Ichii: How long has it been?

Nina: It's snowing!

Zero: What about it?

Me: It is winter, after all. Stupid Canada, giving us a continental polar! CURSE YOU SCIENCE!

Ichii: You don't like science?

Zero: Who does, exactly?

Nina: Mmm… I still think music and P.E are better, but I guess it's alright. It beats math, that's for sure!

Me: Ain't that the truth? For once…I introduce to you… CHAPTER 8! Yay, sorry it took so long, it was so cold and all!

CHAPTER 8: The First Date

Nina's POV

At this rate, I'll never make it in time. I have no make-up to match any of my good outfits, making me regret everything I tried on. Ichii tried to help, as did San and Forte.

"Thanks guys, but it's almost 4:00, so I have to go really soon. So this is the last outfit, and then I'll choose which one I'll wear!"

"Okie-dokie!" said San.

"You should just take one of the outfits I put together…" said Nanase.

"I'm sure Zero will like whatever you choose, Nina. After all, I doubt he'll pay much attention to what you're wearing." said Ichii.

"Aw, thanks guys!" I eventually realized the first outfit was the only one suitable, because it was casual, yet formal, since I had no idea where Zero would take me. I wasted all that time, when I could've used it to think of somewhere we could go, while not being late. I hope Zero doesn't think I stood him up if I am late.

Zero's POV

I looked at my watch. Almost 4:00.

"Where is she!?" I said under my breath. "She better get here on time, I can't wait all day!"

"ZERO?!" screamed Sarasa. "There you are! I've been looking all over for you, now come on! Come with me!"

"Wait, Sarasa! I'm waiting for someone here!"

"It can wait! Jeff wanted me to come find you, the family is too important! He wants to meet Nina!"

"But, Sarasa, that's why I'm here! Because I'm waiting for Nina!"

"Oh! Well, I'll wait with you then!"

"You…you can't."

"Why not, Zero? Oh, I get it! You two want to be alone, I understand. YOU GUYS…ARE GOING ON A DATE!"

"Well, yeah, something like that… But it's..." I looked at my watch again. "3:58, and we were supposed to meet up at 4:00, so I don't know."

"Shouldn't you call her?"

"My phone doesn't get very good reception here…"

"Want me to call Ichii? She could just be stuck on what to wear."

"Why do girls stress over their appearance so much? I just don't understand it."

"Well, girls know everything. Except for when it comes to dating a guy we're in love with."

"Wha-What?!"

"You would think that you'd understand, we know EVERYTHING!"

"You little…" I clenched my fist.

"Bye-bye!" she said, and scurried off to go call Ichii. I looked at my watch once more. 4:02.

"So she stood me up, huh?" I breathed.

Nina's POV

"ZEROOO! I'M HEREEEE!" I screamed, rushing towards him. I wasn't able to stop, and we collided. I fell on top of him, and our lips touched.

"Hey, Nina." Zero said casually, pulling back and trying to ignore the fact that we just kissed without meaning to

"I'm not late, am I?" I asked.

"Yes, you are! Geez, Nina, what took you so long?!"

"Nooo! You're supposed to say "Oh, are you? Well, I just got here anyway, so let's go", and then we would've gone."

"Ah, is that so?" Zero said, making us sit up.

"Yes! And if you must know, I just couldn't find anything to wear!"

"I don't care what you wear."

"But, Zero…I wanted to look nice for you!"

"But you'll always look nice to me, no matter what you wear!"

"Zero…" I was speechless. Zero has never said anything like that. I wish he had been like this a few minutes ago.

"Nina…where should we go?"

"Hmm, I don't know. Why don't we just walk around for a bit?"

"Um, alright."

We walked around for quite a while. But we kept passing the karaoke bar, but it wouldn't be fair if we went in there. I don't know if it's a gift, a curse or my own special magic, but in karaoke, I have the power to imitate singers. We passed by a really fancy restaurant, but Zero isn't made of money, so we settled down at the cake shop eventually. I had never actually known they served real food here, since I only ever eat cake here. We were sitting by a window, and I was staring at Zero's reflection in it.

