Welcome to Part 2 of Cole and Jasper's date! And get ready for the next few chapters because things are going to get exciting! :D Well, I tried to make it exciting anyway, so when the next few chapters go up, please bear in mind that action is not really my forte - romance is.

Also, a glossary word for this chapter:

Konbini - a Japanese-style convenience store.

Enjoy!

After the dog café, Jasper took Cole on a little adventure, going to the museum where she was an apprentice, on to an art supply shop with a gallery right next door, and then to a new age store where she liked to admire the various crystals they had on sale. Upon seeing how utterly enamoured she was by an amethyst pendant, he bought it for her as a thank you for showing him around. Cole couldn't help but smile when he noticed how flushed Jasper became, as he leaned in close to put the necklace on her.

"You really shouldn't have," Jasper purred, toying with the purple gemstone as they walked together. "of course, I'm very grateful, but it's me who should be buying you something."

"You did remember? You got these printed off for me," Cole replied, as he reached into the bag he was holding, and brandished one of three envelopes that were filled with photos downloaded from the Borg Industries blog. "I can't wait to show these to the others!"

"It was nothing, really," She deflected sheepishly. "I've amassed quite a stash of printing credits with the photography department at work, and they have those photo printers in every konbini in New Ninjago."

"Either way, I owed you for using them all on me." He insisted.

Jasper's heart skipped a beat when Cole smiled widely and put his arm around her, patting her shoulder playfully. He was so warm, and the residual heat from his body was making her become rather overheated. She resisted the urge to grab her mirror, fearing that her movement would make him let go of her, and she definitely didn't want that; he made her feel comforted and protected.

"It's been a lovely day," Jasper happily sighed. "thank you so much for inviting me."

"I thought it would be nice for us to hang out before the team goes home." Cole mentioned.

"So, where are you based?" She asked.

"The old Airjitzu temple, it's quite far from the city," Cole paused, sensing Jasper's sudden melancholy, and moved his arm so he could hold her hand. "I promise I'll keep in touch, and we'll be able to meet up occasionally."

"Well, you have my number, so if you find yourself with some free time coming up, just message me and I'm sure we can arrange something," Jasper smiled as the blush on her cheeks deepened, and she gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "because, you know, I'd love to see you again."

"I'd love to see you again too, sooner than later," Cole agreed, as a clock nearby stuck 4pm. "ah… that's my cue, unfortunately; I gotta get back to the hotel, but I'll be counting the hours until the next time."

"Me too." Jasper said, her smile tinted with sadness.

As she withdrew her hand and stood close to him – her red hair shining in the fading sunlight, her emerald eyes looking down at her feet – Cole was hit by a sudden urge. He placed his hand on her cheek and was struck by how incredibly soft and warm her skin felt. The unexpected contact startled Jasper into looking directly at him. Her verdant eyes glimmered with hope as he gazed into them; the intense affection reflected in them pierced right into his soul. For a moment, he hesitated. He didn't want her to think he was being forceful, but at the same time, he was drawn in by the satin sheen on her scarlet-tinted lips. The bustling world around them vanished, as they stood in the middle of the sidewalk, locked in a powerful impasse. It was only the sight of Jasper biting her bottom lip that broke the stalemate, as Cole gently pulled her closer, glancing at her with cloudy eyes.

"Cole," Jasper whispered. "is there something you want?"

"Maybe," Cole murmured, swallowing his nervousness. "I'm just… thinking about last night."

As Jasper also recalled last night – how they had been drinking and dancing together – her internal temperature began to skyrocket, so much that she was certain that she would explode...

Was this real? Or was it just a dream? As she lightly swayed with Cole to a slow and beautifully ethereal song, Jasper couldn't help but wonder whether this was actually happening. He curled his free arm around her waist, pulling her close. She was comfortably leaning against his chest with one hand in his, and the other on his shoulder; the sound of his heartbeat was softly thumping in her ear, rapidly overtaking the rhythm of the music. His body exuded a comforting warmth, and from his direction there was the most irresistible scent of sandalwood. She could've fallen asleep here, wrapped up in the arms of a man she felt such a deep connection with; though they had only recently met, he stirred in her many emotions. The low lighting, the purring synths, it was all so… perfect. In fact, she was very disappointed when the song entered its final instrumentals.

