The Princess and the Frog's World
"Do you think they're still waiting for us?" Silver asked as they walked briskly to Tiana's Palace they should have been at ten minutes ago.
Silver wore this stunning dress in a calm and muted green tone, crafted from embroidered lace fabric that depict vines, leaves, and lily pads. At its heart is a strapless, fully boned corset that sculpts and enhances his body's natural curves, offering both support and an exquisite silhouette. The design transitions seamlessly into a cinched waist. Flowing down to a midi-length style, and including the inseam pockets which brings a unique blend of practicality and style, adding a modern touch to the classic design. At the back, a button-up detail ensures a tailored fit and the final flourish is a decorative ribbon bow belt.
He accessories with ivory gloves that reach just above his elbows to complete his look, pair the gown with ivory rounded kitten heels to maintain the tea-length aesthetic while ensuring comfort throughout the night. His makeup is kept soft and radiant, subtle neutrals are used for the eyeshadow, complemented by soft neutral blush and a strawberry chapstick lip balm to complete the look, enhancing his radiant glow.
"We're only a few minutes behind Silver." Anthony assures him. His suit jacket, crafted from a refined deep emerald green, boasts intricate gold embroidery on the lapels and collar. A crisp white dress shirt serves as the canvas for the ensemble, while a muted gold cravat with a subtle pattern and his cuff is fastened with gold cufflinks adds depth. The opulent touch comes from a gold brocade waistcoat, and tailored deep emerald green trousers with light brown leather belt complete the look. A gold pocket square, gold watch on his left wrist and polished deep dark brown leather oxford shoes elegantly round out the ensemble.
"They're not going to leave just because we're fashionably late," Anthony pointed out in his customary straightforward manner. "Besides, they're well-acquainted with your penchant for perfection."
Silver rolled his eyes playfully, responding with a playful mock English accent. "My Lord, forgive my tardiness! I merely wanted to look exquisite tonight. You know how much I strive for perfection on any occasion."
It's true, you know. Silver had always been meticulous about making a striking impression, especially on significant occasions like this double date. Those who knew him were well aware of his commitment to perfection, especially when it came to his carefully chosen outfits for various occasions, always aiming for perfection, from head to toe. Even when you're just simply going to the grocery store or eating at a fast food restaurant, Silver still wants to look good for an outing.
When Staghart had first proposed the idea of going on a double date, Silver had been taken aback by the suggestion. While he had experienced double dates with Staghart in the past before their breakup, the prospect of joining Staghart and his current partner, Lexington, was intriguing to him.
Now, however, the last thing Silver wanted to do was make awkward small talk with Staghart while Anthony was sitting right across from Staghart, when all he could think about was the guy he's dating is the real guy who his former partner used to transform into his human persona.
"Trust me, Silver, you always look perfect, no matter what." Anthony replied with a chuckle, his tone softening. "And you do look lovely tonight, as always, even if you decide to wear a bag of potatoes, I will alway love you."
Silver blushed slightly at the compliment. "Thank you, Anthony. You're always so kind."
They reached the restaurant and both of them paused outside.
They reached the entrance of Tiana's Palace, the elegant and enchanting restaurant where they were supposed to meet Staghart and Lexington. Silver's heart fluttered with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The idea of a double date with his former partner, especially after the history they shared, was both thrilling and slightly surreal.
But it was just a double date. It's just a double date. Silver can do this, he has done this before.
How bad could it be?
As they stepped inside, the ambiance of the restaurant embraced them with its warm and inviting atmosphere. Soft jazz music played by the Firefly Five plus Lou in the background, the noisy, Saturday-night-crowd filled restaurant, and the soft glow of chandeliers illuminated the room. Silver's eyes scanned the area, searching for any sign of Staghart and Lexington.
"I don't see them," Silver murmured, his gaze flickering around the restaurant.
Silver saw Staghart, seated at one of the tables that's close to the dance floor. Staghart's face lit up when he spotted them, and he raised a hand to wave them over. Silver and Anthony make their way through the tables, staff, and people. And came to an abrupt halt about six feet away from the dance floor when the deer gargoyle dressed in velvet dark blue, his date Lexington, also dressed in dark olive green suit and seated beside Staghart, looked to face them.
