"Okay, so far so good. Now let me just... THERE! Perfect!... Actually, too oldish looking. Try another one"!

Po had been helping me out with formal dress for a while now. He dragged me down from the Valley of Peace to a clothing shop and instantly began to pick out something that would fit me for tonight's date. Every time he found something he thought looked good, he pushed for me to try it on. Then once I had put it on, he always shook his head and sighed. As much as I hated to ruin his... creative side, I had to speak up.

"Po, I think you're going a bit too far. Remember that it's ME who's going on a date, not you. For petes sake, you're even starting to get frustrated".

At this point, I wished I hadn't opened my mouth as Po looked at me with shock, never had I seen him take anything so seriously before. It was actually a little scary.

"Too far? Mike, you're going on a date with a kung fu master- No! A member of the Furious Five! You have. To look. Perfect"!

Po then grabbed five different colored dresses and shoved them into me before he pushed me into a changing room. Once Po closed the door of the room, I shook my head. Wasn't I supposed to be the one who's meant to be freaking out?

I put on four of the dresses and showed Po how I looked individually in each one. All of them got his shake of disapproval. I then tried the fifth dress. It was long enough to cover me from my neck to about two thirds of my body length which was the perfect size I was looking for. It was a dark blue color with black linings around its edges. There was a beautiful golden stem like pattern emerging from top to bottom, a little like the pattern Tigress has on her combat vest. I managed to get it on and slithered out, showing the master of fashion. This time, it got a nod as well as an excited clap.

"Perfect! You sir, are one good looking snake".

I smiled. Thank God he liked it, this was one of the only few dresses for snakes that hadn't been picked until now. I was certain that we would need to go to another store.

"Now onto hat wear".

"Wait, what? Hat wear? Why do I need hat wear"?

"It's called being formal my slithery friend".

Oh God, it's almost like we're back to step one all over again.

So to skip the details, we picked up what I can only describe as the most bizarre looking hat I've ever seen ever. This thing had a round base and made out of metal which was covered with golden paint. It stood half a foot tall and was surprisingly light. And, to top it off, the very top part seemed to spread out like an explosion. After looking at it in the mirror, it looked a lot like my head had exploded like a volcano, shooting golden lava into the air. That's really the only description I can give it.

"Po, I don't think this thing looks very... suitable".

"Aw come on Mike, you look adorable in it".

"I don't want to look adorable Po"!

"Fine. Everybody's a critic".

He muttered to himself. I just sighed.

"Okay fine, I'll take it. But this is all I'm getting. I still have to pay for the dinner itself as well you know".

"Fair enough. Now come on, let's get this stuff and get out of here".

I complied and bought the suit and hat. It cost seventy eight yuan all together, a lot less than I had expected it to be. Po took the items from me and promised to put them away in my room while I go to the noodle shop and make reservations. Good thing I trusted Po and watched him run off back up to the palace. He's a good guy Po. A little silly sometimes, but good. I made my way over to the Noodle shop at once, reminding myself that I had plenty of time, three hours, until this date began. Was I nervous? A little bit. I mean, this date could have many different outcomes and I don't want any to be negative. I found the noodle shop easily enough and made my way past the tables which were filled with pigs and rabbits and to the service window to speak with Mr. Ping.

"Ah, hello Mike. What can I get you? Can I interest you in some noodles with bean buns? Only five yuan".

"Thanks but I'm not here to buy anything, I was hoping if I could book a table for tonight"?

"Sure sure, I mean it'll cost six yuan to hold it for you, but sure".

I sighed and dug out the six yuan and put it on the counter where Mr Ping collected it.

"So, got a date with a special someone I see"?

"Well, yeah". I blushed a little.

"Is it Viper"?

"Yeah- wait how did you know that"?

"Simple. The last time you came with her I offered you that large noodle soup in one large bowl did I not"?

"Yes..."? "

It was there that I assumed that you two were already dating-".

"Hold on, you mean to say that noodles is what got Viper to like me in the first place"? I asked a little confused.

"Well... noodles often bring people together".

I shook my head, trying not to laugh. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks Mr Ping".

