Chapter 8- Let's Just Call It What It Really Is: Part 1

Rory was simply standing there confused as Mels searched through his closet. When he and Amy told her that they decided to just be friends, she didn't seem like she was upset. Even so her behavior at the moment seemed very strange. As Rory was about to leave for the party she had shown she had just shown up at Rory's unannounced to pick out an outfit for him. He tried to protest but she wasn't even listening to him.

"Mels why are you doing this?" Rory asked confused.

"Well Rory, I need to make sure you look good for your date tonight."

Rory froze for a second, "What are you talking about?"

"Your date with Amy tonight. Aren't you two going to Jeff's party together?"

"We are technically going together, but only because you have seen how Amy drives. It's not a date. We're just friends."

"Whatever you say mate," Mels said to Rory with a devilish grin. "Either way you don't want to disappoint."

"We're just friends, Mels," Rory insisted.

"Whatever you say Rory," Mels sad smiling, "either way there will be other women there so try not to make May too jealous."

"Whatever," Rory gave in as Mels was laying out an outfit for him. "But trust me, it's not a date."

"I heard you the first time, you don't have to keep going on about it." Mels said as she finished, "There you go, perfect. Now I will be on my way. Before I go though, some advice on the hair. Comb it to the side, not straight down. And you wonder why she thought you were gay."

"That's it," Rory said as he pushed her out of his room.

"You two are so high maintenance. Have fun!" Mels yelled as Rory could hear her leave the house.

"Finally," Rory said to himself as he got ready for the party. As he finished getting dressed, he had to admit that Mels had done a good job. He certainly appeared more stylish than usual.

"Goodbye Dad, I will be out late tonight," Rory called on his way out.

"Enjoy your date with Amy, Rory," his Dad said from the other room.

"It's not a date!" Rory yelled as he slammed the door behind him.

When he arrived at Amy's house he walked up to the front door and rang the doorbell. That was when he realized how nervous he really was. He and Amy had been friends so long he couldn't remember the last time he had rung her doorbell. "Damn it Mels. It's not a date. We agreed to just be friends," he whispered to himself. Rory closed his eyes attempting to compose himself as he heard Amy come to answer the door.

"Rory, did you ring the doorbell?" Amy asked as she opened the door. Rory opened his eyes and simply stared. She was beautiful. Amy had cut her hair so that it was just past her shoulders. She was wearing a low-cut top with a brown jacket and the most amazing mini skirt he had ever seen. Rory shook the thought out of his head returning to reality.

"Yeah, sorry about that," he managed to say. "Figured I would just see if it still worked," he tried to joke. "You look fantastic, by the way."

"Thanks," Amy smiled back at Rory. "You don't look too bad yourself."

"Yeah, well I wish I could take the credit," Rory said as they walked to his car. "Mels came over and helped. Or rather she insisted that I should wear this."

"Well, she was right. You should listen to her more often," Amy laughed as she got into the car. Rory laughed nervously before getting in himself. He had to take a breath before driving away.

Amy had noticed that Rory had been acting a bit strange but didn't want to bring it up. She thought if she did, he would notice her acting strangely also. The truth was that Amy had been nervous the entire day. She and Rory had decided to just be friends, but she was still anxious about spending time with him tonight. She had tried to convince herself that it was simply the awkwardness of hanging out now that they knew they liked each other. It was not working now though.

She kept darting back and forth between looking over at Rory and on to the road ahead. Amy kept admiring how handsome he actually was. She wasn't lying when she told Mels he was gorgeous the other day. She cursed her friend silently. Amy was sure the shirt he was currently wearing was new and Amy had no doubt that Mels had picked it up for him. She then smiled because she doubted Rory had even noticed. It was just something else that made Rory special to her.

She faced forward again determined to stop staring at her friend. Amy was suddenly feeling self-conscious though. She realized that she had gotten her hair cut and purchased new clothes simply because they were going to be together tonight. At the time she was convinced it was just because she needed a change, but it was for Rory. What was worse was that she was really happy he noticed.

Amy shook off her daze hoping Rory hadn't noticed her staring. She thought of saying something a few times but decided against it. She was too afraid that if they spoke it would reveal why things were so awkward between them. So the car ride to Jeff's was spent in complete uncomfortable silence.

Several minutes later they had arrived at Jeff's place and saw that the party was already in full swing. Rory and Amy both took a breath as they got out of the car. Rory was sure he had seen Amy staring at him for a part of the drive, but decided it would be better not to bring it up. He was afraid she had noticed how nervous he had been, which had made him even stiffer.

They paused as they reached the front door and Amy decided to fight the nervousness she was feeling. "All right Rory, now I'm going to warn you. In here there will be girls. Girls that may even find you attractive."

Rory rolled his eyes at Amy's sarcasm, "Thanks for that."

"Now, it may be difficult considering your lack of experience. But with the right push, I think you could have some fun at this party."

"It's all right Amy," Rory laughed. "You don't have to set me up or anything. I'm fine just hanging out. Some good music and drinks are enough."

"Rory, as your friend it is my duty to make sure you have the best time possible."

Rory smiled at this. He rarely came to these parties, as he never truly fit in. He wasn't sure how this one would be any different, but he was determined to have a good time. It was important to Amy, so it was important to him. Besides, if anyone else had thought he was gay it would be good to get rid of that rumor as soon as possible.

"All right then, I am at your mercy. Lead the way Pond," Rory said gesturing towards the door.

A/N: Sorry about the delay in posting and the cliffhanger. This chapter was really a monster for me. In fact it was such a monster I decided to split it into two. I will try to get the other half up by tomorrow as an apology. Obviously this chapter is practically a sequel to the last two. They are all connected because I felt that it would take a series of pretty large events to get Amy and Rory together. Hopefully you enjoy how I accomplish it in the next chapter.

Thanks for the follows and reviews. I am glad people seem to be enjoying the story. I was very tentative on how many chapters I should write before getting them on the TARDIS so I am glad people are sticking with it.

Hope you enjoy!