I know, I'm awful, not having updated for so long, but I was… well… busy/lazy/forgetful. Um… okay, mostly lazy. Of course, it's even worse that this chapter is shorter than the previous one, but… ah… sorry?

Ah, whatever. On with the show!

Disclaimer: I don't own Suikoden 1, 2, or any of the characters, ideas, or any plot and/or story lines associated with this video game. (Was that complete enough?)

Futch strolled thorough the castle, thinking of Millie at the moment. He felt an odd feeling going through him, something he hadn't really felt for anyone before. He was going in the general direction of Hai Yo's Restaurant, but since he was so dazed, it was no surprise that he looked up and found himself at the baths.

"C'mon in! The water is all warmed up! You look like you could use a bath!" said Tetsu, motioning Futch over.

"I'm kinda busy…" started Futch.

"Nonsense! There's always time for a bath!" Tetsu interrupted, pulling Futch over.

Futch pulled free of his grip and said, "No… listen. I'm real busy and have to make some reservations at Hai Yo's, so I really have to go."

"Ah… soooo… you've finally discovered girls!" Tetsu declared aloud.

"I… ah, really have to get going…" Futch said, feeling rather humiliated.

"Well… if you ever get into a little girl trouble, just come to me, and I'll help you out, okay?"

"Uh… right." Said Futch.

Futch started heading in the right direction until he reached Hai Yo's. Upon entering, he was met by Nina.

"OH SIR FLIK! WHERE ARE YOU!" she screamed in Futch's face, then turned to Futch and asked, "Have you seen Sir Flik? It seems he isn't anywhere!"

"I haven't seen him…" Futch began.

"FLIK!" Nina yelled again and pranced off. Futch walked over to the kitchen and tapped a waitress on the shoulder.

"May I help you?" asked the waitress. "You aren't supposed to be in here."

"Actually, I need to talk to Hai Yo." Said Futch.

"Yes, well, as you know, Hai Yo is a very busy cook, and has little time for people like you. Besides, he is in the middle of cooking, and it being lunch and all, he could be swamped all afternoon."

"Um… yeah, that's the thing. I'm here to make a reservation…"

"OH! Okay then, I shall get him immediately!" said the waitress, as she walked into the kitchen.

Futch waited, wondering why the fact that he said he wanted a reservation would change anything, but he waited patiently, but soon began to grow tired and hungry. He needed some lunch himself, and being surrounded by the delicious did not ease his hunger any. Finally, Hai Yo emerged from the kitchen in a cloud of smoke.

"Can I help you?" he said, coughing several times.

"Um… yeah," said Futch, who's eyes were watering from the smoke. "Can we discuss this outside?"

"Yes!" said Hai Yo quickly, as he passed by coughing customers. As soon as they were outside, Hai Yo turned and said "Will you be making the reservation for this evening?"

"Er, yes…" said Futch, shifting uneasily, noticing that Hai Yo had a strange glint in his eyes.

"Well, will it be private? It will cost just a tiny bit more…" Hai Yo grinned.

"Yeah, that'd be okay." Responded Futch, watching Hai Yo's grin grow wider.

"Yes then, that should equal a grand total of… 1, 2, 3… carry the 4…"

As Hai Yo calculated, Futch thought of how much money he had on him. He used to have a bunch when he and Humphrey set out, but castle life yet again had spoiled him and he spent most of his money.

"15,000 potch!" declared Hai Yo happily.

"WHAT!?" screamed Futch. "There isn't any way I can pay that much!"

"Well, Sir Vincent is always prepared to pay that much…" answered Hai Yo, looking a little disappointed. "He always rents the outside balcony at sundown for his magnificent parties."

"Well, I'm not a rich aristocrat, or whatever he is! I'm just on a date!"

"Ohhhh…" said Hai Yo. "You wouldn't be one I'd expect to have been interested in girls that much… But, you've changed. Just for your first date, I'll lower it to 10,000 potch."

Futch thought of the 2000 potch jingling in his pocket, and realized Millie wouldn't ever pay their way in. Besides, he was supposed to be the gentleman in this case, and pay for them both.

"Listen, I'll find some way to get the money to you by evening. Can you please just leave the balcony reserved for me?"

"Fine." Answered Hai Yo simply. "But if you don't have it by sundown, then you don't get it at all tonight.

"Okay…" said Futch, now thinking that this oh-so wonderful date might not be as good as it sounded.

Short, yes, but I will try and update soon, so just hold on…

If there is even anyone who will read this anymore…