And here is Chapter Eight of Tawni with a Chance of Nico (And Vice Versa). I just realized what a random title that was…

Only two more chapters after this, but I might do a sequel, if I get any ideas. Feel free to give me any ideas.

Don't own Sonny with a Chance, just the plot of this story.

Chapter Eight: It Can't Be You

There was dead silence for the next few minutes as they just stared at each other, unmoving, undeniably stunned beyond belief or comprehension.

Nico's eyes travelled down Tawni's figure, taking in the outfit she had on: a simple black dress that reached her knees, with no sleeves, and matching heels, with a little makeup. It was certainly a lot less makeup than she usually had on. Her hair was curled nicely and hung around her face in elegant waves. She had a small black purse in her hand.

At the same time, Tawni was examining Nico's attire. He was wearing one of his usual hats, of course, a black one. He had a white shirt on, and had left it untucked, to make the outfit seem a little less formal. He wore a black tie and black dress pants, with nice shoes.

Nico was the first to speak. "You're the one who's been sending me all those gifts and those letters?" There was a hint of incredulity in his tone.

Tawni frowned. "What are you talking about? You were the one sending me all these things."

"Huh? I never sent—" Nico argued.

"Yeah!" Tawni insisted, pulling out the letter from her purse. "See." She moved closer to him and showed him the paper he'd supposedly sent her.

Nico's eyes widened. "This isn't my writing. And it's the same as the writing in the notes I've been getting! So that must mean…!"

"We've been set up!"

99999

In the vent overhead, Zora watched the two, fighting the urge to roll her eyes when they finally, finally realized the obvious fact: they'd been set up.

Pulling out her walkie talkie, she pressed the first button and whispered to Grady on the other end, "They just realized it was all a set-up."

99999

Where he was, in the kitchen, Grady nodded to Sonny, who immediately started to get the food ready.

Pressing the button to talk, he replied to his younger friend, "Thanks, Zora. Now we've gotta count on Chad to actually get them in here, and then Sonny and I will do the rest."

"I'll tell Chad. Zora out."

With that, Grady rushed out to set the table.

99999

Zora pressed the second button on her walkie talkie. This connected her to Chad's walkie talkie.

"CDC here. Is it my turn yet? I'm bored."

Zora rolled her eyes: she really believed she was surrounded by idiots sometimes. "Yeah, Drama Pants, it's your turn." She paused to glance down at Tawni and Nico, who were standing there, looking uncomfortable, and were avoiding each other's gaze. "Get them in there."

"Will do. Chad out."

99999

Tawni glanced up at the sound of approaching footsteps. She suppressed a squeal of shock as a bent "old man" came around the corner slowly.

He had dirty grey hair and held a walking stick. He wore a long black coat, and actually looked a little like Scrooge from A Christmas Carol, complete with hooked nose and glasses. He also had a slight limp.

Tawni ducked behind Nico in slight fright, clutching her purse. "Don't steal my purse!" she yelped.

Nico snorted quietly, sparing the girl a slight smile before turning back to the man. "Uh, sir? I think you might be in the wrong place."

The man raised his head to look in Nico's eyes: his eyes were a brilliant, bright blue.

Nico frowned: he knew he'd seen those eyes somewhere before. But where…?

The man (Chad, obviously) lowered his head and allowed himself a tiny smile. "I don't think so." His reply was in a quavering elderly voice.

"Are you going to steal my purse?" Tawni interjected cautiously, as well as clutching at Nico's hand unconsciously.

Nico noticed this, even if the girl didn't, and blushed furiously, raising his free hand to rub the back of his neck in nervousness.

The "old man" rolled his eyes and replied, "Do you think I'm capable of stealing your purse, missy?"

"Not really, but you never know…" She tightened her grip on Nico's hand.

"Well, if you youngsters are here, why shouldn't I be?" The man decided to ignore the blonde girl and addressed Nico instead.

"We kinda came here by accident," Nico replied sheepishly.

"Ah, you two are on a 'date' if I'm not mistaken?"

"Not really…"

"Well, I left my hat in that cursed cafeteria this afternoon. Would you mind getting it for me? My legs are tired after walking back here."

"Oh, well, sure." Nico gave the man a nod, and pulled Tawni along with him. She went in first, and froze completely at the sight before her.

This escaped Nico's notice, and as he entered, he turned back to ask the man what colour his hat was.

He found himself face-to-face with the now-locked glass doors of the cafeteria. Through them, he watched the man pull off his wig and glasses.

It was Chad?

'Of course,' Nico realized. 'That's where I've seen the eyes. Sonny's always going on about them.'

"Let us out, Chad!" he growled aloud, and Chad smirked arrogantly at his success.

"No can do! Peace out, sukkahs!" With his signature parting line, Chad sprinted out of sight, still grinning triumphantly in victory.

"When I get outta here, I'm gonna throttle the drama outta him," Nico promised himself in a low voice.

"Uh, Nico?" Tawni's voice was awed and hollow.

"What, Tawni?" he snapped, irritated, turning around. He too froze in shock.

There was just one table in the centre of the room, and one candle lit on it, casting a pretty glow. Surrounding the room were more candles, as well as flowers. The table was set for two, and someone stood waiting in the shadows.

Nico eyed the figure, noting it looked familiar.

Then Grady stepped out of the darkness dressed in a waiter's outfit, much to both of the teens' shock. He placed two menus on the table, and left.

As though in a trance, Tawni moved to the table and sat down, examining the menu. Her eyes widened in delight and surprise. "It's got all my favourite things: César salad, kebabs, chocolate cake, and all this other stuff!"

Nico joined her, picking up his own menu. "Yeah, there're a few things I like here too… Spaghetti, steak, ice-cream…"

Tawni gave him a timid glance. "Do you want to…eat? With me?"

Nico paused for a moment, not looking at her, and then murmured, "Okay."

He sat down opposite her. Grady appeared once more, a grin on his face as he questioned, "What'll it be?"

Nico gave his friend an inquiring look, and when it wasn't acknowledged, he replied, "Spaghetti, and vanilla ice-cream as dessert. Just water to drink, thanks."

"Um, I'll have the César salad, please, with the chocolate cake for dessert, and just water to drink."

"Will that be all?" Grady asked importantly.

"Yeah, thanks." Nico answered with a nod.

When Grady had left, Nico gazed across at Tawni, and said thoughtfully, "I'm guessing Sonny and even Zora had something to do with this too."

Tawni smiled and nodded. "But why?"

Nico frowned. "I dunno."

"Well, anyway, why'd you agree to have dinner with me in the first place?" Tawni looked curious.

"It just felt like the right thing to do." Nico shrugged.

Grady reappeared yet again with their water, and then left.

Nico poured some from the bottle into the glasses and raised his. "To us?"

Tawni smiled, clinking her glass against his. "To us." she agreed with a small smile.

Well, how was that? Good, bad? As always, review.

I think this is the most number of pages I've ever written…

Well, hope you liked it!

I Like Writing Romance