Staghart turned to his date at the table. "Boys, this is Lexington. Lexington, I know you and Silver met before through Brooklyn and Gabriel but I would like you to meet Anthony. Silver's new boyfriend and the person who I stole his form from without knowing that he is real."
After Staghart introduced the four of them, Silver felt a mix of emotions swirling within him. There was a part of him that was surprised by Staghart's straightforward introduction about taking Anthony's form, but there was also a sense of appreciation for Staghart's honesty. He could see that Staghart was making an effort to address the past, even in the presence of their respective partners. This was it—the moment they had been preparing for, the culmination of their decision to embark on this double date despite the complexities.
Lexington's expression shifted from surprise to realization as he connected the dots. He extended a hand towards Anthony with a friendly smile. "Ah, you're Anthony. It's great to finally meet you. Staghart told me about everything that's happened."
Anthony shook Lexington's hand with a warm smile, his gaze steady. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Lexington."
Staghart gestured to the two chairs across from him and Lexington. "Please, have a seat. We've already ordered drinks, but we can wait for the main course if you'd like to order together."
Silver exchanged a quick glance with Anthony before they both took their seats. The atmosphere at the table was a mix of curiosity and a touch of awkwardness. Despite the familiarity between Staghart and Silver, this was uncharted territory – a double date involving their current partners.
Lexington leaned forward with a grin, his blue eyes filled with curiosity. "So, Anthony, how did you and Silver meet?"
Anthony's smile was genuine as he glanced at Silver before turning his attention back to Lexington. "We met at my family masquerade ball, actually. It was quite a serendipitous encounter."
Lexington's eyes widened with interest. "A masquerade ball? I heard it all about it in the Magical World newspaper of the four Disney princesses and you crashing into the ball."
Silver chuckled at the memory. "Yes, we did crash into the Draventon 270th Anniversary Ball, uninvitedly actually, when we wore our costume to blend in with the rest of the guests. But it led to something chaotic."
Staghart leaned back in his chair, a playful glint in his hazel eyes. "Ah, yes, I remember hearing all about that when Lexington told me."
Anthony chuckled softly. "I remember when I first laid my eyes on Silver when he was under the false name of 'Lady Golden'," he said, "At first, I thought Silver was a young lady due to his costume and his fake name."
Lexington burst into laughter. "Oh, that's classic! Lady Golden? Seriously, Silver?"
Silver's cheeks flushed slightly, but he joined in the laughter. "Hey, I had to come up with something on the spot since the Princesses give out their silly fake names! I want my name to be normal and not ridiculous."
Staghart raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching with amusement. "Lady Golden? That's quite the creative choice, Silver. Gold, silver, interesting."
Anthony grinned, leaning back in his chair. "I have to admit, I was quite surprised when 'Lady Golden' turned out to be a young man when he showed his face in front of the guests and my family. You couldn't imagine the shock when we learn his true gender. But it certainly made for a memorable introduction."
Lexington wiped a tear of laughter from his eye. "Well, you certainly made an impression, Silver."
Silver chuckled in chagrin. "I suppose I did. But in the end, it all worked out for the best once we saw each other again at my 21st birthday party with his parents."
Anthont's smile was warm as he gazed at Silver. "Yes, it did."
Soon, the conversation flowed, the initial awkwardness began to dissipate. Silver found himself relaxing, realizing that despite the unconventional circumstances, they were all just people trying to enjoy a pleasant evening. The rhythm of the conversation picked up as the jazz band played their instruments on stage with some dance on the dance floor, transitioning from polite inquiries to more animated discussions about shared interests and experiences.
Staghart and Lexington recounted some of their recent adventures as part of the London Clan, sharing tales of their travels and the challenges they had faced. Anthony, in turn, talked about his work as a royal guard and trained to be a future Captain of the Disney guard once his training is fully complete.
Silver, always the one with a penchant for storytelling, recounted some of his favorite moments with his friends and some quests and mission they went to. The stories flowed effortlessly, punctuated by laughter and camaraderie.
Luckily, the tension between the couples was momentarily forgotten by the arrival of the waitress holding a tray of their drinks. A girl in her 19 or maybe early 20 with a named tag that read: "Lilly Truscott."