"Nina, are you okay? You're really quiet, and you've been staring out the window for a while. Are you bored? What are you staring at?"

"No, I'm not bored! I'm just looking at your reflection in the window."

"Oh. And all this time, I thought you were bored out of your mind." he said as he turned his head to look out the window as well. I turned away and blushed, looking down.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

"Don't you have the feeling…that we're being watched?"

Zero's POV

"Well, actually, now that you mention it…yeah, kind of." He looked across the room. "Yakumo." He said, turning back to me and casually ignoring him.

"What?! Did he follow us here or something?!"

"Nina, calm down and relax. He can't try anything here, we're in public. And I'm here, so I'll be sure to protect you!"

"Zero…" she said. As she looked across the room, she told me Nanase had joined him, but was dressed as a girl. I looked over and confirmed it.

"Yup, that's Nanase. Always trying to be a pretty boy. He's a foolish boy, so at least he has that."

Nina laughed.

"What? What's so funny?!"

"You. It's not every day you here someone call a boy foolish because they want to be pretty. Although, that in itself is pretty funny." she said. She made me realize just how funny it actually is. I laughed with her.

"See? Its funny." said Nina.

"I guess so." I said. The waiter came with our food.

"Looks delicious!" Nina told me. She took a bite.

"So how is it?" I asked her.

"Good. But I've only ever had the cake here. I guess I don't actually come here as often as I thought. What do you think?" she asked.

"I guess. You go wherever it's possible to get cake at least five days a week."

"Hey, Nina! We didn't expect to see you here!"

"Kanata, that's rude. Don't expect her to still want to hang around us after you've been rude to her after all that she's gone through. Actually, why did you quit. Nina?"

"Masa! I'm Kana, not Kanata! I told you, you and Hiro are my rivals. So, call me Kana."

"Fine, Kana. Whatever you say."

"Oh, hi guys. Masa, if you wanna know so bad, talk to Kana and Hiro."

"I knew you had something to do with it, Kana! You little bitch! That's it, I'm taking you home, and you're gonna start thinking about your actions!"

"You sound like Mom…"
"Well, I have no choice when it comes to you. I hope to see you again, Nina. Sorry about whatever Kana did to you, you know how mischievous he can get."

"Oh, yes I know. Are you guys following me or something, cause it sure seems like it." she said straightforward.

"Uh, no. Hiro wanted everybody to meet up here, but you're here, and it seems we may distract you if we stay, so we'll be leaving now."

"Alright. Well, good luck."

"Good luck? What are you talking about?"

"Well, I know relationships are forbidden, but… good luck with the interview."

"Oh, yeah, the one they make us do every year, even though nothing can ever result from it? Well, I may not even take it this year, it just makes even more girls hang around, which gets pretty annoying."

"Tell me about it." said Nanase, walking over to us. "Hey, Nina. That's what you decided to wear? Oh, whatever. Hey, Zero"

"Hey, Nanase. What's wrong with you?"

"What?! There's nothing wrong with me! What's wrong with you for asking such a rude question?!"

"Did Yakumo put you up to this? You told him to bring you here, didn't you? You followed me and Zero here, and you wanted to make Yakumo jealous, so he'd stay with you, right? I know what it's like to have a friend that you don't want to leave, but you can't interfere with other people's personal life in the process!" Nina said.

"Nina?!" said Yakumo, now walking towards us as well. "You are cheating on me! And with Zero, too!"

"You two were never together in the first place!" I told him.

"Zero's right, now leave us alone!"

"Yakumo, don't waste your breath. You knew this day would come, but even I didn't think it would be Zero, either." said Nanase.

"Shouldn't you put on your own clothes? And get a haircut!"

"No! I like long hair. I think it looks good on me."

"That's cause you have some weird goal to be the prettiest boy in the world. Is that even possible?"

"How would I know?"

