Disclaimer: I don't own HoA or the Packers or HP&co from last chap.

Thanks for all the upbeat reviews. They made my night :D

*Fabian's POV*

"Uh...um...er"

"Fabian, are you feeling alright?" Nina looked a tad concerned. Luckily, for me, Amber chose that moment to plop back into her seat, followed by Patricia, who looked ready to throw a plate at a wall. Patricia excused herself, and left to go use the loo.

*Nina's POV*

Wow! Was shopping with Amber really that bad?

I glanced at Fabian; he was still a bit flushed, and was staring at his plate like there was nothing more interesting in the whole wide world. I decided to ask Amber.

"Hey, Amber."

"Yeah, Nines?"

"What does 'stepping out' mean?" I saw Fabian wince out of the corner of my eye. Amber's head whirled around towards Fabian's and she let out a gasp/squeal. (squasp? geal? anyone know a word?)

"Fabian, you didn't? I knew it! I'm going back and getting that fabulous scrapbook for you two." She practically skipped out of the cafe.

"Wow. Will I never get a straight answer out of someone?" I joked. Fabian just blushed a deeper red- if that was even possible. An awkward silence was starting to fall. Thank goodness Patricia got back right then.

"Ready to go?"

"Yeah. Thanks guys. This was a ton of fun."

"No problem." Fabian went ahead to check the bus schedule. I hung back with Patricia.

"Hey, Patricia, would you tell me something?"

"Depends."

"What does 'stepping out' mean?" She stopped, and gave me a weird look.

"You really don't know? It's like Mick and Mara. Dating..."

"Oh." I couldn't help it; my face went hot. Sadly, Patricia noticed.

"Is there something I should know?"

"No. Nothing's up, but I asked Amber what it meant and she assumed..." I trailed off.

We caught up to Fabian. He looked up, serious and questioning. "Hey, Amber just called. She's back at the house and said she has, and I quote, 'the most fantabulous surprise ever' for you and me, Nina."

"Urgh!" I groaned. " I'm pretty sure I know what it is." Patricia looked at me and by her expression, I could tell she had reached the same conclusion. She leaned over and whispered into Fabian's ear. Once I saw him blush, I couldn't help blushing, too. We would never live this down.

.