He was rudely awakened by his phone making a strange beeping. It was demanding action on his part. What was it again? Oh, an incoming call.

“Hello?” Kai answered groggily, rubbing his eyes. Outside it was a brilliant and sunny afternoon. Oh, was my nap really that long? He heard an over-exuberant voice on the other end of the line talking about finding the most fabulous, beautiful woman… and something else about a double date...

“Tonight, Juka?” Affirmative. “Uh, okay, what time? And where?”

As Kai hung up, he felt his sense of dread and foreboding growing as a ball in his stomach. It warred with nervousness and excitement. But it was like a wrecking ball trying to hit a cluster of butterflies. The excitement couldn’t be brought down.

He rolled out of bed to land on the balls of his feet and stalked over to the dresser. With a great Yank! he investigated the clothing containment unit, trying to find a suitable outfit. He glanced at his watch. Was there even enough time for him to get his act together?

Maybe getting a cell phone had been a bad idea... Juka had called her, informing her that he had found the perfect man for her, and she hadn't had the heart to decline the offer. Instead, she had adopted a somewhat cheerful and nervous tone, and told him she would be ready when the date and time rolled around.

Which was today. Oh gods, was she really doing this? Her reflection in the mirror told her yes. Yes, she was indeed, going on a date... with someone other than Saph. It felt... odd. Perhaps it was because Saph wanted to go on dates with her, quite frequently as it turned out... "Oh, mother. If you could see me now."

Her mutter fell on absent ears, because she was alone in the quiet dress shop. The women who ran it had long since given up hope on the indecisive Greek, so she had been left to her own devices.
Not a good idea. The Dress she had chosen...well... it was modest. At least. A bit to... pink... for her personal tastes.

Her wrist watch started to beep, and she cringed. No time. The dress would do. She grabbed a pair of white tights as well, and rushed to the register to pay, before darting into the backroom to change...

Juka had been planning this day for weeks. First had promised Andrea that he would find her a boyfriend. Then he had promised Kai that he would find her a suitably perfect girl. Well, one thing led to another and his own mind clicked together with the fact that the two of them were simply meant to be together, it was just a matter of showing them as much. Once that little conclusion had been come to, the only thing that held him back from planning their little hookup earlier was his own lack of a date, a problem rectified very recently when he met that lovely Molly who had complimented him on his ribbons. Clearly, this double date was a matter of fate.

Juka had an added mission when it came to Kai. The poor boy had practically begged him (well, maybe a little bit of an exaggeration, but only slightly) to help him find and outfit, a task that Juka took very seriously. He found inspiration in an outfit that one of his former band-mates had worn. A few modifications, mainly getting rid of the skirt and cape and reducing the shininess factor a little, and it was perfect. Upon seeing it Kai was a little apprehensive about wearing it, but Juka was very persistent, letting him know just how much time and effort he had put into it and just how crushed he would be if it wasn't worn, at least once. His expertise had been asked for, after all.

For himself, Juka went with an outfit a little out of the norm for him, opting for something with a bit of a darker edge to it. He had found the lovely red dress only a few days ago and, after working on it for the past two nights, knew that nothing was going to stop him from wearing it tonight.

The date was set to start at a local restaurant known as The Pasta House, an Italian place Juka had been too before and where it went from there he wasn't certain. In usual fashion, Juka didn't bother to hail a taxi or catch a bus, instead opting to float his way there, landing behind the building and away from overly curious eyes. He wasn't entirely successful, however, as a little girl spotted him and began pointing excitedly. He waved happily at her and made his way inside.

Lenna liked pasta. That was the only reason she'd agreed to go on this 'date'. The redheaded man hadn't actually said 'date' when he'd offered to buy her dinner, but it had heavily been implied. He'd said he 'wanted to get to know her better'. At first, she'd gently turned him down, saying she was busy, but he'd kept on, elaborating on how it was part of his master plan to bring about the eternal happiness of two of his best friends in the world!

