Guys, I don't know if this chapter is too cheesy or acceptable shipping? Ahh I hope you enjoy it anyways.
The song mentioned in the end is "Somewhere Only We Know" By Keane, but I listened to the version by Lily Allen while I wrote, and I recommend you do too.
I was going to post a link here to an image of some art I drew of this chapter, but I am seriously the worst at computers, so if you have my tumblr (the-ultimate-dovahkiin) you can find it under the Erinep tag! (sorry for promoting myself like that, aha)
I accidentally uploaded the same chapter twice omg. Thank you to the two reviewers- katella only & fioleefan1000 who pointed that out to me! Super sorry about the slip up guys.
I love you all! Long chapter! c:
The drive to the restaurant didn't take too long. They were mostly quiet the entire drive, but Eridan had music quietly playing that made the silence bearable. At one point, Nepeta had her arm resting on her lap, and Eridan grabbed her hand and held onto her for a few minutes.
Then, they pulled into the restaurant parking lot. Eridan refused to let her get out until he could run around and open the door for her. She climbed out of the car and gave him half of an appreciative look, and half of an amused look.
"You know, I can open a door," she said playfully.
"So can I. And I just wanted to do it for you," Eridan said as he locked his car. He took her arm again and led her inside.
Nepeta felt slightly intimidated when they first pulled up. The outside of the restaurant was decorative and extravagant, and as they walked inside, she realized the interior was even more so.
The interior had a tall ceiling with tan wallpaper, and was split into two seating areas-one main room, and one side room. The carpet had the flowery patterned designs Nepeta had always seen at funeral homes. The entire restaurant reminded Nepeta of a funeral home-especially when she heard the classical music playing quietly.
"Reservation for Ampora," Eridan said, grabbing her attention. He was talking to a man in a suit who stood behind a podium.
Nepeta hugged his arm as her anxieties rose. She felt very out of place and was already ready for this date to be over.
The man wrote down something in a book he had opened up on the podium and stepped out from behind it. "Eridan, it's been awhile. I'll show you two to your table." He smiled politely at both of them, and Nepeta did her best to return one. He started walking, and Eridan led Nepeta behind him. They were shown to a two-person table in a corner of the main room.
Eridan pulled his arm away from Nepeta's, and the absence of it made her arm feel cold. He pulled out the seat for her, and she nervously sat down, desperate to catch his eye as he made his way to his seat.
When they were both seated, the gentleman in the tux spoke up. "Would you like a wine list today, Eridan?"
At this point his and Nepeta's eyes met. He saw her discomfort and cast her a quick puzzled look, but continued on anyways. "No, not today, thank you George."
George, apparently his name was, dipped his head understandingly. "A waiter will see to you two shortly." He dipped his head again to them, and went on his way.
Eridan smiled as he watched him go, and immediately after he was out of sight his smile dropped and his attention was directed at Nepeta.
"What's wrong? Are you okay?"
"Well I'm just a little intimidated is all...this place...I'm not comfortable."
"Why not? I mean, I only wanted to give you the best treatment possible," Eridan said, confused.
"I'm just not used to...all this...I mean, the fanciest I've ever eaten out is to an Olive Garden-and that was for my aunt's birthday. And what's up with the way that guy talks to you? You seem awfully familiar with this place. They shouldn't be offering you wines...don't they know you're underage?" Nepeta had raised her voice the more she ranted, and her hands were balled into fists.
"Nep, calm down!" Eridan hissed. He paused, and then offered her a sly smile. "My dad owns this place. Here, I can do just about anything I want. They're all afraid they'll get fired or something if I am not satisfied with my service and go running to my father or something." Eridan laughed lightly.
"That's awful!" Nepeta cried softly.
Eridan's smile quickly disappeared. "Well...they won't-he wouldn't actually-I don't think they really think-look, Nep. The point is that I wouldn't take you somewhere you aren't comfortable. I certainly wouldn't take you somewhere where I wasn't expecting you to be treated like a queen. You're safe here, okay? I understand if you're uncomfortable, we can eat quick and get milkshakes or something. Just, I'm here, try to loosen up a bit, okay? I'm here for you."
Nepeta sighed and lowered her head a bit. "Alright. I mean, I guess I should be open to trying more things, right?"
