Song used in this chapter: "Sway" by Michael Bublé

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At her apartment, Mona Lisa was pampering herself as she awaited for Raphael to pick her up for their first date. A sudden offer, but one she couldn't refuse. When Raphael asks her if she was free, Mona Lisa took liberties to make sure one of her fellow dancers would cover for her at Galactic Gals. She knows her boss won't be happy to find out she skipped work twice in one week, but when a greedy insect like him has already been working her to the bone, Mona Lisa deserves some time off.

Nearing 9 o'clock, Mona Lisa was already dressed for her upcoming evening with Raphael; a long dark blue layered dress that cut down just past her knees. Adding onto the look was a jacket to match the dress, black heeled shoes with a dainty strap matching with her clutch purse with a beaded handle.

Completing the finishing touches to her makeup, Mona Lisa heard three gentle knocks on her apartment's door. She practically jumped when she heard the sound, her heart beating faster.

"He's here!"

Making her way to the door, Mona opens it and is greeted by a charming sight. Raphael dressed in a black vest and matching pants with a white shirt and red tie, with a fedora up top his head. He stood up straight and smiled the moment he noticed she blessed him with her presence. 

"Good evening, m'lady." Raph takes off his fedora, giving a proper bow to her, "I am here to accompany the lovely Miss Y'gythgba, also known as Mona Lisa, out for a night on the town."

"What a gentleman," she giggles, "And on time too. I'm impressed."

"My father always told me that punctuality is important."

"Something I can agree with him on." she steps out of her apartment, closing the door behind her, "Shall we?"

Raphael nods, offering his arm to which Mona Lisa takes, allowing him to escort her for the rest of the evening.

Mona Lisa was not sure where Raphael planned to take her for their date, but he assured her she would love it. Making their way through the city, arms locked, the couple soon made their way to their destination. Mona looked up at the building, examining the neon purple sign that hung brightly above its double door entrance.

"The Purple Dragon." the sign read.

Mona Lisa has heard of this place, another popular club within the big city. The place's reputation is said to be better than Galactic Gals, but not as high established as The Dojo. Its alleged ties with the city's gangs certainly don't help, but despite the rumors many humans and mutants take the chance to enjoy what the club has to offer inside. While Mona Lisa's place of work and also Raphael's offers the customers entertainment to watch and enjoy from their tables while enjoying a fresh cocktail, The Purple Dragon relies on the customers to entertain themselves by the movement and energy of their bodies. To enjoy the music and the drinks, letting the night take you away.

Entering inside, the club was a decent size. Far bigger than The Dojo but not as fancy. There was a dark wooded stage at the very end of the building with a band planning upbeat jazz music. In the center of the room was a large dance floor where all the customers could romp around under the dim purple lighting and the giant crystal chandelier hanging high above. Surrounding the floor were small tables for two to four customers to sit at, a place for those to rest and enjoy a drink before returning back to the center of the room. There was even a lively bar on the side, where a separate party was going on with the liquor. Looks like The Dojo and Galactic Gals aren't the only places who found ways around the prohibition laws. Makes one wonder how exactly Mona Lisa's boss and Raphael's father are able to work their way around the system.

The couple were escorted to a table, one close to the floor where fellow customers were dancing. Some in groups, others with a partner and some on their own. Raph helps Mona take off her jacket and place it on her chair. He then proceeded to take the chair, pulling it out for her to sit down. He proceeded to do the same with his own jacket, placing it on his chair and setting his fedora onto the table, before taking a seat.

"Interesting choice for our first date, Raphael. Taking me to a dance club, isn't that a little redundant?" Mona teases, placing her elbows down on the table, and resting her chin on her hands.

"How so?"

She chuckles. It was obvious he was playing coy, "I dance for a living."

"That is true, but at your job you have to dance how others want you to dance. Here, you're free to dance how you want to." he smiles at her. Placing his palm on his cheek, he leaned on the table, "Wasn't tonight a way for us both to get to know the real versions of ourselves?"

Mona smiles as her face begins to blush. He's right. That was their goal for this evening. Wishing to know who each other are outside of their roles their careers have placed them in. The idea excited them both, but was also nerve racking. Fearful of scaring the other away when they see a side of them they won't like, or worse, discovering a side of themselves even they didn't know about. Only the night will tell.

