The toughest struggle yet: date, Dinner and dance!

Chapter 33 part 2

The time had finally come. It was evening. I was standing outside the massive building big and formal enough to be a palace for a king, but instead it was the five star restaurant known as ray's palace. I was in a simple black suit with a white shirt and deep purple butterfly like my guildmark. I decided to slick my black hair back so it wasn't in its usual black spikes. I left the yellow tuft as it was. Darting across my forehead. The suit wasn't exactly comfortable, but I looked good in it. At least that's what Kai said. I might not always agree with him, but I trust his judgement.

Nearby someone were sitting behind a bush.

"Do you honestly think it is a wise idea to be here? What if they notice us Mira?"

"Shh Silver. Or he'll notice us for sure."

"Alright alright. I understand why WE are here but I cannot for the life of me understand why Kai is here," Silver pointed to Kai leaning against a tree behind the bush with his eyes closed all cool and such. Not trying to hide himself in any way.

"For someone as smart as you it should be obvious. I'm here to ensure he doesn't mess this up too bad. I even made a reservation in there for three so we can go in when they do and get a better view," the two girls starred at each other.

"How did you know we would be three out here? Lucy could have just as well joined us."

"Here comes the guest of honor," He nodded in the direction of someone. The girls looked.

I turned my head and saw someone walking down the street in the snow. I walked to meet her. It was Sapphire of course and I think my heart skipped like five beats and then ran a marathon. She was wearing a fur coat so only the bottom of her dress was visible. But her face, hair, those freaking eyes. Her hair was set in a simple bun in the back keeping that adorable hairpin holding up that one bang from falling in her face. I noted that it was a new hairpin shaped like a snowflake with a bright blue gem in the middle. She was wearing makeup that really emphasized her ocean blue eyes even more. She her hair behind her ears revealing two small snowflake shaped earrings. She almost too cute. I couldn't believe she actually wanted to go out with me of all people.

"H-hi. You ready to go in?" She smiled gently making my insides melt even more.

"Of course. That's why I'm here," Well duh Jack you doofus. She grabbed hold of my arm and we began walking to the… well palace. He touch was enough to make me blush a little. We got to the front door and Kai's voice spoke in my head. "First of all, open the door for her…" I grabbed the door and opened it for her. She smiled and walked through. I followed her and a waitress greeted us.

"Welcome to Ray's palace. Will that be a table for two or do you have a reservation?" I reached in my pocket and took out the free ticket I had. She looked at the ticket.

"I'm afraid I've never seen a thing like this… Wait what's this? The signature of Mr. Ray himself. I deeply apologize sir. I did not realize we would have a friend of Mr. Ray here this evening. Please forgive me," She bowed.

"Hey. It's fine. I don't want to be treated different from any other guest," I said waving my hands in front of me. Sapphire giggled.

"Very well. Please follow me to your table," She grabbed two menus and began walking to a table. The inside was just as pretty as the outside. Every table was nearly decorated and built into small dents in the wall with the chairs being part of the wall. In the very middle was a big flat surface where people were dancing to the southing live music played by a piano. I seemed as though it used magic to sound louder than it was. We were put at a table in the very middle. I would pull out her chair, but it was attached to the wall. Instead, I took off her coat and hung it on a peg on the wall outside the indent. I took a look at her before she sat down. Her dress matched her earrings and hairpin keeping with the snowflake theme. On her right shoulder was a snowflake design with one of the ends moving down the dress. It sparked little. It was a light sky blue with it loosening from the waist down. She was wearing some bracelets fitting with the rest of her dress. I must have been staring for a while.

"Why are you staring at me? Is there something on my face?" She started touching her face to find it. I snapped out of it.

"No there's nothing on your face. It's just hard to look away from perfection," Did I really just say that? She blushed a little before sitting down. We started looking at our menus. Man I'm glad this meal is free. There's no way I can afford any of these on my own.

Meanwhile Kai, Mira and Silver walked into the restaurant.

"Welcome to Ray's palace. Will that be a table for three or do you have a reservation?"

"I do. Kai Astro," She looked through her papers.

"Here you are Mr. Astro. This way please," She lead them to a table on the exact other side of Sapphire and I. He sat down and grossed his arms.

"Aren't you even going to take our coats or compliment us?"

"No reason. We're not on a date. They are," the girls sat down next to him.

"Will we even be able to pick up anything from this distance?" Silver asked.

"No, but you're observant. Figure it out. Look what they're doing. That's just as good."

The waiter came to our table.

"Can I take your order?" Sapphire still looked a little puzzled at the menu.

"I'll take… number 33 the salad please."

"And for you sir," Alright something of about the same size.

"Number 55. Rare. Thank you."

