The evening was perfect, and he couldn't deny that he owed most of it to Bree. It was nothing fancy, just dinner and a movie, but he couldn't think of a better way it could've gone.
Initially, Chase had wanted to take Felicity to the café for dinner, but Bree had turned that down quick.
"The café's too ordinary," Bree had explained. "You two've been there so many times that, by now, she expects it. You need to take her someplace nice, someplace you haven't taken her yet."
Eventually, they'd agreed on a small restaurant just a few blocks from the movie theater. It wasn't too formal, which suited Chase, but wasn't run-of-the-mill either, which satisfied Bree. The movie had already been decided, one Chase knew Felicity was dying to see, and Bree had been unable to sway him at all. Somehow, the decision of his clothes hadn't really been an issue. They'd both thought he should look nice, but neither wanted to overdo it.
Which is how he ended up on the Cordlins' doorstep, dressed in a nice pair of jeans and a simple t-shirt beneath a black paid shirt, his rental car parked just behind him on the street. After a few calming breaths, he managed to knock without his hands shaking too much. The door was answered by Felicity, who'd thankfully also agreed that this wasn't anything formal, judging by her ripped skinny jeans and TFK shirt. She called a quick good-bye over her shoulder before joining him on the porch and closing the door.
"So, where to?" she asked.
"Now where's the fun in telling you that?" Chase responded, offering his arm and being only mildly surprised when she accepted it.
"Nice ride. I always thought the Challenger was your only car," Felicity stated as Chase opened the passenger door for her.
He waited until he was in the car to answer, "It is; this is a rental. I thought about just borrowing a car from Davenport, but most of his things tend to be overkill, especially vehicles."
"Well, I'm glad you didn't. This is perfect," she smiled at him and Chase found himself unable to keep from returning it.
Dinner was relaxed and smooth, the two talking about the upcoming volleyball season and more about themselves. Chases' recollections of his past escapades with his siblings had them earning occasional glances from other patrons in response to their boisterous laughter, as did Felicity's of her family and their old farm.
After they'd had their fill and Chase had paid the bill, they walked the few blocks to the movie theater. When Felicity saw what movie they were going to see, her face lit up and she squeezed his arm excitedly as he paid for their tickets and snacks. While in the theater itself, Chase was pleasantly surprised when, halfway through the movie, Felicity's hand found its way into his and remained there until the credits rolled.
"I'd say this went pretty well," Felicity stated after Chase had walked her to her door.
"Yeah, it did," Chase agreed.
"Are you going to tell your family then?" she inquired.
"Honestly, I don't really have a choice at this point."
"Well that's encouraging."
"No, I didn't mean it like that," Chase groaned. "Yes, I'm going to tell them, tonight if possible."
"Okay then," Felicity smiled, obviously holding back a laugh at his earlier fumble. "Are you still coming over tomorrow? I know the boys are looking forward to working on the car."
"I'm surprised they're still willing to be around me. They're not going to threaten me again, are they?"
"Probably not, but I'll tell them off anyways. I'll see you tomorrow," with that and a quick peck on his cheek, Felicity entered her house. Chase grinned as he turned to his car, and the smile remained his entire drive home.
Bree, having apparently waited in front of the TV since he'd left, immediately stood when Chase came in the door.
"So? How'd it go?" she asked as he joined her. Instead of directly answering, Chase pulled her into a grateful hug. She returned it, waiting expectantly.
"It was great, Bree. Thank you. If it weren't for you, I probably would've screwed this up."
"Not true," Bree corrected as they released each other and dropped to the couch. "You could've done a decent job on your own. And even if you hadn't, I get the feeling Felicity wouldn't have minded. She likes you too much to have let one messy date ruin you guys. Now, details! I want to know everything."
Chase laughed before relenting and giving a reasonably detailed account of his night. When he told her about Felicity instigating hand holding during the movie, she punched his arm before grabbing it in both of hers.
"I told you!" she crowed.
Chase chuckled, "Yeah, you did. Seriously though, Bree; thanks."
Bree waved his gratitude aside with a smile, "Anytime Chase. I'm always here if you need anything."