"I'll go get us some drinks at the bar," Raph tells her, getting up from his seat, "What's your poison?"

"I'm craving a Dry Martini."

"On it. I'll be right back."

Giving her wink, Raphael heads off to the bar to get their drinks. Mona Lisa looked on, seeing her date in the far distance, approaching the bar with a charismatic smile. Though he was on the other side of the room, she could tell his charm was enough to win anyone over. Flattering the bartender and seeming to offer a gracious tip if he makes their drinks quickly. As the turtle in the dark suit and red tie waited for their drinks, Mona Lisa sat alone at their table on the other side of the club, patiently waiting for her date to return. So far this night has been going well. The location is fun, the music is thriving, the energy of the customers around them is lively, and Mona could tell Raph was enjoying himself as much as she was. It excited her for what was to come this evening.

As her mind wondered about the outcome for the rest of the evening, Mona Lisa felt a hand touch her shoulder. Her body twitched from the touch, hearing a sluggish voice say, "Hey senhorita, I haven't seen you around here before."

Mona turned, spotting an older gentleman, a mutant fish with purple and pink scales and prosthetic legs smirking at her. If his tipsy stance and poor posture wasn't already a dead give away, his reeking smell of booze made Mona realize he was intoxicated. Sneaking a quick glance behind her unwanted visitor, she could assume it was the fish man's buddy. A tall but boney mutant dog man with black and gray fur. He seemed less interested in the situation, arms crossed and rolling his eyes at his friend's actions. They both wore matching suits of white collars shirts with dark colored pants and jacket with gray stripes and with black ties. They dressed classy, but their first impression certainly said otherwise.

"Is it your first time here? Do you need some company?" the fish man asked, giving her an eerie grin.

Mona grumbles with annoyance, swatting the fish man's hand off her shoulder and turning away from him, refusing to make eye contact. It's bad enough she has to tolerate men like this at her job but now she must deal with it outside her place of work. No one nearby seems to notice her dilemma. All she could do was pray they'll have the courtesy to take the hint and leave her be.

The mutant dog chuckled, "Looks like she's not interested, Xever."

"Shut up!" he hisses. The fish man plotted down on a chair and scooted next to Mona, "Come on, gorgeous. Don't be like that. Give me a smile."

Mona glares at him, "Say something funny first."

"Ooo! Feisty one, aren't ya?" The fishman laughs, quickly taking his hand and wrapping it around Mona Lisa's shoulder, pulling her close to him, "Tell me, did you come here alone?"

"Hey! Assholes!" a furious voice shouts.

A wave of relief comes over Mona Lisa as she looks over to see Raphael has returned. Slamming their drinks on the table, Raph storms up to the fish mutant, quickly grabbing him by the collar and pulling him away from Mona.

Getting in his face, Raph furiously growls, "Don't you ever touch her again! Got it, Fishface?"

He laughs, "Well, well, well... If it isn't the little tartaruga. I'm surprised your Father has let you step this far away from his aviary."

"And I'm surprised you and Bradford even thought about showing your faces around here again. Last I checked, Casey and I kicked both of your asses out of town."

The dog man scoffs, "That was a year ago. Things changed for Xever and I. You see, Raphael, we've found ourselves in pursuit of a new line of work with a boss who appreciates our talents."

Raph rolls his eyes, letting go of the mutant fish and pushing him back away from him, "I don't care what you dolts are up to. You better apologize for how you treated her and then get out of here!"

"Ooooooooo..." Xever teased, looking over at his friend, "Lookie here, Bradford. Raphael is getting all defensive over his little girlfriend."

"Raphael, let's just go." Mona Lisa says, sitting up from her chair and tugging on Raph's arm, trying to walk away from the confrontation.

"No!" Raph frees himself from Mona's grasps, "You assholes better shut up and apologize to her NOW!"

    The two men ignore the turtle's threat, instead howling with laughter.

    Pushing the turtle to the side, Xever approaches Mona Lisa, giving her a grin that made her feel uneasy, "Come on, querida. A pretty dame like yourself wouldn't be caught dead with this shrimp."

    "Who are you calling a shrimp?!" Raph shouts, trying to storm up to him but is stopped by Bradford. His tight grip on the Turtle's arm, preventing him from getting to Mona Lisa. Raph watched on, seeing as Xever began lifting his hand up to grab Mona's arm, an action that made the Turtle's blood boil.

