Chapter 30

Nepgear and I spit across from each other at one of the many booths in the local pool hall. Of course it's not the typical date scene but we're not typical people. In fact, as awkward as Nepgear's feeling, she's slightly more comfortable at here than she would be at another more typical place.

I'm not in my comfort zone at all. I can already feel cold sweat building on me as I ponder how many ways to Sunday this can go wrong. From the look on Nepgear's face she isn't faring any better.

Even though I said she was more comfortable than she usually would be, I never said she was totally comfortable. Emotions are coming back to bite me already.

"Here you two are. Enjoy your meal." A little bit ago I placed the order for our food. It's finally arriving and now I remember why I liked this place so much as a kid.

Smiling at the waitress she leaves us to our dining for the evening. What we ordered wasn't anything too fancy. I took Nepgear for a girl who is borderline vegetarian considering her figure.

However, she enjoys a good old fashioned cheeseburger as much as anyone else. No matter how much I keep thinking about her she keeps giving me surprise after surprise. If I could fathom what that girl is thinking, I'm sure I wouldn't be all that interesting.

The next few minutes are spent eating in silence. Each of us just chewing on one fry at a time. I'm not an expert on the subject, but I think this means the date is unsuccessful.

People getting up, playing games of pool, eating their food, all while we sit just staring down. It's a failure, that's what the universe is telling me.

"Thank you…"

"Huh?" Nepgear's sudden thank you caught me off guard. How can she be thanking me when our date is ruined so early?

"Thank you for taking me out. A while ago, I don't think I ever would've done something like this. Even though I'm scared… and very nervous." She closes her eyes and gives off one of her heartwarming smiles.

"I like being here with you… I don't care if we can't talk to each other like this yet. All I care about is that you're here with me."

My heart rate increases, no ones ever spoken to me in such a way before. New emotions begin to fill my mind. Blood rushes to my cheeks to give off the largest blush I've displayed so far.

It appears that Nepgear's cheeks aren't free from a blush either, saying that must've taken a lot of courage. If she can do it then so can I.

"I should be thanking you, I don't think I could've pulled off this without some sort of feat without your inspiration. And… as much as it pains me to admit… I haven't been talking a lot because I'm afraid of screwing up so early."

Nepgear's cheeks turn even more red than they were before. Instead of a squeal she'd give of embarrassment, she just starts to laugh.

"I wasn't talking haha, for the same reason haha."

So she was afraid of screwing up too? Look at myself a few minutes ago I feel silly. Now that we're on the same page we shouldn't have too much trouble making this date fun.

"I feel like an idiot now."

"At least I can be an idiot with you." Nepgear smiles at me again. I can't explain it fully, but whenever she smiles at me I feel as if I've been touched by a goddess. It's exhilarating just to look at her.

With a clear consciousness on both our parts we actually pick up the pace in our eating. Even with a renewed spirit, I still eat slowly as I always do. Nepgear isn't much different, she eats slowly as well.

It's good to know that she knows it helps with digestion to eat small bites and slow. I knew she was smarter than me on some levels but a lot of people seem to forget that… especially Maurice.

My brother just loves to dig in more than the average person when I cook some of his favorites. I hope he's getting by without me cooking tonight.

A few more minutes go by in silence. When I say silence I don't mean it in a bad way. The both of us are eating and enjoying each other's company. This time it's a normal silence on a date.

"I'm finished, the food was lovely. Thank you again for taking me out."

For the third time tonight she gives me a smile that makes my heart rate increase to a deadly level. My cheeks turn red again, my head feels lighter than it should.

Nepgear's smile grows even more and she begins to laugh. I look like more of an idiot than ever right now.

If that's the case then why can't I stop laughing with her? Ah screw it, if we can be happy looking like complete maniacs in public, why stop it here?

"Ok haha, I'd actually haha, like to take a haha, walk with you." Nepgear becomes serious at the last part. A walk doesn't sound too bad; I go for walks all the time.

"Alright, it's still light out. A walk sounds perfect right about now."

Nepgear smiles again in glee. As she does my heart goes aflutter just from the sight. I hope I never get used to that smile, if I do, then I won't be able to feel as much joy when I see it.

"Ok, let me leave a tip, then we can get going."

She nods happily at the thought of us walking. I'm excited about it as well. I want to spend time with Nepgear. It's too early to say I love her… but I can say this. 'I like her with a lot of passion.

