Badump... Badump... Badump...

Was this music, I wonder?

A human heart works strange, so very strange.

Every pump, every beat, was not an exact process.

It had beat so hard and for so long without end, only the moments of calm leading up to another steady, yet not perfect heartbeat.

They were like polyrhythms, creating tension amongst the sounds; yet harmonious and full of direction, an all-seeing song.

Who would wish to feel this heartbeat? It was her.

The living corpse of that woman upon Zabulus' beating heart.

Badump... Badump... Badump...

It could be clear that it was simply too early for that, however!

...

"...So, lamb, how was your... day?" She spoke to him as they ate together.

Despite the cold and bitter temperatures of the wind outside of the cafeteria, the two remained unphased.

"Hm... well, I've been... thinking... Okay?" He had to try to make conversation, there wasn't a lot that she'd do nowadays.

"About?" She didn't seem to try and put effort into her responses... Or simply didn't know how to.

'There's still an answer that I needed from her; a name to call her!' He had the grand thought of asking her for her name, but never did the time seem right. It wasn't now either, he was not too inexperienced to know that.

"About what I can do for uh..." He twiddled his thumbs, as one hand placed a fork with macaroni pasta into his mouth, his spare-hand being used to pick it off from the teeth, making it easier to chew. A little bit of a bad move from Zabulus. "For this date, you know. I was just so excited that I didn't think and... It is definitely not boring. I'm just overwhelmed a little, honest!"

"Aww... look at you, little lamb! Are ya nervous 'cause my company is intimidating? Naahaa! How cute!" She played with her hair, hiding her face and smile behind the pale white hair, if the look was not already enough to convey that sense of a playful expression on her face, the skin flap on her lip that moved with her cheeks did.

"D-Don't say things like that, lady. I'm just... shy." The hue on his face implied that he wasn't. The red was apparent from even the tips of his fingers.

She'd laugh this off, still treating Zabulus like a child... And while he would never admit it, a part of him liked it. Liked what it was doing to him. Her playfulness.

Although he would never grow tired of her existence. It was strange, she seemed like the type of person to be less direct in these situations. Granted he knew only one side of her for many years at this point, it made his heartbeat speed up in anticipation; at the fact that these expectations were being blown away and filled anew with surprises that one would assume this situation could give.

"And? While your shyness is absolutely delightful, I have to get a response. To move on... C'mon and speak, all I want to do right now is speak to ya." He could tell by the tone of her voice that she meant it.

'Just how is someone meant to respond to that? Haha... She's too sweet... Oops! No— Stay in your lane.' It wouldn't do good to throw away the very things that allowed his personality to shine, and what better way to do that than play along?

"W-well, is... erm, what was the question? Oh, what can I do? ...How about we go to the amusement park? Or a petting zoo? Or..." He gulped, making him choke lightly on the food, before pushing the rest of the fork into his mouth and slurping it up a bit. Then he washed it down with a bit of water.

She could tell how nervous he was by his movements and how stiff his free hand was on the table.

So she did what was most sensible, placing her hand directly on top of his, caressing it slowly. Taking notice of the small imperfections and details of its texture.

'Eeeeeh?! Why are you doing this! It's like you don't understand that we've got a boundary! Plus, this is making me feel even worse!! I'm losing brain function... Ahhh, this is amazing. Yes, I am amazing, totally not blushing at all. Totally...'

A series of events unfolded within his mind; many scenarios that were barely realistic, his brain basically melted at her sudden touch. Almost forgetting to even breathe.

He reciprocated by turning his palm upwards and gripping her fingers in the motion of a semi-fist, adding onto the already-lovey environment.

Her hair flicked across her face as she looked towards the wall, seemingly focused on something. As the corners of her lips curled.

"Say... do you want to... go somewhere new?" It's not that he hated this atmosphere, but he wanted to carry it somewhere else less... stuffy. That's what he described a cafeteria as.

He really didn't like to look at them for whatever reason. It always felt like they did too, and his stare wasn't fast enough.

