Again, not my best chapter, but it is pretty long. I had honestly intended on the parade starting in this chapter, but then I went overboard in to other things. I hated ending the chapter on a dull sentence, but it was just so long, I needed to. Probably 2 more chapters before this story is done. Please R&R!


Sonny and Chad followed Lindsey to the utilidors under the Magic Kingdom. (A/N- Yes, there really are utilidors underneath the park level of the Magic Kingdom where cast members change into costume, garbage is taken care of, etc. So no, I didn't just make that up).

"This is so cool!" Sonny exclaimed, baffled by the fact that everything behind the scenes was run underground.

"Yeah, let's just get this over with," Chad griped.

"Look Chad," Sonny started, "If you really hate this so much then how about I go see if I can find someone else to be my prince for a night?" Sonny snapped.

I really don't like that idea.

"Um, okay, I'll stop. As long as you don't breathe a word of it to anyone," Chad warned.

"Oh this is so going on my blog," Sonny teased. "Just like how you mentioned our fake kiss and date on yours," she continued, a sneaky smile forming on her lips.

"Hey, I finally confessed that it was fake."

"Yeah, after a whole big ordeal with the paparazzi," she reminded.

"What can I say? I love publicity," he stated, flashing one of his million dollar smiles. "Besides, you wanted it to be real."

"Chad, if I had wanted that kiss to be real, it would have been."

I'd better change the subject quickly or this could begin another one of our outrageous arguments.

Luckily at that time, Lindsey approached with their costumes in hand.

"Here you go Sonny." Lindsey handed her a sparkling gold ballroom gown covered in everything glittery, complete with layers of material. It was beautiful.

"Oh my gosh, it's gorgeous!" Sonny squealed.

Chad scoffed at Sonny's comment. "What?" she spouted.

"Nothing, I just haven't really seen you wear anything so sparkly before," he retorted.

That comment hurt Sonny's feelings. She knew that she wasn't the frilliest girl around, but she thought she had good taste. It must have been evident that her feelings were hurt because Chad tried to retract his statement.

"I didn't mean that in a bad way," he confessed, now turning his body to completely face Sonny.

Sonny showed a small smile, but it grew even bigger as Lindsey revealed Chad's costume.

"For you Chad," she said, handing him a royal looking outfit that was blue with a cape, boots, and tights.

"You did not mention that I have to wear tights," Chad hissed. He looked down at them with a sour face. Sonny couldn't help but snicker.

"Well, you won't see much of them because of the cape and boots," Lindsey replied.

Chad directed his attention over to Sonny who was now trying to keep a straight face. She looked at him pleadingly.

"Alright," he grumbled. "You owe me for this," he remarked to Sonny.

She reached over and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Thanks Chad!" Chad felt a surge of electricity run through his veins at her grasp.

I like this! But I can't let her know that…

"Okay, let's get ready," Chad wretched, trying to get it over with.


They retreated to the dressing room area to put on their costumes. There was a huge lobby filled galore with costumes, accessories, all sorts of masks, and disguises. Sonny knocked on a dressing room door.

"Don't worry about that," Lindsey said. "You two are the only ones in here. Everyone else has already gone to get their makeup and hair done. That's where you're headed next. We just have to be careful not to get anything on your costumes. Just holler for me if you need anything." Then she headed back to the hallway.

Sonny proceeded to open a door to one of the dressing rooms; it was huge! Pretty plain, but had a lot of room, a bench seat, and very clean. Chad walked in to the one next to her.

"Nice," he admitted. "Although not as nice as mine-"

"Yes Chad, you have the absolute best dressing room in this world. Everyone is jealous of you," Sonny chimed sarcastically.

"How would you know? You've never seen my dressing room."

"I can only imagine," Sonny said, rolling her eyes.

Then it got kind of quiet as the two of them put on their costumes."This is ridiculous," Chad grunted, looking at the reflection of his costumed self in the mirror.

Then he heard some loud movement coming from Sonny's area.

"You okay over there?"

"Darn zipper, I can't reach it!" Sonny uttered. "Chad, are you ready?"

"Unfortunately," he replied flatly.

"Can you please go find Lindsey for me?"

"Why must I do everything for you?" he whined.

"Unless you're going to come help me, then I suggest you do," she answered boldly.

Chad wandered the area, but couldn't find her. Maybe she was in the restroom? He waited a few minutes then headed back to Sonny.

"I can't find her!" he reported to Sonny.

"Well then," Sonny felt herself blush, "Can you help me?"

"Um uh," Chad stuttered gawkily.

"Relax Chad, it's nothing, I just can't quite reach the zipper. My arm isn't long enough. Please?" Sonny begged, cracking the door to her room open and poking her head out. "Close your eyes," she whispered, turning her back to him. He did as he was told. Sonny took his hand and placed it on her back. (A/N- The zipper was only a few inches from the top, but if you're a girl and have ever been trying to zip a ballroom dress up by yourself, then you know it's difficult.) Chad felt his way up her back with his fingers, trying to find the zipper. He felt Sonny quiver as he grazed her back.

