NikolaiKravchenko: Correction, it was 21 chapters which may not come so quickly seeing how my schedule this year is a lot tighter than I thought and with more work than expected.

Because of my new schedule I am going to place this story on hold so I can focused on Unexpected Alliance, I am sorry but that is the story I'm closest to finishing, once that's done I should have more maneuvering space.

Hope you enjoy


The Date: Part Two

Derek's POV

"This display is quite lively," Alasha comments as she glances around her.

"It is?" Derek asks but when she turns to glance at him he quickly changes his mind, "I mean it is."

If truth is to be told though, Derek's senior prom had better decorations than this. The tables that were usually spaced out throughout the room have all been pushed along the walls to make space for the dance when it commences. The only decorations that are displayed are a couple of streamers hanging from the rafters and walls. The PA system which usually barks out orders is now playing music from the near decade old flip music to the more retro and hip genre of the modern age. The lights have been dimmed and further adds to the terrible décor.

But if this is "lively" for Alasha, who is he to complain?

They are seated in the far corner of the dance floor at a rectangular table with enough room to seat a dozen men, but for now it is just him, Alasha and a few of his squad mates. Knott is there with a nice girl name Meghan who is stunned by Alasha's presence and tries not to stare as she speaks with Knott with an occasionally smile on her face. Peterson is also present with a girl half his height who works in the HQ building, she seems to be too flustered being in the large marine's presence to really notice their Sangheili attendant. Last and most surprisingly is Tray and Mi, the latter looking bored but alert while Tray is acting incredibly nervous, whether it's due to him being on lookout for trouble or because his date is ten times tougher than he is.

Why does this always happen to the new guys?

They have received their meals not too long ago and are currently feasting. Derek was beyond relief when he saw Alasha eating her specially cooked meal with no trouble. She was cautious at first when it arrived, somehow De Cruz took jerky, some apples, vegetables and fresh water to create a bowl of stew fixed in a elaborate presentation fit for a king. It truly does look like something from a five star restaurant and after her first initial bites it seems that Alasha finds it to be to her liking. Derek feels like he is indebted to De Cruz for life now.

Alasha POV

So far this experience has been like nothing she have ever seen before. The closest thing she could compare it to are the occasionally festivals celebrating Sanghelio's heroes, victories or the seasonal change. There are usually a great mass of people present but they don't usually get compressed into a small space such as this. It also doesn't help the fact that she is the only one of her species present.

There has been no violence so far, however she couldn't help noticing somebody giving her a glare or whispering behind her back every so often. Such actions irk her, but she has built up a tolerance over the years of ignoring whatever annoys her. But an entire room of aliens? Even she is starting to quiver at the thought.

Once she thought she saw someone moving towards her with a hard look on his face but then one of Derek's friends stood up, grabbed the person and tugs him away from their table. She was taken off guard by this, she knew she would be protected but for some reason she didn't really believe in the human's sincerity.

She tries to focus on her meal instead which is better than she had hoped. She had often heard that the human cuisine lacks taste and weren't worth preserving, but her food seems to contradict those allegations. She has a bowl filled with warm broth and bits of meat and diced vegetables within complete with a fruit that was cut into corresponding portions that easily allows her to eat it one piece at a time. She is able to hold the bowl in her hand and presses it against the bottom of her jaw and carefully tip it back to allow it to wash into her throat while her mandibles carefully picks at the semi-dried meat and vegies within and chews them before swallowing as well. It is…an exotic treat she suppose, unlike any other thing she has ever tasted on Sanghelios. The only thing that bothers her though is there is nothing to drink but plain water which ruins the sweet flavor in her gullet.

She has just put her bowl back down when she glances at her suitor.

So far he has yet to do anything most males would have done by now; gloat, demand or so much as speak for that matter. Every so often one of his comrades would trade a word with him before he returns to eating his meal. Once he glances at her and they lock eyes for a moment before he looks away again. Was he doing this out of fear or respect?

At the beginning of all this she wouldn't have really cared how he thought of her just as long as he kept his distance. However he has proven to be…friendly? Courteous for sure but she doesn't know if they would be friends. She and Guisha are friends, she has her own companions back at the Keep who she can easily talk with. Things that she cannot do with Derrek…can she?

She spent so much time dreading and cursing the human for all that he has done that she never once stop to consider the possibility that the two of them can at least become allies of a sort. She never would have imagined befriending an alien, they're nothing alike but they did have one thing in common; grief.

The thought of it causes a slight pang in her chest and she looks down at the table to hide her eyes in case they betray her inner feelings. Her mother was very kind, sweet and loving long before she knew they were related. Despite that though she treated every youngling as if they were her own child, male or female, young or old, they had all adored the Keep Mistress for not only keeping their home in order, but for just loving them all. It had struck her to the core when they learned of her illness and how it was serious. It was gut wrenching, seeing her mother withering away, as she died so did something inside all of them. She was filled with sorrow and anger for an entire cycle, twice she struck her suitors and twice her father forced her to apologize. She knew everyone was hurting, but she always thought her pain was different from everyone else's.

