“Is everything in order?” Ebony Wings asked sternly. She was standing in her daughter’s room, dressed in a nightgown and holding a hot cup of coffee.

“I think so, mother.”

Moonglade stood in front of her closet mirror, eyeing herself from top to bottom. Her outfit was all set, her makeup and disguise flawless. She opened her mouth. Fangs retracted, contacts in. She couldn’t think of anything else.

“Good.” Ebony nodded her approval. “So today’s the big day, huh? The day you start bringing love back with you.”

“Yes, mother.” Moonglade adjusted her tie and smiled. “I’ll do my best!”

“I certainly hope you will. Silver Platter is waiting to drop you off at your pre-arranged location, so when you’re ready, get in the car. He knows the city streets better than anyone.”

“Oh? Aunt Ivory will not be the one driving me?” Moonglade had hoped to get some last minute advice from her aunt before the date.

“She is busy,” Ebony replied with a slight frown. “With what, I can’t imagine. Perhaps she’s making more lemonade.”

“Lemonade?” Moonglade shook her head. Her aunt had her reasons for everything. Perhaps it was something she needed to get the sirens’ gems to work again, or maybe she just really liked lemonade. “Well, I’m ready to give it a go, mother.”

“Then I will see you when I return.” Ebony Wings gave her long black hair a sweep. “I will be at work, so I won’t be back until the evening.”

“Okay. I’ll see you when you’re back, mother.” Moonglade waved and headed out of her room and downstairs.

Outside, Silver Platter was already waiting in the car for her, the engine already running, ready to leave on her say.

“Hey, Silver. It’s been a while since you last sent me anywhere,” Moonglade chuckled as she buckled in.

“It is my pleasure, princess,” the butler smiled and nodded once. “Now, where would you like me to take you?”

“Sugarcube Corner,” she replied, excited for her coming date. “You know the place?”

“Of course, princess.” Silver Platter stepped on the accelerator and began making their way out of the compound. “I shall get you there at once.”

The drive there wasn’t very fast, but at least it wasn’t very long either. Moonglade found herself looking out the window, still trying to make out the city in her head. Many of the buildings looked the same, but the only person she could think to blame was the architect. The city likely only had a handful of those if all these buildings looked alike.

Eventually, after four more red lights, Moonglade saw the huge sign of Sugarcube Corner over the main entrance, smiling to herself and sighing with relief that they had finally arrived.

It’s finally time to see if I have what it takes to be like mother and Aunt Ivory…

“Thank you, Silver Platter.” Moonglade said as she pushed the door open.

“Would you like me to wait, princess?” he asked.

“No need. I’ll just give you a call when I’m done.” Moonglade shook her head and closed the door.

Straightening her red coat, the young changeling strolled up to the front door and pushed it open; a bell above chimed to signal her entry into the cafe. People all over the place looked up at her to see who had come in, forcing Moonglade’s eyes to avert to the side as she searched for an empty table to sit at. Thankfully, there were plenty to choose from, so she picked one close to the window where she could look out at the streets.

“Now all I have to do is wait,” she murmured. She looked around the cafe at the other patrons. There were the usual gaggle of high schoolers, a man in a suit who was sipping a coffee, and someone who had a newspaper propped up in front of them, obscuring all but their pale green hands from view.

Unfortunately, with some of the cafe’s patrons still looking at her, likely trying to determine where they had seen her before, time didn’t go by as quickly as Moonglade wanted. The girl resorted to resting her head on a hand and looking out the large glass windows, hoping to see a sign of Home Run; she would definitely feel more comfortable if he were here.

Moonglade also noted that this was the first time she was really alone. She’d never gone out by herself like this before, and it was a little scary. Usually, she would have Aunt Ivory watching over her from somewhere, which made her feel safer, but today, even her aunt was busy with something else. It was all up to her own skill today.

Just keep calm, Moonglade. Just pretend no one else is here…

She really found it ironic how she didn’t seem to inherit any of her mother’s, or even her father’s traits of being in front of people. No matter what, unless she had something much bigger to focus on, she was always so shy among crowds and she had no idea why that was so.

“Maybe it’s just who I am,” she said to herself and adjusted her glasses, sighing as she thought more about that fact.