'Something new... I can almost remember- Ugh, this blasted mind of mine...' She shook her head, while it helped. It didn't nullify the memory.

"Sorry about that, not trying to bring the mood down. I need a reminder of where I am- right! Let's go to the planetarium!"

"The planetarium? Now, why was I not expecting that from you, as a general rule, at least." He put his spare hand to his chin.

"Yup- Yup! Let's get the change of scenery!" She wasn't to act timid in an environment she couldn't feel comfortable in, and so, it was back to the casual feeling. As the handplay came to a close. "Come now, let's leave."

Both of them held hands as they walked out of the cafeteria (All bills paid already, don't worry)

He snuck a peek at her smiling face while they departed from the 'stony cage', she wasn't holding back, and neither did the cute smile.

Nor did it disappear once they were in the bustling and full city. Full of all sorts of people going about their days.

She leaned against him, hugging him once more.

Granted, she had to get used to the amount of flesh there, and still found his size slightly different. But, the hug was just as fulfilling and didn't feel any different.

They were sticking as a sore thumb in the crowd, the other couples weren't so open in their affection as the two were, and it'd have made for a fun yet embarrassing sight. But neither of them cared; they were here for each other, and eventually Zabulus returned her embrace as they stood there for a couple of seconds, disregarding all rules of society, before breaking the hold to continue onwards.

Neither of them knew the location of the planetarium (of course), but eventually found the perfect help to come in the form of a 12-year-old alien girl handing out flyers on the street.

'WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN ABOUT LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE!? TO MAKE YOUR LIFE SUPER TIMES FOUR?! THEN COME TO OUR RENOWNED FACILITY FOR A DISCOUNT RATE OF 5,000 SQUID! ONLY AROUND 2,000 EARTH DOLLARS! YES! YES! IT IS THE WELL KNOWN PLANETARIUM OF THE MULTIVERSE! COME VISIT!'

Dead in the eyes, they read this out... Almost wanting to walk the other way and disregard the Planetarium idea as a whole... but what'd be the point if not for the fun and surprises the experience would bring?

"Ah." Zabulus exclaimed.

"I had never heard of Squid even existing as a currency, is this some form of universal joke that I should know, because even some of the people on the other side of the street are looking at us and the kid funnily." She said in a casual manner, tilting her head. Not amused in the slightest.

"Trust me, lady, I'm wondering the same... I... uh, actually never got to go there. To the planetarium... So maybe that's a good thing... But what do you think of the flyer?" That was meant to be an indirect question, like a 'is this place not cringe worthy?', except she gave an honest answer, without really answering the indirect question.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"It's either going to be totally wrong or horribly right. I expect no less than... nay, nothing. Let's go find out!" She led him by the hand as she walked forwards against the scents and sounds of the metropolis.

Although it was a nice beginning to a date... the cityscape sure did somewhat suck.

"L-Lady! Slow down a little!"

And then she stopped. Holding hands to the elbows (a trick she thought up) to just hang a bit at one of the benches.

They kept their distance; It'd be weird if someone saw these two holding hands at such a distance from each other.

'What the hell... why is he staying so far away!?!? Gah! Be a man and take the initiative for once... dummy...' She thought internally while pouting a bit and giving him the stink eye, waiting for him to stop and reciprocate in the lovable way that was necessary to quell her restlessness.

It was as if her thoughts were read by him, but they were both equally shy in terms of being the first person to make a move.

She only did that because she made a dare with a friend beforehand. "Say, come on. Can you not tell that I'm clearly waiting for you? Honestly..."

"Um- do... you want to continue over there-" he pointed in a very vague direction while his hand was obviously stuttering with her sudden increase of tone. "T-That is to say-"

She chuckled a bit and closed her eyes. 'He's cute when he's nervous though... maybe I should just...'

"C'mon," she said, gesturing something akin to her patting a seat by her side "come-come, closer to me"

What this meant, essentially... was as she said! There are no ulterior meanings here! She just wanted him to sit directly next to her!

Wanting him to know. That's what the heart felt like it could do at minimum.

