Chapter 4: First Date
Of course, with Nero and Amanda being officially proclaimed as the couple, it was pretty obvious that these two would end up being "pestered" by their families, friends and even relatives, everything said about their relationship. Because what was not to know and approve it anyways?
"After Kiana, my boy is going for it!" Yukon proudly embraced his son as the family was gathered up, along with some relatives present. Also, Nero could no longer shy himself about this, but decided to let the pride in with the right measures, by him saying: "Yeah, dad. I hope this is going to last well enough."
"Well enough as my relationship with Rodney does." Kiana nudged her brother with the wink on her face, indicating the big support towards her baby brother. Eventually, Amber came in, hugged him and said: "Was there any doubt you're going to make it?"
"None." Nero agreed with his other sister, as he was being embraced by his mother, with her whispering: "You have no idea how proud you're making us all!" As if she was some kind of mother who'd finally claim her pup as being finally grown up. This was indeed a proud moment for the entire family.
Eventually, it came to Jenna and Balto to embrace one of their youngest grandsons, being merely older than Nova and Phoenix only. Jenna just commented: "You are as brave as your father, or as my oldest son, if needed to say. No wonder why Amanda likes you." That made Yukon melt out of pride in process.
"And let's not forget that as long as you're taking care of Amanda, you two are going to be just like me and Jenna one day." Balto let his grandson know, with him knowing how great it'd be if he and Amanda shared their lives together... but they just started the relationship, so there was going to be some time.
"Grandpa Balto? Would you mind to take me to Tundra's den? They must know about this!" Nero asked Balto if he was going to take him to the forest, the place that no one could go by himself or herself without being exposed to any risks out there. Of course, Balto just had to say: "Sure, just let your family know first." And of course, Nero was going to do it.
Meanwhile, at Amanda...
With Annabeth, Geed and Noir already knowing that Amanda ended up forming a relationship with Nero, it was all on Timber and Titanium, the older two brothers, to be let known about this. Out of all six of them, they were the only ones who weren't present at any activities regarding the possibly creation of the relationship.
That changed soon, of course. With Amanda telling her older brothers what was going on, Timber proudly hugged his sister and said: "I knew it! I knew it you'd find the one who actually likes you, unlike that jerk... I'm not going to tell his name though." All three laughed as they despised Brick utterly now.
"Oh well, I must say how happy I am that you and Nero are together. Well done, sister." Titanium patted Amanda by her back, hoping for the best of her future with her new boyfriend. Being safe by her brothers, she added: "Since all of you know, I shall let our stepsiblings know about this... unless you do..." More laughs were heard as Amanda was indeed heading to tell Rodney and his siblings about this.
Few days later, with the word being officially being spread to everyone around, that was one of the most mentioned topics these days. Even if Nero and Amanda enjoyed having each other, they wished if only there was not so much attention being given towards them.
"I must say that you are one not the lucky dog for Amanda, but you are the lucky charm to her, Nero!" Tayer was saying that as he was leaving the house, having the mail delivery to do that day, with Nero casually talking to him that day. The part of his cheek where the scar was being made, now was the line that was standing out for being a tone darker compared to his white underbelly.
"Aw please, Tayer. We are just dating now!" Nero rolled with his eyes, wanting to leave the good impression towards Tayer. Of course, Tayer had no grudges to bear and was always cheerful on these sorts of things, just he had to joke on it.
"Oh, you two are dating, I didn't know that!" Tayer stopped dead in the tracks, hearing that his stepsister was actually dating Nero. However, Nero shook with his head, as if he said the wrong word so he had to correct himself by saying: "Well, I haven't asked her out for a date... but no worries! I have plans to do it these days!"
While Tayer was being disappointed that Nero hadn't had a date with Amanda, he was at least sure that Nero was going to ask her out these days. But the thing was... "Yet I don't have anything in my mind to impress her for a date..." Granted, that was something that Tayer was going to hear.
"While I don't have the best tip, since it'd be one the same thing, I recommend you seeing Sarah and Phoenix. They can tell you how was their first date, and you will love it." Tayer assured him to go see his sister and her mate, who happened to be the younger cousin of Nero himself. "I hate to leave abruptly, but I must get to the post office fast."
He understood that pretty well so all that Nero could say was: "No worries. Good luck on your mail delivery, and thank you for the tip!" Tayer patted his back in the attempt of support as he turned towards the Main Street and rushed to the post office, leaving Nero behind, who had in mind to go see Sarah and Phoenix.