What was that for? Is Sonny Monroe nervous… around me? This would be so much easier if my eyes were open.

He finally felt the zipper and pulled it up a few inches to the top. "Is that it?" Chad asked, slowly beginning to peek open his eyes.

"Yep. Thanks," Sonny said, closing the door. "I'm almost ready- just a minute." She braced her back up against the door for just a moment, trying to let the red fade from her face. She continued to put on her matching gold shoes. She glanced at herself in the mirror and was pleased. She was really feeling confident in herself- that is, until she stepped out of her dressing room and tripped over her dress, falling to the floor.

"Are you okay?" Chad asked, offering his hand to help her up.

"Yeah, um, just a little embarrassed," she admitted. "This dress is hard enough to walk in- add the shoes and it's even worse."

"Well if it helps, you look good," Chad said, trying not to sound too complimenting.

"Thanks," Sonny answered bashfully.

"You two look great!" Lindsey spoke up, entering the room. "Sorry I had to step out for a minute," she said, winking at Chad. "Now, let's go get you in hair and makeup."

They followed Lindsey; Chad walked behind Sonny just in case she fell again. Some other cast members put napkins around the neck of their clothes so not to get any makeup or hairspray on them.

Chad was divided from Sonny by a vanity. He was on one side getting himself made up and she was on the opposite side. A while later, Chad was finished; he looked like his usual charming self. He noticed Lindsey and some other cast members talking about girly stuff, so he decided to stay seated and wait for Sonny to be finished. A few moments later he heard the workers fawning over how beautiful she looked. Chad had to go take a peek. He peered around the corner of the mirror just enough to see, but not be seen. Then he had to sit back down. He felt as if he couldn't breathe.

Sonny looked breathtaking! I have never seen her this way before, but she's gorgeous! Why am I feeling this way? Chad Dylan Cooper doesn't crush on girls, they crush on me. What is this strange emotion I am feeling? I need to snap out of this; I know she doesn't feel the same about me.

"Hey Chad," Sonny said, moving to his side of the vanity. Her hair was pinned up with a cascade of curls flowing down. "How do I look?"

"You look- alright," he said dryly.

I wish I could tell her how she really looks, but I can't break my ego.

"Thanks," Sonny answered disappointed.


"One more thing," Lindsey directed, we'll need you two to do a meet and greet after the parade. People will just wait in line for your autograph and probably a picture with you. Make sure that you sign as Belle and the Beast, not yourselves. Be sure to stay in character. I'm sure you know how that works seeing as how you two are a celebrity couple."

"Couple?" Sonny and Chad exclaimed in unison.

"Oh I'm sorry," Lindsey responded, "I thought you were. Anyway, it's showtime!"

The two followed Lindsey to their float and she showed them where to stand and wave.

"We just have to stand and wave?" Sonny asked. "Good."

Especially since I've now realized that I definitely do not have feelings for Chad Dylan Cooper no matter how dashing he make look tonight- or ever. Who says that a girl just looks "alright" when they're dressed to the hilt in a ballroom gown? That's right- he does!

Chad helped Sonny up on the float before getting on it himself. It was pretty hard since she was in such an extravagant dress. He placed his hands around her tiny waist and guided her on.

"You ready?" he asked, giving her a killer smile.

"I guess," Sonny responded apathetically.

"What's wrong? I thought you were all excited about this."

"I was but then I realized I would be stuck with you."

The words hit Chad hard. He knew something was bothering her.

"Okay, fine! I'm not coming up there until you tell me what's wrong," he threatened.

"I already told you," Sonny responded. "It's you. You act like you're so much better than me. I know you're more famous than me, make more money than me, but that doesn't give you the right to cut me down." She was angry now.

"What are you talking about? I tease you sometimes, but that's it. What's eating at you?"

"Okay Chad, ask me how I think you look," she ordered.

"How do I look?" he asked quizzically.

"You look alright," she answered just as flatly as he had.

"Just alright?" Chad wondered, now wrapped up in his looks again.

She only thinks I look alright?

"Exactly. So here's some advice: when a girl asks how she looks, especially when she's dressed up, you never answer alright. It's insulting."

It took Chad a minute to realize what she was talking about. "Sonny, honestly I just said that because- well it's hard for me to compliment someone other than myself. Especially out loud. I'm sorry."

"Did you just apologize to me?"

Wow. Either he really is just a great actor, or he was really being sincere.

"I, um, think so? Yeah, I did."

"Well then, how do you really think I look?" she pried.

"You really look like a princess," he answered. He thought it was a pretty good response; definitely a compliment, but didn't let out too much emotional substance- seeing that she really was supposed to be playing a princess.

"Thank you," she beamed blissfully, realizing that that Chad was trying to be heartfelt in his words. "Now Beast- get your dashing self up here before I kick your butt."

Wow, that's twice that Sonny has mentioned my butt- think she's been thinking about it too much? Of course I'd better get up there; she's pretty tough and probably could really kick my butt!

Chad climbed up on to the top of the float just as the parade music began.