After another six minutes, Moonglade heard the doorbell jingle and looked up. To her delight, it was the boy she had been waiting for. She quickly raised a hand and got his attention before waving for him to come over.

Finally. Here we go.

“Home Run, good to see you!” She feigned extra excitement. “I couldn’t wait, so I came a little early.”

“Yeah, sorry about the time,” the blue haired boy laughed sheepishly. “I had some, uh, obstacles on the way here.”

“Oh, it’s no trouble.” Moonglade watched him as he sat down across from her, resting her head on both hands. “What matters is that we’re both here now, hmm?”

“I guess so, yeah,” Home Run nodded and leaned in. “So what’ll you be having? I’ll buy.”

Moonglade sniffed and grinned. She could find a small trail of affection coming from him, more prominently this time. “What’s good here?”

Home Run put a hand to his chin, but didn’t take long to think. “The shakes and the cakes here are really good.”

“Hmm…” Moonglade contemplated. A shake sounded nice. “Then I’ll have a strawberry milkshake then. They have those, yes?”

“Yup.” The boy got up. “I’ll get one for myself too, I’ll be right back.” Then he headed to the counter to place their orders.

Moonglade took the time to examine the boy, watching the way he carried himself, the way he walked, his body features. The blonde girl touched a hand to her lips, remembering the kiss she had given Sunny Flare in the changing room. Sunny’s lips were soft and it felt nice, Moonglade didn’t deny that; she wondered what it would feel like to kiss Home Run. Maybe it would feel better, seeing as she wasn’t going to kiss him as a form of humiliation.

Perhaps if she were lucky and played her cards correctly, she might get to find out today.

“Alright, two strawberry milkshakes.” Home Run was back, setting the two drinks down on the table. “One for you, one for me.”

“Thanks, Home Run.” She gratefully accepted the pink drink and slurped at it through the straw. It was nice, but nothing close to the milkshake place she had been with her aunt and the sirens. “Not bad.”

“You like strawberries too?” Home Run sat back down and smiled. “Strawberry milkshakes are my favorite shakes.”

Across the cafe, the person reading the newspaper turned the page, holding the paper up with one hand.

“Strawberries are one of my favorite fruits,” Moonglade supplied. “I like eating them with cream.”

“Oh, that’s cool. I usually just eat them as they are. I guess I just like the way they taste.”

Moonglade narrowed her eyes slightly. Taking a discreet sniff, she picked up on a faintly good smell coming off of Home Run. No love yet, but the buds of attraction still seemed to be there, holding up well. There was also still a haze of suspicion surrounding him. It also seemed to come from around Sugarcube Corner, but before she could investigate further, Home Run spoke again.

“So, you don’t go out much right? And you’re schooled at home? How is it like? Being at home all day?”

“It’s fine,” Moonglade replied. “I always have lots to do, so I’m rarely ever bored.” It wasn’t exactly true, but Moonglade decided to start with that. The girl felt her phone vibrate, but now was not the time to check it.

On the other side of the cafe, the customer put down her newspaper to reveal a pale green female face that was covered by a large pair of sunglasses, and dressed in a beige overcoat. She picked up her cup of coffee and sipped from it, seemingly turning her head to look out the window.

How odd… she thought to herself. Why wear sunglasses indoors? That’s just ridiculous.

Moonglade found her quite suspicious and decided to keep an eye on her just in case. Maybe she was paparazzi or something and she didn’t like paparazzi.

“Sounds interesting,” Home Run said, taking another slurp of his milkshake. “How about the sirens, then? You hang out with them much? They don’t stay late a whole lot after school.”

“We live together,” Moonglade said bluntly. Her phone vibrated again in her pocket. Resisting the urge to pull it out and check, she affixed a neutral expression on her face and had a pull at her milkshake.

“Oh. Yeah,” Home Run said unsteadily. “You, uh, do know what they used to be, don’t you?”

“Of course I do,” Moonglade replied with a raised eyebrow. “I live with them. Although, I have to say that their singing leaves a lot to be desired. But you’d know all about that, wouldn’t you? Or the Rainbooms would, at least.”