"Anything to drink?" I looked at Sapphire giving her a 'What-do would-you-like' look.

"Some cold water is fine," she smiled at the waiter who took our menus and left us ourselves. I was having the hardest time not just staring at her perfect face.

"Jack. Stop staring it's embarrassing," she said rubbing her arm.

"No. You're so beautiful and I'm having a hard time looking away," she blushed. I guess that's a good compliment then.

"Th-thanks. That's very sweet of you to say. Did Kai tell you to say that?" How did she know Kai helped me out?

"No… well sort of. He said to give you an honest compliment every ones in a while. So that's what I did. How did you know Kai helped me?" She giggled. There was something I didn't know.

"That's easy. Every time Silver or I go on a date, he helps the boy to make sure we have a good time. It's nothing personal. It's mostly been Silver though. This is actually the first time anyone's asked ME out," You can't be serious. The first time? I was still resting my head on my hand and looking at her as if I was in a trance.

Sapphire POV.

When did Jack get so good at flirting? He's making me uneasy. I'm not complaining though.

"I don't get that at all. I can't imagine one guy who wouldn't do a double take when noticing you. Maybe that's just me though," he said and lightly chucked. I felt myself blush a little. That was actually so good to hear for once.

"Stop it. It's embarrassing when you say things like that."

"Well… I've always been told to never lie. But I'll stop if that's what you want," he gently smiled, but in the cutest way I've ever seen. I didn't know he could be like this. Kai just helped him a little bit right?

"What exactly did Kai help you with?" I said and smirked.

"Not much. I mean he picked this suit for me and he taught me to dance," I had to hold in a laugh when I imagined the two of them dancing together.

"What's so funny?" He said puffing his cheeks like a little girl.

"No-nothing. I just imagined you and Kai dancing and it's hilarious," It really was. I can just imagine it. I can just hear him.

"No not like that. You place your hand on my back like this," Too good.

Kai POV.

"What do you think they're talking about?" Mira asked leaning in close to Silver. I suddenly sneezed. That can't be good. There're only three people who ever talk about me. One of them was here and the other two were sitting in the opposite end of the room. Man Jack you're such a pain. I looked up.

"First of all: Mira. Don't get so close to Silver. Thanks. Secondly: They're talking about me. Wait here. I'll be right back," I got up and left quickly. Then a waiter came along.

"Can I take your orders?"

"Oh sure. I'll have the salad," Mira said.

"I would like the salad as well."

"Would you like to make that a couple's order?" The two girls looked at each other and their cheeks turned slightly red. I looked back and noticed. I smirked to myself. I love indirectly teasing people. One of my few 'hobbies' so to speak. I snuck into the employees changing room, grabbed a waiter outfit, and quickly put it over my suit. I began making my way to the kitchen grabbing a black pen from someone on the way. I drew a quick mustache on upper lip face. Geez. The things I don't do for Team hyper-blade. I walked past a man with perfect blonde hair. I grabbed it and pulled his wig off. The man quickly turned around to complain, but I started him down. Who do people think they are sometimes. If you're on a date you should at least look like yourself. I put on the wig and ruffled the hair so it looked more natural. I got to the kitchen and found a cook.

"HEY! Is the order for table 12 ready?" The cook nodded.

"Yes, but you'll have to wait for 15 minutes before they get it. We can't have them leave to fast right?" (Get it?) I grabbed a trey and their orders.

"Hey I said wait!" I glared at him.

"Emergency. It's a friend of Mr. Ray."

"Oh my goodness. I didn't know. I'm sorry," I ignored him, walked into the restaurant, and walked toward their table.

Jack POV.

I was really not liking this conversation, but I had to keep my cool. Still even that was hard with her sitting across from me looking like a freaking goddess.

"I mean can you even imagine you and Kai dancing, you know, really slow and romantic," she giggled putting her hand in front of her mouth. I loved that giggle, but not the reason she was using it.

"Yeah trust me. I did. That was thankfully not how he did it."

"Well how DID he do it then?" She said and continued giggling.

"Actually…" I was about to tell her about Hibiki, when a waiter came. He put our orders on the table. His blonde hair was obviously unnatural and his mustache was also fake. Seriously a pen! I noticed something familiar about him.

"Kai," I whispered. Sapphire was too busy looking at her food to hear or notice our leader standing right in front of us.

"Please enjoy your meal," He began walking away. He looked back and I whispered a silent thank you at him. He threw his hand up waving me off.

"Oh. I've been waiting for this. Am I right? It looks good doesn't it?" She said and began eating slowly of her salad.

"I know. It looks great," We began eating in silence. Thanks Kai. You saved me again. Wow, this beef was actually amazing. I looked at Sapphire's salad. How do girls eat leaves all the time? I don't get it.

