Gar's face was blank as he processed Terra's words. Terra had just asked him out. Him. The girl he had secretly been crushing on, not so secretly, had just asked him out. Gar wasn't sure if this was a dream come true or a nightmare.

Sure, he liked Terra, a lot in fact, but he wasn't sure if going out with her would be a wise decision. What if it ruined their friendship? What if they did go out and the date went horrible? There was so many risk, risk Gar wasn't sure he wanted to take.

His mind kept going back to the day when he asked Raven out, and how she rejected him. And then his mind went to Jillian, and how they had a messy break up. After everything that he went through... He just wasn't sure if it would be worth it in the end.

That's when he thought about Karen and Kori. Gar secretly envied them for being so strong. They had gone through romantic hell and lived to tell the tale. They were able to move past all the hurt and the pain, they took risk and were currently enjoying themselves because of it, and they both had heathy relationships.

That's what Gar wanted, a heathy relationship. Someone who he could depend on and vice versa. And now the opportunity was being presented to him and he was to scared to take it. So much for being the boss of romance.

"Gar...," Terra called out to him, pulling him away from his thoughts. "Gar, I asked you a question. Can I get an answer here please?"

"I... I...," Gar shook his head. "Wow, um..." he looked at Terra. "Did you really just ask me out?"

Terra giggled softly. This is what she liked about Gar, he was able to make her laugh. "Yeah, I did. Is it really that much of a shocker?"

"When it comes to me, yeah," Gar put a hand to his chest, feeling his heart beat increase. Terra had just asked him out and he hadn't a clue on how to answer her. He didn't know what to do. He felt so confused. "Oh man..."

"Listen, Gar, if you want to say no... I'll understand." Terra said softly.

"It's not that I want to say no, it's just... it's complicated," Gar didn't know how to explain himself. He didn't want to hurt Terra, he really didn't, but this whole situation was difficult for him. "I like you, but--"

"Say no more," Terra said coolly, standing up. "I understand. Really, I do." Terra slowly made her way towards the stairs. "I'm... I'm gonna go now. See you later."

And then she bolted up the stairs, not once looking back.

Gar ran a hand through his hair, cursing himself as realization dawned on him. Terra had asked him out and he rejected her. He rejected her. Her. Terra was everything he wanted in a girl and more. And he rejected her.

"How could I be so stupid?!" Gar asked himself as he jumped over the sofa and ran up the stairs. He had to catch Terra before it was too late.

Gar had finally let what Kori was telling him sink in. He couldn't base a possible future with Terra on what happened in his past. If he did that then he would miss out on a great opportunity, a potential happiness. Terra was too good a girl to pass up, he needed to grasp the chance he had with her. If something bad was to happen later on then he would have to deal with it then, not now. What he needed to do now was reach Terra before it was too late.

Gar quickly ran outside to the front of his house, glancing around frantically in hopes of seeing Terra. He spotted a head of blonde hair and quickly dashed towards it.

"Terra! Terra! Stop!"

Terra paused in her walk, turning around. She was surprised to see Gar running towards her. What could he possibly want?

Gar stopped running once he reached Terra, doubling over to catch his breath. He put a hand to his chest and tried to regain control over his breathing.

"Are you okay?" Terra asked, putting a hand on his shoulder and gazing at him in concern.

"I'm fine." Gar assured her, standing up straight.

"So what's with the running, coyote? Training for a marathon?"

"I... I...," Gar gulped and his cheeks turned red. "I wanted to know if the offer is still open. Is it?"

And awkward silence settled between the two. Then, Terra punched Gar in the arm.

Gar clutched the arm Terra hit. "Ow!"

"The offer is still open, but if you ever pull a stunt like that again I'll break your legs," Terra said darkly. She then smiled. "I'll call you tonight with details. Later, Gar."

She kissed his cheek before walking away, a bright smile on her face.

Gar placed a hand over the cheek Terra kissed, a cheeky smile forming on his lips. "Wow...," he turned around and began his way home. Gar was really glad that he decided to take that plunge. He pumped his fist in joy. "I got a date!"

