Gauche was nervous when he first asked out Gray but no one wouldn've of known it. Spending most of the morning practicing different ways of asking out the nervous woman that would scare her the least. He went downstairs looking for Gray.

He found her in the common room sitting on the couch. She was hiding slightly behind Vanessa as the wino and Noelle gossiped. He couldn't care less about them right now. His focus was on Gray.

He stalked up to her with his hands shoved deep in his pockets. He was determined to get a date with the transformation mage.

"Gray."

The blue haired woman jumped and blushed at the sound of her name. She didn't cover her face this time though. A sign of her progress with her self confidence. She looked at Gauche with a surprised look on her face.

"I have a romantic interest in you. I am taking you on a date tonight. Be ready to go at 8 and don't be late."

Gauche turned and stalked back upstairs, proud of himself. He managed to ask her out in a way that made Gray the least nervous. She didn't even have to respond.

The other women however, did not approve of his approach. Waiting til the man was out of sight, Noelle immediately started to explain this.

"What a freak. That is no way to ask a lady on a date. He didn't even ask! He just demanded that you go with him." The royal tossed her hair over shoulder nonchalantly. "You know you don't have to go, right?"

Gray started to hide her face behind her knees as she curled in on herself.

Vanessa seemed to pick up on something in her behavior. "Gray? Would you like to go on a date with Gauche?"

Gray peaked out from behind her knees. She hated the attention being on her, but she did need advice. Maybe her friends could help her.

"We-well, um I-I do. B-but I've never been on date before." Gray was ashamed to admit to something so humiliating.

"Oh well we can help you." Vanessa wrapped an arm around the bluenette's shoulders. "It's really no big deal. You dress up and go hangout together and at the end of the night you give them a kiss goodnight."

Gray squeaked at the thought of kissing Gauche. "I've never kissed anyone!"

"Well you know how people kiss don't you?" Noelle might've sounded mean but she was trying to help. "Just do what you've seen other couples do"

"She isn't wrong. Kissing is as simple as it looks. You don't have to worry about doing anything else too extreme on a first date." Vanessa lightly squeezed her shoulder in comfort. "I am sure anything you do will impress Gauche."

Gray gave her friends a small smile. She was going to do everything she could to give Gauche a good first date. After all she did want him to look at her more.

On the Other Side of the Hideout

Gauche walked down the halls in search of the only person he knew that has been on a date. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door aggressively.

After waiting a moment, Gauche lost his patience and barged in the room. Finral was sitting at his desk writing. The spatial mage looked at his subordinate in annoyance for interrupting his letter to Lady Finesse.

"What do you want? It better be good cause I am in the middle of something"

"What do you do with the bimbos you take on dates? I need to know if it is different than the dates I take Marie on." Gauche wasn't sure if taking Gray to the toy store or dress shopping was appropriate. But he's never had another woman in his life he had interest in dating. Technically this would be his first romantic date.

"Why? Who do you have a date with" Finral was astonished at the idea that anyone would go on a date with him. He figured that the brunette's obsession with his sister would put anyone off.

"Gray."

Now that really shocked Finral. "Wow okay. I did not expect that one." Turing around in his chair, Finral wanted to give this conversation his full attention. "Well usually I start at a bar to get some food and a drink and if it goes well I take them on a walk."

"Is that all? It sounds easy." People made dates seem more complicated than they really were. Gauche could already think of a few ways to make tonight special.

"Well you're also supposed to talk to her and ask questions. Women like it when a man is considerate." Finral was worried that if he didn't explain properly then Gauche's date would be awkward and make Gray even more anxious around the team. "Also try not to only talk about your sister. It can come across as scary sometimes."

Gauche scoffed at him and rolled his eyes. He turned to leave waving over his shoulder at his squad mate. "Yeah whatever. Thanks"

After the mirror mage shut the door Finral let out a sigh. Despite being the superior, Finral was scared of Gauche. Hopefully their date goes well and Gray will be able to calm the man down some.

Gauche prepared to make tonight special for both Gray and himself. He went out of his way to create a perfect date that Gray would love. Meanwhile Gray was getting help from Vanessa and Noelle for her outfit and mentally preparing to go on a date.

By the time 8 rolled around everyone was wondering what to expect out of the two least sociable members of the Black Bulls. Asta, Finral, and Gordon were waiting at the door with Gauche.

"I can't believe you're going on a date and I am staying home." Finral shook his head quickly clearing any thoughts on going on a date with any lovely lady besides Lady Finesse.

"ARE YOU EXCITED?!" Asta basically screamed in his ear. The short anti magic man was extremely pumped up for his friend.