I left the noodle shop and seeing how I had nothing else to do, I went back up to the Jade palace barracks. Once I had arrived and entered through the front door, I was met by a smug looking Monkey and Mantis. I didn't like the looks on their faces.

"...What"? "We hear you're on a date. With Viper".

I hissed in irritation. I was going to be receiving a lot of mockery for this.

"Yes. I am. And let me say, it'll be one more date that you two will ever get"!

I pushed past the two hastily, only to hear their childish snickering behind me. I made it into my room and closed the door. Who told them that I was on a date with Viper? The only person I told was... Oh no. I had no doubt that Po was going to not only tell everyone here at the Jade palace but likely everyone in the village too. I tried not to think about it and checked the cupboard to see if Po had actually but the dress and hat in it. He had, and it was surprisingly neat inside. The dress hung up in an open space and the hat was resting below it on some soft red fabric.

2 AND A HALF HOURS LATER

I guess now would be a good time to get ready. I opened the cupboard and grabbed the dress, putting it on carefully and then fastening it with the five golden clips that were attached to the front. I wasn't too keen on the hat so I had to look in the mirror with it on and off of me, deciding which would look better. I remember Po saying it would look more formal, but then again, we're only going to a noodle shop, not exactly the fanciest restaurant in town.

You know what, I'll leave it for a special occasion. I checked my money pouch to see what money remained after spending so much of it on the clothes and reservation. Fifty two yuan remaining. That's more than enough. Perfect. I left my room and made my way over to Vipers room where I knocked lightly. I felt nervous. Then again, who wouldn't on a first date? I didn't have to wait long as the door opened to reveal Viper smiling at me. She was wearing a beautiful white dress with red outer linings with flower patterns that came down to two thirds of her body, like my own. I also noted that she had the golden lotus flowers that I had bought her perched on her head. Seems she put more effort into finding a suitable outfit than i did, although I guess I have Po to thank for that. I suppose I should compliment her look.

"Wow Viper, you look beautiful".

My words seemed to have a positive affect as I saw her cheeks turn a slight crimson.

"Thanks, you look quite nice as well". She replied back.

"Shall we"?

"Let's go".

The both of us left the barracks and made our way to Mr Pings noodle shop. On the way, I tried to stir up a conversation.

"I must say Viper, I like the dress you chose. It really suits you well".

"Thanks. I had some trouble finding the right one but in the end, this one looked the nicest".

"I can see why. I can also see you've got your golden lotus flowers in".

"I thought it would be nice to use them on special occasions. You don't mind do you"?

"No, of course not. They're yours after all".

"True but you did buy them. For, fifty five yuan was it"?

"It was, and worth it for you". I spoke trying to make her happy. I wasn't really one for words but I didn't see any harm if I kept complimenting her. Do that and I might make it through the night in one piece.

"Aw thank you. That's really sweet of you to say".

I just smiled. At this point we had reached the noodle shop and got ourselves the table I had booked. It was rectangular and had a large white cover over it. Before sitting down, I decided to be a gentleman.. or... gentle snake I guess, and pulled a chair up for Viper, her back to the archway, which she sat down on while I returned to the other end and sat down. Placed before the both of us on the table was two menus, napkins, and in the middle of it all, was a scented candle in a glass bowl. It seemed that Mr Ping had done a lot to set this up as most other tables didn't seem to carry any of these accessories. I then had a look at the menu in front of me. Most food was noodle related. Noodle soup, Noodles with vegetables, plain noodles. However the drink section made up for it. I never knew that this place served wine. In the end, I chose noodles with vegetables with bean buns. And maybe the wine, depending on Viper's choice.

"Have you made your choice"?

I looked from my menu to see that Viper had already put hers down.

"Just about done. Noodle with vegetables sounds good, with wine"?

"Are you sure you want to pay for wine? I mean, it is fifteen yuan. You don't have to pay that much for us".

"Viper, it's okay, I can afford it. Besides, you deserve a fun night".

Viper nodded, I could tell that she felt a little uneasy about the whole thing, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel the same way. Eventually, Mr Ping came to take our order after seeing our menus were put down. I ordered my food and Viper did the same, it seemed that she had chosen the same thing I did but without the bean buns. Mr Ping then tried to push me into buying the large bowl of noodles for an extra Yuan. I declined but asked if the dessert menu could be shown to the both of us after our meal. Mr Ping nodded and left the pair of us to ourselves.