Then she met Derek. She is unsure if he cared for this…great grandmother as she had cared for her mother, but his eyes did not lie. Nor did his voice, she heard it when he spoke; the same agony she had felt and he even told of his sadness in a way that completely relates to her own. She didn't want to admit it then, but this human actually understands her, the feeling of loss.

Though surprising she is still acting cold to him despite the many actions he had taken of late to show that he cares for her to an extent. He even went as far as to suggest ending the courtship because she didn't feel ready to "be herself." Why can't she at least try and be civil to him for once?

Should she wait for him to say something? He hasn't yet, maybe he is frighten by her, she is after all of noble descent and he is a lowly solider. But what should she say?

Her question is answered when she looks over at him once more and notices something. She isn't sure if she is just using her curiosity as an excuse or if she genuinely wanted an answer, but she asks anyway.

"Derek?" she says gently, causing the human to look up at her, "why do you have a meal that is different from what I have?"

Derek seems to pause as he looks at his plate which was really just a tin box full of wrapped objects that had to be torn open. Judging from grunts of displeasure and curses she can hear from the other humans its a safe guess that they aren't as splendid as her own dish.

"Well…" he starts off hesitantly looking nervous, an action that is beginning to annoy her, "I just thought you would like having your own special meal, I mean you're the Keep Lord's daughter so I thought you would like something…edible."

She blinks as she takes this new information in. He has once more shown that he is making an attempt to assure that she is enjoying herself, even to go as far as to forsake a delicious meal for himself and have it be prepared for her instead.

She honestly didn't know how to respond, she should thank him, but it doesn't feel like enough. Still, the conversation is left open and she needed to show her appreciation.

"Thank you," she finally tells him, making sure she is looking directly at him when she said it.

He maintains eye contact for a while longer before giving a small grin, "no problem."

Derek's POV

So far so good, she said she likes the food and even thanked him for it. He smiled out of relief but also out of politeness as well. He continues to be cautious, he doesn't want anything that he says to be taken the wrong way, especially with so many Marines present.

He is grateful and indebted to his friends for protecting him and Alasha, still he needs to make sure Alasha is having a good time in order to ensure peace between them.

He takes this time to briefly look at her. She is sipping the broth out of her bowl but he can tell by her rigid posture that she is tense. He guesses there is no way he can get her to fully lower her guard considering their present location but maybe a bit of conversation would help. He waits until she puts her stew down before speaking.

"So…" Derek says lightly, wondering what to say before asking, "What's it like being the Keep Lord's daughter?"

His question earned him a quick glance from his date. He couldn't quite see what she is thinking but he is sure he can see a bit of surprise within her eyes. Just yesterday he couldn't bring himself to look at them in fear of insulting the strong alien but now he tries his best to remain lax in a way to put her at ease.

She is silent for nearly a minute, possibly thinking of a valid response before finally saying, "It is an honored position that I am…attempting to humbly uphold."

He isn't positive what the catch was about but he has an idea. Most likely she is referring to this situation where her rank and position is forcing her to be his "courtship partner."

He nods as he continues on the best that he could, "still, I am sure there are some positive things about it."

She answers more readily this time with a quick nod of her head, "Of course, I help maintain order and stability in any house, I meet many great warriors, Kaidons, delegates and am given more respect than most females would usually receive."

This last comment causes Derek to look at her, "Females don't get much credit here do they?"

Her mandibles open in their way of a smile but this one was different, looking more twisted than the few grins he had seen from her earlier.

"Not unless child birthing and mating are concerned," she informs him, "the only reason there are female warriors is because somebody has to defend the Keeps. But even then we aren't treated as equals since we aren't battle tested nor are we as strong as the males."

"I see," Derek says with a slow nod. He suppose he shouldn't be surprised, he heard that Sanghelios was pretty much a Patriarchy society, but hearing it from one of their women with a morbid expression was another.

"What of you Derek?"

"Eh?" he asks as he swings his head around to come nearly face to face with Alasha who is now peering at him with utmost attention.

"What of your upbringings?" she asks, "I have not had the…pleasure of hearing of how humans are raised."

"Oh," Derek says and falls silent as he compensates what to say. He isn't embarrassed of his life, but he is dating someone who could be on equal grounds with royalty back home. How will she react? Disgusted most like but he decides to be truthful, not like there was any way to win favor from her anyway.

"Well…I…um…" He knew what he was going to say but lacks the courage to. What if she becomes insulted by the fact that she was dating a backwater farm boy who barely had a social life? That he pretty much led a glamor-less life for that matter? The only thing the Sangheilis seems to respect is that he is a warrior, but how will Alasha respond when he tells her he only joined due to a lack of immediate funds?

Well he's a dead man anyway so what does he have to lose?

He sighs as he looks away, "I grew up as the son of a farmer on one of our colonies, and the only reason why I'm a Marine is because I'm trying to save up on money to attend college."

It became rather quite, at least to him it did. The music and the din of the Marines enjoying themselves is as loud as ever but to him it sounded a bit muffled. He is sure a full minute has passed when he felt something that sent goosebumps up his arms.

Something large, warm and leathery was placed on top of his hand, prompting him to turn and look. He us shocked to find it is Alasha's hand, delicately place on top of his. He looks up into Alasha's bright eyes as she regards him with a bit of interest.

