Let The Mother of all Dates Begin
The next morning, Blu wakes up to see that Jewel was still sleeping after a long day at the toucan's hollow while he was briefly away at his meeting with Nico and Pedro to discuss his proposal plans the day before. Next to Jewel's side was the blue velvet box that contained the engagement he plans on giving to Jewel the following evening even though she had yet to ask him about it. Then, Nico and Pedro flew over to the hollow to check on Blu.
"Good morning baby bird" quietly greeted Nico as he approached his spix macaw friend.
"What's up there Blu?" asked Pedro quietly for he knew that Jewel was still asleep.
"Well" said Blu as he narrowed his wings together in a nervous fashion. "I asked Jewel if she would like to go the Samba Club with me yesterday".
Nico looked at Blu for one moment in a very excited manner for he knew that his friend was ready for the moment when he's feels that the time had come for him to propose to Jewel. "So" asked Nico "Did she say "yes" to the date".
"Of course she did" smiled Blu.
"That's wonderful that you were able to get her to go on the date with you yesterday" cheered Pedro as he and Nico gave each other high fives as a way to show their praise for their beloved friend.
While Blu felt really good about asking his girlfriend out on his pre-engagement date, there was one thing that was on his mind that he did not want Jewel to see until he proposed to her the following evening...The engagement ring.
"Guys" Blu said to Nico and Pedro. "I can't let Jewel see the engagement ring or else it would ruin everything for the proposal".
"So do you want us to hang on to the box until this evening" asked Nico.
"Please do" answered Blu "but be very careful with that ring because it's very old and fragile".
"Don't worry bro" Pedro said to Blu as he ensured that nothing would happen to priceless ring. "I promise you that nothing bad is going to happen to it".
Blu then quietly walked by Jewel and carefully picked up the velvet box with his beak and walked back over to the hollow's opening where Nico and Pedro waited for the tiny box that they can then take with them to hold on to until the moment their friend pops the question to his girlfriend.
"Here's the ring guys" whispered Blu as he passed the box on Nico.
"Thank you very much Blu" Smiled Nico.
"We promise you that we will take really good care of it while you have the best date of your life!" exclaimed Pedro.
Soon, Blu heard his girlfriend moaning as she was about to wake up from her sleep which caused him to panic a little bit but still, he did not want to spoil anything at all.
"Guys, Jewel is about to wake up" mumbled Blu as he eyed Jewel in a worried manner.
"My goodness, we can't let her accidentally ruin the surprise" said Pedro.
"We'll see you at the Samba Club today" said Nico as he and Pedro took off from Blu and Jewel's hollow to make preparations for the date and proposal.
"Bye guys" smiled Blu as he bid his farewells to his two friends. Soon however, Jewel finally woke up to see that her boyfriend was looking over the horizon. She then walked over to him before putting her left wing around him.
"Good Morning Pet" cooed Jewel as she kissed Blu on his right cheek. "Who were you talking to just moments ago?" she asked.
"Oh" said Blu in a socially awkward way as his face began to sweat and his legs began to shake nervously "I was just talking to Nico and Pedro because they were stopping by to say hello that was all".
Jewel studied her boyfriend's nervous expression for a few moments before all the thoughts about the date came immediately back to her. "Did Nico and Pedro come to the hollow to ask you about today's date?" she asked.
"No, No" lied Blu.
"Okay then" said Jewel even though she knew that Blu's conversation with Nico and Pedro was likely about their date despite the fact that she was still sleeping when that meeting happened. Then, she began to ask him about their upcoming date. "So sweetie, are you ready for our date then?"
"You want to start the date now?" asked Blu.
"Yes Blu" replied Jewel.
"As you wish honey" He said back to her.
It was then, that the spix macaw couple took off for what could become the best date that Jewel may regard as the best she has ever had with Blu.
…
Five minutes after Blu and Jewel left their hollow, the couple have made it to a trolley that would eventually being them to the Samba Club where they were to dance the day away until the time would come for Blu to sweep Jewel away to the tree house where he plans to ask her for her wing in marriage. For now however, Blu's main focus was ensuring that his girlfriend would enjoy what has officially become their second date and it is on the trolley is where Blu and Jewel sit on its rooftop just so they can enjoy viewing the beautiful scenery that the city of Rio De Janerio had to offer.
"The view of this city is beautiful" sighted Jewel.
"I know right" smiled Blu.