"So viper"... I begun, grabbing her attention. "I just wanted to ask. What made you like me in the first place? If you don't mind telling me".

"Actually, I first started to begin realizing my feelings for you here, when Mr Ping first mistook us as a couple. I then started to think that you and I had spent much time together and that we got on well with each other. At that point, I found that I enjoyed your company more and at as time went on, and I guess I developed a bit of a crush on you". She replied, finding it a little hard to look at me while hiding some noticeable blushing.

So if Mr Ping hadn't gotten that large noodle soup in the first place, I guess Viper wouldn't have realized her feelings for me. Heh, I guess noodles really do bring people together. Shame I wasn't going to tell Mr Ping that though.

"Even so, I'm sorry about poking about at the subject when we were sorting out the scrolls and having you tell me then. I still feel a little guilty about it".

"Don't be. It helped me out more than you think".

"Alright, so long as you're okay about it"...

Mr Ping had returned, balancing two bowls of soup in his hands while keeping a small plate of bean buns on the top of his noodle hat which I found a little humorous. He set the food in front of me and explained that the bottle of wine would be given to us soon. I had no trouble with this. I took my first mouthful of soup. My goodness, it was better than it usually was. I don't know how Mr Ping did it but this stuff was incredible. I then began to talk to Viper about her life at the Jade palace.

"I first begun training at the Jade palace when I was ten. There, I met Tigress for the first time. She was quite friendly and we became like sisters".

Mr Ping had come back with the wine and poured a glass for me and Viper. Once I took a sip, I replied.

"Tigress friendly? That's surprising I must say". I spoke, a little shocked that Tigress was once friendly.

"Well, she did have a tough time at the Jade palace, I'd rather not talk about that if you don't mind".

"No, of course not! Sorry, I didn't mean anything against it, I-".

"Mike, it's okay. I know you didn't. I'm glad to know that you're quite respectful when you want to be".

A gave a small chuckle to her words. I guess that because of the famine yesterday I wasn't exactly the most polite python in China.

"Thanks Viper. You know, I guess I should actually be thanking you for all you've been doing for me".

"What do you mean"?

"The training, helping me out whenever I needed help, and keeping me in line when I got frustrated. It means a lot to me".

"There's no need to thank me for that. I was just helping out a friend".

"Even so, I wouldn't know how to pull off several moves because of you. It only seems fair that I should at least thank you properly for it".

"That's quite sweet of you to say. Honestly, it was no problem".

"You know I must say that-".

I froze and bit my tongue. I could see that just behind Viper, hiding behind the archway was Po! And he was signalling for me to come over to him. However, I caught Viper looking at me, waiting for me to finish my sentence.

"-That... I think I dropped some of my money earlier".

I then checked my money pouch and whirled it round, producing chink and jingling sounds.

"Yeah... seems to be a few coins missing. I... I best check if I dropped them nearby".

"Oh, Okay...". Viper replied a little confused.

I smiled and slithered off my chair and made my way to Po, behind the archway, making sure I was fully out of sight before hissing angrily.

"Po, what are you doing here"? I whispered to the Panda. "Can't you see that I'm still out on a date right now"?

"I know that, but I found your hat lying on the bed. Why aren't you wearing it"?

I looked at Po's hands to see that he actually had the hat with him. Really Po?

"Look, I promised myself that I would use it on special occasions alright? Now isn't really a good time to be arguing about this"!

"Alright fine. But at least put it on".

"Po, if I stroll back in there with a brand new hat on my head, don't you think that's going to look suspicious"?

"But-".

"Listen, Po, I promise I'll wear it next time, okay? But right now, I need to get back before Viper realizes I've been gone for too long".

I let Po nod and then made my way back in. I sat back down opposite Viper, who seemed glad upon my return.

"I found the rest of the money. Seems that they were lying around at the bottom of the stairs". I told her, sticking to my cover story.

"It's alright. As long as you're okay".

"I am thanks. Sorry about keeping you, I guess I should keep an eye on my things more closely".

"Mike, it was a mistake, there's no need to beat yourself up over it".