"Want another drink?" Jasper asked, as the music faded into something more up-tempo.

"Definitely." Cole replied.

They walked away from the crowded dancefloor and over to the bar, where Jasper raised her already short kimono so she could sit on the barstool. Cole was almost certain that he caught a fleeting glimpse of her garter belt as he sat on the barstool next to her, but he couldn't be completely sure, owing to how quickly it happened.

"Two Roku gin and sodas please." She smiled at the bartender.

"Gin?" Cole remarked, pulling a face.

"Don't be fooled by the feminine associations, Roku gin is 43 percent proof – and a citrusy delight if ever there was one." Jasper assured.

"Your drinks, miss." The bartender placed two large balloon glasses before them.

Cole eyed up the clear liquid dubiously, as slices of lime and lemon danced on the fizzing surface. Jasper on the other hand, didn't hesitate and had one big mouthful of the drink. She deftly licked the errant fluid from her lips and smiled at Cole expectantly. He faltered for a moment, before lifting the glass and having a cautious taste. The flavour settled on his tongue, and he realised she was right.

"You know, it's pretty good." He admitted, having a bigger sample than before.

"Trust in me, I'll show you all kinds of new sensations." She purred, placing her hand over his.

He spluttered at her interesting choice of words, spilling some of the gin on his shirt. She immediately reached into the lapels of her kimono and pulled out a thin cotton handkerchief to try and dry the splash mark. Jasper could once again feel the warmth of his torso through both the shirt and the towel, and she paused. Looking up at him – his cheeks red from, she assumed, alcohol consumption, his eyes hazy and focused intently on her – she felt drawn to him even more. Emboldened by liquor, Jasper grabbed his tuxedo jacket and pulled him close, taking his mouth with hers in a heated and passionate kiss.

Cole responded with great intensity, getting off of the barstool and snaking his arms around her body. He pressed himself against her, feverishly savouring every second of this sudden and delicious turn of events. She began to rub her leg against his hip; he shivered, briefly breaking the lusty clinch long enough for her to realise that she'd smudged her red lipstick all over his face.

"Sorry." She breathed.

"Don't apologise," He growled. "that was great."

"Not for that." She laughed

She stood up and took his hand, then led him to a bathroom nearby.

They casually strolled in, and Jasper directed him to look in the mirror stretching across the wall above the hand-basins.

"I mean this." She pointed to his face, where he saw for himself the thick red smears of her lipstick.

"Yeah, better take care of that." He agreed, splashing his face with water.

"Here, let me…" She soaked the hand towel under the running water and started wiping the incriminating marks from his skin. "can't have your friends seeing you with all these red marks, they might get the wrong idea."

"It wasn't the wrong idea, it was a great idea," He stated, as she successfully wiped the lipstick smudges away. "I was enjoying myself."

"Me too," She blushed, standing before him sheepishly. "but it wouldn't be good for your team's image to be seen with great big kiss marks all over your face."

"That's what you think." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at her.

"I'll take off what's left of my lipstick, just in case." She chuckled as she wiped the red cosmetic from her lips.

"So we can pick up where we left off?" He asked hopefully.

"Of course…" She whispered as she pulled him close for another kiss.

Suddenly, someone else came into the bathroom. They breezed right past Cole and Jasper without a word and started touching up their foundation in front of the mirror.

"Do you mind? This is private!" Cole snapped.

"And this is the ladies' restroom!" The stranger snapped back.

The two of them dashed out of the bathroom in a hurry, laughing raucously as they made their way back to the bar. Jasper took Cole's hand in her own and gave a gentle squeeze, batting her eyes at him when he turned to look at her. He smiled warmly and leaned over to kiss her cheek.

"Excuse me Sir, Miss." Came a female voice from behind them.

Worried that the lady from the bathroom had come to confront them, they slowly turned around, only to see a photographer bowing to them politely.

"May I take your photo?" She asked, holding up her camera.

"Sure," Cole agreed. "how would you like us?"

"Casual, fun, light-hearted." She responded.

"Like this?" He asked, putting his arms around Jasper.