"You're the one who wants to do it, you should know."

"No, I want to do it, and make it real. I don't know if it actually exists."

"So you're pretty much admitting you have an unachievable goal?"

"Well, not exactly."

"Bye Nina! Your coming on a date with me tomorrow, okay?"

"Doubt it!" Nina and I said at the same time.

Kana and Masa had left, and with the commotion of Nanase and Yakumo, we didn't even notice. Nanase and Yakumo went back to their table, and left us alone for the rest of the time. Soon after we finished eating, a voice on a speaker started talking.

"Grab that special someone, and make your way to the dance floor! Slow dancing is now being held." said the voice. I got up, and walked over to Nina.

"Shall we dance?" I asked, holding out my hand.

"Sure, why not?" Nina said.

We walked to the dance floor, where some slow, romantic music was playing.

"May I have this dance?" I asked her.

"You may."

She took my left hand with her right, and put the other on my shoulder. I put my right hand around her waist, and she tensed. I blushed.

"It's…"

"I know. But, it doesn't seem like…"

"I know what you mean. But it's what you're supposed to do when you slow dance."

"I-I know. But, I've never actually…"

"Don't worry. I'll take the lead, it'll be safe. Trust me."

"Okay!" she smiled. I really love her. I don't ever want to leave her. I don't ever want this night to end. We waltzed the night away. I guess Nina's a fast learner, although it's really only a three-step dance.

"That was really fun! We should come here more often." Nina said.

"Really? You want to come here again?" I asked.

"What? Is there something wrong with this place? Is there something I don't know?"

"Well, no, but it doesn't seem like it was very fun today. After all, Yakumo and Nanase keep trying to interfere with us, and your friends seem to be following us."

"Well, this is a pretty popular place."

"Hey, let's go home, okay?"

"Okay!" she said smiling. I leaned in to kiss her, but she screamed.

"What?! Did I do something? What's wrong?!"

"A-a snake! Right there!" she screamed, pointing.

"San, what did you do?!" screamed Forte.

"Sorry, For-chan. I didn't realize that it would get loose."

"Geez, San. What would you do without me?" Forte used his hypnosis magic to capture the snake.

"Uh, should we go now?" I asked Nina, blushing.

"Uh, sure." she said . We walked out as fast as we could, trying not to draw attention to ourselves. When we got out, Nina started the conversation again.

"So, why'd you think you did something wrong? I think…No, I know for a fact, that I'll always remember this date."

"Well, I'm glad you enjoyed yourself Nina. But you screamed exactly when I tried to do this." I leaned in to kiss her. I meant to kiss her on the cheek. But she turned her head, and our lips touched. Her eyes fluttered closed, and I shut mine. It was a sweet kiss, but I just had to get over the fact that her lipstick would be all over my mouth. I didn't even know she owned lipstick. But I want to learn more about her. I want to support her dream, the way she's supported mine all this time. After about at least 20 seconds, we separated our faces.

"We should go…" said Nina.

"Uh, yeah. Okay." I smiled at her. We may fight sometimes, but that doesn't change the fact that I love her. No matter where I am, I will think of her. Because I love her. I believe our meeting was no mere coincidence. I truly, honestly believe we are meant to be. We walked home holding hands. Some girls from school were out, which didn't seem like it was possible, but Hatuska-chan and Youka-chan were out as well. All the other girls were giving us dirty looks or stares. Some of them were even glaring.

"Hey, Nina. So, what are you doing with Zero-kun so late at night? And in such a formal dress, too!"

"It-it's not that formal!" Nina said, and I had to stop walking out of fear I'd hurt her hand.

"Ha! Stay away from Zero-kun, Nina! After all, it's not like he'd date an ugly girl like you! And your not his girlfriend, so back off!" said another girl from the crowd.

"B-bu-but…" said Nina.

"But she is…" I said.

"Zero-kun! What are you talking about!?" screamed most of the girls.

"Zero…" said Nina.