TT

Against her own will, Terra was forced to go shopping. Once she and Gar confirmed their date plans, Terra was overwhelmed with joy. She had to tell somebody about the news, so she had decided to call Kori and fill her in. Thinking about it now, Terra believed that to be a grave mistake.

Once Terra told the bubbly red head about her upcoming date with Gar, Kori had insisted that she needed some new clothes to wear for the date. Terra had refused, but then Kori brought Karen in on the conversation via three-way phone call. The two girls had insisted that Terra go shopping for a new outfit.

Terra eventually caved in, and she now found herself as the mall with Kori, Karen and Raven. Raven had come along simply because she had nothing better to do, and she had pointed out that the whole journey to the mall was a pointless one.

Currently, the three girls were in one of Kori's favorite stores. Kori and Karen each had an outfit in hand and were presenting it to Terra. Kori had picked out a blue, v-neck shirt and jean skirt. She held it in front of Terra's body while Terra faced a mirror.

"This would look so perfect on you, Terra," Kori insisted with a wide smile on her face. "The blue matches your eyes."

"Um, the shirt is okay... but I'm not really into skirts." Terra replied softly. She really wished she was at an arcade right now. "

"Nonsense, everyone loves skirts!"

"But Gar and I are going to the carnival," Terra reminded. "I can't wear a skirt on the rides. People could see my... panties." Terra whispered the last word.

"You're amongst girls, Terra," Raven pointed out to the blonde dryly, leaning against a rack of clothes. "You don't have to be embarrassed about saying the words panties."

"Oh..." Terra ducked her head shyly.

"Fine," Kori grumbled, placing the mini skirt on the rack. "No skirts then."

"Terra, you would look great in this," announced Karen, holding up the outfit Karen picked out for her. It was a green tank top with ruffled edges, and a pair of black, skinny jeans. "The green will match Gar's hair, plus the jeans will help show off your curves."

"But I don't have any curves."

"Terra brings up a good point," Raven muttered. "She is really thin."

Terra couldn't help but glare at Raven because of that comment. It was true, she was thin, but she didn't like the way Raven pointed it out. Had this been a different situation, and had they not been friends, Terra would have taken that as an insult, and that would have lead to a fight. Terra didn't care for being insulted, and in her old neighborhood no one would have gotten away with treating her wrongly.

"Maybe we should move to a different store," suggested Kori. "So far you haven't found anything you like, Terra."

"Oh no. No more stores! If we leave this store we'll keep jumping to a new one and a new one."

"Blondie brings up a good point." Raven said in agreement with Terra. A dislike for shopping, and malls, was one of the very few things Raven shared in common with Terra.

"But we need to find you an outfit." Karen insisted.

"I really appreciate you guys trying to help me look my best for my date," began Terra. "But I don't think it will matter what I wear. If Gar likes me for me it won't matter what I'm wearing."

"That's a very wise thing to say, Terra, and I agree with you fully," Kori began. "But how about you get at least one skirt. For later on!" she added when she heard Terra groan. "You never know when you'll need it!"

"If I buy on skirt can we get out of here and get some grub?"

"Yes." Kori and Karen answered in union. If Terra was to walk out with at least one article of clothing, they would feel as if they accomplished something."

"Fine, but only one skirt!" Terra emphasized the fact of only buying one skirt. She didn't want any tricks from Kori or Karen that would lead to her buying numerous amounts of clothing.

"Agree." they replied with smiling faces.

"Okay, um...," Terra looked around herself and randomly picked out a blue skirt. "I'll get this one."

"That skirt would go great with--"

"Say one more word and I won't but the damn skirt." Terra threaten.

Karen grumbled. "Fine."

TT

With a shopping bag in hand, Terra and the girls made their way to the food court. They decided on one of the burger places and grabbed a table. Kori and Karen went to go order the food while Terra and Raven stood behind. The two girls sat across from each other, looking in different directions, and were consumed in silence.

Terra bit her lip, feeling troubled. She was starting to get the feeling that Raven didn't like her. After all, Raven kept throwing indirect comments her way, none of which sounded to friendly. Then again, for all Terra knew that could just be the way Raven operated.

