The soft plop of material hit the floor as she discarded yet another outfit. Staring at the possible ‘date outfits’ still lay out on the bed; she went for the next set and quickly put it on.

She decided to braid her hair in a single braid, mostly because she didn’t want it getting in her way tonight. She knew he liked her hair unbound, but they were going dancing and she knew it would get tangled.

‘I’m starting to seriously dislike the length.’ She mused, standing in front of the mirror. She posed three different ways before wrinkling her nose and tossing the fourth outfit on the floor.

The only thing she could decide on was how to keep her hair for the night. Things had to be PERFECT. She didn’t want to disappoint their first date.

Putting comprehending hands over jean-covered hips, her head tilted as she stared at her mirror image. ‘It’s got possibilities.’ She pondered, eyeing the dark jeans and top. Her eyes caught the reflection of everything she tossed on the floor and grimaced slightly. ‘Guess I’m going to have to pick up before he comes.’

After taking an entire week to weigh everything, as she should’ve NOT done, she finally asked if she honestly wanted to go out with Quatre. Her heart gave an immediate yes, proving that, once again, she did way too much thinking.

She was nervous enough to give him her response before he left work a few days ago, but was overly relieved at the look in his eyes. He beamed and hugged her, promising it would be a night to remember. With that in mind, she wanted the perfect outfit, something HE would remember.

Twenty minutes later, along with two more discarded outfits, she was starting to run out of clothes. She mixed jeans with business jackets, tank tops with her work pants, and t-shirts with jeans.

Seeing she had ten minutes till he arrived to pick her up, she felt frantic, if not more self-conscious at what she was wearing. She bit her lip and started rummaging through the clothes on the floor, piecing shirts and pants together.

Sitting back on her heels, she sighed in mild frustration. One hand covered her face. ‘What am I so WORRIED about? He thinks I look nice wearing my BUSINESS suits.’

One hand rubbed the back of her neck with a small groan. ‘And he DID say he didn’t want too dressy, since he said it didn’t have to be TOO serious.’ She looked down at her attire, giving a sigh of defeat. Perfection to impress him was going to have to be till NEXT time. ‘If there IS a next time.’ She thought, getting to her feet.

Looking in the mirror, she knew there’d be a next time. The idea of dating Quatre was just TOO nice to let go. She knew he felt the same way. He was just patronizing her to get a date.

Smirking at her thoughts, she eyed the outfit and shrugged. It would have to do... Bending down, she picked up the ruffled clothes and put them on respective hangers and whatnot before leaving the room.

She turned the bathroom light on and looked at her face. Nothing out of the ordinary... She lightly scowled and grabbed the small makeup holder she bought a while back.

‘If I can’t find the perfect outfit, I’m going to blow him away with makeup!’ Trying not to giggle long enough to get mascara on, she used it sparingly, since her lashes were thick enough.

~*~*~

Tugging on his shirt collar, he stopped in front of Divinity’s apartment complex. Nervously swallowing, he looked out the front window at the building, seeing a few lights on. ‘Come ON Winner,’ He meekly coached, ‘you can DO this. You made the moves anyway.’

Smiling slightly, he allowed the small pep talk to help, even if it was only face value. He was scared stiff! Not even piloting SANDROCK was he ever this scared or nervous. He was pretty sure his hands were shaking, if they would let go of the death grip on steering wheel they might be!

Nearly peeling his skin from the poor wheel, he momentarily rubbed them together, trying to gain blood support again. Harshly swallowing once more, he went for the driver’s door and slowly started for her door.

Part of him wondered if doing this was a mistake, but the emotional side beat that rational thought down. He knew once the initial meeting was past he’d be FINE. This was Divinity here, why get nervous

Smiling a little at that rational thought, he lightly knocked on the door. Empty hands rested in his pockets as he waited. He wanted to get her something, but told her it would be casual for a first time. ‘Yea well, NEXT time we’re going to the fanciest restaurant I can find!’ He vowed, idly staring at the floor.

The door unlocked and his head jerked up, heart beating wildly. He went clothes shopping with her, but didn’t know what to expect. Her sense of style was a fashion all its own. As soon as it opened wide enough for him to get a good look at her, breath choked in his lungs.

She was gorgeous! Well, he figured, granted she was all the time, but she was even more so TONIGHT. A goofy smile popped up on his face as he stared, looking her up and down unknowingly.

Dark, boot-cut blue jeans. A pair of TIGHT jeans. It clearly outlined her thighs and waist. A good inch or more of tanned skin shown from the figure hugging tank top, seemingly pulled down as far as it was going to go. Not that he held a problem with that...