"Nina is my girlfriend! And even if she wasn't, I wouldn't go out with you girls! Your always way too mean to her! And even if we aren't together, we will be, because she's the only girl I'll ever love!"

"Woo-hoo! Way to go, Zero! You sure told them!" said Sarasa. Did Nina realize it was her? She met her only once, when Ichii was sick and she came here to take care of him, but she and Nina didn't really talk.

"Sarasa!? What are you still doing here?!" I screamed. "have you been trying to call Ichii this whole time!?" Sarasa finally came into everyone's view.

"Ah, no. You really can't get good reception through here. You and Nina should wait here with me, Ichii's on his way with the car. It may save time in the long run! Hi, Nina! Long time, no see, huh? Do you remember me?" she pointed to her face.

"Of course I remember you, Sarasa! It's nice to see you again!"

"Wha-what?! Such a beautiful girl! And she knows Ichii-kun, too! Zero, you should go out with her, not Nina! What do you say?"

"I say…no. I'll stay with Nina, thank you very much. I love Nina, and only her! Plus, I don't date married women."

"What?!" all the girls screamed.

"So, how's Jan?"

"Jan? I thought your brother was Jeff." asked Nina.

"Oh, yeah. I guess me and Ichii never actually got the chance to tell you about Jan. You see, Jan is Sarasa's son."

"So, in other words, you guys are uncles, right?"

"Right! And Jan, I'm afraid, I sick at the moment. Jeff wanted me to come and check up on you guys so badly though, I had no choice but to put Jan in the maids care. Jeff is there whenever he can be, though." Sarasa told us.

"Maids?!" screamed the girls

"Sounds doting. And they have a point, maids? Zero, what?"

"Oh, it's not important."

Sarasa gasped.

"Zero! Not important?! How dare you say such a thing!"

"Hey, Jeff's the successor, not me, so is it? I'm only second in line to be heir." I said.

"Oh yeah, I remember now…"said Nina.

"Successor?! Heir?!" screamed the girls.

"God, does anything not phase you girls?" said Ichii, rolling up to us in the car. "So Zero's family is super rich, there's nothing we can do about it, right?"

"Ichii! It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"Well, if you say so. I don't remember much from when I was sick."

"Oh, brother." said Sarasa

"What?" said Ichii. "Let's go, Sarasa, before you get sick too, and Jeff tries to kill me."

"Jeff wouldn't kill you, Ichii. You are my brother, after all."

"Brother?!" screamed the girls.

"Oh my god, so Ichii has a pretty, older sister. So what? Zero has an older brother, but that doesn't make us see him any differently!" said Nina.

"Haha, now there's the Nina I know! Come on, let's go!" I said, and I grabbed her and got in the car. The girls started to chase after us.

"Drive, drive, drive! Drive, Ichii!" I screamed.

"There is a thing called a speed-limit here, Zero!"

"Whatever, just drive! They can interrogate us tomorrow, just drive!"

"I am driving, Zero!"

"Zero, here! Just take these, they should calm you down." said Sarasa, handing him a bag.

"Oh, this shit again. Why does he torture me like this!?" I screamed. "Uh, Sarasa, I don't think you meant to give me some of what was in here…"

"Oh, yes I did. Whatever's in there is meant for you. And Nina, I guess. Jeff told me to give that to you, I don't know what he put in there. But whatever's in there, I meant to give you."

"Oh, alright then. I'll have to talk to Jeff then."

"Why? What's in there?" asked Sarasa.

"Oh, nothing. Don't worry about it. Jeff's just being overprotective of me, as usual. Although I get why he said Nina, too." I blushed. Jeff, why? Why would you give me condoms? It's not like I'll be able to use them, even if I want to.

"What is in there, Zero?"

"Don't worry about it!" I said, blushing even more. Nina leaned over to kiss me, but Ichii made a sharp turn, and Nina and I fell off our seats and onto the floor, since we weren't wearing our seatbelts. My head was by her feet, and her head was by my ankles. She sat up.

