Another weekend came around before the two went out again. He purposely held off, even though she told him half a week ago they could go out whenever. He wanted to have a good time and not worry about work the next day. And as late as they stayed out the FIRST time, he almost figured that would become a routine with them.

He did a quick check of his watch to make sure he was still early. The driver had four or five blocks to go and he didn’t want them to be late.

Satisfied he would be on time to pick up his date, he smoothed the black and white fabrics back over his wrist. His eyes looked out the window absently, a mix of nervousness and anticipation. He didn’t know if she ever went to classy restaurants or dance halls, and hoped the dress they bought worked. A small smile tilted his face.

“So, where’re we GOING?” She asked, tapping a finger against crossed arms. He smiled and kept silent. “Come OOOONNN!” She whined, carefully shaking his arm.

Trying to give him the puppy dog look didn’t work since his eyes were nearly glued to the road. Scowling at the unfairness of it all, she sat back in the driver’s seat and pouted, eyes staring at the floor mat.

“You just HATE it when you don’t get your way, DON’T you?” He humorously asked, breaking the silence. She humphed, and looked out the passenger window. He laughed and shook his head at her dramatic change in moods.

Before they left work, she was happy and a little timid when he smiled or waved at her upon seeing her. She KNEW he put more effort into his greetings now than before, since their friendship kicked up a notch. By lunch, she seemed to come out of her shy demeanor, turning curious and excited when he told her he was going to take her somewhere after work. Even before they closed at four, she hadn’t stopped asking where they were going.

“Yes.” She muttered, almost inaudibly. A small grin split her face, knowing he was smiling and laughing at her behavior. She couldn’t really help it; she was too excited and hated surprises to a degree. Not knowing what was going to happen bugged her a little.

“Well just cool your jets.” He joked, taking a turn. “We’re here.”

Her attention jerked outside the car, eyes widening in shock. “We’re at the mall again?” She almost complained. She looked at him oddly. “NOW what do I need to buy here?”

He grinned wryly and went for the door handle. “Who said YOU were buying something?”

“You didn’t put the child locks on again did you?” She quickly asked, grinning widely. He laughed and shook his head. “Good,” She muttered, “cause that’s cute and all, but it gets annoying after a while.”

She grinned in spite of herself and opened the door, stretching momentarily. She walked instep with him up the parking lot, feeling his hand grasp hers. She grinned widely and entwined their fingers, still looking ahead. “So, what’re YOU buying here?”

He grasped the door and held it open for them, still not letting go of her hand. Now that he had the freedom to do so anytime he wanted; he was going to take advantage of that. “That’s a secret.” He answered, smirking.

She lightly glowered before walking instep with him again. “Of COURSE.” She sarcastically commented.

“Okay, okay...I get it.” She threw out, eyeing him. “You’re trying to tell me I don’t have fancy enough clothes. RIGHT?” A lopsided grin formed.

“NO.” He denied, looking at her strangely. His head shook as he led her into the female department. “You’re weirder than I THOUGHT.”

She beamed as happy eyes looked around the beauties. “But you still can’t RESIST me.” She joked.

“That’s true.” He softly answered, looking at her. “So,” He added, hand waving around, “pick something. On me.”

She looked at him wide-eyed. “Are you NUTS?!” She nearly screeched. “I’m not going to buy such an expensive dress and wear it ONCE!”

He grinned. “Who said you WERE?”

She looked at the floor bashfully, grinning a little. One hand rested on her shoulder lightly, drawing her attention again.

“So, have at it. I don’t have all NIGHT.”

She playfully scowled and grabbed his hand, tugging him through the stacks.

Twenty minutes later, with eight possibilities around her, she stood in front of a changing room mirror, eyeing the first dress.

Her lips pursed in thought as she eyed it, twirling slightly to see the rest. It didn’t look TOO bad on her, she figured, but there were others she liked better still on the hangers.

A soft knock on the door startled her from contemplation. “Hey,” He called, “I’m BUYING your dress y’know. That gives me exclusive rights to see what it LOOKS like on you.”

She smirked and looked back into the mirror. “Well I dunno if THIS is the dress I wanna get.” She doubtfully said, trying to keep from laughing.

