Not INTERESTED! (O/O eventual romance)

"Oh, that's alright," Karie sympathized. "So… what do you like to do?"

"Oh! I like to read, write, draw…typical nerd stuff, I know, but I'm honestly interested in a lot of things. I like to watch football sometimes, but only if it's a rival game. I like to watch baseball, too. As a child, my mother used to take me to the stadium and we'd watch them play, eating popcorn and soft pretzels. It's really fun." Samuel seemed more comfortable now, and he expressed himself a little with his hands.

She giggled and smiled encouragingly at him. "I love to watch baseball! I actually have a brother who plays. Maybe we could go and see him sometime."

"Yeah! That'd be nice. Did you want anything to order? I can call the waitress over if you'd like." Samuel asked, a little content.

"I'm fine for right now, unless you're ready," she said, looking away to observe the menu.

"I guess I will, then. I'm thinking maybe the spaghetti, but I don't know if you're okay with me being a bit…messy." Samuel smiled shyly, his right hand finding the back of his neck.

"It's fine," Karie said with a small smile.

"Okay. What do you think you're getting? I'm genuinely curious." Samuel said, a bit hesitant to make conversation.

"Uh… I always get just a regular burger, some fries, and a milkshake when I come here," she remarked. "What about you?"

"I usually like their burgers, too. But today, I'm craving pasta." Samuel smiled.

"Sounds interesting," Karie said with a wink. "What makes you crave the pasta today?"

"I don't know. I've just always loved pasta, and today's special is three meat lasagna. But, it's really messy, and I guess I don't want to look like a slob in front of you…" Samuel smiled sheepishly, averting his eyes to the menu.

Karie smiled. "That's understandable for a first date," she said, teasing just a little.

"True. I haven't really put myself out there recently. A few friends of mine told me to go for it, and I guess that's how I met you. I'm sorry if that upsets you or anything, I'm a bit self-conscience when it comes to other people." Samuel nodded in her direction, sipping his water.

"Oh, I don't mind. Dates aren't exactly new to me," she remarked.

"I'm not surprised. You're really beautiful." Samuel paused and a light pink blush came to his cheeks. "I-I didn't mean-I can take it back if you want."

She was a little surprised. "No, you don't need to take it back…"

"I'm sorry. I'm not used to…this." Samuel told a white lie.

"What's this to you?" she asked.

"Dating. Relationships. Love. Affection." Samuel's cheeks went a brighter red at the last parts, and he looked away.

Karie smiled. "Are you afraid of it all?"

"Maybe. A little. But… I try to open myself up to newer things, even if I don't like them at first." Samuel looked at Karie and attempted a genuine smile, but it came off as more sheepish than hopeful.

A waitress came over. "Are you two ready to order?"
"Yup!" Karie enthused, placing her order first.

"Yeah, can I have the special?" Samuel turned to the waitress, a happy tone to his voice.

"Sure thing," she chirped. "It's be right out!"
Karie looked over at him with a smile after the waitress walked away. "Changed your mind?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry if I'm messy though. Just…giving you a fair warning." Samuel nodded and grinned at Karie. "Thanks for being here. It means a lot."

"Of course! I'm not one of those people who walks out on dates!" Karie said meaningfully.

"I never said you were. I'm just…used to making people upset on accident, and I try not to, but I do." Samuel obscured the truth a little, but he was right.

"Oh, I think that I do that too," she said with a quiet laugh.

"Really? How so? I doubt someone like you could upset me. I'm more of a person who'll constantly say, 'I'm sorry!'" Samuel chuckled and sighed. having a peaceful smile on his face.