It took about half an hour to walk to the park in our town, but it was worth every second. Just getting to be in Nepgear's presence is a gift that I shouldn't be able to receive.

For the most part she enjoyed the walk. It was just the two of us for once. No friends that will make me feel even more awkward than I already am. No people who try to fight me every time they get the chance.

Just the two of us are here now… and that's all that matters.

The park stands before us right now. It's seen better days, and it doesn't get the attention it deserves. But never the less it's a nice place to hang out and relax. The late summer climate makes it all the more enjoyable.

"Wow, you said this place was beautiful but I didn't think it would be this beautiful." I'm glad she enjoys the scenery. Her reaction was definitely worth the thirty minute walk here, and the one back.

As long as she's happy, I'm happy. I know it's a cliché, but now that I have someone I care about, I can see why it was said in the first place. And even though we've only been going out for a few days now, I want to make this relationship last.

Whenever I think of Nepgear my mind goes blank. Then when I look at her my heart rate increases to a deadly pulse.

"The walk here was tiring, why don't we sit at that bench?"

I can safely say that both Nepgear and I are a little exhausted from the walk.

"Ok" Nepgear gives a small nod and we make our way to the lone bench. Once we sit down it's as if a huge weight has been lifted off of our shoulders. One cannot truly relax until he or she is doing absolutely nothing.

It's around six o'clock right now, the time in the summer when the sun begins to set. The orange sky combine with the warm air gives off a sensation like none other.

Well… having someone you really like right beside you adds to the effect all the same. My heart has never felt so alive. The brain may control all the emotions, but now I understand what people mean when their heart's feel fine.

"Ahhh…" Nepgear wraps her arms around my torso and grasps it tightly. Not tight enough that I'll suffocate, but just enough to where I can feel the passion coming from her.

"Um…" I'm honestly at a loss of words right now. Nepgear cuddling me in the middle of a park is something I didn't expect to happen. Surprising things can happen though… I just don't know how to deal with them is all.

Nepgear pulls herself in more closely to my body. Now her head rests on my left shoulder. Her eyes are closed. If I were to describe what she's doing, it'd be taking in the moment.

"I'm really glad you took me out Jack."

"Um… I…" Great, now my nervousness is showing through like I'm a bed sheet with a flashlight pointed at it. My body is even giving off little shakes here and there.

Her body is too, meaning that she's not entirely in her comfort zone either. And yet… she can brave through her emotions and fears. I might have to take a page from her book eventually.

"Please don't be nervous. I don't bite… until the third date."

"What!"

"Kidding!"

Nepgear has a very interesting sense of humor. I didn't expect her to tell a joke like that.

When I met her, I didn't take her for the type to play jokes on people. I guess I was wrong. It was a well placed joke I'll give her that.

Hell, if she can push through nervousness then so can I. "Ok… how about… this?"

Taking my left arm I place it over her back and touch her left shoulder at my fingers end. Nepgear seems satisfied with the position we're in right now. She goes back to laying her head down on my should and closes her eyes once more.

Now that I'm here and it turned out like this, my body stopped shaking so much. If anything, I'm enjoying her cuddling me.

After a minute or two Nepgear speaks again.

"I could go to sleep like this *Yawn*"

The weather is nice, the sky is beautiful, and the wind is at the perfect speed. And the heat from my body could be a factor in her relaxation as well. I know it is for me at least.

"*Yawn* it is rather serene today."

Turning my head to look down, Nepgear looks like she's having trouble keeping her eyes open. The same goes for me, my eyelids are getting so heavy that I can barely keep them open.

Nepgear's head sinks into my shoulder even more now, a sign that she's asleep. To further justify the claim, with what little energy I have left, I look towards her head. Just from listen, her breaths are more controlled.

And if I listen close enough, I can hear light snoring coming from her. She's just like her sister, falling asleep easily from the first taste of relaxation.

"*Yawn!*"

Giving off one final yawn, my eyes close, and I drift off to sleep as well.

A couple hours later I wake up to the feeling of Nepgear squirming a bit in my arms. My eyes open up fully, and now I'm rejuvenated enough to keep them open. Nepgear is still asleep, but I don't want to wake her just yet.

Taking my phone out of my pocket, I check the time. It's almost eight o'clock right now. Damn… we've slept for a good two hours.

Maurice has never been one to worry about me much. Even so he might get worried if I'm out this late and haven't called to check in with him. It was never much of an issue in the past since I hardly left my room.

