"Make sure you have her home before curfew, young man." The woman laughed, slapping the younger man heartily on the small of his back.

He jumped at the impact, standing at attention he bowed to her. "You have nothing to worry about ma'am. Miss Hatsume and I will be returning in two hours. I am nothing if not punctual." He saluted in return. His form, Massive when compared to the temperamental landlady, yet the force of personality she exuded far exceeded her tiny frame. She warned again pointing at him some statement of informing her parents of any indecency if they were even a little late. He sheepishly nodded, rubbing the small of his back with his clenched fist. A creak of a nearby door called the pair to attention.

"Ah! There she is now, Mei! Pick up those feet kiddo, the boy has been here for an hour." The woman roared out from across the property at the emerging form of a young woman with pink dreads. "I got it, I'm coming." She peeked back into her apartment, she marched over slapping him softly on the arm. "C'mon Tenya, Big guy… I told you 7:00, it only 6:30." She scolded, fiddling with the zipper of her coat. Her dark brown jacket hung loosely off her person, it was definitely at least two sizes too big for her. She had a pair of form hugging jeans, stressed around the knees due to lack of care. The graphic tank she wore was of an unintelligible design. She wore her work boots, the ones she was commonly be seen on campus in.

"Miss Hatsume, it is my most concern to be punctual. If there is anything I've learned, it's not to keep others waiting." He answered sincerely, courteous as he waved his arms about to accentuate his point. She chuckled at is robotic actions. She smiled, hooking her arm to link with his as she drag him away. "What ever you say, Specs. Let's go, I'm starving!" She led beyond their front entrance. It was her choice of restaurant this time, Mighty Burger.

Unlike Iida who had a taste for the refined when it came to dinner, Mei however loved fast food. "You know I would have been just fine picking out our dinner, Miss Hatsume." Tenya spoke up with a light sigh.

"Oh no you don't mister. When you choose, we always go to one of those fancy schmancy places where I've got to dress up!" She jerked him around, picking up pace. "And quit it with the 'Miss Hatsume' talk already. I thought we agreed you'd call me Mei." She pouted, she marched on to the nearest Mighty Burger.

"Right Mei, but I don't see the problem with having to dress up once in a while. You've always looked quite nice when you do." Tenya confused or more likely avoiding the reason she'd deny his venue choices, matched pace with the inventor. With a heel-toe pivot she faced him with a pointed look, emphasized with her index finger.

"Flattery will get you nowhere, big boy. I'm choosing." She chided, her finger dragged along his jawline, before bopping him on the nose. The sensation of her finger gliding across his skin sent a shiver down his spine. "Also, you're way too dressed up for this. At least button down."

He was clad in a blue and white stripped dress shirt. It was tucked in neatly into his black chinos, that seemed fresh pressed. His newly shined loafers brought the ensemble together. To Tenya, the idea of business casual was synonymous with simply casual. But he obliged buttoning down the first two buttons of his shirt exposing his collar bone. "Better?" he asked, displaying himself to her.

"Almost..." She stroked her chin, inquisitive. She tapped her hand to her open palm in decision. "Roll up your sleeves." She demanded. Again he obliged, neatly folding the cloth up to just beyond his elbows. He gave her a questioning stare as his eyebrow raised. She still studied him for another thing to change. She snapped in revelation, she grabbed his collar, pulling him down as she ruffled his neatly combed hair.

"Perfect!" She beamed. A smile like that reminded him just how fruitless it was to be mad at her.

That smile, how it set his heart aflutter. With joy and dread in equal parts, he'd seen it in may lights. He was pleased with his current situation, a warm smile spread across his lips. "Seriously, Tenya. Learn to loosen up. Y'know, slum it." She playfully jostled him, once again locking arms with him. She settled into his warmth as the late November weather signaled that she should probably buy some winter clothes soon.

"Slum it…?" The phrase was alien to him, he held a blank look on his face.