"Ow! Nina, you're not light! Get off my stomach!" I said.

"Sorry, Zero. Hey wait a minute, what's that supposed to mean?!" she said as she got off of me and onto her seat.

"It doesn't mean anything. It just means you aren't light enough to sit on my stomach!"

"It's not like I was trying to, idiot!"

"Don't call me an idiot!"

"You two…haven't changed at all!" said Sarasa.

"I didn't think they would fight anymore, either. Boy, were we wrong!" said Ichii.

"Even if we fight sometimes, we'll still always love each other!" I said.

"We're home!" said Nina.

"Ah, it's nice to get away for a while." said Sarasa, walking in with Ichii.

"Zero, what's this?!" Nina asked, holding up one of the condoms from the bag.

"Ah, dammit! The fucking bag spilled!"

"What?! You have more?! What do you take me for?! Were you just trying to get into my pants this whole time!? I knew it!"

"No, wait! Nina, that's not true! They're from the bag Sarasa gave me, Jeff is really…protective." I said.

"You expect me to believe that?!"

"Oh, Zero! I think I may have given you the wrong bag after all…" said Sarasa.

"Huh?!" said Nina.

"What was in there, exactly?" asked Sarasa.

"Well, ever since Ichii took that sharp turn, they're all over the car, so why don't you just get over here and look?" I said. Sarasa walked over to the car.

"Well, I definitely gave you the right bag then. But why would Jeff give you these?" she asked.

"That's what I've been saying!" I said.

"I'm sorry…Zero…" said Nina.

"Don't worry about it, okay, Nina?"

"Okay. I should've believed you in the first place…" she said.

"Hey, I said don't worry about it!"

"Here: I'll help you clean this stuff up." she said. Before she had the chance to move, I hugged her tightly. "Zero…"

"Yes, Nina?"

"I…I love…"

"Yeah. Me too."

"Come on, let's get this stuff cleaned up before Ichii finds them."

"Yeah, okay." I said. I stopped squeezing her. We both started cleaning the condoms off of the floor and put them back into the bag. Since it's Saturday, hopefully those girls will forget everything by Monday. Hopefully Nina will want to spend the day with me tomorrow.

"Done, finally!" I said.

"Zero, look!" said Nina, pointing. "The sunrise!"

"It's beautiful." I said. "But…not as beautiful as…you, Nina." She looked at me, and I leaned in to kiss her. She closed her eyes and did the same. I want us to stay together. I hope she feels the same.

Me: The end!

Ichii: I thought the kids were gonna come into the story?

Me: It's not the end of the whole story, just this chapter

Nina: How long is it?

Zero: Nina…that's inappropriate

Nina: Zero, you ecchi! I meant the chapter, you idiot!

Rei: Oh no, they're fighting again, Mina.

Itsuki: Let's get out of here, then!

Rei: Huh?! Where'd Mina go?!

Nina: You were supposed to be watching them! How irresponsible, Rei!

Zero: He was probably distracted by the way Itsuki comes at him.

Ichii: What?! Itsuki, go home!

Itsuki: Technically, I am home. We live right next door! *points to the wall*

Nina: Itsuki, don't get smart!

Itsuki: Sorry, Auntie Nina.

Rokka: Hey, I came to pick you guys up. It's getting late.

Mina: I'm home!

Nina & Zero: Where were you?!

Mina: Well, I was at a meeting for student council, and we were supposed to all walk home together, but they left without me!

Everyone except the kids: REI!

Rei: I'm never gonna hear the end of this!

Nina: Ichii, Rokka, I think it's time you guys head home, Rei you're grounded. Are you all right Mina?

Mina: I'm fine. I don't need someone to look after me, if all they do is forget about me.

Nina: Well, alright then. We should all get ready for the night.

Zero: Look forward to chapter nine! It's gonna be

Nina: Don't spoil it, Zero!

Me: If you don't know what a condom is, or what the term 'get in my pants' means, you're too young to be reading this, and don't ask your parents, cause you're obviously too young to know.