First of all....I sincerely want to apologize to all my readers for how long it took to get this chapter done. Life stepped in big time for me and I've been kept busy, but never fear because I will never let this story die. I love it far too much to do that, just know that future chapters might take as long. But on the upside...this chapter is monster long for me! And if things go my way, future chapters should be just as long. Second of all, my beta reader has also gotten very busy and has been unable to read this chapter so if you mind mistakes, please point them out to me so I can fix them. So please enjoy the latest installment to my story and I would greatly appreciate feedback!

Chapter 10: A Light in the Dark

Shivering lightly, she wrapped the loaned flannel around her slim form tighter as her blushing face stayed averted. She had closed up the café like normal, but unlike other times, tonight she was nervous. In silence, they walked side by side down the lamp lit streets as she tried her best to calm down by telling herself over and over again that she was just taking a walk with a friend. But the hard thumping in her chest just signaled that her body wasn't believing it. Clasping her hands tight in front of her as they paused at a cross walk, she quickly stole a glance up to him out of the corner of her eye and what she saw just caused her whole face to turn bright red. Stop it! I got to stop this! I have Seiji…I love him! The war between her heart and mind raged on and so far, it seemed to be an equal fight. Both sides were winning minor battles but so far, no side had gained any ground. But by her mind winning the quest to 'date' Ichiro, things were starting to lean in it's favor, but her heart wasn't about to give up that easily.

His heart had been racing the moment she started to count her till and now that they had finally left the café and she was by his side, he thought for sure it was going to burst right out of his chest from pure excitement. And as they made their way down the virtually empty sidewalk, he tried to stay calm so he wouldn't scare her though he had an inkling that she was nervous anyway. So taking in a slow deep breath, he glanced over to her to start a conversation, but when he did, he caught a glimpse of her pink cheeks. Another thing he noticed, was that she seemed really uncomfortable and seemed really hard to try to keep from looking at him. This caused his heart to sink…the signals she was giving off were telling him that this was far from being fun for her. But I don't want to give up…not yet! It's too early to throw in the towel. So putting on a soft smile, he glanced forward and stopped completely. Turning towards her, he held out his hand before speaking with a soft voice. "This knight would be honored if the maiden would allow him to properly escort her across the street." Bowing slightly, he kept the smile on his lips and waited to see just what she'd do.

With her heart pounding hard her dark brown eyes glanced over at the sound of his voice and just stared at the held out hand, not believing what was going on. W-why is he doing this? She was torn between wanting to have a nice time with him to immediately being suspicious of his actions. Her mind was telling her that it was alright to take it, he was a friend…but her heart had a good argument. She hadn't known him long at all and here she was, going to the park venders with him at night. Swallowing the lump in her throat, her left hand reached out slowly…but instead of taking his hand, she gently brushed it away. The sadness and hurt was clear on his face but…even if she didn't have Seiji, this was all too soon for her, too quick. So instead, she looped her arm around his and gave a weak and soft smile. "The maiden would be honored to have her new friend, the brave knight be her escort for the night. But let's hurry, this maiden is starving!" Her weak smile slowly grew as he stomach chimed in and announced that, yes indeed, it was hungry. With a light pink blush raging across her cheeks, she quickly glanced both ways before lightly pulling him along, a soft giggle leaving her lips. Despite the fact just moments before she had been blushing like mad and shocked, just hearing him speak of maidens and knights made her smile. Her love of fantasy and his seeming love of it as well made it easy for her to drop her guard with him. Seiji didn't share her love of all things fantasy, he liked the stories but could tire quickly of hearing her go on and on about them. Unless it was her stories…with those he never got bored of reading or hearing of them and for that she was grateful. But never once had he referred to her as his maiden so when Ichiro spoke like that, it caused shivers to ripple over her skin. It was times like that when she wished…that he had found her first.

