How sorry am I for leaving you guys with nothing to read for weeks now? The answer- so, so sorry. School is over now, though, which means I will be able to update this story much more frequently.

Who is ready for a Smace date? I am! Let's get this chapter rolling:

Sam and I walked hand in hand down the streets of Toronto, but he wouldn't tell me where he was taking me just yet. I didn't really care where we were going, though; I was just happy to be with him. We both kept stealing glances at each other, blushing when our eyes met time after time.

The silence was comfortable, familiar, but Sam soon broke it.

"You did a great job today, you know. I mean, you were always great, but every time I watch you work you seem a hundred times better. I just wish KC and Clare could have one scene together…I would love the chance to work with you again."

"You know, you already have me on a date. You really don't need to work so hard at flattery."

"Oh, but I do. Not only do you deserve all the compliments in the world, flattery is one of my many talents. It may seem like I'm just showering you with adulation, but I'm actually showing off."

"Why am I…feeling lightheaded all of a sudden? Could it be…Sam, your wit- it's sweeping me off my feet!"

"See, we're perfect for each other. So much sarcasm can only be healthy for a relationship."

"Is that your way of asking me to go steady? Are you going to pin me now?"

"Ace…shut up." Sam smiled down at me, and I couldn't help but laugh. I was feeling so light, weightless. I hoped the feeling would last forever. "But, in all seriousness, I really do want KC to apologize to Clare…the way he left her? It was a major jerk move. I've never been able to forgive my alter ego for that."

"You sound like you have split personality disorder right now," I pointed out fondly before growing serious myself. "I do miss working with you, too. It was fun then, but now that we're closer, it would just be so awesome to give it another go. The chemistry would be off the wall."

"And you know this from experience, right?" Sam asked, stopping to wink at me. He leaned in, and I stopped breathing in anticipation. His lips hovered just above mine. "We're here," Sam whispered, leaning in just a fraction of a millimeter more before jolting upright and grabbing hold of my hand so he could pull me into the building we were in front of. Obviously, the fake out had all been part of his plan, but I was left feeling a little dizzy.

"You are so going to pay for that," I warned him, the hitch in my voice taking away from the desired effect.

"I sure hope so."

I smacked him with my free hand, and then looked around the small room Sam had just led me into. It was dimply lit, and there were just a few couples enjoying a private dinner around the dining area. It just screamed fancy…I'd have to thank Jordy later for the dress; she had done good.

"Reservations for Earle," Sam told the hostess, looking down to smile proudly at me. As soon as we were seated I raised my eyebrows at him. "What?"

"I know this is our first date and all, but low key would have been fine, too."

"Only the best for you, Aislinn. Not to mention, you'll have a chance to let your hair down, go wild, whatever it is that you do, later. This restaurant is only stop numero uno. Besides, I picked the more exclusive restaurant because I wasn't sure how public you wanted to go with this relationship. For now, anyway…"

I smiled at him. He was so sweet for so many reasons- for planning this elaborate night, for being so aware of my wants, my feelings, and for just being the big goofball that I adored.

"You're wonderful, you know that, right?"

"Ace, you already have me on a date, you don't need to work so hard at flattery," Sam joked, repeating my earlier sentiment.

I stuck my tongue out at him, but couldn't hold back my urge to laugh at his serious expression. The date had barely started and I was already having a blast. I would have to remember to thank Munro later for talking me into this; I definitely would have regretted the decision to turn Sam away.

I turned my attention to the menu, cringing at the prices. Everything sounded delicious, but I was afraid of ordering it all. Just as I was browsing the pastas, I came up with a corny, romantic idea that would also save Sam from spending too much…I would have to be crafty in presenting it, though. I didn't want to insult his manhood, or whatever.

"Do you know what my favorite Disney movie is?"

Sam looked up at me in confusion. "Is this a trap….because I don't think I do."

"No, it's not a trap, silly. It's totally relevant….Lady and the Tramp."

Okay, so that wasn't entirely true, but I did like that move. Sam would never have to catch on.

"Subtle, Ace."

"Whatever do you mean?" I asked innocently as our waitress arrived.

"What can I get for you two tonight?"

Sam spoke up before I had the chance. "We'll have the spaghetti and meatballs- just one order for two."

She diligently scribbled something in her notepad before walking away. "Okay, so subtle isn't my best attribute. Tell me something I don't know."

"On average, in one lifetime, a person will walk as much as five times around the equator."

"Funny…but I think I already knew that."

"Well aren't we Miss Smarty Pants?"

"I'm not wearing pants."

"Zing! Just keep this coming. I love how you're able to keep up with my crazy banter. Most people get annoyed after a few snide remarks."