Yeah. Lenna hadn't believed that. She'd accepted his offer after the begging, though. If there were other people there, it was less likely he'd try anything suspicious. If he did, there would be witnesses. She could handle herself, even if there weren't, but... the fact that there were made things far easier.

It wasn't like she'd gotten vibes from him that had given her the impression that he was that kind of guy. Far from it, in fact. He'd seemed genuinely friendly and interested in her. He was a nice guy with odd fashion tastes. Juka was sweet.

But this was New York, and she was paranoid. One could hardly trust anyone they met on the street. It wasn't anything personal, just a healthy suspicion.

She'd arrived at the place, a little before the suggested meeting time, dressed in slim-fit black jeans, a short-sleeved black t-shirt, and leather boots. She'd brought her black leather purse with her, an appetite, and her best can of pepper spray.

She waved at the strangely-dressed stranger Juka on her way in, donning a smile. This was going to be fun.

Kai had been excited. He had even been kind of looking forward to this date- thing. But that was all before The Outfit had appeared on the scene. He replayed the scene is his mind, trying to find out where things had gone so terribly wrong…

He had been rustling through his drawers anxiously, trying to find the perfect outfit that said “I’m a gentlemen and I’m not a creeper” without being too over the top. Subtle is good, right? When his dilemma was solved by the arrival Juka and a package. He opened it and saw The Outfit. Juka began to gush about how great it would be for him to wear it and how much work he’d put into making it perfect. Kai could see now where he’d gotten those sewing skills for his pokemon… The Outfit was tailored beautifully, but… it was The Outfit. He would never, ever be caught out in public in that kind of get up!

So at what point had he donned The Outfit and managed to make it to the Pasta House? Kai couldn’t quite remember. All he knew was that Juka was very persuasive, for there he was, standing near the door and wearing The Outfit.

He spotted Juka already at a table with a girl and his stomach did flip-flops. Is that…? He couldn’t even think the word ‘date’, so he just walked over, keenly aware of heads turning as he passed. They were all staring at him, well, him and The Outfit. This was going to be a looong night.

Oh lord... the dress she had gotten was itchy. very, very itchy. Many layers of white tool underneath the silky pink skirt was stiff and scratchy, and she had only tights to save her legs from the torment. No time to stop and complain though, she was in a hurry. Andrea skirted her way towards the restaurant, dodging people left and right and running thought more than a few cross walks while the light was red. She died the pink straps around her waist while she ran, a nice bow at her back, and fluffed her sleeves. While she admitted it wasn't her best outfit, she was proud of it. It was fairly modest, girly, and still date worthy... or at least in her mind. It didn't matter that the pink atrocity was pageant worthy for a four year old, it would do. The building came into view, and she slowed to a walk to allow her cheeks to return to green, from flushed brown.

Taking a deep breath, she tucked her purse under her arm, and entered the restaurant. After finding the table, with all three people already there, she stepped within sight and felt a tingle up her arms and down her legs. She recognized that feeling, and also the woman sitting at the table with Juka. Molly was here? She was his date? A small smile appeared, and she turned her eyes on the other at the table, while tucking a few strands of light brown hair behind her ear. Having Molly around made for a much more comfortable dinner. At least then it wouldn't just be her skin that caught every ones attention... Her clothing seemed to be doing a fine job at that all on it's own.

"Juka! I am here, sorry I am so late..." She scratched at a cheek, and paused in front of the table. The other boy looked familiar, but she couldn't quite pinpoint from where. His clothes looked like something Juka would have worn... in fact, the two of them almost matched! She glanced at Molly's choice of apparel, and suddenly felt much to overdressed.... Perhaps she had chosen the wrong look for the wrong occasion?... Oh, Alex would be so angry with her if he ever found out. She would have to hide the dress once she got home. With a meek wave at the other occupants, and a soft "Hello.", she sat quickly and dropped her purse in her lap.

