Lily and Walter drove to their dinner destination, in a white rental car Walter got.
"I can't believe you got a rental car." Lily said. "Wasn't it expensive?"
"For a few hours? Nah." Walter responded. "Just ask Gary and Mary. We rented one for a few days when we came to L.A., originally."
"And little did Walter know, he'd end up staying in L.A. and becoming a part of the muppet family." Lily pretended to narrate, in a movie voice. Walter chuckled, amused by her humour. She was always like that while growing up. Besides going on and on about her plans to become famous when she was older, she's always had a humorous side to her.
Walter pulled up the car to a parking spot, and got out. He went to Lily's side to open her door, but she was already out.
"Don't worry. I can do it myself, thank you." She said, smirking. Walter smiled. Lily really wasn't like most girls.
"Well, this is the place." Walter said, thrusting his hand to the big restaurant in front of them. Lily looked up and read the sign; Melody Bar and Grill.
"Oh! I've heard of this place! I was hoping to come here if I ever came to L.A. one day." Lily said, happily.
"Really? Oh, good. I was worried it wouldn't be enough."
Lily turned to Walter and held his shoulders. "Don't worry. I'm happy with anything you plan." Walter smiled, and they made their way into the restaurant.
Unfortunately, there was a big line. It was Friday night, after all. But, the wait wasn't so bad. What was nice about Walter and Lily knowing each other since they were 5 years old, was that they were comfortable talking about a lot of things.
When they got to the front of the front of the line, the waiter sorted them to a table, nearby the live music stage.
"This is literally amazing Walter." Lily said, leaning against the table as they looked through their menus. "I'm glad I get to have my first L.A. nightlife experience with you."
"I feel honoured." Walter humorously exaggerated, clutching his chest. Lily laughed in return. They looked back at their menus.
"What're you getting?" Walter asked.
"Not sure. It all looks great."
"Yeah, I don't I'd be able to pick if my life depended on it." Walter said still looking at his menu. To his surprise, Lily giggled slightly. Honestly, he wasn't being that funny. But, Lily seemed to like it. Guess she just thought he was really funny.
Or, maybe she just really liked him.
Walter blushed once again, and hid it with his menu. He really needed to get that under control.
Throughout their meal, Walter and Lily couldn't stop talking and laughing. The food was amazing, but took a long time to finish with all their chatting. They talked about today, telling each other's stories of their careers, and life in general. But what cracked them up the most, was talking about their childhood.
"Remember when a bunch of us went to Smalltown Falls on that really rainy Friday, during middle school?" Walter said.
"Yes! That was amazing, we climbed to the top of the hill. And then Parker slipped-"
"And went mud sliding down the hill!" The both said in unison. They laughed.
"I remember we went to Mindy's house afterwards. We spent hours playing video games in her basement." Walter reminisced.
"Elementary school and middle school was without a doubt, the cringe-like years of our school life." Lily smiled.
"Yeah. Looking back on it now, there's some things I wonder what kind of crazy mindset I had to have had, to done."
"Except, for discovering The Muppets." Lily said. Walter smiled.
"Yeah. I could only imaging how much different my life would be today, if I hadn't been a fan."
"They probably wouldn't be back together, and the studios would be teared down by that oil guy. The Muppets are really lucky to have found you."
"Well in this case, I found them." Walter chuckled. "I guess it was just always meant to be."
"Yeah." Lily agreed. "I think a part of you always knew that it's where you belong" Walter looked up at Lily.
"Exactly! Man, you get me." He said. Lily chuckled slightly, surprised from Walter all of a sudden saying that. Walter then realized that was a bit weird for a first date, and wanted to take it back.
"Ok, ladies and gentlemen. It's open mic night, so feel free." A musician spoke through the microphone, on the stage. Walter and Lily looked at the stage, and Lily looked back at Walter.
"We should do a duet." Lily said. Walter looked at her with wide eyes.
"Really?" He said. "Are you sure? We haven't sang together, in years."
"Well, if you're just as good as I remember, it shouldn't be a problem."
Walter's worrisome look relaxed, but not entirely. "Ok, which song...?"
Lily thought about it, and snapped up when she thought of one. "Do you still know the lyrics to Faithfully, by Journey?" She asked. Walter sat up in his chair. That was a good song. He remembers singing it over and over with Lily in high school.
"Yeah, like a reflex." Walter responded. Lily grinned.
"Well, what're we waiting for? It's open mic night! You remember our set up of the song, right?" She said.
"Yup." Walter said, now a bit more intrigued. Lily got up from her chair, and grabbed Walter by his arm. They went onto the mini stage.
"Looks like we've got some takers." The man said. He then perked up when he saw Walter.
"Well, I'll be gosh darned. Looks like we've got a special guest star tonight, folks. Walter from The Muppets!" People in the restaurant clapped and talked vigorously, all of a sudden shook to see a well-known up on stage.
Two people set up microphone stands for Lily and Walter. Walter told the man which music they wanted, and spoke into the microphone.
"Well, me and my good friend here have a classic. Hope you enjoy." Walter said. Everyone in the restaurant watched.
The music started, and Walter looked towards Lily. She was smiling, and the stage lights made her look like she was glowing. It's been so long since she's her her sing, he wondered if-
"Highway run
Into the midnight sun
Wheels go round and round
You're on my mind" Lily's angelic voice sang.
