A/N. I hope everyone will enjoy this next chapter, I was in a very romantic mood when I started and the mood just kinda stuck with me…. Please let me know what you think. Reviews always inspire me to write more ;-)

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When the movie has ended Larry had almost jumped up and seemed to make himself ready for a sprint away from Charlie and Amita. Amita however grabbed his arm and kept him close preventing him from getting away as they left for the exit.

When they stood in front of the cinema it finally hit Charlie what he had said to Amita. He had said he was a patient man, and he kissed her! He had to really take in some deep breaths as he let the events during the movie sink in. Charlie had to admit, he had his rare glorious moments of romantic bravery, but he normally wasn't at all as self-assured as he had been with Amita none the less, during the movie. But then again this had been the second time his second engagement was interrupted by someone they knew. It was as if it had pushed him over the edge of his normal embarrassment and reserved ness towards Amita. As he stood and looked over at Amita, who seemed more beautiful to him than ever he thought to himself how much he enjoyed tonight. Even with Larry's interruption.

"So, what did you think of the movie Larry?" Amita asked

Larry fiddled with his fingers as he tried his best to avoid looking at the both of them.

"Yes, the movie was a bit mediocre. Not really my first choice, but then again I had seen all the other movies already. So it was either this movie or a book and as you both know the book lost" Larry said trying to sound funny.

Larry didn't exactly know how to behave. In any other circumstance he would have fired a witty remark at Charlie about Amita and vice versa, but since he seriously believed he had invaded on Charlie finally making his move on Amita he felt like the third wheel on the wagon. And Larry didn't do well feeling that way.

"So, I'll leave you and go about starting that book I've so eagerly dismissed earlier this evening. Perhaps it will prove to be more challenging than the comedy we just saw" Larry said as he walked off.

Charlie panicked and felt he had to do something. Even though he would like to scream of the top of his lungs how he felt about Amita it was too soon for anyone besides themselves to know. He was sure she felt the same way he did but wasn't ready to share that with anyone else but her. Not for now at least. Though Charlie's actions had its effect on Larry, it didn't have the proper effect on Amita, who had become quite confused.

"Larry, don't be silly. Amita and I are just friends and colleagues, just like you are our friend and colleague. We're going for a drink, you should come join us" Charlie said again suddenly very self confident.

Amita raised an eyebrow. Just friends? The total shift in Charlie's behavior was everything but subtle and Amita felt hurt. The prospect of a romantic ending to their evening evaporated into thin air.

"Charles, Amita, are you sure you won't mind me tagging along? I mean if you were…." Larry started but Charlie wouldn't let him finish.

""Absolutely. I can see no reason why you can't join us for a drink, right Amita?" Charlie looked at her for confirmation.

"Right…" Amita said hoping she was able to conceal how hurt she felt.

Even though she had been the one feeling most awful about Larry's guilty face and was very eager to agree with Charlie's idea to go for a drink she had never expected Charlie to brush her off the way he did. It was as if all the built up tension had vanished as though it had never been there at all.

Larry exchanged looks between Charlie and Amita still not quite sure what was going on, but decided to go along anyway despite better judgment. Charlie picked up on that and decided that he would have to go through great lengths to convince Larry nothing was going on as they started walking. Larry walked closely next to Charlie while Amita walked just behind them.

"Charles… are you absolutely sure? I mean surely you and Amita have bonded over the past few weeks and I would be the first to applaud you for taking the next step…" Larry started but again was cut off by Charlie going in for the kill.

"Larry, I'm not taking any steps. Amita is a nice woman; we're great friends but no steps are being taken. Trust me, you would be the first to know in case any steps in the romantic sphere are to be taken" Charlie said a little too loud.

Amita had heard that last bit. The hurt had been replaced by anger making it very hard for her to remain calm. But she decided to wait, and confront Charlie later when Larry was not around about his sudden change of heart.