Knowing this town as good as the pocket of every human's clothes, it didn't take Nero too much to find Phoenix's house, which happened to be only less than a minute walk. Yet as he called his younger cousin to come, he had to take a look in the house, realizing that neither Phoenix, nor Lena, Phoenix and Sarah's youngest daughter who was not adopted, but was growing under her father's wing, were in the house at the moment.
"Of course, Sarah..." Nero immediately thought on Phoenix's mate, considering the fact that as close as they were, it was very likely that Phoenix would be spending time with Sarah at the moment. Not having too much to think about, Nero's new destination was Sarah's place.
As small as the town of Nome was, it was clear that he was going to be pretty soon by Sarah's place. He was not wrong, as it took him merely two minutes to get there. Much to his delight, he could have spotted both Sarah and Phoenix resting on the porch of their house, with two of their pups, Lena and Tungsten, their middle son who was growing up under Sarah's wings, playing with each other below.
"Hey there, little ones!" Nero greeted them from the distance as he was heading towards their mother's house. Even if the young ones were six months old by that time, they were still playful and cheerful as the little puppies. With Lena and Tungsten greeting Nero, little Lena asked: "Uncle Nero, have you come to play with us?" She couldn't hide her playfulness.
Even if the playtime was necessary for them, Nero had to shake with his head out of the light disappointment, but he just added: "I have come to talk with your parents. I guess they must be taking a nap." Being cuddled to each other, it was pretty obvious what he was trying to say.
But that didn't stop little Tungsten to bark out these: "Mom! Dad! Uncle Nero is here! Uncle Nero is here!" Furthermore, both Lena and Tungsten had to shrug their parents to let them know about the guest. With them opening eyes and saying: "Okay, okay!". They were able to spot their guest.
"Nero, what a surprise to see you!" Sarah greeted her guest warmly, with Phoenix cheerfully smiling with the arrival of his older cousin. With him heading to the porch, both Phoenix and Sarah knew that he wanted to tell them something. They just let by saying: "Sarah? You know that your stepsister Amanda and I... uh... are boyfriend and girlfriend now... you get me...?"
Why wouldn't he get him as she was related to Amanda? Sarah chuckled a bit as she was finding Nero's anxiety a little bit amusing. Then she just added: "Sorry, wasn't expecting you to be nervous about that. Now what was it that you are trying to tell us?" As if she was able to read Nero's mind, but in fact, was unable to do so.
"Do you guys remember your first date, back in 1931?" Nero asked that question, with answer being more than obvious. It made Sarah sigh in an affection upon recalling that beautiful starry date with her current mate, being impressed by his star knowledge. Furthermore, Nero carried on: "I may need the advice."
Phoenix smiled widely, getting on all of his fours, patting Nero by his back and saying: "Then you have come to the right dog, cousin! Tungsten, Lena, excuse me for a while, be good pups and listen to your mom. I have to talk with my cousin." Tungsten and Lena agreed on what their father had told them, so the two dogs headed into the house. Sarah approved that pretty much.
Once being in the living room of Sarah's place, Phoenix was the one who started asking: "So... what is it that you want to ask me, Nero?" Having the chance to talk, Nero started: "Well, I have been thinking to ask Amanda out ever since the two of us have started a relationship. However, I just feel like I need to leave the good impression on her."
Hearing his cousin talk about the possible future date with Amanda, that made Phoenix smile out of happiness, yet he didn't want to interrupt Nero, who carried on: "The thing is, I could have asked Nova, but lately he and his girlfriend Cortina are a lot with each other so the thought came to me to ask you about the stars. You know, so I can impress Amanda!"
Asking him a favor made Phoenix laugh, but not of to make fun of Nero, but it was a rather supportive laugh. Phoenix then began: "Okay, Nero. You have come to the right dog. Now let me tell you something about the stars..." With that said, it took them a while to discuss about the stars, leaving Nero impressed by his knowledge of it and how his uncle Thunder, who was Phoenix's father, knew a lot of it.
"I hope I haven't overstuffed you with my knowledge." Phoenix joked on the account of his star knowledge. Nero's response was just the relaxed laughter, indicating that what Phoenix just said was nothing else but a joke. Nodding slightly, that made Nero say: "Well, as long as I remember the names and their positions, no troubles on my date."
With the cousins leaving the house, Nero decided to let Sarah know about this, considering the fact that she was Amanda's stepsister. With them leaving the house, while Lena and Tungsten happily jumped around their father, Nero turned his head towards Sarah, saying: "Well, Sarah, this is it. I am asking Amanda out for a date!"