One of the belts she bought useless, since those jeans hugged tight enough WITHOUT its help. A simple gold chain glittered against her collarbone. The delicate metal only attracted his eyes to that spot even more. In her hands was a dark purple business jacket, just in case it got colder later on.

He swallowed harshly when his eyes met her face. They widened as her lashes demurely lowered, a small blush staining her cheeks. ‘She’s wearing...makeup?!’ He wildly thought, seeing her beauty on a higher level.

Her lashes seemed even longer than before, a small pencil line above her eyelid jutting out a little farther than her eyes. It gave her an exotic quality he found attractive.

Those full lips shone from her apartment lights, covered by clear lip-gloss. Her hair was in a braid similar to Duo’s, some of her bangs hanging around her face. She looked utterly adorable, and she hadn’t even dressed up! He wondered what she would look like in a black cocktail dress, ready to dine in one of the more ‘ritzy’ places on L-4.

“You...you’re...wow,” He blinked wide eyes as he fully looked at her again, “I can’t find words...” He breathed, not able to think. At length, he grinned. “I’m not going to be able to find the RIGHT words to do you justice for some time, so I’ll just have to tell you; you look utterly beautiful tonight.”

She grinned and blushed even more, just knowing he meant to compliment her MORE than that. She hadn’t even tried to look impressive! She looked at the floor momentarily before a finger under her chin brought their gazes back.

“Shall we go?” He asked, smiling kindly. She nodded through a haze, unable to say much.

As they walked down the stairs, his arm carefully entwined with hers, she shot a quick look at HIS outfit. He still had on those same slacks, but wore a plain blue t-shirt that almost matched his eyes.

Around his waist was a tied sweater, a darker blue than his shirt. It was truly casual, but she wasn’t aware he owned any sweaters, let alone any t-shirts that didn’t button up on the front.

He held the door open for her leaving the apartment complex AND her car door. She got in with another blush, feeling giddy at receiving such gallant treatment. She’d never really gone on dates before; this truly WAS a first for her. So far, it was going smoothly.

‘Despite your lack of tongue?’ She sarcastically pointed out. The shifting weight startled her from the negativity.

She turned to him with a bashful smile. “You look very nice Quatre.” She softly commented. He started the car with a sheepish grin, pulling from the curb moments later. She enjoyed the drive until something popped into her head. With a furrowed brow, she cast a glance his way. “I didn’t know you knew how to DRIVE.”

He grinned wryly. “I’ve piloted MOBILE suits before Diva, this is NOTHING.” He chuckled and took a turn. “Just because you see me being escorted everywhere doesn’t mean I don’t know how to drive. I just employ the driver so he’ll have a job.”

She smiled at his thoughtful heart and looked out the window, trying to figure out where he was taking her. He’d been VERY vague about telling her his plans, other than they were going dancing. He didn’t even tell her what else they were doing, so she was left at his mercy. ‘I just hope whatever it is, I don’t screw it up.’ She nervously thought, toying with her fingers.

The silence kind of put an uncomfortable air in the car. Not liking his good friend, now date, a hand went for the radio, eyes still on the road. “Care to listen to anything?” He asked, flipping through stations.

“I don’t really LISTEN to the radio.” She softly answered, aimlessly looking at the scenery.

“Well then, I guess it’s up to ME to pick.” She smirked and nodded slightly. He stopped on a few less promising stations, finally finding one to enjoy. Classical music, something he knew they both liked. Some of the journey, he could’ve SWORN he heard her humming along to the piano.

Stopping in front of a rather familiar restaurant, she looked around inquisitively. “What’re we doing HERE?”

He smirked and gave her a small, odd look. “Well I don’t know about YOU, but I plan on eating.”

With a playful scowl, she reached across the car and lightly slapped his arm. He flinched, laughing softly. “You KNOW what I mean!” She tossed back. “And I plan on eating as WELL. So THERE.” She went for the door handle, but it wouldn’t open. With a confused look, she checked the lock, but found it unlocked.

He fought the urge to snicker as he got from the driver’s side. “It won’t open!” He loudly called, locking the door behind him. She tried the door again, wondering if it was broken or not. He laughed on the other side, hands on his hips. He was enjoying this!

She mildly glared, not finding anything funny about being trapped in the car. “Then what’s the PROBLEM?” She asked, unlocking the lock again, just in case it was stuck. “I think your door is broke.”

With a humorous shake of his head, and resisting the urge to heartily laugh, he opened the door for her. “Nope,” He denied, extending a hand, “I just have the child locks on from my side.” He helped her out with an evil grin.

