Jade sighed for the umpteenth time today. It was a beautiful day in November yet the young cheerleader was anything but happy. Frustrated, exhausted, annoyed... these were words that fitted Jade's mood at the moment. Her negative attitude was brought on by the school's top playboy.

Roy.

Ever since the tryouts for sport and cheerleading teams Roy found it hard to stay away from Jade. Whenever he got the chance he would flirt with her and ask her out on a date. Each time Jade said no but the carrot-top teen would return the next day with a smile on his face and one question for her. Roy wasn't a quitter, that was for sure. The rejection he faced only made him want Jade more.

But his affection for Jade didn't bring down his status as a playboy. If anything it made it go up. Each rejection Roy landed from Jade also landed him a date. There was a pattern that had unknownly formed for Roy; he would ask Jade on a date, she would reject him, and then he would ask any random girl that would say yes.

It was a continuous pattern that would be broken today.

---

The day was slowly passing by and a majority of the freshman class were in the gym. The students were fortunate today for Mr. Blood wasn't feeling up to speed. He was coming down with a bit of a cold and so he gave the students free time while he retreated to his office.

The students took full advantage of their free time and did as they pleased. The girls occupied the bleachers as they sat with their friends while the boys took the floor to play some basketball.

With Mr. Blood safely locked away in his office the boys went all out in their basketball game. They stripped down to their gym shorts and about half of the boys left their shirts on the bench, exposing their toned chest.

The gym became ogle central as the girls watched the boys play. Raven had her eyes on Alain, Kori (who tried her best not to look) couldn't tear her eyes away from Dick, and Karen only had eyes for Vic. Jenn only had eyes for her sketch book and Jade was about ready to close her eyes in boredom.

"Vic, quit hogging the ball!" Gar yelled at his teammate.

"Listen salad head," Vic said as he poked Gar in the chest. "It's enough that you're the shortest on this team but you can barely play basketball. So therefore, I get to hog the ball for the skills you lack."

"Come on guys," Wally complained. "Would you guys just play already."

"Alright, that's it," Dick said as he took control over the situation. "Me, Vic and Gar need a time out to discuss some things." Dick said as he glared at his two teammates.

Every time there was a game of basketball Vic and Gar would pick at each other until Dick intervened.

"Take all the time you need," Alain said as he walked over to the bench. "I needed a water break anyway."

Seeing as the game had officially came to a halt Roy took his time to momentarily look around. He smirked as he spotted Jade sitting on the bleachers. He held the basketball in his hands and coolly walked over to her and Jenn.

As soon as Jade saw Roy coming over she groaned. "Oh no..."

Roy took the empty spot besides Jade and smiled at her. "Hey, Jade. Nice day isn't it?"

"It was until you showed up," Jade said dryly. "Please don't tell me you came over here to hit on me. Again."

"Fine, I won't tell you," Roy said. "I'll get straight to the part where I ask you out."

"Let's skip it and go to the part where I say no," Jade said with a small smirk on her lips. "No. There, now you have your answer so you can go."

"Aw, c'mon, Jade," Roy whined. "You always say no to me."

"Because I don't like you."

"You haven't even gotten to know me yet," Roy wiggled his eyebrows. "You could if you let me take you on a date."

Jade stayed silent.

"Okay, tell you what," Roy said standing up. "Let's make a deal."

This caught Jade's attention and she rose a brow at him. "What kind of deal?"

"If I can score one basket with my back turned you let me take you on a date," Roy said. "But if I lose I'll never ask you out on a date for the rest of the month."

"Make it for the rest of the year and you got yourself a deal carrot-top." Jade said smugly.

Roy winced and reluctantly nodded his head. "Fine, if I lose I won't ask you out for the rest of the year."

"Sounds like a plan." Jade said coolly and Roy nodded at her before walking out in the middle of the court.

"Jade," whispered Jenn. "Are you sure this is a good idea? I mean, Roy is kind of good at basketball."

"And how would you know," Jade asked suggestively as she looked at Jenn. "Were you watching him play or was it the other red-head on the court that you had your eyes glued on."

"What? No," Jenn shook her head. "No. I rather poke my eyes out than ogle over Wally."

Jade laughed. "He's not that bad you know."

"Whatever, this isn't about me boy troubles. This is about your boy troubles."

Jade shrugged indifferently. "I really don't see the problem. There's no way he can make that shoot. All the other boys have tried and failed."

With that said Jade turned her eyes towards the middle of the court where Roy stood solely with a look of concentration on his face. He was bouncing the ball up and down and when he felt ready he stood still and swung the ball back so it headed for the hoop behind him.

The gym fell into silence as the ball touched the rim of the basketball hoop. Roy quickly turned around, his fingers crossed and a hopeful look on his face, as he wished for the ball to fall through the hoop.

His wish was granted and the ball fell through the hoop. Both Jade and Roy were is a state of shock but Roy got over his first. He jumped in the air, tapped his feet in the air, and cheered. His friends cheered for him but Roy ignored them all as he ran over to the still shocked Jade.