"Yeah" said Jewel. "This little ride on the trolley reminds me of that evening where you were about to tell me that you loved me when that flower petal flew into your wind-pipe" she smiled as she put her left wing around her dark blue boyfriend.
"Gee, I almost choked to death trying to tell you that I loved you" recalled Blu with sock and humor in his jolly voice as he began to gently rub her back. "Rafael was telling me to tell you how I felt for you when it all went wrong".
"Relax dear" said Jewel in a loving tone "I knew what you were about to say that evening and when you jumped off that plane to save my life, it was then, that I knew that you loved me and you would never want anything bad to happen".
The young couple then shared a very passionate kiss that lasted for about a few seconds before Blu's eyes began to set sight of the white tent which was the Samba Club.
"Jewel" squawked Blu. "We're here. I think we are at the Samba Club".
"Oh dear, let's go" declared Jewel.
…
So, Blu and Jewel flew off the trolley's roof top and headed right their way to the Samba club where the height of the pre-engagement date would eventually begin. There, the couple walked into the dark tent that was surrounded by colorful lights that lightened the club in its entirety while it remained crowded by dozens of party-going birds who had come to the club just so they could have a good time with their friends. The sight of Blu and Jewel has attracted the attention of Nico and Pedro who have been helping Blu plan this date since he began to consider proposing to Jewel.
"Pedro look" said Nico pointing at their two spix macaw friends.
"They're here already?" Pedro asked his friend.
"Yes they are and we shall them greet them" answered Nico.
Pedro nodded his head.
The two party-going friends flew over to where Blu and Jewel were just so they could greet them while the wild atmosphere went on as usual.
"Well if it isn't our favorite love birds Blu and Jewel" said Nico looking at his favorite couple.
""I'm so glad that you guys finally came!" exclaimed Pedro.
The four friends shared their greetings with each other just before Nico and Pedro decided that they felt that Blu needed to speak to them just so they can ensure that everything was going well just as planned by Blu himself.
"Can Pedro and I borrow Blu for one moment please?" Nico asked Jewel.
"If you must, then okay" replied Jewel.
Nico and Pedro then gently grabbed on to Blu's wing and brought him to the side of the tent where Jewel cannot hear the three friends talking about the plan that they all had under their sleeves. Pedro made sure that the coast was clear from Jewel's presence and that she was doing nothing but dancing to music that playing in the club.
"Coast is clear for Jewel is now dancing her heat away to the music" said Pedro as he was relieved to see that Jewel was not listening to his and Nico's meeting with Blu.
"Okay now Baby Bird" Nico said to Blu "Now that you and Jewel have finally arrived at the Samba Club, I think that you should pick out some very special songs that hold a very special meaning to both you and Jewel".
"What do you mean as in special songs?" Blu asked his canary friend in a confused manner.
"Well, for dates that we have here at the club" Nico explained to his dark blue friend "We let the planning love bird to pick out four special songs for their love. One is for a dance that they have together, another where one love bird sings it as a solo while the next song is the one that their sole mate sings to while the last song will be sung as a duet by the couple."
As Blu listened to Nico's explanation, he began to think about the songs he wanted to hear be played at the club that had a very special meeting to both him and Jewel. He then, went over to a little corner that was set up by his party-going friends just for this special occasion. At this corner, there was an unused wooden box that was covered with a pink and purple blanket that had a red heart at its center; and on top of it was a piece of paper, a book that contained a list of popular love songs, a small bouquet of roses, a mango, and a pencil. After he got to the "table", Blu opened up the book to pick out which love songs that he wanted to be heard during his date with Jewel.
"For our dance, I think this song will suit us fine" said Blu writing down his first song choice. He then, continued to read book for the song he was planning to sing to Jewel after their pre-engagement dance. "Awe, this song was played at Linda's prom almost ten years ago" he said while he continued to write down the title of the song that was played at Linda's prom "I think I'll sing this beautiful song to Jewel as a wonderful token of my forever love and gratitude to her" Blu smiled as he continued to write the name of the song on the paper. After that, he now began to focus on the third song that would be sung by Jewel herself. He looked through the pages of the book, which contained hundreds of heartfelt songs that all had very special meanings before coming across a single page that featured the title of a song in which its lyrics described how he and Jewel felt for each other. Blu loved the title of it so much that he wrote it down on the paper as a song for Jewel to sing. "This song is so perfect for Jewel to sing" Blu smiled placing a wing on his heart. Then, Nico came to check on his male spic macaw friend to see that he was now on looking for a duet for him and the love of his life to sing.