She tried to pout, or even glare at him, but the main idea was too cute to ignore. He purposely locked the door so HE had to open it every time, also helping her from her seat in the process. She mildly blushed as he tugged her in the direction of the restaurant. “Cheater.” She mumbled, starting to smile.

He nudged her side with an elbow. “You like it; admit it.” He kidded, letting go of her hand long enough to open the glass doors. She stepped inside with a timidly ducked head. Sure he’d been a gentleman about things in the past, but tonight he was basically going overboard.

‘Are you complaining??’ A small voice teased.

‘Oh HELL no!’ She threw back, outwardly smiling.

After seated in the same spot they were in weeks back, she suspiciously looked at her date. “Did you set this up?” She accused, playfully smiling.

He blinked innocent eyes, fighting a knowing smile. “MOI? Surely you JEST!” Her eyes humorously narrowed at his playful demeanor. “How could I have NOT? Do you think the odds of us sitting at the same table, in the same PLACES, be the same?”

She looked around. “Well, it IS pretty slow tonight...” She drawled.

He gave her a bored look and picked up the menu, even though she could see humor in his eyes before it covered them.

Grinning widely, she picked up the menu as well and looked for something light. After the waiter took their orders and menus, they were left alone in the quiet hum of the restaurant. She looked around the place again out of edginess, seeing nothing had changed. It hadn’t been a month yet, and she shouldn’t have been surprised, but she was more than timid to be next to Quatre right now.

She considered this outing a date in every way, even though he told her it would be casual. ‘My FOOT.’ She weakly kidded. There was no CASUAL about it. He purposely made this excursion mean more to them than if they did it as friends.

‘He has things planned he won’t tell me about. I don’t even KNOW what’s going to happen.’ As far as SHE knew, they were going to do something ROMANTIC.

His hand slowly inched across the small table, keeping an eye on her face to see when she’d look at him. So far she’d been totally unnerved and uptight, basically what he expected. She had to loosen up, that’s all there was to it.

She jumped slightly when a hand rested over hers. Smiling slightly, he entwined their fingers and stared at her. She met his eyes, looking away after a while. After a quick squeeze, her dark orbs met his again.

Their dinner arrived in the middle of the silent gaze, forcing the duo to remove their arms from the spaces. For the most part, they ate in silence. She kept wondering where they were going so much that she couldn’t keep it in any longer. “So, what’re we doing after this?”

He smiled and shook his head. “Not telling.” He answered, putting food in his mouth to further his point.

She pouted slightly. “But WHY?” She quietly whined. “It’s not FAIR that only YOU know what’s going on!”

“Correction, it’s called a surprise.” He pointed out, grinning sarcastically.

She gave a bored look and went back to her food.

~*~*~

“Don’t MAKE me keep ASKING you until we ARRIVE.” She threatened, looking at the scenery.

“Go right ahead, I’m not going to stop you.” He answered, smiling. She was starting to loosen up, and all it took was her curiosity over the rest of the night.

“So, where’re we going?” She asked again, probably for the dozenth time.

His smile widened. “Not telling.” He chuckled when she groaned.

“Come ON, TELL ME.” She pleaded, giving him a puppy dog look.

His eyes darted to hers as he drove, purposely keeping on the road after spying her look. Two seconds longer at that beseeching glance and he would’ve caved. “Nope, sorry.”

“No you’re not.” She muttered, pouting.

“You’re right, I’m NOT.” He joked, snickering at her frustration. “Look, we’re about four blocks from the place, so why don’t you just calm down and enjoy the ride?”

“Because I have no clue where we’re GOING.” She retorted back, fighting a smile. Their behavior was utterly childish...and she loved every MINUTE of it.

“This’s true.”

He parked in front of a two-story arcade house a few moments later. She looked out the windshield in disbelief. “We’re at an ARCADE joint??” She waited while he opened her door, helping her out again.

“Did you expect some hill overlooking the colony?” He asked, looking at the ground bashfully. She blushed lightly and tugged him in, ignoring his eyes.

Even before she opened the door, the noise hit them both. After cracking it, they were nearly deafened. Stereo music was nearly drowned out by all the machine created noises.

Stepping inside awed them both. The low lighting clashed with neon lights and screens from games. Virtual reality screens were EVERYWHERE around them, crowds all over the place. Wandering in, forgotten hands still clasped, their gazes took everything in.

The black floor was marked as if a road, yellow tape directing them to stairs, more popular games, and token machines. Brown widened upon seeing a few old-fashioned games, games she used to play when she was a kid. Some of them, she remembered her mother telling her about.