"You don't have to yell I am right here!" Gauche couldn't believe how fast word spread in the Hideout about his date with Gray. Royal Knights are worse than a knitting circle. "I am if she is actually coming."

Before the guys could begin to question why Gauche didn't know if Gray agreed to their date, Vanessa and Noelle ran in excitedly.

"Gray is about to come down and not a single one of you pervs better stare at her or make her uncomfortable!" Noelle stared pointedly at Finral.

"What Noelle means," Vanessa came up and gently nudged Noelle to the side. "Gray is ready to go but is feeling a little self conscious about the attention. I think it might be best if everyone clears out and gives the couple some privacy."

Vanessa and Noelle started escorting the other guys out through another door. Vanessa looked over her shoulder and smiled at Gauche. "She waiting in the hall. Go get her tiger." With that they were gone.

Gauche took a deep breath for the thousandth time today. He started down the hall the women originally came from. He didn't have to walk long before he was frozen to his spot in surprise.

The normal outfit Gray usually wore was nothing like this dress. The top was a beautiful baby blue that complimented the hair, with a small window on the chest exposing some of her cleavage. The bottom was pure white and stopped just a little above her knees. Gauche nose bled as he became overwhelmed with how beautiful this woman was.

"Oh, Gauche! You're nose is bleeding!" Gray ran up to him and began fussing over the nose bleed.

"I'm fine. I just was shocked at how beautiful you look." He took out a handkerchief and wiped away the blood. Gauche didn't notice Gray staring at him in shock, her usual blush tinting her cheeks. "Let's get going."

She took his offered arm and they walked out of the Hideout. Once they got a ways outside Gauche pulled out his broom. "Do you mind riding together? We can go get your broom if you want."

Gray was really happy at how nice Gauche was being to her. He was even making sure to do whatever made her most comfortable. But she always felt comfortable when she was around Gauche. "I-I am o-okay riding with you."

He looked at her and smiled as he pulled her onto his broom. She wasn't used to riding a broom while standing so she clung to Gauche the entire time, squeezing him tighter every time the wind blew them a little too hard. This was the first time since riding with Marie that he has let someone cling to him and not push them off. He didn't mind the feeling of her pressing up against him.

Once they arrived outside the tavern he chose, he missed the warmth she gave him when she stepped down. Not having to miss it long though, as she grabbed his arm once they walked in.

Gauche went out of his way to find a bar that held up to his standards but was out of the way enough to avoid crowds. It even had low lighting so Gray wouldn't be worried about people watching them. There was only two or three tables taken once they walked in. It was a simple hole in the wall with a single bartender and server.

Gauche led them to a booth over in the corner and flagged down the only server lady in the establishment. A plump mid aged woman who wore far too much makeup walked up to take their order.

"What'll ya be havin' sugar?" She smiled sweetly at Gauche, completely ignoring Gray.

Gauche ignored her rude behavior, trying to make a decent impression on Gray. "We'll start with a couple wines."

"Alrighty, I will go and get that poured for ya." She grabbed his shoulder as she walked away. Gauche barely contained his growl at the sudden unwanted contact. He neeeded to be on his best behavior otherwise he might scare off Gray.

Gray however, didn't notice his behavior. Instead wondering if she should act like that girl and maybe he will pay attention to her. She was new to trying to get people's attention and didn't want to mess up.

Boldly leaning in closer to Gauche, she laid her hand on his arm. Vanessa had told her something about casual contact and how it can attract a guy. "G-Gauche? Is there a reason you wanted to go on a date with me?"

Gauche was so honestly shocked at Gray for breaking the silence first, that he completely forgot about the waitress. "Well yeah. You're the least insufferable out of everyone in the squad. Plus you saved me."

Gray's face fell a little when he said that. Before Gauche could question it, the waitress returned.

"Here are your wines. Now can I do anything else for you darlin'?" She didn't touch him this time, which Gauche was thankful for.

"No. Now leave. I will call you when we need something, hag." He was in no mood to try and be pleasant to the woman any longer. He already fucked up and it hasn't even been a minute into the date.

The woman stomped off with a huff. Gauche turned and focused on Gray once more. He was captured by her beauty. Since the woman refused to let anyone look at her, he never got the chance to study her features. The way her grey eyes sparkles in the fire light. Or how her bangs fall in the perfect way to compliment those eyes. She even had an adorable button nose that would've looked ridiculous on anyone else besides her and Marie.

"You're really pretty when you let me look at your face." Gauche's entire face lit up as soon as the words left his mouth. He hadn't intended to say that out loud to her.

