A/N: Here's chapter six in honor of FIVE MORE DAYS until season three releases!


Amaya hadn't been to town in a while to do anything fun. The last time she went was to purchase some sword polish and a few fruits for snacking on. Three weeks ago.

She felt like all the street vendors were staring at her. It didn't help that her commander was seeming to enjoy the evening, the summer breeze gently ruffling his hair as they walked down the stone streets. He was smiling softly, making polite conversation with the shop owners and children playing on the street.

Amaya was intrigued. Do you go to town often? It was if he knew everyone he talked to. Must've been easy for him, being able to charm anyone across his path.

He grinned easily. I try to. Just to get to know the kingdom I'm serving better. Also, he nudged her with his elbow, I think some of the children on the street think I'm cute. As if on cue, a few young girls giggled after he waved at them.

Amaya couldn't stop her smile, agreeing with him internally. Who wouldn't think he was adorable? The two turned a corner, and a clean-looking pub appeared out of nowhere.

My lady, Gren bowed dramatically as he held the heavy wooden door open for her. He lifted his head to see her reaction and Amaya would be lying if she said she wasn't feeling heat rush to ger cheeks. She gently slapped his shoulder and he laughed. They stepped inside together.

Gren waved to the bartender, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder blades, guiding her towards an empty table. He smiled as she sat across from him.

The bar was dim, but Amaya could see it was occupied with couples, young adults, teenagers trying their first drinks, small families enjoying a dinner out. She drunk in the domesticity of it. Was this what living a normal life was like?

A waitress stood by the table and Gren ordered for the both of them without even looking at a menu or asking what there was to eat. Amaya felt grateful for him, taking initiative. Do you want anything to drink? Any alcohol? He asked, a few moments after the waitress left.

She shook her head and smiled, content. She took note of Gren's posture, leaning forward in his chair, elbows on the table. Occasionally, he tugged the collar of his tunic as if he were hot. His pupils were expanded from the dimness of the room, but his pale blue eyes were as striking as ever.

They made light conversation before the waitress delivered their food. During that time, Amaya couldn't deny her increasing confusion. He seemed dressed up and nervous. This restaurant was obviously one of the nicer ones in the town, judging by the attire of the other customers and of the servers. Her shoulder blades still tingled with his gentle touch despite it being a casual one.

Gren, she rested her utensils against the table, staring him dead in the eyes, are we on a date?

He sputtered, and she took delight in his floundering, yet couldn't dampen her curiosity. Her commander rubbed the back of his neck. I guess so, he laughed, not meeting her eyes. Do you want it to be?

Now it was her turn to be flustered. She almost applauded him for directing the question to her so eloquently but made busy work of stabbing a potato and bringing it to her lips. I do enjoy spending time with you, Gren. Maybe she was hedging, but after the look of momentary disappointment on Gren's face she immediately regretted saying it. Would it be too awkward to try to explain herself? She didn't, instead, she avoided conversation and returned to her meal.

They finished in silence, but Amaya's heart was still pounding. This was a date? Why wasn't she informed earlier? Her years of being a general hadn't prepared her for this. With all the training and growing in the ranks, she was never taught how to act on a date. Maybe that's why she was handling it so poorly.

Finished? Gren smiled, seeming to forget the awkwardness of their earlier conversation. Upon looking down at her plate, Amaya realized she was just smearing the leftover sauce around her otherwise-empty dish. She nodded.

Gren stood and she joined. He paid the server with a 'thank you', then she followed him out the door. The evening had cooled off significantly, but the summer breeze was welcomed after being inside the stuffy pub. It was refreshing and calming, and Amaya had the peaceful mental image of moonlight shining on Gren's plants and the breeze of tonight lifting his window's curtains. She smiled.

In her peripheral vision, she spotted her commander – her date – mirroring her expression even though he couldn't possibly know what she was thinking. He was gazing at her. When she turned to look him in the eyes he glanced elsewhere, lips pursing. Nervous again.