Sapphire POV.

How do girls eat leaves all the time? I don't get it. It's not that it's bad I just don't like greens. I wish I ordered the same as Jack. That beef looks really good. My mouth watered slightly.

"How's the salad Sapphire? You're not eating very fast like you usually do," Oh no! I can't let him know I don't like the food. I started eating a little faster.

"It's great thanks. How's yours?" I smiled at him. He pointed at his teeth.

"You have some right here. This is great by the way. Want to taste?" I quickly grabbed my napkin and got whatever it was out of my teeth. Hold on. Taste? Was he asking if he could feed me? I blushed at the thought.

"S-sure," he carved out a bit and put it on his fork. He leaned over the table and moved it towards my mouth. Hesitantly I opened my mouth and bit the beef off. He's right this did taste great.

"Mmm. That's delicious. Why didn't I order that?" I said grinning at him.

"That's so cute. I can't believe he's actually this brave on his first date ever," Mira said to Silver who was sitting across from her impatiently waiting for her food.

"I cannot believe a restaurant such as this takes so long bring us our orders," Just then Kai came still wearing his waiter outfit. He put down their order on the table.

"One couple's salad for the lovely ladies."

"We didn't order it as a couple menu."

"I know," Kai sat down and took off his disguise.

Jack POV.

I can't believe I just did that. I just fed her! Have I gone insane!? Well… She didn't complain so neither will I. We continued eating. I made sure to eat at the same speed as Sapphire so we'd finish at the same time. It's really difficult just so you know.

"That was really good. I'm done," Sapphire said and put down her cutlery. Her plate was completely empty. It was good to know she enjoyed it. At least I hope she did. I was done too so I put down my cutlery as well and soon after, a waitress came and removed our plates. We sat there for a little while just looking at each other. None of us had anything to say, but it didn't matter to me. I was sitting with her and she was sitting with me. It was nice. I noticed she was staring at the people dancing.

"What's wrong?" She must have realized what she was doing because she shook her head and smiled at me.

"O-oh it's nothing I was just thinking about something," I knew exactly what she wanted. I sighed.

"You want me to dance with you right?" She blushed a little.

"N-no it wasn't that. It was something else," I didn't say anything I just stood up. I grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the chair. She got up with a surprised yelp.

"Jack! What are you doing? We don't have to if you can't. I don't want you to embarrass yourself," I continued helping her onto the flat floor.

"Don't worry about me. Just follow along. It's alright," I get it now. SHE'S the one who can't dance. That's actually kind of cute. We got out and I showed her where to place her hands. We started moving slowly to the song.

"I didn't know you could dance. And especially not this kind of dance," she said with an impressed look in her eyes.

"Yeah I know. I almost don't believe it myself," Thank. You. Hibiki. For finally letting ME impress HER for once. I've known her for what… 5 months or so. I was about time I impressed her with something. It's just kind of sad that out of all the things in the world this is the only thing I'm better at then her. I noticed she was starting to move a bit better.

"You're a quick learner. We've been dancing for five minutes or so and you're already getting the hang of it."

"Thank you. I'm doing my best not to embarrass you."

"If someone's going to embarrass themselves it's you."

Meanwhile over at Kai, Mira and Silver.

"I can't hear what they're talking about. Is there a way we can get closer without raising suspicion?" Mira asked. Silver looked at Kai and a devious look came across her face.

"I have a certain thing in mind. Why do you and Kai not go out and dance? That way you will get within range to eavesdrop on them. Though I must say, eavesdropping on a couple's first date seems wrong," Mira and Kai looked at each other both with a surprised look on their face.

"As if! There's no way Kai ever agr…" Mira started but Kai pulling her out of her chair interrupted her.

"Kai what are you doing? You don't have to."

"I hate to admit it, but I'm kind of curious about their conversation too," They got to the dancefloor and began dancing.

"Well. I believe that is my queue," Silver said to herself and began walking to the exit. She noticed Kai was looking at her and she winked at him. He smirked.

"As if silver."

"What?" Mira asked in confusion at not having seen what just happened.

"Silver left us to ourselves, because she thinks we're in love."

"That's kind of cute isn't it," Mira said giving him one of her innocent smiles.

"Yeah. I guess so."

Sapphire POV.

When and how did Jack learn to move like this? Whom did he train with? Why did he train it? All these questions were flowing through my mind, but they didn't matter at all right now. I was looking at the one person who actually asked me out. I was glad it was Jack. I wouldn't have it any other way.

"I'm really enjoying this Jack. Thank you," I said leaning against his chest. I didn't see it, but I knew he blushed.

"Um… thanks. I like spending time with you too," He can just be so… sweet. There's really no way to describe him.