"Perfect!" The photographer readied her camera.

"I know how I'd like you…" Jasper whispered seductively.

Taken aback by her boldness, Cole started laughing and pulled her even closer. The photographer began clicking away with her camera, and Jasper winked at her as Cole heartily chuckled. When she'd finished taking photos, she had a quick flick through the shots she'd gotten and beamed happily.

"Thank you so much." She bowed and went on her way.

"Another dance?" Cole said as his laughter subsided.

"Definitely!" Jasper answered, pulling him back onto the dancefloor...

"I'm not wearing lipstick today, just a layer of gloss," Jasper remarked, her face as red as a beacon. "you know, i-if that's what you were thinking about."

"Sort of," Cole mentioned. "I was thinking about when we were at the bar, having a drink."

"I should probably apologise for being so forward." She relented.

"That's okay, I enjoyed it," He admitted. "in fact, I was hoping for another one, before I go."

"I wouldn't mind a second taste myself." She uttered, her voice dripping with sweetness.

In the cold light of day, there was some hesitation on Jasper's part; she was a naturally reserved person after all. It wasn't a problem last night, of course, being mildly encouraged by alcohol and the company of the person she admired, but that wasn't how she normally acted. Cole, on the other hand, was well aware of Jasper's shyness, which is why he made the first move. He leaned in so close, that as he placed a gentle kiss on her lips, he could feel the heat from her burning cheeks. The supple skin tasted of cherries and were just as warm – if not hotter – than the girl's flushed face. She soon reacted to the familiar sensation of his mouth on hers and eagerly returned his affection. All semblance of time or location floated away, as Cole and Jasper indulged in each other for a few moments of delicious fulfilment.

Even as they eventually parted, Jasper melted into the subtle tingling left by their passionate embrace.

"Are you sure you can't stay a little longer?" She asked, glancing at him with a coquettish charm in her eyes.

"Well…"

Cole knew he was running late, as he dashed out of his room and down to the lobby. He'd stayed with Jasper longer than expected, after some rather amorous encouragement. By the time he got back to the hotel it was gone 5:30, and the evening celebration started at 6. It didn't leave him much time to change clothes, but he managed to make it to the designated meeting point regardless.

Sapporo Teppanyaki, it turned out, was a restaurant on the upper east side. Mr Borg had evidently booked the whole place out, as Cole recognised some of the other guests who were already seated. He was mildly embarrassed to see that nearly everyone had gotten there before him, including the other ninja.

"We were wondering where you'd got to." Jay laughed as Cole made his way over to them.

"I wasn't, I knew exactly where he was…" Kai announced smugly.

"What does it matter? I'm here now." Cole said, attempting to deflect Kai's attention.

"I agree," Zane intervened. "we are just waiting for the ladies now."

"So, where's the missus?" Lloyd asked, nudging Zane.

"Pixal is with Nya." Zane replied.

"So where is Nya?" Cole asked as he sat down.

Everyone turned to look at Jay, who was surprised that he was the go-to for Nya's whereabouts.

"How should I know where she is?" He wondered, looking away from them. "We were in separate rooms."

"Good!" Kai barked, glaring at him.

"They won't be long," Misako chimed in as she sat down, briefly gesturing to the restaurant entrance. "Pixal just saw some familiar faces and took Nya over to introduce her."

By the glass double doors, next to the hostess stand, were Nya, Pixal, and two young women they didn't recognise, though Pixal seemed excited to see them. Even from a cursory glance, the women were clearly polar opposites – one had short, black hair and the other had long white hair; the noir-haired woman was tall and dressed in a pant suit which matched her hair colour. The other woman was quite short and wore a red slip dress with a white faux fur shawl.

Pixal clapped her hands excitedly and encouraged them to follow her. All four ladies made their way back to the table where the ninja were sitting.

"Everyone, I'd like to introduce Marilyn," Pixal smiled widely, gesturing to the dark-haired woman first, and then to the white-haired one. "and Shiro."

"How nice to meet you all." Shiro bowed.

"The pleasure is ours, I'm sure," Zane beamed. "and I do believe congratulations are in order."

"Thanks, we should say the same to you," Marilyn smirked as she put her arm around Pixal's shoulder. "I'm just sorry we missed the wedding."

