Yato stepped along beside Hiyori, happy to be heading anywhere with her on this brisk fall afternoon. The leaves on the trees were turning delightfully brilliant colors, and as Hiyori walked a half-step ahead of him, it gave him a beautiful view of her dark hair in stark contrast against the vibrant reds and golds. He struggled to listen to what she was saying, but it was hard when she looked so stunning. He smiled ironically to himself. Hell, when did she not look stunning? All he ever wanted to do was pull her into his chest and kiss her until all she could do was moan his name.

Yato shook his head. He couldn't let himself think like that. He was no good for her, he knew that. Hiyori was amazing, all fire and light, and he was darkness. She deserved much better. But, shit, it was hard to forget how much he loved her when she turned to him with that blazing smile.

Instinctively, he smiled back. She seemed to be waiting for him to say something. He shook his head a bit, and said, "Sorry, I didn't catch that. What did you say?"

Hiyori sighed a bit and replied, "I said, we're here! What do you think?"

I think you're perfect, he thought to himself, then forced his eyes to the ramen stand she indicated in a wide sweep of her arm.

"It looks fun," he replied, and stepped forward to hold the flap up for her.

She ducked under his arm, gushing, "I know, isn't it? I found it last year at a street festival around here, and they had such good ramen, I've been coming here ever since as a special treat." As she walked past his chest, he caught a whiff of her scent, and had to steel himself not to reach out and touch her. He took a deep breath, and followed her into the confines of the stand, allowing the cloth flap to fall softly down behind him.

Hiyori stood looking up at the wooden menu board hung up on the wall. Yato walked over next to her, and leaned towards her a bit to see the menu better. As he did, he caught another tantalizing hint of her scent over the smell of cooking noodles. He hastily shoved his hands into the pockets of his hoodie, before they could betray him and reach out to stroke her hair.

Unaware of the silent struggle taking place beside her, Hiyori asked, without taking her eyes off the menu board, "So what do you want?"

Still staring at her silky hair, Yato murmured, "You."

"What was that?"

Horrified, Yato belatedly realized what he had said, and his mind raced, trying to cover up his slip. "Um…I said fondue."

Hiyori looked at him sideways. "I don't think they serve fondue at a ramen shop."

Dammit. Quick, think of something to say! "Uh, yeah, I know that. I just…didn't think you were paying attention to me and wanted to see if you were actually listening." He felt rather proud of that save.

Hiyori, however, seemed less impressed. "Geez, Yato, sorry that I wasn't paying attention to you for two seconds while I decided what I want to eat. You're such a child sometimes."

Yeah. He was definitely smooth.

He sighed, and turned his gaze to the menu board. "Well, let's just order then, shall we?"

Hiyori laughed. "As long as you don't expect fondue, I think I'm ready."

Yato smiled back at her. Even though he felt embarrassed, her laugh just made him happy. He couldn't help it. "Ok, sounds good."