That made Sarah raise on her paws and she just said: "You do? Awesome, Nero!" This was going to be a memorable night for Amanda, with Sarah being allowed to tell her family about this. Nero just smiled and headed away, in hopes to head at Amanda's place. With him leaving, Sarah couldn't resist but to ask her mate: "You didn't overstuff him with your knowledge, right?" Phoenix laughed out of amusement, followed by Sarah. The pups of theirs were a bit clueless, but decided to laugh with them.
It was the matter of the minutes for Nero to find Amanda, yet he managed to spot her walking with someone down the street. Wait... who was the one she was walking with? Heading closer to her, with her noticing as they were heading in opposite sides, Nero spotted that it was none other else than Geed, making him exhaust in relief.
"Nero, hey!" Amanda had finally spotted her boyfriend, heading towards him and nuzzling him in process, with him returning the nuzzle out of favor. Geed watched them nuzzle out of delight, with him saying a bit quietly: "How do you do, Nero?"
"Me, I am doing just great today!" Nero replied to the siblings, being always happy to have Amanda by his side, as well as her siblings, especially if they were nice to him and his family, which was always the case. At the moment he was thinking: "What are you waiting for, Nero?! Take it or leave it, NOW!" There was nothing to hesitate on anymore.
"Amanda, since you are here... I was wondering if..." He started asking her, but at the same time, he was feeling quite nervous, as if he was letting that anxiety grow inside him. No, that was not going to happen... he was not going to let the anxiety consume him, not even if Geed was listening. He took a deep breath as Amanda was looking him curiously.
"Sorry about that..." Nero apologized for his mishap, then he proceeded: "Amanda, I was wondering if... you have time this evening..." Let she have the time, maybe she was not going to have any kind of business to attend today with her family. Besides, her birthday was few weeks ago, so why not?
Amanda, while being taken off the guard by that question at first, looked at her brother Geed, who just smiled out of support and with nodding, Amanda turned her face at Nero and asked: "Yes, I do have time this evening... Wait, does that mean?" As if she was able to read his mind, Nero's smile on his face was widening.
Much to his delight, Amanda gave him an another nuzzle by his neck and softly whispered: "Yes, if you want me to go, I will go with you on a date tonight. Feel free to pick me up." With her releasing him from nuzzle, Amanda turned her face towards Geed and said: "Geed, go tell the others about this. Everyone's going to love it!"
No doubts, Geed didn't hesitate to run off towards any member of his family to let them know about Amanda's date with Nero. With them smiling to each other, Nero agreed to pick Amanda up that evening, with him having in plan to let his family know and get ready on everything.
The entire afternoon, Nero and Amanda were getting ready for their first date, with each of their sisters providing as much help as they could. Amber managed to find some brush in the closet and did her best to groom her brother's fur. But due to her clumsiness, most of Nero's fur was sticking way too up so Kiana had to take over that part so it looked much better. Instead, Amber went on to groom her brother's head to look as handsome as possible.
"Well, uh... Kiana, Amber, my sisters... thanks!" Nero finally spoke after his sisters were done, with his fur being as smooth as silk and as groomed as possible. Kiana and Amber both giggled, with them saying: "You're welcome, Nero, our baby brother... or shall we say, ladies dog now?" He just rolled with his eyes just cause.
Annabeth and Noir were helping Amanda to look as best as they could, with Annabeth doing the grooming part and Noir being in charge of cleaning her bandanna on the most improvised way possible. First by soaking it in the poodle of water with soap and in the end, the entire bandanna had the smell of various flowers - daffodils, tulips and roses.
"And, voila! As good as the candy you are sister!" Annabeth commented upon being done with her part, leaving Noir to return Amanda's red bandanna, who just said: "I wish I could wear this, sisters." Amanda accepted the bandanna and had it tied around her neck, thanking them both. Now what followed was that the sisters were going to escort the two to their meeting place.
And just as the afternoon rolled by, Kiana and Amber were with Nero on the meeting spot, with Nero making sure that every single detail was meeting up with the most single perfection. With his sisters noticing, Nero just chuckled and said: "No, I'm not nervous or anything. Just making things sure!"
"How about now?" Kiana winked him as she beckoned towards the opposite direction. There he saw Amanda coming, being accompanied by her sisters Annabeth and Noir. That just made him smile even wider and when they were much closer, Nero didn't fret to come closer to her. He could already feel the flowery scent from her bandanna in the distance.
"Nero, good to see you!" Amanda rushed on the last few steps to nuzzle him, with him accepting that by rubbing their heads against each other, leaving their sisters quite flattered. At the same time, they just said: "Are you ready for the date?" That made them blush, with Nero gaining courage to say: "If you are ready, then we may go."
