Thank you people for all the wonderful reviews! Yay I finally updated! Sorry it took long it's kind of getting to be a habit I know. It's just with school again plus Cross Country, and unpacking I bareley have time for anything else. Anyways I'm so excited for CoD tomorrow people already spoiled it but I don't care! BTW I guess this chapter is not as funny as I wanted it to be so in any case tell me what you think? Also just to let you guys know I kind of want to wrap this up in a few more chapters because I have a great idea for a sequel involving a crossover type of thing and some magic... Hmm ;)

"WELCOME TO WEST BAY MALL" read the sign above the group's head. Natara, Neha, David, and especially Mal, gawked at the enormous and luxurious mall in front of them. There were plants everywhere near the entrance and it looked more like a patio or garden rather than an expensive mall. It even had a relaxing waterfall that cascaded into a surprisingly clean pond. 'I sure haven't seen this part of the city' Mal thought.

Neha: Ohmygosh! Are you guys seeing this?!

David: I don't believe it. I wish I've known about this place sooner! I bet this is the kind of place models and artists would buy from. Let's go inside!

Both Mal and Natara were to busy admiring the scene that neither of them spoke but followed the group inside. The building inside was 10x better than the outside. It was three stories high and the bright lights easily reflected off of the glass windows of the different boutiques and shops. Everything was elegantly decorated that it almost looked like a palace. Armchairs and coffee tables occupied every corner and to everyone's surprise David was right about the people. Models were everywhere. You could tell by their fancy brands clothing and polished shoes that these people were not the regular kind you see everyday.

Female models walked around in pumps and with their heads high, reaching at least 6 feet tall, making Natara and Neha feel out of place. They looked like America's Next Top Models. Several of them walked right past Mal and winked at him, causing him to blush and gulp repeatedly. Thankfully nobody noticed they were too busy looking at all the stores and deciding which one to go first.

Neha: Ooh! Let's go to that one. The real fancy one, I think you're gonna like it Natara!

Natara agreed and everyone followed them to the classiest and shiniest store, which was obviously by the look of things, extremely pricey. In about an hour and a half or so the sisters decided that they've looked for plenty of dresses and finally went to try them all on. Meanwhile Mal takes a chair exhausted and waits for the ladies to finish. David on the other hand keeps looking at pretty dresses enjoying himself and chit chatting with some of the models that keep coming in and out of the store until he notices Mal.

David: Could you stop that?

Mal: What?

David: You could try to be a little more respectful towards me and pretend you're not looking at all those models.

Mal: Excuse me?

Mal gives him a confused look which by this time David recognizes perfectly but before he can say anything Neha comes out of the fitting room cubicle and interrupts.

Neha: Natara, you guys? I think I'm going to go to that one other boutique next to this one. The dresses here are nice but I want something a little bit sexier you know? Something that screams 'I'm about to have a baby, who wants to be the father?'

Natara laughs audibly hearing her sister's remark over the next cubicle and shakes her unseen head.

Natara: Well, I'm glad that you got over that already… I think…

Neha: Heh, yea… So you want to come with me David? I would love it if you'd help me pick out a cute dress. Pleaseee?

David: But what about Mal? I can't just leave him alone with all these female models staring at him. Or should I say him staring at them?

Neha giggles and Mal stands up furiously, confused.

Mal: What? Seriously, for the love of everything good on this Earth! I'm NOT gay. Not now, not ever. The only thing you're going to get from me is an arrest for cop harassment if you keep this up. Are we clear?

David: Um, yes sir?

Mal: Finally.

Natara smiles inside her cubicle trying to hold back a laugh and Neha bites her bottom lip to prevent her from having a laughing fit. She grabs a hold of David's arm and starts dragging him out of the store. David reluctantly follows her but turns his head around to face Mal as he's already halfway out the store.

David: Are you sure you don't want to come with us? Or maybe go to the bathroom. Or take a little nap, or just you know, cover your eyes till' I'm back?

Mal gives David a look that could shatter glass as Neha pulls harder on David's arm escorting him out.

David: No? Um ok… Don't worry I'll be back… See you in five minutes Mal…

Mal shakes his head at David as he disappears into the crowd of onlookers. He takes his place back in his chair and sighs heavily. Just as he does this Natara comes out of the cubicle with a huge smile on her face.

Natara: Breathe Mal, breathe.

Mal: Easy for you to say. So what happened did you like any of the dresses that you tried on?

Natara: Naw. They were all too out of character for me I guess.

Mal: Hmm really? How bout' some help?

Natara: Sure, why not…

Mal smiles contently at her answer and walks over to a rack of vintage dresses.

Mal: Lucky for you I know you very well Nat, and I'm 110% sure that you'd look beautiful in anything, but especially in this dress.

Natara walks over to Mal blushing slightly. She takes the dress from him and raises her eyebrows questionably before going over to the cubicle to change. Mal stays behind watching her every move, watching her walk.

In the cubicle Natara examines the black dress that Mal gave her. Her mind flashes to two hours ago when she thought about trying it on but was intimidated by how revealing and 'sexy' it was. However it didn't leave her mind because she wanted to try it on so badly.

Another thing that definitely didn't leave her mind and it was probably not going to for a while was Neha's decision. 'Why would she say she wants to keep the baby?' she thought, scrunching up her nose. Although deep down Natara wished with all her might that her sister wouldn't perform an abortion because she thought it wouldn't be fair. As a protector she couldn't to that to an unborn baby, she couldn't live with it, she didn't have the heart. Still, on the other hand her sister is most definitely not ready. This brings her back to the question 'How did mom managed to convince her?' and 'How did she get over it so quickly?'… Before she can over think the situation anymore she finds herself looking in the mirror wearing the beautiful dress. Natara's self esteem has always been good, at least after high school but with this dress on it certaintly blew through the roof...

