Still eternally sorry for the short chapter and the slow update. This will be up A.S.A.P.!

--

Day of the "Outing" Not Date. Outing - Paine's POV

Why was I flipping out over this so much? Scanning the clothes scattered on the ground of my bedroom, I wondered yet again what I was wearing to my outing with Baralai. I wondered if wearing one of my dress-sphere would be too weird. My favorite one beside the Warrior dress-sphere of course, was my Trainer Dress-sphere. I was often told it made me look very pretty. Minus Flurry though. Having no other choice, I picked up the sphere from the top drawer of my dresser, I quickly sphere-changed. Flurry faithfully appeared on my windowsill. Gently stroking the birds feathers, I had him climb onto his stand next to the window, giving him an apple. As he chewed it, I walked out of my room, closing the door. Walking down the stair, I was about to go when the door opened. It was Deon

Shit, I thought. He wasn't supposed to be home until tonight.

Seeing me he smiled, then frowned. "Why are you dress up Paine?" Then a look of panic appeared on his face. "Is it our anniversary or something?"

I laughed. I wasn't too good at lying, just keeping secrets. "Um, I um, it's a um, fancy meeting of the Bevelle governors, we, uh, have to dress up."

"Oh. Did you need an escort?"

"Oh, um, no!" I said probably a tad too hastily.

"Well, okay," He said kissing me on the cheek. "When will yo be home?"

"Um, I don't know. Don't wait up for me okay? This could take all night." And really, it could.

A look of hesitation showed on his face, but disappeared before I could give it more thought. "Well, okay, wake me up when you get home okay?"

I flashed him a fake smile. "Sure." Then I walked out the door. I had barely taken 5 steps on the sidewalk before guilt weighed me down like a rock. But was that going to stop me?

- - - -

Baralai's POV - On his way to the restaurant

I had dressed in my Praetor's best, considering I had very few other clothes than my Bevelle Praetor ones. Of course, that still left we with my thoughts. With Gippal's arrival it made me a little nervous to think he might say something to Paine. He always was the Act First, Think Later type. I mean if I was especially nervous to tell Paine I loved her, I think I would be able to say it anyways, because it would be such an important thing for me to say. Before I could think anymore, I was at the restaurant. And me being such a big Praetor and all I got seats immediately. All I had to do was wait for Paine. Which took about a second. She entered the restaurant, smiling when she saw me. Coming over, she say down across from me.

"Hey Baralai."

"Good evening Paine."

Awkward.

Opening up the menu she scanned the lists. "So, what are we getting?"

I smiled slightly. "Whatever you want."

"Hmm. I guess it doesn't matter."

"Waiter," I said politely.

Coming over, the young girl smile. "What can I get for you two?"

"Surprise us, it doesn't matter. Just make it good."

She smiled. "I'll be right back. And to drink."

"Paine?" I asked.

"Champagne," she said without hesitation.

"Make that two," I said.

"It will be right out." And then she was gone.

"So Paine."

"Hmm." She said glancing at me.

"What would you be doing right now?"

"You mean like if I wasn't here?"

I nodded.

"I would be eating dinner with Deon, then I would go to bed."

"Don't you ever eat out?"

She laughed. "No. Not ever."

If Paine was my wife, I would want to show her off. "I see."

"Not exactly the life I imagined."

"Why'd you marry him?"

"Deon?!"

"Yes."

"Why are you asking me that?"

"Because I think you deserve someone better."

"Like who?"

"I don't know, anyone but him."

"The person im truly in love with doesn't even know I exist."

Then she got up and walked out. I had forgotten Paine had a short fuse. I sighed, and then apologized to the waitress when she came with the food to only find one person at the table.

Walking Home - Paine's POV

How dare he? Asking about my husband, why I married him. The fricken nerve. I don't ask my friends that kind of stuff. None of your friends are married, a voice in my head reminded me. Maybe not, but I wouldn't ask. I don't deserve anyone better. I think I was lucky to get Deon and I know he really loves me. It made me sad to know I didn't love him back. Throwing the front door open, I put my purse on the hanger and ran upstairs. Changing into pajamas (with mini crossbones!) I sat on my bed. Apparently Deon went out. I laid back on the bed, going over the dinner conversation I had with Baralai. I knew he knew I existed, but, it just didn't feel like it. He knew me, but he didn't love me. And nothing else could break my heart to pieces just like that thought.

--

Sorry, I didn't update over the long weekend. Like Bex knows, I don't have the internet at my house anymore, so it takes a while to put it on a disc, then bring it to the library or school. So bear with me for a while guys. Write more soon.

Woos.

RKL!