"Relax, Tenya. You need to take a more lax attitude." She sighed.

He blew into his rustled fringe, lifting it slightly. He straightened his clothing as Hatsume's antics had left his shirt hanging slovenly out of place, exposing even more skin. "I don't suppose we're in a rush, are we?" He asked leaning over the girl. She thought about it. She was in charge of this dinner date so it was her responsibility to plan out the night. Though she was the type to just 'wing it' in social situations.

"Well… There is a department store nearby." She trailed as they entered the busy crosswalk. She muddled over possible locales.

"Shall we go to the hardware store?"

"A wonderful idea, my dear Iida." She playfully slapped the small of his back.

"Y-yes! Well, I do seek to please…" Tenya awkwardly replied, once again rubbing at his back. These small women sure could slap.

"I've been meaning to replace some old tools. Did you want something too?"

"Not especially, but while we're here, I'm sure I'll be of some assistance." He puffed his chest in pride, a large smile gracing his lips.

"My, my… What a gentlemen." She playfully mocked, fluttering her eyelashes. "Just be warned my dear boy, you won't be able to back out now." her small grin widened as she jostled his arm. The devious glint in her eyes sent a chill down his spine.

The pair arrived in front of the large building the bustling businesses chocked to the brim with traffic. Mei quickly dragged Tenya along, a gleam in her eye and a pop in her step, he knew whatever she'd ask, he wouldn't refuse. "Hurry up, slowpoke!" she demanded, incredulous to the idea of a man with literal engines in his legs being so sluggish. "I'm right here, no need to rush." he dissuaded her. "Closing time isn't for a few more hours." Tenya was worried over how she ever got anyone to shop with her, given her demands and breakneck pace.

Mei, ever familiar with not only the location of the hardware shop, but its inventory, got straight to work scanning the aisles. Like a machine she picked out and appraised every item, whether or not she had a use for any of these tools was beyond him, but seeing her excited face was more than enough for him. She was like a kid in a candy store, jumping from one display to the next with a fervor not unlike a child.

"Oh, oh! I should get this socket wrench. No wait! This power drill is perfect!" She went on affectionately playing with the inanimate objects like they were small pets before placing them in the large pile that was her shopping basket. Tenya could feel his fingers screaming at the ever increasing weight of the basket. He sighed, she truly unlike any other girl, the mirth she had for hardware tantamount to a teenage girl's joy around clothing.

"N-now, let's not get too zealous, Miss Hatsume. If you buy too much here, you won't have anything left for your living expenses." he warned, peaking from the comically sized pile of metal and plastic. "Again..." he trailed. It wasn't the first time she'd accidentally done that, the next day she'd come ask him for some 'donations' and like a dope he'd go along with it.

"Don't be such a worrywart, Tenya. I've got this covered." the dangerous shine in her eyes did not garner hope. "Honestly, most of that is just to weigh you down." She giggled taking extreme pleasure in making him her personal pack mule. "I'll do a secondary scan on the pieces I really want after this aisle." She continued already rounding the corner. Without a hitch Mei was able to pick out what she wanted and subsequently exited from the shop, bags in Tenya's hands.

"Hey, would you look at that, the night's still young." Mei laughs heartily looking at her phone. "Shall we?" She turns back to him her wide grin renewing his spirits.

"Actually, yes. There's a boutique I was told about here, I've hear it's quite nice." Tenya answered, readjusting the bags in his arms. "Oh? I've got no use for any of that fashion junk… I'll just find a nice bench out in front, you go on ahead." She dismissed, peeking at her new haul.

"No no no. I was told to bring YOU here." Tenya corrected, marching along forward, already knowing the path ahead. They exited the department store, walking along the bustling city streets. The two,

"Me? I mean… we don't have to." Mei faltered. "Wait… did my landlady put you up to this?" She stepped up to him.

