A/N: This one-shot is entitled "To Take the Plunge" because, prior to its creation, I was staring at a blank piece of paper wondering where to begin. I sighed and said "Oh, to take the plunge." One of my sisters then ordered me to name whatever I was about to write "To Take the Plunge".Ta-Da!

To Take the Plunge

The sun was beginning its descent beyond the mountain, painting the sky with pinks and reds and oranges. A lone figure stood atop the castle wall observing the sun's dance across the sky. The courtyards below were more quiet than normal; the evening meal was just commencing, providing the man with a desirable atmosphere for his ruminating. For some reason, he had convinced himself that watching the sun set would boost his confidence, and as he stood there, basking in the last light of day, he lost himself in his mental wanderings and failed to hear the approaching footsteps.

"Jester," she said, nudging him slightly. Still consumed by his thoughts, he did not hear her, so she nudged him with more force. "Jester."

Jester blinked away his pondering and beheld the young woman leaning beside him. He smiled at her, and she returned the gesture but with one eyebrow raised in a question.

"What?" he chuckled. He could see a question dancing in her eyes but did not wish to incorrectly assume anything. Jane twisted and leaned her back against the wall.

"You were thinking again."

"I do engage in such activities from time to time." His eyes were alight with humor.

"You had that far-away look, like you were considering something serious." She hoped her comment would illicit a response explaining what it was he was devoting his thoughts to but her attempt fell short as Jester chose to ignore it.

"Indeed, but I do not think you came up here to tell me I seem to be thinking."

"True," she responded, temporarily giving up on solving the small mystery that was her best friend. "Pepper sent me to find you. Dinner is ready."

Jester considered the message for a moment before realizing just how hungry he was. He spent the entire mid-day meal providing entertainment for the king and his court; Rake had given him a carrot at some point, but it was hardly enough to tie him over until the evening meal.

"Food," Jester sighed longingly. "I hope she's made something wonderful."

"If the smell is anything to judge by, it will be a most delectable meal."

The jester took one last look at the sunset before turning toward the stairs.

"Then we shall not keep her waiting any longer," he said with a smile and a wink. They descended the steps hand-in-hand, and Jester felt anticipation running through his veins, for he had found his courage after all, the courage he needed to take the plunge. He would ask for Jane's hand before the night was over.

A/N: If you have any thoughts for continuing this story, send 'em my way! I'd love to hear your ideas! :)