“So? Lemme see ANYWAY.”

Giving the ceiling an odd look at his tone, she walked to the door a second later.

“Not bad.” He appraised, looking her up and down. She fought to flush under his stare. “It sure makes your skin look darker.”

A brow rose. “What’re ya tryin to say?” She joked, trying not to laugh.

After a second of knowing she was only kidding, he nearly pushed her back into the dressing room. “Oh HUSH! If that’s not what you really like, then go try on something else. If you want, I’ll go scout out the area.”

“YOU?” She scoffed, shutting the door. As carefully and quickly as possible, she slipped from the dress and put it back on the hanger. “And why do YOU think YOU have any sense of fashion?” She ribbed, trying on the next.

“Cause I helped you pick THOSE out?” He amusingly defended, leaning against the wall. He felt a little awkward standing in front of the women’s dressing room door, but was giddy at the same time. He was waiting to see what dress his GIRLFRIEND tried on next. A dreamy smile floated over his face, mixing the word and her name in his head constantly.

“I guess.” She muttered, not bothering to let him see the second. She knew what she looked good in, and this dress CERTAINLY wasn’t IT. As quietly as possible, she sneaked it from her body and hung it up, resolving never to touch it ever again. “I’m a size six. If you find a seven...that should work too.!”

Now given a mission, he started down the hall slowly. “Don’t forget to come out when you’ve got another one on!” He loudly called, disappearing without an answer.

Her lips pursed. She didn’t really want to leave the safety of the enclosed area in some of these garments, feeling too self-conscious at times. Some of the dresses covered enough to allow her to step outside in the hall.

‘Not THIS dress.’ She joked, wide eyes looking at herself in the mirror.

“No way in HELL am I letting him see me in this.” She muttered, defensively crossing both arms. Lips pressed in a thin line as she wondered what his reaction would be.

Would he order her right back in the safety of the four walls, exclaiming everyone could see too much? His near protective emotions made it a possibility... It WAS possible he’d tell her the dress wasn’t right for the places they were going to. She almost wondered if he’d tell her the flaws she was eyeing, but discarded that thought. He hated it when she put herself down, so why would he?

She hung the third back up, figuring it looked better on the hanger. Putting on the fourth was good enough to go outside in and she started for the door. She was forced to take smaller steps than normal, but the dress was cute enough to bear it.

Padding down the carpeted hallway in bare feet, she almost shyly peeked around the corner to see if anyone else was around. Seeing the saleslady and two other women, her lips pressed together in determination. Slowly wading into the area, she started looking for Quatre’s blond head. A thought struck her, casting a smile on her face. ‘You mean your BOYFRIEND’S blond head.’ She happily corrected.

Finding his normal attire, she felt a small measure of playfulness and ducked behind a stack of dresses. His back was to her, most likely attributing his unknowingness to her sudden mood. Tiptoeing forward with an evil grin, she stopped behind him with baited breath.

Arms slowly raised and stopped by his head, darting out in front to cover his eyes. Pressing herself behind him, she fought a rising giggle. “Guess who.” She seductively purred, biting her lip.

The second the hands wrapped behind his eyes, he felt old instincts kick in to defend himself. But they retreated when a familiar body pressed behind him. He relished the feel of her figure and body heat as it seeped through his clothes. Unable to fight a grin, his hands rose. “I don’t know, I can’t see.” He joked, avoiding the game.

She pouted and pulled away slightly. “Spoil sport.” She sullenly answered, giggling shortly after. His lips met her palm, kissing it lightly. She felt a shiver run up her arm as his breath touched her skin. “Anyway, back on track here.” She said, lightly tapping his cheek with her free hand. “None of that right now.” He chuckled. “How about THIS one?”

He turned and his throat choked on the words. His eyes widened at how pretty she looked. The soft white fabric just made her skin seem darker, more exotic. The spaghetti straps looked like they could snap they were so small. The dress stopped a little above her chest, not giving off any cleavage.

Just under her chest was a wide line of white mesh across the front, stopping at the side seam. Covering the top and bottom mesh seams were lines of white rhinestones, glittering when she moved. The dress went to the floor, but a slit went up one side to her knee.