“Their singing?” Home Run rubbed his neck. “Let’s say I try not to be around when they sing…”

“Let me get one thing straight,” Moonglade said firmly. “The band known as the Rainbooms are not in my good graces. I know what happened at the Battle of the Bands, and I’m not at all pleased about it. Just wanted to get that out of the way before we go any further.”

“Oh.” Home Run seemed to cycle between many emotions. Moonglade picked up some disappointment and confusion, but that little affection string was still there. “I wasn’t there when it happened, but I heard the sirens tried taking over the world or something? And another thing… You’re okay with me?”

“You weren’t there when it happened, so I can’t hold you responsible,” Moonglade shrugged. “You seem a nice enough boy. Let’s see where this takes us, hm?”

Ugh. I sound like my mother. Moonglade winced internally.

Your mother is the oldest and most successful seductress in the world. A second voice piped up. Maybe you’re onto something.

“Yeah, that’s a plan.” Home Run managed a smile. “I’m actually hoping the school and the sirens get along one day. I don’t like how they hold their past against them. But I believe in the Rainbooms. They have a thing with friendship, you know? You can trust them. They’re not bad.”

Moonglade examined her fingernails. “Whatever.”

There was an awkward silence, broken by the sound of Home Run’s stomach growling.

“I’m, uh, going to get something to eat,” Home Run said with a nervous smile. “You want anything?”

Moonglade smiled up at him, smelling the spike in positive emotion as she did so. “No, thank you. I’m fine.”

As Home Run ambled off to the counter, Moonglade took the chance to check her phone. Two messages from Aunt Ivory. As she watched, a third message arrived.

She decided to look at the oldest message first.

Remember, you want him to like you. The message read. Leave your opinions at the door and focus on attracting the mark.

“Oops,” Moonglade said under her breath.

Then the second message.

You’re being followed. Don’t make any sudden moves, or they’ll know that you know.

Moonglade instinctively looked at the woman with the sunglasses and the beige coat, who was still looking out the window. Could she be the one following her? Then she remembered her aunt’s words and stopped looking, hoping she didn’t give away anything.

Then an important thought popped up in the girl’s mind. Wait, how does Aunt Ivory know what’s happening?

Moonglade looked around the cafe, but she didn’t see any sign of her white haired aunt, inside or outside.

She proceeded to read the third message.

I can sense two, maybe three girls that seem to have you in their sights. They’re trying to look inconspicuous, so don’t make any sudden moves. One of them is in the booth to your left. Blue skin. A hood and a hat. The other(s) appear to be outside.

More than that strange woman? Moonglade didn’t see anyone suspicious earlier when she looked around. Maybe she hadn’t looked for the right things.

Using the info her aunt had given her, Moonglade quickly spotted the blue-skinned girl with the hood and hat nearby. She was looking inside her glass of drink. As for the ones outside, Moonglade didn’t know which ones her aunt had spotted.

“I’m back!” Home Run said as he set down a tray of fries and a chicken sandwich. “I got some extra fries so we could share.”

“That’s so thoughtful of you!” Moonglade exclaimed, putting her hands together and blinking up at him.

Home Run looked a tad confused for a while, but then returned her smile. “Well, go ahead, help yourself. The fries here are pretty good.” Then he picked up his sandwich and took a bite.

Reaching into her sleeve, Moonglade produced a packet of wooden chopsticks, which she broke apart and picked up a fry with.

“Woah, that’s neat.” Home Run watched her. “It stays in your sleeve?”

“It never hurts to be prepared,” Moonglade said with a sticky smile.

Home Run nodded. “Good point.”

Moonglade put the fry in her mouth and began chewing. True to what Home Run said, the fry was pretty good, prompting the girl to take another when she was done.

“So…” Home Run started after he swallowed. “Any interests, Moonglade? What do you like doing?”

“Hmm…” Moonglade thought about it. Maybe it wasn’t in her best interest to say things like alchemy, sword fighting and talking to her stuffed toy just yet. Speaking of sword fighting, she had class later, so she couldn’t spend all day with Home Run. “I like reading. Um, I play some video games.”

“Oh, cool, I have some myself.” Home Run seemed to take interest in that. “Not too big on reading myself, but I do own a Neighstation 6.”