Well, I've had my fun for the day. I'd say it's a good time to get back home.

"Hey Nepgear… it's time to wake up…" I'm still a little groggy from waking up. It's hard to speak in a normal speech pattern after a power nap.

"mmm… *Yawn!*… Goodness, how long have we been here?"

"About two hours"

Nepgear's eyes suddenly open fully at the mention of how long she's been asleep. If I'd have to guess it's the same reason as mine, a sibling who might get worried.

Once Nepgear's fully awake, she takes her arms off me and stands up. The areas where her arms once held get cold and are slightly uncomfortable.

Doing the same as Nepgear, I stand up and look at her. I'd say it is a good time to get home.

"Ok, let's go home. The date doesn't end until the girl gets home after all."

Nepgear goes from her frantic look that she had the moment she woke up to her normal expression. My voice must've snapped her out of the trance she was in.

Sometimes I wonder how everything works inside that head of hers.

"Okay, I'm ready when you are."

With that, we begin walking back towards the way we came two hours ago. This time rested and each of us less nervous about each other's company.

I'm still very nervous and scared for reasons I can't explain. But now… I think I can handle them.

"Here"

I put my left hand to Nepgear's right. She blushes, but smiles at the gesture of the relationship. Our hands meet and our fingers intertwine together. Both parties shaking of course.

But now with a little bit of bravery.

What seemed like endless walking halted once Nepgear and I reach the apartment complex. Our hands still holding together, and each of us still smiling while blushing.

"Thanks again… for today… it was really fun…" Nepgear is still a nervous wreck around me.

Then again, I'm not any different than she is right now. I'm still nervous about holding hands with her. Something came over me when I did initiate it, now its gone.

"No… problem." I look to the ground. I'm so embarrassed that I can't even look her in the eyes anymore. I'm like and emotional roller coaster.

One minute I'm confident and willing to give new things a try. Then the next minute I'm nervous beyond belief and can't bring myself to do anything but be pathetic.

No… I can't be a pathetic loser that most people think I am. I have to get over my fears… and start living.

Picking my head up, I look at Nepgear once more. The blush on my face still hasn't gone away, and neither has hers.

Through all the emotions and thoughts running through my head, I still am able to muster up a smile. In turn, Nepgear smiles back at me. As it did before, my heart starts beating faster and faster.

"Nepgear… I…"

My free hand grabs her free hand. Now we're holding both of each others hands.

"Jack…"

Her eyes close softly. My eyes closing after hers do.

Our heads move closer, only mere centimeters apart now. We're at the distance where I can feel her breath.

The gap between us finally closes, our lips meet for our second kiss.

Our hands separate and we embrace a hugging position now. The sensation of this kiss is more powerful than that of the first time.

Pulling me in closer, Nepgear puckers her lips a little more tightly than when we first started. Mine follow shortly afterwards as a defense mechanism most likely.

I don't know much about kissing… or romance for that matter. From what I can tell, she's as clueless as I am.

"Haa!... haa…haa…haa…" We break from the kiss to breathe once more. The sensation during the kiss was amazing. After the kiss is a completely different story. I have to cope with the fact that I kissed a girl… and I liked it.

"I'd… like to do… this again sometime…" Nepgear is still catching her breath from the union of our lips. Maybe I'll stick to a quick peck on the cheek for now.

All I can do is nod in response to her statement.

We're still holding each other really tight, once we both realize that our faces become fully crimson colored.

Separating our connection in less than a second, both of us are a bit fidgety.

"So yeah… I guess I'll see you tomorrow!"

"Okhaveagoodnight!" She speaks so fast that I can now confirm that this is a new experience for her.

Each of us running away in the opposite direction, at that point I enter the apartment I live at and don't look back.

As soon as I'm done sighing I notice Maurice sitting in his recliner with a devious smile on his face.

"Jack you dog you." Maurice's grin grows even wider when my expression goes to being more worried. Just how much did he see?

"Oh shut up, I'm going to bed early."

I just can't catch a break tonight can I?

A/N: My first attempt at a date chapter everybody. Tell me what you think of it and also give me tips on how to improve the writing of these chapters a bit.

On an unrelated note, I request a PM with anyone that can offer me assistance with a certain issue I'm having.

As always, reviews are accepted no matter what. Tell me what areas I can improve on, I aim to please all. Thanks again for all the great support people have given me. And thanks for all those ideas I was given, I'll see if I can incorporate them in some way.

See you in the next update.