The whole thing slenderized her body, making it seem smaller than normal, and the mesh line whitened her skin to porcelain.

She smirked at the look on his face. “If you keep the silent treatment up mister, I don’t know whether to be crushed or inflate my ego.” She joked, a hand extending. Fingers briefly snapped in front of his face, startling him from whatever reverie he was in.

He gripped her hand, kissing her knuckles lightly. “I’ve never seen you look more beautiful.” He whispered lowly, eyeing her.

She looked at the floor in utter bashfulness, a wide smile on her face as she bit her lip.

A cute blush dotted her face and he smiled gently. One hand reached out and cupped her cheek, the other still holding her hand. “It’s TRUE.” He said softly. If possible, her smile widened more but she still didn’t look at him.

“Then I take it this’s the one...” She stated, finally gaining her wits to not giggle like a schoolgirl at his appraisal.

‘I need to knock that OFF.’

“Yup, and if you DON’T get this, I’m going to let you have it.” He kidded, grabbing her arm to direct her back to the dressing room. He didn’t want her wasting any more time when she found THE dress for tonight.

“MEANING?” She retorted, eyeing him.

“You’ll get an earful of reasons why you look better in THIS dress than any other.” He said, shutting the door on her.

“You WOULDN’T!” She laughed, carefully unzipping her newest dress. He KNEW she didn’t think much of herself, especially by the way she hardly ever accepted a compliment.

“Don’t put it PAST me!” He answered, chuckling.

“I do NOT want you in shoes that’ll make you taller than ME.” He kidded, eyes looking up.

She grinned, now a whole two inches taller. “But I LIKE three inch heels!” She innocently defended, trying to keep a straight face.

He scowled lightly. “Off.” He amusingly commanded.

She smirked and sat down, taking the heels off. After putting them back in the box, she went for a smaller set of heels, the pair making her right at his level.

“Well I’ve got NEWS for you big boy,” She kidded, standing up, “I’m ALREADY an inch SHORTER than you. That’s not that much.”

He humphed and looked away, crossing his arms. She grinned and pulled out some of the dress fabric, checking the arrangement. The shoes were clear plastic, small white flowers on the three straps over her feet. A silver buckle kept one of the straps in place.

She nodded in approval. “I’m getting these.” She said, holding a foot in the air expertly. She divested the next purchase from her feet and put on her sandals. “Besides,” She commented idly, “NONE of us are done growing yet. So stop your whining.”

He looked at her with raised eyebrows. “Me? WHINE?? I think you’re talking to the wrong PERSON missy.”

Lips pursed against a poorly hidden smile, she quickly poked a finger into his sides, getting a yelp before he scooted away. “SHUSH Quatre.” She jokingly commanded.

“Master Quatre?”

Startling slightly, he looked to the front of the car. “Yes?” He asked, smiling in slight embarrassment. He was caught daydreaming and not paying attention, something he rarely did.

“We’re here.”

Nodding, he slid to the door nearest the curb, holding his date’s present. He looked at it nervously, hoping she’d like it. He knew that going so far past roses was a little much, but he knew she was WORTH it. Taking a deep breath for courage, he strode to the main door.

A short knock sounded soon after. Forcefully keeping herself from biting her glossed lips, she looked at her appearance again. The past two hours had been nuts, but extremely FUN. She just really didn’t believe it was all coming down to this.

“Hi I’m Robin; do you know what you want done with your hair?” Asked the stylist.

She nodded. “Curls. How they go...I’m not too sure.” She muttered, shaking her head. She looked at the female stylist in the mirror, eyes closing in bliss as her hair was played with. “Sorry, I didn’t really give too much thought to this. I’m kind of in the dark about how the night’s going to go.”

“Well that’s okay. I’m not in this profession for NOTHING honey.”

She smiled and felt her brain turn to slush as the woman tested ways for her hair to go.

“So, what’s with this tonight thing?” She asked after a small pause.

She smiled, fighting a blush. “It’s a fancy date with my...boyfriend.” She softly answered, feeling butterflies.

Robin smiled. “You known this man long?” She asked pleasantly, head tilting from the latest hair situation.