"I don't think I could ever get annoyed with you," I told him honestly. He smiled sweetly at me, and I couldn't help the way my pulse quickened when he looked at me like that. He really was handsome.

The food arrived then, breaking our moment. We both dug in, not get much of a chance for more conversation because the food was absolutely delicious. There was obviously a reason it was so pricy; they must have sprinkled fairy dust in it. There was just something special about the meal. Of course, that could have had something to do with the dear friend who was sitting across the table from me.

All in all, it was the best meal I had ever had.

"I am beyond full," I declared finally, leaning back in my seat and placing my hands on my belly.

"Good. I like my victims well fed."

"What are you planning to do with me, Mr. Earle?"

"Take you dancing."

I paused for a moment, unsure if he was serious, but the wink he threw in told me that he was completely serious.

"Really? That's amazing! I love to dance!"

Sam rolled his eyes. "Yeah Ace, I know that. Hence why I'm taking you dancing."

I giggled. This was perfect; he was perfect. "What are we waiting for? Let's go!"

"Hold your horses, Chita Rivera. I need to pay before we leave. I'm all for having fun, and dine and dash has a nice ring to it, but it's not my style."

I dropped back down into my seat. In my excitement I had already shot up, and was ready to leave; I had forgotten about the bill.

Sam quickly slipped some bills into the folder, and grabbed my hand to lead me out the door. The walk to Club Bounce, where Sam had announced he was taking me, was a short one. It was the only club in the area that you didn't have to be 18 to get into. I skipped almost the entire way there, and, thankfully, Sam joined. We probably looked like foolish little kids, but we were having the time of our lives.

When we got there we slipped into the short line for entry, and gave Sam a swift kiss on the cheek. "Thank you for planning the most amazing first date."

He looked down at me, his eyes shining. "You're more than welcome, Ace."

I mentally marked everything about that moment, not wanting to forget a thing. At that time, everything felt absolutely perfect.

-Sam's Point of View-

Stunning. Gorgeous. Breathtaking. Beautiful. Amazing.

And that was just the way she was making me feel. That was nothing compared to the way she looked, so totally carefree on the dance floor. She was wildly jumping around, swinging me every which way, and I had never felt less in control- or more happy.

Her buoyant mood was making me forget all about the awkward moment earlier with Munro. I would be a complete liar if I denied the fact that learning he had feelings for Aislinn scared me. Everyone saw their natural chemistry on and off set, and I was more than a little worried that Ace would soon catch on, and leave me for him. Insecure? Yes. Probable? Also yes.

Not to mention Munro and I were close buddies. How would this affect our friendship? I sincerely hoped that it wouldn't, but who knew. Darn, there I went- thinking about it again.

Just as I was vowing to myself that I would put all thoughts of Munro out of my mind a slow song came on, and Aislinn pulled me close.

Her arms wound their way around my neck, and I let my arms snake around her waist. Complete and utter bliss enveloped me. She looked amazing with her hair matted in some places, and sticking out crazily in others. A light sheen of sweat from all the energy she was exerting only made her shining blue eyes sparkle even more. It was like she was being lit up from within- especially when the rave lights hit her just so…

"Are you feeling alright?" Aislinn questioned, leaning up to yell in my ear over the loud music.

"Of course," I yelled back. "Why do you ask?"

"You seemed distracted. Is there something you're not telling me?"

"I was distracted. You look absolutely gorgeous right now, you know that?"

"I guess you were right…flattery is one of your special talents."

I laughed, relived that she had bought my half-truth, and pulled her closer to me so absolutely nothing could come between us. I felt bad about not being about to tell her everything that was going through my mind, but it wasn't really my place to say anything. "Are you ready to go to the last stop for the night?" I whispered in her ear, enjoying it as her coconut aroma got stronger as I got closer.

Ace shivered and nodded in response, so I let my hand drift from around her waist down to grab her hand. We walked out of the club and into the fresh air of the Toronto streets. I took a deep breath, savoring that I was in the moment with Aislinn. She was just so…magnetic. I couldn't help but want to be around her.

"So," Aislinn spoke up as I led her down the block, "what exactly is stop number three?"

"Ice cream cones and a walk around the park."

"You clearly know how to woo a lady. Too bad your character was never this smooth."

"Ouch, you just wounded the KC section of my heart. How does that make you feel?"

"The Clare in me is feeling very gratified, thank you very much."

I smiled down at her. "Fair enough; Clare does deserve the chance to stick it to KC."

We let the conversation die down as we approached an ice cream cart. We both ordered twist cones, and set off down a bike path in the park. Not much was said as we both enjoyed the ice cream, walking hand in hand through the dark woods.