The look of different emotions that raged across her face after she looked at him had him worried as did the silence that seemed to drone on. Quickly he started to seriously regret his rash decision but what was done was done and it couldn't be taken back. All that he could do was try to salvage their time together and hope that she wouldn't refuse to see him again. A bit of hope flared in his eyes as she reached out but just as quickly, it died and he thought for sure this would be when she would tell him that they couldn't be friends anymore. Instead, the total opposite seemed to occur and with a shocked look that he just couldn't hide in time, he watched as she looped her arm around his and smiled a bit. Her words weren't lost on him, including her specific use of 'friend' but since she seemed happy enough to stay for now, he wouldn't dwell on it. Besides, he already acknowledged to himself that he may have been moving things a bit quickly. With a happy and slightly relieved smile on his face, he lightly squeezed her arm as he nodded. The sound of her 'angry dragon' announcing that it was time to be fed just made him laugh softly as she pulled him along to cross the street. Her musical laughs made his heart pound hard in his chest but he tightened the reigns in on his emotions. Slow and steady was the way to go.

Across the street and down the sidewalk, she kept up the hurried pace. Why? It was just out of pure nervousness…when she was running, she could work off some of that energy. Glancing over to him, she smiled before turning her gaze back forward…there was no way she was going to trip again. Running down the lamp lit sidewalk to the park, the familiar sight of the colorful lit carts finally came into view and her stomach grumbled yet again. Laughing softly, she increased their pace a bit until the usual loud commotion that surrounded the park venders filled their ears. "Hurry Ichiro, I'm starving!" As they neared the small groups of people, she slowed them back down to a walk and without really thinking on it, kept her arm around his. Right now, her mind was focused on getting something warm and yummy in her belly. "What should we get first?" With her bright eyes, she looked to him, not realizing that it could seem a bit odd that she'd want to eat at more then one cart. When she and Seiji went out to eat, they always got a sampling of just about everything and shared it all. It was a tradition with them and only thinking with her stomach, she had forgotten that she wasn't with her boyfriend.

He was really was expecting her rushed movement to stop once they crossed the street, but it only seemed to increase and at that, he could only smile. She's always so carefree and impulsive with her behavior…I really like that about her. With his eyes on her flowing hair, he was taken by surprise when she turned to look at him and blushed softly at being caught staring. But either she didn't catch it or didn't care because nothing was said and that was perfectly fine with him. Looking forward, he noticed the park coming up fast and that there were the usual stream of people going inside to eat. He continued to wait for her to slow, but it just seemed that she went faster at that thought. An amused grin crossed his lips and when she finally slowed her pace, all he could do was laugh at her statement of hunger. "I couldn't tell." He was just about to ask her what sounded good to eat when she surprised him once again. It wasn't that he thought badly of her because she wanted to snack around, it's just not something he expected. But a slow, sly grin appeared on his lips as he chuckled softly. "A maiden after my own heart…why don't we just start at the front of the loop and see what jumps out at us?" Out of all the girls I've gone out with, she's the first one to be so…casual. The moment he thought that, his cheeks turned a light pink. He had to quickly remind himself that they weren't dating, they were just two friends going out for a meal, nothing more. But…he still felt himself falling more and more for his library maiden.

Her sparkling eyes slowly started to fade as she caught his reaction. Wh-what did I say? Worry started to color her brown orbs and it was then she realized that she was still holding his arm. A dark blush washed over her face as she started to pull away, but what he said next left her speechless. What does he mean by that? Does…does he think….no, we're friends and new friends at that. Spying that look on his face, her blush only darkened as she averted her gaze and nodded. "Yeah…okay, that sounds good. Sorry for not asking first. I-I just like…variety." Variety…I really hope it doesn't extend to everything in my life. She waited for him to take the lead, having decided that she's had enough of it for right now and was relieved to know that he eagerly accepted it. As he guided them around the large crowds, her mind wandered to Seiji. Somewhere deep inside her, this whole thing felt kind of wrong…she knew that she wasn't doing anything bad, but it felt like it. Sighing softly, she glanced away as she did her best to bury those odd feeling and just enjoy her time with a new friend.