But even if she had taken the comments the wrong way, Terra still wasn't entirely sure that Raven liked her. After all, at the present moment things seemed awkward between them. Had she been left at the table with Karen or Kori, or even Jade, Jenn or Toni had they been here, she was sure a conversation would have been taking place.

Terra twirled a strand of hair around her finger. She decided to come right out and ask.

"Raven," Terra began, grabbing the violet eyed girl's attention. "You don't like me, do you?"

Raven rose a brow. This was some way to start a conversation. "Why would you think that?"

"Well... I dunno, it just seems that way to me," Terra confessed. "I mean, we barely talked to each other since we met, and when we were at the store--"

"I'm not much of a talker. And I'm not exactly nice," Raven pointed out in her regular monotone. "Just because I act mean and can be rude doesn't mean I dislike you. That's just the way I am."

"Oh," Terra chuckled slightly in relief. "For a minute there I thought you didn't like me."

"Because I don't like you."

Terra's eyes went wide and she looked at Raven, searching her face to see if she was only joking. Upon seeing only a serious expression Terra clenched her fists, her eyes becoming narrowed.

"What did I do to you to make you not like me?" Terra asked angrily. She had been nothing but nice to Raven.

"I don't trust you."

Terra reeled back, becoming alarmed. She swallowed her anger and tried to remain as calm as possible. "And why do you not trust me?"

"I get a bad vibe from you," Raven answered coolly. "And I don't like you with Gar."

Terra smirked darkly. "Jealous, Rae-rae?"

Raven's eyes narrowed. "Not jealous. Just concerned. Gar has been through too much bullshit to be hurt again."

"May I remind you, that at one point you hurt Gar. And may I also remind you, that you're the one always slapping Gar behind the head and calling him names."

"Don't talk about my relationship with Gar like you know us, because you don't." Raven snapped.

Raven had her there, she didn't know much about Gar, or her, or the others in fact. But she intended to find out...

Raven glared at Terra and Terra glared back.

That's when Kori and Karen showed up.

"Okay people, we got the food," announced Karen, placing a tray on the table. "Who's hungry?"

"Me!" Terra answered, taking a tray Kori handed to her.

Kori took a seat. "So, what did you two talk about while we were gone?"

Raven and Terra eyed each other.

"Nothing." they answered in union.

TT

"C'mon, Vic! Please! Super, supreme, mega please! Please with a steak on top!" Gar begged.

"For the last time grass stain," Vic growled. "NO! Nobody drives my baby but me!"

Gar, Vic and Dick were hanging out in Gar's basement. Gar had invited his two, closest guy friends over for advice. His date with Terra would be any day now so he was hoping he could get some tips, as well as a favor.

Gar's date with Terra would be coming soon, and instead of taking her to the carnival on his moped, he had requested he take her in a car. So he went to Steve and asked him if he could borrow his car. Steve's answer was a firm no. When Gar asked why, Steve mentioned the time Gar had run into the mailbox. With Steve out, Gar turned to his friends. Dick had the same response as Steve. His reason was because he just didn't want too. Vic was Gar's last hope.

"C'mon. Vic! I'll be careful, I promise!"

"No! No! No! NO!"

"You know," began Dick, who was currently laying down on the sofa. "Instead of me having to listen to all this crap, why don't you guys find a compromise."

"Like what?" Vic asked, arms crossed and eyes narrowed. He didn't like the idea of finding a compromise when it came to his car.

"Well... instead of Gar borrowing your car, why don't you just drive him and Terra--"

"No way," Gar cut in immediately. "I don't want Vic driving me and Terra around on our date. "That's embarrassing!"

"Your hair is embarrassing," Vic muttered. Gar glared at him and he sighed. "Dick brings up a good point, Gar. I doubt anyone is gonna loan you their car. Me driving you may be your only option."

"I don't know..."

Just then they all heard footsteps. Down the stairs came Kori, Karen, Raven and Terra. Dick immediately sat up at the sight of Kori and smiled.

