Disclaimer: I own nothing. In this Economy, is it even possible?

Double Date

It was a typical Saturday night in a typical urban business district. The various shops were bustling with the young and old alike, using at least a few hours to try to forget the various responsibilities of everyday life. We find four in particular sitting in a restaurant chatting over their plans for the evening. One girl with long pigtails was sipping her drink with her eyes closed, patiently waiting for the inevitable to happen.

"So, guys." Konata suddenly chimed.

Kagami slammed her drink down, making both Minami and Yutaka jump in surprise. "Don't say it, Konata." She said as evenly as possible.

"Say what, Kagamin?" The blue haired otaku asked as sweetly as possible.

"You know what."

"I was just going to point out-"

"I swear right here and now."

"-That with everyone but us suddenly canceling-"

"If you say what I know you will say."

"-In this totally unrealistic coincidence-"

"I will leave right now and you'll never see my homework again."

"-Maybe we should reconsider the movie we're seeing."

Kagami sprang to her feet, causing of the whole restaurant to stare. "THAT'S IT I- wait what?"

"Should we still watch the same movie?" Kagami turned beet red and started stammering incoherently before she ran off to the bathroom. "Ah, it's so much fun messing with my Kagamin."

Yutaka forced a giggle and hopped out of her chair. "Well I guess I'll go to."

"Will you be ok?" Minami asked. She spun around and responded with a smile and a quick "Mmm" as she trotted after her retreating sempai. The taller girl watched her with concern until she reached the door. She slowly turned her head back and jolted at the sight of the catlike face staring intently at her. She shifted her eyes to her plate and nibbled at the few remaining fries. She looked up a few times, only to instantly snap her head back down. Being social wasn't her strongest trait… and somehow this girl made her feel completely vulnerable. "So…what were you going to say…to make her so uncomfortable?"

"Ah, I was just going to point out that this feels like a double date." Konata laughed, causing another jolt. "You know; well you probably don't know- but this is actually the perfect situation in an anime. Or even better: the perfect red flag in certain games." Minami simply blushed as the "older" girl's explanation continued. She started wishing more then anything that she had accompanied the other two. The only reason she didn't excuse herself was because she actually wanted a moment alone with this strange girl.

She finally brought up the courage to look up and ask, "Konata, you… excel…at reading people…correct?" She patted her chest at the memory. Konata looked worried for a moment but merely grinned as a response. She looked up through a slight break in the green veil. "Then could you…tell me…Yutaka…"

"Yes?" The pink haired girl asked gleefully. Her smile changed to a look of concern as her friend shook her head uncharacteristically.

Kagami stepped forward. She gave the otaku a light bump on the head, causing an overreacted "Ow" in response. "What have you been doing to this poor girl? Hey, don't let this one sink her teeth into you or she'll never let go." Konata made a loud CHOMP but backed off when Kagami raised her fist. "Okay, let's pay up and head out."

"Hai! Kagami-sama!"

… … … … … … … …

They made it to the theater without creating a major scene. The only problem came when they had to choose a new movie. The comedy they had originally planned on seeing was sold out. A horror film was out of the question for Yutaka, a drama was only going to bring Konata down from Cloud Nine and Minami gave an almost inaudible objection to an action flick. The deciding factor became forcing Kagami to accept a romance-comedy. "It's not that I'd mind that kind of thing. I just don't want this twerp to be encouraged with any more perverted thoughts." She had said motioning the Izumi with the Cheshire Cat grin. They eventually made it inside and found four seats next to each other, with Konata and Kagami next to one another followed by Yutaka and Minami. It resulted in another short episode of Kagami glaring and Konata grinning silently before they found it as the only combination that allowed the shortest members to properly see.

Before the previews began Konata had to use the restroom, with Minami a few steps behind her. "So," Konata began as they washed their hands, "It seems the tables have turned. Were you that intent on finishing our last conversation?"

The taller girl looked around. "Well, no. But while we're here…do you think Yutaka holds… feelings for anyone?"

"Hmmmmmmmmm? Why not ask her directly, Minami-chan?" Konata only let her squirm for a few moments before she said, "I know there's someone she greatly admires. And isn't it admiration that becomes the easiest path to love?" Minami couldn't believe something so profound came from the normally carefree girl in front of her.

Minami decided to take a chance. She gripped the sink and avoided her own reflection the best she could. "I…wasn't going to say this but… because you seem so open on the subject." She gritted her teeth as her knuckles slowly paled to match the whiteness of the basin.

"You like girls don't you?" Two wide blue eyes snapped up to meet two calm green ones reflected behind her. "Ahhh, I've never seen that much of your eyes before. You're like a whole different character now."

The quiet girl spun around, her mouth hanging open. "H-h-how?"

"Nyaa, I 'excel at reading people,' correct?" She said sheepishly. "Annnd I'll reward your courage and answer your next question. Like unlocking bonus material. I approve of men, women and tentacles." Achievement unlocked for causing three awkward jolts in one hour. "But that's enough for one night. Let's say we head back before those two come and hear something they shouldn't. That sort of plot is waaaay overused."

"R-right."

… … … … … … … …

By the time they had returned the movie had already started. After dealing with hushed whispers of "Are you alright?" and "What did you do?" the four finally settled down. Konata didn't pay much attention to the movie though. Her mind was ablaze with how lucky she was to see a red flag actually bear fruit, the inevitable fun that was to follow and (while stealing a hopeful stare at her favorite tsundere) the prospect of two miracles happening right before her eyes.