Idea by me

Written by T Shai

It's a Date

Today was both an exciting and anxious day for both An and Mariko. It was the first time the two of them were going out together on what appeared to be a date. Ever since they'd first met offline by the hospital, the two of them had slowly been getting closer to one another via text and email. They'd both agreed to try taking their friendship further and allow it to blossom into a full fledged relationship.

Both of them had been fairly clueless on where to go or what to do on a date, so they agreed to meet up at a restaurant for lunch. It wasn't too fancy, but it was still good enough for a date. Mariko and An both arrived there at the same time, but it was An who took a seat last since she was moving chairs out of the way so Mariko could wheel herself through. Once both of them were comfortable, they picked up the menus and read them while talking to one another.

"So... How have things been since you woke up? Have you been able to adjust to your new life with Bear?" Mariko smiled warmly as she glanced at An. An was wearing a dress which her adoptive father had bought along with much more clothing once she was adopted. It was a gorgeous blue with flowers scattered about on it. An's hair had grown slightly longer too, and it now went down just past her shoulders.

"I've adjusted just fine, thank you. Ever since he took me in, I've been studying to try getting into college. I'm hoping that I can become a vet some day and save some animals." An had a good reason for wanting to save lives, but it was something she felt didn't need to be discussed. Not right now, at least. "Anyway, how have you been? Do you still play The World at all? I heard that Silver Knight was trying to get you to lead the Crimson Knights again."

Mariko smiled sheepishly and had decided on what she wanted from the menu. She set it down and rested her arms on the table. "I have been playing, but not very much since you were able to log out. I'm concerned since Sora hasn't shown up at all since back then. Plus I received word from Helba that things are getting dangerous again. So I'm trying to avoid it for my own safety." An nodded in understanding and decided on the food she wished to order before waving a waitress over. The waitress greeted them both and asked for their order. "I'd like some takoyaki, please." An spoke and said her order first before Mariko said hers. "I'd like sushi. For the filling, could I have tuna?" The waitress nodded while writing the orders before she left to inform the chef.

The two were left alone again, and an awkward silence hung over them before Mariko spoke. "The World aside, I'm happy to hear you're aiming to become a vet. It's a tough job, but someone like you can manage." An blushed and looked at the table while becoming a bit flustered. "Th-Thanks. Is there a job you're aiming for in the future? Or any plans even?" Mariko hummed in thought before shrugging her shoulders. "I'm not sure on a career I'd like to pursue. I'm hoping I can save up enough funds though so I can have surgery. My doctor said it may be possible to walk again with how advanced technology is becoming. It's just a matter of saving up enough Yen to afford it."

An had listened in intensely, and couldn't help but feel bad for Mariko. "Crim told me about what happened to you years ago... It's not much, but I can try to help pay for the surgery as well. Until I achieve my dream job, I want to work part time. I can use some of that money to help you out." Mariko looked shocked at the kind gesture, but before she could even say anything, the waitress came over with the food. They thanked her, said their blessings and then ate in silence.

It wasn't until after they'd both finished that they spoke again to one another. They talked for a while and started to learn about their favourite colours, music, games and so much more. Both of them had more things in common than they originally thought, and it only served to bring them both closer.

"Well, I guess we should get going soon." An frowned at Mariko's words, but she knew they'd both been there for a while already. "Yeah... I guess you're right. Let me help you out of here, alright? I've got the food bill covered. Thank goodness for virtually everything being electronic these days. It saves carrying unnecessary amounts of change around." Mariko giggled and nodded slightly in agreement before watching as An cleared a path for her to leave the restaurant. An stayed behind for a minute to pay the bill and place all the chairs she'd moved back before leaving to catch up with Mariko.

When the two of them were outside, Mariko motioned for An to lean down as if there was something she wanted to say. As An leaned down, Mariko took the opportunity to kiss An on the cheek. She thought it was adorable how flustered she became, but didn't tease her for it. "Wh-Wha?" An blinked and seemed shocked since showing affection in public was frowned upon. One of her hands moved to hold the spot she'd been kissed on while she tried getting over the shock. "Thanks. But um... What was that kiss for?" Mariko laughed and hummed. "You're welcome. And did I need a reason to kiss you?" An shook her head and smiled sheepishly despite her flustered state. "Well... No? I guess not? I'm just surprised you did it."

After the awkward and embarrassing moment for An and after the shock had worn off, she proposed an offer to her girlfriend. "So uh... I'll see you around? You can stop by my place tomorrow if you'd like? We could eat dinner there and you could sleep over. I have a spare futon you can use and my room is big enough so it will fit in there without a problem." Mariko seemed to like the offer and accepted without hesitation. "Of course. I'll be there at five tomorrow night. I'll bring a bag with anything I might need during my visit. The only things I can think of are a pillow, my tooth brush, my hair brush and some clothes to sleep in." An shook her head slightly and rubbed the back of her head. "You don't need to worry about a pillow. I have one spare for the futon. And besides, I wouldn't want you carrying too much." Mariko nodded and seemed grateful as well as relieved knowing she wouldn't have to try carrying a pillow as well as a bag.

Mariko and An went their separate ways after waving to one another. The date had been a success and both seemed even happier and closer together. They were both also excited to see each other again the following day.