Juka waved at Molly as she saw the darling woman enter. Her outfit was far less elaborate than his own (then again most people's outfits tended to be) but she was still sharply dressed and he liked that. "You are an absolute vision, my dear," Juka assured her, bowing in gentlemanly fashion.

The table itself, Juka had made sure to make reservations ahead of time ensuring they got best table in the entire place. By best, of course, he meant the table right beside the window, with a lovely view of the city. It had the added advantage of being in a corner so it was a little quieter and a little more private than the other areas in the restaurant.

Kai was the next person to arrive and Juka beamed at him, admiring his handiwork. It was, he decided, good that he had toned the outfit down just a little for his friend because any more would have been over the top. As it was, however, it was perfect and he was certain to sweep Andrea off her feet with it. "Kai, my darling man, you look positively stunning." Who ever said that he was only allowed to compliment his date?

Andrea was the final one to arrive, just a little later than the appointed meeting time but not so late as to be rude. She looked like a little pink bubblegum doll in her frilly pink dress and Juka beamed at her as well. He'd never seen her in such a thing before, but it suited her in an odd sort of way. "My beautiful pink princess, how are you tonight?"

>>"You are an absolute vision, my dear."

Juka told her.

Lenna waved off his flirtations with a modest laugh. "Oh, stop~" It wasn't bad, though, getting complimented. More men ought to try it (on her, mostly). Being the center of attention in a room? Not the worst thing. Unless you were trying to be discrete, of course, or to not leave an impression.

She wasn't.

"Your outfit is unique. Did you make it yourself?" She turned the complementing back on him with a bemused smile. "Very dashing."

She followed Juka over to the table, and had a seat, setting the purse by her leg under the table. She glanced out the window. It was a nice view.

Then, one of Juka's friends arrived, in similar clothing to that of the redheaded Japanese man. He seemed rather young, but the garish garb made it harder to judge age. He must have been the person Juka said he was setting up. Another woman might have said he was 'cute'.

Lenna smiled, and greeted him.

"I'm Molly," She said. "Beautiful outfit. It's like you're twins~" She clasped her hands joyously.

And laid it on, thick.

When she saw what the guy's supposed date was wearing, Lenna made a judgment call. She'd steal him. Juka could have Andrea. They were practically made for each other.

Lenna nodded to the not-so-green girl as she sat down with them. "Andrea."

A waiter approached them a moment later, and offered menus. He spent his spiel on various drinks and special offers, then made himself scarce. Lenna picked hers up, casually reaching out a foot to nudge Kai's leg surreptitiously under the table. Her eyes were locked on her unfolded menu as she played footsy with the poor thing.

"I think, maybe, the steak? Or maybe the Tortellini alla Panna?" She looked to Juka. "You've eaten here before. Any suggestions?"

It was not immediately apparent which girl Juka meant for him. At first, he thought that there was just going to be a quick introduction and then the two of them would be off on an awkward but exciting, private, adventure. Now all of a sudden, there were two girls. And Juka was staying. But he didn’t make it clear which was for whom. And Molly appeared to be older, so then he assumed that she was supposed to be Juka’s date.

Kai suspected, dressed up in the frippery of a fluffy pink dress, the second girl to enter might have been the one. Mostly because he suspected that her outfit was also Juka-inspired or possibly even created. Though she did look kind of…

Molly greeted her as “Andrea.”

“Andrea?” Kai did kind of a double take. She didn’t look like the girl he’d met that day when someone had broken into a house near the mansion, and yet, she did. He’d gone to prison- well okay, just went for questioning, but still. She’d fled the scene, and he’d kept her presence a secret from the police. At least we’ll have a lot to talk about…

“Nice to see you again.” So far, everything is alright….

And then they all sat and stared at menus and something hit his foot lightly. He was planning on telling Juka to quit kicking him, but glanced under the table- covertly of course, and observed that it was a female foot that kept hitting his. And that foot belonged to not-Andrea.