Somehow, her behavior was still considered friendly; yet Zabulus felt a little threatened, with the aura she put out.

But he moved along with his better judgement, of course... you numpty Zabulus! This is a romantic date god damn it, not a childrens' park. Don't even dare say that what that aura meant is not true!

It made Zabulus start looking around, before ultimately ending at her.

He was sitting extremely stiff as she looked at him with slightly furrowed eyebrows, that same smile.

"I'm- sorry... I just, yeah, sorry."

"Are you, truly? Or are you just sorry, as an excuse?" She pressed his buttons just a bit, she almost couldn't hold the laugh inside.

"O-Oh- Uh, and! By the by, I have noticed- even though I don't think you're too keen on telling me. Which is alright! Your name, that is, it's eluded my memories and I've had the thought about bringing it up since that night, but... Yeees, I, I wanted to know if I should still address you as a simple 'lady' or... by... you know... Y-your name..." He 'looked' away whilst trying to get it out of his mouth without dragging the words for too long, his entire disposition said the rest, that is to say... he was really, and utterly nervous.

She put her head on his shoulder as soon as that sentence finished... "Yes, alright. My name's Tori... aaaand, don't look at me like that, I'm not done. From now on I'd be grateful if you'd call me just 'Tori'! If you'd still like."

...That took less effort to communicate than what he'd expected it to take.

"R-Really, I mean it. Just Tori, oh what a name... you know, on your behalf, I'm a little glad that these walls are blocking certain scents." He didn't specify. However she understood that he meant her scent. A little blush crossed her face, a bit too full of confidence... She closed her eyes as a proud smile crept across her lips.

Zabulus leaned in a bit closer, placing his hand on her back... and she flinched a little.

"Did I scare you-"

"...No, it's okay." She looked slightly upwards into his face. And quickly at his lips.

It was that feeling that compelled her again, and what would cause her to completely get lost... at that moment, she broke down any form of structure or a plan that could possibly help her stay composed.

'Give in? Do I just give in? What if I mess up? What if he thinks I'm weird? And why am I even going at a snail's pace? This body is still young! Yes... Young as the day and night... But... If I mess up then I'd just have to bear it! I can't take it anymore! I just, huh...'

"Hey, Zabby..."

"Hm? Yes, Tori?" He looked down to see her face right up to his. But unlike him, she was too hesitant to actually take the dive. She bit her lip, a bit of pain overrode the shameful thought. Then she spoke with a bit of the same tone as before, but more toned down.

"Thank you, for making the time of day and... and for putting up with me, I mean- I didn't expect you to, and you sure did grow a lot more than I ever anticipated, and- well- do you really- I mean, me, the likes of me- Ah, would you see me as someone so selfish to allow myself to steal all of this time from you?" Her sentences were all cluttered, her eyes were all dazed and her tone was low.

But there was sincerity all throughout.

All because he said her name without being prompted to do so. It stuck out to her more than any possible proclamation of love, it was an emotional aspect of her life that she finally felt valued to.

'AAAAHHHH! WHAT IS GOING ON WITH ME?! It's just the name, isn't it? HOW IS THE NAME PLAYING A ROLE IN THIS?! Am I going crazy?'

Her rational and instinctive minds were fighting for a common purpose. And the real-life problem-solver was coming to her aid.

With a slap of reality, he managed to lift her thoughts.

Removing her head from his shoulder and grabbing both of her shoulders, he proclaimed out loud, as if a hero making a speech to a villain.

"I-It's a kiss you want, right!?"

...

...

...

Silence. An awkward one in particular. Before long, after he said it, she was rendered speechless and blinked twice before she went completely red as she blushed further and felt her heartbeat pumping like hell.

"Y-y-yes- that's right, that's exactly what I want!" She bit the finger on her other hand to avoid screaming in happiness, pulling it back just a tad and clenching it into a tight fist, trembling all over.

'Wow... she's so cute when she's all cute and cute and embarrassed. She's just really cute. Even if she's... slightly older than me, I can tell- What? Is that an excuse to call her cute still? Will she cry in embarrassment when I say that she's basically the cutest thing ever? I dunno... I'll just...'

