Date #7 Serafina Starr

This was the moment Chance had been waiting for....
... he'd followed Sera around like a little lost puppy all this time. At every opportunity, he's tried his hardest to be in her presence, basking in her startling beauty and innocent charm.

Date number 7.



No wonder he'd felt really uncomfortable and edgy. Twisting his collar and wringing his hands.

Nervous?

Heck....
... no....
.... well....

YES! Of course he is.... it's Sera, the object of his affection.

Because everybody else was busy doing other pursuits around the mansion, it was left up to Sera to tidy up the place. She grimaced at the clouds of flies that were gathering around, settling on the dirty plates and making a horrendous noise.




After pacing back and forth, several times, trying a different route so as not to wear a hole in the carpet.... Chance finally plucked up the courage to ask Sera on a date.

It was a shame that he found her in this terrible mood.

"I feel like bloody Cinderella here," she growled, picking up a plate and sliding it on top of the other.

"Um," Chance faltered, not sure how to go about asking her when she was in this foul mood.




Luckily, Melinda just happened to stroll in. She'd been working out in the gym and was still wearing her tracksuit.




"Want... to ... go.... on a date?" he asked clumsily.

"And leave all this?!" Sera muttered, she was struggling to keep her temper.




"You go," interjected Melinda, "I'll take over. After all.... some of it's my mess too. About time I pulled my weight around here."



"Um, are you sure?"

"Of course. You go, have a great time... and tell us all when you get back."

"Aww thanks...."

"No problem."

Sera was tempted to give Melinda a hug, but Chance was pulling at her arm like an excited little kid, and Melinda had her hands full of dirty dishes.

"Okay.... lover boy," she said, turning to face him, "where are we off to?"

He smiled widely, his eyes twinkled with anticipation.

"Firstly, I got to show you something."

"Riiiight."




He took her outside, where, all of a sudden, there was a downpour.




Chance gritted his teeth, hoping that this wouldn't spoil the evening. Instead, he walked purposefully towards a gorgeous Ford 4x4 was sitting in the driveway.



Sera followed expectantly, she too, twisted her face at the lousy weather, souring her mood a little more.

"Ta daaaa!!!" he said emphatically, "what ya think?"

"Very nice," came the reply, "just new?"

"Yep. Delivered just today. Isn't she gorgeous?"

Sera nodded with approval, casting a critical eye over this magnificent metal beast gracing the forecourt.

"C'mon then, let's go. I'm taking you to a world famous diner tonight..... it's a double celebration!"



They got into the car .... and then there was a long.... uncomfortable silence as Chance's face went pale. He could hardly see through the windscreen. The seats were very low and it practically dwarfed the two of them.




It was Sera who spoke up first.

"A quick question."

"Go ahead."




"It's .... a little ... big?"

"Yeah.... well.... I.... er... never anticipated that."

"You mean, you never took it for a test drive?"

"Um... no. I kinda just bought it on a whim, you know. I saw it online at the dealers.... and decided I wanted it."

Sera just shook her head.

Cranking the gears, Chance eased the car out of the drive and onto the main road, the rain spattering the glass.



"Onto Reds then!"

"Um.... Chance?"

"Yeah?"

"That's that famous '50's diner.... isn't it?"

"Um, yeah?"

Chance's stomach churned. Just the tone of her voice set about a lot of alarm bells ringing.

"Oh .... nothing."

"Sera?"

"Um, yeah?"

"Is there anything wrong with that diner? Something you should be telling me?"

"Um.... well...."

"Oh god. Don't tell me it's a mecca for food poisoning or something!"

"Um... no... not really. It's just that..... I've only just eaten dinner. So I'm not hungry. Sorry."



Oh. Damn.

That was a very good start to the date.

O-kay. Let's see if things ..... improve .....

.... or..... not.




They pulled up outside Red's, to find that it 'appeared' quiet. Whilst they'd been in the car, they struck up a conversation, just to pass the time. And discovered that they had a lot in common.




"..... it was so funny," Chance said, locking the care door, "I used to badger my dad for a drum kit. I never got it though. He always made up some excuse, telling me it that it was too noisy."



