Hello there! Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoy this! It's my first short story so be nice, but honest when critiquing. This is a work of fiction based on a dream I had. Any similarities to people living or dead is entirely coincidental. I don't have that much control over my dreams. Et Voila, here you go, and once again I hope you enjoy my first one-shot story!

My name is Robin Stace, and I'm going to take you on a tour of one of my dreams. Don't worry, it's PG tops, due to light swearing. I'm an aspiring writer, as you might have guessed, but I digress. Storytime! Please Read and review!

A smartphone of unknown brand flashes on, displaying the notifications from a text. The phone is picked up, the text chain and history quickly becomes visible. A little over a year's worth of conversations on varying topics. The phone reflects a young man with blue eyes and thick mid-length hair. He was in his early thirties, but he could pass for younger, or so people had said. Robin grinned when he saw who'd written. It was one of his closest friends, Tarah. The two met via social media, seemingly by accident, they got to talking, decided to meet up in person. They were each looking for new friends at the very least, it's always good having more friends.

Tarah hadn't been looking for romance, unlike Robin, but she was just too awesome to lose as a friend that Robin didn't broach the subject more than once, fearing it would tarnish the friendship they developed; though he did partake in complimenting her with little things whenever possible with a no pressure or expectations attitude. Light flirting was perfectly cool with Tarah, as long as it was just good fun.

They'd been friends for around a year, going out for dinner when she was done with work, and since Robin was an aspiring writer he worked his own hours, barring writing classes at the local college, granting him a pretty open schedule. He thought of them as Friend Dates, which he kept to himself since he saw them as basically normal dates, but didn't want Tarah to feel uncomfortable. Robin noticed another message from his "Aunt" Shelagh, choosing to read what Tarah wrote first. Tarah: "Hey I just finished work, it was a good day. Are you up for dinner?" Robin replied: "You know it! Who's turn to pick this time?" Tarah: "Yours, I think. I'll head home and shower, which should be enough time for you to pick a place, and I can dress up if I need to. I haven't worn my nicer stuff in awhile." Robin chuckled, the restaurants with a dress code were too busy and expensive for either of them, his suit and blazers needed dusting off as well. He was about to reply with a reasonably priced place that had never let them down before, but then he paused, reading Shelagh's message.

Shelagh: "Hey Robin, hope you're doing well, or at least better than me. Surprise surprise, I'm sick again. I'm going to pass out soon, so here's the gist of things. Me and John had a dinner reserved and we even paid in advance for the VIP treatment at Anton's, that fancy restaurant downtown we went to to celebrate your first published work. So we are giving it to you, bring a friend, break out the formalwear and charm, and enjoy the night for us. Anton's expecting you, with a companion, at 8:00 pm. Have fun!" Robin replied to Shelagh: "I'm well, and I'm sorry you're sick. Wow! Anton's?! That place is freaking awesome, very upscale! I'll be sure to dress appropriately, as will my companion. She's a great person, you'd get along with her without a doubt!" Robin wrote Tarah again: Anton's, 8:00 pm, high caliber dress code restaurant. A friend gave me her reservation."

Tarah replied: "holy moly! See you at the front door at 8;00 sharp!" which made Robin chuckle, Tarah was clearly surprised which was one of the things he loved, if only because it was a rare occurrence.

Robin looked over his formal attire, pondering the greatest question of the night. "What do I wear?" He ultimately decided to wear his best black slacks, dress shoes, black socks, the classic crisp white button down shirt, and his favorite dark blue blazer. Robin showered, dressed, and left humming "As time goes by" as performed by Frank Sinatra. Robin wasn't sure what the night would bring but looked forward to the surprises with great zeal.

Anton's, 8;00 pm

Robin was walking down the sidewalk towards Anton's. He didn't know it but he was strutting his stuff while projecting an aura of pure confidence, in part due to nature's grace, he knew he was handsome, but wearing formal clothes always made him feel better, stronger. That he was going to meet one of his closest friends, and certainly top dog among his female friends, didn't hurt either. Just as he was in sight of the door he saw her, and she was ethereal in her beauty. He wasn't a superficial man, but knowing her as well as he did magnified the physical attraction, he loved her for her character, but he wasn't dead and could certainly appreciate her physical appeal. Beauty without substance is nothing, empty.

Tarah was a woman of average height with brown hair and brown eyes. She was of dark complexion, with skin that looked softer than silk, and she was not a skinny waif nor was she too large, all while having the perfect amount of curvyness; at least as far as Robin was concerned. Her ensemble of a lovely, and very formal scarlet dress paired with practical footwear that was still feminine without being stupidly difficult to walk in or killing her feet simply enhanced the already existing and amazing traits she possessed. She wore minimal makeup and jewelry, choosing instead to simply highlight her natural beauty. Robin imagined his jaw on the ground like a cartoon character despite keeping his composure, more or less.