    Xever smirks at her, "Why don't you come join my friend and I, and we-"

In a flash, Mona Lisa grabs Xever's arm, twisting him around and putting him in an arm lock, slamming his head onto their table. Their drinks went flying into the air and crashing on the floor. Xever cries out in pain from Mona's tight grip, but no matter how much he struggles, Mona refuses to let go, only encouraging her to hurt him more. This sudden action and cries catches the attention of a few fellow customers nearby, but none truly cared to get involved.

Still holding on to her grip, Mona leans down to the fish mutant's face. Softly but full of so much fury, she growls, "Leave us be."

Fishface attempts to free himself from her hold but to no avail. Desperate, he calls out to his friend, "Bradford! Where's your gun? We can't let this tartaruga and his cadela walk all over us!"

The canine panics, letting go of Raphael to frantically search his jacket and pockets, "Shit! I don't have it! I think I left it in the boss' car!"

"Ugh! Are you pulling my fin?! It's still in the shop- ARGH!!"

Mona tightens her grip even harder, making Xever cry out in pain. She ignores his wailing, instead growling at him with an icy stare, "I will say it again. Leave. Us. Be. Don't make me say it a third time."

Pulling him back up, Mona frees Xever from her grip, tossing him to the ground. He struggles to stand back up, his jacket down now soaked in the liquor that spilled from the table onto the floor.

"Grrr... Bradford, let's go." Xever grumbles in defeat, already storming out of the club.

"Yeah you better run, you cowards!" Raph shouts out to the mutants as he watches them exit the building in a hurry.

Stopping at the exit, Xever turns back around, eyeing down the couple, "Vá se foder!" he screams before running out of the dance club with Bradford, leaving the rest of the nearby customers who witness the ordeal in shock, staring at the couple.

However, everyone staring at one another wasn't Raphael's concern. Quickly he runs up to Mona Lisa, frantic, "Are you okay? Did he hurt you?"

"I'm fine. Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I am. Thanks to you." he then looks at her with an impressed grin, rather excited as he asks, "Where did you learn to do that? You had Fishface nearly soil his pants!"

"Oh, from my father," she smiles embarrassed, "He taught me a few self defense moves, to make sure I can protect myself when he's not around."

Raph then lets out a chuckle, "I knew tonight was supposed to be about us seeing our real selves, but I didn't expect that! You were amazing!"

Mona blushes, "Thank you."

Suddenly the band begins blasting the start of a new song, sounds of flugelhorns, trumpets and saxophones filling the room. The tune was energetic, making nearly all customers get up from their seats to join in on the fun. Those who witnessed the confrontation with Xever and Bradford as well got up to dance, seeming to instantly forget the brawl from a moment ago. A magic spell jazz music has on humans and mutants alike in this city.

"You know, if you're that good at beating up those ninnies, I'm curious to know what you're like on the dance floor."

She stares at him with an excited smirk, "You wouldn't be able to keep up with me."

Taking the opportunity, Raphael gently takes Mona Lisa's hand, looking her in the eyes with a charismatic smirk, "I'll take that as a challenge."

Mona smiles, allowing Raph to guide her to the dance floor. Finding themselves in the center of the room, Raphael places his hand above Mona Lisa's hips, her's on his shoulder while their other hands are intertwined with one another. The couple began to slowly move to the beat of a saxophone, trumpets and drums, step by step. The performer up on stage begins to sing into the microphone.

"When marimba rhythms start to play, dance with me, make me sway. Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore, hold me close, sway me more."

"Raphael?" Mona's voice was faint, not wanting to interrupt the song as they danced, "May I ask you a question?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"Our conversation from the other night... you mentioned that if you could, you'd be an artist like that Picasso fellow. Do you believe that's your true calling?

"Like a flower bending in the breeze, bend with me, sway with ease. When we dance, you have a way with me. Stay with me, sway with me."

"Anything that doesn't involve what I'm doing now is a calling to me," Raph jokes, "I'd be open to any change. Maybe become a heavyweight boxing champion, or travel the country like my sister is doing now, but..." he thinks it over for a moment, "Yeah, I think I'd be an artist."

Mona smiles, "It suits you. I recall you said you've painted occasionally. I'd love to see some of your works."

"I'd love to show you, but I haven't painted in a while. I've been on an artistic block for some time."

