Before I was sufficiently prepared for what lay ahead, K returned dressed in a slightly more bearable manner. He wasn't as fashionably dressed as myself but at least his clothes were whole and in much a more desirable state than usual. It was an improvement.

"Ready to go?" K asked cheerfully.

His tone indicated that he considered our outing as another regular one. He seemed unaware of how much more it was to me. Hence, I chose not to allow my trepidation to be evident in my facial expressions. There was no need for K to be aware of my fears.

Though I did not feel in the slightest degree ready, I gave K a favorable response.

"Cool," he said as we left my abode.

"By the way, looking good, man," he said.

I was rather surprised by his statement since I had noticed that a man complimenting another man was rather rare in this time. As far as I understood, it was considered 'gay.'

However, being gay was seen as normal although saying to a man whose preference were women that he was gay was an insult. Moreover, that was not always seen as such by those who preferred men. It was all rather confusing for me.

My bewilderment only increased when it was explained to me that there were more than two genders where I was certain that nature had provided us with only two. Furthermore, I was unable to retain in my memory more than a few.

I do apologize, I digress.

"I appreciate the compliment. You also look rather smart," I said to K though I was surprised by the sentiment he expressed.

"Cheers, dude," he said.

That was when we reached Marisol's door and as a consequence, I became overwhelmed by the strongest tremors imaginable. My entire body shook as if it were a leaf fluttering in the wind.

"Chillax, man." K said utterly relaxed.

Before I could inquire about the definition of the odd word, K knocked on the door and I lost my power of speech when the door opened and revealed Marisol.

For before me stood an angel sent from heavens wearing a dress that could have only been made in hell, to torment the poor mortals such as myself.

The dress was rather short. It reached her knees hugging all of Marisol's curves perfectly, highlighting her voluptuous figure.

I was utterly lost in the contradiction that the woman presented. So much so, that all I was capable of doing was stare at her astonished, my intellect completely abandoning me.

"Dude, you are drooling," K whispered to me.

His words managed to revive me from the beauty induced daze that I had experienced. Consequently, I was finally capable of gathering my wits once again.

"My lady, you look stunning," I said, offering her my arm.

"Thank you, Shawn. You are not bad yourself." Marisol said with a sparkle in her eyes.

Seeing the flames ignited in her eyes, I could not help but berate my old self for not allowing her light to shine sooner. I was angry that I thought myself better than her when she was clearly the one who far surpassed both my wisdom and physical appearance.

After the pleasantries were exchanged, I led Marisol to the 'elevators' no longer feeling any hesitation towards the death boxes. After all, with Marisol by my side, I felt capable of accomplishing any task, no matter how challenging it might be.

Her presence entranced me so much that I barely even noticed that K ventured into the elevator with us. For me, only Marisol existed. Even I ceased to be and reshaped myself to be worthy of her attention.

"Alright boys, where are we going?" she asked as we exited the building.

Once again, I was stunned into silence since her melodious voice reminded me that I had no notion as to where we were going.

Desperately I looked at K for help, and he immediately provided me with assistance as he promised to do.

"There is this cool Italian place nearby. They have wicked pasta." K said.

"That sounds perfect." Marisol said.

Hearing that she was satisfied with K's choice, made me inclined to agree. However, in all honesty, I possessed no knowledge of the place having never explored it in the past. Furthermore, I could not comprehend the meaning of the word 'wicked' in said context.

"I concur." I said when I understood they were awaiting my confirmation.

"Okay, then, let's go." K said leading the way.

I followed with Marisol by my side, doing my best not to declare anything that could be construed as close-minded or insulting. That undertaking proved much harder than I initially anticipated. Ergo, Marisol and I were engulfed in an intense silence as we walked down the street behind K.

Nevertheless, I could not stop myself from repeatedly stealing glances at her extraordinary appearance.

"Shawn, what's the matter? You're much quieter than usual." Marisol said after a while.

I contemplated what I should tell her. How could I justify my behavior to her? Having in mind how much I cared about her opinion of me, I chose to speak the truth.

"I fear my words might be improper, and I wish not to cause you any discomfort by my lack of understanding of the world." I said.

"Oh, Shawn, you don't have to worry so much. Now that I understand that your comments don't come from hatred but lack of knowledge, I am willing to be as patient with you as possible." Marisol said.

Her words were bitter sweet since I wished not to be seen as an ignorant savage. However, it was far better than being seen as a hateful human being. It is possible it's accurate what I formerly stated: "A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow."

"You are most gracious, my lady," I said with a nod of my head.

"I can see that you are trying, and that inspires me to meet you half way," she said smiling warmly at me.

That was when we reached the restaurant and K hurried in, rudely letting the door slam behind him. Gentleman as I am, I proceeded to open the door and held it open for Marisol.

Her smile increased at the gesture and my heart stumbled in my chest threatening to escape.

"My lady," I said as she went through.

"Oh, Shawn, you are such a gentleman." Marisol said.

For the first time since I could remember, my cheeks flared up in embarrassment and I lowered my head to conceal their brightness.

Once we entered the premises, K hurried back to us and steered us to a table he had managed to provide us with rather swiftly.

K's ill manners once more became prominent as he sat down without waiting for the lady to do so first. I, on the other hand, pulled out the chair for Marisol and only when I was certain she was comfortably seated, did I proceed to my own chair.

The table was beautifully set, with one candle illuminating it. The light of it only managed to enhance Marisol's beauty, and I could not help but watch the flames playing in the depths of her eyes.

She seemed like an otherworldly being to my mortal eyes and I wondered if there was a limit to how much beauty one could perceive.