Comprehension dawned. ….Footsie?

“Well,” he said, trying to sound sophisticated and well versed, “I was thinking of the fettuccini alfredo with steak medallions.” Something safe, but not too boring. “What about you, Andrea?” He felt kind of like a bobble head, whipping back and forth between Molly and Andrea.

Beautiful... pink, princess? Andrea couldn't help but repeat the words in her head. They were both adorable and frightening at the same. "Hello Juka, It's nice to see you again." She paused, and turned to smile at Molly. "It is nice to meet you again as well, Molly." Then, the boy she barely recognized. He repeated her name, then greeted her with the same greeting she had extended to Molly. It dawned on her suddenly who he was, and she squirmed in her seat, wincing behind her glasses.

"Hello Kai, it is nice to see you again as well." Other things to say floated to mind, such as 'How did it go?' or 'Sorry I ditched you...'. She didn't know if that was an appropriate subject for a dinner setting though, and instead turned her attention to what she would be eating. There were many things on the menu that looked good... Pasta's and desserts, fish, chicken, and steak. She spotted the Soup and salad section, and honed her attention there. Right off the bat one item caught her eye, and she settled her mind on it. Of course, it probably didn't count as a real salad, seeing as it was mostly pasta and chicken...

"I think I will have the Pasta Salad. Chicken and stuffed olive sound very appetizing." Shining a meek, nervous smile his way, she blushed and set her menu down, dropping her hands back into her lap politely. "How have you been Kai?... It has... been a little while since we last met." Her flush grew slightly, and she turned her eyes everywhere else but him. "And you as well Molly. Have you been back to see Mr. Antonescu?" The smile that over took her lips was a curious one, but also a desperate one. Had she known Juka was setting her up for a possible tongue lashing, she might have been more adamant about not needing the hookup....

They were making small talk. Small talk. About pasta. To be completely honest, Kai wasn't sure whether or not this was a good sign. It was his first date and he was already confused and worried about conversation. He decided that the best approach to answering to Andrea's questions was just to be polite.

“I've been well...” he lied through his smile. He turned his attention to Juka again. Why wasn't he helping at all? He was just... playing with his phone. His face went from interest to concern and he stood up suddenly. Probably too suddenly for the atmosphere of a fancy restaurant. Kai made a mental note of that so he would remember to move more slowly, rather than jump with nerves.

“I'm sorry,” Juka announced politely, “But I must go.” And without so much as a wink in their direction, he made a bee-line for the door.

Kai just stared after him. On some level he was curious what called his friend away so suddenly and a little concerned that it might be something serious. But mostly he was just dumbfounded. Juka had left him. Alone. With two women. And pasta. He just sat there for a full minute staring at the Juka shaped hole at their table. There was officially no way that this date could end well. His hands started to sweat. What do I do now? he thought, on the verge of panic.

The fettuccini alfredo with steak medallions sounded nice. Much better than what Juka hadn't suggested. His focus had been drawn by his phone. How sad, the way interests shifted so quickly these days. Lenna dropped her eyes down to her menu, glancing at things as she covertly kept up the footsie game. What the boy had suggested seemed as good an option as any. She'd have that.

Lenna aimed a small smile Andrea's way when the greeting was returned.

The conversation dropped into smalltalk, paused only momentarily as Juka left Kai to the wolves.

Lenna glanced to Andrea casually, as if nothing had happened. Her foot ran up the side of Kai's leg as she replied to the girl's question. "I met with him again. We tried controlling my mutation again. We didn't get much success, though. I haven't seen him since."

A sudden thought occurred to Lenna. How could she make this 'date' thing even more awkward? Deftly, her free foot moved to nudge Andrea's foot under the table. She went to extra lengths to make it appear as if it had come from the direction of Kai, yet acted as if nothing was happening.

"Have you met with him again? He seems to be a very nice man." Nudge, nudge.