[Third Person's PoV]
As Mimosa sat at her vanity brushing her hair, the rhythmic strokes through her golden tresses before she paused abruptly. A familiar face emerged in the mirror's reflection, hovering just above her shoulder — Stephen, with his dark curls slightly tousled and a crooked grin. He raised a hand in an awkward wave, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Mimosa let out a soft giggle, covering her mouth with delicate fingers. "I don't think I'll ever get used to you appearing like that," she admitted, her cheeks flushing a gentle pink.
Stephen's smile deepened, a dimple appearing on his left cheek. "I did warn you," he teased, the warmth in his voice unmistakable.
"True," Mimosa said, setting down her brush and turning to face him in the mirror. Her eyes shone with anticipation. "That's why I'm here, waiting... Are you going to come in?"
Stephen's expression softened, but he shook his head. "Not tonight, unfortunately."
A flicker of disappointment passed over Mimosa's features. "Oh..." she murmured, her voice trailing off.
"But there's a reason," Stephen said quickly, a spark of excitement lighting up his eyes. "Captain Yami is insisting we all take a day off tomorrow."
A grin spread across Mimosa's face. "Captain Vangeance has the same idea. He says we need to rest and recharge. He's giving us the whole day off too."
"Perfect." Stephen's tone shifted to one tinged with nervousness. He rubbed the back of his neck, glancing away for a moment. "So... I was wondering if you'd like to spend the day together? Just us?"
Mimosa's eyes widened in surprise, her heartbeat quickening. "Eh? Really?" She stood up so fast that her chair scraped against the floor. "I would love that!" Realizing her sudden enthusiasm, she bit her lip, cheeks blazing as she slowly sat back down and cleared her throat. "I mean... Sure. That sounds nice."
Stephen's shoulders shook with barely suppressed laughter as he watched her, a hand covering his mouth.
Mimosa's blush deepened, and she glanced down, twiddling her fingers to hide her embarrassment. "So, um, where are we going?" she asked, trying to regain her composure and shift his attention.
He smiled, eyes warm with mischief. "I thought we could explore the capital. I've never really taken the time to see it."
Mimosa's face brightened with an excited smile. "Then leave it to me. I'll be your guide," she declared confidently.
Stephen chuckled, a sparkle of joy in his eyes. "It's a date then," he said, giving her a playful wink. As he began to fade from the mirror, his voice lingered. "I'll pick you up early tomorrow."
When his presence dissipated, Mimosa pressed both hands to her cheeks, feeling their warmth. "He called it a date," she whispered, a giddy smile stretching across her face. She leaped onto her bed, hugging a pillow as she rolled back and forth, squealing quietly. "I'm so excited! What am I going to wear?" She sat up suddenly, eyes wide with panic as she imagined every possibility.
---
The next morning, Stephen stood before a full-length mirror, turning this way and that. Stephen looked at what he was wearing apprehensively, his brow furrowing. "Is this too much?"
Perched on the windowsill, Nero watched him with unblinking eyes. The bird offered no response, just a judgmental stare.
"You're right," Stephen muttered, shoulders slumping. "This is way too tacky." He snapped his fingers, causing a subtle shift in his attire as it adjusted to look more relaxed. He smoothed the lapels of a tailored blue three-piece suit and checked the Cloak of Levitation folded neatly in his breast pocket. He sighed, "I've never done this before, Nero. Can you tell?"
Nero rolled her eyes and fluttered over to perch on his shoulder. Stephen inhaled deeply, nodding to himself. "Okay. This is it."
As he exited his quarters and passed through the bustling common area, where he went to inform the others of his departure.
Yami smirked at him from across the room. "Enjoy yourself, gramps. Don't go breaking a hip," Yami teased, arms crossed and eyes twinkling with mischief.
Stephen shot him a glare, but a smile tugged at his lips. "I hate you," he muttered playfully before conjuring a portal. Just as he stepped through, Nero took off, landing on Noelle's head, choosing to stay behind to give Stephen some space.