"What's up there Blu?" asked Nico who was soon joined by Pedro.
"You look like you're taking this whole love song thing seriously" Pedro said to Blu.
"Yeah" smiled Blu. "I have already found three perfect songs that I fell have beautiful meanings to Jewel and I".
"So, I'm guessing you are now looking for a song that you and Jewel can do a duet to." assumed Nico.
"The book we gave you has tons of songs that you and Jewel can sing to" reassured Pedro.
"I can see that" said Blu pointing a page of the book with talon. "But, I'm having trouble finding a song that Jewel and I could sing a duet to because there are just too many" he said frowning.
Pedro looked at the book one moment as he turned to the pages forward only to come across a song that was very familiar to everyone in the corner. "Hey Blu, is that the song the bird doctor played at the breeding chamber when you and Jewel first met?" he asked.
Blu took a look at the page for one moment and before long, memories of that first day he met Jewel and the song Tulio played to help him fall in love with her all came back to him. "All my goodness, you found that wonderful song Tulio played when tried to help me and Jewel fall in love!" he cheered quietly in order to avoid his excitement being heard by Jewel who was still dancing alone in the center of the club. Agreeing to the song choice for his duet, Blu happily wrote it down on the paper and gave it to Nico so he could have them be played for the rest of the spix macaw couple's time at the club.
"These are great song choices" declared Nico reading the paper.
"Now all we need is the magic itself, which is you and Jewel" cheered Pedro.
The two birds then flew to the platform to prepare the music while Blu returned to Jewel with the mango in his beak and the bouquet of roses in his wings to give to his girlfriend. This soon got the lonesome Jewel's attention right away.
"There you are Blu" smiled Jewel, giving a kiss to her nerdy boyfriend. "I was starting to wonder where you went".
Blu dropped the mango out of his beak in order to speak clearly to Jewel "Well, I had to speak to Nico and Pedro for one moment and they wanted to give you these" he said giving the mango and the rose bouquet to her.
Jewel eyed at the two gifts that Blu had in his possession for her and smiled at them like a ray of sunshine in the morning. "Awe Blu, sweetie, you did not have to give me these gifts but, they are so beautiful" she smiled taking the bouquet from Blu's wings and held them in her own before placing one rose on the side of her head.
"You look so beautiful with that rose on your head" complimented Blu.
"Oh thank you so much and by the way I'm so glad you did not forget about the fruit" she said gobbling up the mango with one bite.
"Anytime Jewel" he said back at her.
…
The couple shared a romantic kiss for one moment before Nico interrupted to make his announcement about Blu and Jewel. At that moment, the crowd went silent just to hear that Nico and Pedro had to say about their two spix macaw friends.
"Alright listen up everybody" Nico announced. "Blu wanted to treat Jewel to a heartfelt date to express his love and devotion to her and so, to help him out, he has requested for us to play some songs that are very dear to him".
"You heard my bro" said Pedro flying around the club at the speed of light. "Blu is going to show some love to his girl right here and right now!" he exclaimed.
"Hit it guys and let's make it soft and romantic as possible" Nico addressed the club's band as they begin to play to requested song. Then, Nico stood at the middle of the platform placed his wings together and put a smile on his face and began to sing along with the band.
At last, my love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song
Jewel was surprised to hear the lovely music play in the background of the Samba Club for it usually plays the regular techno samba music throughout the day. Yet, she knew that Blu was behind this change in music and he had a good reason behind it too. "Blu, this song is so beautiful" she said looking at her boyfriend before putting both her wings around him.
"I made some requests to make this date a little special just for the two of us" romantically smiled Blu as he began to dance slowly with her across the floor of the club which attracted the attention of all the other animals that were watching them. Meanwhile, Nico continued to sing that special song that Blu requested for their special date.
Oh, yeah, at last
The skies above are blue
My heart was wrapped up in clovers
The night I looked at you
With him and Jewel still dancing to the romantic music, Blu got a little more comfortable dancing the day away by slightly dipping Jewel and then, gently pressing her against his body where she laid her head onto his ever
beating heart.