The duo met up at the front door simultaneously, and Robin held the door open like a classic gentleman should, but he was also teasing her since she was incredibly independent. They met with the guy at the front desk, he looked to be expecting them if the grin was any indication.. "Hello Jacque. Been awhile, hasn't it." Robin said, smiling and shaking the man's hand. "Indeed, far too long. I assume you're taking a break from burning the candles at both ends for a night of fine dining, no?" Jacque replied, pausing when he noticed Tarah. "And it seems you've brought company of equally fine taste." Robin controlled himself and didn't blush, instead introducing his friend. If Tarah blushed at the compliment she hid it well. "Where are my manners? You'll have to forgive me. Tarah, meet Jacque, Jacque meet Tarah '' the two shook hands. "Any friend of Monsour Stace is a friend of mine and most people working here. It's a story you'll have to hear from either the man himself or Anton the owner." Jacque turned to the ledger looking for the reservation, he knew it was there but couldn't look anything less than professional. "I see you are claiming another's table and night out. Poor Shelagh, sick again. Oh well, at least the table and vip treatment isn't going to waste. Go on in, you're expected and your server is waiting." The couple thanked Jacque for his help, who waved off the thanks proclaiming it his pleasure to assist. They opened the wide oak doors and went into the dining area, Tarah was blown away, and Robin tried desperately hard not to act goofy in a place of such oppulence despite having been there before.

Around twenty tables were visible, with more hidden around the corners. Robin had been here a couple times, but never with someone he liked as much as Tarah. He reminded himself that it was just dinner, albeit at a fancy restaurant, but it wasn't that different from the norm. Before he could give it further consideration, an impeccably dressed Italian man approached them wearing a huge grin.

Upon seeing the Italian man approach Tarah had hooked her arm in Robin's to stop potentially unwanted advances. Better the single men and women think they were together than getting harassed during dinner, Tarah knew Robin didn't mind this arrangement. "Ah, welcome back my friend! Come this way please." he said with, oddly enough, an English accent, leading them to a table in the corner. It was private, with subdued lighting and also not too far from the dance floor. The Italian man would normally pull out the chair for the young lady but Robin beat him to it. "Now, Robin. You know the rules here. We butlers are here to serve you, not an iota of work on your part, just relaxation." Robin took his seat with a chuckle, "My apologies Anton, you're right we're here to relax." the Italian, now revealed to be the owner and proprietor of the restaurant, which catered to all levels of income. Anton's was a family restaurant and Anton himself was not elitist, nor were his mothers who'd adopted him as a young boy. One mom was English, the other French and he was Italian by biology. The restaurant was one way he honored all that had made him.

Anton smiled at the two, "Please, take a look at our wine collection. We have alcohol free wine as well if you just want the taste without the booze. This reservation has many surprise treats attached, so don't overindulge. If there's anything you need just use the intercom in the table. I'll return momentarily with the menus." Anton clicked his heels and left Robin and Tarah to their own devices for the time being.

Robin picked up the drink menu, Tarah was meanwhile flabbergasted by the revelation that for some reason her friend was able to garner such respect from a fairly upscale place. He was not an upscale man, he was a starving writer who barely afforded most things, even with royalties from his first published work. Tarah smelled a story, and it didn't look like Robin would explain it. Then she saw it, his grin. He wanted her curious, wanted her to ask. Robin was a storyteller, it made sense that getting asked to tell a story would make him happy. "Okay, there's a story here. Tell me please?" Robin placed the drinks menu back down, shrugged easily, and replied "The first time I was here I was celebrating my first published book, and first paycheque. Everything was going smoothly, Anton wasn't the owner back then, but he was a butler and waiter. Every waiter here is also a trained butler. Now what happened next was a little dramatic, a small fire had broken out, and I did what I could to help." he'd omitted parts of the full story, he wasn't built for boasting. Anton naturally chose that moment to return with menus and colour commentary. "That is true, but this man, he's too modest for his own good. He saved the whole restaurant, and everyone inside. Every time I see him, I think how wasted he is as a single man. If Robin wasn't straight I'd date him. Everyone on the staff knows he's single and he's always turned them down, gently. Whoever gets romantically involved with Robin is a lucky woman." Anton eyed the couple, Robin was scarlet, while his lovely companion was doing her best to not look shocked, an impressive feat considering Anton's words. It was obvious to Anton's trained butler eye that Robin was toning down the romantic angle for his companions sake, it was also obvious that he really liked the girl, maybe even loved her if body language was anything to go by. Anton would have to play his cards just right to turn this friend date into something more, at the very least getting Tarah to see Robin in a romantic light. "Drinks, Master Robin, Mistress Tarah?" he prompted. He knew Tarah's name from Jacque. "You're serving us?" Tarah asked, surprised. "Of course, madam. I'm the owner, but I'm still a butler and will remain butlering for as long as possible. Now, shall I fetch beverages?" Anton said looking like an Italian version of Alfred Pennyworth, which made Robin feel like Bruce Wayne having dinner with Selina Kyle, a feeling Robin liked immensely. Robin ordered a single scotch while Tarah ordered a glass of alcohol-free wine. Anton left with their drink orders and left them the menu to peruse.

