Fallen Star - (Kyle Broflovski X Reader)

Chapter 12: Maria, Mariaa (Kyle)

The neon colored 'closed' sign blares in Kyle's face, reminding him of his failure as he stands defeated in front of the empty flower shop. He came about an hour after the time Maria said she'd hold his bouquet until, yet spies them sitting on the cashiers desk, tied up with a beautiful baby blue ribbon he's sure she handpicked out herself to compliment the white petals.

She'd been so caring when he met her yesterday, able to help with Kyle's indecisiveness on what to get his mom. And now he'd disappointed her, seemingly not even showing up when she'd taken the time to come up with something she knew he'd love. He bangs his fist against the glass, taking his frustration out on the door. The sudden act surprises a figure he hadn't seen tucked under the desk, who now jumps up and meets his eyes. Maria.

His face turns from helplessness to joy as he realizes he's not too late, but she retains a cool facade as she comes to the door.

"You're late," she says, pointing out the obvious, yet her words still piercing through his heart even though they were separated by the glass door. "I don't appreciate tardiness in customers."

"I know, and I'm so sorry Maria. I'm a sucker for punctuality as well, but I got sidetracked at work and only remembered you were waiting for me here. I never meant to stand you up or anything, I swear. I'm not that kind of guy."

She stares at him for a moment, then sighs. Her gaze towards him softens as she unlocks the door and lets him in. He nods an grateful thanks, then makes his way to the desk and almost grabs the flowers before her voice interrupts him.

"If you're really sorry about coming in late, then you'll give me a proper apology," she exclaims, as he turns around and gives her a confused look. He assumed what he just said was apology enough, but if she wants more, that's what he'll give her. Slowly, he gets down onto his knees, thinking about leaving if not just to save his last shreds of dignity. But it's safe to assume those left when he had to act as Cartman's personal slave to stop him from disrupting peace in the Middle East, so he opens his mouth to let the regrets over not coming earlier tumble out. But she looks him up and down, then bursts out laughing before he can say anything.

"Oh my god Kyle, I just meant taking me out to dinner or something, what the fuck are you doing?"

Relief washes over him, even if there is a slight suspicion creeping up as well. Why would a girl like her want to be taken out by a guy like him? He wasn't used to women being so forward with their pursuits of him, if they even consider him worth the time of day. But one dinner seems like a simple request, so he gets back on his feet, then takes the bouquet sitting behind him.

"Is tonight alright? My little brother's coming into town tomorrow, and I want to get the flowers back home before then."

A cheeky smile appears on her face, as she opens the door for him.

"Lead the way."

...

The restaurant Kyle chose was one close by, a little more intimate than he'd like, but Maria didn't seem to notice. They settle in one of the smaller tables in the corner, forced to sit so close their knees are pressed together in a slightly uncomfortable fashion. He wonders if this dinner is meant to be romantic or not, but the first conversation between the two dismisses any doubt he has.

"So Maria, why were you still in the flower shop almost an hour after closing time?"

"Hmm," she says, twirling some pasta on her fork as she deliberates on an answer. "I guess I was just waiting for a tall, curly haired red-head to walk in and save my dinner plans with a date so I wouldn't be forced to sit alone in my apartment watching Friends reruns and eating cold lasagna."