@a-literal-trash-man I’m gonna do PostRecall!Ana, which is what I assume you wanted. If it

@a-literal-trash-man I’m gonna do PostRecall!Ana, which is what I assume you wanted. If it’s not, let me know and I can write one where she’s Prefall!

——————-

Oh goodness were you nervous.

First dates were always a bulldozer to your nerves (and honesty, so was being so close to Ana). So, when she asked you out, you felt like you were completely devoid of air, leaving Ana- sweet, beautiful Ana- smiling as she waited patiently for your stuttered agreement.

You run your fingers through your hair, assessing your appearance via the floor length mirror on the back of your door.

Overall, you were fairly pleased with yourself. You think you succeeded at not to look too fancy- it was just a lunch date after all- but still dressing to impress.

Grabbing your phone and other essentials, you exit your room, as ready as you’ll ever be to woo that Egyptian beauty.

“Uh…….hello, Fareeha.” You begin, shoving you hands in your pockets in attempt to look casual. “You need something?”

She pushes herself off a wall (which you assume she was leaning on, waiting for you to come out of your room), “Just a quick talk.” She glances over your outfit. “You look nice.”

“Oh, uh, thanks.” You straighten up your shirt.

“Look, my mom really likes you,” she sighs, unfolding her arms to express venerability, “I just……I need to know that you feel the same about her.”

“I do.” You answer slow and earnest, teetering onto your heels. “I like her a lot.”

Fareeha eyes you for a moment, then she lets her shoulders droop slightly.

“Good.” She lets out a small smile, patting a hand on your back as she passes, heading in the opposite direction that you were. “She’s really excited. Don’t let her down.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

____________________

“I think you’ll love it, I used to come here all the time when I was younger!” Ana beamed during the short walk to the cafe.

“It looks super cozy!” you comment, holding open the door to let her in.

“I can’t believe it’s still here,” she speaks softly, “ after all these years.”

She finds a table near the window, and motions you to come with her. When you sit, she’s already staring out at the few, slightly orange trees, with a gentle smile on her face.

You watch her, taking in how content she was, how relaxed she was. You always did admire her level head.

Well, you always did admire her in general. She’s is and continues to be an amazing woman.

“-order?” You jump, realizing that you were daydreaming, and turn to the waiter with a heated face, clearing your throat.

“I’m sorry, didn’t catch that.”

Ana chuckles, “He asked if you had a drink order.”

You smile awkwardly and order, seeing that Ana had already, and that she knew that you were blankly staring at her.

“So,” Ana starts, placing her chin atop her laced fingers, “what were you dreaming about?” You easily detect her teasing tone.

You pause, taking a moment in attempt to not fumble your words. “Well, y'know, a few things.” You clear your throat. “It’s nothing.”

Her humored chuckle surrounds you, “You’re bad at lying.”

You smile at her timidly. “And you’ve got a good eye.”

This makes her snort.

“Only one!” She grins tapping the corner of her eyepatch.

“Wait! I didn’t mean-“ You’re quick to raise your hands in defense.

“It’s alright, I know you didn’t mean anything.”

You hope she really does, and isn’t just saying that.

The waiter returns with drinks, and promptly takes your orders for food.

As he departs, you both sit in silence, and you pray that she isn’t uncomfortable.

Her long sigh grabs your attention.

“You know,” she begins slowly, “there has been very few times in my life where I’ve felt truly nervous.” Her eyes fixate on her mug, twisting it gently back and forth. You watch her, intently, hung on every word. “When I first enlisted into the military, when Fareeha was born, my first mission in Strike Team” she pauses, letting you soak everything in, “now.”

You’re face heats up almost instantly, but you stay quiet, unsure how to respond.

“It’s………..silly, that after all that, everything I’ve been through,” She meets your eyes, “this is what makes my stomach flutter.” Her gaze quickly lands elsewhere, away from you. “I guess you just have that effect on me.”

“Well…..I don’t think it’s silly.”

“You don’t?” Her voice carries a semblance of hope.

“Not at all,” in what may a sudden burst of either bravery or stupidity, you place your hand on hers, “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a nervous wreck before this.”

“Do you say that to all the ladies?” She halfheartedly jests.

“Only to the ones as pretty as you,” You shoot back, causing her to burst out laughing, lightly pushing your arm.

“That was awful!”

“I only use the worst pickup lines!” You boast, inbetween chuckles.

She pushes her hair behind her ear, smiling wider than you’ve ever seen her smile, and it was at that point you knew you where smitten.