Those soft brown eyes of his stayed on her as she blushed and his grin slowly melted into a soft smile. He had felt her start to pull away earlier and even though he had been sad about it and loosened his hold, he was very glad that she didn't. Reaching over with his free hand, he lightly patted her arm. "Alright." He could see that something was bothering her but decided to brush it aside for now. If it really bothered her a lot, she would've pulled away…right? Deciding that would be the case, he dropped his other hand to his side and led her off to the start of the food carts. Around the crowds and groups, they came up to the first vender…teriyaki meat on a stick, a vender staple. As soon as he saw and smelled that searing meat, his mouth started to water and with a sideways glance to her, he could see that she was having the same reaction. In his mind, he already had his meal planned out, but he would be polite and walk around to them all so she could make her decision.

She could feel herself starting to sink into sadness as she thought about her boyfriend and how everything seemed to go wrong. But she was determined to have a good time tonight and besides, obsessing over Seiji was just starting to make her feel ill. So taking a slow, deep breath, she pushed it all away as she raised her eyes and took stock of their surroundings. As soon as she did that, he stopped and the scent of cooking meat caught her attention and all sadness seemed to leave her. Taking in the delicious smell, she could feel her mouth starting to drool and licking her lips, she glanced up to him. Any street vender connoisseur knew what that scent was and her stomach grumbled and demanded that she start here. The look on his face just made her grin and she nodded to his unanswered question before they quickly got into the line. "Teriyaki is one of my favorites…what else would you like to get after this? Oh! Can we get some tempura and okonomiyaki next? Please?" Her eyes were bright as the yummy scents continued waft through the air, but as her stomach started to think on it, it told her that it wanted more. So with pleading eyes, she raised them up to him and begged for her other favorites as the line slowly started to move without them.

Just as he was about to bring his sneaky eyes forward, the all too audible sound of a hungry 'dragon' caught his attention and with a big grin, fully looked to her with a gaze that plainly said 'here first?'. Seeing that quick nod, he chuckled softly as he led her to the ever growing line of the popular stand. Like any good teriyaki cart, this one had a nice sampling of different meats but he already knew what he wanted….the sampler platter, if they had it. But he was brought out of his thoughts by her eager voice and with one look, all he could do was laugh. It wasn't to be mean, there was no way he would ever laugh at her like that, it was just the look she had on her face and the way she begged. It was just way too cute! She could've asked for anything right now and I'd say yes. "Both tempura and okonomiyaki? Are you sure you can handle all that?" Movement out of the corner of his eye had him realize that they were about to get left behind in the teriyaki wars so pulling his arm free, he lightly draped it around her shoulders as he guided her forward. "Well I do love both those items too so I guess we can have them…" Catching her eye, he gave a playful wink to show that yes, it was fine with him.

She wasn't quite sure what to expect from him, but laughter was kind of low on the list…at least, that's what she told herself. Deep inside, she was happy that she could make him laugh like that, even if it was at her own expense. And as he seemingly played along with her, she couldn't help but feel a bit insulted that he could even she couldn't handle a simple meal like that. But she caught the sparkle in his eyes and knew he was just teasing, so with a sly grin, she was about to say that he was speaking with the world famous teriyaki eater in all of her family when she was stopped by him pulling away. Curiosity filled her until she quickly realized what he was doing. I'm sure he's just playing…right? And all he's doing was walking me forward since I didn't noticed the line move at all…right? A deep blush washed over her face as her body instantly reacted by pulling away. It seemed her heart was reminding her that this wasn't her Love. "Um, that sounds great. I…I think I'd like some tea too, ice tea."