"Thanks Viper. You know, I'm a very lucky guy to have someone like you".

"And I'm glad to have someone like you".

It was now my turn to blush. "So, what were you saying about your life at the Jade palace"? I asked, interested to hear more of Vipers story.

"I trained under Shifu's guidance got many years and in time, met the other members of the Furious Five. Monkey, Mantis and Crane. All we really did was train and protect the Valley of Peace, we really got on well together. Until a few years ago, when we were told that one of us were going to be the Dragon Warrior".

"I thought Po was the Dragon Warrior though".

"Yeah, there's a funny story behind it really. We all thought that Tigress was going to be chosen to become the Dragon Warrior. But after some... accident of some sort, I'm not too sure what exactly happened, but Po ended up being chosen and has remained the Dragon Warrior ever since".

"Wow, I can only imagine how Tigress must have felt. I guess that explains why she's quite harsh to everyone all the time".

"Actually it's more than that, but I really don't think I should say".

"I understand, I guess that I-".

I could see a familiar sight behind Viper. Po was back and signalling for me. Again!

"... Excuse me, I need to use the bathroom".

"Sure, no problem".

I headed back over to Po. Needless to say I wasn't happy at all.

"What is it now"? I hissed, irritated with Po's interruptions.

"It's just that, if you wear the hat on the second date, it'll seem a bit odd. She'll probably ask why you didn't wear it on the first date"?

"I'll think of an excuse for it now please Po, just go back to the palace".

"Are you sure you don't need help? Cause you seem kind of stressed out right now".

"Yeah, thanks to you dragging me away every five minutes"!

"Oh, right. Sorry". Po left and headed back to the Jade Palace. I really hoped that it would be the last time I would see him tonight. I made my back in and took my seat.

"Are you okay Mike, you seem a bit... stressed"?

"Oh... uh... yeah I'm fine thanks. Guess I'm just not good with first dates".

"I wouldn't say that. You've been a real gentleman throughout the day. Something you don't see in everyone".

"I guess I'm just making sure that I don't mess up like I sometimes do".

"It's alright, after all you did say yesterday that we all make mistakes".

"I guess so".

I finished the rest of the soup and took another sip of wine before waiting for Viper to finish hers. The second she did, Mr Ping took our bowls away and gave us dessert menus. I scanned the choices before me, seeing fruit bowls and tofu desserts. Hard to choose between the selections but I made up my mind for the tofu dessert. I was impressed with how well this date was going so far, despite some interruptions. I only hope that Viper's having as good a time. But still, something itched at the back of my head and I wasn't sure what. But whatever it was, I had the feeling I didn't like it. I stopped thinking to myself just in time for my order to be taken. It seemed that Viper chose the fruit bowl. Honestly I wasn't one to eat healthy foods but I'm still willing to try new stuff, in fact, I was interested to find out what the tofu tasted like. Once the dessert was set out in front of me, I ate the first slice. I was amazed to like it and continued to eat. Neither of us said a word until after we had finished. I began the conversation.

"Ah, that was delicious. How was your food Viper".

"I enjoyed mine, thanks".

"I'll pay the bill. One second".

I got from my chair and spoke to Mr Ping about the price. The whole thing cost forty eight yuan which I barely managed to afford with a remaining four yuan left. Still, it didn't matter how much everything cost, I had a good night. But little did I know that it wasn't over just yet.

"Okay I got the bill done. You ready to go home"?

"Actually, I was hoping to take a small walk up to the peach tree first"? She asked.

I suppose there was no harm in that. It's only... I looked round for a clock, forgetting that I'm in a world that possessed very little technology.

... something O clock. Even so, I guess a late night would be fair to endure. It was a quiet trip to the peach tree. I could only comment on how beautiful the night was. Stars could be seen from all over the black sky. Viper agreed and, like myself, looked up to see the white dots dancing in the night. Once we had made it to the peach tree, I expected that to be it. Instead, I found myself sitting down, head in the soft grass and looking out over the village, past the mountains and watching the moon come into view. I had to admit that the scenery was breath taking, a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness for most people, although I could come to this location anytime I needed. My thoughts were suddenly interrupted as... Viper was lying her head on me. I felt slightly uncomfortable at first but eventually, I kind of got used to it within a matter of seconds.