I found a dream that I could speak to
A dream that I can call my own
I found a thrill to rest my cheek to
A thrill that I have never known
Oh, yeah when you smile, you smile
Oh, and then the spell was cast
And here we are in heaven
For you are mine
At last
As the song came to an end, Blu, who still had Jewel in his wings, slightly dipped her only to give her a very passionate kiss in which to the delight of the watching crowd, caused a huge applause among the wild crowd that got excited to see the spix macaw couple kiss at the Samba Club for the first time. Pedro flew over to Nico and put his wing around him as they awed at the sight of their blue friends kissing in front of them.
"Nico" Pedro said to his canary friend.
"Yes bro" Nico said back to him.
"I think this date is going very well" smiled Pedro. "Heaven knows that Blu knew what he was doing and it's making me look forward to this evening when he proposes to her." He said as he unleashed his excitement.
"I know" nodded Nico. "But right now, I think it's time for Blu to sing his heartfelt song to his angel from above" he then declared. Nico once again stood at the center of the platform getting everyone's attention, including Blu and Jewel's, regarding the next act that was coming up. "Okay everyone that was so wonderful to see Blu and Jewel show their love for each other by dancing and kissing, Blu now wants to sing a lovely song to show how much he loves her.
"I guess this is your cue to sing in front of everyone" said Jewel smiling at her boyfriend.
"Okay honey" blushed Blu as he gave Jewel a quick kiss on her cheek before he made his way to platform to sing his heartfelt song to her. He then, got on to platform to say a few words for a moment. "Hello everyone" said Blu as he smiled awkwardly at the crowd. "The song I am about to sing was played at my human companion's prom about ten years ago and this song is all about always being there for the one you love, both in good times and in bad times. This is a song that's for Jewel, the bird who has given me the power to fly, as well as a much better bird than who I was back home in Minnesota" he said pointing a wing at Jewel. He then, eyed at the band that began to play the music while Blu took a deep breath and started singing.
Come stop your crying
It will be all right
Just take my hand
Hold it tight
I will protect you from all around you
I will be here
Don't you cry
For one so small, you seem so strong
My arms will hold you
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry
'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart always
Don't listen to him
'Cause what does he know
We need each other to have, to hold
He'll see in time
I know
When destiny calls you
You most be strong
I may not be with you
But you've got to hold on
They'll see in time
We'll show them together
'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart
always, aways
Always
At that moment Blu stopped for one moment as he took another deep breath as the music died down and the crowds of animals applaud at his singing. At the center was Jewel who crossed her wings together and tearfully smiled at Blu's heartfelt song that was just sung to her.
"Bravo Blu" she cheered at Blu applauding to his song. "It's the most beautiful song I have ever heard and it makes me love you more than I did a month ago". She knew what the words in Blu's songs meant and by the time he came down from the platform to rejoin her, all she could was run up to him, romantically embrace him before giving him a very long and deep kiss.
Romantically delighted by Blu's beautiful song, Pedro knew that it was time for Jewel to sing now. So, the feisty red-crested cardinal flew down strait towards the female spix macaw and pointed a wing on her shoulder. "Jewel, I think it's time for you to sing now" he said to her.
"Me? Sing? Now?" gasped Jewel.
"Relax there you hot wing" cooed Pedro "You should sing a song that means everything to both you and Blu and how it makes your love strong".
Pedro gently dragged a shocked Jewel onto the platform where stood before the crowd before she shook off her reaction for she had realized that she was brought up there to sing a song that Blu had requested to be sung at the club for their date. Nico then flew over to Jewel to show her the paper and the title of the song that Blu wanted her to sing if she chose to do so. She and Nico looked over the paper for about a few moments and to her delight, she truly loved the song choice that Blu picked out for her.
"Oh my, I remember this song being played when I was recovering at the aviary" smiled Jewel. "I think I'll sing this song".
Nico grinned at his friend and flew over where the club band was to get ready to play the next song that Jewel was going to sing. Jewel then looked at the crowd for one moment and spoke gently.
"The song I'm about to sing was played at the aviary when I was recovering from my broken wing". She said, "Although he picked it out himself, it still reminds me of those long six weeks of recovery there and it was very hard. However, I did not face that journey on my own. My boyfriend, Blu, cared for me during my recovery and during that time, he has taught me that strength is not come from the outside; it's from what's in the heart. I am so forever grateful to have this amazing bird by my side and I hope that I can continue to spend the rest of my life with him". She flapped her wings a little bit before she pointed a wing at the band to play the requested song. Then, she eyed Blu and said "Blu my love, this song is for you".