He smiled cheekily at her. "I'll pick you up at seven tonight. Where something nice," he leaned in closed and whispered in her ear. "A nice short dress would be preferred."

Before pulling away he pecked her on the cheek and smirked at her, his eyes twinkling with merriment. Then he quickly ran away to go join his friends.

Jade finally gained her mind back and realizing what just happened she glared at Roy's retreating form. "You son of a bitch come back here so I can kick your ass!"

Roy turned around and blew her a kiss but made no move to get near the infuriated girl. Jade stood up and was about to go to him but Jenn quickly held her back.

"Easy there, Jade," said Jenn. "Calm down."

"Calm down? Calm down?! I have a date with that... that thing!"

"You have a date with Roy?"

Jade and Jenn turned their heads to see Karen, Kori and Raven.

"Wow," Karen grinned and crossed her arms. "And here I thought you disliked Roy."

"I do," Jade said as she crossed her arms and scowled. "He tricked me into going on a date with him. He must have practiced that shot. That cheater!"

"Well like it or not you have a date with that cheater." Raven said dryly.

Jade grumbled bitterly.

"Look on the positive side of things," Kori said brightly. "This gives you an excuse to go shopping for a new dress."

Jade smiled. "That is a positive."

---

Jade frowned as she looked at her alarm clock. It was six o'clock, and in exactly one hour she would be on a date with Roy Harper. Jade felt like throwing a tantrum at the thought of being on a date with him. She had to admit, Roy was a good looking guy but in the personality department he was lacking. His playboy ways were a turn off. But, none the less she had a date with him.

Jade looked over her outfit sprawled across her bed. Against her better judgement she got a dress like Roy had asked her to. But, on a bright side the dress wasn't all that short the way he asked. The dress was form fitting and ended just above her knees. It was a red 'v' neck dress with thick straps. Jade kept things simple and put on her strappy silver heels to match her silver flower necklace, bracelet and earrings. It didn't take her very long to do her hair either, she pulled her hair into a tight bun with her bangs pushed to one side and a few strands of curled hair framed her face. Before she knew it she was ready and it was seven o'clock.

Jade could hear her door bell ringing and she grabbed her silver purse and slowly walked downstairs, taking her time. She wasn't in a rush for two reasons. One: she knew it was Roy outside her door and two: it's always good to keep them waiting.

Jade waited about ten more minutes before finally opening the door. When she did she couldn't help but notice how charming Roy looked in his black suit and white collar shirt. He was handsome, and Jade hated to admit that.

"Wow...," Roy trailed off as he looked Jade up and down. "You look... incredible." Roy wanted to say more, a lot more, about her appearance but he didn't want to over do it. He extended his hand. "Shall we?"

Before Roy could even blink Jade punched him in the stomach. Roy doubled over in pain as he felt the wind get knocked out of him. He stumbled a bit but thankfully he didn't fall over. He looked up at Jade with surprised eyes. He had no idea she was that strong.

"What was that for?" he asked as he clutched his stomach.

"For kissing me on the cheek without my consent," Jade replied absently. "Nice limo. Well..." Jade clapped her hands together and looked at the bent over Roy who was still trying to catch his breath and smiled sweetly at him. "Let's get this date started shall we."

"What's with the sudden rush?" Roy asked with a small smirk as he followed her to the limo he got for this occasion to impress her.

"The sooner this date gets started the sooner it'll be over and done with." Jade replied before she opened the door for herself and got in.

---

The ride in the limo was a quiet one as Jade kept her eyes focused on the scenery outside her side of the limo window. Roy had made several attempts to make conversation with Jade but all she would do was give him a scathing look and turn her head away. After a last attempt Roy had given up with a sigh.

His mood immediately picked up when they finally arrived at their destination. A fancy restaurant known as The Ivy was the perfect place to take Jade for their date in Roy's opinion. Ollie had told him all about this place and so Roy decided to try his luck.

Roy looked over at Jade and saw the look of awe on her face. He gave her his elbow. "Ready?"

She ignored him and followed the host. Roy sighed and rubbed his temples. Just what did he have to do to get this girl to like him? They were seated at their table and left in silence.

Jade opened up her menu and began to examine the list with her eyes. "This is a nice place," she said absently. "Do you take all your dates here?"

Roy frowned. "Actually I just take them to get a slice of pizza."

"Interesting..."

Roy rose a brow. "How so?"

Jade closed her menu and placed it on the side. She folded her fingers and looked at Roy. "You say you take your regular dates out for pizza yet here you are taking me to some fancy restaurant with a limo waiting outside. So, you must really like me or you really wanna get laid."

Roy's mouth was agape.

It was at that moment the waitress showed up. She smiled at the couple. "So, what will you two be having?"

"I'd like a lasagna please." Jade said.

Roy cleared his throat. "Chicken."

Once the waitress was gone Jade smiled innocently at Roy. "So, Roy, judging by your reaction before I'd say you're easy to embarrass."

