The cave’s mouth was rough against his bare arm ; a welcome sensation that had kept him tied to reality as the sun rose -- something that had tossed and turned and thrown him upside-down just a few days ago . Wide eyes swept across the horizon , where the sun hovered and cast light across the glistening waves . Greg pressed his toes into the stone stairs underneath him , rolling his ankles . When he’d given up his future for a dream , he hadn’t thought he’d do it again .
An inexplicable shiver ran up his spine , and less than a moment later a strange warmth rushed up from the back of the cave . Heart jumping to his throat , the former rock star pushed himself up to climb the ledge and stared , speechless , as a beam of light materialized the woman of his dreams into existence . “ Rose , ” the name tumbled from numb lips , and then thought caught up and a trembling smile broke out as he ran , “ HEY , ROSE ! ”
Coming to a halt , beaming features gradually gave way to the nerves that had been lingering under the surface since their first meeting . Swallowing , Greg raked a hand through his hair , a small chuckle trickling out before he managed a crooked grin . “ Well , uh , first off -- I hope your ... trip ... was alright ! That beam-y thing is really cool , for the record . Super sci-fi . So , anyway , I wanted to ask you -- ” as he drew breath , he lost track of what his hands were supposed to be doing , and short of rubbing his neck he tucked a lock behind his ear , then placed it on his hip , smiling up at her , “ Would you wanna go out ? With me . On a date , I mean . ‘Cause I’d love to , if you’re feeling up for it . ”