“Oh, you have one too?” Moonglade beamed excitedly. “I’ve recently got a Neighstation 6 Pro! I only own Finest Fantasy though.”

“Oh, I heard it was good, but I don’t have it myself.” Home Run took another bite from his sandwich. “But hey, cool, maybe we could play a game or two sometime, that is, if we do have the same games. The only multiplayer ones I have are the MLB ones and Field Fighter.”

“MLB?” Moonglade tilted her head to the side as her chopsticks reached for another fry.

“Oh, that’s baseball. I mean, if you didn’t know already, I love baseball.”

No duh, Moonglade thought. “Yeah, I can see that. I saw you playing the other day too. You’re pretty good at it. Though I have to say, I don’t know a lot about it.”

“It’s a whole lot of fun,” Home Run went on, very passionate about the topic. "It isn’t easy to hit the ball, but when you do, it feels really awesome.”

Moonglade placed an interested expression on her face, like she’d seen her mother do with house guests. “Really? Do share.”

“Well, uh, why don’t I start with how you play?”

Moonglade shrugged. She did want to learn it anyway. “Sure, go ahead.”

Home Run went on and on about the rules of baseball and how a game was supposed to progress. Moonglade wasn’t particularly attentive during the whole explanation, but she made sure to listen up when he was telling her the instructions.

“Okay, so swing the bat, hit the ball, run to one of the bases, depending on how long I think the other team will take to get the ball?” Moonglade smiled and waited for the confirmation that she understood the game.

“Pretty much.” Home Run nodded.

“Then if you’re on the field, catch the ball if someone hits it and get it back to your teammates on the bases before the enemy gets there first?”

“Right again.”

“I think I get it,” Moonglade nodded, inwardly feeling a little impatient. She’d shown interest in his little game, so why wasn’t there any increase in the affection output? “And your school’s team competes against other schools?”

The woman with the sunglasses stood up and walked outside into the early afternoon, leaving the door swinging behind her.

Phew, she’s gone… Moonglade sighed quietly.

“That’s how it works,” Home Run said, drinking from his milkshake. “All schools compete against each other. It’s just something they all do. You play any sports, Moonglade?”

“Not any traditional sports, no.”

“Well…” Home Run said slowly. “You’re pretty strong. I mean, you pulled me off my bike and into the air. That’s not something most people can do.”

“Let’s just call that adrenaline, shall we?” Moonglade said with an oily smile, eager to steer the conversation away from her immense bodily strength. “A girl can do a lot if she feels she’s in danger.”

“Boy, you can say that again…” Home Run chuckled and finished his sandwich. “That’ll teach me to underestimate girls.”

There was another moment of silence, broken only by Moonglade’s phone vibrating again.

Funny. Moonglade thought while looking around.. I thought there would be more cameras out. I am Ebony Wings’ daughter, after all.

“So, how do you like the food?” Home Run watched her.

Moonglade didn’t realize it until now, but she was already halfway through the fries. “Oh, well… they’re good, yeah. But you know, it’s not the food that’s so good. It’s getting to talk to you that I liked more.”

“Oh, really…?” Home Run grinned and shrank back a little. Moonglade took the chance to inhale again. As she suspected, the smell was a little stronger now and it tasted good.

“Home Run…” She looked to the side, unsure of how to word her next sentence. She wanted to say something nice, but she ended up at a loss for words. This sure isn’t the easiest thing I’ve done… Come on, Moonglade. Think. “You know, m-maybe if y-you have more time…”

At that moment, the door to Sugarcube Corner swung open, revealing a green-skinned boy with brown hair tied into a ponytail swaggering in, a grin on his face. He spotted Home Run and began walking over.

Please, no.

Unfortunately for Moonglade, he stopped beside the blue haired boy and clapped him on the shoulder. “Homey, this is where you went! And what do we have here?” He looked at Moonglade and his eyes widened. “Do introduce, my boy!”

Moonglade narrowed her eyes behind her glasses and felt her fingers draw into hooks. This kid was bad news. Changeling intuition was never wrong.

“Well, uh, this is Moonglade,” Home Run said, motioning to her. “Moonglade, this is Jetstream. He’s also on the baseball team.”