"What was that like then?" she questions, "being a farmer's son?"

Alasha's POV

She wouldn't say she was entirely happy to hear of Derek's past, if anything she felt degraded to be in the presence of a farmer. True she wrapped her hand around his was to offer him a bit of comfort that she didn't want to give freely, not to someone as lowly as him. But she figures this would be a bit of repayment for him being good to her, it's not enough but it's a start.

However not long after he begins talking that she slowly, almost inevitably, became absorbed in his telling of his life.

She knew he was alien and his ways weren't like theirs, but she nevertheless was surprised by the many new things she is learning. When she first heard him say farmer she immediately compared him to the Unggoy underlings who worked on the few fields in the fiefdom and who she came to view as noisy, disturbing and just plain dirty. Working from dawn to dusk in the dirt, laboring away like an animal and often speaking crudely to one another in an unorthodox way. She can easily see why she is above them and because of this her pride sagged lower upon hearing that Derek occupied the same position. This changed though when he told of the many different things in his culture.

Yes he was a farmer, but he was always given leave from the fields to go to school, the place where younglings learn apparently instead of a Keep. He talked of his many different teachers, their studies and the few friends that he had. All of this was truly stunning to her; if he really did learn so much from all his scholars than he must know more then she originally thought.

Despite farming being their occupation, Derek's family had to indulge in other occupation to "make ends meet," as Derek had said. His father is some sort of engineer who fixes their vehicles within their homelands and his mother is something called a "secretary." As far as she is able to glean, this secretary takes notes, help her superiors organize meetings and help runs operations for this school of younglings. To her it sounds surprisingly like the task of a Keep Mistress when helping her husband rule.

They plant and harvest together during their warm seasons before it gets chilly (he briefly curses the person who commands something known as the "climate control system" for making some seasons really cold.) Again another foreign concept, since it is always warm on Sanghelios the Unggoy would be toiling away for cycles on end. Or at least they did before the Sangheilis lost a majority of their workers after they seceded from the Covenant.

"It doesn't get really cold like to the point where you would freeze to death," he is currently informing her, "but it's enough to cause the ground to frost over which was really a pain for me when I walked to school. Some places were slick so I'd be slipping and sliding all the way to the building."

"Interesting," she says with a bob of her head, "how far did you have to trek?"

"Almost a mile," he informs her, "if I leave early enough I walk, if not sometimes I had to make a run for it. My mother or father would sometimes give me a lift if they had time."

Alasha had no idea how long she has been listening, she is truly in wonder of this rather odd society and wished to glean more when she notice movement in front of her. She looks up and sees that a multitude of the Marines have risen and were…shaking?

"Are they alright?" she asks Derek, lightly concerned with the alien's movements despite some of them smiling and laughing on occasion.

"Um…they're dancing," Derek answers.

Alasha quickly turned to look at him aghast.

"Dancing?" she asks to be sure she hear him correctly, "they look like each are having a seizure."

Derek for his part looks embarrassed again as he gives a shrug, "well they're expressing themselves, aside from some formal dances we don't really have much of a routine." He is quiet for a moment with a thoughtful look on his face as he looks back at her, "is there a certain way for a Sangheili to dance?"

Alasha looks away so he doesn't see her blush. The only dance she knew was…well it wasn't for public specifically and she didn't want to give him any ideas.

"N-not particularly," she says as she looks as more people got up and started dancing in front of her. She suddenly feels self-conscious once more as she wonders if she is supposed to dance like that. How can she? Her body doesn't flow like theirs and in no way can she move gracefully. She'll no doubt be stumbling around and make a fool of herself.

She sighs as she balefully eyes the floor in front of her as she turns to Derek and asks, "Are you ready to dance now?"

He looks surprised by what she said and he looks between her and the dance floor. No doubt he is suspecting she is going to make him look terrible considering the way she will "dance."

He catches her off guard though when he stands up and holds out a hand for her to take.

"How about a walk outside instead?"

Derek's POV

"Kid are you sure?"

Derek nods his head in confirmation, "We'll be fine Knott," he then leans in and whispers, "and I think a bit of fresh air will do Alasha some good."

Knott doesn't say a thing as he mulls this over. Despite his amusement at Derek's current position in life he is still taking this as serious as a mission. He and Jonathan were able to deter any approaching Marine from making trouble for the inter-galactic couple, remaining as loyal as any friend would. He doesn't like the thought of Derek and Alasha going outside at all since they'll be alone, everyone besides him and Derek were already on the dance floor so Derek would be taking his life into his hands.

His date Meghan was also eager to share the night with him and showed it by tugging on his arm.

"Come on Jakey," Derek turns away is able to pass off snicker as a sneeze, "let's have some fun."

Knott for his part still looks torn before he finally sighs before looking the younger man in the eye, "take her home before it gets too late."

Derek nods in appreciation before turning and making his way back to Alasha.


They have been walking for almost five minutes and not a word has passed between them. Derek guided them to a side entrance of the camp where there is a trail that Marines usually run on for PT or for personal exercise. It more or less forms a large loop with lots of slopes to climb up, Derek figures they'll turn back before reaching that section of the course. Since it is dark and with the dance going on there isn't anyone else on the trail, a fact that the Marine well appreciates.

