Chapter 7: Ruby's POV

Song: Into the Night by Santana and Chad Kroeger

I picked out a dress with two straps of fabric that are crisscrossed over each other for the front of the bodice. It doesn't show too much skin, but just enough to be a tease. I look at myself in the mirror one last time before I leave. "Weiss, do I look okay?"

"You look great. Now go see your new boy toy." She shoves me out of the door.

"He's not my boy toy. He's… just a friend." I blush.

Weiss rolls her eyes. "A 'friend' who took you out to one of the fanciest restaurants in Vale and gave you flowers. Riiight." She pushes me toward a taxi that's waiting for me.

I'm shaking a little, but I manage to get into the taxi. I give the driver the address to Junior's club and take the opportunity to text Roman.

Ruby: I'll be there in a few minutes.

Roman: Can't wait, cutie. ;) I'm at a booth in the back of the top floor.

Ruby: Okay, I'll see you there.

My heart is racing, and I'm jittery. I chew on the inside of my cheek just to distract myself. I might get my first kiss tonight. I'm a bit late compared to some of my peers, but I'm just as nervous. The driver pulls up in front of Junior's club and I hand him some Lien and step out. I walk inside and find the stairs. I feel like a baby deer as I blimp them, gripping the handrail for dear life I walk to the back of the club, the crown thinning out as I go. I spot the familiar white coat and bowler hat just as a waitress delivers two drinks to his table. I slide into the booth across from Roman as he's thanking her. "Um, hi." I say softly and take a sip of the Strawberry Sunrise Roman ordered for me.

"Hi, cutie. Miss me?" he gives me another one of his flirty grins and my heart races. I'm eager to get the alcohol in my system to give me the courage to ask him about the kiss.

"Maybe a little," I admit. A blush has already made its way to my face. I take another sip of my drink.

"So, how are you, little gem? Any progress on your mission?"

"Maybe, I uh, I'm getting to know someone better than I did before. Um, anyway, how are you?" I nervously tap my foot and try to avoid Roman's gaze.

"I'm great any time I'm with you." He smirks at me and my heart is thundering in my chest.

"You're laying it on kind of thick, Roman." I chuckle nervously.

"Maybe I just like spending time with you." He holds out his hand to me. "Come on. Come dance with me."

"I, um, I can't dance."

"I'll get the DJ to play something special. I'll teach you." He encourages me.

I roll my eyes. "Fine. Let me finish my drink." I quickly finish it as Roman finishes his, and I let him lead me downstairs to the dance floor. I watch him walk over to the DJ and hand him a stack of Lien before walking back to me. He grabs my hands and wraps my arms around his neck while he wraps his arms around my waist. We sway and twirl to the music for a few minutes. He rests his forehead on mine and we stare into each other's eyes while we dance. My heart is still racing. The song ends and he takes me by my hand to lead me back to our table. I decide now is as good of a time as any to ask him.

"Hey, Roman, do you remember what you asked me last night about kissing on the first date?" My face immediately turns red.

"Yeah, why?"

"I, um, I might kiss on the second date. Does this count as a date?"

"Do you want it to count as a date?"

"I think so."

"Then it's a date. Are you saying you want to kiss me, little gem?" He tilts his head to the side and smirks.

"Yes." I squeak out.

"Well, you can't do it from the other side of the table. Come here." He motions me toward him and I get up and stand between him and the table. He's leaned back with his legs spread and an arm resting on the back of the booth. "Closer."

I shuffle closer so that my toes touch the bottom of the booth. I let out a squeak of surprise when he pulls me into his lap, straddling him. My face is the shade of a cherry at this point. My heart hasn't stopped racing since I got in the taxi. "Roman, my dress is riding up," I hiss. He quickly takes off his jacket and puts it on me.

"There. Problem solved, I can't see anything." He leans back to observe the shade of my face. "What's wrong, cutie? Nervous?" He reaches out with one hand to caress my bottom lip with his thumb.

I squeeze my eyes shut and quickly nod. "Yes. Very nervous. In case you hadn't already guessed, this is my first kiss."

"Well, I promise to make it memorable." He puts his hand into the back of my hair and gently lowers my face to meet his. Our lips touch and sparks fly. He tastes like whiskey and cigars. My breathing quickens, and I try my best to calm down. He notices and pulls away from the kiss. "Are you okay, Red?"

I nod. "Yes. I will be. I'm just nervous."

"Do you want to stop?"

I shake my head. "No. Continue please."

He obliges my putting his hand on my hip and pulling me close enough for out bodies to touch and I feel a bulge. "Ignore that," He whispers. "I'll take care of it later." He nips at my lower lip and slants his mouth over mine again. Heat floods my face as the thought of him doing that comes to my mind. I grab the ends of his scarf, pull his face to mine, and pull him deeper into the kiss. He lets out a chuckle that sends warmth to my core as his hands travel up and down my sides. His fingers begin to trace the bits of skin showing from my dress. I shiver and wrap my arms around his neck. He responds by prodding my lips open with his tongue and exploring my mouth with it. I let out a soft moan and he slides his tongue over mine. He groans in response and my core gets even warmer. Our one little kiss has turned into a full-blown makeout session.

Realization at what I'm doing and with who flashes in my mind. I'm making out with Roman Torchwick. I gave him my first kiss. Five years ago, the thought of kissing Roman would've made me vomit. Now, I'm doing it willingly. I need to figure out whether I want this or not. I pull away from the kiss. "I have to go to the bathroom." I blurt. I jump off his lap and pull my dress down from where it rode up. I quickly make my way through the crowd and rush into the bathroom, and stand at the sink and stare into the mirror to assess the situation I've found myself in. My lips are swollen from the kiss. I'm still wearing Roman's jacket. I just kissed my former worst enemy, but was it really that bad? He's obviously experienced and knows what he's doing. I'd rather have that than someone who's just as inexperienced as me. I decide to not let it go any further than this tonight and walk out of the bathroom and toward Roman's table so I can give his jacket back. I make it about halfway there and I feel a hand on my arm.