There's this vendor, he started, taking the time to run his fingers through his ginger hair. I get most of my plants from him and I thought maybeβ€” he wrung his hands together, biting his lower lip. Maybe we should get you a plant? He looked excited, and it was such a brilliant idea Amaya couldn't help but clap him on the shoulder.

I'd love a plant to take care of. She meant it.

The tension in Gren's shoulders eased. Let's go then.


Amaya's new aloe vera plant felt comfortable in her palms. It was small, new, green, and made her grin like a child. The clay pot was growing warm from being clasped so tightly.

What are you going to name her? Gren asked, poking one of the pointy leaves.

Her? This is a him. Just because your plants are women doesn't mean mine will be. She pondered, analyzing the plant. Only one name came to mind, but she felt embarrassed to say it out loud. I don't know what to name him, she lied.

Gren scratched his chin as he thought while he walked down the street with her. The sky was dark, shop lights extinguished, but the night air was energizing in her lungs. He grinned cheekily, wiggling his eyebrows as he suggested, name him after me.

It was a joke, obviously, but Amaya matched his expression. Done. Grenjamin it is. She laughed at the flush climbing his neck.

Abruptly, Gren stopped walking, standing in front of her. Amaya, Iβ€”he paused, clenching and unclenching his fists. I had a really good time with you today. It meant a lot to me that you agreed to come along.

She wished that she could remember this moment, her commander standing in front of her tall and strong, bright eyes uncertain, but words sure. The stars shone above them, and the street was faintly illuminated with flickering lanterns. The breeze picked up Gren's hair, and hers too, but it just made him look all the more ethereal. She tucked her potted plant in the crook of her elbow. I had fun too. It was a simple statement, but Gren brightened, and his worries seemed to dissipate.

He fell in step beside her. He stood closer than before, occasionally brushing his fingers against hers. Whenever their knuckles skimmed, Amaya watched him bite his lips in her peripheral vision. He looked happy. Their walk towards the castle wall was nearing, but Amaya didn't want the night to end. She grasped his hand in hers, relishing the comforting warmth and continuing onwards even while he tripped over the stones in shock. She must've been blushing but Gren was far worse, freckles covered by the blood rushing to his cheeks.

The guards standing at the gate couldn't have seen them yet, couldn't have seen the silhouette of their fingers linked together. Amaya slowed, relishing the warmth Gren's palms gave. He understood her, dragging his feet slowly towards the castle wall before dropping her hand to her side when they neared the guards' vision. She felt cold.

Amaya was grateful for the nighttime where her blush was hidden. If the guards could see, she'd just blame it on the bite of the wind. Wordlessly, they opened the gates for them, recognizing them on sight. Amaya could've sworn the guards glanced at each other briefly and smiled as they passed through, but she couldn't be completely sure.

All too soon, they were in front of her door.

Their hands had reconnected as soon as the guards were out of sight. Amaya felt like a schoolgirl, sneaking around with her secret crush. She was giddy, buzzing from his firm grip on her fingers, one that wasn't faltering or uncertain. Gren knew what he wanted and it made her float. They weren't even saying anything to each other, too busy staring into each other's eyes and grinning like children. Suddenly, Gren's head whipped to the side, and he dropped her hands. Amaya spotted an off-duty guard shuffling to the mess hall for a late-night snack.

Thank you, Gren said, and although the words were simple, she knew he meant it more sincerely than he could say. She felt the same. I guess I'll see you tomorrow?

Amaya nodded. She watched him walk down the hallway, and every time he looked over his shoulder (more than twice), he waved or smiled until he was out of sight.

Once she stepped into her quarters, the general's back leaned against the door and she sunk to the wooden planks on her floor. She clutched her aloe vera plant, heart beating faster than any exercise routine could do.

They lay in their beds that night, neither of them sleeping.


A/N: I loved writing this chapter so much sigh