The landscape is beautiful in Derek's eyes, aside from the artificial plot of land where anything could grow he pretty much spent a majority of his life in a desert environment. Here the mountains that surrounds them seems to have a bluish tint about them and the few odd trees that looks like ponderosa pine softly waves at them and releases a sweet smelling fagrence. Derek finally decides if they are going to talk soon it should be now while he has something to say.

"I don't think I ever seen anything as beautiful as this place," the human finally states.

Alasha must have been thinking along the same lines as she merely nods.

"My ancestors built the Keep here because of the natural defense this landscape has to offer," She informs him, "though sometimes I wonder if its beauty also played as a factor."

Derek nods in turn but doesn't comment. The silence return once more, but this one is a more relaxed, less tense and for the first time since the start of the whole ordeal Derek allows himself to relax a little. Now all he really needed was a nice bed and at least eight hours of sleep and he'll feel golden.

As they walk it feels a little surreal for a moment. Here he is walking with close proximity of an alien woman who could easily kill him, lightyears away from home and they're on a date to boot. He really doubt things could get any stranger for him in his life right now.

"So," Derek says, "are you enjoying yourself?"

Alasha is silent for a moment before glancing at him as she answers, "It has been…a new experience to be honest," she admits, "but yes, it has been enjoyable."

Derek does his best to keep his knees from buckling out of relief, glad she didn't say anything negative about the whole thing.

"Glad to hear," he says and decides to flash her a smile, "it's actually real fun to speak with you."

She blinks for a moment before offering him her own smile, "I am equally pleased to hear you say this, most males wouldn't speak to me unless they wish for…something in return."

She becomes tight lipped again and a slight scowl comes to her face, however he is certain it isn't because of him. They continue to walk in silence while Derek ponders what he can say to help defuse the situation again.

He couldn't quite believe it but he lost his fear of her…a little. When she silently broods he was fearful that she was going to snap at him so he worked hard to get her to lighten up.

Now though…he sees her more of a…companion? He isn't sure if they're friends but one thing is for sure if there's a way he can help her feel better than he would do it. The only question now is what?

Alasha POV

She doesn't know what to think and thus doesn't know how to act.

If she would be told that the first male to treat her decently would be an alien she'd be insulted at such a notion. There are many suitors who came looking to court but very few have truly gained her approval. Derek is now one of them.

How this can be she is uncertain. They've barely been introduced to one another yet she finds talking with him to be likeable. Unlike his Sangheili counterparts he asks about her, her opinion and perspective of things and will be paying attention to whatever is being said; a feat alone that she is impressed with. She always listened whenever someone else talks to her, but Derek's talk is vastly different from any other previous speaker for obvious reasons.

Besides the point he is quite humbling, a pace slower than the usual boasting of men at arms. He is quiet and reserved and doesn't seem special in occupation or appearance. Yet he is proving to be quite caring and doesn't seem too bothered at her being of a different species. He may have looked like he was out of his mind when he requested to court her via transmission, but now he is a respectable young man who apparently has done much to ensure she was relishing with this courtship.

She suddenly wonders what he thinks. Did he wanted to dance but opted for this walk just please her? As flattering as it sounds she doesn't like the thought of her taking the joy out of this experience for him. He said he is content with how the evening is progressing, but perhaps there is something that she can do tonight for him. But what?

Slowly she wonders about the events that transpired back at the base when the humans began their "dance." Though fluid they appeared to have no coordination, but if that is how they have fun perhaps she could…bear it, at least for him. The only question though is how and is there a formal way to begin? She was so focused on him when they were speaking to one another that she missed when the dance began. Perhaps he can reveal a bit after some light prodding and she can come to a decision after.

"Derek?" he looks at her upon hearing his name, "how is it that humans dance?"

His eyes widens a bit in surprise before he becomes silent and thinks for a moment before speaking, "Well there is a whole lot of way," he lightly tilts his head back towards the base, "what you saw earlier was one of them."

This perks her interest, maybe there is another way she could dance with him.

"Such as?" she further prods.

This in turn causes him to fully twist around so he more or less can face her. She in turn faces him, causing both of them to stop.

"Why do you want to know if you don't mind my asking?"

Now she remains silent as she thinks of a way to explain it to him. She was planning on offering to dance together but at the same time she didn't wish to reveal her intention. As contradicting as it sounds she is truly just…nervous. She never felt this indebted to a person for giving her a nice moment of rest, a break from the usual time she spent alone back home. She wants to make sure he has a splendid time as well, now she must choose her next few words carefully. She doesn't wish to insult or slender the human in anyway, especially when she is trying to ensure he is having fun as she had.

With this in mind she cautiously asks, "Do you wish to dance?"

Derek POV

He misheard her.

That is the only sound explanation, she said something and he misheard her unfortunately.

"Sorry," he says cautiously, "what did you say?"

Her face remains neutral (or rather in this case neither her eyes nor mandibles shows an ounce of motion) as she answers again, "Do you wish to dance?"

He stares at her for a moment before saying, "Oh," and the silence returns.

Nothing is said for nearly a whole minute as he processes this. Right when he thought the awkward moment had stopped for the night.