Wanda, who had been nearby, leaned toward Noelle with a mischievous grin. "Feel like tagging along to see what those two are up to?"
Noelle blinked, taken aback. "Why? Isn't that... intrusive? And how would we even catch up? He can teleport anywhere."
Wanda's grin only grew. "I have my ways. And he told me last night he was taking her to the capital. Besides, it could be fun," she coaxed, winking.
Before Noelle could voice her doubts, a familiar voice boomed across the hall. "LUCK! ASTA! THE LADIES ARE WAITING!" Finral called, his tone full of excitement.
Wanda nudged Noelle, eyes gleaming. "See? We have a ride. What do you say?"
Noelle hesitated, biting her lip. Then, with a reluctant sigh, she nodded. "I guess I'm in."
"Perfect!" Wanda exclaimed, pumping her fist in victory.
---
Mimosa sat on the edge of her bed, smoothing the fabric of her long green dress patterned with delicate flowers. A brown belt cinched her waist, adding a touch of elegance. She took a deep breath, the anticipation making her fingers fidget. The sound of glass being tapped caught her attention, face appearing once more.
She shuffled over towards the mirror, and saw Stephen there once more, "So, shall I just jump through the mirror?" she asked a bit nervously
Stephen raised an eyebrow, "If that's what you want to do, then sure"
Her heart skipped at the teasing lilt in his voice. Without another thought, Mimosa darted forward, diving into the shimmering mirror. The surface rippled as she passed through, emerging in the mirror dimension. The disorienting sensation made her squeeze her eyes shut, arms flailing for balance as she began to fall.
Stephen caught her deftly, holding her close as he steadied her. "Easy there," he chuckled, his eyes searching hers with gentle amusement.
Mimosa felt the heat rise in her cheeks as she looked up at him. "Sorry, I might have... overdone it."
"Don't worry about it," Stephen said, his smile soft as he kept his arms around her for a moment longer. They stood there, gazing at each other, the bustling world on the other side of the portal waiting.
"You look beautiful," Stephen said, breaking the silence, his voice low and sincere.
Mimosa's eyes flickered down as she muttered, "Thank you... You look very handsome too." Her gaze lifted, trailing over the suit that fit him perfectly.
Stephen's grin turned playful. "Shall we?" He held out his hand, rough yet gentle, waiting.
Mimosa's fingers slipped into his, dainty and trembling, as they stepped forward. The capital awaited them, bustling and alive under the bright morning sun.
---
A ripple in space opened as Stephen and Mimosa stepped into the heart of the capital, hands still intertwined. The city sprawled out before them, a tapestry of stone streets, towering spires, and the bustling hum of people.
"I know I said I was the one going to be the one taking on the date but it seems you're going to be the one taking charge here and showing me around." Stephen teased.
Mimosa simply puffed her chest and marched ahead, taking the lead while still holding his hand "Like I said leave it to me! I'll show you a good time!"
"Will you now?" Stephen said teasingly.
Mimosa froze as she turned towards Stephen with a bright red face and I panicked expression, "I didn't mean it like that!"
"Phttt hahaha!" Stephen turned his head and began laughing seeing her expression.
"It's not funny" Mimosa pouted her slightly as she puffed her cheek, "I don't want you think that's what I meant"
"Sure, sure I believe you" Stephen said, chuckling and shaking his head.
"Yeah, well you tone suggests otherwise" Mimosa muttered pursing her lips.
"No, No, I seriously believe you. Now come on Mimosa show me the good times you promise"
"You meanie!" She exclaimed her face turning red with embarrassment which only caused Stephen to laugh some more.
From a shadowy alley nearby, Wanda and Noelle peeked out, with Nero perched on Noelle's head like a tiny sentinel. Wanda's eyes gleamed as she whispered, "They look like they're having fun. Are you sure they only met recently?"
Noelle's eyes followed the pair, her heart twisting in an unplaceable way. "Yeah... They really do," she said softly.
Wanda's expression faltered for a moment as doubt crept in. 'Am I doing the right thing?' She pushed the thought aside and grinned. "Come on, before we lose them!"
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