“Moonglade?” Jetstream’s eyes got wider. “Daughter of Ebony Wings?”

Moonglade ducked her head instinctively, her face going red. The Jetstream boy had said that so loud, every patron in here had likely heard him. She covered the sides of her face, willing for nothing else to happen.

Behind Jetstream, the green-skinned paparazzi woman walked back in, retook her seat, and placed a somewhat familiar looking phone on the surface of the table. It seemed to emit a high pitched whining sound, but no one else seemed to hear it.

The phone didn’t bother her, but the woman did. Great. Hopefully she didn’t hear the boy blab.

She peeked her eyes around, instantly wishing she hadn’t. A lot of the other people in the cafe were now looking in her direction, darkening the shade on her cheeks.

“Come on, Jetstream, you didn’t have to say that so loudly.” Home Run pulled him down and hissed.

“What? But she’s a big deal, you know?” He shrugged. “The daughter of an acclaimed actress? Here with you? And I’m pretty certain this is a date, yes? Boy, are you lucky or what?” He whipped his phone out and waved it around. “Mind if I take a picture? LR’s going to freak if he sees it.”

“Man, you’re making her uncomfortable. Please, no pictures.” Home Run waved a hand in his face.

“Meh…” Jetstream kept his phone again after a while. “Well, my phone’s down anyway. Can’t seem to take any pictures, so oh well. I guess I’ll go home for the day. I shall see you, Home Run, in school on Monday.”

“Yeah, I’ll see you.” Home Run and Moonglade watched as he swaggered back outside and away from the cafe. “I don’t even know why he came in here… You okay, Moonglade?”

Moonglade, who had spent the majority of Jetstream’s visit wishing that she could turn invisible, simply shrugged and reached into her pocket, taking out her phone, trying to look unpeeved. There was a message.

Princess. There are two other girls outside who seem to have their eyes on you. One is in a parked car, while the other is seated outside. She is pink and is wearing a trench coat and a hat. It is also almost time for your swordsmanship lesson, so I suggest you cut this hunt short and return home.

No better time to leave… Moonglade thought. She really wanted to get away from all the eyes in the cafe. “Home Run, I think I better g-get home now… I have a class soon and, um, all these people…”

“Yeah, I understand, and don’t worry. I’ll walk you out. You have a ride waiting, I’m guessing?”

She quickly sent a message to Silver Platter to come get her, since her phone was out, and when she was done, she quickly buried her face in her arms. “So many people are looking now…”

Home Run got up and looked around the cafe, then walked around a put an arm on Moonglade’s shoulder. “I’ll be right beside you, don’t worry. You can do this.”

Moonglade nodded slowly, then rose to her feet, clinging tightly to Home Run’s arm as they made their way out of Sugarcube Corner, feeling better that at least she had someone with her. She kept her eyes on her feet, watching her boots move left and right, then turning at the end to head out the door.

Phew, it’s over…

Only when she heard the door close did she look up again, taking in a deep breath of fresh air to calm her mind, at the same time, gleaning a taste of affection from Home Run. It was a little stronger now, but she had hoped to really bring it out.

Oh well, I’ll do better on our second date.

“Thanks, Home Run.” She turned him and looked up in his eyes. “I don’t know. I don’t seem to be very good with crowds, unlike my mother.”

“Hey, it’s cool.” He patted one of her hands. “Everyone’s different. You can’t expect everyone to be good at everything.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. But thanks for today. I had fun. We should do this again sometime, you know?” She gave the boy her best smile.

“Umm, yeah! I think we should. I had a great time today too.”

Moonglade watched his lips move. Something in her head kept telling her to just lean in and give him a kiss. She wanted to, but the other part of her head was telling her she still needed to progress further.

“Home Run, umm…” she started. “I… well…”

“Hmm? Yeah?” He waited for her to continue.

Sighing internally, Moonglade leaned in, giving him a kiss. The cheek would do for now.

When she leaned back, her cheeks were blushing furiously, but she still managed a small smile through her embarrassment. It was much different from kissing Sunny. Maybe it was because that one was given out of spite. Moonglade didn’t quite know, but this one had sent her heart fluttering.