“Come on...tokens!” She loudly stated, tugging him in a direction. Not even getting a word in about having money, he bought them both twenty dollars worth. She held out both hands as he gave her half, trying to fit everything in her pockets. It all fit awkwardly and she wished for a looser pair of jeans.

“So what do you want to do first?” He asked leaning close so she could hear, his breath tickling her ear.

Forcing herself to concentrate, she looked around. “Let’s go up the stairs and check the rest of the place out!” She suggested, casting a glance in his direction.

His eyes were maybe four inches from her cheek. Fighting a blush, she grabbed his arm and pulled him to the second level. The noise dimmed little, and a lot of the games changed era-wise. The higher level held a few pool and Ping-Pong tables, air hockey, numerous old-fashioned games, and eight-hole mini-golf.

Her mouth dropped open in sheer delight. She looked at Quatre excitedly. “HERE!” She announced happily. Her hand swept to the delightful arrangement. “We’re staying right here!” She grinned widely and nearly ran for the air hockey table.

He followed with an amused pace, watching her childlike excitement as she put a few tokens in one side. Stopping on one side, he grabbed the plastic piece. “You ever PLAY this before?” He asked, eyeing her.

“Have YOU??” She threw back, grabbing the red disk. After a few hits, it went into his side. She grinned triumphantly. “I’ll take that as a NO.” She taunted, lifting her chin up.

His eyes narrowed slightly. “So? Big deal. I’ll make due.” He lost another point, making him eat his words.

“YES!” She cheered, throwing her arms up. They immediately brought back down when he instantly started again, throwing the puck straight for her goal. “NO FAIR!” She shouted, eyes glued to the puck’s movements.

The game ended a very close one, Quatre losing by two points. He considered it pretty good for his first game.

“Wanna play again?” She asked, holding up tokens.

“Loser starts the next game.” He stated, going for his stash. He didn’t want her using anymore than she had to. Even IF he handed her half of the twenty.

He won by one point, gloating a little over his opponent. She vowed revenge the next game and made due with her promise, winning two to one. He asked about a forth, but she was already looking at the other games.

Her eyes suddenly lit up. “OOOO, FOOSEBALL!” She stated, almost running to it. With a grin, he followed at a more relaxed pace.

Standing on the other side, he put in the tokens as she looked at it. “And you’re HOW old now?” He kidded, grabbing the ball.

She gripped the handles, looking at the small field fiercely. “Hey shut up. I’m going to have FUN while I’m here. And kick your butt in the meantime!”

“Is that a FACT?” He drawled, holding the ball in the air.

She impatiently met his eyes, finding one of his eyebrows raised in disbelief. She nodded seriously. “That’s right bucko; I’m going to make you sorry you ever BROUGHT me here.” She smiled evilly. “When I’m finished, your ego is going to be so bruised, you won’t be able to go into work for a WEEK!”

He gave her an odd look and dropped the ball. “Care to make a little wager?” He asked, spinning the carved blockers with all the force he could muster. He won the next two points before she answered.

“Like WHAT?” She warily asked. She’d never been much of a better, but games were a passion of hers. Anything that was fun, mostly since she LACKED it half her life. Here was where she could let her inner child come out and be as obnoxious as possible!

They continued on as he thought. What COULD he wager? The clearest thing that came to his mind was their second date, how he WANTED it to go. Glitz, glamour, and the two of them dressed up all night.

He smiled. Why not? “We go out again.” He announced, eyes darting from the field to her face quickly. She seemed entirely concentrated on their game. “But it’s entirely MY choice where we go and do.”

“You mean like tonight WASN’T?” She countered back, smiling slightly. She grabbed the ball from her end, having lost another point. She eyed him skeptically, wondering what his statement would entail. He ALREADY decided what they were doing tonight, what difference would the NEXT one make?

‘Other than another date?’ That tiny voice nudged. ‘GO for it!’

Feeling as if her emotions were battling it out with her head, which they probably were, she smirked. “Deal. Then I getta think of what I get to do if I win.”

She stopped and looked around, the heavy ball tapping against her chin. There really wasn’t anything she wanted to do that he didn’t readily agree with. They hung out together as natural thing, so this was going to be hard.

Afterwards, she sighed. “Okay, I can’t think of anything right now. But if I win, I’ll FIND something.” He smirked. “Best two out of three.” She announced, gripping one of the handlebars.

~*~*~

“Oh stop SULKING.” He humorously announced, nudging her. “I promise we won’t do ANYTHING you’re uncomfortable with.” He stated, lining up his shot. He ended up missing and stepped away with a small grimace.

She leered and stepped behind an easy shot. “You suck.” She said, pulling her arm back. After a heavy hit, the ball bounced a few times before going in.