Muah.

It was a quick peck on the lips. A brief and insecure kiss, as if he had done something wrong. 'Was it weird? Yeah... probably... I fucked up, I fucked up... don't leave, it'll be... even more awkward, just try to continue somehow...'

She was certainly happy, although while he could tell she had a somewhat blissful expression, it faded into a dumbfounded one.

So, he just bit the bullet and went for a secure and more forceful kiss, putting his fingers through her hair as he slightly put a bit more weight into it. A lip lock between two nervous and inexperienced individuals.

As it was being done in an attempt to show that they were dedicated and serious in their endeavours, he started making his approach towards her more blatant, and then started feeling a lot more brazen.

Just letting his body take its course, he forgot for a second where he even was.

She, on the other hand, had a million racing thoughts. Why was she getting kisses? And why was she not taking any initiative?

She almost wanted it to never end as she savoured his movement. They felt both unfamiliar, yet it was a welcome set of circumstances, she completely trusted him, and it caused her to deeply lose her train of thought as she stopped thinking about anything else other than the feeling.

And she reciprocated by putting her arms around his neck, which in turn made the sensation all the more pleasant.

As he broke the seal and parted from her with a slight string of saliva.

No matter how perfect and beautiful she may be, it was her that she loved. At that moment, it was just her for him.

All she did was simply... "Hmph~". (As if she was not affected by that kiss...)

Not an impatient response, simply that the kiss was... unexpected...

On the opposite side of the coin, neither of them really knew what to say, they only could comprehend what had transpired.

Zabulus raised his hand slightly off her shoulders and gently pulled away. A little bit unsure of what was going to happen next.

"Say... um- how about... we uh..." He got stuck in his train of thought, when she noticed that he was tripping over himself due to the lack of communication from her, all she really did was just simply nod towards the flyer that was already quite crumpled and worn. Not saying a single word. But a very specific gesture conveys emotions that words cannot, and somehow, it was enough.

With her response, they simply...

Walked off.

"Where to?" He asked her.

"To the planetarium, dummy! That's where we're going to go now. Where'd you think we were going?" He realised after he asked and stopped walking that he almost sent them off into a different direction. He's never been there, and his instincts were a little confusing right now; it's the 'post-kiss' anxiety, I guess.

"Aah! I love her..." He said out loud, by accident. To the point where she thought he said it on purpose to elicit a response.

Unfortunately, she just closed her eyes and hid her giddy face and emotions behind her hair, so he didn't see the adorably smug face.

"...Is that so~ T-then... give me 10 more kisses today!"

"Huh...? W-what?! I didn't mean to... I mean... No! I love you! I do!" He had to answer honestly because... the lack of eye contact in that moment was scary. He didn't want to say that it was an accident... otherwise it'd make the entire situation really awkward.

With that, she basically jumped forwards, with her arms extended to the front. "Zabulus... I-... I love you. That's it..."

While his thoughts were extremely fuzzy, and he could no longer focus on anything, because her scent and everything else was just overlapping and taking a seat in the first row at the top of the stage in his mind.

To compensate for her newfound height, she then huddled closer to him, placing his chin just underneath her neck as she snuggled him a little.

He gulped. Hard.

All the air in his system moved downwards without it being commanded, or so it seemed, but was actually a natural reaction that Zabulus was internally yelling for him to control. As the front, previously said in a very literal sense, suddenly... became an actual problem and gave no quarter for him to move.

The two embraced each other one more time in the empty park, with no one to see them and nothing to catch the attention of anyone... well, except a few weird alien-like birds flying across and fluttering their wings.

But still, neither of them knew the location of the planetarium (because yeah, this was a very well planned date). However, that much wasn't a major issue, as they'd simply come up with the idea of asking people for directions as they wandered the bustling area.

Eventually... Finally, they found a worthy source... the self-same 12-year-old entity, handing flyers.

This is where this potential set of universes ends and occurs; to the dismay and the excitement of the couple-to-be, the planetarium reeled in both the good and the bad.