“Thank you, Home Run.” She inhaled, feeling a greater wave of affection come out of him. Mm, tasty.

The blue haired boy’s cheeks were red as well. “Y-Yeah, no problem.”

Just then, her ride pulled over, with the window being wound down to reveal a waving Silver Platter.

“I’ll see you another time, Home Run.” Moonglade walked on, letting her fingers linger on the boy’s for a few seconds. “I’ll call you.”

“Sure. Take care, Moonglade.” He waved and stood by the cafe, even after the car pulled away, heading back towards the mansion.

“I did it…” Moonglade held her face in her hands, unable to help herself from smiling. She had hesitated with the kiss, but she had eventually mustered the courage to give it, glad that she had done so. That spike of affection at the end was delicious.

She pictured Home Run in her head, thinking about him as the car carried on.

“Did you have a good time, young princess?” Silver Platter asked from the front.

“A very good time, yes,” she answered, nodding her head.

“Glad to hear.” Then he turned the wheel to the next road and slowed the car. “Oh and princess, one more pick up before we get you home. It’s your aunt.”

“Oh!” Moonglade forgot her aunt had been in the area too. Excitement bubbled in her body as she thought about telling her aunt everything. “Sure, Silver.”

Silver Platter pulled to the side of the road and stopped the car. After a few minutes, the door next to Moonglade popped open, and to her horror, the green-skinned woman with the sunglasses and coat stepped into the car, sitting beside her. Only after three more seconds, did Moonglade slow down and think carefully.

“A-Aunt Ivory?” she asked the woman.

The woman removed her sunglasses and pocketed them, revealing a set of bright purple eyes. “Yes, dear. It was me. You didn’t think I’d leave you to manage on your own, did you? Never.”

“I guessed you were close by because of your messages, but to think you were right there near me…” Moonglade threw her arms around her aunt’s waist. “You’re the best, Aunt Ivory!”

“Mmhm,” Ivory Wings said with a smug smile. “By the way, we’re still being followed. The white car behind us has been tracking you since you left the boy. The other two are inside, I’m sure. They don’t have tinted windows like we do.”

“Seriously?” Moonglade flipped around and looked back. She spied three females in the car, each sporting a different hat and coat that concealed a lot of their features. “Yeah, that blue one was in the cafe, like you told me. Who are they? Not some criminals trying to kidnap me, I hope?”

“If they are, I’ll make sure to teach them the error of their ways…” Ivory reached into a secret compartment under the chair and drew out a handgun. She spun it around her hand before returning it to its compartment.

“So what’s our plan now?” Moonglade looked back to her aunt. “Are we going to fight?”

Ivory blinked slowly. “No, I don’t think so. We are going to drive back home and shut the gates. If those three try to come in, we will do the sensible thing and call the police.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Moonglade put her hands on her lap.

They weren’t going to try anything fishy at their home, right? Criminals couldn’t be that dumb, right?

The rest of the drive was quiet, with Moonglade constantly looking back at the following car every few minutes, wanting to know if they were still there. As they neared the mansion, the white car finally pulled away, making a left to the next road, heading along and out of sight by the time the gates had fully opened.

“Phew.” Moonglade wiped her forehead. “They’re gone. So, Aunt Ivory, did I do well?”

“Quite well, my little niece.” Ivory returned from looking at the road and patted Moonglade on the head. “The kiss at the end was really sweet. Well done today.”

“Yay!” Moonglade cheered, her insides smiling, her mind thinking about Home Run. “He protected me today, Aunt Ivory. He’s such a nice boy, isn’t he?”

“If you say so, Moonglade,” Ivory replied, putting emphasis on her niece’s name. “Just so we’re clear, this doesn’t carry over to Silver Rose, or, Queen forbid, Princess Chrysidea. Home Run is seeing Moonglade, not the other two.”

Moonglade swallowed and nodded. “I understand.”

Ivory Wings gave her a sideways glance. “Do you now? Well, maybe you do. That’s an important lesson. Remember it.”

“I’ll-I’ll do my best, Aunt Ivory.”

“That’s what I like to hear, sweet Moonglade. Come here.” Ivory wrapped her niece in a warm hug and squeezed her lightly. “I’m very proud to have a niece like you.”