She counted the days back from when they first met. “Three months and this’s the second week since we met. But we’ve been going out for two weeks.”

“You two go to school together?”

She smirked. “I’m his employee.” She softly answered.

“Oohh...an OFFICE romance.”

“It’s MORE than that. He’s so kind and sweet and funny and handsome...” Her eyes fluttered closed the rest of the way as she pictured his face.

“Sounds like you really like him.” Robin guessed, smiling.

Brown fluttered open slightly. “Yea, I do.” She softly agreed. She wondered how the woman nearly her age could tell her feelings with just a few words.

‘Am I THAT easy to READ?’

“I think I have a way to go.” Robin finally said. “You want curls right?”

“Yea.”

“Then how bout I pile as much on your head as I can get, and leave the rest down.” She spoke, letting go of the masses. “Your hair already IS somewhat curly, but hot rolls will make it more so. The only problem is the thickness. Not all of it will stay on your head all night, so this’ll work.” She smiled, getting an idea. “Do you know what you’re wearing tonight?”

“A fancy dress he bought me this afternoon.” She answered softly, smiling a little.

 “Wow, honey don’t let go of HIM.” She joked. “What color is the dress?”

“White with silver accents.”

“Uh huh, I know JUST the thing then.” She answered, lightly patting her shoulder. “You leave it all to ME.”

After half an hour of being in hot rollers, and in near embarrassment the whole time, the extra weight was thankfully removed. Over two-dozen small curlers stuck from her head, making her look utterly ridiculous! But it was worth it when she saw the distinct difference in her hair.

She smiled, liking it the way it was now. Another twenty minutes of pins and hairspray kept about half of her hair on the top of her head. To the extra delight, Robin added small bits of baby’s breath to her head in random spots.

After more hairspray, the woman stepped back and stood in front of her. “All done!” She happily announced. “Man what I wouldn’t give for a CAMERA. You look very pretty.”

She smiled shyly, looking at the mirror. After a minute of staring, she had to admit she looked pretty. “I DO.” She quietly agreed.

Raising a hand to stiff hair, she made sure none of the pins slipped in the past hour and checked her makeup quickly. Not seeing anything wrong, she hurried from the bathroom, almost missing the switch in her rush. Grabbing the tiny white purse that she wouldn’t allow Quatre to buy, she filled it with extra credits, lip-gloss, her house key, and eyeliner in case she needed it.

“Coming, just a minute!” She called, nearly running to the door. She wasn’t able to hurry, not with the dress restricting movement. She knew it would be a total walking dress and nothing more.

She hurriedly opened it and the breath caught in her throat. Her eyes widened as she looked at her date, as dressed up as she was. She couldn’t even swallow or find words.

“Hi.” He softly said, almost unheard over the pounding of her heart. His blond hair gleamed from nearby hallway lights, looking very much out of place in his pressed black tux. A white shirt under the jacket peeked out, no tie of any kind around his neck. Shiny black shoes covered his feet, gleaming in the light.

Instead of a handkerchief on the chest pocket, a white rosebud rested against stark black, matching with her outfit somewhat. The ocean sparkled as she looked at it, meeting a swirl of emotions head on.

“Hi...” She breathed. A full out blush covered her face when her voice reached past the adrenaline rushing in her ears. Knowing she was keeping him waiting and making them late, she snapped to her senses. “I’m sorry, I’m ready to go.” She hastily spoke, shutting off the living room lights. She was suddenly aware of how out of place she looked in such a non-cushiony apartment complex.

‘Like the pauper going to the PROM.’ She sarcastically figured.

“You’re not ready yet.” He said, trying to hide nervousness. He held up a slim velvet box, smiling slightly. “But you can open it outside before we’re late.” He said, holding out an arm.

She grinned widely and took it quickly, her free hand holding up the dress to keep from ripping or tripping on it.

“I was wrong about earlier.” He suddenly commented, holding the door for her.

“Wrong?” She asked, brow furrowing in confusion. She tried remembering which conversation they had earlier that he was wrong about.

“Yea,” He nodded, “when I told you that you’d never looked more beautiful. You look MORE than beautiful, you’re enchanting.”