"Yes, she regaled me on how 'beaten' your clothing was, she suggested very heartily that this would be the perfect place to bring you." Tenya continued, his eyes locking with the entrance of the boutique. "She did however say, not to come home if we did not buy anything."

The small shop, sat between an office building and the train station. It's old western style brick and mortar walls gave a rustic vibe. The mannequins adorned with flowing, comfortable outfits giving a very homely feel. The pair entered leaving the hustle and bustle of the city streets into the inviting presence of the boutique. The smell of incense wafted about, gracing them with the soothing scent of lavender. While Tenya seemed pleased with the change of atmosphere, Mei seemed off kilter. Her eyes trailed as she uncomfortably leaned on Tenya's side. She mumbled to herself with a barely audible tone. Taking notice, Tenya rubbed her shoulder calling her attention.

"Is something wrong?" he smiled softly, tilting his head slightly.

"Ugh… I hate places like this." Mei rolled her eyes, standing oddly close to him. She seemed on edge, her proximity, seeming like anything but flirtatious. She grumbled and mumbled, immaturely pressing her back at his side.

"Oh? It seems quite nice to me. What ever could be wrong with this place."

She furrowed her brow being extra careful not to touch anything around her. "My mom used to drag me to shops like these all the time…" She groaned as they walked around the racks. "I'd usually be in the middle of working on one of my babies when she'd grab me." She continued, eyes darting back and forth not focusing on anything in particular. "My hands were always messy, so she'd always nag me to watch my hands." She shoved her hands in her pockets, slumping over. "Then I'd waste an hour waiting on her to buy something." she gnashed her teeth. "Like, why couldn't I go to the hardware store with dad..." she finally sighed glaring at the display mannequin.

"Well that would be a problem..." Tenya nodded, his chin cradled in his thumb and index. "Well, if it's worth anything, I'm not your mother."

"You sure act like it sometimes." she joked, callously.

"Simply because I wish the best for you. Doesn't mean I'm your mother."

"Would you rather be daddy?" She winked, a bit of her mirth returning to her." The blush on his face making it all the more worth it.

"I don't suppose you have any sense for this sort of clothing?" he asked, lifting the sleeve of a particularly loose blouse.

"Nope, zilch, nada… The most I know about clothes is to wear closed toe shoes when at work." she waved away shaking her head. "This kind of dressy stuff? Not the kind of thing I usually wear." she set his hand down with a weary look. "Not for the workshop, y'know?" She eyed him with a small scowl.

She walked along making sure to be in the center of the walkway. Her eyes flowed listlessly along the racks, hands at her back. An inquisitive, yet distant look was plastered on her face as she bowed ever so slightly to get a better look at something. Tenya followed, surprised at how reserved Mei was being.

"I suppose it would be bothersome to have them dirtied when you're in the middle of working." Tenya responded looking from beyond her shoulder as she simply sifted through the clothing in her size. She mumbled in a soft, cold breath. He noted her size and peeked to another display.

"Not even that. Think about it, Tenya..." She pulled out another flowing blouse, one in her own size. "Sleeves like these are just asking for trouble!" she exclaimed, lifting one sleeve to accentuate her point. "Imagine working on something with gears. It'd get caught, no problem. Then you'd turn it on, and-" she began to get into it.

"Stop! Stop. I understand, quite well." Tenya waved off her description. His discomfort with the thought of Mei hurting herself apparent. Catching sight of it, a small yet familiar smile, graced her lips. Her eyes caught the crease between his eyebrows, slight though it was. A glint in her golden gaze betrayed her mischievous nature.

"And let's not even get started on the hem." She pulled down at the bottom of the blouse, displaying the shift of the fabric. "If this were to get caught on something else. Imagine what would happen then." She leaned in, with a devious grin. "Why, first it would be my shirt. Next would be my hair… THEN-" now in a trance, she enacted the story with sadistic glee.