“So do YOU.” He announced, gripping the stick. He scowled lightly at the weak retort.

“True.” She pleasantly announced. “But I DO get in a lucky shot now and then.” She missed the second, leaving two more balls on the table than his share. She pouted and stepped back.

“Well I think we can BOTH agree we get lucky at pool and leave it at that.” He joked, eyeballing his next shot.

“Agreed.” She sullenly announced. “So, when do you plan our next date to be?”

“I dunno.” He absently said, hitting the cue ball. The shot went in and he immediately went for the next target. “When do YOU want it to be?”

“Well I DID lose the bet.” She reminded. “It’s not really my call to MAKE.”

He missed the shot and stepped back, giving her a weird look. “I beg to DIFFER. I’m not going out with anyone ELSE, now AM I?”

That statement caught her off-balance and she hit the ball too low. The cue ball bounced off the table and rolled away. After a curse, he dropped the stick and went after it, fighting laughter at her stunt. He set it on the table, trying to hide a grin.

“Go ahead.” She darkly muttered, lightly glowering from embarrassment. “LAUGH.” He let loose a pent up snicker as he picked up the pool stick.

After three total games each of air hockey, foosball, pool, Ping-Pong, and a round of high scores in numerous video games, they finally left the arcade. Neither really wanted to try the mini-golf, since their tokens were just about gone.

Sitting in the seat heavily, her head leaned against the headrest. “We going dancing now?” She asked, gazing at the ceiling wearily.

“Yea, why...you’re not TIRED are you?” He playfully taunted. He started the car and let it run as he looked at her. An eyebrow rose. “You ARE aren’tchu?”

“All I need is some sugar and more excitement and I’ll perk right up.”

“Can do. I know JUST the place.” He vaguely answered, starting on another journey. After a brief silence, he looked at her again in question. “I don’t really GET it actually. How can you be tired when you were running around like an errant CHILD back there?”

She smiled and giggled a little, realizing how out of control she was. “What can I say...video games bring out the devil in me.” Her smile widened. “But I think I overdid it JUST a little. It didn’t really hit me till I sat down.” He snorted and shook his head. “But, I just need a little downtime and the journey to my next sugar high will do just nicely.”

He gave the road an odd look, not taking his eyes off it. “When you put it THAT way, I’m not too sure I WANT to take you to the next stop!”

She laughed.

~*~*~

Grabbing the ice creams, he carefully handed the cone over before taking a bite of his.

She looked at him wide-eyed before grimacing. “Man, how can you stand to BITE ice cream?” Breath hissed through clenched teeth. “I can’t do that.”

He smirked and purposely took another bite. “Sucks to be you.” He joked, avoiding a playful jab. She merely scowled, not finding a good enough retort to toss back.

The two sat on the hood of the car in comfortable silence of the night. She looked around at the mildly unfamiliar neighborhood, the hand behind her allowing for a more tilted position. She felt utterly content right now, not wishing to be anywhere else.

Her eyes darted that body mere inches from her. She could almost feel his body heat seep through her jean-covered legs, fighting a blush. Although she was mildly embarrassed at sitting so close, the larger part of her mind very much enjoyed spending the time with him. Even though they could’ve done the exact same things and not call it a date, they were.

Her head shook in small marvel. ‘I never knew the line between date and friend blurred so much.’ She pondered, thoughtfully looking at nearby grass. Her gaze transfixed on it as she licked the chocolate ice cream, not really tasting it.

He took small, quick bites of his ice cream, hardly tasting it. He got the same as she did, not really caring either way. He wasn’t a picky person. He started in on the cone, crunching softly.

The noise brought her from her thoughts. Blinking as if coming from a contemplative dream. He suddenly jumped from the car hood, dusting his pants of crumbs. She looked at the cold treat, nearly down to the cone. “Do you wanna go?” She asked, trying to finish it quicker.

He nodded slightly, looking at something behind her and still giving the image he was looking AT her. “Yea, we don’t want to miss the action.” He inanely joked, looking at his watch. His brow furrowed minutely when he noticed they were lounging around longer than he thought.

Lightly nibbling on the cone to keep from sinking her teeth into the ice cream, she hopped off the hood. She followed him to her door, not bothering to open it. She didn’t try anymore, knowing he would pitch a fit about wanting to do it himself.

She relaxed as he started the car and took off, feeling a little better with the insight of action. A smile peeked from her mouth, a little excited at the prospect of dancing. RARELY did she dance, but she knew she wasn’t a bad dancer... There were ‘clubs’ in her hometown, but she hadn’t much time to go when the threat of war started.