Eridan smiled warmly. "That's the spirit. I think our waiter is coming, I'll do the talking, don't worry." He reached under the table and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
Another man approached the table, this one looked to be much younger than the gentleman who had seated them, maybe in his mid to late twenties. He wore suit with an apron tied around the front, and was wearing a bowtie. "Good evening, Eridan. Who is your date for this evening?"
"This is Nepeta, Nepeta Leijon. She's my girlfriend," Eridan said matter-of-factly.
Nepeta froze. Girlfriend? What the actual fuck Ampora?
She felt a lump in her throat that was threatening to turn into vomit. She managed a smile anyways, and waved politely at the waiter.
"Nice to meet you, Nepeta. I go to college with Eridan. We're in the same mathematics course," the waiter said.
Nepeta smiled and nodded slowly, trying to hold back the urge to kick Eridan in the crotch.
"Here's a menu, can I get you two anything to drink?" He set a leather-bound booklet on the table.
Just as Eridan began to speak, someone at the table next to them repeatedly hit their silverware on their glass. "Waitor!" An elderly woman with magnificent jewelry decorating her neck stared at the back of Eridan's college friend threateningly.
"I'll be with you in just a moment, Miss Fairmont, please wait while I serve Mister Ampora's son and date," their waiter said. He didn't turn around to address the woman, and judging by the look on his face, he really didn't want to.
"Mr. Ampora's son and date can wait; I require your assistance immediately. And that's Mrs. Fairmont, to you, boy," She said, a little louder.
Their waiter appeared to be visibly strained.
"Go," Nepeta said, waving him off. "We can wait."
"I'm so sorry," He said with an apologetic smile. He turned on his heel to address the elderly woman.
Nepeta's attention darted to Eridan. "What game are you playing, Ampora?" She hissed.
"What?" Eridan asked, dumbfounded.
"Girlfriend, really? Why?" Nepeta said through gritted teeth.
Eridan's cheeks got red. "I...are you mad?"
This time, Nepeta was the one feeling slightly dumb. "Well-no, I don't think so...I just...why?"
"It just sort of...came out? I guess..." Eridan said, looking extremely uncomfortable.
"So...does this mean...we're like, official?" Nepeta asked awkwardly.
"Dear, my love has always been official."
Nepeta didn't know whether that comment was undeniably adorable or undeniably sappy. She just laughed nervously. "So...?"
"No. I wouldn't just force that on you. I'll ask you-formally and whatnot," Eridan said, waving his hand nonchalantly.
"Whatnot," Nepeta repeated with a giggle.
Eridan gave her a quizzical look. "What? What's so funny?"
"What not. It's just a funny word," Nepeta said, with a few more giggles.
Eridan laughed a little bit as well, but still more out of confusion than out of actual humor. "I still don't really understand what's so funny about whatnot."
Nepeta laughed a little harder. "The way you say it-it kills me...say it again."
Eridan eyed her for a moment. "Are you making fun of me?"
"No! No. Well, maybe. Probably, actually. Yeah. Yeah, I totally am!" Nepeta said in-between laughs.
Eridan scoffed. "Whatever."
At this point, Nepeta tried to hold back the giggles that were fighting to escape her lips, but the harder she tried the more difficult it became. Finally she couldn't contain it any longer, and a loud laugh escaped her mouth.
Eridan jumped. "Jesus!"
Nepeta's hand flew over to her mouth. "Ohmigosh! I"m so sorry!" She was giggling ever harder than before, and she was trembling under the strain of keeping her laughs down.
Eridan couldn't help but laugh a bit either. "You're crazy."
"I'm sorry! I can't help it!" Nepeta said. With a few more giggles, she felt a lot less crazed and was able to compose herself normally.
"Done now?" Eridan asked with a smile and a raised eyebrow.
"Yes, I think so," Nepeta said beaming.
"You know, you are so cute when you laugh," Eridan said.
"Hun, I'm cute all the time." Nepeta said with a wink.
Eridan laughed out loud. "Yeah, okay, I agree. You got me there."
At this point their waiter returned, and eyed the two of them.
"Everything all right?"
"Yeah, we're fine," Nepeta said, grinning.
He smiled lightly. "Well, good. So have you two decided on what you'd like to drink?"
