Jake was reading when Esperenza approached him. He threw the book away as Esperenza cornered him. "Jakey, can I ask you something?"

"Y-Yes?"

"Why did you write my name on the sign up sheet instead of asking me?" There wasn't hurt in her voice, instead it was laced with excitement. Jake blushed profoundly scarlet and Esperenza stepped back.

"I-I didn't k-know how," he murmured. Guilt was on written all over his face. Esperenza put her paw on his causing him to blush harder. "D-do you want to come with me?" Esperenza lit up.

"Yes. Always yes," she replied. "But you have been avoiding me.."

"Esperenza, can we go somewhere private?" Esperenza blinked but nodded and followed him. Much to Jake's delight, it was sunset. The prom was tomorrow. "I can't believe I'm doing this...." He mumbled to himself.

"It's so pretty!" Esperenza gasped. Jake took about 50 deep breaths. I CANT believe I'm doing this. He turned to Esperenza.

"Esperenza, there's been something I've needed to tell you," He began, blush already present on his face. Esperenza tore her gaze away from the sky and looked at him. Jake put his paw hers, causing her to blink and turn slight pink.

"A-and what is it?" She asked, wonder and intrigue filling her gaze. Jake felt a lump form at the back of his throat.

"I...."

"I...?" Esperenza prompted. She kept her gaze on him. "I...?" She prompted again.

"I...." Jake took another deep breath. Esperenza smiled a bit.

"You know, you can tell me anything..."

"With you I can't!" He blurted out. Esperenza looked shocked. "S-sorry, I have a lot of things I want to say right now."

"Take as long as you need." Jake gazed at her.

"It's difficult..."

"You can do it, just tell me what you want to say..."

"I...."

"We're losing the sunset if you want to tell me this at sunset."

"I lo-" Esperenza cut him off. Her face was pink in the dying sunlight.

"I love you too," she said. Jake stared at her.

"You knew?"

"After you wrote my name, I guess I assumed it."

It was at the moment Jake did something he never thought he would've, he kissed her. The SandWing's face turned bright scarlet, as the sun disappeared.