Her uniform consists of a knee-length, long sleeves muted green dress crafted from a durable yet comfortable fabric. The dress features a dropped waistline, and the neckline of the uniform is adorned with a crisp white Peter Pan collar that contrasts beautifully with the muted green fabric and an apron in a soft pastel shade, a delicate cream, drapes over the front of the dress. The apron is adorned with subtle embroidery of water lilies on the right corners. It ties around the waist, creating a defined silhouette and providing a functional element for the waitstaff. To complete the ensemble, a coordinating waitress hat. For footwear, comfortable yet stylish Mary Jane shoes in black and a pair of nude pantyhose on her legs.
"Good evening," Lily greeted with a friendly tone, her gaze sweeping across the table as she placed the tray down and gave their drink to them. "Here are your drinks and my name is Lily, and I'll be taking care of you tonight."
Silver couldn't help but do a double-take. Her face seemed familiar, and he found himself searching his memory for where he might have seen her before. As she handed out the menus and exchanged pleasantries, it finally clicked.
"Wait a second," Silver interrupted with a curious grin. "Aren't you… Lilly Truscott? As in, the Lilly Truscott from Hannah Montana? The one who's friends with Miley Stewart on that Disney Channel show back in the mid-2000s? 2006 specifically?"
Lilly's eyes widened in return, a surprised grin spreading across her face. "You recognized me? Yeah, that's me. It's been a while since someone recognized me from 'Hannah Montana'!"
Silver's excitement was palpable. "I used to watch that show when I was younger growing up! It's so cool to see you here."
Lilly chuckled, clearly amused. "Well, thank you! It's always nice to meet someone who recognizes me. But enough about me, let's talk about food. Have you all decided on what you'd like to order?"
Lexington perused the menu with a thoughtful expression. "I've heard great things about the food here. Any recommendations?"
Lilly nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, definitely! Our gumbo is a popular choice, and the beignets for dessert are a must-try. And of course, our specialty drinks are a hit too. Would you gentlemen like a moment to decide on what to eat?"
"Actually, I think we're ready to order," Staghart replied, glancing at the menu before he looked at Lilly. "I'll have the jambalaya, please."
"Excellent choice!" Lilly noted down the order. "And for you, sir?" She looked at Lexington.
Lexington chimed in, "I'll go with the blackened catfish, thanks."
"I'll have gumbo," Silver said, handing his menu back to Lilly.
Lilly jotted down their choices. "Great, and for you?" she inquired, turning to Anthony.
"I'll go with the Cajun-spiced shrimp and grits," Anthony decided, handing his menu to Lilly with a grateful smile.
"Perfect, thank you!" Lilly beamed, jotted down their food choices and smiled. "Alright, I will make sure your food will be ready soon, if you need anything else, don't hesitate to let me know. In the meantime, please enjoy the live music and the lovely atmosphere." She walked away from the table as the group patiently waited for their foods to arrive, the conversation flowed effortlessly.
The initial awkwardness from the beginning of the evening had transformed into genuine camaraderie. Silver found himself engaging in light banter with Lexington, while Staghart and Anthony shared their own stories about their experiences. Their conversation continued to flow, but the live jazz band began playing "Ma Belle Evangeline," most couples entered the dance floor and danced in their partner's arms.
Anthony leaned in toward Silver, a playful glint in his eyes. "You know, they have a dance floor here. Care for a dance while we wait for our food?"
Silver's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "I'd love to," he replied, his smile matching Anthony's playfulness.
Standing up from their chairs, Silver placed his hand in Anthony's outstretched one, feeling the warmth of their connection. The two of them made their way to the small but cozy dance floor, surrounded by couples swaying to the music. As they moved to the gentle rhythm of the music, Silver found himself lost in the moment, the worries of the evening temporarily forgotten.
Anthony's hand rested on Silver's waist, his touch reassuring and gentle. Silver places his hand on Anthony's forearm and the two clasp their other hands together.
They then start swaying to the music, Silver and Anthony moving in perfect harmony underneath the chandelier. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the soft strains of the jazz band and the warmth of each other's presence. Anthony's movements were graceful and controlled, guiding Silver with a confidence that mirrored their connection.