Gray blushed but not the same embarrassed blush that normally covers her face. This blush was lighter and made those eyes of hers seem even bigger to him. She bit her bottom lip and looked down at her lap before responding to him.

"You're the first person to ever call me that."

Gauche wasn't too surprised. He imagined Gray hadn't shown her true form in a long time. There was probably a reason for that, and it can't be a good one. No one has probably commented on her appearance since her family.

"Well I guess I will have to say it more often to make up for the lost time." He tried to casually take a drink as if he hadn't implied that he wanted to keep seeing her.

Gray looked up surprised. They made eye contact over the glass. She fought all her instinct to hide and instead enjoyed the feeling of being seen. Not feeling the smile that crossed her lips.

Gray picked up her drink and took a couple sips out of the glass. She had only drank alcohol a few times despite her age. She didn't like the feeling of losing control. Plus if she got too drunk in another form she suddenly went back too her true self. But she was going to need some liquid courage to continue to step out of her shell for Gauche.

They continued to talk and drink for a couple hours. Losing track of time, the bartender had to remind them that closing was in a few minutes. Gauche had completely forgot to order them food getting caught up in the conversation. Gauche wasn't too drunk though given his tolerance and how big he was. Gray on the otherhand...

She hadn't eaten much that day preparing for her date with Gauche in case there was food. She also had a low tolerance and small body weight. In short terms, Gray was drunk.

Now Gauche had not intended to get the woman drunk but was not too unhappy now that he did. He was learning that Gray was an affectionate and goofy drunk.

Gray was currently sitting on his lap telling him all the ways she finds his face interesting. Her arms were around him and she could care less that the bartender was staring and basically begging them to leave. She was too amused with Gauche's hair.

"I think YOou would look ADORABLE with your hair braided." Gray's hands were clumsily trying to braid Gauche's bangs. "How the fuck does Nozel do it?"

"Gray?" Gauche had been holding her and gently trying to convince Gray to let him get up so they could pay and leave. But everytime she paid attention to him she would start getting lost in his face. "I need to pay the nice man so we can go home. Will you let me stand?"

This time he got a slightly different response. "Nooooo. You're too comfy and I do not think I have legs." She started to giggle as she wormed her way closer into his arms.

"What if I agree to carry you home?"

Gray pulled back and looked Gauche in the eye. She had her bottom lip poked out in a pout and her eyebrows were furrowed. She looked like a little kid trying to decide. Gauche knew he was drunk when he reached out and held her face in his hand. But he didn't care, all he thought about was how cute Gray was.

"Okay. I guess." She slowly got up and attempted to stand on her own. Before both knees gave out and she ended up on the floor. Gray was right when she said she didn't have legs. At least working ones.

Gauche dropped a handful of coins on the table before bending down and picking up the fallen transformation mage. She wrapped both arms around his neck once again and buried her face in his neck. He smiled quietly as he stumbled out the door and onto his broom. He barely managed to get them in the air, and when he did they dipped and bobbed at every gust of wind. Clutching onto Gray in case his magic gave out too soon and dropped them.

By some stroke of luck they make it back safely to the Hideout. Gauche lands his broom and doesn't even bother to move it off the ground. Instead walking inside with a very tired and very drunk Gray, using every ounce of skill he had to be as quiet as possible to dissuade attention.

He managed to find his room before Gray's and decided to let her sleep in his room for the night. He was too tired to continue searching for the woman's room.

Gauche laid Gray out on the bed and took off her shoes before covering her up with his blankets. Grabbing an extra pillow and blanket to go sleep on the couch in the common room. Gray would probably wake up anxious about being drunk and in his bed. It would probably not help if she woke up to him too.

Before he managed to leave however, Gray sat traight up suddenly. "Oh I almost forgot. C'mere." She sleepily waved Gauche to her side. Gauche came over to see what she needed from him. What could she of possibly forgotten this late in the evening?

His question was quickly answered when Gray held his face in both her hands and pulled her down to her level to kiss him. She gently kissed him, running one hand through his hair to hold his head against hers and the other drifting towards his chest. Before he could fully understand what happened she pulled away.

"Goodnight, Gauche. I had a lovely time tonight."

And with that Gray laid down and rolled over, leaving Gauche speachless. Gauche went to sleep that night proud of how well he did at dating. He was going to have to take Gray out more. Hopefully they won't have go back to that bar for a while. Gray was sure to be embarrassed when she learns of how she acted in a public place. Gauche will be lucky to get her to drink ever again.