John and Rose walked down the street, trying to find the place Rose had mentioned. You see, Rose explained that she was originally supposed to go out with her room-mate, Kanaya, but her mom picked her up an hour earlier than expected. John felt a bit like he was just a fill in, but he pushed that out of his mind.

"Here we are" Rose said, tapping John's arm. "Kanaya said the food was rather good. Her sister's friend used to work here."

John looked at the place. "Open Ocean, Huh?" He said. Hadn't Eridan Ampora said he had gotten a job here?

"I already have a reservation ready for us, so we don't have to wait." She said as they walked inside. A very unhappy person greeted them at the door.

"W-welcome to "Open Ocean", do you have a reservation or are you w-waitin' like the rest of these numbskulls that forgot to make one?" Yep. Eridan Ampora worked here.

"Reservation, under the name of-" John spaced out, tuning out of the conversation. This place seemed pretty nice, was Rose sure she wanted to come here? Seafood wasn't exactly cheap…

"Alright, Fef w-will take you to your table." Eridan Rumbled as a bubbly voice pitched in. "Hi guys! I didn't know you liked it here." She chimed, taking two menus and leading them to a table.

"Actually, this is the first time I've been here" John stated, sitting across from Rose.

"Whale, I hope you enjoy then!" she said, taking out a pad and pen. "Now, anything to drink?"

About half an hour later, they were eating rather filling and tasty foods and talking about things like summer activities and such.

"I mean, my dad can get pretty crazy when it comes to cake. Yeah, it's okay every once and a while but seriously!" John stuffed a bite of tuna in his mouth. "Can the guy just make something normal for dessert, like Rootbeer floats or something?"

Rose laughed a little. "You have to give your dad credit, John, he makes pretty spectacular cakes."

"Well, yeah." John sighed, "It just gets a bit tiresome, y'know? Especially when its every-" He was cut off by Feferi.

"Will you be having dessert?" she asked. "We have discounts! I can get you a pretty good deal if you get the "Loveboat". It's has Chocolate and everyfin!" She Squeals.

"I-isn't that discount only for…uh…couples?" John stuttered out, a bit red now.

"Whale…yeah, but you two look convincing enough to be a couple!" Feferi said, "For a while there I thought you guys were, or are you? She seemed to really like that idea. John thinks She's had too much time with Nepeta as her room-mate.

"While that really is a kind offer, Feferi" Rose spoke politely. "I'd hate to take advantage of something meant for actual couples. We'll just take the check." John felt relief flood through him. Rose was a life saver. Well, more like an embarrassment saver.

"Oh, alright then. If your shore." She replied, maybe just a bit disappointed. "Here you go." And she handed off the check. "Just give it to Eridan and then you can leave."

"I could pay if you want." John asked, "You did help me clean my room."

Rose pulled out her wallet. "I'd rather just split the bill." A small smile crept on her face, "and to be honest, I think I've collected enough blackmail information just from helping cleaning up your room to make up for my lost time."

"Hey!"
Rose laughed.

Later that evening, John and his Dad were packing up their small car, and Rose helped pack up the last item into the trunk. John's dad called from the front for John to get in the car.

John didn't want to leave; finally the thing he didn't want to think about was in upon him.

"Now or never" John thought.

"I'll make sure to text you over Pesterchum. Perhaps we could see each other on vacations?" Rose asked.

"Haha, yeah…" John laughed a bit sadly.

Rose sighed. "John, it's not like you'll never see anyone again. I have relatives in your area, and I visit often. You'll see me around for sure."

"I know… I'm just being weird" John put on a small smile. "Thanks Rose"

"No Problem."

And John head off, leaving his college, his crush, and school year behind.

Author's note -

I'm not as proud of this chapter… I just needed something to start John's summer off. Better chapters are to come!
Also, Rose used to live near John, but moved. That's why they went to the same high school, and Rose's relatives live near him, and all that good stuff.

I do take criticism! If I mess up anyone's character, or something is confusing, feel free to tell me. I'll clear it up!

(I also apologize for typos or cut off sentences.)