Silver's heart fluttered with a mixture of emotions—joy, contentment, and a profound sense of affection. As they danced, he looked into Anthony's blue eyes, finding a depth of understanding and love that only seemed to intensify in this intimate moment.
They and the couples in the dance floor steps were synchronized, the gentle sway of their bodies accentuated by the dim lighting and the romantic ambiance of the restaurant. Anthony's hand guided Silver through elegant turns and delicate twirls, their bodies close enough to feel each other's heartbeat yet distant enough to maintain an air of anticipation.
The soft touch of Anthony's fingertips on Silver's waist sent shivers down his spine, igniting a fire that warmed his entire being. The rich, velvety sound of the guitars filled the air with music that spoke of love and longing, the perfect backdrop for the enchanting dance they shared.
With every movement, every glance exchanged, the unspoken words between them grew louder. It was a dance of unspoken promises, of whispered affection and a silent commitment. Each step they took was the depth of their connection, a connection that had blossomed from a chance encounter into something far more profound.
As the song reached its crescendo, Silver felt a surge of emotion that he could no longer contain. With a tender smile, he leaned in closer to Anthony, resting his head against his shoulder. Anthony's embrace tightened slightly, his touch reassuring and comforting.
Anthony's lips found Silver's ear and his warm voice dropped to a whisper. "I adore you…" his breath tickled Silver's right ear, "I love you."
Time seemed to stand still as they continued to dance, lost in their own world. The magic of the moment enveloped them, weaving of emotion and longing that transcended words.
When the music finally came to an end, they came to a graceful stop. Anthony's hand gently brushed against Silver's cheek as he looked into his eyes, his expression tender and filled with a depth of emotion that mirrored Silver's own.
"Thank you for the dance," Silver whispered, his voice barely more than a breath.
Anthony's gaze held a warmth that could melt even the coldest of hearts. "The pleasure was all mine, my dear Silver."
As they made their way back to the table, the atmosphere was different. There was a new layer of intimacy that had settled between them, a shared memory of a dance that had brought them closer than ever before.
When they made their way back and reached the table, Staghart and Lexington looked up with curious smiles. "You two seemed to have quite the dance," Staghart remarked, a playful glint in his eyes.
Silver's cheeks tinged with a soft blush as he took his seat. "Yes, it was... magical."
Anthony's hand found Silver'son top of the table, their fingers intertwining. "Yes… yes it was."
Just as they were seated the moment they had been waiting for arrived. Lilly returned to their table with a tray laden with their orders. The aroma of flavorful Cajun and Creole dishes filled the air, promising a delectable culinary experience.
"Here you go, gentlemen," Lilly said with a warm smile, expertly placing each plate in front of its recipient. "I hope you enjoy your meals. If there's anything else you need, don't hesitate to ask."
The plates were a feast for the eyes, a symphony of colors and textures that captured the essence of New Orleans cuisine. The jambalaya was a vibrant medley of sautéed vegetables, succulent shrimp, andouille sausage, and tender chicken served over a bed of fluffy rice. The blackened catfish glistened with flavorful spices and was accompanied by a generous portion of red beans and rice. The gumbo was rich and fragrant, filled with tender pieces of chicken, sausage, and a medley of vegetables. And the Cajun-spiced shrimp and grits showcased plump shrimp nestled in creamy, savory grits.
"Wow, this all looks amazing," Lexington exclaimed, his eyes wide with anticipation.
Staghart nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on his plate. "I've been looking forward to the jambalaya all day."
Silver's excitement mirrored theirs as he took in the sight of his gumbo while placing a napkin onto his lap so no liquid could spill onto his skirt. "I can't wait to dig in!"
Anthony's expression was one of genuine appreciation as he surveyed his Cajun-spiced shrimp and grits. "It looks absolutely delicious."
With that, they raised their glasses in a toast, celebrating the night and the company they shared. As they began to savor the carefully crafted dishes, their conversation continued to flow. The act of sharing a meal was inherently intimate, and the experience of enjoying each bite together seemed to further cement the connection they were building.
With each bite, they exchanged comments and reviews of the dishes, the flavors dancing on their tongues and adding another layer to their evening. As they enjoyed the food, the atmosphere was one of contentment, laughter, and shared moments.