"Isn't that so weird?" Sera replied, smiling, "my grandma played the harp in the local orchestra. But I don't have a single hint of any musical talent whatsoever! I can't sing a note... without shattering a glass.... truly!"




Not wanting to be first into the diner, they loitered outside for a little while. Thankful that the rain had stopped at last. Which didn't go unnoticed by the two of them.




Maybe this was a good sign after all?



Chance started telling some weird jokes that, even though they were completely lost on Sera. She still laughed good naturedly.




Chance then launched into a tickle fest, causing Sera to shriek at the top of her voice and giggle uncontrollably.




Well..... so far so good. Things are starting to pick up here, by the looks of it. Customers started trickling into the 24 hour diner (famous, not only for its wide expansive menu, but the fact that it's a landmark site. Been in Downtown since it was built, waay back in the '50's and is STILL going strong).




But then .... Sera froze solid.

"Um, Sera?" Chance asked, pulling her gently.

She has tears in her eyes.

"What's wrong?"

"That...." came the reply.

Sera pointed to the photo booth with a trembling finger.

"Oh wow, want a picture of the two of us?"

She shook her head vehemently and refused to budge, swallowing hard.

"I.... can't....." she whispered.

Around them, people were either busy eating or playing pool, they were (thankfully) oblivious to Sera's apparent distress. Her bottom lip trembled and Chance pulled her into a close hug.




"It's okay," he soothed, "you don't have to.... I won't force you..... okay?"

She nodded, clinging onto him.




He leaned forward to kiss her, and that's when his eyes started to water and his nose started to pour.




"Um, Sera?"

"Yes?"

"Is that new perfume you're wearing?"

"Why, yes it is.... you like it?"

He pulled away sharply, his hand swiping at his eyes.




"Um,..... I think I'm allergic to it."

Sera was crestfallen.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't know. I got it the other day, it was on special offer."

"That's okay. I guess I'd better avoid you for the rest of the evening."

"Well.... you could join in the tournament, whilst I go dance over here."




" I'm so sorry this had to happen."

"That's okay. We'll manage somehow."

So, Chance joined in with the pool tournament, whilst Sera turned on the jukebox and started to wiggle her booty about.






Chance however, found that he couldn't concentrate on the game, for watching Sera.
Throwing down the cue, he muttered to himself.




'Allergy or not, I'm not letting this spoil our date.'

But, in his haste to get to her, the cue had fallen from it's cradle and whacked him on the arm, causing him to yelp. Immediately, Sera was there.




"Are you okay?" she asked, leaning forward.

To everyone else, it looked as though they were flirting.

"Nah, I'm good..... really."

The way he was cradling his bruised arm, we (and Sera) weren't quite so sure.





"Let me take a look at it," she insisted.

At first Chance was hesitant. It felt really weird, this role reversal. Him receiving the massages, rather than issuing them. But still, he enjoyed her silky smooth, delicate hands, working their magic.




"Better?"




"Mmmm, yes... thanks."





"How about your allergy? Eyes still look pretty ghastly to me."

"Um... they're ok..... er... Sera?"

"Why the concern?"

"Well...."

She blushed underneath that lovely, flawless, tawny skin.

"I'm hoping to train to be a nurse or doctor," she admitted, "just waiting for my acceptance into full time training first."

"Interesting."

You could tell that he was even more impressed by this gentle natured siren than before. He tugged her into a romantic hug.




"What about your allergy?"

"Meh, I'll be fine. But thanks."

"What for?"

"Being so supportive ... and understanding."

She smiled and kissed him, tentatively at first, as she saw how his eyes were swelling. But then a little more passionately.




"Let's end this date and go home," she whispered, "and I'd better drive this time."

Wiping his face, Chance glanced at her, obviously concerned.

"Are you sure?" he asked, "it's the size of a tank."

She patted him on the arm, before taking his hand gently in hers.




"I'm a big girl Chance," she said, smiling, "besides, I've driven stuff a lot bigger than that monster out there."




And with that, they left for home.