"Guess I really do make a good pillow huh"?

"Well you are quite comfortable".

I rolled my eyes. This wasn't the first time this sort of thing had happened between us, and I doubted it was going to be the last. I just decided to let her rest her head on me. And without her noticing, I smiled. At least until I heard a creak in the tree above us. Oh my God, please tell it isn't who I think it is. I pulled my head gently from Viper and looked up seeing nothing but pink petals, but I knew that Po was hiding in them.

"Is everything okay Mike"?

"...Yeah, sorry. I thought I heard something".

I put my head back down and rested seeing how there wasn't really anything I could do without Viper seeing Po. But once this date is properly over, I'm getting myself a nice panda skin rug for my room! But for right now, I just wanted to forget my troubles and enjoy the rest of the night. I even tried to wrap my tail around Vipers as I was sure that it was equivalent to holding hands. It seemed so as Viper did the same. But all the same, being in this position did make me feel nervous and a little silly as I was kind of being used like a big teddy bear. Soon, after what seemed like long enough, I rose slowly and checked to see if Viper was ready to go back to the barracks. I got a nod in response and I let her head down first and that I would catch up. I just had one problem to deal with. The second I thought Viper was far enough down the steps, I climbed into the tree.

"Hey- wha- WOAH! AAAAH"!

Po fell out of the tree, landing on his back. I would have felt sorry for him if he didn't deserve it. I jumped back to the ground.

"Care to explain"? I asked with piercing eyes.

"Uhh... just watching over you like a guardian angel"?

"Yeah, a guardian angel who can't learn to mind his own business"!

Po looked away, a little hurt. My anger faded but only a little.

"Po, can you just please tell me why you were up in the tree"?

"Sorry Mike, I- I guess i just wanted to check and make sure everything went perfect for you".

"Well, I suppose I can't really blame you for being overprotective".

Po smiled. However, I wrapped my tail around his neck and pulled him down to my level.

"But if you EVER do it again, I'll make sure that you learn your lesson one way or another! Clear"?

"Clear". Po all but whimpered out.

I then gently released the panda and sighed. "I'm just glad that Viper didn't find out about this little ordeal".

"And what makes you think that I didn't"?

Me and Po spun back round wide eyed upon hearing the familiar voice. Viper was standing right there at the top of the steps with a smug look on her face!

"Viper! I... thought you had gone down back to the barracks".

"I was on my way until I heard Po yell". She turned to look at the panda with one raised eye. I guess she wasn't as far down the steps as I thought. oops.

"Yeah, I guess Po got hungry and decided to get some peaches before we came up here". I lied, covering for my chubby friend. Instead, Po let out a defeated sigh.

"No, I didn't. See, I actually was checking up on Mike so I could help him out, I mean, I guess I sort of ruined your date but-".

"I wouldn't say it was ruined". Viper interuptted. "Would you Mike"?

"I... guess not too much"... I said unsure.

Viper then gave Po a hug, a friendly one and turned to me. I was expecting a hug too. Instead...

*SLAP* Right around the face.

"OW! What was that for"? I asked, rubbing my cheek.

"For lying to me in the first place". Viper scolded. I would have argued back but... I suppose she did have a point.

"Yeah, perhaps I should have said something. I just didn't want to-".

I got cut off as I suddenly found Viper's lips up against my own! My heart was in my mouth and I was certain my whole body had gone red. It only lasted a couple of seconds but still... it was unexpected. I was about to say something but couldn't think of the right words.

"... And that"?

"For giving me a perfect night". I couldn't help but smile, despite my heart still beating like crazy, as though it was going to burst through my chest. Then, I realised that Po had been standing next to me the whole time. I looked up to see him twiddling his thumbs, looking in every direction but my own.

"Soooo... Should I just leave you two or"...

"I think we're done". I spoke. "Come on, let's all get some sleep".

...

Seems like a successful date to me ^^. Hope you all enjoyed reading, I struggled with this one a bit so apologies in advance if this seems a bit rushed. Overall, I did have fun writing it, so please tell me what you think, whether you like it or if something can be improved on, just please, don't be a jerk about it. Anyway, back to the storyboard for me. Cheerio.