"I'd like tea," Eridan said.
"And for you miss?"
"Can I have sweetened tea?" Nepeta asked.
"We actually don't carry sweetened tea, but you can use sugar or creamers if you prefer to sweeten them," The waiter politely explained. "Tea for you too, then?"
"Uhm, yeah," Nepeta said bashfully.
"I'll return shortly with your beverages, and will take your order," he then took his leave.
"I know what I'm getting; do you need help picking out something?" Eridan asked.
"I'm a little afraid to even open the menu," Nepeta admitted.
"Feferi used to always get the London Broil, do you want that?" He asked her.
"What's that? And why did you used to take her here?" Nepeta said.
Eridan sighed, and eyed her for a moment as if her were considering something. "Okay, neither of us can deny that Feferi and Karkat used to take up a large portion of our lives. You need to accept that, Nep. It's not going to be easy, and it hasn't been for me, but you need to at least try, okay? Fef and I used to eat here when she had no plans for her Friday night, and so she always got that. It's steak," Eridan explained quickly.
Nepeta nearly missed all of his rambling, but picked up his meaning nonetheless.
She sighed. "You're right. Okay. Sorry. I'll try, and sure, I'll take that."
When their waiter returned Eridan ordered their food for them and they got their drinks. They sipped on their tea, which Nepeta hadn't expected to come hot and in a mug, and made talk about recent events concerning the time they were apart.
"Your father lost his job? I'm so sorry, Nep."
"Yeah. My mother has been searching desperately for more work. When they visited, they bought me a lot of food, but my dad asked if I could send some money home when I had extra, to kinda help them a little. It's scary enough when one of them loses their job, but it's absolutely terrifying when they ask their own kid for money."
"Sorry Nep. That's awful."
Eventually Nepeta discovered what Eridan had gone through during their separation; and apparently his father had tried to reconnect with him. He told her his father had first gotten him and his brother to meet up, and then later the three of them all met up. His father was getting married, and he wanted them to be in the wedding and become the sons he'd always had but never recognized. Eridan then went on to say that the meet up went a little worse than bad, and ended up with everyone leaving with a few bruises. Eridan said because he didn't pursue physical fitness and was the most hateful of the three, he left with quite a bit more than his father or brother.
"My father is nothing short of an alcoholic and an abuser. My life has been hell because of him, Feferi was the only positive influence I ever had in my life. I never even knew my mother. Cronus used to tell me stories at night of how my father murdered my mother, because apparently Cronus had seen her a few times before I came around," Eridan explained.
"Eridan...that's so awful...I never even knew the extent of how bad it was...I'm so sorry."
He set his hand on the table and grabbed hers. "Like you said Nep, everyone deserves a family. I'm glad I finally have one," Eridan said with a small smile.
A short while later their food was brought out. Nepeta had never eaten anything so good. Her stomach couldn't handle the entire plate, however, so she had to stop eating before she was even halfway done.
Just before she stopped attempting to eat her dish, the classical music that had been playing softly in the restaurant stopped. On the other side of the room, a light was turned on and shone on a grand piano.
"What's this?" She asked Eridan.
"Looks like the show is about to start. Sometimes they have guests come and play while the customers dine. I've only ever seen one or two, they're pretty rare," Eridan said, looking at the piano.
An older gentleman seated himself on the piano bench. He wore a grey fedora with a matching grey vest and pants. There was a mic fixed onto the piano that he spoke softly into, and introduced himself. Nepeta didn't catch his name but was immediately transfixed on his voice.
He wasted no time to start playing, his fingers moving elegantly across the keys on the piano. When he sung, his hands didn't falter and his music made Nepeta sway in her seat.
"Do you dance?" Eridan asked her.
"What? No. I just like the song," Nepeta said defensively.
Eridan chuckled. "I wouldn't judge you if I did, I mean...I do, so..."
"Wait, what? You dance?"
"Yeah, just a little. Growing up, Feferi made me take all of the dance classes she took with her. I've done hip hop, jazz, and yeah...ballet. I've taken more dance classes than I'd care to admit," Eridan said, smiling slightly.
Nepeta laughed a little. "I can't picture you dancing, I just can't."
"I really didn't like it. Although, I did enjoy ballroom, a little," Eridan admitted.