The three went into a bar and Charlie and Amita sat down in a booth. Larry had offered to get them something to drink. When Charlie looked at Amita he saw eyes shot fire, and Charlie knew he was in trouble.

"Your mad" He said in a soft tone.

"Why would I be mad Charlie? Amita snapped back.

"Please don't be. I'll explain later. I promise." He replied reaching for her hand which she pulled back instantly.

"I'm not sure if I want to hear the explanation at this point Charlie" She said letting out the hurt.

"I'm sorry for the way I reacted. I-I can't explain right now. Please at least give me a chance to explain later tonight" Charlie pleaded.

She sighed as she finally let him take her hand he had wanted to hold. The way she felt for him didn't allow her to feel hurt or angry for long. His sweet voice and dark eyes suddenly appeared to belong to the Charlie she had started to fall in love with again. Whatever it was that made him say what he said to Larry, he must have had a good reason for it and she was curious to find out what. And the outlook of her spending more time, finally alone, with Charlie finally pushed her over the line.

"Ok, but this better be a good reason Charlie." She said and slowly let out a smile.

Charlie's worried face changed into a smile from ear to ear. He felt awful hearing her speak to him in such an angry tone. But he had a very valid reason for not wanting Larry to know yet or anyone else for that matter. At least to him it was. Anything having anything to do with numbers, equations and algorithms didn't quite seem to matter to the people in his life. Charlie knew how to deal with those and everybody knew that.

Charlie's biggest fear was his family and friends interfering in anything other than what Charlie seemed to do best and treat him like a little child. He wanted to do this right and on his own. He loved the fact that she responded the way she did without his father, brother or friend putting crazy ideas in his head making him feel insecure. He needed to just be Charlie without being scrutinized by anyone.

"Ok, one water an ice tea and a beer." Larry said as he sat down missing the fact that Charlie was still holding Amita's hand.

Charlie slowly pulled back his hand and then yawned exaggerated.

"Well, it seems that we are going to have to stick with these dinks and call it an early night , Charles you seem tired" Larry said.

Amita managed to hold back a smile as she knew Charlie was everything but tired. Charlie looked at her hoping that she had caught on. He felt relieved when she locked eyes with him giving away she had picked up on the hint.

"Well it was a busy day today Larry" Amita added.

They discussed the movie while drinking their drinks. Only Charlie seemed to finish his drink faster than normal wanting nothing more than to leave with Amita.

Charlie yawned exaggerated a couple more times when Larry finally had finished his beer.

Charlie got up to put on his coat while Larry seemed to be looking for something. His eyebrows frowned the panic started to show on his face as he started to empty his pockets desperately looking for something

"Larry, are you ok?" Amita asked.

"I can't seem to find my keys. I never forget my keys, but I can't find them now" Larry answered in a panic.

Charlie was close to having a nervous breakdown. Of all the nights they had gone out together Larry had to go and forget his keys tonight, as well as interrupt them during the movie. This was unbelievable. Charlie sighed.

"Is there anyone with a spare key Larry?" Charlie asked but already knew the answer.

"Yes, my neighbor but she is out of town, not coming back until tomorrow afternoon" Larry exclaimed

"We could call a locksmith" Charlie proposed.

"And ruin my authentic custom made locks! It took me almost two years to find those and cost me a fortune!" Larry cried out in utter disgust.

Charlie knew what he had to do. He had to ask Larry to spend the night over at his house but he felt hesitant to make the offer. Saying the words out loud meant that it was definite. Their evening together would be officially ruined and Charlie felt terrible about it. He had waited for so long for this moment and he had so much to explain to her and now he had to wait. Again.

"Then you can spend the night over at my house and get the spare key from your neighbor tomorrow." Charlie said trying his best to keep the disappointment from his voice.

As he looked at Amita he saw that she looked at him with a weary face showing him that she must feel the exact same he did. But her eyes also told him that she agreed that he had done the right thing. Larry nodded accepting the offer and put on his coat as well seeming slightly less panicked.

"Thank you Charles. I appreciate that."

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