The moment she pulled out of his hold, he regretted his rash behavior again. Sadness filled his heart as he didn't make a move to get closer. Her body language coupled with her shaky voice spoke volumes to him…she just wasn't interested in him like he was in her. "Tea…sure. I'll go and get you one…stay in line and please grab me whatever, I'll eat anything." Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his wallet and withdrew a 20. "Here, this should cover it all and no objections, I'm buying yours since I asked you to come eat. I'll see you in a few." His voice was a bit brisk and even a bit rough but he couldn't help it…he really had started to like her so to know she didn't feel the same way, it hurt, despite the fact he already had an inkling she felt that way. Pressing the bill into her hand, he quickly walked off, not even sure where to go all he knew was that he had to get away. I have no right to be upset…it's not like I know tons about her. It's just a fling and nothing more, I'll get over it… But even as he tried to convince himself of that, he knew it wouldn't work. Everything he told himself was true…minus the last part, he knew getting over his feelings for her would be anything but easy. Sighing heavily, he paused and glanced around, noticing that he was near a fruit juice cart, I know she said an iced tea but… Making a quick decision, he got into the short line and glanced at the menu before quickly making his way to the front where he ordered one large drink.

Hearing the sound of his voice, the way he suddenly sounded scared her. Not scared for her life, but that she had really upset him. Why should it matter, he's not your guy so it's probably for the best. But even as she was thinking that, she could feel her heart sinking. She was starting to like the attention he was giving her, it made her feel special and even alive in some ways but that voice was right, she had no right to enjoy it so much because he wasn't hers. She watched him curiously as he reached into his pocket to pull out money and holding up her hands she was about to protest when he adamantly insisted that she take it. So sighing softly, she just nodded and took the money, "Alright…" With sad eyes, she watched as he hurried away. Why…why does my heart hurt so much? I just met him, I know nothing about him and yet…it hurts. A loud clearing of the throat from behind reminded her that she was in line and glancing ahead showed that yes indeed, it had moved without her. Blushing softly, she bowed her head a bit in apology as she hurried forward. Gripping the bill tight in her hand, she tried to focus on the menu at the front…since he hadn't said what he wanted she struggled a bit on what she should order. For her it was simple, she wanted what she always got, the four chicken and beef sampler…and as she thought on it, the sampler might be the way to go for him too. So making her decision, she waited patiently for her turn and once at the counter, ordered for them both. Passing over the money and taking the change, she stepped aside and waited for their food.

"Thank you Ma'am and you have a good evening too." Pocketing his change after placing a few bills in the tip jar, he grabbed two straws and slowly headed back to where he left her. He was feeling pretty bad about the way he just abruptly left her in line but he needed a moment alone to think and calm down. It was clear to him that he was developing a crush on her despite the fact that he knew very little about her but a little voice deep inside him was trying to tell him something wasn't right. But he couldn't figure it out…as far as he could tell, she had some interest…if all her blushing was any indication but she didn't seem as smitten with him as he was with her. The only thing he could think of was that he was coming on too strong…rushing things and scaring her. "I need to slow down and just get to know her…give her a chance to get to know me…" The sound of a familiar, curious voice caught his attention and startled, he glanced up quickly, almost dropping the large styrofoam cup.

As she waited, her eyes slowly roamed around the area, noticing that a lot of the crowds were made up of couples or families. It was just like another reminder that she didn't belong out with Ichiro…though she kept telling herself that she wasn't doing anything wrong, just having a meal with a friend. A pit of worry formed in her stomach as she thought again of all the troubles she and Seiji were having. If only…if only we didn't fight so much…if only things were more like when we first started dating…but I still love him…I love him, my Seiji…The sound of her order number being called ended the tears that wanted to form and with a soft sniffle, she went to the small window and took the two plates with a weak nod of thanks. With her emotions swinging so wildly today, she was surprised that she was still feeling hungry. But just smelling the delicious, seared meat had her drooling and licking her lips, she slowly and carefully moved away from the pick up window. Glancing around, she didn't see Ichiro and for a moment, she was worried. He wouldn't…ditch me…would he? Sadness and even a bit of fear colored her watery eyes as she randomly picked a direction and started to walk, her brown orbs still peeled for him. And gladly, it seemed she picked the right way because there he was directly ahead and slowly walking towards her. Opening her mouth to call out when he was about a foot away, she quickly closed it as she heard him mumbling to himself. Blinking a few times, she stopped and when he was just about to walk past her, she finally made her presence known. "Ichiro, is everything okay?" The surprise on his face was almost comical but the fact that he almost dropped his drink, wasn't. "Oh I'm sorry! I didn't mean to startle you!" Instinct prompted her to reach out to try and catch the cup but it seemed that she was not needed…his grip stayed true on the drink. And besides, with both her hands filled with their two plates, she really wouldn't have been much help anyways.