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.
It must have been cold there in my shadow,
to never have sunlight on your face.
You were content to let me shine, that's your way.
You always walked a step behind.
So I was the one with all the glory,
while you were the one with all the strength.
A beautiful face without a name for so long.
A beautiful smile to hide the pain.
Did you ever know that you're my hero,
and everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.
It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
but I've got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it.
I would be nothing without you.
Did you ever know that you're my hero?
You're everything I wish I could be.
I could fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.
Did I ever tell you you're my hero?
You're everything, everything I wish I could be.
Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.
Oh, the wind beneath my wings.
You, you, you, you are the wind beneath my wings.
Fly, fly, fly away. You let me fly so high.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.
Fly, fly, fly high against the sky,
so high I almost touch the sky.
Thank you, thank you,
thank God for you, the wind beneath my wings.
As the musical band ended the song, Jewel lovingly looked at Blu for one moment and smiled at him as if she had never smiled in her life. "Blu, you're the best thing that could ever happened to me!" she declared to him. It was then followed a big applause by the crowd at the Samba Club while Jewel flew over to Blu from the platform, took him back on it, just so she can pull him inwards and give him another passionate kiss.
"Now Blu and Jewel would like to wrap things up by singing a duet to one of their favorite songs" announced Pedro while he was getting the crowd's attention for the last time. "This song was first played by that bird doctor when he tried to get Blu and Jewel to fall in love with each other and it has been a favorite to them ever since". Pedro then pointed a wing at his two spix macaw friends who then, came a little closer to the edge of the platform before he then drew his attention to Nico and the band as they began to play the music the next song.
"This song sounds pretty familiar" said Jewel listening to the tune.
"I think this is our que to sing together" Blu said to Jewel listing the music. Soon Blu began to sing the love song.
Say you, say me
Say it for always, that's the way it should be
Say you, say me
Say it together, naturally
Jewel soon sang the next verse of the song as she smiled back at Blu in a very romantic fashion.
I had a dream I had an awesome dream
People in the park playing games in the dark
And what they played was a masquerade
And from behind of walls of doubt a voice was crying out
The couple then sang the next verse together.
Say you, say me
Say it for always, that's the way it should be
Say you, say me
Say it together, naturally.
Happy to see that Jewel had gotten into the spirit of singing the song, Blu continued to sing the song by singing its next verse which was soon followed by Jewel soon after.
As we go down life's lonesome highway
Seems the hardest thing to do is to find a friend or two
A helping hand - some one who understands
That when you feel you've lost your way
You've got some one there to say I'll show you
Soon, Blu and Jewel began to embrace each other as they sang the next verse together.
Say you, say me
Say it for always, that's the way it should be
Say you, say me
Say it together, naturally.
It was then that Blu began to sing the next part of song with Jewel following him along the way, which has caused the crowd to sing along with them.
So you think you know the answers - oh no
'cause the whole world has got you dancing
That's right - I'm telling you
It's time to start believing - oh yes
Believing who you are - you are a shining star
The verse was followed by a very powerful instrumental break by the club band while flocks of scarlet macaws flew over the platform where Blu and Jewel were standing as if they were romanticizing the moment for them while Nico and Pedro continued to dance and play along with the music. Then, the couple began to the sing the final verse of the song.
Say you, say me
Say it for always, that's the way it should be
Say you, say me
Say it together, naturally
After the song ended, the crowds once again applaud loudly to what has become the best performance ever heard at the Samba club. Jewel looked at Blu for one moment and pulled him into a very deep passionate kiss before Blu pulled her back for one too as the couple accidentally drop to the floor which caused a huge delight to everyone at the club, including Nico and Pedro.
"This is the best date I have ever seen here at the Samba Club" cheered Nico.
"I know, right" nodded Pedro as he was giving a high five to his best friend. "I think it's time to check up on the progress of the tree house for tonight, there's going to be a proposal that everyone is going to remember" he then declared.
Nico nodded his head.
So, the two friends flew off to the tree house while Blu and Jewel continued to enjoy the remainder of the day at the Samba Club before they eventually left a few hours later.
….
The songs that were used in this chapter are At Last by Etta James, You'll Be in My Heart from the Broadway version of Tarzan by Phil Collins, and Say You, Say Me by Lionel Richie. The marriage proposal will be in the next chapter with the wedding plans and the eventual wedding itself being in the remaining chapters of this story.