For Research Purposes

With a heavy sigh and a quick adjustment of his plaid scarf, an inquisitive bun mounted his decorated bicycle as he worked up the courage to ride downtown and into the city. Today was a very important day. One he had marked on his calendar in a glittery red pen with hearts drawn all over it for over a month.

Matentines was the biggest holiday in all of Burrowgatory after all. Well at least Eros figured it was commercially given his works tend to sell more copies during this time of year. Regardless he was out on a mission! A mission of love.

Azazel, a friend of his, convinced Eros to try something new and get out of his house. While Az was far more adventurous to put it lightly, he himself was more shy and kept to himself working on his next novel. If he wasn't doing that any trip outside normally served the purpose of getting supplies for survival, or for research.

His friend decided the best way to go about forcing him out was to set Eros up on a blind date. Despite his nervousness at the idea, he eventually agreed knowing Azazel always had some way of meeting interesting people.

Eros snapped out of his thoughts, hearing his notepad and pen jerk around in the hand basket. Hopefully the socialization would be worth it.

Seated in the front table near the front window, gazing out to the street, Marchel adjusted her seat at the small bar she sat at. She had occasionally been on a night on the town, but admittedly she rarely went out during the day.

She usually spent her time in her home, usually working on her small garden or business matters. But, she figured a day out, especially for a friend's request, was fine by her. Besides, she liked the idea of romance, and frankly most people didn't come to her for...romantic purposes.

The tall brunette, busty woman gave a small sigh as she tapped her manicured nails on the counter, curious. Though her cyan eyes noticed the soft man hopping off his bike. This must be the guy, she figured internally. Admittedly, she found him to be rather adorable, so she sat up in her chair and observed.

Once safely off his bike after feeling like he was going to take a real nose dive there, Eros retrieved his belongings from the basket.

This was supposed to be the place, a nice small local café rumored with sweets to die for. Honestly knowing his friend he was really surprised that Az chose such a humble and quiet location to meet his mysterious date partner. Such a spot was definitely to Eros' tastes and even if the meeting didn't go well there was hope that the coffee would at least be nice right?

He reassured himself as he walked closer, little red velvet hooves clacking on the stone roadwork below. What did his date even look like? Eros scratched his chin, face tilting down into his scarf. Did Az mention any vague ideas of their appearance? Or was he just supposed to guess?

Eros exhaled as he took in his surroundings. There didn't appear to be anyone else here except this very big person. He looked up, ears flat to his sides. Honestly he forgot just how tiny he was compared to others who were in their doll form instead of their bun one.

Eros gulped, "E-excuse me? I hate to be a bother but do you know if anyone is inside?" He tugged on his scarf awkwardly, "I'm supposed to meet a blind date here....I hope I'm not too late."

The brunette bun gave a small, gentle laugh in response to the question asked.

"Would the date happen to have been set up by a bun called Azazel?" she replied in a smooth, silky voice. "And would you happen to be Eros? I think you're meant to meet me here, honey. The name is Marchel, but you can call me Chel or Mari, cutie."

She gestured with one of her hands, patting the seat next to her as if inviting him to sit down next to her. Marchel gave a pleasant, friendly smile in hopes of reassuring the other bun and calm his nerves. Despite her towering height, she hoped her pleasant demeanor would help soothe Eros and let him relax a little.

"You look like you are a little tired from biking the whole way here. That must've been very exhausting. Why not come sit with me?"

Eros' little face turned a deep beet red. W-wow, he really wasn't expecting this to be the doll Az had arranged for him.

"U-um, yes m-my friend Azazel arranged such an event."

He quickly scrambled up and onto the chair, setting his notepad and pen on the table as he looked away shyly. It was a little embarrassing that he didn't immediately pick up on Marchel being his blind date. Eros swore he was absent minded at time.

"He's been wanting me to get out of the house haha," He chuckled, drumming his hooves on the surface.

Marchel seemed so nice yet he felt like a total klutz. He prayed he wouldn't embarrass himself further, soon rubbing the back of his head, "If I do get out I usually travel on my little bike. It's a little tricky in my bun form but I manage." Eros smiled softly.

Marchel made a face of mild concern, seeing the cherry colored sweetheart in front of her. Had she come off too strong? She hoped she hadn't scared him. He was just her type and she didn't want him running off.

"Ah, my apologies honey. I'm sure my appearance may have been a bit of a fright initially. I met your friend when we were both buns. If you'd like, I can shift to my smaller form to make you more comfortable," she hummed gently as she placed her small clutch bag onto the table in front of her. "I know my height can be a bit intimidating to others. I don't mean to startle."