She wondered if she should’ve put on blush with the amount that adorned her face NOW. She was positive she was beet red, feeling her entire face heat up. “Yea well...” She stuttered, trying to match that.

“You’re looking pretty good-looking yourself. I have to say I rather LIKE you in a tux.” She grinned, eyeing his attire again. “Sexy.” She drawled, catching his shy smile. She eyed his normal ride, feeling like she was living Cinderella’s dream. “Y’know,” She suddenly commented, “this’ll be like the prom we never HAD.”

He smiled and stopped her just outside the car. “ANYWAY...you can open your present now.”

She took the long box with the face of a two year old on Christmas day, seeing a bunch of presents just for her. Gently pressing her lips together in anticipation, she slowly opened the hinge on the blue velvet box, revealing in the lamplight the glimmer of white. Eyes widening, one hand reached forward and picked up a delicate silver chain.

Her eyes watered with a soft smile, realizing he bought her something he really didn’t have to! “Now you’ve gone and done it...” She muttered, smiling widely, “I’m going to CRY.” She rapidly blinked, trying to keep from ruining her makeup.

He smiled gently; glad she liked it, but didn’t know it’d bring tears to her eyes. He took the box and necklace slowly, putting the box in his coat pocket. “Turn around and I’ll finish your outfit.” He gently commanded.

With a sudden burst of adrenaline, she did as told and lowered her head. One hand carefully moved her hair, his skin brushing hers. She shivered from the touch.

One hand slowly rose and gripped her hair so he could have both hands free. His hands delved into her field of vision before disappearing, the cool metal touching her skin seconds later. After clipping it, he stepped back. She let go of the curls, letting them bounce back to their normal resting spot.

“Thanks.” She whispered, facing him again. Her eyes burned with an intensity that rivaled his, but she wasn’t fully aware of it. She was just aware of his eyes and the pull he excluded. She was suddenly drawn to him with such force that had never happened to her before. It was so new that she didn’t want to move lest she break the moment.

A small cough nearby threw both their gazes to the source. The driver met their eyes and smiled slightly, nodding to the still open car door. Both looked at the ground sheepishly before she grasped his hand, entwining their fingers.

“Shall we?” He softly asked. A small smirk upturned his lips. “I think we’ve wasted enough time.”

“Yea.” She nearly whispered, her arm tingling from their touch. He let her enter first, never letting go of her hand. He situated himself close to her.

Her shoulder leaned against his and his hands switched, the newly freed snaking behind her back. She smiled gently and looked at him bashfully, seeing the same emotions. Her smile widened as her eyes closed, feeling utterly content as the car pulled away.

~*~*~

Brown widened when she got her first real glimpse at their dining spot. Her mouth gaped open before one of his fingers pushed it closed. “You look better that way.” He said, smiling.

She smirked and looked at him, wide eyes going back to the glittering chandelier seconds later. “This place is HUGE!” She exclaimed, walking inside in awe.

He smirked and chuckled. “Yea, but it’s worth it, because you’re the most stunning woman here tonight.”

She grinned widely and looked at the red velvet seats and carpeting. “And you’re the cutest guy here among everyone.” She flattered, discretely eyeing his pink face. “Not to mention one of the YOUNGEST.”

A smartly dressed waiter led them to a subdued corner with dim lighting. Candles on the round, lace covered table burned in between them. Both noticed the sparkles it put into their eyes despite the romantic low lighting.

She didn’t even get past the entries without quietly gasping at the prices. She looked at him, knowing she’d gain his attention with that sporadic move. “Something wrong?” He asked, smirking.

If possible, her wide eyes widened even further. “Too costly...must get out...can’t BREATHE...” She softly joked, putting the menu down as if it were glass.

He laughed quietly, shaking his head at her surprised look. “RELAX Diva, you’re not paying for ANYTHING tonight.” He softly said, going back to his menu. “And since YOU’VE never eaten here before, I’ll recommend something for YOU.”

“Isn’t that how the gentleman NORMALLY does things?” She absently asked, slowly picking the menu back up.

He eyed her above the plastic tip, smiling gently at her distracted gaze. “Indeed...”