The date ended as a 'Dream Date', although they hardly did anything at all. But at least they learned a bit more about themselves in the process.

And that concludes the 'first dates' of this challenge.

Let's see now, who's going to be the first one to leave, when the poll is put up very soon.

________________________________________________________

On another note:

Not written in, but really, really tempted..... in Sera's thoughts, constantly throughout the date.... was that of her being friends with lover boy Darius.

Also, Chance and Sera were flirting, then suddenly Chance pulled away and showed this weird face.


When I turned the camera around, here's this poor guy, in a heap on the floor.


Also, what's this all about? Look at the thought bubble over Chance.


Not a clue what he's thinking at all. If anybody can enlighten me here, I'd truly appreciate it.

Date #6 - Alexa Blake

Well, given that Chance is surrounded, not only by 7 beautiful women....
.... but a whole entourage too..... consisting of an eager TV crew and masses of heavy duty wiring snaking around the mansion, following their every move...

... he's doing exceptionally well.
He is a genial host, a great entertainer, and all around nice guy.

With each date, he (and the rest of us) is discovering a little more about each of the lovely ladies living under the same roof as himself.

But we're concerned that he's not actually showing us his true self here. He's very guarded and well behaved, that, we admit is admirable. But we needed Chance to let his hair down a little more. Show us the 'fun' side of him.

And boy, did he deliver!!!!

So, for his next date, with delectable Alexa, he decided to take her out to a fabulous new nightclub that's just opened, right in the centre of Bluewater Village.

Torchere Nuit.
(apparently, according to one reliable source.... a VERY popular gay bar)

Well, for a change, Chance decided to take the black Lamborghini, to the delight of Alexa. She'd been eyeing this shiny vehicle parked outside, for a while, and was more than a little curious about it.

"Want to go for a spin?" Chance asked Alexa, shortly after dinner.





"Sure.... okay."




You could tell that Alexa was tickled pink at the thoughts of sitting in one of Chance's prized possessions, and couldn't help grinning all the way from the front door to the car itself.




They slid into their seats and he revved the engine. A loud roar, settling into a seductive purr.



"Nice set of wheels, you got here Chance," Alexa commented, stroking the velvet cushions.

"Yeah," came the reply, "been a while since I took this baby out."

Alexa nodded appreciatively, slipping the seat-belt buckle into it's slot.



"Bet this baby can go some."

"You know what?"

"What?"

"I've never actually tried...."

"Really?"

"Yep... you've given me some great ideas there Alexa."

"Um.... thanks."

There was a pause as he swung the car deftly out of the driveway and onto the road.



"Any idea where we're going?"

"New place...."

"Uh..."

"Aww come on Alexa, live a little here..."

"Uh... o-kay."

"Do you trust me?"

"Um.... no.... not really.... but...."

*sigh*

"I just discovered this place on the internet. It's got a great atmosphere.... with themed nights too."

"Um..... okay."

It was obvious that Alexa was hesitant and a little nervous about this place. With working in the Show Business career, she really didn't want anything to mar her reputation as she tried to climb the corporate ladder.

Basically, she didn't want to get drunk and make a fool of herself.

Chance had other ideas.

He pulled up at TN as it is commonly called, and Alexa got out...

... all excited... nervous... yet determined to have some fun...

... and then.... froze.




A mixture of trepidation, nerves and other emotions played across her face as she stared at the garishly decorated building before her.



"Um.... are you sure about this?" she asked, hesitantly.

"Yeah..... why?"

"You do know that this is a notorious gay bar.... don't you?"

"Alexa!"

"Well.... it is..... some of my colleagues come here regularly."

"What's the matter Lexie? A little afraid to be seen hanging around with me?"

"Um... no."

She'd really dropped herself in it. She'd heard about Melinda's snobby behaviour, and the was no way she was going to be like her. But a gay bar???? What was this guy thinking about?

Chance was now getting a little exasperated by her behaviour. Not only that, in the dim lighting, he'd tried unsuccessfully, to squeeze out of the low seat and immediately dropped something on the floor.



"Dammit!" he cursed, leaning against the car, "dropped my wallet."