"Hey, Kori," Dick greeted her with a kiss and pulled her down to his lap." How was your day?"

"Good. The girls and I went shopping."

"What you get?" Vic asked.

"We didn't get anything, but Terra got a skirt." Raven answered with a grin. She chuckled when Terra sent her a glare.

Gar, who was sitting besides Terra, looked at her curiously. "You got a skirt?"

Terra blushed. "They made me buy it."

"What did you guys do?" Karen asked.

"Nothing much. Gar just needed some advice."

"About our date?" Terra asked, looking at Gar curiously.

This time, Gar was the one blushing. "Yeah."

Kori rose to her feet, much to Dick's displeasure. "Gar, can I talk to you in the kitchen? Alone."

"Uh... sure," Gar stood up and began to follow Kori up the stairs. Once they were in the kitchen he spoke. "Is something wrong, Kori?"

"That depends," she crossed her arms. "What kind of advice did Dick and Vic give you?"

"Well, Vic told me that I should take charge on our date, since I messed up and let Terra ask me out. He also told me not to tell any jokes. Dick told me that I have to put the moves on Terra, and that I should also try and act cool. Then they said--"

"Gar, listen very carefully to what I'm about to tell you," Kori cut in. "Okay?"

Gar nodded.

"I want you to forget everything that Dick and Vic told you."

Gar blinked in surprise. "Why?"

"Because Terra likes you for you. Just be yourself and follow your heart."

"But Dick and Vic--"

"Meant well, but it's not them going on the date with Terra. You are. Just do what feels right and you'll be fine."

"If you say so," Gar face Kori a hug. "Thanks, Kori... Hey, Kori, do you think you could coax Dick into lending me his car?"

"No."

"Can't blame a guy for trying."

TT

Gar and Terra eyed each other but quickly looked away, both of their cheeks turning red. It was finally the day of their date, and currently they were in the back seat of Vic's car. Vic had agreed to drive them to the carnival.

Vic noticed the two through the mirror and shook his head. Wanting to be of some assistance to his best friend, he decided to speak, breaking the silence of the car. "Terra, you look great today. Don't you think she looks great, Gar?"

Gar glanced at Terra. She was dressed in her usual brown boots and gloves, but she also sported a brown belt. Terra was wearing a black shirt with a yellow T printed on the front along with yellow shorts. Hanging from her neck was her goggles.

Gar smiled. "Terra... you look great tonight. I mean, you always do, but I thought... well..."

Vic slapped his forehead. Gar was doing just fine until he started rambling. "Thanks, Gar. You look great too."

Gar was dressed in a black shirt, jeans and a grey vest. He also wore matching grey sneakers.

"Well, we're here," Vic announced as the car came to a stop. "Finally." he turned back to his seat. "Okay, you kids behave and no screwin' around!"

"Vic!" Gar snarled, glaring at his friend as he and Terra stepped out of the car.

"I'm playing, I'm playing. You two have a good time. Meet me here at eleven, okay," they nodded and Vic pulled out of the parking lot. He stopped and stuck his head out of the window. "And no screwin' around!"

"VIC!" Gar and Terra yelled in union. They glanced at each other, surprised that they had the same reaction, and laughed.

Terra took Gar's hand in hers and pulled him towards the entrance of the carnival. "C'mon, Gar. The carnival awaits!"

They ran through the entrance like two, jubilant elementary school students.

TT

So far the date had been going well, both Gar and Terra were enjoying each other and had smiles on their faces. The duo had already gone on many of the rides, such as the Haunted House, to which Gar had screamed like a little school girl when a ghost appeared in front of him, and the bumper cars. They also went on the roller coaster and Spin Cycle.

They had even won each other a prize at the game booths. Terra had showed off a good arm when she won a giant monkey for Gar at the baseball and bottles booth. Gar, who was horrible at the baseball and bottles booth, went over to the water guns booth and won Terra a giant puppy.

Currently, the two had decided to sit down and enjoy some food, taking a break away from all of the excitement. They found an empty table and sat down. They had each gotten themselves a funnel cake to eat.