"ENOUGH!" Tenya's voice though hushed, commanded respect. A quality, Mei had to admit, despite her inclination to tease and play with him, was very attractive. His flustered expression making it cute that he'd be so sensitive. Her grin grew wide as she patted his chest.

"Don't worry, I'm right here big guy..." She said with a soothing voice. "Anyways, stuff like this is not for me… I could never work in it." She shook her head, giving him a knowing smile. "Nothing to worry about."

"Hmm..." He exhaled from his nose, a small pout formed as he nodded. "Yes… well that would be very worrisome." He closed his eyes, thinking of what he wanted to say next. "However, it wouldn't have to be when you work, Miss Hatsume." he answered softly grasping at a sweater. The dark knit, piece seemed form fitting. Mei smiled at him. "Better." she snatched the hanger from him. "Let's see how it fits." she walked off, already spotting the dressing room. Tenya followed, finding a bench right next to the stalls. He sat twiddling his thumbs as he stared intently at the far side of the shop. The clerk was a slightly older woman, who smiled at the young man, with a small wave she nodded at him before going back to something on an unseen part of the counter.

"I'm ready." Mei called out, the creak of the stall door catching Tenya's attention. She emerged, backing out, still looking at herself in the mirror. "Though I have to say, I didn't expect you to be this forward." She turned revealing the low cut of the sweater. Leaning forward she teased him with a playful look in her eyes. Tenya's eyes darted from her to the farthest corner of the room as he could find. She smiled, swaying slightly as she continued to eye him up and down. She held in her laughter as he began to back up.

"I mean… I don't mind, wearing something like this. We ARE dating, of course. I'm just-" she let her hand trail up his arms, knowing well that her touch was sending chills up his spine. Still he looked away, knowing the view below was something teenage boys dream of. His ears began to burn, the creeping blush approaching her view, her hands continued up his body. Slipping their way to his face, with some resistance, she brought his eyes to face her own. A smile on her face as his eyes began to wander.

'No! NO! I mustn't' Tenya thought to himself, his shaky gaze falling from ceiling to her forehead to her eyes to... Suddenly, the world became a blur.

"Surprised!" She laughed, snatching his glasses and placing them on her crown. She backed away, assuredly knowing just how far she needed to be to be just out of his detailed sight line. Tenya squinted, trying to make out the mess of pink and black.

"Miss Hatsume, please!" He cried, marching forward. She deftly dodged, hopping away. He pursued her, as she made her way to the back of the shop. He reached out grabbing at her wrists. Connecting with something he quickly pulled himself towards it, only to crash his nose against a faceless mannequin. Mei roared with laughter, jumping behind him. Placing the glasses on his dome, she danced about him stopping once again with her back to her dressing room stall. Tenya, still unaware that he had his glasses, turned quickly to find her once again.

"Over here specs." She flagged him over. Following the sound of her voice he quickly grabbed at her shoulders, the force of which slid the glasses down. Getting as close as he could he looked for his glasses. Now able to fully see once again he was met with the sight of her cleavage. He pulled back quickly, his face reddened.

"I-I'm sorry." He stammered out now attempting to cover his lower face.

"Like I said already. I don't mind, Tenya." she shook her head, her lips curved upwards. "In fact, I like it!" her teeth bared in a wide grin. Arms spread out, the heave ho and jiggle of her… unmentionables, mesmerized the proper young man. He shook his head, brushing away what he considered "impure thoughts".

"It's breezy." She said, tugging at the bottom of the cutout. Tenya whipped his head away, yet his eyes fought to return her gaze. Her knowing smirk all the more reason to fight his desires.

"Relax Specs, I trust you." She nodded her head, placing a hand on his shoulders. "You're a total boy scout." she waved off, walking back into, her stall. "Seriously though, I do like the sweater. It's cozy." She rubbed the sleeves, entering without hearing a response. Tenya got back to the racks hoping to clear his mind with a little browsing. Tenya stopped upon seeing a pure white dress, the make felt light and the way it flowed with wind as he pulled it from the rack, made him smile.

