"Thanks goodness. It's still here."

Chihiro grinned at the colorful book in front of her. She'd have enough money soon, and then she could get it.

The bell cheerily rang as the door to the bookstore opened and shut.

"Ah, Minato-kun," the old owner, Bunkichi, greeted the newcomer.

Chihiro spun around.

"How are you?" Minato asked the old couple.

Bunkichi chuckled. "Well, my lad, well. Don't see you as much these days."

"Sorry." Minato looked over to Chihiro. "Is it still here?"

She nodded sheepishly. Why was he here?

"That's good." He wandered up by her, staring intently at the shelves. "Hey, grandpa, do you still have that book on motorcycle repair?"

"Motorcycle repair? Did we ever have that book?"

"Don't be cruel," Mitsuko scolded. "It's just to your left, dear."

"Thanks."

"Motorcycles?" Chihiro asked, forcing the words out.

"Yeah." He skimmed the shelf a moment before grabbing a thick book. "Thought it might be helpful."

"Are you hoping to get a motorcycle license?"

"Hmm? Maybe."

Maybe? Chihiro stepped back. What did that mean?

"Want to head to Hagakure or Wild Duck Burger?" he asked, standing with the book in hand.

"What?"

He sighed. "Do you want to grab dinner?"

Heat rushed to her face, and to her head. "Yeah."

He smiled at her and went to pay Bunkichi and Mitsuko for the book.

"Do you like motorcycles?" Chihiro asked once they had ordered at Wild Duck Burger.

"Hmm?" Minato looked at her blankly for a moment. "Oh, yeah, I guess."

That was about the weakest attempt at a smile she had ever seen. "You aren't paying attention."

"Sorry." He looked her in the eyes. Chihiro turned away.
"Have you and Odagiri discovered the smoker?"

"Not yet."

"Oh, I thought you had. He settled down a lot recently."

"Did he?"

"You noticed, right?"

"A little. He seems happier."

"And you see sadder."

"It doesn't matter."

"It matters to me," Chihiro snapped. Once more feeling the heat in her face she covered it with her hands.

"Thanks, but it's not important. How are you doing?"

Was he trying to deflect her attention? She loved him. Why wouldn't he let her help?

"One Pedawac meal?" a server announced, carrying just one tray. Minato raised his hand slightly as Chihiro stared in terror at the hundred pattie burger. She had heard rumors before, but had never seen it.

"A number two?" a second server asked her. She nodded, still gawking at the pedawac.

"Can you actually eat all that?"

He nodded between mouthfuls.

Chihiro laughed. The image of him sitting there with a burger almost as tall he was just proved too much. The drink he could likely hug didn't make the image any better.

Minato tilted his head to the side and looked at her oddly. "I haven't heard that in a while."

"Sorry. I know I shouldn't."

He shook his head. "It's fine. I like your laugh."

"Even when I'm laughing at you?"

"Are you?"

Chihiro blinked a moment, eyeing the giant hamburger again. "Guess I'm laughing at the food."

"We're good then."

"It's good to see you smile."

"You too."

"Have I really seemed that down?"

"How much longer until you can get that book?"

"Probably in about a week?"

He nodded, taking another bite.

"Minato?"

"Hmm?"

"We should do this again. I feel like I haven't seen as much of you lately."

He took a big swallow. "Definitely."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

Feeling much more at-ease, Chihiro took a large bit out of her meal. There was still a lot about this boy she didn't know, but she knew she could trust him. That was good enough. He'd keep his promise and they'd do this again.

Author's Note: Can't...focus. Must...write.

Sorry for the delay. Yesterday was kind of busy and the muse was very unwilling. I'll try to get the flow a little better in the next one, but I just wanted this to get up. I've had some good input on people to include, so I'm thinking about it. I also might remember some of that for other one-shots in the future since not all them fit well within the confines of this story.

Thanks for reading!