A comfortable quiet settled around them as an invisible content bubble surrounded them. Their presences mingled with each other as the two tuned out everyone else. The youths were oblivious of the adoring and longing stares at their attire and beauty.

After he gave a waitress their orders, they were left alone again in their quiet bubble. “So,” He softly broke in, “how do you like the place so far?”

She smiled at the place and her date’s thoughtfulness. “I LOVE it! Although this place charges more than YOU’D ever be able to PAY me, it’s GORGEOUS.”

He smirked at her wry comment and rolled his eyes playfully. “Well it doesn’t look this good for being so CHEAP.” He commented, propping his head up with one hand to stare across the table. His other kept firmly clasped to hers, resolving not to let go until their dinner came.

~*~*~

After dinner passed, he checked his watch. The two sipped the small bit of wine as they let everything settle. He was stagnating their leave of the table for one main reason; the nightly dance hall would be opened in seven minutes. Those who reserved a table were allowed a free spot on the floor. Those who came strictly for the dancing paid admission.

“Is there a reason you keep looking at your watch?” She asked.

His head jerked to hers, eyeing her with minuscule wide eyes. “What?” He asked, a little distracted. He was keeping a discrete eye on the hallway to the room, being in the direction to face it. Perhaps not discrete enough...

She smiled slightly and put the crystal glass down. “Your watch.” She repeated, pointing in the direction of his wrist. “You’ve been looking at that more recently. Is there something ELSE we’re doing that you’re not telling me?” She playfully chided.

He looked at the table silently.

Her eyes widened in mild shock. “Quatre,” She breathed in wonder, “what ELSE do we need to do?” One hand waved around the setting. “Being here in such a glitzy place with you, as dressed up as we are, is like a DREAM to me. I almost can’t believe I’m here to BEGIN with! There isn’t anything else I’d EXPECT from you.”

He looked up at her with soft eyes, taking her hand again. His thumb rubbed the back of her palm slowly, drawing a slow smile from her. He didn’t want to say anything else, mostly since they still had a few minutes to wait yet.

He was mostly touched at her speech. Did she REALLY believe he’d ask her to dress up so much just to go to DINNER? ‘Not a chance in hell.’ He joked mentally. He only smiled back and sipped more of his wine.

After the stagnating time finally passed, he could see someone walking from the short hallway. The man stopped near the tables, softly clapping gloved hands in the quiet room. “Ladies and gentleman,” He announced, “for those of you who signed up for the second portion of the night, the dance hall is now ready to use.”

A small hum sounded shortly after as a few tables immediately cleared. A good portion of the occupants were sitting in wait, having already paid.

She eyed a few couples nearby that left, her wondrous gaze turning to his beautiful eyes seconds later. “Are we-“ She stopped suddenly, an excited grin lighting her face.

He quickly finished the rest of the expensive wine, not wanting to waste it. Feeling the immediate warmth as it buzzed through his system, he stood and stopped next to the chair. His palm extended and she took it delicately, standing close to him seconds later. Having already paid the check, he followed the couples, walking instep with the endearing creature next to him.

“I know it’s not like our FIRST date,” He started as they neared the doors, “this’s all slow or moderately slow dancing.” They entered the double doors, and her eyes lit up. “But I don’t think you’ll mind.” He teased, not getting a retort back. She was too busy looking around.

She had been to dance halls in her lifetime, some she considered fancy. But THIS place she stepped into put all those others to shame!

A huge, golden chandelier hung on a high ceiling directly over an enormous wooden dance floor. The mahogany tiles gleamed in the light and she suddenly wondered if her heels would scuff the floor.

A good-sized stage rose nearly to her waist in matching wood against one wall. A few tiny round tables and chairs next to the opposite wall matched everything else. The small band’s orchestra instruments gleamed as they moved. A few random notes sounded as the people made sure everything was tuned. A microphone stood in the front of the stage, waiting to be used.

“So,” He broke in, “when do you want to dance?”

“More to the point professor,” She joked, “the question is WHERE.” Identical humor smiles popped up when they met eyes. “But my answer is, as soon as the band starts.”

