Broken Descent (Bruno Mars)

Real Dates

Charlotte sat on Bruno's bed as he showed off several shirts. The time passed quickly as Bruno awaited the first official date with Kim. Bruno walked out of the closet wearing a yellow shirt, spinning around to show it. Charlotte giggled at first, but then turned very serious.

"Nope," she shook her head, crossing her arms.

"What's wrong with this one?"

"It's dirty..." Charlotte said, pointing toward the bottom.

Bruno looked down, staring at the red stain.

"I believe," Bruno said, getting closer to her to tickle under her arms. "I believe that's ketchup..."

Bringing her hands up to her cheek, Charlotte began to squeal.

"And I believe," Bruno whispered, "that you dropped it on my shirt."

"Well...it's not ALL my fault," she said very sarcastically.

Bruno couldn't help but laugh and stare at her. "Alright mini me...we gotta hurry this up...I don't wanna be late..."

Shaking her head, Charlotte spoke in a little voice. "No you do not."

When Bruno came out wearing the next shirt, Charlotte shook her head once again.

"Oh come on. What's wrong with this one?"

"Too many wrinkles. It looks like PopPop's face."

"Now Charlotte," Bruno laughed. "That's a joke that we can't tell PopPop. That joke doesn't leave this house. Got it?"

"Got it..."

"I'm wearing the next shirt...no matter what," Bruno said as he put on a blue button down shirt.

Charlotte swung her dangling legs off the bed with anticipation.

"How 'bout now?" He asked, stepping out.

"You look very handsome."

"Thank you," he said, kissing her cheek.

Charlotte ran into the closet to pick a hat from his collection. She picked a gray one with a dark blue feather to match the shirt. Bruno lowered himself so she could place the hat on his head.

Charlotte and Bruno returned to the kitchen where Phil had been waited. He would be watching the kids that night.

"Well you look nice," Phil said.

"Thank you," Bruno bowed, taking Charlotte's hand. "I have the best stylist in the world."

"You should give her a raise."

"A raise? I give her plenty of raises. Thanks for doin' this."

"It's no problem...you haven't been anywhere but the school and the studio lately...your last date I don't even remember when that was..."

"Me neither."

When Kimberly arrived with Madison, the adults talked for a little. It'd been a while since Bruno had been out without Charlotte.

"Alright, Peanut," Bruno said, looking at Kimberly briefly, "be good..."

"I will...I promise."

Bruno and Kimberly then headed out.

"Girls don't give Uncle Phil any problems. When he tells you to go to bed, then you need to listen."

"Okay," Madison said.

"We'll be good, Dad."

"Alright. I love you," Bruno said, giving her a kiss.

"I love you too."