So, this is a second chapter. I thought of something kind of funny the other day at work, so let's try it out I suppose. I hope you enjoy~

Tomoki got home late. The sun was setting, and he was sweaty and tired. He tried to dust off some of the loose dirt from his shirt before he got to the main part of the house, and He took off his shoes and trudged into the living room. Ikaros came from the kitchen, petting her watermelon. "Welcome home, Tomoki. How was your day?"

"It was fine, how about you?"

"It was fine, I suppose." She looked down at her watermelon and started petting it a little faster. "I-I missed you." She blushed when she said that, and hid her face behind the watermelon.

Tomoki let out a small sigh and went over to his girlfriend, and kissed her. "I missed you too." He looked around, and the house was absolutely spotless. Everything was in place, and it almost reminded him of a dollhouse instead of an actual house.

He really didn't like leaving Ikaros alone every day. But money doesn't earn itself, and the local farm was hiring part time workers for the harvest season. It didn't pay much, only about 8 yen an hour, but it was better than nothing. "Ikaros, what do you do all day when I leave?"

Ikaros placed her watermelon on a couch cushion. "Well, I clean and organize the house, and prepare food for when I'm hungry. Then I wait for you to come home."

"Yeah, see, I was afraid of that."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, don't you get tired of doing the same thing over and over again?"

"Not really. It's what needs to be done."

"Yeah, but I mean, you need to do something with your time Ikaros. You need to get out more, you know? I feel bad knowing that you're just stuck here all the time doing the same thing every day. It probably gets really boring, right?" He desperately looked for some kind of agreement from her. Getting through to Ikaros was particularly tough, especially when having her do something new was on the table.

"Not at all. I take great pleasure in knowing I can please you by accomplishing the tasks you give me."

Tomoki facepalmed.

"Well, in that case, I have a new task for you. I want you to get a job."

"Get a job?"

"That's right."

Ikaros blinked. "Well, what should I do?"

"Well, you could…um…huh. That's a good question." Tomoki never thought he'd get this far. He thought she'd say no and that'd be the end of it. However, the fact that she was at least entertaining what he had to say was a good thing. After all, what could be so hard about her getting a job? She seems to do everything else without too many issues. "Well, I know that the diner down the street is hiring. I think that's the one down by the school. You could always work there. All you need to do is wait on people. You could handle that, right?"

"Correct. I will work there immediately."
At that instant, she unfurled her wings and made a motion like she was ready to fly to the sky. "Wait!" Tomoki yanked her chain and she fell down on her face like when they went camping. "Don't get too ahead of yourself, first you have to apply and get a job interview. Then, if they like you enough, they'll give you the job."

Muffled by the floor, Ikaros responded, "Yes, master."

Tomoki sighed.

Ikaros sat waiting in a booth outside of the kitchen, and stared at the inspirational poster in front of her that had a dove flying in the clouds. Tomoki went to Sohara's house and 'borrowed' some of her nicer clothes for Ikaros to wear, considering most of what she owned was too casual for a job interview. Sure, it might have been a size or two too big, but eh. It was just the diner. It was the effort that really counted.

"Miss Ikaros?" A plump woman called her name from a cracked open office door. "We're ready for you now. Come on in!" She shook hands with Ikaros, and they proceeded into the office next to the back of the kitchen.

Once the woman closed the door, she introduced herself. "My name is Mrs. Patterson, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"You as well."

They both sat down. "Now, Miss Ikaros, this job is fairly simple. Nothing to it, really. All you need at the end of the day is a want to succeed, and the desire to help folks out. Does that sound like you?"

Ikaros blinked twice. "Um…" Think back to what master said. He said that I need to be positive, and always answer with what I think they want to hear. "Yes, that…does sound like me."

Mrs. Patterson smiled and slowly nodded her head. "Riight. Well, that's good! I'm glad to hear it. Now, the basic responsibilities of the job include, but aren't limited to, service to customers, ringing people up at the register, and cleaning up the diner periodically. Do you think you could handle that?"

Ikaros nodded.

"Good! Oh, and one more thing. This is a bit of a social job, and I notice that you don't tend to talk too much." Ikaros nodded again. "See? that's what I mean. Don't be afraid to talk a little more, and remember to smile, okay? People love being greeted with a smile."

Ikaros nodded.