~*~*~

After helping her from the car again, he took her hand as they walked to the dance hall. A good number of cars already filled up the parking lot, a few more trickling in as they neared the doors. “I hope there’s going to be room to DANCE.” She commented, eyeing the small line.

His lips tipped as they got in line, standing amidst the noise. The glass doors did little to hold the loud music inside, mostly since it kept opening when people walked through. The bass speakers were the clearest heard, letting everyone feel the vibrations the closer they got. He paid for them both, the two extending their hands extended to be stamped, black lights lighting up the ink.

The noise was intense, but it excited her with a new fervor. Turning to Quatre, she looped an arm around his, smiling widely. “Let’s go!” She shouted, the noise already loud enough for her.

As they inched around the crowds for the main floor, they both stood in shock. A hundred people crowded the floor, more lounging in seats by walls, others walking around. The place was dark, save for the black strobe, and flashing lights on the ceiling and against the walls. The heat floated to their faces as people squeezed past them to get by.

Turning to him, seeing his equally stunned look, she smiled slightly. Knowing he wouldn’t hear her easily, she leaned close to his ear, fighting the urge to pull away. “Come on!” She said, gripping his hand. She started weaving through crowds, never letting go of his hand.

They descended a few stairs to get to lower levels. The two walked past tables and small crowds of dancers. She figured dancing in the lesser-known spots was a good idea, but wanted to mix with the crowd. There was NOTHING like feeling the high of losing yourself in too loud music and pounding beat, trying to work your groove in less space than you’d ever seen in your life.

She looked around for a small notch in human wall, finding a few feet nearby. Without stopping to tell her date, she advanced on it, knowing in a few minutes someone ELSE would claim that same space.

He stopped when she turned, thankful to find at least a LITTLE elbow room. The techno music held an interesting beat and it seemed to draw every teenager and young adult in the entire COLONY.

‘I’m just glad there’s enough room to house them all!’ He thought, looking around. He listened to the beat for a few seconds before letting it direct his body.

He watched her move, seeing her grace full out. Her eyes were half closed, arms and legs moving with a rhythm he knew he would never possess. Her body dipped and turned with the non-stop beat so sensually, his body inched forward. She seemed to hardly dance with him, from the way she was moving. She was alone with the music, despite the number of people a foot away.

Her eyes flew open when she felt hands on her waist. She went to pull away, but saw blue and relaxed. She shivered when his hands contacted with exposed skin, feeling warmer than just the heat around her.

She smiled, changing her dance style to allow him in, letting him into her little world. At a mere arm’s length, her hands rested over his upper arms, getting back into the dance again. She swayed more to the side, since he didn’t seem sure enough of himself to match her style.

The song stopped and they rested only momentarily. He felt the heat from the atmosphere and the person close to him. He marveled at how she continued to move, even though he was so close by. Her dancing was brash and erotic in a way.

She leaned against him, her lips bumping against his ear from such a jerky movement. “You need to get WITH the beat!” She shouted, her breath tickling his ear.

He felt a heat rush throughout him, enveloping him. It was overpowering and he thickly looked into her eyes, hoping it didn’t entirely show. She knew he was attracted to her, but she didn’t know the depths of it.

She knew the only way to get back into her ‘zone’ was to try and get him to move without thinking or worrying about how he looked. She was halfway there and it hindered her thought process, keeping her from realizing just what she was doing. Dancing always was a passion of hers.

Her fingers rested over his hips and she applied pressure, showing him better ways to move with the beat. She could feel muscles under her hands tense up, but ignored it. She knew the only way he would learn was if she helped.

Still dancing in the meantime, she stepped a little closer and looked into his eyes. She blinked momentarily at the rush of emotions she saw, but didn’t fully take it into consideration. Her body flushed with emotions and adrenaline, giving her an easier way to move quicker.

By the time five songs passed, she moved against him as if she always danced with him. His moves were graceful; he just needed to accustom their movements TOGETHER.

Their bodies touched constantly, her dancing almost over one of his legs. She was lost in the zone again, taking Quatre with her. Almost every part of her body moved with his in time with the beat.

Some part of her was in heaven being able to dance again. Dancing was a rush, such as she was experiencing. She knew that he also brought out the emotion, but didn’t care. They meshed together, being almost the same height and size. His style of dancing wasn’t bad, but she helped him up that to a higher level.

Her thighs started burning from exhaustion as she danced, a small line of sweat over her body. It was all forgotten as she moved, not wanting to stop. She was overcome with the emotions of being next to him, of nearly touching his body with hers. It only enticed her to go further into that zone and move closer, so they could dance as one even more. Finding such a perfect dance partner seemed impossible, but here she was, living the impossible. She was going to milk it for all it was worth.