"Are you enjoying yourself so far?" Gar asked, breaking off a piece of his funnel cake.

Terra nodded with a smile on her face. "So far this has been the best night of my life. Thanks again for winning Bingo for me."

Gar laughed. "You named it Bingo?"

Terra wrapped an arm around the large, green colored toy which had it's tongue poked out. "Yeah. He looks like a Bingo."

Gar laughed once more.

"Okay mister, what did you name your monkey?"

Gar glanced at the stuffed toy besides him. It was a brown monkey with a red hat and red vest, along with gold tambourines in its hands. "I named him Chip."

This time it was Terra who laughed. "Chip? Like potato chips?"

"Yeah. He looks like a Chip." Gar smiled at Terra and they both laughed.

TT

The clock was ticking, and Gar and Terra noticed that they had only enough time for one more ride. They had already gone on all of the extreme rides, the type that would send some running towards the nearest bush or trash can, so they decided their last ride would be something calm and peaceful. They decided to ride the Ferris wheel.

They stepped inside a red booth, sitting opposite of their stuff animals, and slowly rose into the sky. They sat in a comfortable silence, looking down upon the people below them.

"They look like ants." Terra joked.

Gar smiled at her, laughing at her joke. This had been a wonderful night for him, one of the best dates he'd ever been on he noted. He laughed and he smiled, he felt happy. All of the fears that he had before was washed away, and he was glad that he took that plunge with Terra.

Taking her hand in his own, Gar gave it a gentle squeeze. He looked at Terra, marveled by her beauty. She was an amazing girl, why she was with him and not some other guy confused him, but he wasn't about to complain.

Terra looked his way, looking perplexed. "What?"

Gar's cheeks colored. She had caught him staring. "Nothing."

Terra smiled at him. "We need to do this again some time. The two of us, I mean..."

Gar's heart skipped a beat in hope. "You mean another date?"

"Yeah, another date. Would you want to?"

Gar eagerly nodded. "Yeah, of course!"

"Great. I'll take you to this diner that has great pie. We can play pool and it'll be a blast."

The booth went higher and higher into the night sky, and Gar felt a desire burning within him. He had gotten this far alright, now it was time for the next step...

"Terra?"

Terra turned her head to look at the boy besides her. "Yeah?"

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

Gar paused a moment, trying to regain control of his nerves. His face was red and his eyes were focused on their joined hands. "Can I... kiss you?"

Terra stiffened and a blush came to her cheeks. She hadn't expected Gar to ask a question like that, but she was glad that he did. She nodded her head and leaned in half way. If he really wanted to kiss her, he would do the rest she decided.

It took a little longer than expected, but Gar finally closed the gap, and their lips met in a warm kiss. A spark jolted through them and it was as if fireworks were exploding.

And as the silver moon sparkled, they continued to kiss, not even stopping when the door to their booth opened.

TT

SPECIAL THANKS TOO Duskgrowlthevampire, clarkLover1, BerryDrops, Ace.04, mysteree101, Koriand'r Grayson, Daniella, superanimated, Hidden Iris, THUGG, jcyz, cookiesruletheworld, featherpen13 AND cookiegurl15 FOR THE AWESOME REVIEWS! YOU GUYS ARE THE GREATEST! I HOPED YOU ALL LIKED THIS CHAPTER.

TO clarkLover1, I'M GLAD YOU LIKED DICK'S DREAM. THAT WAS MY FAVORITE PART IN THE CHAPTER AND IT WAS FUN TO WRITE.

TO Daniella, I'M GLAD THAT YOU LIKED HOW LAST CHAPTER FOCUSED ON EVERYONE. THANKS FOR REVIEWING.

OKAY EVERYONE, I GOT SOME EXTREMELY BAD NEWS. I START SCHOOL SEPTEMBER 2ND. IT'S HORRIBLE, I KNOW. IF UPDATES START COMING IN LATE, YOU KNOW WHY. BUT I PROMISE TO UPDATE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE EVEN THOUGH SCHOOL HAS ARRIVED.

NEXT CHAPTER: THE LOST CHAPTER, A SECRET REVEALED.

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