Not a long moment passes before another woman approaches Mal. Yes, a model. She's clearly of Hispanic heritage and has that hot vibe. Her figure is long and slender yet with the right curves.

Model: Hey, haven't I seen you before?

Mal: Me? Oh, I…

Model: Ooh I know! You're in that one guys modeling magazine…

Mal: Heh, no. I'm a detective actually. Mal Fallon, nice meeting you.

Model: Jocelyn, nice to meet you too. Still I think I saw you somewhere, you look so familiar… Hmm oh, you're from the TV news the guy who unmasked the Maskmaker!

Mal: Yes, I am. Good memory.

Jocelyn: What you did was amazing.

Mal: Thank you I don't get that very often, just mainly the accusations. But honesty? I couldn't have done it without my partner…

Mal's gaze instantly shifts to Natara's cubicle opening and Jocelyn notices this. He politely excuses himself before walking over to Natara, who is clenching the dress she's wearing tightly to her chest to prevent it from falling. She eyes Mal and turns away from him revealing her back to him and moving her hair out of the way.

Natara: Zip me up?

Mal smiles gladly at Natara and places his hands on her back pulling the zipper up. They both stand there for a second admiring their closeness in the mirror before them. Mal positions his head above Natara's shoulder and grins widely with a hint of mischievousness.

Mal: You look incredible Nat. Absolutely amazing. You're welcome.

Natara's smile turns into an 'O' as she realizes what Mal said. She slaps him in the upper which only causes him to laugh a little harder. They're so caught up in the moment that neither of them notices Jocelyn injecting herself into the conversation.

Jocelyn: He's right you really do look stunning.

Both Natara and Mal stand somewhat surprised at this. However Jocelyn doesn't pay much attention and she looks over to Mal with an honest smile.

Jocelyn: I see why you left me talking to myself over there…

She nods towards Natara as if stating the reason is her.

Jocelyn: Oh, by the way. You're real lucky to have such a gentleman by your side.

Before she walks away she winks at Mal who thanks her awkwardly because Natara is too frozen and embarrassed that she was left speechless.

Mal: See? What did I tell you? Lucky.

Natara tries to hold back a laugh but fails terribly. She slaps Mal in the chest harder this time. He fakes an 'ow' but nevertheless unzips Natara so she can get out of the dress and purchase it.

In a matter of minutes they all regroup in front of the store. Neha holds her short, tight, and purple dress in a hanger, so does Natara. Neha excitedly spots Natara's dress and they both trade, each of them exchanging compliments about the other's dress. David does the same, looking even more excited than the girls if that's even possible. Mal unknowingly zooms out of the conversation but still enjoys their company. Soon Neha remembers that they still have something else to do. They're definitely not done shopping yet.

Neha: Hey you guys? It's your turn now. Let's go buy some tuxes!

Natara: That's right Mal.

Mal: No way.

Neha: Come on! I love guys in tuxes!

David: Can I get mine in white and pink?

Natara: You do know you need something to wear Mal?

Mal: Yea how about your dad's tux. I can wear that…

Neha: Eww no. What's the point when we have more than enough money to buy a new one or two? Besides what if it doesn't fit? Or worse, what if it doesn't look good on you?

David: She has a point you know?

Mal glares at David's comment but thankfully Natara intervenes and hooks her arm around Mal gaining his attention. She locks eyes with him and gives him a pleading look.

Mal: Fine. But I am NOT sharing stalls.

David: Psh… Don't pretend you don't want all of this!

David tested his limits by giving him a suggestive pose, Mal only clenched his fist and turned his head in disgust. He allowed himself to be guided by Natara to a nearby store. She noticed his still uncomfortable posture and moved her face closer to his, her breath tickling his ear about to whisper.

Natara: Relax.

Mal did just that. He shook his head and chuckled at how easily Natara could control him. In few seconds he found himself in the store, being followed by Neha and David. He observed a few tuxes, every single one a different color or texture. He did as usual and went with the black. Of course this type of tux was different. The material it was made of was completely unknown to him. One thing he did now though was that it was extremely expensive. He looked over to Natara who gave him and approving look, and just like that he went to try it on.

The employee motioned the group to follow him into what appeared to be a changing room. Since David was still looking for his tux and Neha was helping him they stayed behind. Only Natara and Mal were left. Mal went behind the little stall with a curtain to change while Natara patiently waited.

Eventually Mal came out. Looking sharp I might add.

Natara: Well if it isn't Agent 007 himself!

Mal: Heh, too much huh?

Natara: No it's perfect. Need some help?

She smirks at his sudden shyness and indicates his untied bowtie around his neck.

Mal: Oh, yea.

Natara removes the space between them and efficiently begins to tie the bowtie while he gets lost in her big brown eyes. She delicately runs her fingers around his neck sending shivers down Mal's spine.

Natara: You okay?

Mal: Yea. Why wouldn't I be?

As he says this Mal moves both hands and places them on Natara's waist as if to reassure her or himself.

Natara: There.

Natara slides her hand down resting it on Mal's chest and looking up at him to meet his heartwarming gaze.

Mal: Thanks.

They both smile in unison.

David: Look you guys!

Startled, both Mal and Natara jump back to their original place away from each other. Neha follows David in the room with a knowing grin. David however is unaware of the scene and quickly darts across the room carelessly with his tux in hand; waving it like it was a flag.

David: It's perfect! I'm going to go try it on right now!

The rest of the group shook their heads all together thinking of this as a preview of what was going to happen later on at the party…