Chapter Text
18. “This is without a doubt the stupidest plan you’ve ever had. Of course I’m in.”
“This is without a doubt the stupidest plan you’ve ever had. Of course I’m in,” huffed Peridot, crossing her slender arms. “You need someone to make sure you don’t make a fool of yourself.”
“Good,” said Jasper, grinning. “I knew you’d come along.”
~~a few hours later~~
“I don’t know how I get into these situations,” mumbled Peridot, a faint blush lining her cheeks as Jasper—surprisingly gently—took her hand.
“It’s gonna work,” said Jasper. “Trust me.”
“Seems like I have no choice but to.” Peridot adjusted the tie around her neck and pushed her round glasses back up the bridge of her nose. “All right. We’ve been dating five years and we want to celebrate our anniversary here. That will earn us a complimentary dessert. And if the server asks, we do not want to announce our anniversary to the entire restaurant.”
“Yeah, yeah,” said Jasper. “C’mon, Peri.”
She nearly dragged her small datemate into the foyer of the establishment. The server standing near the front counter stepped forward, smiling pleasantly. “Good evening, ladies. Table for two?”
“Yes,” said Jasper, putting an arm around Peridot. “We’re celebrating tonight.”
“Anniversary number five,” added Peridot, managing a smile.
The server’s face lit up. “Congratulations! Right this way.”
He led them to a table in the back with round booth seats. “Your waiter should be out soon.”
Jasper couldn’t help but casting a toothy smirk at Peridot as the server went back to the front. Peridot sighed and patted Jasper’s arm. “I can’t believe we’re doing this just so you can impress your football friends.”
“Well,” Jasper said, leaning over to Peridot. “Maybe that’s not all?”
“Jasper,” said Peridot, “I love you and all, but please, maintain personal space.”
“Hey, we’ve been dating five years. I think we better act like it.”
“That’s true.” Peridot tapped her metal fingers on the table. “Fine.”
She gave Jasper a swift kiss on the cheek. The jock grinned and put her arm around Peridot again. “Thank you.”
“There are your football friends,” said Peridot, interlacing her fingers with Jasper’s. “They aren’t going to notice us.”
“That’s okay,” said Jasper, squishing the smaller woman against her. “You’re my date and I should pay attention to you.”
“Hmm,” said Peridot, smiling, satisfied. “Yes. That’s proper etiquette.”
“Hello!” said a waiter, appearing suddenly at their table. “I’ll be your waiter for the night. I hear you’re celebrating your anniversary tonight?”
“Yes!” said Jasper with a bit too much enthusiasm.
“Five years,” said Peridot. “We’re very happy to be together.”
Only one part of that was a lie.
Later, Jasper enjoyed the way chocolate cheesecake tasted when she kissed Peridot and winning the approval of all of her fellow football players for her choice in datemates.