Temper gently knocked on the door, straightening his crimson coat as he waited for an answer. After a few more seconds, Shy's beautiful face appeared behind the door, dressed in a simple indigo sweater and form fitting black pants. Temper smiled and presented her with the white carnation he had bought for her.

"You look lovely, Miss Shy."

Shy smiled and accepted the carnation, placing it in her hair. "Yes and you look like you just came from a gig."

Temper shrugged and smiled, stuffing his paws in his coat pockets. "Nah, I just didn't think you'd like it if I dressed over nicely."

"You were correct." Shy replied stepping out, closing and locking the door behind her. When she turned around Temper was frowning. "What?"

"Shouldn't you grab a coat? It's a bit chilly."

"I'm a snow leopard, genius, I'll be fine."

Temper offered his arm to Shy and smiled. "If my lady says so."

Shy ignored his arm and walked ahead. Temper grinned as he followed her. He wasn't quite sure why, but Shy sort of had a rivalry with Temper over... something, he wasn't altogether sure of what either. Temper didn't really see a need for it, but Shy seemed to enjoy it so he went with it, besides, she was one of his best friends.

As the two made their way to the nearest sit in pizza hut, Temper noticed that Shy was slightly shivering. He knew she should have grabbed a coat. However, as a gentleman does, instead of saying anything, he stripped his long trench off and handed it to her.

"I'm really hot, would you like to wear this?" Shy looked at the coat then at Temper and nodded, she loved his coat, and was happy he didn't play the "I told you so" game.

As Temper continued to walk, once the coat was securely over her arms and back, Shy ran and jumped on Temper's back, she knew he wouldn't let her fall.

"AUGH! SHY!" Temper quickly leaned forward and hooked his paws under her knees letting out a sigh.

"To Pizza Hut, my steed!" Shy cried out, pointing forward.

"Sh-Shy, I can only go so fast, I had a show last night." Temper laughed as he continued to walk at a mild pace.

"SILENCE MONGREL! Now go FASTER!" Shy gently dug her knees into his sides.

"Y-yes ma'am." Temper obeyed and began to run.

After a few moments, the pair reached Pizza Hut. Once inside and seated, Temper ordered a large, stuffed crust, meat lovers pizza, he knew it was her favorite, and a side of bread sticks with two root beers. Over the evening the two chatted about various things, Shy would ask how Temper's career was going, Temper would ask how Shy's home and love life was going.

After paying for the meal, Temper walked Shy home in a companionable silence. Once they reached her door, Shy turned and smiled up to Temper, taking his coat off and handing it back to him.

"That was nice, thank you."

"It was my pleasure, Miss Shy. I always try to make time for you. I know it wasn't fancy, but I thought you'd enjoy it."

"Duh, pizza." The two laughed and smiled to one another.

"Good night, Miss Shy." Temper leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss to the snow leopard's head. She smiled and gave his arm a light punch.

"G'night, mongrel."

A picture from Shy and Temper's date

Shy © Pyrokitty

Art and Temper © Niji Tenshi and Gentlewing Creations