The menu had French cuisine, but what blew Tarah away was the diversity. Anton's cooked anything you wanted, an extension to the butlering side of things. she reasoned. Each page had at least two different cultures' foods. The couple listened to easy listening jazz, perfect for just conversing and relaxing, but energetic enough for dancing ballroom style.

Anton returned, seemingly out of nowhere, just as they decided what to order. Robin got steak while Tarah ordered peking duck, they had agreed to split their orders because the dishes were large at Anton's. Unlike most places that had fancy food, portions were large here, Anton's motto "nobody goes home hungry" was a cornerstone and especially applied to families and couples. They based bills on a sliding scale, and party size. One person alone paid full price, assuming they could afford it, which was usually confirmed via thorough questionnaires.

As the duo waited for the food, sipping drinks and making smalltalk, many eyes and whispers were directed their way. Whether they spoke good or ill was undetermined, though it was rendered moot by a glance from Anton. Everyone knew he had a sense of debt towards Robin, one the young man would not take advantage of. The least he felt he could do was ensure a peaceful dinner date for the two. Anton silently, and invisibly, sidled up to the two who both looked on edge, likely for different reasons. "If you would like, there's a roped-off area for vape use and smokers. Don't go there, instead go up to the second floor. Fewer people, far more relaxing than a crowd. I assume that you both smoke pot? We carry complimentary joints, should you have need but forgot your own. They're not too tight, Robin here can attest to this." The two thanked Anton for the tip and went up for a smoke break, with Anton following silently in their wake.

The two beelined for the complementary joints, Robin picked a hybrid while Tarah took an indica strain that wasn't too strong. At some point, the duo got far enough away from one another for Anton to politely interrogate Robin under the pretense of lighting his joint for him. "I assume you have feelings for her beyond platonic friendship?" Robin took a draw from the joint, contemplating his reply and only answering when he flicked ashes into a waiting ashtray. "Yes, you assume correctly. Regrettably she doesn't want romance. Unrequited feelings aside, I take solace knowing that it's not just me she doesn't want a romantic relationship with, but with anyone. Why? Do you have secrets on overcoming unrequited feelings?" Robin replied, taking another calming draw of the weed. "No, but have you asked her since she told you she wasn't interested? People change their minds, hearts can change tune. Maybe your feelings aren't as unrequited as you once thought. She seems deep in thought, likely about you. Ask her to dance and just enjoy the evening. You'll work your magic and I'll work mine. No means no, but it can also mean not now. On that note, I'll keep the waiters and other single people from flirting with her. Here's your jacket, use it well." With those words and a lightning fast conspiratorial wink Anton took the remaining part of the joint from Robin's lips and put it out, not that much was left burning, but it still stopped Robin burning his lips. Anton knew Robin might need them for more than just his food tonight. Anton snapped his fingers and the waiter/butler secretly chatting up and flirting with Tarah promptly shut up, found out by his boss. "You've been warned about chatting and flirting with patrons. Besides, she's in a much higher league than you, you have no chance. I'll be back for you both lest you eat dinner cold, a true sin. Until then, enjoy the night sky. I find it especially entrancingly beautiful from this floor and window, for some reason the city lights don't seem as bad looking upon the heavens from here." Anton left the ashtray for Tarah who was a slower smoker than Robin.

Tarah was finishing her smoke, enjoying the view and finally comfortable enough with the whole over-the-top-butlering to see it wasn't over the top, and that not taking advantage of services offered would be little more than disrespecting Anton personally as a butler and everything the restaurant stood for. Elitism married with inclusiveness was Anton's thing. No matter your budget or class, you were guaranteed good food and superb service equal to everyone else. Vip options were there to supplement for the high quality food and service everyone got, she understood they had bills and wages to pay which were heavily tied to vip options.