He was lost in the desire of the beat and her movements. One arm loosely wrapped around her waist, adjusting when it twisted. Her stomach nearly touched his, eyes not even a foot away. She seemed half oblivious to his presence, half enthralled at dancing so close.

Part of him burned with a heat so new he almost passed it off to the room temperature. But when her arms rested over his shoulders, he felt another stab when he looked into her eyes. She was fully enjoying herself, as was he.

He hardly felt drained in the slightest. The rush from her touch and nearness surpassed any weariness he felt. They continuously danced for eight songs, but she gave no outward notice of tiring. After each song ended, they were given a few seconds to rest before another beat started up.

After taking a few more to gain the rhythm to the song, they started in again. He lost track of time, but didn’t care. The crowd hadn’t thinned in the least, some people nearly bumping into them as they danced.

One particular song caught his attention, bringing him from the stupor he lived in. The beat was a little more relaxed than most, allowing them to dance slower than before. It was a lazy tempo, but a grateful one.

Her arms rested over his shoulders, hands clasping behind. A few fingers played with his hair, making his brain shiver. His eyes lowered slightly, not hiding the delight she created. She met his eyes, smiling slightly. She didn’t seem to mind in the least, or even move away. A soft soprano voice chimed the start of the song. It reminded him somewhat of her voice.

Honey got me hooked on you
I like that
Ooh ooh

They moved side to side until the actual beat started, gaining a small part of their earlier movements. He never looked away from dark eyes, darker from the lack of light. The strobe stopped two songs back, starting again on a speed to mach the song. Millions of light specks roamed over her eyes.

Honey you can have me when you want me
You simply ask me to be there
And you're the only one who makes me come running
Cause what you got is far beyond compare

The lack of heavy beat allowed her to hear the lyrics to the song. Her smile widened a little as she continued to listen, holding his eyes. She never heard the song till tonight.

And it's just like honey
When your love comes over me
Oh baby I've got a dependency
Always strung out for another taste of your honey

It's like honey when it rushes over me
You know sugar never ever was so sweet
And I'm dying for you; crying for you; I adore you
Boy you know your love addicted me
And I'm strung out on you, darling don't you see
Every night and day
I can hardly wait for another taste of honey

He also listened to the lyrics, feeling the song say more about how she acted toward him than she would admit. She smiled a little more as she looked at him, her moves never stopping.

Honey I can't describe how good it feels inside
Honey I can't describe how good it feels inside
 

Yeah, ooh
I can't be elusive with you honey
Cause it's blatant that I'm feeling you
And it's too hard for me to leave abruptly
You're the only thing I wanna do

Ooh, whoa
Every little thing you do
Ooh, whoa, honey, got me hooked on you
Honey, it's like

She was exhausted, but didn’t want to leave, not yet. She was having too much fun. Leaning against Quatre, her lips stopped near his ear. “Wanna sit down?” She asked. It was a grueling pace, finally wearing her down. She pulled back and he nodded vigorously. She noticed the drooped lids and knew he could use the break too.

The second they stopped and she pulled away; he felt isolation. One hand clasped his, gripping tightly as she led him through the masses once more. Knowing he NEEDED to rest didn’t make the need to hold and touch her go away. He just feared if she did rest, she would realize how tired she was and want to go home.

A quick check at the time told him it was almost ten thirty. His eyes widened, but he kept silent. He was being mildly selfish by wanting to keep dancing with his date, not wanting it to end. She was more expressive toward him when they danced than he’d EVER seen her. He liked it a lot.

She plopped down on a tall chair, head heavily resting on the tabletop. A hand slowly moved over her back and she smiled. Slowly, her head moved up, heavily propped up. She didn’t know how she was able to move her arms, but didn’t consider it; it would take too much thought.

‘I’ve got better reserves than I THOUGHT.’ She joked tiredly. She felt a change from watching everyone dance, sitting on the sidelines. Even though there were others dancing a few feet away, she felt as if she was a spectator instead of a participant. But her body needed the relaxation before going for another go and she was going to grant its needs.

“Having fun?” He loudly asked, leaning close. His arms rested on the small round table, face a few inches from hers. His head felt as if it would fall over, but he endeavored as he stared into her eyes, seeing a happy kind of tired in them. He smiled slightly.

She nodded a little, not wanting to move her position. If her head moved too much it was liable to fall from her hands, and not be readily raised again. “I haven’t danced like that in FOREVER.” She explained, shouting above the noise. “It was fun to get back into the groove.”

