CHAPTER TEN - DISASTER AND FIREWORKS

"i think that guy from the IGP Weekly spotted us in the restaurant," Aaron said as they left

sure enough, as Ami looked over her shoulder, she spotted him rising from his table and leaving his payment so as to follow them for the chance of an interview.

Aaron grabbed her hand and pulled her into an alleyway, waiting until the guy had passed before he poked his head out to see if he was gone.

"Aaron!" Ami squeeked in fear

he turned to see a figure moslty hidden by the shadows pressing a knife to ami's throat, "wallets and jewlery."

"son of a bitch! let her go!" Aaron took a step forward

"ah-ah!" the knife pressed closer, causing Aaron to freeze.

"STOP! okay..." Aaron grabbed his wallet slowly. he needed only the tiniest moment to disarm the mugger, but protecting Ami came first. the reporter poked his head around the corner, finally finding his targets. but stopped when he saw the situation they were in.

Aaron lobbed his wallet so it arced right at the shadowed man, triggering his reflex to catch it. Aaron spotted his chance when he saw the man's eyes move upward. he leapt forward, grabbing the thief by the wrist and breaking it with a twist. he pushed Ami out of the way as he threw the man into a dumpster and jumped onto the lid, trapping him. "you!" he called at the reporter, "go get the cops, and you'll get your interview!"

not even two minutes later, the police arrived and took the mugger into custody. interviewed Aaron, Ami, and the reporter, then left. "we'll talk to you in the morning, that way you can still make your deadline. show up at the Team Satomi building around nine... we have a date to finish enjoying."

as they walked away, Ami whispered to Aaron, "thank you for saving me... but do you really think we should continue our date?"

"i can't let our first date together end in disaster like that. besides, if we hurry, we can watch the fireworks from the park over there."

"o-ok," Ami couldn't see it, but she could feel that what had just happened had shaken Aaron almost as bad as if the knife had been to his throat. she took his hand and laced her fingers between his.

Aaron felt the warmth of Ami's hand slowly travel up his arm and begin to help him relax. he'd been afraid, he was scared he'd lose Ami. feeling her touching him, even if it was just holding hands, proved he had nothing to fear anymore. he gently squeezed her hand, trying to say, "i'll protect you if anything happens". glancing over his shoulder, he saw the flash of a camera. "that guy's still following us, what a freak!" he whispered into Ami's ear.

"i know, but its his job." she laid her head against Aaron's shoulder. they sat down atop a hill, there were a few others around with the same idea of watching from the hilltop. the fireworks started soon afterwards, flowers of red, green, purple, and all sorts of colors bloomed then wilted and dissappeared above them. the whole time, Ami found herself feeling very comfortable with Aaron's arm around her shoulders, leaning against him.

"Ami..." Aaron said, glad the flashing colors of the fireworks hid his blush.

"hmm?" Ami questioned dreamily, she never knew that being with a boy could feel so warm.

"wa-wanna give the reporter a real picture?"

Ami knew what he was asking, and happily complied, tilting her head upwards to meet his lips. it was a child's kiss, merely lip contact, but they both felt that was enough. Aaron for some reason thought of one of the oldies songs his mother liked 'i wonder what it feels like, to find the one in this life? the one we all dream of, but dreams just aren't enough'.