Eventually, the ice cream was gone, and our feet got tired, so we settled in on a bench, Aislinn tucked closely under my arm. "Thank you for agreeing to this. I know you didn't want to jeopardize our careers by doing something unprofessional, but this was easily one of the best nights of my life."

"Mine too. I feel silly for ever being so worried. We work well together, you know? I will forever be grateful to Munro."

I stiffened just slightly, confused by her comment. "What do you mean by that?"

"I was so confused, and I really wasn't sure what I was going to do about us. Munro was the one who convinced me that I would regret it later if I didn't go for it now."

I felt moment of respect for Munro, and gratitude swelled up in my chest. The poor guy was probably getting all the details about mine and Ace's relationship, and he was still encouraging her to go for it. That couldn't have been easy. I supposed I owed him a thank you.

"Munro is a great friend."

"He really is," she agreed fondly. "So are you, though."

"Can I tell you something, Aislinn?"

"What?"

I turned her face up so I could stare into her eyes. "I think I might love you. I know that may seem sudden, this being our first date and all, but it's been a long time coming. I've never known anyone else like you…you amaze me."

Her eyes grew wide, and a smile curled her beautiful lips upward. "I think I might possibly love you, too- sometimes."

I laughed, reveling in her ability to match my humor even in the most serious of moments. "I'm going to kiss you now."

And I did.

And it was perfect.

-Munro's Point of View-

I sat at home as I miserably thought about all the fun Aislinn and Sam were probably having. On their date. Together.

Thomas was out on a date of his own, and I couldn't get a hold of Justin leaving me completely and utterly alone to wallow in my self-pity. Self induced self-pity, let's not forget.

I could say it to her when she was asleep, but I couldn't get up the courage to tell Ace in person that I loved her. And not like one friend loves another friend. Then there was the whole issue of me not wanting to ruin our friendship because I was almost positive that she did not feel the same way…I was in need of some serious advice.

Since the two people I usually went to for lady advice were either busy or MIA, I decided to call the next best thing.

I dialed Ray's familiar number, and crossed my fingers, needing for him to answer.

"Munro, my man! What is up?"

"Ray, Ray! Hey…what are you up to?"

"I'm taking the girlfriend on a double date with Charlotte and her boo. What's up with you?"

I deflated just a little. "Oh, I'm just sitting at home doing nothing. I'll let you go, though. Have fun."

"Dude, you sound seriously blue. I have a few minutes. Feel free to pour your heart out."

"I owe you one, but you're right. I seriously need your advice."

"Let me guess- it's about a female. One specifically…fan girls got you down? No, I'm kidding. It's Aislinn, if I had to guess."

"Am I really that freaking obvious? And how come she hasn't figured it out if that's the case?"

"Self-fulfilling prophecy?"

"Ouch; that hurts."

"Munro, you can't expect her to read your mind. You have to tell her about your feelings if you want something to come of it."

"It's not just black and white, though. She's…otherwise involved."

"With Sam, right?"

"Damn, news travels fast within the cast, doesn't it?"

"Dude, Melinda knows…or thinks she know, or whatever. Need I say more?"

I chuckled. Mindy did tend to have a hard time keeping secrets, well, secret. "No, you don't. Just help me, please."

"Okay, I can tell you are all ready to give up on Aislinn because you think you've already lost. But the point is, you can't lose if you never play the game. If you tell her at least you won't be plagued with 'what if' questions later on, you know?"

I did know, and Ray had a fantastic point. "You are so right, my brilliant friend. We're not shooting tomorrow…I can invite her to hang out, and I'll tell her then!"

"That's my boy. Good luck. I really have to go now, though. Twas nice chatting with you."

"Have a nice date," I told him before hanging up.

I already felt a hundred times better.

-Aislinn's Point of View-

Sam dropped me off at my door, giving me one last quick peck on the lips before wishing me a goodnight and disappearing into the darkness. I sighed, leaning against my front door so I could have a moment to regain my composure. Best first date ever…

All of a sudden the door opened to reveal a beaming Jordy. "I know you are not going to sit out here all night and neglect giving me the juicy details."

I giggled, hoping this buoyant mood would last forever. Between recapping the entire night to Jordan and riding this post-date buzz…well, I wasn't going to get any sleep, that was for sure.

But I didn't mind. Not one bit.

Who is anticipating Aislinn's reaction to Munro's confession? How will that affect Sam and Munro's friendship? How will it affect Sam and Aislinn's new relationship?

You shall find all that out in the next chapter, my friends! Until then, I would love to know how you felt about this one. How many of you have been converted to Team Sam?

I am having way too much fun with this!

Anyway, thank you all for reading. I adore you all! =)