"What ya got there?" Mei asked abruptly, Tenya jumped, feeling a cold hand at that his still burning ears.

"Oh! Just a dress… I think it would look lovely on you." He smiled with a fond look in his eyes. Handing it over he gestured her back to the changing room. "Won't you try it." Mei looked quizzically, grabbing the dress from him.

"This? Really?" She asked, a single eyebrow raised. "In this weather?" turning to the darkened late autumn sky. "It's going to get a lot colder soon..." she frowned.

"N-no! Not right now. I was thinking about the future..." He vaguely responded a soft shade of pink dusting his face. She tilted her head questioning his words. "Then why buy it now?" she asks plainly. "When would I possibly wear something like this?"

"During the summer, maybe? Summer break to be specific?" Tenya cast his head low, craning his neck over, peeking back at her face. "Summer Break? No can do! SuppCon is during Summer break. Gotta get my babies working in top form..." She shook her head as she shrugged.

"Oh…" Tenya seemed to falter, his shoulders slumped. Honestly, he was a bit disappointed.

"Sorry, big guy." She gave a face of honest regret.

"No. You mustn't hesitate Miss Hatsume. This opportunity is one that could shape your entire future." He puffed his chest. "The last thing I would want, is to inhibit the myriad of possibilities you have for a career." He shook his head. "In fact… I would prefer you to allow me to work with you. It would be an honor to help you realize your dreams." He bowed courteously, an earnest look in his eyes.

Mei's brow danced about thinking over the offer. "We'll be busy all day." she warned, rolling her wrist.

"I'll be sure to do my summer homework at night."

"You'd be put through the wringer."

"I would do it all with vigor. Allow me to carry some of your burden."

"I won't be patient with you." She clutched his face, scrutinizing every detail of his face.

"I have all the patience in the world." His eyes stone solid.

She felt her lips curve and her cheeks lift as she grinned as wide as she could. Patting his cheek, she pulled back nodding.

"Not take backs?" She joked, pointing at the tip of his nose.

"Never." he took her entire hand, stepping forward. She accepted his approach as he softly smiled, his chin at her crown. "I'll do it all for you."

"If you did it all, none of my babies would work." She joked, hopping back with a soft laugh.

"That wasn't what I meant." He pouted.

"I know. Now let's get going, I'm starving!"

Paying for the clothes, the pair went off to the nearest Mighty Burger. Mei, quickly got in line, already knowing what she wanted. Tenya however trailed behind.

"What? Don't tell me you've never had Mighty Burger."

"No… No it isn't that. I'm just not sure what I want." He scanned the menu thrice before stepping behind his pink headed companion. "Want me to order for you?" She asked, shaking her coin purse.

"Hmm..." he ignored her, still fixated on his order. He followed in line, her form in the corner of his vision.

"Welcome to Mighty Burger, may I take your order?" The part-timer asked as the pair approached the counter.

"Two Plus Ultra Burgers, one mighty sized french fries, and two vanilla shakes." Mei ordered with gusto.

"Will that be all?" He asked looking at the young woman. She peered back at her date, still lost in thought. "Yep."

Paying out right she quickly hooked her arm around Tenya's dragging him away.

"W-wait! I haven't even ordered yet." he exclaimed, eyes still glued to the menu.

"I got it covered." She pushed him onto a nearby stool, taking the one next to him. "Hey. You wanna just take the food to my place and watch a movie?" she asked, knowing she'd find a way to get him to agree. He too knew that all to well.

"I supposed that is the advantage to fast food." he placed his chin between thumb and index. "And it would be a relief to have this out of the way when we eat." He nodded. "Seems like the best course of action."

"Then it's settled!" Mei clapped, her feet swinging in anticipation.

"However… Won't the food go cold on our way back?"

"Just toss it in the microwave!"

"Fast food never quite tastes as good, reheated."

"Then we'll just have to get back quick. Won't we, Legs"

"But..."

