I looked at my watch for the seventh time as I hurried down the street, the merciless metal hands mocking me for my lateness. I cursed softly to myself, pushing through the faceless early night crowd. The urging pressure of time was the only thing that kept me from panicking as the walls of flesh closed around me. The strong smell of sweat and cheap perfumes invading my nose, robbing me of air. Hateful elbows dug into my flesh, relentless bodies pushed against mine, snide remarks were thrown my way and a few even called me names when I went pass them, apologies reflexively leaving my lips.

I couldn't leave the crowd fast enough, the oppressing heat of the crowd quickly replaced by the cool air of the night. A gasp left my lips when I spotted the restaurant in the distance, warmth yellow light escaping through its glass doors. Only then, did the full weight of the situation land of my shoulders. My hands trembled the whole way, cold sweat ran down my spine and yet, my legs walked resolutely towards the building.

“You just need to show up, nothing more, I'll handle everything else," rang Maritza's excited voice in my mind, just as it had done a few days earlier, “I'm sure you'll hit it off, he's totally your type dear."

“But I haven't even seen him, or met him, what if he hates me? or if he's disappointed?" I murmured to myself, rubbing my cold hands for warmth. Doubt coiled around my heart, squeezing the hope out of it with relentless might.

Acid churned in my gut when my feet came to a stop before the glass doors. Their polished surface reflecting my poor appearance. My dark blue suit was too tight, clinging to my slim body. My light blue shirt was wrinkled and I was sure the dirt of the city already hung to its edges. My hair was a mess of black curls that no amount of brushing could tame, but nothing as bad as the thick framed glasses I had been forced to wear since I had memory. Goosebumps ran down my spine, the cold air of the night tempting me to leave at once, to run away, go back to the warmth and safety of my apartment, where no one would have to bear with me. I had only taken a single step back, when my traitorous mind conjured the disappointed Maritza's, herangry judging eyes when she found out I hadn't even met the guy. The cold treatment that would take weeks to heal. It tore my heart apart.

I gulped loudly, my heart beating hard against my chest as my trembling hand opened the door. A wave of warm air blasted against my face when I opened the door, the soothing smell of cinnamon and sandalwood filling my nose. A small hallway opened before me, light yellow walls decorated with modern looking paintings led to a noble stair case at the end. I bit my lip, the extravagance of the place made my stomach burn harder but I couldn't turn back, not yet at least. I meticulously cleaned my shoes on the rug by the door and internally grimaced with every step I took on the shining wooden floor.

The clinking of cups and the murmur of conversations were the first things to reach my ears before I reached the first floor. The smell of fresh bread and delicious meat came next, making my starving stomach rumble with need. A wide black desk laid in wait at the end of the stairs with a young waitress behind it, blocking the access to the cozy restaurant behind her. The human gave me a polite smile, a pen flashing in her hands.

“Good evening sir and welcome to La Sala Real. Under what name is your reservation?" said the waitress with a cheery tone.

“Ah, uhm, Mrs. Terán. It should be a table for two." The waitress eyes flashed with mischief, her smile growing wider before she answered me.

“Ah, yes, your partner has already arrived. He's waiting at the table. Please follow me."

The words rooted me in place, a sour taste raising to my mouth. I forced a smile and a nod while that tiny voice at the back of my mind berated me for my lateness. The waitress didn't comment a thing if she noticed, instead she guided me through the seat of tables to the farthest end of the room. Half lit lights gave the area an air of intimacy and privacy, which was further added to by the presence of only two elegant chairs per table. Without breaking her pace, the waitress took me to one of such tables where a giant man sat.

He was a broad orc, almost twice as much as me, with royal blue skin. A mane of matte black hair held closely to his head and went all the way down until it hid beneath his silver suit jacket. My stomach churned with fire when a pair of dark brown eyes looked up at me, nervous but relieved. His pair of large tusks framed a brilliant smile. He rose up at once, his thick muscles threatening to break his three piece suit and the white shirt underneath. Meaty blue hands took mine in his, shaking it with vigor and obvious strength. My mind came to a halt, the words fleeing my mouth as I stared at the big orc before me. I could only nod as the rumble of his words washed over me, his voice husky and deep. He helped me towards my own chair with surprising gentleness before he sat again across me. Concern flashed across brown eyes, his thick brows furrowing as he told something to the waitress.

All the while, my hands clung to the chair's arms, the revelation of my date leaving my body like a puppet without strings. My mind rushes through the last conversations between me and Maritza, searching for anything she had said about this, any clue that I had missed but I came up blank. Fear crushed my heart, the doubts of before coming back in full force, turning my blood to ice while my mouth became a desert.

A rumble brought me out of my thoughts, releasing the breath I didn't know I was holding. Brown orbs were fixed on me, a resigned smile on his face. His hand rose to rub the back of his neck, his voice, deep like thunder, ran through my body but was drowned by the pounding of my heart in my ears.

“I'm sorry, could you repeat that?" I forced myself to say, my body trembling like a leaf in the wind.

“Is this your first time seeing an orc?" He said with an uncertain tone, pain flashing in his eyes.

“Ah, well, no but, it is my first time going to a date with one and--"

“It is not what you expected." he finished for me, erasing the smile from his face. He let out a deep sigh, his shoulders slumping in defeat.

I looked away from the big orc, a sour taste spreading through my mouth. “I, I really didn't know what to expect. My friend didn't tell me anything."

“I see, I'm sorry for ruining your night."

My heart fell to my feet, guilt burning in my stomach. The words left my mouth before I could think them through “You haven't ruined my night. It was just, I'm not good with surprises. I, I freeze under pressure, that's all."

The orc's eyes widened, a sliver of smile returning to his face.

“I run my mouth when I'm nervous, got myself into a lot of trouble for that." A soft laugh left his lips, the table flowers shaking under the sound as he leaned back into his seat. “What do you say we start over again? Forget all this awkwardness?"

His big brown eyes drew me in, the rumble of his voice cooling my burning stomach. I returned his shy smile with one of my own and his face lit up.

“I'd love that. I'm Carlos." I said, offering my hand to the large orc. His smile grew wider and his blue hand trapped mine in a warm and soft cocoon.

“Azok. A pleasure to meet you Carlos."

“The pleasure is mine, Azok."