They continued savoring their meals, the ambiance of the restaurant seemed to shift. The lights overhead dimmed, casting a soft, warm glow over the tables. Everyone's gaze flickered up, drawn to the transformation of the space around them. Suddenly, two spotlights illuminated a path leading to the dance floor, capturing the attention of everyone in the restaurant.
Their eyes widened as they all watched Tiana and Prince Naveen make their grand entrance. The couple was a vision of elegance and grace, their outfits from Disney's Midnight Masquerade series shimmering in the soft light. Tiana's gown flowed with every step, the intricate design reflecting her regal beauty. Prince Naveen, dashing in his attire, exuded charm and charisma that filled the room with his signature smile.
As they held hands together and walked towards the dance floor. The room seemed to hold its breath, captivated by the presence of the royal couple. A sense of enchantment filled the air, wrapping around the diners like a warm embrace.
Together, they reach the center of the dance floor. When Prince Naveen moves Tiana around in the circle before he spins her with her facing the audiences. Tiana extends out her right arm and executes a move that draws gasps of surprise and appreciation from the onlookers. With a flourish, Prince Naveen took it and leaned in, capturing Tiana's hand with his lips and pressed a tender kiss to her hand, then continued the kiss along her arm, her neck, her other arm, before once again reaching her hand, and finally her arm.
Tiana playfully rolled her eyes at the Maldonia Prince before she quickly raised her right hand in the halt right as the band began playing the tango music. Prince Naveen spun Tiana away from him, only to pull her back with their stomach touching each other.
The two spotlights illuminated their figures as they locked eyes, a connection that seemed to transcend the physical world.
With an almost imperceptible nod from Tiana, Prince Naveen extended his hand, his palm facing upward. Tiana's fingers brushed against his as she placed her hand in his, their touch sending a shiver down her spine. The first notes of the tango echoed through the room, and the dance began.
Their movements were synchronized, a seamless flow of steps and turns that spoke of years of practice and intimate understanding. Prince Naveen's gaze never wavered from Tiana's, his eyes capturing her every move, every expression. With each step they took, their connection deepened, the energy between them radiating with intensity.
Tiana's steps were both graceful and confident as she matched Prince Naveen's every move. She moved with fluidity, her body responding to his lead with an almost innate understanding. Her gown swayed with her movements, the delicate fabric flowing elegantly around her as she twirled and turned.
Prince Naveen's movements were nothing short of captivating. He led Tiana with a combination of precision and passion, his touch guiding her effortlessly through intricate patterns and turns. His every gesture was deliberate, his body language expressing both strength and vulnerability.
As the music swelled, Prince Naveen took a step back, his arm extended to its full length. Tiana's gaze remained fixed on his as she glided forward, the distance between them closing with every step. When she reached him, her body dipped low, her back arching as her hand brushed the floor.
Prince Naveen's other arm swept gracefully over his head as he dipped down to meet her. Their eyes locked, a silent conversation passing between them. Tiana's lips curved into a playful smile as she allowed herself to be drawn back up, her movements a blend of sensuality and elegance.
With unexpected moments Naveen dramatically unfurled a tablecloth from the occupied table, using it like a matador's muleta, the fabric swirling around him as he maneuvered it with flair. Tiana matched his energy, her footwork deliberate and expressive. She found two clamshells on a nearby table and used them as castanets, adding rhythmic beats to the music.
At one particular moment, Tiana's playful gaze met Naveen's, a challenge passing between them. With a swift flick of her wrist, she sent a steak knife spinning towards Naveen. He caught it effortlessly with his mouth, a mischievous grin playing on his lips as he continued the dance without missing a beat. The audience erupted in applause and gasps of admiration, captivated by the daring and skillful move.
The dance continued, the chemistry between Tiana and Naveen palpable. They spun around the dance floor, their movements fluid and mesmerizing. As the music reached its crescendo, Prince Naveen initiated the move, holding Tiana's hand as she leaned back. He guided her down to the ground, and with a swift spin, he gently spun her across the floor, the crowd erupted in cheers, applause, and laughter.
The final notes of the tango echoed through the room, and the dance reached its climax, the Prince brought Tiana back from the ground and stood face to face once again, their gazes locked as the music swelled around them. With a final, dramatic dip, Prince Naveen leaned Tiana backwards, her hand held aloft and the couple stole a kiss. The applause that followed was thunderous, the entire restaurant rising to their feet to honor the couple's breathtaking performance.