"We're going to my place." She demanded looking him directly in the eyes.

"… Fine." He shook his head.

"Order 133?" The worker called out. Mei looked at her receipt. "Oh that's us! I'll take the food, you handle the rest." She hopped off the stool, leaving him with the rest of her haul. They quickly made their way for the exit, making their way back to her apartment in relative silence. Entering her abode she quickly kicked off her boots, making her way to the table. She plopped down next to her media shelf, grabbing a couple of movies.

"What'cha feelin' Specs?" She asked, Tenya barely able to shuffle past the furniture, bags still in his hands. "My hands are a little full here. I'll watch whatever it is you want." he strained to speak, his arms getting tired.

"Oh just toss it all on the bed. I'll go through it later." She waved off, two movies in hand. "What do you want to see? Aliens or Giant Monsters?"

"Of those two? Giant Monsters I suppose. But I should really put these in a more proper place." Tenya looked around before setting the items from the hardware store on the floor at the foot of her bed. He then set the clothes on the bed itself. Before taking a seat on the spare cushion left for him.

"Nice choice. Any preference?" She asked again placing both cases back on the shelf.

"I was quite fond of that giant turtle. What was his name..." Tenya pondered for a second, Mei nearly answering for him. "Gamera. Yes, I remember liking that Gamera fellow."

"Gamera? Really?"

"The Giant Turtle, right?" Tenya asked, eyebrows raised.

"Yeah… That's the one." She smiled, something coming to her mind. She burst out in laughter, grabbing her copy of the Gamera Collection.

"Hmm? Is something wrong?"

"No! Not at all. Gamera's great!" She'd answer between breaths. "It's just..."

"Just?"

"He reminds me of the first time I saw you." She giggled to herself.

"At the Sports Festival?"

"No… It was at the beginning of our first year." She continued to laugh. Much to his confusion, not recalling ever meeting her any time sooner than the cavalry battle. "When were ever in contact? My armor is made as the same company as the rest of my family's." He mulled over his memories to no avail. His index finger covering his pursed lips.

"Just think of Gamera." She said through quick breaths, wiping a stray tear from her eye.

"Gamera… Gamera..." He chanted the name as if it were a mantra. "What would I have to do with Gamera…?"

"Emergency Exit." She stated plainly. "I've told you not to call me that!" he shouted, flustered. Reddened cheeks and a furrowed brow painted the picture clearly. He began waving wildly, only to realize what she actually meant. "You were there?" he asked, his stance off kilter. "I would have thought you'd be toiling away in the lab."

"Power Loader wouldn't let me." she hung her head low. "But at least I had something to look at." She shrugged with a smile. She leaned in watching him grimace. He tried to respond, frantically waving about. "You flew just like a real hero!" She mocked, bopping his nose.

"It wasn't exactly what I planned. But it needed to be done." he stood resolute.

"How noble." She fawned, jokingly tossing her wrist to her forehead, swooning. He gnashed his teeth, slamming his hand on the table. "That's quite enough!"

"Alright… Alright. Don't get all twisted, Big guy." She put her hands up dissuading him. "Get the lights, I'll start the movie up."

The movie began the low lights of the television screen illuminated the room with a dark hue. The old movie was in black and white. Mei shifted, huddling close to Tenya. She quickly and happily munched on the burger that seemed much too big for her own mouth. Tenya watched her, then eyed his own meal. Parsing through ideas of how to approach it, he held it close, attempting to fit a whole bite. He just barely fit an entire bite into his mouth slowly chewing the juicy burger.

"C'mon, Slow poke! That all you got?" She heckled, swallowing a large amount. She seemed to devour the beast of a sandwich, already halfway done by the time he finished his first bite. He hastily bit into it again. She egged him on, quickly enjoying the rest of her burger. She was already done by the time he was halfway done. Eyes fixated on the screen as she sipped her milkshake. Tenya kept eating only watching the movie from the corner of his eye. Finishing it, he finally felt relief.