Tarah flicked her ashes off into the ashtray, and shivered from a particularly strong breeze, then a heavy weight fell over her shoulders. "You looked cold. It's only a blazer but it should help a little" Robin said from beside her. Tarah wore the blazer around her shoulders like a blanket, it was still warm from earlier. "Thank you, I was cold. Anton's right, the view is beautiful." Tarah said, her eyes on the heavens. Robin eyed Tarah surupticiously and couldn't help but agree, the view was beautiful, however he only replied once his eyes were aimed at the celestial beauty of the stars. "I couldn't agree more, it is a beautiful sight to behold, though it pales in comparison with you. Come on, Anton might like me but he hates good food gone to waste even more.'' He offered his arm, and on closer inspection while linking arms Tarah noticed he was sporting a little blush. Was he hoping she would brush off his strange flirty behavior? That wasn't her MO. Then again, maybe it wasn't strange behavior, Robin had never tried hiding his feelings towards her, even if he never voiced them aloud for her sake. Maybe a year was enough for his confidence to grow, from reclusive aspiring writer to semi-suave confident successful writer. Then again, maybe Tarah's view on anything more than platonic had changed, and she was just seeing him in the right light for all his good qualities to pop. She'd let the night play itself out and check back in with her feelings later. The one thing she knew for certain was that she liked him beside her, warm and comforting as he was. They made their way down to their table, which was sporting candles and soft lighting. It had to be one of the surprises that had been pre purchased with the reservation by Shelagh Robin's honorary Aunt.

Just as the two friends had gotten comfortable, Anton showed up with their orders with a grin and a polite "Tuck in." before disappearing. As they ate they saw that they were scrutinized by the staff, and one another when they didn't think the other one would see. Eventually they finished their shared meals, bellies almost full, with just enough room for dessert. They looked for the dessert menu, but found none while other tables had them, and just as they were preparing to get up and borrow one, who should appear but Anton to the rescue. "No, no, no. You won't be needing the dessert menu. I will bet my restaurant that you will love the low sugar confection prepared for you. While you wait, I have dark chocolate covered strawberries to tide you over. Pity you two aren't on a date, they pair beautifully with romance. Apologies in advance for the music, it's designed for ballroom dancing, often attributed with feelings of amore due to the ambience. We do not nor will we ever play nightclub music. I suppose you could still dance as friends if you're comfortable enough with one another. I shall return once dessert is ready." They shared the strawberries, with only enough for them both if they shared, and while sharing food was hardly new, given the setting it was a little awkward for a moment, and it didn't take long to finish them. Robin kept rearranging his silverwear while the lovely Tarah worked on chewing her lip. "Screw it." Robin thought furiously before calmly standing and surprising Tarah when he bowed gallantly and offered his hand. "Care to dance? We can show the other "real" couples how it's really done. Before you ask, yes I can dance ballroom. Can you keep up?" he asked with a somewhat cocky grin, eyes dancing merrily with just a touch of mischief. Tarah went from shocked to pleased, returning his grin with one of her own when she took his profferred hand. Her curiosity was piqued, she had to know how well he could dance. "Definitely, though I admit it's surprising that you can dance. Here I was thinking I knew your talents. Let's show them all how to really dance." Tarah left Robin's blazer knowing they'd be warm in no time from dancing.

Robin and Tarah approached the dancefloor, onlookers parting for yet another dancing duo. The started with a simple, slow waltz to ease into more strenuous dancing later. Neither knew it but they were grinning like fools. Anton had done what he could for Robin and Tarah, the rest was up to them, a butler can only go so far without breaching propriety which was and remains taboo for butlers.

As Tarah and Robin danced, they enjoyed themselves even as they considered their current relationship dynamic. Robin was trying to be fun while also romantic enough to make his interests known, all while not coming across with too much pressure. While all that juggling was going on, Tarah kept finding her friend in different lights, lights that aroused a combination of excitement and fear and caused her pulse to grow faster. She was aware he was trying to be lighthearted in his advances for her sake, even to the point of making excuses to do romantic things almost to the point of being a game. She was betrayed by her ex, which was why she wasn't romantic with anyone barring tonight. But she knew she had to get past her fear or she'd never recover, stuck as a victim. Perhaps she had recovered long ago and simply grown accustomed, even comfortable with that fear. Before Tarah could say anything the music changed, becoming more energetic and she and Robin lost themselves to the music. Whatever would happen, would happen, or it wouldn't. Some things can't be thought out, only felt. If you're curious, the song is Sing, Sing, Sing with a Swing by Lewis Prima. The music died down eventually, but Robin and Tarah stole the spotlight, literally in this case as, unknown to them Anton had taken control and thrown the lights on them. They returned to their table for some water and a break after a good amount of dancing. Thirty minutes of almost nonstop dancing is tiring, unless you're a professional, which they definitely aren't.

