"Enji," Luciana began softly. "Do you just like me because I'm hot?"

"What?" His confusion was evident. The two of them were spending an evening together before Luciana had work and before Enji went to bed.

"Do you just like me because I've got a really nice body?" Her voice got even softer as she spoke.

"No. I'll admit, I like that, but that's not why I spend time with you. If that was the case, I'd have just fucked you months ago and left it at that." He tenderly tucked her hair behind her ear and out of her eyes. "Look at me." He held her chin gently.

"I was serious about taking you on a date." Her face turned red as she searched his softening eyes. "You interest me and I want to know you. You've treated me as a person, even when I was a hero or an asshole. And I like that." Her face grew redder and redder as he spoke. It was so red, it rivaled the color of her quirk.

"You mean it?" She had pulled her chin out of his grip and hid it in her jacket.

"Yes, I mean it. Why don't we go on a date now?" He rubbed her back.

"B-but I have work in an hour!" She met his eyes before hiding her face again.

"You're so cute!" His laughter was deep and warm. "We can just go out for dessert." He pulled her closer.

"O-ok," she mumbled into her jacket. "Or we could stay here for it." She shot him a wink as she flirted confidently. They hadn't done anything sexual aside from innuendos.

"You know, I love how easily you flirt and tease me, but as soon as I compliment you, you get shy." He chuckled again when she squeaked and hid her face again.

They sat in comfortable silence. "You know, I like you because you are unique and treat me differently. And because you're sweet, and kind, and gentle when you could be hard and cruel. I like how you're rough around the edges and distant, but caring." Luciana told him, confidence back. "Not because you're a hero or whatever. And… I'd really like to go out with you."

"Perfect." He kissed the top of her head. "Get ready to go then, babe." Her face turned red again.

"Curse my pale skin!" Hiding her face, she ran to the bathroom, followed by his rich laughter. Being around Luciana, Enji smiled and laughed a lot.

Eventually, they both got ready and headed out. The nights were warmer with the coming of spring, but they were still cool. "Where are we going?"

"Somewhere." Enji had an arm resting across her shoulders protectively. When he had first put his arm there, Luciana had blushed again.

"You know, before I met you, I never had any interest in guys or girls and never blushed. Now, look at me, blushing like crazy because of a hot guy I'm…" She tried to fill the silence but lost her voice to the embarrassment.

"Dating. We're dating and you are my girlfriend. Mine. That means no flirting," he said loud and proud. He had learned of her competition with S and helped her burn all the numbers.

"Stop." Her face was burning even more. "Please?" She looked up at him with a pleading look.

"But you look so cute when you're embarrassed." He grumbled. "And we're here." He guided her into a little restaurant.

"Are you serious?" Luciana looked around in wonder. The little hole-in-the-wall restaurant was tastefully decorated but not overdone. "This place is beautiful."

"I know." He was smug as he guided her to a table near the back.

It wasn't long before a waitress came over to greet them. Although, she only greeted Enji.

"Hey, Enji. What are you doing here so late?" The lithe blonde hung herself off his arm, pressing her breasts into him. "Do you want some company?"

"I'm on a date." He grunted pointedly, lacing his fingers through Luciana's.

"Oh…" she finally noticed the blunette. "I'll be right out with your orders."

"Who was that?" Luciana's tone had changed.

He cleared his throat. "I was a regular here before I met you." He was blushing. "She always clung to me and did that whenever I came around. But this restaurant is really good."

"So, she's just a clingy bitch with no claim on you?" Her tone warmed fractionally.

"Yeah. She won't stop." He smiled awkwardly at her. "I hope you don't mind, but I didn't realize she'd be here."

"It's fine. Just…" She trailed off.

"What?" he squeezed her hand.

"Don't let her touch you like that." She growled. "I don't like the way she's throwing herself at you."

"You're jealous." He pointed out. She nodded. "I'll try. I can't promise."

"I'll just deck her," Luciana promised.

He laughed. "While I know you can and will, you probably shouldn't."

"You're right…" She muttered. "But I want to."

The woman chose to bring their orders in the lull. She carelessly tossed Luciana's order on the table and carefully set Enji's down. "If you change your mind, you know where to find me." She trailed her nails up Enji's arm before cupping his face.

"Enough, Paloma." Enji pushed her away.

"But why? I'm better than that slut." The woman pouted, using her arms to accentuate her large breasts. "She's not good enough for you."

"I said enough." He growled and stood. "If you don't stop, I will make you." His size alone was intimidating enough without the threatening aura he gave off.

"Fine, you stupid asshole!" She stepped back nervously, betraying her faux confidence. "I didn't want you anyway!"

"That's it. Insult me, but you don't insult him." Luciana walked over and slapped her. "Fuck off, you desperate hoe. He's my boyfriend and you are just some slut who wants to use him. Now go screw a trash can, it'll be worth more than you."

Enji grabbed Luciana's shoulders and pulled her to his chest. "You heard her."

"Paloma! That's enough!" The manager had come out. "Go to my office, now!" He yelled at the blonde. Once she had complied, the man approached the two.

"I'm sorry," Luciana apologized, bowing her head.

"Oh, no! That's fine. I was going to fire her anyway. This just gave me a reason to do it now! So thank you." He shook her hand.

"Oh… thank goodness. I was really liking this place. I'd have been sad to not be able to eat here," she sighed in relief.

"Our ice cream melted," Enji pointed out.

Luciana checked her phone, "And I need to go to work soon. I'll be late if I don't go now..."

"Here." Enji offered enough money to cover the desserts.

"No need." The man waved him off. "Just come back some other time and you'll get a free meal."

"All right." Enji acquiesced and they left. "I'm sorry our date got ruined."

"It's not your fault," she told him and grabbed his hand. "We can go there for dinner sometime though, right?" She sounded worried.

"Of course. I want to take you on a proper date," he squeezed her hand.

He leaned over so his mouth was by her ear and whispered, "And there's another thing I really like about you. How fucking hot you are when you're angry."

Her cheeks turned red, but instead of hiding in her jacket, she turned her head and kissed him. Happily, he kissed her back.

When they pulled away, they were panting slightly. "And you're a good kisser now. On top of being strong." Her blush grew brighter.

"I would shut you up with a kiss, but I need to get a move on." She tugged him along by their joined hands.

"Which job tonight?" He complied and followed her.

She hurried her pace and looked away from him. "The errand one."

"Stay safe." He knew what she did, but had no details. It hurt Luciana to hide it, but she had no choice.