"You are one wicked girl you know that?"

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"Why is it so hard for you to like me? Or for you to believe that I like you?"

"Because you're a filthy playboy," Jade exclaimed. "All you ever do is flirt with girls. You take them on dates and dump them the next day. And if you think I'm gonna fall for your charms you have another thing coming."

"Okay, I'll give that," Roy said. "I like to flirt and date around but I'm actually making and effort with you."

"Oh please. I bet you say that to all the girls."

"No I don't," Roy exclaimed. "The other girls are bitches trying to get inside my wallet cause they know I'm the ward to Oliver Queen. You're one of the few girls that I've met that actually seems real."

Jade was stunned into silence. Roy Harper, top freshman playboy, actually had genuine feelings. What a shocker.

---

The time was just rolling by as Roy chatted with Jade. Their food almost got cold due to the conversation they were sharing. The more and more they talked the more they began to like each other. They saw past the differences they felt before and were comfortable with each other now. It was at that time they received their dessert. Roy had gotten a simple chocolate cake lathered with whip cream while Jade got a pumpkin pie.

Jade took one bite of her pie and squealed in delight. "This is so good!"

Roy chuckled. "See, aren't you glad now that you came on this date with me?"

"Oh, you mean the date you blackmailed me into." Jade joked.

"Blackmail is such a ugly and negative word," Roy said with a playful smile. "I prefer to say that I persuaded you by my good looks."

Jade laughed. "Whatever floats your boat," she took another bite of her pie and moaned. "This is so delicious."

"Really," Roy asked. "Let me get a taste."

Jade slapped his hand away from her pie. "Oh no, this is my pie. Stick with your cake."

"Oh come on."

"No," Jade shook her head. "All mine." she took another bite and smiled.

"So that's how you're gonna play, huh?" Roy smirked at her and scooped up some whip cream with his finger.

Jade narrowed her eyes at him. "You wouldn't..."

"On the contrary, I would." Roy rubbed the whip cream over her cheek and nose.

Jade's mouth was agape. "I can't believe you just did that."

"Well," Roy began coolly. "That's what you get for not sharing--"

Before he could finish Jade smeared the chocolate frosting on his face. Roy blinked in surprise and Jade merely licked her fingers and looked back at him with a smug smile. It only took seconds before the two bursted into fits of laughter."

---

Roy had his hands in his pockets as he walked Jade to her front door. He felt nervous and so he kept his eyes on the ground. Roy cleared his throat and finally found his nerves to look up at her.

"Well," Jade began. "This had been... a surprising nice night."

"Well I'm glad you had a good time."

"Right," Jade looked away from Roy and towards her door. "I should get inside. My mom can be really strict sometimes."

"Yeah," Roy chuckled sheepishly. "Ollie can be the same way at times."

Even though they both declared their need to leave neither one of them moved an inch.

"Uh... Jade," Roy began to speak nervously. "Do you think maybe, if you're not busy... that we can do this again... some time." he finished off lamely with a hopeful look on his face as well as red cheeks.

Jade put a finger to her chin. "Hmm... I'll have to think about that."

Roy made a small noise of disbelief.

Jade laughed. "I was joking. Of course we can do this again some time."

It took every bone and muscle in Roy's body to make him not jump in the air and cheer. "Cool, so I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

"That's it?" Jade asked sounding surprised.

"Well, yeah. I mean--"

Jade silenced him by grabbing a fistful of his shirt and dragging him close to her so she could kiss him fully on the lips. Before he could respond she pushed him away.

Roy touched his lips in disbelief. "What was that for?"

"Consider it a thank you for the date." Jade blew him a kiss before disappearing behind her front door.

Roy smiled and turned around. As he was making his way to the limo her jumped in the air and tapped his feet together happily.

----------------------

AND THAT'S HOW JADE AND ROY BEGAN THEIR RELATIONSHIP. I HOPED EVERYONE LIKED THIS CHAPTER.

SPECIAL THANKS TOO Lil-Mz.Sunshine, toonfan820, TerraBB4Eva, BerryDrops, Ace.04, SaoirseWaveglow, cookiesruletheworld, Nightwing's Gurl 2023, Sulan123, RavenSis, sweetnsxy AND KrisSK8Gurl FOR THE WONDERFUL REVIEWS!

I WISH I DO SOMETHING TO SHOW MY THANKS... HMM... HOW ABOUT A PREVIEW TO CHAPTER 2 OF Hanging By A Moment.

PREVIEW:

"Do you really want me to go into details, Jenn?" Jade asked as she shifted in her spot, wishing she could just become invisible.

-

Raven flicked her eyes towards Kori with serious regard. "Wanna talk about it?"

-

"Because of what," Roy asked, stopping. "Wally, do you know something that I don't?"

-

"If you ask me there seems to be something there between Kori and Xavier."

-

"Jade," Roy began softly, cupping her chin and gently turning her face towards him. "You know you can tell me anything right?"

-

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