Dessert was quick in arriving, a small two-person cake that had a consistency like souffle, but held rich deposits among the airy bubbles of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla, all of which were remarkably tasty considering how little sugar was used for the cake part. The dessert was served in such a complex fashion that you had to feed the other person and they fed you. Naturally they were both flushed from embarrassment. Another prearranged VIP perk paid for by "Aunt" Shelagh. After a little adjustment they got over the silliness of being embarrassed, it wasn't the first time they shared dessert, though the method they usually used wasn't as intimate. As dessert wound down, the duo, Robin and Tarah were stuffed with food, tired from dancing, and glad the night was winding down. As fun as it had been, Tarah was in a knot emotionally, while Robin was tempted to do something very out of character possibly bordering on what might be considered stupidity by many. Robin was, for once, going to be self-serving.

Anton popped up, once again seemingly from nowhere, with a smile plastered to his face. "I see the food was to both your liking, good. The bill has been settled already, and you cannot say no. my restaurant, my rules." Anton pulled out Tarah's seat noting she'd automatically drawn Robin's blazer over her shoulders. It was a cold night, using it was understandable, but that she hadn't asked was telling in Anton's eyes. She obviously took physical comfort from the blazer, despite the scarce protection it offered her from the elements. Robin pushed his own seat back, noticed Tarah wearing his jacket, and instead of asking if she wanted to wear it he acted like it was hers and had been for the whole night. "Thanks Anton, it was a wonderful night, never to be forgotten." Robin said before putting an arm around Tarah's shoulders. "What? It's cold out, you need more than a blazer." he said when Tarah shot him a "what's this about" look. She laughed at his need to supply a reason for everything, and his ability to do so. As the duo left, Anton replied, very quietly just for himself. "The pleasure was all mine, sir and madam. I hope you have a lovely time together." and the thing is, it truly had been a night he would cherish forever. It didn't hurt having a new customer in Tarah either.

Once they were outside, walking without any real destination, Tarah looked up at Robin, her head on his shoulder for added warmth, and noticed his "deep thinking/brooding" look. It was not something he shared with many people, but she knew it well. It was not constant, but from time to time, on friend dates she saw that look. Every time she pondered what he was thinking about, usually accepting his excuse that he had a story idea, after tonight she knew the truth though… he was thinking of her, and the potential they could have together. He'd only ever asked if romance ever appealed to her again that she would consider giving him a chance. That had been a year ago, and she knew now if romance held any appeal. "Tarah, I apologize if this puts you in an uncomfortable position. But i want, no i need to tell you i still feel for you, more than platonically, and i cherish our friendship. My love is unconditional, as is my friendship, so it shouldn't pose a huge threat to tell you how I feel. You don't have to return these feelings, but if I died tomorrow I would regret not telling you how I feel." as they walked, Robin glanced at Tara's face. "Great, I struck out. Oh well, better to have loved and lost than never to have love at all. Guess I'll only know love through my writing-"his thoughts were interrupted when Tarah asked him a question he thought was already answered. "Aren't you going to ask me how I feel about you? Sometimes silence is not an answer. I was composing my thoughts." she said stopping them on the sidewalk so they could look in each other's eyes, ocean blue met rich brown. The sweet moment would have stretched for an eternity, but Robin interrupted the silence. "So, ahem, what's your answer?" he asked, voice husky. Tarah had her answer, she raised herself up to whisper in his ear. "My answer is this." she replied before placing a somewhat chaste, yet passionate kiss on his lips. "I'm not good with words like you are Robin. Will that do?" The message was clear to Robin: "you have a chance at happiness. Don't blow it for both our sakes." Tonight was the beginning of Robin's dream. "You look really happy." Tarah remarked with a giant smile. "That's because one of my dreams came true," he replied with his own Cheshire Cat smile, subtly pinching himself to check it wasn't just his imagination. "You should write about tonight's date. It would make a good short story. We lived the events, now it just needs a title. You look like you have an idea." she said. "I do, and it's corny as all Hell. I'm thinking, "Dream Date" for a title." Tarah and Robin laughed their asses off at how corny it was, but they agreed it worked. From that night onward no matter what it was Robin and Tarah, they were a package deal, and they couldn't be happier.

The End