Alexa nervously hovered, waiting for Chance. A shiver ran up and down her spine and her bare forearms were showing very visible goosebumps. It didn't help when she spotted a woman in a police uniform entering the building. That set off a whole load of alarm bells for her. In her mind's eye, uniformed police and nightclubs spelled trouble....
... something she wasn't too keen on getting involved in, in any way, shape or form.

"Chance..." she whispered, hanging back, "... I don't think we should go in here."

He arched a brow at her, just as matriarch Denise Jacquet happened to pass by.





".... and why not?" he snorted, ignoring the fact that Denise was making goo-goo eyes at him.


(yeah... right missus.... he's old enough to be your son.... so... I don't think so somehow, so move along)

"Um .... I think there's a police raid in progress .... that's why."

He looked about.

"I don't see any cop cars here... any flashing lights .... do you?"

"Um, no, not really."

"Then we should be fine."

"But.... Chance..."

"Lexie!!! Please!!! Live a little. What's the worst that can happen?"

Alexa didn't have an answer for that one, so she shrugged her shoulders and reluctantly followed Chance up the marbled entryway.



They walked into TN to find the place was relatively quiet. The police officer was, actually, just looking for her work colleague, who conveniently vanished from sight. We guessed that he'd sneaked in for a quick pint, whilst the place was quiet. The wall TV behind the bar was showing the latest Werewolf movie.



They grabbed a couple of drinks at the bar, then Chance spotted the karaoke machine standing vacant in the corner. He took a glance at Alexa, who grinned at him.

"Fancy having a go?"




"Sure..... just to remind you though, I sound like a strangled cat!"

"I'm sure I'll be able to keep up!"

With that, they picked up the microphones, chose a cheesy love duet and started to warble.



Alexa grimaced at the squeaky high notes, but Chance really got into it, twirling and crooning at the top of his voice.



Finally they finished, only after Chance's throat had run dry and he needed a drink....
.... badly.



So they went to the bar and ordered.



Put it this way.... singing was really thirsty work. Truly.

They both had a drinking contest between themselves. Alexa, by now, slowly loosening up, but still a little more lucid than Chance.


He bobbed his head and tapped his palms lightly on the bar to the music, really getting into the club scene.

Alexa in the meantime, started smiling wickedly. Those drinks were coming in thick and fast.




Just then, who should walk into TN, (or should we say.... staggered in.... totally wasted and looking a little worse for wear) ...was Nina Caliente. Parking her butt, right between Chance and Alexa, she swayed drunkenly, a soppy grin on her face....

... squealed at the top of her lungs.....



.... and waved to none other than that 'Mommy's boy', Gilbert Jacquet. He must have waited until his mother had left, and snuck in to scout out the talent.

After the umpteenth Martini, Chance was, by now.... starting to get a little drunk. He didn't even notice that Alexa was waving to him.



"Hey Chancie!" she bellowed over the thumping music, "yoohoo!"



He tipped her a rather drunken wink and grinned. Yep, they were definitely having some fun here at TN.



Suddenly, he decided it was time to do some smooth moves on the dance floor. Thankfully, it was empty, so he pulled Alexa to her feet.

We lost count at how many martinis they'd consumed.... but the alcohol was taking effect as they both stumbled and nearly head butted each other. Much to the amusement of the punters there.




Tripping over the steps, they managed to get to the dizzyingly bright dance floor, with it's flashing floor panels.

Immediately, Chance goosed Alexa, causing her to squeal and blush.







"Oooh! Chance!" she breathed, "you're so wickedly naughty."



"I know," came the reply, an evil grin on his face.

"Wanna dance?"

"Okay."




Clumsily, they wrapped their arms around each other and swayed to the music. Or at least that's the impression they were giving everyone. We thought they were simply holding each other up, so that they didn't collapse onto the floor.




But who are we, as the observant TV crew... to judge?



Alexa delighted to finally be up close and personal with Chance. Even though he was slightly drunk.




Without warning, he tipped her backwards, trying to land a kiss on her lips, but missing by miles and kissing her chin instead.