Later that night, Ikaros and Tomoki were getting ready for bed. Tomoki was brushing his teeth while Ikaros was in her nightgown standing in front of the mirror. She stared at her reflection, unsure of what to do. She said I need to smile. That people love being greeted that way. But I know myself, and I don't smile often. I wonder if Tomoki could help me. She tried to smile by making stretches with her mouth. She opened her mouth and closed it again, and tried to manually lift the corners of her mouth with her fingers into a smiling image - but with no avail.

Tomoki came into the room. "Well, I guess it's about that time again, huh?" He flicked the light switch and plopped lazily into the bed. Ikaros still stood in front of the mirror. "You coming to bed?"

"Of course, master." She walked slowly over to the bed. "Um, I have a question. It's about the interview that I had today."

Tomoki smiled. "Oh yeah! I've been meaning to ask how that went. Did it go well?"

Ikaros climbed into bed, adjusting herself as she faced towards him. "Well, I suppose it did. I got the job."
Tomoki lit up. "Really? That's great news!" He pulled her in for a hug. "This is gonna be great! Not only will you have some money for yourself, but you'll be around people more. That'll be great for you to learn some more human stuff."

Ikaros bit her lip. "Well, about that. I was told that I need to smile more, and that I don't talk enough."

Tomoki rubbed his head. "Yeah, well, I hate to admit it, but I kind of have to agree. You do kind of just stare at people sometimes. It can be a little weird."

Ikaros looked down. "So, what do I do?"

Tomoki sighed. "Yu know, I don't know. I mean, I can literally count on one hand how many times you've ever smiled. There was that one time at Christmas after we broke Nymph's chain where you giggled a little, and then there was…" Tomoki trailed off as he remembered the events of what happened when the world crumbled; when Ikaros was burning away in his arms, and how she confessed her love for him.

Ikaros saw the distant look in his eyes. She reached out and took his hand into hers, "Tomoki, are you okay?"

Tomoki shook his head rapidly, almost like he tried to shake something from his hair. "Yeah, I'm…I'm good." I just remembered how you smiled at me not too long ago. You know, when you took me to the synapse."

Her breath shortened and her eyes grew wide. "Oh…y-yes, I-I remember that as well."

The room grew silent for what seemed like forever. Tomoki could hear the crickets outside as they both silently reflected on that day. Finally, Tomoki broke the silence. "Listen, as far as smiling thing goes, I think it'll happen when the time is right. I know that I said to you once that you could just force it, that you can just pretend to be happy and no one would notice. But with you, I know that it has to be just the right time. And believe me, it'll come."

Ikaros pulled Tomoki close and kissed him. "Thank you, Tomoki."

Tomoki blushed and looked down. "Hey, it's no biggie. It's what I'm here for, right?" She nodded. "Well, we should try and get some rest. You got a big day tomorrow after all." He kissed her once more and rolled over. "Goodnight, Ikaros."

"Goodnight…Tomoki." For a split second, she felt her mouth twitch a little.

Still nothing.

The diner was bustling with people. It was the middle of summer, and summer vacation was in full swing. There were families coming in and out of the diner, and Ikaros was in training.

"Okay dear, you've been doing great. I've never seen the tables cleared so quickly! Oh, I think those people are ready to check out. Could you go ahead and man the cash register? And remember, don't forget to smile!" Mrs. Patterson flew away in a flash. Ikaros stared at the cash register as her manager raced off to help other customers.

Things at the register didn't seem too bad. There were only three people there; a man, a woman, and their daughter. Ikaros looked down at her hands before slowly walking over. Okay, Ikaros. Remember, smile.

She got over to the register and gave an honest attempt at smiling. She felt the corners of her mouth stretch, but she just didn't feel like they were stretching in the right directions. Judging by the confused look on the customers' faces, she guessed that she must have looked a bit awkward. She quickly gave up and started ringing them up. Remember what Mrs. Patterson said, always ask about their experience. "Was everything okay?"

The woman scowled. "Well, I guess so. Though I have to say some of your prices are just ridiculous."

Ikaros paused for a second and looked up at the aggravated woman. "Oh, uh… I'm sorry to hear that."

The woman crossed her arms. Was this cashier taking some kind of attitude with her? That last remark almost sounded sarcastic. "Yeah? Well, unfortunately your 'sorry' doesn't put the forty yen back in my pocket now does it? I can't believe it cost that much to eat a damn breakfast in this town" The woman's daughter looked down and away from her mother's piercing gaze.

At this time, the father stepped in. He put his hand on his wife's arm. "Karen, it's fine." He turned to look at Ikaros with sympathetic eyes, as if this wasn't the first time this kind of thing has happened. "Miss, I'm so sorry. My wife is just a little stressed out lately."

