A/N: Sorry it's taken so long, guys! Bit of a writer's block. Enjoy!

The week passed quickly, and soon, most of the dancers were commuting to and from the large stage where they would perform. Caitlyn's brothers drove her every day, never saying a word about the practices they missed. Zack even helped carry her dance bag and make up kit, for which she was grateful.

Jennifer was an immense help during the tech week of rehearsals. She helped Caityln with her wig, pulling her hair back into four separate ponytails before twisting them together to keep them effectively tucked under the wig. Then came copious amounts of hair spray and gel, just to keep everything secure. The wig felt as though it weighed a ton on top of Caitlyn's head and gave her an almost instant headache, but she pushed through the small annoyances in anticipation of time on the stage.

"You ready?" Jennifer asked, wiggling into her own costume as Caitlyn changed once again into her fairy costume.

Caitlyn nodded. "I'm ready to be done for today," she told Jennifer with a smile. This particular run through was their fifth of the day, and she was tired of constantly changing outfits and readjusting the tiaras she wore on her head to disguise the spot where her natural hair left off and her wig began.

Jennifer crossed her arms and pretended to look suspicious. "Uh huh. Sure. This wouldn't have anything to do with the dinner you're going to tonight, would it?" A smile cracked through her façade.

Caitlyn blushed and looked down at her shoes. "Maybe," was all she said.

Nate had asked her out a week ago, and she had accepted. With the busy schedule they were leading, neither could find the time to go on such a date. That is, until tonight. Their calendars were free, and Nate had reservations at a tiny little restaurant that was known for its excellent food. Everything had been planned out, and Caitlyn could barely wait.

Jennifer laughed. "I'm happy for you both," she told her friend. "Nate's always been shy and quiet, so it's nice to see him branching out a bit." She wagged a finger teasingly. "But I think you keep screwing up that kissing scene on purpose."

Caitlyn blushed again, knowing exactly what scene her friend was talking about. Close to the end of the show, when evil was conquered and goodness restored, she and Nate shared a kiss on stage. However, every time she went to finish that scene, Caitlyn ended up forgetting the steps or she became too distracted and tripped.

"It's not my fault," Caitlyn whined.

"Yes it is."

"No it isn't!"

Jennifer laughed. "Yes, it is."

Caitlyn rolled her eyes and groaned. "Every time he kisses me, I can't think straight," she admitted. "I'm not doing it on purpose, but I really can't concentrate."

Jennifer slung an arm around Caitlyn's shoulders. "We'll work on it," she promised her friend. "Don't think about it this time, just do it. You'll be great!"

Together, they exited the small dressing room they shared and moved towards the side curtains where the dancers were beginning to gather for the last run through. Nate waited for everyone, checking each person's name off his list before he clapped his hands. "Last time, everyone!" he called. "Let's make it count!"

Caitlyn leaned over and whispered in Jennifer's ear, "Nate's sure taking this seriously for just impressing a few big wigs."

Jennifer looked startled and turned to say something, but Nate was already guiding Caitlyn out to her starting point in the middle of the stage. With a frown, Jennifer resolved to talk to Caitlyn later about her comment.

For now, they needed to focus on practicing.

When the final run through for the day was completed, Caitlyn and Jennifer returned to their dressing room tired and sweaty. "I'm so glad that Nate's a dancer too," Caitlyn said as she changed out of her costumes and into her street clothes. "Otherwise, I would feel awful about not getting a chance to shower." She made a face, and Jennifer laughed.

"Ah, the perks of performing," Jennifer teased with a dramatic sigh.

Caitlyn scrambled to stuff all of her clothes into her bag while trying to slip her shoes on at the same time. "Well, gotta run!" she said cheerily. "Nate's waiting for me! See you tomorrow, Jen!"

And then she was gone, and Jennifer sighed. She hadn't even asked about Caitlyn's comment.

"This is a really nice place," Caitlyn observed as Nate led her through the maze of tables.

Nate nodded. "Not as nice as you," he teased and Caitlyn groaned.

"That was sad," she told him with a smile of her own.

"I know," he admitted, pulling out her chair for her.

A waiter came and collected their drink order, and Caitlyn turned her attention to the menu, not noticing Nate's rather nervous glances. Everything looked so good! Caitlyn read and reread the menu before she made up her mind. "What are you going to have?" she asked, peeking over the top of her menu to look at Nate.

For a moment, he seemed unable to remember, and then he said confidently, "The steak. You?"

"Same," Caitlyn told him.

The waiter came to their table and they each ordered their main course, along with a garden salad. As they waited for their food to arrive, Nate shifted in his chair. Caitlyn noticed, and realized that he was not just trying to find a comfortable position to sit in. "Are you alright?" she asked carefully. "Is something wrong?"

Nate shook his head, but didn't specify which question he was answering. For a moment, he let the silence hang awkwardly, but then he finally said, "Caitlyn, there's something that I need to tell you."

Caitlyn leaned forward, and waited. "Yes?" she asked.

"I've been trying to tell you this for a while, but I've been too…scared," Nate said. "Caity, I-"

"Hello, Nate and Caitlyn," said a voice. "Fancy meeting you here." Nate and Caitlyn both looked up and found Tess Tyler standing next to the table, grinning down at them. "Caitlyn, I'd like you to meet my date for tonight. Tyler, this is Caitlyn. Caitlyn, this is Tyler O'Conner."

A/N: Cliffy again! Again, sorry this has taken so long. I'm going to be slowing the updating down slightly because I'm trying to put together a surprise for you readers, so please bear with me. And review!! :D