"Ohh Chance.... I do believe you're drunk!"

"Nah."

They both giggled like schoolkids as they continued to sway in unison.




"You know..." Alexa said hesitantly, "you're a really nice guy.... and nice looking too."

Chance just smiled knowingly.

"You sure you're not just sucking up to me because of the cameras?"

She flushed a little.

"No. Not at all."

Then they kissed. A real passionate smacker, right on the lips. As they pulled away, Alexa grinned.

"Does that prove it?"

He rubbed his chin and grinned.....

"Hmmmm...."

Suddenly, his hands started wandering.... right down towards her rump.



"Nice ass you have there... Lexie!" he slurred.



Alexa purred and grinned. All her inhibitions were slowly crumbling under the naughtiness of Chance and those groping hands of his.

His gaze went straight back to the karaoke platform at the other side of the bar.

"Hey!" he yelled above the music, "wanna nother go?"

Alexa rolled her eyes at him, but not before he dragged her back to the other stage. Just as they climbed up, he leaped into her arms. Much to Alexa's surprise (and ours).

"Chance.....!" she gasped, her knees trembling, "... good.... grief.... you.... weigh......a ton!"




"And you're the most gorgeous girl here too... mwah!"

"Chance.... I ... can't ... hold......oh dammit!"

Her arms started slipping, so Chance slid from her grasp, still giggling.

"Oh, crap! I think I pulled a muscle in my back!"

She tried to rub her back, but grimaced in pain.

"Dammit," she groaned, "I'm going to need a bucketload of painkillers for this one."

"Here, let me rub it for you."



With that, he slipped his hands onto her shoulders, and started his massage technique. His hands rolled over her shoulders, feeling for tense knots. Then they slid down her spine, gently rubbing along her vertebrae. She moaned with relief, closing her eyes and enjoying his 'magic' hands.

"Any good?"



"Mmmm..... yes!"

"Okay...."

"ohh.... lower.... little to the..... YES! That's it!"



She turned to him and smiled gently.

"Thanks for a great evening Chance.... apart from hurting my back... I had a fab time."

"Soo... glad you did.... honey.... now I think it's about time to go home."

"Um... Chance...?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you think we should get a taxi back home? I really don't think you're in a fit state to drive. You could crash the car... or worse.... get caught drunk driving."

"Meh.... we'll be okay."

The day was dawning, with a bank of dark grey clouds looming overhead. There was a slight smattering of rain, just as they were leaving TN and the sudden chill in the air started to sober the two of them up.

"Darned rain!" muttered Chance, holding his hands out and looking skywards, "doesn't it ever damned well stop?"



Alexa just shrugged her shoulder and copied Chance's actions, tilting her head slowly upwards.

"I think it's beautiful," she whispered, "and refreshing too. Gotta love the smell of the air after a thunderstorm. There's nothing more refreshing and revitalizing."



"Yeah... whatever," came the retort, "now let's get home before we get soaked."

Sweet or not, Chance was .. in fact.. a guy. And these little things that us women appreciate... can be (and were) lost on him. But that's only because his brain was fogged up with alcohol and he couldn't think straight.

But still.... time will tell. Time will tell.

Drunk or not.... however... Chance still had his wits about him though. For standing right outside, was the evil witch, casting one of her spells. Actually, we all came to the conclusion that she was responsible for the sudden bad weather. And Chance pulled a very odd, disgusted face at her as he passed by.



"Baaaahhhhh! Miserable mean old hag!" he bellowed, giving her the 'thumbs down' signal. "not bloody happy until you spoil other people's fun are ya?"



Fortunately, Alexa never heard him, she was concentrating on keeping upright.... and not wanting to cause any more back spasms that would immobilize her. Otherwise she might have tried to warn Chance about witches (especially wicked ones) being notoriously famous for issuing out really nasty curses on a whim.



They climbed into the car, and yes.... they managed to get home in one piece. Thankfully, they weren't stopped en route, for drink driving.... or speeding.

And so endeth Alexa's fun date.

And so for the next (and last) date.....
Serafina Starr