He flushed slightly in the dark, thankful for such horrible lighting. He wondered if she really knew just HOW good she danced. A quick look into her longing face as it stared at the floor told him she did. She LIKED dancing like that.

After a few more minutes of listening and resting, he got from the table, eyeing her. She stood as well and grasped his hand. He pulled her with before she could lead him, seeing an open spot nearby.

~*~*~

Nearly pouring herself into the seat, brown closed immediately. She felt exhaustion in almost every muscle, wondering what time it was. She had to fight sleep with every ounce of consciousness she possessed, so she knew it had to be LATE.

The door slammed, the noise lulling her into sleep all the more. It was the type of sleep where any noise would distract her enough to fall into the void more. It wasn’t a good position either, since they had a long ride to her apartment.

Halfway to her apartment, he stopped at a light and looked at her. He hadn’t heard a peep since they left the club, but attributed it to the roaring of his ears from being exposed to such loud music for so long. He was using every ounce of will just to keep his eyes open.

He smiled sleepily as his eyes roamed her face. He wondered when she fell asleep. Nothing seemed to bother her, the peaceful face lined with exhaustion. Bangs stuck to her face from dried sweat, but it didn’t seem to hassle her. Her chest slowly rose with each deep breath that hissed past parted lips.

Stopping the car in front of her apartment, he killed the engine and leaned against the seat heavily. His head turned and looked at her still slumbering form.

An arm hesitantly rested against the edge of the passenger seat, allowing him to lean closer to her face. His body shifted closer slowly, hoping not to wake her. He was so close he scarcely breathed let he wake her up. He moved with a snail’s pace and baited breath.

Dark and light swirled around, bringing her nearly conscious. How she fought off sleep was beyond her. All she knew was nothing was moving, the catalyst keeping her in dreamland gone.

Long lashes fluttered as her eyes struggled to open. It was a harsh battle as she clawed at awareness. She stared at a bland, flat object, not figuring out what it was. Her eyes slowly moved, squinting shut at the harsh light outside the car. A rustle caught the half attention she had.

“Time to wake up.” He watched her wake, moving away just in time.

“What time is it?” She whispered, rubbing both eyes.

A smile tipped his lips, seeing how cute she looked. “At LEAST midnight.” He answered, watching her. “And we’re at your apartment, so you need to grab whatever reserves you have to walk the steps.”

She groaned, her face painted with a grimace. He chuckled. “Come on, I’ll help you to your door.” After getting from his side, he opened the passenger door and nearly pulled her from the car. She almost stumbled onto the pavement, but he grasped her arms until she was able to somewhat steady herself.

An arm encircled her waist and she felt her left over his shoulders. It didn’t do a whole lot, since she was falling asleep as they walked. She barely had the strength to grip anything.

Her head rested on his shoulder, nearly closed eyes staring at the ground. She could feel the strength in his grip and felt utter comfort, even though their sides touched. The heat was a reassurance over the cold that surrounded her.

A hand left the one by his shoulder to open the main door. She held it open enough for them to pass by. They stopped at the stairs and she yawned again.

He smiled gently, eyes looking at the top of her head. “Come on lazybones, I’ll count the steps if you can’t keep your eyes open.” She mumbled something he couldn’t catch, but followed as he instructed.

Now at the top in front of her door, she fumbled for the key in one of her pockets. Unlocking it, she slowly walked through the doorway, leaning against the arch as she faced her date. With a sleepy smile, she forced both eyes open long enough to look at him.

“I had a REALLY fun time.” She softly answered, head resting against the wood. “Can’t wait till next time.” She yawned again, covering it up.

“Well you just let me know when you wanna go out again and I’ll start planning.” He answered, fighting his own yawn. She certainly wasn’t making staying awake easy!

With a small nod, she stepped forward. “I’ll make sure not to keep you in suspense so long.” She softly joked, smiling a little. Hugging him softly, her head rested over his shoulder.

After a minute or two of silently hugging her, his head slowly bumped hers. She stirred and he grinned. “No falling asleep on me. And ESPECIALLY not while I’m standing UP.” He joked.

She pulled away with a sheepish smile. Her lips moved to his cheek with a slow kiss, lasting on his skin before she fully pulled away.

“See you at work Quatre.” She said, gripping the handle. He nodded and waved, stopping when the door clicked shut.

He nearly stumbled down the steps. It may’ve only been a kiss on the cheek, but he smelled a trace of the perfume she wore, felt her lips on his skin.

One hand touched his face as if feeling it with his fingers. ‘It’s close enough.’ He joyously figured, going for his car. As soon as he sat behind the wheel, a grin split his face. Not as tired as he was, the engine started and the car pulled away, now confident enough to make it home.