He quickly checked a large grandfather clock across the way. “That won’t be for a minute or two.” His eyes strayed to her. “You sure you won’t be nervous being the first on the floor?”

She grinned evilly. “If you’re worried about me embarrassing you by dancing the way I did LAST time, don’t stress yourself TOO hard. This dress doesn’t allow for excessive movements.”

He stepped closer and brought the back of her hand to his lips. “Who said I was COMPLAINING how you danced last time?” He lowly asked.

She looked at the floor bashfully and blushed hardily again. “It’s a good thing the LIGHTS aren’t all that good.” She commented when she was able to cool down.

“Why’s that?” He asked, looking around expectantly. Many of the elder couples held the same look of anticipation he did and he smiled slightly.

She smirked evilly and slyly stopped her lips inches from his ear. “Because with as much as you COMPLIMENT me, you’re going to be dating a TOMATO if you keep it up.” She sarcastically breathed.

His skin shivered from her breath. He moved away slightly and looked at her oddly. His look slowly melted the longer she held his gaze, her face inches away from his.

They startled slightly when the microphone whined quietly. “Ladies and gentlemen, sorry for the small delay. For those of you who have come to dance, we won’t keep you any longer.” A second later, a slow song started up, people immediately claiming spots on the floor.

“I guess we should get out there.” He softly suggested.

Her lips twitched. “You sure bout that?”

A blond brow rose slightly. “That IS what we came to do.” He wryly retorted. She smiled and let him lead her to the wood floor.

~*~*~

After half an hour of straight music, a woman stepped onto stage. They watched as she hummed along to a few instruments, her voice a strong alto. It gave the two the impression that she sang often, even made a living out of it.

 Everyone falls in love sometimes

Sometimes it’s wrong and sometimes it’s right

For every win, someone must fail

But there comes a point when, when we exhale

Her hips swayed to the beat of the drums. She was vaguely aware of hands resting lightly over her waist. Her arms draped over his neck, hands against each other in the air.

She stared into his eyes, matching his stare. The music moved her to such proportions that rivaled the zone she felt in the club on their first date. It wasn’t the wild, intoxicating beat that held her captive, but the strong melody and magical atmosphere. She was pretty sure her romantic date was on the same level, just by the look in his eyes.

Sometimes you’ll laugh and sometimes you’ll cry

Life never tells us the when’s or why’s

When you’ve got friends to wish you well

You’ll find your point when you will exhale

~*~

Hearts are often broken, when there are words unspoken

In your soul there’s answers to your prayers

If you’re searching for a place you know

A familiar face; somewhere to go

You should look inside your soul; you’re halfway there 

He attributed a good portion of the dreamy mood surrounding him and the enchantress in his arms to the singer and the music. He was utterly content to hold the girl in their current position all night, which he hoped would happen.

His soul had never been so at rest and peaceful as it was tonight. He felt an emotion he never experienced before surge through every vein and bone in his body, warming his heart to new heights. He looked into doe-like eyes and the warmth expanded. He knew a part of his mood was ascribed to the wine he drank, but that melted away and was replaced by her essence.

 Sometimes you’ll laugh; sometimes you’ll cry

Life never tells us the when’s or why’s

When you’ve got friends to wish you well

You’ll find your point when you will exhale

When the guitar plucked the final strings, they regrettably moved back and clapped as loud as everyone else. A few dancers cheered at the song and she chimed in loudly, stating her delight as much as the others.

The woman bowed with a smile. Before another song started, a man walked to the stage, taking the woman’s hands and giving her a light kiss on the cheek. Both looked at the adult couple on stage and wondered what song they would harmonize with next. Someone carried another mike for the male singer, exiting soon after.

A piano struck up the newest song, everyone else putting their instruments down. After a few beats, an electric guitar strummed in, creating a more upbeat feel. The man smiled to his counterpart and started the song.

 If you say my eyes are beautiful
It's because they're looking at you
And if you could only see yourself

You'd feel the same way too

~*~
You could say that I am a dreamer
Who's had a dream come true
If you say my eyes are beautiful
It's because they're looking at you

Blue softened as he looked at his dancing partner. He felt those emotions run higher than ever as they swayed to the slow beat. The woman hummed in her part of the song after a small piano interlude, that strong voice hitting the notes.

