"Let go of my hand, please."

"Sorry, Rae." Garfield loosened his fingers from hers, sheepishly taking a sip of root beer. "But c'mon. We've gone out before, I think a little hand action only natural." Their friend Kori set them up, much to Raven's distaste. Comparatively, Garfield had been thrilled at the opportunity to go out with his distant crush, only to add stubbornness to his list of adorable Raven traits. As gorgeous and intelligent as she was, PDA was a touchy subject.

Or in their case, a subject that was absolutely untouched.

The dark haired girl rolled her eyes. Friday evening, dressed to the nines, an elegant restaurant, on a date. Ideal, if it weren't for her company. True, Garfield has proven himself a respectful, kind man on several occasions… Sometimes he's funny, and certainly handsome. He's pleasant to talk to, when he's not discussing videogames or girls or that damn moped… Sensing Garfield raising his brows at the barely dressed entertainment, Raven shoved her thoughts aside with haste. I don't have any affection for Garfield… . No matter how much I want–wait, what am I thinking?

This would be the last time she was indebted to Kori And'r.

"Lighten up and you might actually like me," Garfield loosened his silverware from the soft grip of burgundy cloth.

"Right," She deadpanned, glancing outside. Amidst the darkness, a candle lit dinner was portrayed spectacularly. If Garfield were actually interested in her, this could've been romantic. But she was only a pawn in his little game of "try to make an ex-girlfriend jealous."

"Look, there's your girl." Garfield's head swiveled at an inhuman speed. "Subtle." Raven scoffed, sarcasm detectable even through her ever present monotone.

"Shhhh, quick, Rae. Act like you like me." Casually extending an arm over her bare back, his hand rested innocently on her left shoulder. Raven practically laughed aloud. Garfield did have his moments; she enjoyed his simple honestly. Truly a good person, although immature and a bit whiny. But as far as boyfriend material, Raven thought him a perfect fit. Just not for me… Sensible thoughts always overrode her underlying affection.

Her eyes stayed forward as she spoke. "Garfield, I think-"

She was so focused on eying his ex girlfriend, she failed notice him leaning in for a cheek kiss. Turning her head, Raven remembered she'd never had a talent for good timing.

Her words were cut off with his lips, mind temporarily blank. He drew back quickly, a bashful expression matching hers. Immediately, unintelligent rambling began.

"Raven, I swear… I just-I mean, I'm so sorry.."

"Garfield-"

"It was an accident!" He insisted, facing forward, eyes burning into the candle faster than the wick.

Raven rubbed her lips together, tasting the last hint of spice and root beer from his lips.

"Don't kiss me to make someone jealous, Gar. I don't like being involved in your little game as is."

"That's not why I kissed you." He countered impulsively, unable to stop the honest argument from escaping. As the words slipped out, he realized what had happened. There's no way she'd go for me… Oh well, too late to take it back. Somewhere between her sarcastic comments and stubborn front, his faux love interest had become genuine. "Raven, I think I've been over my ex for a while now…" Doe eyed and blushing, Garfield reached for her hand.

"Do… do you like me, Gar?"

"Define like."

"Oh Azar, you do."

The boy stayed quiet, nervously crossing his legs as he watched for her candlelit expression Hesitantly, her eyes shifted to his.

Meeting eyes were the equivalent of charged electricity. Excited, unexplored emotions flowed between them; this wasn't a game anymore. The connection was secure, the outside world almost nonexistent under the realm of Garfield's kind, curious nature. Round emeralds projected a gentle fascination, holding her violet gaze with ease. Raven accepting his newfound emotion with a slow blink, practically empathizing his desire for her, radiating directly from his mind.

"So what are you waiting for?" Raven reached for his chin, breaking their arbitrary staring contest as she focused on his generous smile.

"Kiss me again."