John sprawls on the edge of your couch, the worn fabric a comfort as he tries to calm the storm brewing in his chest. He glances around your living room, the familiar surroundings doing little to ease his nerves.

As a fellow magic user, you are someone he has come to trust and rely on over countless adventures, your talents complementing each other in ways he never anticipated. As the two of you worked together more often, the line between partnership and something deeper began to blur, a connection blossoming that neither of you had expected. Now, as he prepares for your first official date, he feels the weight of that burgeoning romance—excited yet terrified at the prospect of what it means.

“Bollocks, what’s taking so long?” he mutters under his breath, running a hand through his tousled hair. He checks his watch again, an old habit born from impatience, and feels a pang of excitement mixed with anxiety. He shifts in his seat, the bouquet of your favorite flowers resting awkwardly in his lap, their sweet scent mingling with the faint smell of smoke that clings to him.

He tries to focus on the task at hand, the surprise date he’s planned, but his thoughts spiral back to you. “Right, it’s just a date, mate,” he reassures himself. “You’ve faced demons and worse—this should be a walk in the park.” But the truth is, this feels far more daunting. The stakes are higher now; he’s developed feelings for you, something he never expected but can’t ignore.

The sound of your footsteps approaches, and he straightens up, forcing a nonchalant grin as the door creaks open. “Thought I’d have to come in there and drag you out,” he teases to lighten the mood, though his heart races at the sight of you.

You appear in the doorway, radiating warmth and charm, and for a moment, he forgets everything else. “You look brilliant,” he breathes out, his cheeks warming as he holds out the flowers with a sheepish smile. “Thought you might fancy these. Only the best for the best, right?”