"Um…" is all he can summon forward before forming actual words, "we don't have to-"

"What I am asking," she says as she takes a small half step forward to the point where he tilts his head back a little in order to maintain eye contact, "Do you want to?"

Oh man, what does he say? Honestly he isn't all too sure if he enjoyed dances, the only time he danced what at his prom and on occasion when he is alone in the house or in the shower or…he hopes she won't ask about his past dancing experiences.

"I am assuming it is a part of this courtship," Alasha tells him in an almost gentle demeanor, "you did say there was going to be dancing involved when you asked me."

"Well yeah," Derek admits with a shrug of his shoulders as his fingers started to fumble with each other, "but we don't have to necessarily-"

"Would it not be dishonorable for us not to commence then?" Alasha continues.

"I'm not too sure about that," Derek starts to explain but is cut off again.

"Furthermore what will be said about you should anyone know we did not-"

"Alasha," he finally says in a rather loud tone, earning her attention, "it's honestly no big deal, really, most people just dance because they think its fun. It isn't a requirement for a courtship."

She peers at him closely, "If you are certain."

This causes Derek to give her a questioning look in return, "why are you so concerned about this all of a sudden?"

Instead of maintaining their stare she looks away and doesn't answer. Derek is starting to feel slightly annoyed, he never would have guessed that Sangheili females would turn out to be just as complex as human girls.

At long last she looks at him, however he can see in her eyes that there is sort of emotion there that he could not identify. Whatever it was it causes her warm eyes to glow slightly in the moonlight, which in turn outlines her more feminine body to him.

He tries to keep his eyes from bulging as he concentrates on looking Alasha right in the eye, unable to fully understand how its possible that he is actually finding her large alien body actually…attractive.

"I am only concerned of this ritual," he guesses she meant the dancing part, "Because I thought you would like to…indulge in it."

Derek blinks a couple time before looking at the ground as he wonders about her words. Does he want to dance? Well…it had played on his mind a couple of times when he first heard about the event and truth be told he wanted to give it another shot to more or less see if his "skills" improved or falter in the year since then. He wasn't enthusiastic dancing fool but that doesn't mean he never minded the occasional foot loose moment. It was actually quite relaxing and enjoyable. Having a pretty dance partner also helps a bit as well.

But this is Alasha, an alien, Sangheili, a bloody warrior princess for crying out loud. She could easily kill him without trouble and afterword order her underlings at the Keep to get rid of his remains. Furthermore her body structure is completely different from a human's; she's tall, backward knees, long neck, muscular physique, a rather nice voice…pretty eyes…well shaped frame and-

He suddenly slaps a hand to his face and briefly turns around as he shakes his head. What is wrong with him? He is sure she will find it rude to catch him looking and take great offense. Besides this is just a one night thing he shouldn't be…WHAT IS WRONG WITH HIM!? HE'S ATUALLY CHECKING OUT AN ALIEN!

Alasha POV

She watches the human with concern and wonders if he is falling into madness. She has no idea what is the matter, he was just looking at her a moment ago before…

He was looking at her.

…Should she be angry or flattered?

She has been told she was beautiful but she hates it when she is stared at by lustful eyes, people who wanted her for only one reason. She believed she didn't have to worry about such trouble for Derek, he is human, he shouldn't be feeling anything towards her. However the rage that filled her only lasted for a moment before faltering as she thinks some more.

True he had been staring but he just as suddenly looked away and even covered his eyes. Though an odd action she could only deduce he is trying not to look at her in such a depraved way. No other male has done this, they openly watched her closely and no doubt fantasize of her, and Derek seems to be trying to prevent such thoughts.

She isn't sure if she should feel grateful that he doesn't see her in such a way or not. As far as she knows it was the only way that she knew for certain that a male was interested in her. Yet here…has he shown her how he favors her by his acts? By how he openly cares for what she says and ensuring she is content? Is this how it's supposed to be like when somebody cares for you?

All of this, everything is totally alien. It is even disgusting to an extent, she could understand why he sees her in such a way since males are always complimenting her of her body and beauty but as far as she is concerned there is nothing attractive about Derek…is there?

Now she allows her own eyes to look the human over. He is small, weak and obviously as inexperienced as they come. Nothing worthy of her. And yet…that didn't stop him from being nice o her, respectful and doing a great deal to meet her every need. True he looks fetching in his uniform and his face is smooth. His eyes aren't dark but a bright blue with yellowish fur on his head that is barely hidden by the hat he wears. His very being shows his youthfulness and a bit of energy in his steps. He is no large male, but…she suppose he isn't really that bad in appearance. Like his personality he is a humbled vision of a warrior's essence if any such thing exists.

She is pulled from her pondering when Derek finally turns around to look at her. She tries to keep the amused smirk from forming on her mandibles when she notices he is only looking at her face while his face has flushes red.

"Alasha," he says carefully, "I guess…sometimes I…do enjoy dancing," he informs her, "I want you to have an enjoyable evening and so if you want, if you want" he repeats in the same hurried tone, "we could…give it a try."

She blinked and thought it over. Should she? It would most likely seem odd for her to retract the offer especially seeing how she was the one who asked him first. Yet here he is once more giving her a choice. She wants him to have a good time like her but is she willing to let go of her dignity in such a way?