Ikaros finished scanning the items. "Oh, that's alright. That'll be a total of 50 yen, please."

Karen exploded. "WHAT?! How in the hell did it get to be THAT MUCH?!"

Ikaros felt her body shrink just a little. "Um, well, you see, the slam dunk breakfasts were forty, twenty per person. It came with a lot of food. And there were several refills of milkshakes that were-"

"NO, I DON'T CARE." Karen looked around and huffed. "This is ridiculous! I can't believe these costs that much. I want to speak to your manager, NOW."

Ikaros looked around, "Oh-okay. But, ma'am, I must say, that I highly doubt she'll be able to do anything, we don't control the price of the food, the owners do."

Karen put her hands on the counter that was the barrier Ikaros was using to deflect Karen's verbal assault. "Are you getting smart with me, young lady?" Karen squinted her eyes to dagger proportions.

Ikaros looked around, desperately looking for her manager. "Um, uh…no. I'm not doing that at all."

Karen's husband put his hand on his wife's shoulder. "Karen, please. That's enough. I get paid next week anyway, it'll be fine. Miss, I'm so sorry. My wife is really a good person, honestly. She's just been-"

However, before he could finish, Mrs. Patterson came over in her usual bubbly tone. "Hello! My name is Miss Patterson. I hear there was a misunderstanding, what seems to be the issue?"

Karen explained what happened. Mrs. Patterson put on her best I'm-sorry-for-your-pain face. "Well, let's see. I'll just double check the prices and make sure nothing was totalled incorrectly."

At hearing this, Karen rolled her eyes. "Oh, that would make sense. Send the newbie to do all the grown-up work. Ringing up food at a diner does take a college degree, after all."

Ikaros stared at Karen. Up to now, she was unsure of how to react. She had never been in a confrontation quite like this one. Usually whenever something was wrong, she knew what to do. She had some kind of plan. However, one of her lessons with Mrs. Patterson was, "The customer is always right, even if they're wrong." Ikaros wasn't too sure what that meant, as it seemed to contradict itself. Still, she knew that she couldn't attack anyone. That much was made clear. But, with the way this Karen woman was carrying on, and especially in front of her daughter like that, Ikaros felt what started to be anxiety and confusion begin to bubble into rage and anger.

Ikaros thought hard about if Tomoki would be mad at her for getting fired on her first day.

"Well, that does it." Mrs. Patterson said, breaking Ikaros' concentration. "Everything was scanned correctly and your total is 50 yen. I apologize, but there's nothing we can do."

Karen stared at Mrs. Patterson for a good while, then looked back at her husband. He looked at her with stern eyes, as if telling her that enough was enough. She forked up the money and took her belongings, but not without a few parting words. "Well, I hope you two are happy. And you!" She looked down at her daughter, "You better never want to eat here again, understand?!" Her daughter cowered a little and hid behind her father. "Let's go, we don't have all day." She began to storm out of the store. Before crossing through the doors, she looked back at Ikaros. "And you. Would it kill you to smile?" With that, she stormed out in a huff.

It was closing time. The store had one or two people left excluding Ikaros and Mrs. Patterson. Ikaros was wiping some tables while Mrs. Patterson quickly took care of the stray customers. After they were gone, she made her way over to Ikaros, who was still cleaning up. "Well, you did great. It was a rough day in general, but considering you're in training I'd say you did a marvelous job."

"Thank you, Mrs. Patterson."

"There is one little critique I have for you, though."

"Oh?" Ikaros turned from the table to look at her manager.

"Well," Mrs. Patterson looked away while she searched for the right words. "It's about that customer we had today."

Ikaros suddenly felt her heart drop into her gut. "Oh, um, did I do something wrong?"

"No no! Not at all! Actually, considering how hot-headed she was, I'm surprised you didn't do anything at all. It wasn't anything like that, no dear. Actually, it was something she said to you. She asked you if it would kill you to smile." Ikaros looked blankly at Mrs. Patterson. "Well, I did some reflecting, and I saw that you never smiled all day. You have such great manners and are polite almost to a fault. However, you really should learn to smile more. It will help you and other so much around you." She put her hand on Ikaros' shoulder. "Something that always helps me smile is thinking about those whom I love and hold dearly to me. Do you have anyone like that in your life?"

There was one person who came to mind. "Yes, I do."