"Yes, we only got back this morning." Shiro added.

"Wait… are these the two dancers that…?" Cole asked.

"Eloped?" Marilyn finished his sentence. "Yep, that's us – although, if we'd have known that our little Pixal was getting hitched we would've put it off a little longer."

"We're so proud of her!" Shiro purred, briefly hugging Pixal. "And Nya, of course; from the footage we saw, she did a marvellous job of learning the winter dance!"

"Footage? I didn't know anyone was filming." Nya tilted her head.

"Not just filming," Cole interjected. "you should see the photos Jasper printed off for me."

"Ah yes, Ruby's little sister," Shiro nodded. "lovely girl; didn't know she was dating anyone though."

Kai laughed as Cole's face went red. No one but he and Lloyd knew about Jasper and Cole's date, and they'd only found out by accident: now everyone knew.

"She could do a damn sight worse than an elemental ninja," Marilyn leaned on Cole's shoulder and whispered. "just be gentle with her, she's a vestal."

"Marilyn!" Shiro instantly became flushed and swatted at her wife's arm.

"What?" Marilyn chuckled. "Oh, there's the boss, we better go say hi – it was lovely to meet you!"

Shiro and Marilyn departed and made their way over to Mr Borg, who was currently speaking to Sensei Wu. Meanwhile, Cole's face was burning like never before; he was not the scholarly sort, but even he knew what Marilyn meant by 'vestal'.

"So… how was your date?" Kai smugly wondered.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Cole denied.

"Yes, I do," Kai grinned. "Jasper accidentally knocked on my door this morning, while she was looking for yours."

"Ruby will be pleased," Pixal declared. "she always hoped Jasper would find someone respectable."

"Him? Respectable? That's one word for it, I guess!" Jay laughed.

"Well, don't keep us in suspense; how was your date?" Nya said as she sat beside him.

"We went for something to eat, then we went shopping, and then I came here." Cole briefly summarised, seemingly getting redder with every passing second.

"You purposely went shopping?!" Lloyd gasped. "Someone feel his forehead; he must be ill!"

"He certainly looks feverish," Zane touched Cole's face. "come, let us go out for some fresh air."

Cole got up and followed Zane outside, onto a porch-like area enclosed by wooden guardrails.

Admittedly, the cool evening air did him the world of good – but it figured that the Master of Ice would know the benefits of the cold. They stood together in silence at first, after all, Zane wasn't one to force an issue; he was happy to wait for Cole to speak of his own accord. It would take a little time of course, as Cole was only now cooling off to a significant degree.

"It was very considerate of you to have the photos printed off," Zane eventually said. "Pixal and I would be most grateful to receive a copy of them."

"You should be thanking Jasper," Cole answered. "she used all her printing credits to get them."

"We will procure a suitable thank you gift," Zane insisted. "perhaps you will be so kind as to give it to her, on our behalf."

Cole briefly smiled, before his face sank into a frustrated frown. He sighed and leaned against the wall.

"I wanted to keep it quiet," He insisted. "I mean, after all that love triangle stuff with Nya a few years ago, I just wanted something a bit more private."

"You would not have been able to keep this kind of secret for long," Zane poignantly noted. "it would only be a matter of time before one of us caught you doing something."

Cole raised an eyebrow at Zane, who beamed at him with a knowing smile. The earth ninja also smiled, then started to laugh and shake his head. His compatriot was paraphrasing his own words back at him, words spoken after the intimate depths of Zane and Pixal's relationship had first come out – exactly one week ago.

"Point taken." Cole chuckled.

"Still, it is a pity that Jasper could not have been here," Zane began. "it would be most advantageous for you both to present a united front."

"Yeah," Cole softly smiled to himself, as his eyes cast downward. "I don't know how I'm gonna handle being so far away from her – it sounds ridiculous, I know; I haven't even known her that long."

Zane put his hand on Cole's shoulder.

"I knew Pixal for all of three seconds when I knew I was in love with her," Zane mentioned. "if anyone understands how you feel, it is me."

Cole was comforted by that, and he beamed at his teammate confidently.

"Thanks dude," Cole said. "we should head back inside."