Walter went into the next part.
"Restless hearts
Sleep alone tonight
Sending all my love
Alone the wire"
Both of them then sang in unison.
"And they say that the road
Ain't no place to start a family
Right down the line it's been you and me
And lovin' a music man
Ain't always what's suppose to be
Walter:
Oh girl, you stand by me
Lily:
I'm forever yours
Both:
Faithfully
Lily:
Circus life
Under the big top world
We all need the clowns
To make us smile
Walter:
Through space and time
Always another show
Wondering where I am
Lost without
Both:
And being apart
Ain't easy on this love affair
Two strangers learn to love again
I get the joy of rediscovering you
Walter:
Oh girl, you stand by me
Lily:
I'm forever yours
Both:
Faithfully
As the instrumental went on, Walter and Lily couldn't help but look at each other. Walter felt his heart pound. Not out of nervousness, but happiness. It felt so good to sing with Lily. Their next part then came on.
Both:
Wooah, oh-oh-ooh
Lily:
Faithfully
I'm still yours
Both:
I'm forever yours
Ever yours
Faithfully
The two finished in perfect harmony, and the restaurant cheered. But they didn't notice, because they were so lost looking at each other. It not only felt so good to hear Lily's perfect voice hit the high notes, but to just sing with her felt like an honour. Her voice was absolutely beautiful, and should be treasured.
"Let's give it up for them again, folks!" The man said, as the rest of the audience continued to clap. Walter and Lily went back to their table, looking at each other the whole time.
"You've still got it." Lily said. "I thought so."
"Oh come on, I can't compare to you." Walter responded. "I mean, you're amazing."
"Let's just call it even." Lily chuckled. Walter smiled and nodded in return. Lily leaned her arms against the table, looking at Walter.
"So, what's next?" She asked. The waiter came over and put the bill on the table.
"Well first, I'm gonna pay." Walter said reaching for it.
"No, don't be ridiculous." Lily said, taking the cheque out of his hand. "You're planning this whole night. The least I could do is pay."
"Please, don't worry about it."
"No, I insist."
Walter didn't say anything, and just looked at Lily with exhaustion. "Can we not be generous, and just let one of us pay?"
"Oh my gosh, YES. I hate these situations!" Lily said. Walter laughed.
"How 'bout splitting it?" Walter suggested. Lily smiled.
"That works." She said. "And after splitting it...?" Lily played with her hair. Walter swallowed, running his hand through his hair too.
"Well, I thought we could take a walk through Michael Juliano Grand Park. It's suppose to be beautiful there at night." He responded, nervously.
Lily looked at him, with soft eyes. "That would be great."
The two left the restaurant, and went back to the rental car. When they were outside, it was dark. They didn't realize how much time had passed while they were in there.
"Wow, time flies." Walter said. Lily nodded in agreement.
"Guess it happens when you have a good time..." Lily said, getting a funny smile from Walter.
They took the rental car, and drove to the park. As they went there, Lily rolled down the window. Walter nearly lost control of the car, watching the wind blow fast through Lily's hair. It was like a scene straight out of a romantic movie. Walter also turned on the radio, and both of them sang along as they drove. They couldn't get enough from spending time together. It's only been a night, but one incredible one.
At the park, Lily linked her arm with Walter, and he accepted. The night lights were beautiful, and it was so peaceful. They didn't talk for a while, but it wasn't awkward. They really enjoyed each other's company. When they got to the big lit up fountain, they sat on a bench. Just...watching. They still had their arms linked, and Walter felt Lily lean her head on Walter's shoulder. He rested his head back on her's, still watching the fountain.
"Walter?" Her voice said, softly. Walter lifted his head to look at her.
"Yes...?" He responded, quietly.
"I had... a really good time, tonight." She said, her eye's sparkling.
"G-good, I'm really glad..." Walter practically whispered. They didn't stop staring, and were a bit startled on how close their faces were. Walter felt Lily's breath linger against his face. He breathed heavily, too.
"I, uh..." Walter couldn't talk. He was too intrigued as to what was going on. As soon as Walter saw Lily began to inch her face forward, he felt his heart beat like one of Animal's drum solos. He hesitated when she did so, allowing her to slow down, thinking he didn't want to. But, he moved his face forward as well, to assure her he did.
The two were nearly apart, Walter felt Lily's grip on his arm become tighter. Before anything could happen, a huge thunder crash interrupted them. The two of the shot apart and looked up at the sky. Big fat rain drops came down at fast speed.
"Oh, no! I forgot to check tonight's weather!" Walter yelled over the sound of the rain. The two of them were already soaked.
"No, no, don't worry!" Lily yelled back, laughing. "It's just like a movie scene, the two people get stuck in the rain on a beautiful night!"
"Come on, my apartment is close by! We can take the car there!" Walter grabbed Lily's hand, and the two ran through the rain. Though some may not have enjoyed it, they couldn't stop laughing. They were always gonna be the same kids that knew each other, on the inside.
They were soaked, but didn't care. They got to the rental car and jumped in.
"What a rush, huh?" Lily said, her hair dripping on all over her skirt. "Oh man..."
"Don't worry, I've got towels at my place." Walter said, starting the car.
They took off, the night not over yet.