We danced the night away. It must have been at least another hour before we stopped. Luckily, there were some songs with a bit more spunk than others so we got some more rhythm. I was sweating in the end and so was Jack.

"That was really fun. Who's paying for the food?" I asked as we sat back down and noticed the bill on the table. Jack reached in his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper.

"It's free remember, but I guess I'm technically paying," He put the ticket on the bill.

"I guess… That's it. Do you want me to follow you home or should we stay a bit longer?" he asked. While I almost wanted to stay just to have it last a bit longer, that would just be awkward. We weren't going to order any more food and we'd already danced for an hour.

"Let's leave. Is that okay?"

"Of course. Whatever the lady wishes," He said standing up and bowing to me. I giggled at the gesture.

"Very well fine sir," He held out his hand to help me up and put coat over my shoulders. We started walking out of the restaurant.

Kai and Mira

The two of them were still on the dancefloor dancing away. Mira noticed Jack and I leaving.

"Kai. They're leaving. Let's go after them," She started going towards the exit, but Kai held onto her hand and pulled her back making her spin. He placed his hand on her back making her lean backwards.

"Don't worry about them. It'll be fine I can tell. Besides, I didn't reserve a table at this expensive restaurant to leave so soon. Also don't tell me you're afraid I'm better at dancing than you," He pulled her up again and they continued.

"I'll make you eat those words big guy."

Jack POV.

We were on our way to her house after the absolutely best night of my entire life. I hoped we could do this another time.

"Soooo… How was your night?" I asked to see if she was satisfied. She grabbed onto my arm and moved close.

"It was great. I loved it. Thank you," The words were stuck in my mouth.

"U-um you're… you're welcome. I wouldn't have… you know, a-asked anyone else."

"That's so sweet of you to say," We got to her front door and she stood in the doorway. She looked into my eyes. She blushed.

"Thank you for an amazing evening," She leaned in and quickly pecked me on the cheek. I froze completely.

"I-I'll see you later I guess," she said and closed the door leaving me standing there completely dumb folded. What just happened? I huge smile went across my face. I started running. I got to the forest. "GLASS DRAGON ROAR!" I screamed into air in happiness. I fell backwards, landing on my back and started laughing aloud spite the cold snow. I couldn't believe it. She kissed me. I just got my very first kiss.

"What're you so happy about bro?" I looked towards the sound and saw Zeke.

"You bet your exceed butt it was. She kissed me on the cheek at the end you know," Zeke started laughing.

"Is that why you're ruining that expensive suit in the snow?"

"Yes," was all I could really answer.

"Next time, try going for first base. I'm sure she wouldn't mind," he said with a smirk when he noticed I was blushing at the thought. We started laughing together.

"Anyway bro. You probably shouldn't There's a good sleeping spot over there. Why don't we go sleep over there and you can tell me all about your sad love life. I'll even pretend to listen

Sapphire POV.

I closed the door since he wasn't answering me. Did I do something wrong? Dammit! I shouldn't have kissed him. He must think I'm weird now. I went into my living room and started taking my dress off. It had been a long night and I needed to sleep.

"Would you mind telling me about your date?" I instinctively covered myself until I noticed it was Silver, who was sitting on my couch reading a book.

"How long have you been here?"

"Not long. Tell me what worries you. I can tell something is wrong," she always knew those sort of things. There was no hiding it from her. It didn't matter anyway. She was my best friend and I trusted her.

"It was by far one of the best days of my entire life, but… just now… I kissed him on the cheek. And he didn't say goodbye to me or anything and I don't think I should have done that."

"Why not? Did it not feel as a natural action to take at that moment? If so I believe, it was the ideal action," It did feel natural.

"Statistically speaking, people who end dates with a kiss of any kind are twice as likely to become a couple," (A/N: made up)

"Are you sure? Because I don't think he liked it. I might have crossed the line," Silver got up and put her hands on my shoulders.

"I am certain he enjoyed it more than anything you two have done the entire evening."

"What makes you think that?" She gestured to the window in the back. A massive spiral of glass particles suddenly flew out of the forest.

"That was certainly not a roar of rage. It was a roar of glee. I'm certain of it. You have no need to worry. He clearly had a good time. You just need to calm yourself now. Go to bed and get some sleep. Tomorrow you will worry about these things. In fact. Ask Jack himself. I am certain he will answer you," I got into bed and Silver tucked me in.

"Goodnight Sapphire. This has been an important day in your life. Sleep well," She kissed my forehead like a mother would do. She was so amazing. Always looking out for me. She left and I went to sleep.

Jack. You're one of the newest member of our guild, but to me you are by far one of the most important members of Fairy Tail.