The rest of the day seemed to fly by. Tomoki and Ikaros both got home from work roughly ten minutes apart from each other. Ikaros made dinner, and Tomoki cleaned up the mess. They both got showers and were starting to get ready for bed. Tomoki laid in bed looking at a dirty magazine while Ikaros brushed her hair.

"So, how was your first day on the job?"

Ikaros slowed the brushing down a little. "It was…good."

Tomoki scoffed. "Just good, eh? Doesn't sound too good to me." He turned a page.

Dammit, why was he so good at reading her? "Well, there was a bit of an incident." Ikaros sat in front of him on the bed.

Tomoki felt his heart sink. "Oh God, what did you do? Did you kill anyone?" Tomoki rolled up the magazine and began to swat her on the head. "Ikaros, I don't have enough money to bail you out of jail if you actually killed anyone! You know, that right? I mean, you and I are barely getting by with what we have now, and I-"

While Tomoki was rambling on, Ikaros put her finger up to his lips. "No. I did not kill anyone. Though, I may have wanted to."

Tomoki stared for a second then chuckled. "Yeah, well, welcome to the customer service field. What happened, exactly?"

Ikaros told her what Karen had done and said, except the part where she asked Ikaros if it would kill her to smile. She left that part out for now. "Well," said Tomoki, "I think you handled it well overall. Sometimes people just like to pick fights to feel better about themselves, when really they're the ones with the problem."

Ikaros nodded. "There was something else, too."

Tomoki cocked his head, "Oh? What was it?"

"Before that rude woman left the store, she asked me if it would kill me to smile."

"Oh man. Did you get angry?" He placed the magazine on the nightstand while she spoke.

"No, not angry. Just…worried, I suppose. I hadn't smiled all day, despite what my boss told me about how I needed to."

Tomoki sighed, then patted Ikaros on the head. "Well, you'll get there."

"I'm not finished."

Tomoki stopped patting her.

"After the store was closed, Mrs. Patterson talked to me. She said that what helps her smile was thinking about the people she loved and held dear to her, and she asked me if I had anyone like that in my life. I immediately thought of you. And, well…"

Tomoki felt frozen as he saw Ikaros look up to him, and smiled. She had a beautiful, genuine, soul-filled smile as she pulled Tomoki in for a deep, long, passionate kiss. "Um…wow. That uh…wow. I uh…" Tomoki blushed like mad as he searched for something, anything to say for such a moment. "You know, Ikaros, the last time you smiled like this, you uh…kind of…you died." Tomoki felt a small lump form in his throat at remembering that horrible day. "You're not dying again, are you?" He looked up at her with pleading eyes.

Ikaros then did something no one would have ever expected – she actually giggled. And Lord, how cute it was! It was the most innocent thing he had heard in a long time, maybe even ever. "No, Tomoki. I'm not dying. But I just wanted you to know that, no matter what's happening, whenever I think of you…I feel happy. Everything seems to change, like from being loud to being quiet, and I feel at peace." Her smile went away, but she drew him in and kissed him again. "I love you so much, Tomoki. No matter how bad my day is, thinking of you always makes it better."

Tomoki honestly didn't know what to say. It had been a good long while since a conversation this deep had happened, even with Ikaros.

Perhaps they were overdue.

He held her hands in his and looked her straight in the eye. "For what it's worth, I feel the exact same about you. No matter how crazy my life is, or how upside-down everything might be in the moment, I know that when I think of you, I always manage to find that special peace and quiet that I'm always craving."

Ikaros felt tears welling up in her eyes. It had been so long since he's said something that sweet to her. "Oh, Tomoki." She moved in to kiss him – however, the blanket slipped out from under her, and she fell off the bed.

There was a minute of silence, and then Tomoki started to chuckle. The chuckle turned into a giggle, and then full-on laughing. Even Ikaros got a few small huffs of air out of her, similar to that of a small laugh. Tomoki then slid from the bed to the floor and met her eyes, "Come on, let's go to bed. We both have a long day tomorrow now that we both have jobs."

Tomoki went back to the bed while Ikaros flicked the lights off and climbed in after him. Tomoki must have been more tired than she thought, because when she went to kiss him goodnight, he was already snoring. Instead, she turned around and lay facing away from him, as a small smile graced her face.

And, scene. I hope you all like it. It's just a little tip of the hat to those who work in retail. I used to, and I know several people who do, and it can be hell. So, thank you to all those who do. Let me know what you'd like to see happen next, and perhaps I'll try to write about it. Cheers!