Life, Death, and Time - A Books Of Beginning Collection

Oneshot: Romantic Advice

Background: Similar to in the last oneshot, Rafe is alive in this one.

Content: Wibberly family interaction, some Kate x Rafe, some Michael x Wilamena, Emma being a snarky youngest sibling.

Michael Wibberly had lead an army to defeat the forces of darkness, had recovered the fire chronicle, had helped to save the world. So why was it, that at the mere thought of a simple get together with Wilamena, he felt his palms go sweaty and his tongue became tied in knots?

Part of it had to do with the fact that he wasn't sure if it was a date or not. On one hand, he and Wilamena had agreed to just be friends because they were so busy with their separate lives. On the other hand, he still had quite the crush on her, and actually wanted to do her out on a real date. But he wasn't sure if she would want that, or if she had put her feelings to the side.

This was one puzzle Michael couldn't solve on his own with logic and reasoning, and the Dwarf Omnibus hadn't been much help either. The only dwarfish romantic advice in there was how to trim one's beard for a special date. So, Michael found himself going to ask his family for their advice. 

Richard, his father, had been surprised that he was the first person Michael talked to. Richard was still getting used to being a father to his children, and the fact that one of them had come to him for advice felt like a big step to him. 

When he finally stopped stammering, he turned from the letter he was writing to his friend and mentor Hugo Algernon, to give his son his full attention. He took a deep breath and then began to speak, "er - What was the question again?"

Michael sighed, reluctant to repeat it but knowing he had to, "I want to tell Wilamena I have feelings for her while we're hanging out this afternoon, but I'm not sure how. Do you have any advice for me?"

Richard drummed his fingers on the desk in thought, "oh hmmm... well son, it's been years since the last time I had to ask someone out. Last time was when I asked your mother out for coffee so we could discuss our different research - oh she was brilliant, I was so impressed, I'm not sure how I managed to keep my cool."

"Anything at all would help," Michael pressed.

"Well, my main advice would be to be honest about your feelings and then listen to and respect hers," Richard replied.

"That makes sense. Thanks dad," Michael nodded, "I'm still kind of nervous  though."

"If you want more advice, talk to your mother. Clare has always been the braver one with this sort of thing. I may have asked her out on the first date, but she asked me out on the second, and the third, and to be her boyfriend," Richard added.

"Alright," Michael responded, "thanks again dad."

Michael exited the room and went to search for his mom. He found Clare in the kitchen wearing a turkey sandwich. He stood in the doorway awkwardly, trying to put his request for advice into words, when she spotted him. 

She grinned, "oh hey Michael, didn't see you there! What's up?"

"I need advice," Michael blurted.

Clare gave him a quizzical look, "about what?"

"I want to tell Wilamena I still have feelings for her," Michael explained, "I already asked dad for advice and he told me to be honest and to listen to and respect her."

"That's good advice," Clare said, "being honest is especially important. You wanna be clear on what your feelings are and not play games with her. Other then that, all I can tell you is don't think too hard about it or you'll get nervous and freeze up."