Offering his paw to lead her towards the beach, both Nero and Amanda were cuddling with each other as they left their sisters behind. Before the sisters returned home, Kiana said in the name of them all, being the oldest: "This is going to mark the stronger bond between our families!" Annabeth and Noir agreed on that one.
Back at the lovely that Amanda and Nero were... These two were walking towards the same spot on the beach they had been not long time ago. Each of them kept smiling to each other, knowing that their relationship was going to be a really good one.
"After you." Nero whispered to her as both of them had found themselves on that spot. Amanda giggled as she lied down in the snow, with Nero following her action. Now that they were both laying down in the sand, they could look at each other with much more affection than ever. She whispered: "Oh Nero..."
Her whisper was soft enough to make him blush out of love, so he just said: "If you think this is good, the better is to come!" With that said, Amanda watched him curiously as he turned his face towards the sky above them. Beckoning with his paw, he whispered: "The stars are so bright tonight."
"They sure are." Amanda agreed, being able to see as much stars as she could above them. Nero focused his look down on the south and saw the start that was shining the most bright. Knowing what that one was, even its name made him smile. Not wasting anything, he said: "Look at it, Sirius star. The shiniest star in the universe!"
Being surprised by that, she was wondering whether he was knowing that back out of the experience or he had heard it from someone, she let him keep saying: "And now to the north, where I can show you the Northern Star... the star people always are going for..."
"Because it was showing them the north?" Amanda unintentionally interrupted him, but he didn't mind it. In fact, as if he was going to say it, but she got that chance beforehand, or beforepaw. She had to ask herself: "How do you know all these?!"
Being taught to be sincere and speak truth by his parents, Nero wanted to let her know: "You can thank that to your stepsister Sarah and to my cousin Phoenix." All in all, Amanda was glad that Sarah had something to do with their date. Feeling like switching the topic, she asked him: "Nero... how do you do with your sisters?"
Being surprised that she wanted to switch topics, Nero wasn't completely taken off the guard so he decided to answer her question: "Kiana and Amber? They are such a lovely sisters to be with. Always caring, always loving and always compassionate. Kiana is someone whom my dad calls the princess of fluff! Just how soft her fur is! And there is Amber, the princess of clumsiness, but hey, at least she tries her best in the life."
Since Nero's sisters were mostly around their baby brother to help him a lot, Amanda had the urge to say something about her siblings. In fact, she wasted no time: "And then there's me, living in the family of six pups. Annabeth is always helping us all in any way as she's the oldest. Then there's Noir, who always *somehow* manages to find out the news before anyone else can. And then my brothers..."
"How do you do with your brothers?" Nero wanted to know, since he had no brothers at all, just cousins. Amanda didn't feel offended by that, but carried on: "Titanium and Timber are always the ones who have big desires in their lives, always together. And then, Geed. Even if he's my younger brother, he's different, but in a good way that is! He's my special brother!"
"I say." Nero agreed, as if he remembered something that had to be with Geed when he looked at Amber in a special way. As he was still laying on his back, he saw Amanda getting up and much to his surprise, actually laid down on top of him, with their muzzles being quite close to each other. "Wow."
"Surprised?" Amanda asked him quite affectionately. She didn't have to ask twice, she lowered her head down to his muzzle, thus rubbing the muzzles in process. Nero slowly started to enjoy that affection, even when Amanda asked: "Do you think our relationship... is going to lead our lives towards the better future?"
This was the obvious sign that he and Amanda were for each other, but by this point, they were just boyfriend and girlfriend. Full of confidence, Nero whispered to her: "With you and me, we are going for the bright future!" Amanda giggled on that remark.
The rest of their date Nero and Amanda spent watching stars, talking about their interests and walking down the beach. Eventually, when it was late in the night, Nero agreed to take Amanda back home. It didn't take them too much to get there.
"This was a lovely date, Nero!" Amanda gave a compliment regarding their date, giving him a lick in his cheek, with Nero accepting it. He knew how great this was for her so he replied: "And I am sure it's going to remain in our hearts. Once again, she giggled and let him know: "I hope for the another date sometime soon."
Smiling joyfully, Nero responded: "So do I, Amanda. So do I. Have a good sleep tonight." They nuzzled each other, full of affection meant for each other before she headed inside her home, going to sleep. Nero sighed put of love.
"Well, I might let the others know about this... tomorrow..." Nero thought to himself, himself feeling quite tired, but quite happy by this happening. He headed back towards his home and seeing that no one was after him to ask questions, he proceeded to head into his house and get some decent sleep, being ready for the day that was to come tomorrow.