"Ballroom? Like the princess-type couple dancing?"
Eridan laughed slightly. "Yeah, I guess so. I could show you."
Nepeta paled and the lump in her throat returned. "Oh, I don't think so..."
"Come on, we can go out into the courtyard where no one else can see us, and I'll teach you the basics. Don't you like this music? We can dance to it, together," Eridan said.
"Eridan, I really haven't ever danced, much less ballroom dancing," Nepeta said.
"What about the school dances and stuff? It's just like that, except there's more to it than just swaying each other around," Eridan was practically begging at this point. "C'mon Nep, it's been forever since I've done any ballroom-type dancing. I really want to do it with you."
"Eridan, I never slow danced at those dances. I never had a date...well, I did, one year, but really...I just...I'm probably so awful," Nepeta said.
"You've...never slow danced?" Eridan asked, slightly taken aback.
Nepeta only shook her head.
At this point, Eridan stood up and offered his hand. "Come on, I'm not going to stand for this."
"Eridan for fuck's sake sit down," Nepeta whispered, wrinkling her nose and looking around the room, making sure no one was staring.
"Nope. Come on Nep, I'm just going to stand here until you come with me," Eridan said with a sly smile.
"The last time you pressed me into doing something I ended up nearly drowning," Nepeta said. After the words came out, she immediately regretted them.
Eridan's smile fell and his hand dropped to his side. "Nepeta..."
She sighed and hung her head. She looked back up at him, stood up, and grabbed his hand. "I'm sorry. Let's go dance or whatever."
He squeezed her hand and led her towards the general direction of the musician. There was a set of double doors on the wall near him, with one door fixed open. He led her out the door and into a beautiful courtyard.
It was small enough, but still almost the size of Nepeta's apartment. The center was all brick, as well as two paths that led to the center from two different entrances to the courtyard. There was a pond tucked away in a corner, and a small stepping stone path that intertwined tall grasses opposite of the pond.
He led her to the very center of the courtyard, and stood close in front of her. He placed her hand on his back and grabbed her other hand. He placed his hand on her lower back and pulled her gently closer to him. "So I'm going to step here, and you stay still, and I'll show you where to move next."
He showed her the steps through a basic dance, and she could hardly concentrate. She could feel her own heart beating against the smooth material of his suit. She couldn't get over his smell, the faint lingering scent of cigarette smoke that was masked, but yet mingled nicely, with his cologne. She hoped he couldn't smell her sweat and cheap deodorant like she could smell him.
She stepped on his foot. She was too preoccupied with smells to even concentrate on their dancing. He laughed as she quickly apologized. "It's fine, you're fine. You have no idea how many times that's happened to me, actually. You're fine. You're doing really well for the first time through."
"Am I?" She laughed a little. "I...don't feel too confident on my dancing yet."
"You're doing absolutely perfect. I bet you could do the steps perfectly without even thinking about it," Eridan said, beaming.
"Please."
With that, Eridan moved in the motions of the first step, and Nepeta followed flawlessly.
"Ohmigosh!" Nepeta exclaimed. They both laughed and grinned.
"See? You're a natural," Eridan said, planting a kiss on her forehead.
"Alright, I guess I can admit this dancing stuff is a little fun," Nepeta said playfully.
"Then let's dance," Eridan said.
So they started dancing.
Although her dress was short and her hair put up, they bounced and flowed as she moved, and flew elegantly around her. Her eyes sparkled as they locked with his, and he gazed back at her with adoration and happiness. It was pure joy they felt captivate them as they moved around the courtyard, guided only by the movements which had become involuntary and the music flowing from inside.
By this point, the musician was playing a cover a song Nepeta knew well, but didn't recognize as her mind was preoccupied by other matters.
They moved with quick feet and a slight bounce to their step as the song continued on, the two of them both completely unknowing of the end of their dance and utterly lost in their own world. As the music came to an end, they both became a little more aware and clumsy, and Nepeta found herself singing along softly with the pianist as full recognition hit her.
This could be the end of everything.
Eridan pressed his forehead to hers and they both slowed their steps.
So why don't we go?
She could feel his breath on her lips.
Somewhere only we know.
He moved in closer, his lips were brushing hers now.
Somewhere only we know.
They locked lips, and found their own little 'somewhere.'