Back at the table, Silver, Anthony, Staghart, and Lexington exchanged excited glances, their faces illuminated by the afterglow of the mesmerizing performance. The atmosphere was electric, and it felt as if they had all been transported to a different world for those few minutes.
"Wow, that was incredible," Silver exclaimed, his eyes still wide with amazement.
Anthony nodded in agreement, his expression filled with admiration. "Truly a captivating performance."
Staghart leaned back in his chair, a contented smile playing on his lips. "I must say, I'm impressed. That tango was something else."
Lexington's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I've never seen a tango like that before. Although, I feel like I have seen this movie before from a classic movie, but can't remember the name."
With a satisfied grin, Prince Naveen released Tiana from their pose and took a bow, his charm captivating the audience even in the aftermath of their dance. Tiana curtsied gracefully, her radiant smile illuminating the room as she basked in the well-deserved applause. Once the applause died down and the restaurant returned to its usual bustling activity with the light back on, Tiana and Prince Naveen made their way through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries and warm smiles.
Lilly returned to the table with a knowing smile, the corner of her lips curling upward. "Hope you all enjoyed your main course and the performance tonight!" Lilly exclaimed. "Now, the moment of truth—dessert! Our beignets are a popular choice, but we also have a delectable bread pudding and a praline parfait. Any takers?"
Silver's eyes lit up at the mention of beignets. "I'll beignets, please! And I'll have a cup of tea with Nymphaeaceae flavor with that."
Lexington chuckled. "Oh I'm definitely getting the beignets too. They taste so good, and I'll have hot chocolate."
Staghart nodded in agreement. "Beignets it is for me as well, and I'll have a chai latte."
Anthony smiled warmly. "I'll go with strawberry cheesecake parfaits, and a cup of tea with Maldonia flavor."
Lilly jotted down their dessert choices with practiced efficiency. "Wonderful choices! Dessert will be on its way in about five minutes."
The night continued on, loaded stories, laughter, and shared experiences. As they finished their meals and desserts, the atmosphere was relaxed, a stark contrast to the initial tension. Once they pay the bill and tip Lilly for her service, the four of them parted ways with a shared promise to meet again if they are all available.
After they bid each other goodbye, Silver and Anthony walked to the opposite direction together, hand in hand, under the starlit sky, Silver couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of contentment. The past and present had intertwined in ways he hadn't anticipated, leading to a night that had exceeded his expectations. He glanced at Anthony, his heart filled with warmth.
"Despite the complexities," Anthony began, his voice soft, "I'm glad we went on this double date."
Silver smiled, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on Anthony's cheek. "Me too, Anthony. Me too."
Well, it seems like the double date turned out to be quite the success without a hitch. Tiana's Palace Restaurant seemed like the perfect backdrop for their rendezvous, especially with its enchanting atmosphere and delectable New Orleans dishes. Just an incredible fun fact: Tiana's Palace Restaurant is actually set to open in Disneyland Park on September 7, 2023, next month. So, I figured it was a fitting location for this double date chapter mirrors an upcoming real-life event.
A subtle nod to the 2000s era of Disney Channel shows made its way into the narrative, with playful references to "Hannah Montana." The unexpected appearance of Lilly Truscott from the show as their waitress added a touch of whimsy to the evening. Who would have thought that a character from an old Disney Channel show would make a cameo today.
Yet, the true showstopper of the night was undoubtedly the mesmerizing tango dance performed by none other than Tiana and Prince Naveen. This dance became the centerpiece of the evening, capturing the undivided attention of the entire restaurant. Drawing inspiration from Gomez and Morticia Addams's iconic tango dance in "The Addams Family Values' ' from 1993, the choreography and execution of Tiana and Prince Naveen's dance was nothing short of breathtaking. Fans familiar with the original dance might even spot some clever nods and references embedded within the performance, while the description aims to capture the essence of the original movie tango as accurately as possible.
Next Chapter: Silver and Anthony decide to spend a beautiful autumn day in a picturesque park, bringing along their beloved dogs for some fun.