"I…am not very confident if I can dance as similar as your comrades earlier," she admits to him, unsure if he will see this as a rejection or not.

He gives her a smile, "truth be told I'm not sure if I can either, never really found out if there's a method to it," he then explains, "there are other ways to dance and if you want we can do a slow dance, we can teach other and just move…as gracefully as possible."

She believes she knows why he paused, she is unsure if anything that they do together would be considered graceful at all. Regardless she nods her head as she says, "Then shall we procced?"

Derek POV

He couldn't believe they're going to do this, the question now though is how.

He briefly looks around to check if they're still alone. The trail is devoid of life as far as he can see, the jutting rocks and rare tree are the only objects lining up alongside the pathway. The moons above them provides enough light to illuminate the whole area around them. Needless to say Derek is glad the place is devoid, cause right now from his perspective this place looks lovely, the perfect setting for a romantic date. He has to keep reminding himself that there isn't romantic about it, just two allies from different alien cultures learning more about one another.

Even if for some unknown reason he finds her increasingly good-looking.

He waves off that last thought as he wonders how they're going to pull this off. He'll just go with what he said earlier and try to teach her how to slow dance. He has to be a lunatic for doing this, but at least they're alone.

He takes out his little music player and put the setting on speaker, it won't be as loud as it had been in the mess hall, but just as long as they can hear the music he is sure it'll be alright.

"What are you doing?" she asks as she peers over his shoulder and stares at the small device in his hand. It takes all of his focus and resilient not to shiver when he feels warmth radiating from her body as she stands in close proximity to him.

"Just trying to find some music," he tries to answer with a confident voice. After a while though he couldn't find one to start them off, what song could be perfect for this occasion? As he scrolled through the options when he realizes something that causes him to become a bit embarrassed again but for different reasons.

"Um, Alasha?" She looks directly at him which wasn't too much of an effort, they were virtually just a few inches away from one another at this point. He tries to only gaze into her eyes and not the fangs in her mouth.

"Just letting you know that…well most of the songs I have are…pretty old," he sees the confusion in her eyes so he elaborates, "They'll just sound different from what you heard earlier back at the base."

She is silent before stating, "I have yet to form a solid opinion of your media."

This causes Derek to chuckle a bit as he shakes his head, "trust me, our media's just as diverse as its people."

Finally due to lack of better options he decides to put it on shuffle. There is an outcropping rock that is about three foot not too far off so he places the device there.

When he turns to Alasha he is flushed with nerves again. No telling how well this is going to end, he suppose they just have to roll with it.

Alasha POV

She could feel her muscles tensing and her breathing coming evenly in and out. She reminisces this is how she prepares for the occasional spar that happens between her and other females as they test their strength and combat prowess. This struggle however is for different reasons.

"Alasha?" She shifts her focus to her human companion who is watching her with a bit of caution before he clears his throat and says, "Um…we have to get close."

She doesn't say a thing, only nodding in confirmation as she moves to compete the action. She takes a step forward as did Derek till they're in front of one another. They quietly regard one another before the male hold up his hands and seems incredibly nervous.

"Ok, how this usually works is that we-" he becomes silent when the music starts playing, one that seems to genuinely startles him as his eyes opens wide. A melody of finely tuned instruments whistles before a deep voice starts singing.

"Strangers in the night exchanging glances

Wond'ring in the night what were the chances

We'd be sharing love before the night was through"

Alasha blinks in mild surprise. This voice, this song, is implicating something so forward and it is happening to strangers who just met? Almost like…

She then turns to regard the human whose face is starting to change colors again.

"I swear I did not pick this," he says with an extremely nervous look plastered on.

"Something in your eyes was so inviting

Something in your smile was so exciting

Something in my heart told me I must have you"

"Ok!" Derek says suddenly as he pulls them both back to what is to happen now, "Alasha, first what we need to do is…um…ok first we put our hands together, like this."

He holds out his hand towards her as his arm extends a bit before come to a halt halfway from meeting her. Though unsure at first, she copies his movement until her large and talon tipped fingers met his. Carefully his individual digits wraps around hers and acting on an impulse she closes her hand until they were clasped together.

"Strangers in the night

Two lonely people, we were strangers in the night

Up to the moment when we said our first hello little did we know

Love was just a glance away, a warm embracing dance away"

"Now, um, I'm going to put my other hand on your shoulder, you do the same as me, alright?" She doesn't say anything as she tries to keep herself from blushing now. She knows he isn't trying to take advantage of her (she deduced that much from his fear) but still being this closed and to be in such contact is rather nerve wracking. Despite this she doesn't move, almost frozen as she watches Derek takes his remaining hand and slowly places it just behind her shoulder and holds on with a gentle grasp.

When this is done she remains motionless for a moment, just getting a feel to the five fingered hand holding onto her before she makes her move. With the same gentleness as him she puts her own last hand on his shoulder and lightly pinches the cloth with her talons.

They're both holding onto one another now, standing so close that if she lowers her head down and forward just a bit she could easily lick him or vice versa. Granted she is taller than him but she can smell his scent, which is mixed with the odd fragments of fruits, something that just seems odd to her but nevertheless makes his smell more prominent. She admits though is a little nervous, she isn't usually this close to a person unless they wanted to…it's a new experience truly.