If you wonder why I'm smiling
It's because I'm happy with you
And the warm sensations touch my heart
And fill me through and through
~*~

I could hold you close forever
And never let you go
If you say my eyes are beautiful
It's because I just love you so

Brown watered as the woman’s part ended, the male’s voice drowning hers out. Music and inspiration proved right once again and as she felt the man and woman sing to each other, so too did she feel this could be attributed to Quatre. Although she didn’t know if she loved him or not, she liked him a lot, and that was close enough.

Now, my heart is an open door
Won't you come inside for more
You give love so sweetly now
Take my love
Take me completely now
~*~
If you say my eyes are beautiful
It's because they're looking at you
And my eyes are just the window
For my feelings to come through

Her body was tuned in to no one’s but the person a mere inch away. It unconsciously moved closer to him as the lyrics brought emotions to life. She felt the song said almost exactly what she felt.

She always TOLD Quatre he had gorgeous eyes, and he had to her. It was such an ironic situation that someone had written a song about two people in love with beautiful eyes.

He was nearly overcome with the feelings that swarmed as he pressed against her while they swayed in time to the beat. As the song progressed, her arms moved and rested against his chest. His hands, no longer able to rest on her waist, looped around her back, trapping her against him.

One hand slowly moved up her back, fingers touching warm skin. His tongue darted out over his lips nervously, knowing she felt the magic as he did.

Almost unconsciously, her lips parted a fraction as his hand slowly trailed up to her shoulders. It brushed past and his wrist turned, fingers leisurely trailing up her neck.

Her eyes fluttered at the heat from his skin and the feelings he produced. Her nerves tuned to everything he did, the slightest difference setting off hundreds of reactions. His hand stopped at the edge of her jaw, his thumb directly under her lips.

As it slowly tugged on her chin, it finally hit that he wanted to kiss her the entire time. He was just going about it slowly, or extremely nervously. Smiling slightly, she moved closer a fraction.

The hope and ecstasy flared when he noticed the gradual movement. He knew that now was no better a time for their first kiss. The arm wrapped around her back tightened as if to bring her even closer. Her arms crushed between their bodies as she moved.

He moved toward her, their lips hovering a fraction. Both knew that with this kiss, there was no going back. This would change everything and take their dating level to a more serious notch. It would mean more kissing, more flirting, holding each other because they could, and more dates like this.

Till now, their flirting was more renounced, but it never went too far. Their dates were a fine line between actual dating, and simple friendly dating.

Her eyes closed as she erased the doubts, knowing he harbored the same worries she did. All of it didn’t matter anymore, not the titles, not their jobs, not the WORLD. In the magic of the song and evening, of the dance and their moment, the world didn’t exist anymore. It melted away the longer they danced, all their past problems gone from memory.

Her lips pressed against his, and he knew that nothing could prepare him for the thrill he currently experienced. The hope and adrenaline, the happiness...and love empowered him to the level beyond a mere teenager.

His mind blanked, save for the savoring of what he experienced, all by a light kiss. His hand slowly snaked across her jawline, lightly resting in her hair. The ONLY thought that stuck in his mind, was that SHE kissed HIM first.

All her doubts and fears of inexperience vanished by the adrenaline and bliss that surrounded her. She felt his warmth and strong arms, also the hand that kept her from pulling away.

She hadn’t really THOUGHT of kissing Quatre until the song started. Such a wonderful piece put thoughts into her head that she never thought of before.

They were embraced with the thought that she WANTED to kiss him. She knew he wanted to kiss her, but didn’t. As if he was waiting for her to make the first move.

He wanted to feel more, to taste more. His lips pressed to hers, tasting her lip-gloss. The flavor would forever be imprinted in his memory and he knew he would never forget it. He would never forget this, their first kiss EVER. It was such a powerful one that to kiss anyone else seemed shameful.

And by far you are more beautiful
Then anything I ever knew
If you say my eyes are beautiful
If you say my eyes are beautiful

If you say my eyes, my eyes are beautiful

It's because, it’s because, they're looking at you