The Berserker Nerd

The Date

John stood outside the Hero Restaurant, shifting nervously from one foot to the other. His hands fidgeted in his pockets as he tried to calm himself. The restaurant's neon sign flickered above him, casting a warm glow over the bustling street. Heroes, sidekicks, and ordinary citizens filled the sidewalks, but all John could focus on was the knot tightening in his stomach. This is it. Our first real date, he thought. Don't mess this up.

His thoughts were interrupted when Mayla appeared, walking toward him with a soft smile on her face. She looked breathtaking in her red dress that hugged her figure just right, simple but elegant, with her hair cascading in loose waves over her shoulders.

"You nervous?" Mayla asked, a teasing glint in her eyes as she approached him.

John laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Maybe a little... I mean, it's not every day you go on a date with someone like you."

Mayla raised an eyebrow. "Someone like me?"

"You know," John gestured vaguely, "strong, amazing, can shoot lasers from her eyes..."

Mayla chuckled, shaking her head. "I think you'll be fine, John. You're pretty amazing too, you know?"

Her words made John blush, and he quickly changed the subject. "Shall we go in?"

They stepped inside the Hero Restaurant, the atmosphere buzzing with energy. The interior was cozy but lively, with superhero memorabilia decorating the walls. Posters of famous heroes hung between framed newspaper articles of heroic rescues, and even the tables had fun, comic-book-themed designs. The restaurant was a popular spot for powered individuals, where everyone could be themselves without hiding their abilities.

The hostess greeted them with a bright smile, dressed in a cape and mask as part of the restaurant's theme. "Welcome to the Hero Restaurant! Do you have a reservation?"

"Yes, under 'Lee,'" John replied, his voice steady despite his nerves.

The hostess scanned the list and nodded. "Right this way!"

They were seated at a booth near the window, where the city lights twinkled just beyond the glass. The view was beautiful, but John couldn't take his eyes off Mayla. Her excitement was contagious, and it eased his nerves as they settled into their seats.

"So, this place is pretty cool," Mayla said, glancing around. "Heroes and food. What more could you want?"

John grinned. "Yeah, it's nice to be somewhere we don't have to hide anything. Plus, I heard the food's great."

Their server, dressed as a sidekick, arrived to take their drink orders. John went for a soda, while Mayla opted for the same. As the server left, the two of them found themselves laughing at the quirky uniforms.

"You'd think they'd give the sidekicks a break," Mayla joked, shaking her head at the thought of their poor server dressed in a bright red cape.

"Hey, sidekicks are heroes too," John said with a smile. "They deserve some credit."

The conversation flowed naturally as they waited for their food. They talked about their powers, their training, and the ups and downs of being young heroes. John couldn't help but admire how confident and comfortable Mayla was in her abilities.

"You're amazing with your powers," John said, resting his chin on his hand as he looked at her. "Those laser eyes... I don't think I'll ever get used to how cool that is."

Mayla chuckled. "It's not as glamorous as it seems. You'd be surprised how many times I've accidentally zapped a hole in something. But thanks. You're pretty incredible with your Berserker power too."

John shrugged, trying to play it off casually. "Yeah, but it's not exactly... controlled. I'm still learning how to keep it in check."

"Well, from what I've seen, you're doing a great job," Mayla said, her eyes twinkling with sincerity. "You've got more control than you think, John."

Her words made his heart race, and for a moment, he couldn't find the right words to respond. Thankfully, their server returned with their meals, interrupting the moment. Mayla had ordered the "Heroine Special," a perfectly grilled steak with roasted vegetables, while John opted for the "Berserker Burger," an absurdly large sandwich that looked like it might topple over at any second.

"Good luck with that," Mayla teased, eyeing his burger.

John laughed. "I think I'll need it."

As they ate, their conversation shifted to more personal topics. They talked about their families, their childhoods, and what had led them to where they were now. John found himself opening up in ways he hadn't expected. It felt easy, natural, with Mayla. She understood what it was like to have powers, to feel different from everyone else.

"You know," Mayla said, spearing a roasted carrot with her fork, "I used to feel like I had to prove myself all the time. Like being strong wasn't enough. But with you... I don't feel that pressure."

John looked at her, surprised. "Really?"

"Yeah," she nodded. "I feel like I can just be... me."

John smiled, his heart swelling at her words. "I feel the same way about you. You're not just the girl with laser eyes. You're smart, strong, and, honestly... you're kind of amazing."

Mayla blushed, her eyes softening. "Thanks, John. That means a lot."

The rest of their dinner passed with ease, their laughter and conversation filling the space between bites of food. Dessert came in the form of hero-themed cupcakes, and they shared them, laughing as they tried to figure out how to eat them without making a mess.

By the time they left the restaurant, the night had grown colder, but neither of them seemed to mind. They walked side by side down the street, the city lights reflecting off the pavement beneath their feet.

"That was fun," Mayla said, glancing up at him with a smile.

"Yeah, it was," John agreed, his hand brushing against hers as they walked.

Without thinking, John reached out and took her hand in his. The gesture was simple, but it made his heart skip a beat when she didn't pull away. Instead, she squeezed his hand gently, her smile widening.

As they reached Mayla's apartment building, they stopped in front of the door, neither of them wanting the night to end just yet.

"I had a great time tonight," Mayla said, stepping closer to him. "We should do this again sometime."

John nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. "Definitely."

For a moment, they stood there, gazing at each other. Then, slowly, Mayla leaned in, her lips brushing against his in a soft, tender kiss. The world seemed to stop around them as they stood in the quiet street, their kiss a perfect end to the night.

When they finally pulled apart, John was smiling like an idiot, his cheeks flushed. "So... I guess we're officially dating now, huh?"

Mayla chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah, I think we are."

They shared one last smile before Mayla stepped toward her apartment door. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Of course," John replied, his voice soft.

As she disappeared into her building, John turned and walked down the street, his heart light and his mind buzzing with excitement. Their relationship had taken a big step forward tonight, and for the first time in a long time, the future felt full of endless possibilities.