"Strangers in the night

Two lonely people, we were strangers in the night

Up to the moment when we said our first hello little did we know

Love was just a glance away, a warm embracing dance away"

She feels the same noticeable warm threatening to spread across her face as she listens to the next few verses until Derek calls to her once more.

"Alright," he says carefully, "now just…follow my lead, do what I do, we're going to start slowly moving side to side alight?"

She nods once more, really unsure of what she will say. Carefully he puts a foot out to his left and holds it there. Seeing this she follows along with him, placing her foot just opposite of his. He then move his other foot and places it close to the one he just recently moved. She does so as well until her feet are together once more.

"And

Ever since that night we've been together

Lovers at first sight, in love forever

It turned out so right for strangers in the night"

They continue with this basic movement, going back and forth, but steadily their pace increases as they become more comfortable with the steps they are taking. They're not moving quickly by any means, but things have become much smoother than when they began.

Their grip on one another loosens as they fall into the rhythm of the song. As they moved they spent a lot of time watching the other, Alasha in particular as she further observes the male. His wide eyed look has faded away and now becomes more relax and…confident if she had to say it. His lips are upturn, on the verge of forming a human smile and for some reason this pleases her to know that she is helping him to enjoy himself.

Truth be told she herself is…enjoying it. There is something about being held like this, soft so it doesn't hurt but firm to ensure that she wouldn't slip from his grasp. The movement is childish at first but as they continue it grants her something akin to freedom of movement as her body no longer struggles to maintain military discipline but eases into this new routine.

"Love was just a glance away, a warm embracing dance away

Ever since that night we've been together

Lovers at first sight, in love forever

It turned out so right for strangers in the night"

Slowly the song starts to fade away along with the voice of the man who was just singing. She suddenly felt…forlorn. She didn't want this to end, not yet anyway. She felt Derek's hand tighten slightly, prompting her to look at him and see him finally smile.

"Like it?" He asks.

Alasha for her part smiles, "I don't know why but I do."

She is about to question if they need to stop when the small device starts playing, but this time the tune is much more resounding with a string instrument lightly playing before another male starts singing.

"I'll never settle down,

That's what I always thought

Yeah, I was that kind of man,

Just ask anyone"

They continue to dance but she notice he is lightly pushing her to turn so she complies. They starts to add circles to their movement now along with the usual shuffling.

"I don't dance, but here I am

Spinning you around and around in circles

It ain't my style, but I don't care

I'd do anything with you anywhere

Yes, you got me in the palm of your hand

'Cause, I don't dance"

She doesn't realize it at first but steadily their pace picks up more. The song was virtually egging them to move faster, the beat challenging them to keep up, which they met with vigor.

"Love's never come my way,

I've never been this far

'Cause you took these two left feet

And waltzed away with my heart

No, I don't dance, but here I am

Spinning you around and around in circles

It ain't my style, but I don't care

I'd do anything with you anywhere

Yes, you got me in the palm of your hand, girl

'Cause, I don't dance

'Cause, I don't dance

No, I don't dance"

She couldn't help herself as she allow a small laugh to escape her, the song just sounds as if it understood their positions exactly. A female in the song teaches the male to dance where here it is the opposite. Derek chuckles as well, something that thrills her quite suddenly.

"I don't dance, but here I am

Spinning you around and around in circles

It ain't my style, but I don't care

Well I'd do anything with you anywhere"

As the song gradually slows so did they. Slower even then when they first began as they look into each other eyes. His eyes…they look so inviting right now. The blue offering her comfort and escape. Now they are etched into her memory, a color that she can seek out for help, the color of a friend. She soon finds herself hoping he feels the same way.

"I don't dance, but here I am

Spinning you around and around in circles

It ain't my style, but I don't care

I'd do anything with you anywhere

Yeah, you got me in the palm of your hand, girl

'Cause, I don't dance"

As the song fade away so did their dancing. She is unsure who stopped first, or if they both did at the same time. They just stand there, holding onto one another as they gaze ever deeply into each other eyes. She is having more and more trouble remembering that he is a human, if anything she finds herself wishing that he is a male of her species. He is a male regardless though and he just gave her a very pleasant evening.

It was fun, but now she knows that they both enjoyed it, together. She feels more at one with this suitor than anyone else ever before. Slowly his arms move, but they didn't pull away, they start wrapping around her in a warm and firm embrace. She doesn't resist, she welcomes it as she too pulls him closer until they are both hugging, but they are too busy watching one another to really notice. All that they seem to be concerned about is their eyes and she wants to get closer.

Her head slowly descends to better look at them, but mirroring her Derek pushes upward as well. She doesn't know what will happen when they meet together in the middle, all she wants right now is to press up against his warmth, his skin and to be enfolded within his grasp for as long as-

She comes to a complete halt as did he when a beeping noise interrupts their movement.

They are still as the beeping continues before Derek lets go of her hand and shoulder to look at a device that is strapped on his wrist. He presses a button and stares at the screen for a moment then looks back up at Alasha.

"It's getting pretty late Alasha," he tells her in a monotone voice, his previous mirth seeming to have vanished, and "I should probably take you back before you're missed."

