Polly had to admit that she felt a bit nervous going on her first date. She had to admit she did like Teddy. They had been getting along pretty well on the Ambassadoria set and he was perfectly courteous to her offstage as well. They've had more time to get to know each other during Christmas break. So it wasn't unwelcome or completely unsurprisingly that he'd ask her out for Valentines Day. It didn't hurt that she thought he was quite cute.
Of course, there were things that are impossible to overlook. Namely that she was a double-dosed polar bear Animalian, one that was a good deal larger than average. It was pretty much impossible for her to not overshadow him. Of course, the Animalia virus's ability to bridge the gap between young and old made things less leery. Of course, Polly got an extensive earful from Mrs. White that, even if things went swimmingly with Teddy tonight, she should entertain no ideas of pushing things toward intimacy this early on. Which is why the blue dress she was wearing had a high collar. Though it didn't do anything to hide her amazonian figure.
She also got some advice from Marcy. "I'm sure he'll be a gentleman, but if he isn't you don't have to push him around," she said, "After all, you're the largest extant land carnivore. I'd like to see him try to push you. But I still hope things work out for you. I was lucky enough to wind up with Chilly and I hope you'll find your bond-mate as well. Though be patient with him. Chilly was an ordinary bear before the Outbreak. Human boys are more complex."
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The steakhouse is a very popular date site, particularly with Valentine's Day weekend. If Joanne hadn't pulled a few strings, it would have been hard for Teddy and Polly to get a reservation there. Polly thought Teddy looked rather handsome with his collared shirt. The steakhouse wasn't a formal place, but it was still a good thing to dress up for date night. Though considering it's a steakhouse, it'd also be best not to wear anything that would hard to wash stains out of.
Polly was aware they made a funny pair, him a human boy no older than 14, her an adult polar bear woman easily 4 times more massive than him. Thankfully, no one was giving them any funny looks, at least not while Polly was noticing. And since Polly was so much more massive than Teddy, she ordered a larger meal than him. Her stepparents gave her the money to pay for the meal. It wasn't how dates traditionally went, but things are different in the 21st century. Not to mention with Animalians.
They were partway through their meal when Polly asked, "Teddy, can you be frank with me?"
"I think I've been pretty honest so far," said Teddy.
"Well, some of my family are questioning why you're interested with me," said Polly, "They want to believe you're a gentleman, but there's still some niggling doubt."
"And what are they suspecting?" asked Teddy.
"Well, for starters, they might think you're only interested in my looks," said Polly.
"I won't say they're a part of it," said Teddy, "I mean, look at you. Pretty much any guy would be interested in a girl like you, except, well, you know. But that's not all."
"So it's not because of my connections, is it?" asked Polly.
"I'm already part of Animalia Ambassadoria and I got that job before you did, so I'm not after that," said Teddy.
"What about my familiar connections?" asked Polly.
"Well, it's kinda cool that your brother's Jeremy Green," said Teddy, "But if I wanted to be a Dinotopian or anything, I think there'd be an easier way to do it than getting his sister's attention."
"So besides my looks, what else do you like about me?" asked Polly.
"Well, you're smart, a lot smarter than I expected. I mean, I didn't think you were stupid, but I didn't know you had the same scientific genius as your brother," said Teddy.
"Oh, I'm not a genius," said Polly, "I learned a lot from him, but I'm nowhere as smart as he is."
"I think you could be. I mean, you're still only 14, right?" asked Teddy.
"Chronologically, yes," said Polly, "I've still got a lot to learn before I can be anywhere as smart as Jeremy."
"Well, anyways, I also like you because you're kind and modest. I mean, a lot of girls would let a body like that go to their heads," said Teddy, "But the only thing that seems to have changed about you is that you're more confident. I remember how you were like before last summer."
Polly shrugged and said, "I've seen enough shows and movies with mean pretty girls. I never want to be like them. I'm glad I was raised right."
"Well, I think that all makes you a special lady," said Teddy.
"That's really sweet, Teddy," said Polly, "But how long do you see us lasting? Enough for you to become another polar bear?"
"That might be a bit far ahead," said Teddy, "My parents aren't about to let me convert so quickly. Anyways, I think I'd be a grizzly bear more than a polar bear."
"Oh," said Polly, a little disappointed. But then she thought and said, "Actually, I think polar bears and grizzly bears are close enough to interbreed."
"Uh, it's definitely too early to think about that," said Teddy.
"Right, my parents don't want to be grandparents just yet. Or at least they want Marcy to have cubs first," said Polly.
"Uh...I think everyone would be happier if we just tried normal dating before thinking about anything bigger," said Teddy.
"Yeah, not to mention Malice will need to find other human cast members if you convert," said Polly.
"I think she said she has a list," said Teddy.
"Anyways, I think we can take our time," said Polly, "I want to know if we can be good friends before we try to be...more."