"H-how did you eat that so fast?" He asked, out of breath. He eyed his own shake, hesitant to even touch it.

"What? That? I eat those all the time!" She laughed off, focus still on the screen.

"That can't possibly be healthy..." He scolded with an exasperated sigh.

"It's fiiine… It's only thing I'll eat that day." She nodded, finally giving him her gaze.

"Now I KNOW that can't be healthy."

"I'm still alive, aren't I?"

"But-"

"Wait, quiet! Here comes the cool part!" She pointed at the screen gleefully. Caught back in her rhythm, he could only look at how beautiful she looked in the low lights, how happy she looked, watching this old, old, movie with barely convincing practical effects. Then as he watched her, she did something that seemed peculiar. Dipping a fry into her shake, Tenya raised his eyebrow.

"What exactly are you doing, Miss Hatsume?"

"Hmm?" she turned to him, fry in her mouth. Inhaling it, she spoke up. "What?"

"What you just did." he stated pointedly. "With your fry. Why would you stick it into your milkshake?"

She tilted her head, an expression like she had been speaking to an alien creature. Her mouth held slightly open as she just shook her head. "Every one does this." She answered with a matter of fact tone. She simply couldn't believe he was this naive.

"French Fries dipped in a Milkshake…?" his eye fluttered, returning the same look to her.

"Yeah! Here!" she quickly dipped a fry into her drink and shoved it into his mouth. His eyes widened, he liked it. "Good right?" She took one of her own fries, chowing down with a haughty look.

"Very. But..." Tenya swallowed his face burning up.

"What?" She asked.

"I'm not quite used to being fed..." He answered softly averting his gaze.

"Oh like you haven't fed me before." She waved off.

"But that's only when you're essentially paralyzed by exhaustion." He argued back.

"Details, details, my dear Tenya. You may as well get used to it." She shut him down, turning back to the screen, unwilling to hear any further argument. Tenya finally turned his own attention to the screen, losing himself in the story. An hour later, as the room darkened by the final credits, Tenya sighed in satisfaction. He felt a weight at his shoulder, turning to see Mei, asleep next to him.

"Long day, hmm?" he whispered as not to wake her. She seemed so peaceful, especially compared to her usual self. He brushed a bit of her hair out of her face, pulling her into his arms. He slowly got up, carefully setting her onto the bed. He looked at her fondly, before searching for the remote control. He shut the television off, the room dimmed to the point that only the moonlight that barely seeped into the room lit their surrounding. He returned to her side, sitting with her sleeping form. Slowly he pecked her forehead, pulling away as he gingerly stroked her hand. He tucked her in and began to make his leave. Cleaning their mess he made his way out with cautious steps. He exited the apartment, checking his phone. It was nearly curfew, Tenya quickly adjusted his shoes and clothing, taking his leave.

"You could have done more that steal a kiss." A voice called his attention. He jumped back, whipping his head to the person behind him. It was the landlady, she had a smug look on her face. "I'm sure the girl would have loved it." She joked, quickly approaching him to jab his side.

"You were watching?" He asked.

"It was getting late. I was a bit worried, so I came out to check if she was home. She's usually up fiddling with one of her gadgets at this hour. When I noticed the lights off, I thought to take a peak before calling her. And that's when I saw you." She explained, confidently ignoring how doting that sounded of her.

"I couldn't possibly, Ma'am. Something like that, has to be worked up to… It has to be special." He spoke with a certain optimism. "One day. But now is much to soon." He bowed slightly, rejecting the idea of taking advantage of her. "Good on ya, Boy! Despite what I told ya, if ya had tried something. Well I would've had to..." without another word, she pantomimed the act of wringing his neck. Quickly, he guarded his throat, giving her a simple farewell. The night sky, was his only companion as Tenya made his way back to the dorm. A soft expression plastered on his face.

Maybe one day…