon tshirt under a black leather jacket that she had completely forgotten she had until that morning, as well as a pair of black skinny jeans that made her legs look longer. She'd pulled some of her hair back and pinned it up, keeping the strands out of her face, and she wore minimal makeup. Mascara and lip gloss was all she would dare to put on today, lest she mess up and end up looking like a clown.
(How are you?)
What if she thinks I’m ugly?
What if she sees how stupid I am?
What if I mess up?
Whag if she regrets her decision?
What if our waiter is really hot and she gives him her number?
His worried continued on in this fashion, prompting Barry to fix his hair, untuck his shirt, tuck it in again, pull it out a bit until only the edges are tucked, tuck it in fully again. He’d taken off and put back on his belt at least four times by the time he checked his watch and realized that he needed to go.
Ditch the jacket.
No, I like it.
You're not in a biker gang.
I know, but–
Ditch the jacket.
Kasey sighed and pulled the jacket off, hanging it back in her closet. She grabbed a pair of maroon flats with a cute bow on the toe and slipped them on. Checking the time, she quickly grabbed her purse and stood by the door to wait for Barry.
Once in front of Kasey’s door, Barry found himself unable to lift his hand and knock.
Ohgodohgodohgodohgodohmygod.
Snap out of it and knock! She’s waiting!
Barry shook himself, lifted his arm, and rapped softly on the door. Ohgodohgodohgod.