I'm back! It's time for Dana and Megami's first date!

What will happen?

Chapter 21: A Proper Date

I waited patiently as I stood at the curbside. I was waiting for Megami to get here, as we were due for a date at the Cosmopolitan Buffet.

I wore my traditional trench coat over my white dress shirt, black tie, black dress pants and black boots. My normally messy hair was slicked back, with gel, no less. I didn't want to appear underdressed for the first date, even though I was probably overdressed.

"Snazzy," a feminine voice said from behind me. I turned around to gaze upon a vision of loveliness.

Megami wore a black dress with white gloves and pantyhose. Her black boots went up to her knees, and she wore red lipstick and minimal makeup.

"Now that's a sight for sore eyes," I said, returning the compliment.

"Oh, stop. You're making me blush."

We walked across the street to the Buffet, our noses assaulted by the smell of many different foods. It was packed to the brim, but I set up a reservation, since I was friends with the chef.

"Oi! It's Dana!" a voice called out, drawing my attention to the kitchen, where a French cook was leaning out the side of the door.

"Oi! It's Pierre!" I returned, approaching the Frenchman. We hugged for a second, careful not to get my shirt dirty from his apron.

"What are you doing in zis snob-dump?!" Pierre asked, his French accent clear.

"Taking this beauty on a date," I replied, gesturing to Megami.

"Ooh, la la." Pierre took her hand and kissed it. "I am Pierre Levure. May I ask yours?"

"Megami Saikou."

"Sacre bleu! A Saikou child! Your faza is a regular custumar here!"

"I know. I've been here before."

"Well, glad to serve a regular custumar." Pierre turned to me. "Since you came at zis time, why don't you make a dish of your brilliant steak n' pasta with onions?"

"Oh, I don't want to impose-"

"Nonsense! It's no trouble, and I'm sure that the lady would love to watch you work!"

"Well, Meg?"

"I'd be delighted."

"In that case, I'll make two dishes. That OK with you, Pierre?"

"Perfect! In fact, it will be on ze house!"

We walked into the kitchen. It was packed with cooks of various nationalities, all in a hurry to get their work done.

"Everybody, Dana is in ze house!" Pierre announced.

"Ah, velcome back!"

"Wonderful to see you again!"

"Good to see ya'll, too!" I yelled, taking my coat off and replacing it with an apron. "Now, it's time to make two number 7s! Where the hell is the music?!"

"It'sa coming on, Dana!"

The speakers started to play Lady Gaga's Just Dance as I set a pair of beef slabs on the stove. While they cooked, I emptied a bowl of pasta into a pot filled with water. I then sliced up two onions and put the pieces into a pan and poured olive oil on them. As I alternated between flipping the beef, salting the pasta, and stirring the onions, I danced and sung along to the song as I checked up on everyone's work and personal lives.

"Hey, Benito! How's the kids?!"

"They're doing good, Dana! My oldest justa learned to drive a car!"

"Give her my congratulations! Vlad, your spaghetti's burning!"

"Thanks for saving my head, Dana!"

"You're welcome! How's everything at home?!"

"Excellent! The vife just bought us a new cat!"

"Ooh, they're trouble! Keep an eye on it!"

"Vill do!"

We had to shout over all the sizzling and bubbling, but it was acceptable, as the music was playing fairly loud.

After fifteen minutes and four songs, the number 7s were set. It was steak, cooked to perfection, with a bowl of alfredo pasta and some onions next to the the steak.

"Wonderful work, Dana!" Pierre complimented. "Ooh, zey look delectable!"

"I certainly hope so." I walked to the table I had reserved. I pulled Megami's chair back with my foot as I set the food on the table.

"Now, I'll tell ze waitress to forget the check. Everyzing will be on ze house!"

"Pierre, you're too good to us."

"I'm French! Our hospitality is legendary! Now, enjoy your food!" Pierre walked back to the kitchen as me and Meg dug in.

"Now, this is a steak," Meg complimented.

"Thanks." I ate the steak as I admired my date. A waitress walked up to us, asking if we'd like any drinks.

"I'll have your root beer," I said.

"Orange crush," Meg ordered.

"Coming right up."

We ate for a while longer before Meg asked me,

"You come here often?"

"Frequently. I like to help out to expand my skills."

"Don't you have enough skills, already?"

"Nope. Learning is my favorite thing to do. One can never learn enough. They can only give up."

"Clever."

We ate the rest of our dinner in silence. Just enjoying each other's company.

After we finished, I left a hearty tip on the table. Being the generous man I am, I tipped thirty dollars.

"Well, I had a great time," Meg said as we walked across the street.

"Good enough for a second time?" I asked.

"Definitely."