Missed? Missed by whom? She wanted to stay, to actually continue dancing with Derek will listening to his "old" music. She wants to talk to him some more, spend more time with this male who has treated him so kindly and who she actually enjoys being with.

But she sees the logic in his statement though, she is the Keep Master's daughter, she told her guards she will be back before the darkest unit of the night. If she wasn't back by then they might send search parties looking for her, how they will react if they catch her here with Derek. Dancing no less? It'll no doubt be worse once they inform her father of it.

She nods her head in agreement, "Yes let us go."

The night she has been dreading is finally over, so why doesn't she feel happy about it?

Derek POV

The walk back to base was uneventful but as hard as it may seem it actually looks like Alasha was sadden that the date was over. He couldn't really blame her, as weird as it may sound, he liked dancing with her as well. He never would have suspected they would actually have do it, let alone have fun while doing it.

They were able to avoid the crowd of Marines that were slowly leaving the mess hall, the Major's ordered that the party will stop a quarter to midnight. MP's would wade through the crowd to ensure the order was carried out as well as ensuring all personnel were accounted for and that there was no "funny business" between the couples.

Getting out of the base was easier than coming in, if anything the guard watching the gate looked relieved when he pulled out with the evening's only Sangheili.

Now here they are, with the drive back being as silent as when they arrived a mere two hours earlier. Derek's finding it hard to believe so much time pass, but he guess things did become a blur when one is having fun…or cowering in fear of ticking off an alien woman.

Speaking of which, he briefly glances at her out of the corner of his eye. She has become as stoic as she was earlier this evening, appearing not to be in the mood to talk. He wonders if there is anything that he should say, what can he say? He's lucky to have understood her so far this evening and to have gone as far as to forget that they are different species.

However he now remembers who she is, a pretty female whose bloodline is seen as important as life itself. She needs to remain strong and disciplined not just in front of him but also in front of her people. Maybe that's why she's silently upset, tonight was probably a rare night for her to open up and to have a good time.

He feels his heart go out towards her as he thinks of his own life. His parents taught him to be respectful and be courteous to others, but he was still able to express himself. He may not have gone out of the way and became a sports star in high school or any other time in his young life, but it was still satisfying to him. He got to be himself whenever he wanted to and spent time with friends and family.

Does Alasha get that opportunity? Does her father allows her to act herself from time to time? He isn't there, but does that mean Alasha is alone? Him being the Keep Lord must keep him busy as it is without him seeing his daughter. What about friends, surely she must have some right?

Slowly he comes to the realization that despite her being born into a position of high power it isn't as cracked up as it could be. They just met really but he doesn't believe she, or anyone for that matter, can get through life without a couple of good friends.

Right when he arrives at the conclusion they ride up in front of the Keep and he slows the vehicle to a stop. He parks the Warthog and they sat there together in silence for a moment, wondering who went break the silence first.

Finally Alasha looks at him and gives a small smile, "Thank you Derek," is all she says as she lightly bows her head, "tonight was pleasant."

Derek gives her his own grin as he replies with, "No problem."

They are still for a moment longer, nothing but the sound of the engine filling the void before Derek gets out of the car and walks around to get Alasha out.

He opens her door and holds out a hand, she takes it and pulls herself out, cautious not to pull Derek down with her weight.

"Thank you," she says once more but doesn't look at him. She turns to walk away but stops when she realizes something, Derek hasn't let her hand go.

She turns to look at him and their eyes meets. They aren't lost in each other as they were earlier, but they still relish at the sight of their different colored irises. The bond may not have been as strong as it was when they first danced but it was still present nonetheless.

"Alasha," he says carefully, unsure how she will feel about the proposal, "Tonight was great, wasn't it?"

She is puzzled by the question but nods her head in affirmation.

He is silent for a moment before finally asking, "We can still be friends, right? Like we can see and talk to each other."

She blinks and he can tell that she is surprised. She wasn't expecting him to say this, but he knew she liked speaking to him as he does talking to her.

Slowly her mandibles part in a rather wide smile as she says, "I believe that can be acceptable."

Derek smiles back, "Awesome," he says as he finally lets her go and steps back, "See you later then?"

She nods her head still smiling, "I'll be looking forward to it."

All Derek could do is smile back as he turns and got back in his vehicle. He watches as she makes her way inside, but she pauses to look over her shoulder and back at him. He waves at her and after a few seconds she waves back before entering through the small side door.

He sits there for a moment longer, thinking of what has just transpired before he just shakes his head.

"What have I gotten myself into," he mutters to himself, but that still doesn't stop him from smiling.


I do not own "Stanger's in the Night" by Frank Sinatra nor "I Don't Dance" by Lee Brice

Credit to MachingunM4aniac for the suggestion of "Stranger's in the night." I am sorry if the song selection wasn't the greatest but I am planning on some more later on in the story.

Yeah I guess this was more romantic then funny, I apologize if this is not as good as any other previous installment and hope you can understand my busy life.

Also, this is the first chapter in a long time that I have done that is over 10,000 words long. Haven't done anything like this in nearly a year. Please let me know how this turned out cause I was close to tearing my hair out at some parts