"Shizuku! I mean…hey, I see you got the food and great choice too. And don't worry about it, I…uh, was thinking to myself out loud…heh heh…" His whole face turned red as he tried to read hers to see if she had heard what he was saying. But by the looks of things, he was in the clear though still embarrassed at being caught so unaware. So sighing in relief to himself, he switched hands and looked once again to the food she had gotten. "So…do you want to sit and eat that first before scouting out some more or get more now and have one big feast?" Before he even finished the sentence, he already knew the answer. She was starving and it was only out of sheer politeness that she hadn't already started eating. Grinning, he glanced around quickly and spied some opened benches further into the park. "Come on, let's go snag a seat and start eating." But before he started to walk away, he reached out and took one of the plates with a smile, then motioned for her to follow him. It wasn't that he was claiming his food, he just didn't want her to carry everything. Once she started to follow, he walked through the crowds, glancing back here and there to make sure they hadn't gotten separated before they finally broke free and escaped to the freedom of the open area. The soft lamps that lined the sidewalks filled the dark sky with a light golden glow giving them plenty of light to see by so he really hoped that she would also get enough from it to sit comfortably there with him. Most people seemed to have chosen to stay near the carts so there were plenty of seats to chose from, deciding to continue to play it safe, he took the first available bench. "Ladies first." Giving her a warm smile, he bowed lightly as he gestured to the bench. Only after she sat did he follow suit…noticing her blush first, of course.

Seeing him slightly stumbling through his words, she couldn't help but smile…he looked so cute with that red face. So focused on taking in his appearance she really didn't think about what he said. Whatever he had been talking about, it really wasn't her business anyways. Coming out of her thoughts at his mention of waiting to eat, all she could do was stare blankly at him. And quickly enough he seemed to catch on to the error of his words and set about looking for a place to sit. Deciding to leave the lead to him, she just stood there with the food…trying hard not to drool everywhere. But surprise covered her face as she looked up to him when he took a plate from her. It was clear that he wasn't going to take an argument about it so without saying a thing, followed behind him. A bit of worry started to flair up again as she noticed them walking away from the vendors and everyone, but the lamps made her feel better…even more so when he stopped at the nearest bench and closest to the food carts. She gave him a warm smile to convey her thanks for more then she'd ever say aloud. It's almost as if he knows I'm nervous….he really is a nice guy. A soft blush washed over her cheeks as she glanced away from him and sat down. It was moments like this that he reminded her of Seiji in their early days of dating. Not that he wasn't still sweet to her, they were just fewer and far between due to all the fighting they were doing. I don't blame him though, who would want to be gentlemanly to someone who constantly picks a fight with him? Of course that wasn't true, she didn't purposefully do that but it never seemed to fail that the moment they got together, words started to fly. As she was letting her mind wander, she just sat there with her plate on her lap and a vacant look in her eyes.

Settling down beside her, he carefully placed the plate on his lap then put the large cup between them on the bench. Glancing up, he was about to tell her what he got when he noticed she seemed a bit out of it. It was clear she was deep in thought and he was hesitant to say anything so he stayed quiet. But his stomach was starting to wake up at the yummy smell of food so close and without warning, it gave a loud grumble. Blushing a light red, he looked to her with a sheepish grin as she glanced to him. "Sorry if the bear bothered you…are you alright though? I mean, you got all quiet there all of a sudden…" Grabbing his plate and holding it up to her, he motioned for her to take some. If you're hungry, then eat…that's my motto. As much as he hated to admit it to himself, seeing her withdraw into her mind and away from him, made him a bit jealous so he tried to get her attention again. It was stupid of course, but he couldn't help that that was the way he was feeling. Either way, it earned him a smile from her as she reached over and took the offered treat. That smile…it was like a turning point in the evening for them and it was something he would remember for nights after…