Pulling her closer to him as the beat of the song escalates, Mona bats her eyes, whispering to him, "Maybe you just need a muse."

Raph blushes from her offer. Before he could respond, Mona takes him and they swing around the dance floor, allowing the music to consume them, "Other dancers may be on the floor. Dear, but my eyes will see only you. Only you have that magic technique. When we sway, I go weak."

The trombones and saxophones erupt, building up the music's tone, echoing through the club. Raph took the change in beat to lift up Mona's hand to spin her around. Her dress twirls before Raph quickly pulls her back in toward him, their nose inches away from touching as his hand wrapped around her waist, locking them together again.

"So how about you?"

"What about me?"

"If you weren't working at Galactic Gals, what would you be doing?"

Mona didn't even have to think of her answer, "Ballet."

"Really?" Raph smiles, intrigued.

She nods excitedly, "I used to do ballet as a child and it's been my passion ever since. I always dreamed of becoming a professional ballet dancer."

"I can hear the sounds of violins long before it begins. Make me thrill as only you know how. Sway me smooth, sway me now."

Raph then asked, "Then why work at Galactic Gals? Did you ever try to get into New York's ballet academy?"

"I did, but was unsuccessful. Living in the big city isn't easy, so I needed to make money and unfortunately for me Galactic Gals was looking for dancers, but it's not all bad," she smirks, holding him tighter as they danced, "It led me to meeting you."

Raph smiles, allowing the music to take control as they danced across the club's shiny wooden floor. The two stared each other down instantly as they waltz, their steps perfectly in sync with one another.

"When marimbas start to play, hold me close, make me sway. Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore, hold me close, sway me more."

Their bodies pressed close against each other as their hands stayed intertwined, the pacing of their movements began to increase as the music grew in intensity. It made Raphael and Mona Lisa's hearts race with excitement.

"Like a flower bending in the breeze, bend with me, sway with ease. When we dance, you have a way with me. Stay with me, sway with me!"

The band's instruments roared through the room as Raphael took control of their dance, grabbing Mona Lisa and dipping her to the final beat of the song. The action surprised Mona Lisa, looking up at him as he held her tight in his arms.

"Looks like I was able to keep up with you." Raph said with a teasing smirk.

Mona giggles, "It appears so. You caught me completely off guard. You're a very impressive dancer."

"I'm full of surprises." he chuckles, helping Mona up from their dip back onto her feet, "And dancing with a lovely lady like yourself, I couldn't think of a better way to start our evening."

"Hmm, I can think of something better."

"What?"

She smiles, "This."

Grabbing the collar of his shirt, Mona Lisa pulls Raphael in towards her, their lips collide in a passionate but tender kiss. The action so sudden, Raphael's leg popped up in the air as he sunk into their first kiss. Holding her in his arms, everything around them felt as if it was fading away. Their surroundings transformed into a starry night sky, like they were floating through the stars. Nothing else mattered in that moment. To them, they were the only two beings in the whole universe.

Too soon they parted. Opening their eyes, they intensely stared at one another. Mona couldn't help but giggle from Raph's flustered face. She had never seen him so red before.

"Looks like I'm full of surprises too." she said to him in a soft flirty tone.

Raphael was speechless, all he could do was excitedly nod in agreement as he felt his heart furiously beat in chest. No woman has ever made him feel this way before. Any time he's experienced a kiss in the past, the woman would thrive over the fact she achieved a kiss from Raphael Hamato, but for him he would feel nothing. Shallowness, no passion, but with Mona Lisa he felt as if a fire ignited inside him. His face felt hot and his heart was racing. It made Raphael excited, eager to know if or when he will have the pleasure to receive a kiss from her again.

Hearing the club's band begin the next song for the night, the couple knew their evening was just getting started. Looking at one another, Raphael and Mona Lisa shared the same thought. Taking each other's hands, they began to dance the night away in The Purple Dragon nightclub. Enjoying cocktails, talking, laughing and dancing for hours on end.

For Raphael however, he had inadvertently forgotten that he had made other plans that same evening. A plan made yesterday night to go bar hopping with his two friends was lost in Raph's mind, overshadowed by the date with a beautiful lizard woman. While Raphael enjoyed the rest of his evening with Mona Lisa, on the other side of the city, Slash and Casey waited impatiently, wondering why their friend was running late.