Marchel crossed her legs, letting the right one drape over the left as she let her right arm rest on her knee.

"Whatever makes you feel most at ease is just fine with me, sweetie."

Eros looked back up at her with widened eyes, "Oh no no no it's really not a problem!" He tried to reassure with his face all flushed, "I-I was just shock that you, a very very gorgeous doll was my date."

Eros chuckles awkwardly, "I apologize I'm not the most social of buns..." he trailed off, "I mainly agreed to the arrangement in the first place cause I thought I might be able to get some useful information for my next book.."

He rocked back and forth a bit in his seat as he placed a hoof on his notepad, "You know it's funny, I mainly write romance novels yet I haven't participated much in any actual courtship haha."

"Oh, you're a writer then," Marchel asked while leaning a little against the tabletop. "Perhaps I've seen your work. I do tend to fancy reading in the nights before I prepare for a slumber. What are some of your titles? I'm sure I can remember if I've come across them."

She gave a friendly, reassuring smile to hopefully ease the other bun's nerves.

"I appreciate the kind compliments as well. You're very cute so Azazel was right. You're definitely my type. I love men that are a little smaller than me, plus I like the sweet demeanor you have. It's very charming. What kind of 'research' were you looking for, with regard to your works, might I ask?"

Eros excitedly kicked his little legs as he pressed his hooves together, "Well my most recent series is 'Dutchess After Dark'. It's a tale about a very wealthy aristocratic woman who is supposed to inherit a large piece of land but drama ensues when she meets a handmaiden working for a rivaling family."

He smiled while grabbing his pen, "And in terms of research well..." trailing off, "I'm looking for all sorts of mundane information. Popular places and commonly enjoyed food items, possibly how someone such as yourself expresses and experiences love." He chuckled and fixed his glasses, "I like to make my works really feel sentimental."

My my Marchel was just so kind to him, maybe it wasn't such a scary thing after all. Just maybe leaving the house a little more often if it meant Eros would be able to experience moments like this.

"Sentimental, hm?" she responded while putting her hand on her chin, seemingly pondering. "You say you're researching how I express emotions then, yes? What about you, angel? You're a real sweetheart yourself, have you ever felt love before?"

She surveyed Eros' body and observed his body language silently. Chel found his little movements and passions very endearing, so she was definitely interested in getting to know this adorable bun more.

"Romance is something I enjoy deeply. Now that you've mentioned your series though, I believe I've started on it maybe a month or so ago. I haven't gotten to read it fully yet due to some investor obligations, but I'm about three quarters of the way through it."


Eros scrunched his face, putting a hoof on his cheek as he looked down in thought. You know that was a good question. Has he ever really experienced love? A small frown formed on his face the more he stirred the idea. 

He sighed, slowly glancing up and back towards Marchel’s face, “I don’t think I ever have,” he sighed. 

“Love isn’t one of those things you don’t quite feel. One can be infatuated with another and find someone interesting. I, however, never spent long enough with anybun to even feel that intrigue. Love though is something that I would love to experience,” Eros paused to chuckle at his own word play..

“Though I’d like to grow to love someone and give another person all of the love that I could give them. Even if I’m not so experienced in the matter.”

"I feel the same way," Marchel nodded in agreement. She gave a friendly smile before the phone in her bag rang. Seemingly annoyed, she picked up the device and looked at the screen, before grimacing at its screen and sighing. Chel gave a brief headshake before looking over to the small bun next to her and putting on a nice face.

"Seems my business is trying to call me over for more meetings," she gave a disappointed sigh. "But, I will say that I am very intrigued with you, and I would love to see you again when...hopefully my investors don't keep calling me. Would you be open to that possibility? After all, you said you would love to grow to love another person, and I'd love to do the same. Maybe we can nurture this connection and maybe achieve love in unison, together. What do you say?"

Eros looked up at the gorgeous woman in front of her and nodded sadly, quickly scribbling down something in his notepad. It was a shame that their date was so brief. He really was hoping to order a dessert or two but what could he do? Everything happens for a reason right? Az might have actually been looking out for him. He wondered if his friend was that observant and receptive. In all honesty he could hardly tell with Azazel. 

“Here,” Eros tore the paper and handed the scrap towards her, “Here’s my number, it’s the best way to get in contact and arrange future meetings, or if you simply just feel like chatting.” His smile was warm and inviting while his heart raced. Weirdly he felt calm around Marchel even if the rest of him made him appear nervous. No anxiety here, only excitement at the chance to connect to someone seemingly like-minded.

“I would be honored to spend more time to get to know you Marchel. You’re a real dynamite gal.”