***Sorry for the delay. This story is my biggest project yet, so it took a while to think of where this will go. Before you get bored with my rambling, I'd best just say that the rights of my favorite cartoon still belong to Stephen Hillenburg. Here's the next chapter!

Chapter Three: When Friends Collide

Sandy couldn't have been more nervous.

It was only SpongeBob. They'd been friends for years now. It was just like they were hanging out...but they were on a date. "Get a hold of yourself. It's just a couple of hours, then you go home. Easy," she assured herself. It took a moment or two, but eventually she rang the doorbell.

SpongeBob was still freaked out. He scrambled to get to the door. "Oh. H-hello. You don't have your space suit on," he realized. "I completed a syrum that allows me to breathe underwater," Sandy explained. The two went into the kitchen together.

It was already set up in some way. There was a pot still on the stove. Something in it was smelling good. The table was set with two bowls, silverware, and a single flower resembled ones in the sky in a light blue vase. Sandy smiled. The fact that SpongeBob had gone to this trouble was sweet. He must really like me.

"I didn't finish cooking the stew quite yet. I got a late start on it," SpongeBob explained. He walked over to the stove and began stirring the contest of the pot. That's when he noticed his hands were shaking. Okay, SpongeBob, get a grip. It's just one night. Just one date...with the girl who you really like. This isn't helping!

A few silent minuted later, SpongeBob finished the stew. He took his and Sandy's bowls to the counter. They were now filled to the brim. That was a mistake in itself.

Some of the stew had splashed out of the bowl. By that, I mean that it spilled partially on Sandy's clothes. "Ah! I'm sorry!" SpongeBob yelped in shock. He blushed from embarrassment. A bad start to what was once hoped to be a great night.

The pair sat down at the table, sparing occasionally glances at other places besides one another.

Awkward.

"So...d' you like the stew?" SpongeBob asked at last. "Yeah, it's good. You're a good cook. I like that," Sandy said. She was being honest but wanted to offer her (boy?)friend some peace of mind. He looked like he was about to panic (which he was on the inside).

They managed some small talk throughout dinner. It was uncomfortable at first, but soon they warmed up to it.

The date wasn't over yet.

SpongeBob lead Sandy to sit down in the living room where Gary was watching one of his Western shows. He was told to tape it and leave.

The next hour passed easily. The sponge and squirrel didn't have too much physical interaction but at least they weren't as nervous any more. "I tell you, Sandy, you're one heck of a girl," SpongeBob remarked.

One heck of a girl.

Sandy stood up immediately, body rigid as if she were bracing for an attack. "I'm sorry. I have to go." Then she left.

***Dun-dun-dun! What happened? Find out in the next installment when I get it written and uploaded. Reviews appreciated!