Chapter Twenty One The Orange Slushy

It was sunny outside. The soft, warm rays of sun landed perfectly on the glass of the window. I allowed a serene smile to grace my features as I watched from the main room window.

Beside me, Nate was at his computer, his fingers busily typing as he checked his information for the millionth time.

I studied him, taking in his serious eyes as they glued themselves to the screen. He always took his work seriously.

It was Nate's birthday soon: in less than a week, and I was fervently trying to think of something he might like. The thought of a simple puzzle repelled me, though I knew he'd enjoy it. I wanted to make his day special, not just enjoyable. But would he allow me to? He was ever so vigilant about the Kira case. I wasn't sure whether he'd allow me to take him out.

"Alice, why are you staring at me like that?" he suddenly asked, not looking up from the screen, "I can't concentrate."

I smiled softly and tore my eyes from him, "Sorry Nate. I was just wondering..."

His curiosity perked: he glanced up at me and tilted his head cutely, "You were wondering what?"

I glanced at him, a sly look in my eyes, and murmured, "Your birthday's on Wednesday."

The white haired man raised an eyebrow, "So?"

I stood, walking behind his chair and placing my hands on his shoulders. Easily, I began massaging him gently, leaning down to kiss his neck as I felt him shiver.

I smirked, "Will you?"

He turned his head slightly, and I saw that his eyes were closed. He opened them a bit and glanced at me from the corner of his eye, "Will I what?"

"You know," I whispered, adding pressure to his muscles, "Will you spend the day with me?"

He closed his eyes again and turned back to the computer screen, and the spell was suddenly broken as he sighed, "I'm not sure. I have a lot of work to do still-"

"Please?" I asked, exasperated, "You always say that- let's just go on a regular date like every other couple does!"

At my words, he turned in his chair, looking up at me from where he sat. His eyes were soft, and when he spoke, he sounded almost...sad, "I'm sorry that we can't go on normal dates, Alice. I wish we could- I would love spending the day with you but-"

"Then what's the problem?" I asked, kneeling in front of him with pleading eyes, "If you want to, then you should."

The corner of his mouth turned up in a tiny smile: his hands caressed my face tenderly and he nodded softly, "...Alright. But you'd better make it good."

At this, I smirked widely and stood, leaning over his chair and pressing my lips to his in a heated fashion.

"Oh, I'll make it good," I whispered against his lips, before pulling away and shooting him a pleased grin.

With that, I left the room, suddenly deciding the perfect gift that I knew Nate would love.

*Page Break*

Our footsteps were not the only ones on the sidewalk that day. Clutching Nate's hand excitedly in mine I grinned, my bright green eyes scanning over the countless people that lined the streets.

It was a sunny day, not a cloud in the sky, and everyone we passed seemed happy.

"Alice," Nate murmured, glancing at me with a hint of a smile on his face, "What do you want to do first?"

I smiled back at him and thought for a moment, "...We should go to the center of town and decide from there."

At my proposition, he nodded, squeezing my hand lightly in his and leading me down the street, toward our new destination.

As we walked, I noticed the happy faces on those around us. Smiling up at the summer sky, I sighed. Nate chuckled at me and slipped an arm loosely around my waist as we began crossing a busy street.

When we got to the center of town, Nate pulled me into a small café and walked up to the counter.

A middle aged woman smiled at us, her eyes twinkling knowingly, and leaned forward on the marble counter top, "What can I get you two?"

Nate glanced at me, and I smiled, "I'll have an orange slushy, please."

The woman nodded and looked at Nate. But he merely shook his head and the woman went off to get my order ready.

When Nate chuckled softly, I glanced up at him curiously.

"What?" I asked, slightly confused at his glee.

"An orange slushy?" he asked, bringing me to his chest as he shook with silent laughter.

I frowned at him playfully, "It's my favorite."

He 'hummed' and reached into his pocket, pulling out a few bills and placing them on the counter just as the lady began ringing my drink up.

I looked at Nate curiously, "It's only a dollar, Nate. I can pay for it."

But he only shook his head and handed me my slushy, sending me a brilliant smile before taking my hand and leading me out of the cool shop.

As we started walking down the crowded street again, Nate looked at me from the corner of his eye, smirking, "Are you going to let me try that orange slushy?"

I made a noise and handed it to him, smiling softly as I watched him take the straw into his lips. His eyes lit up when he tasted the sweet consistency, and I laughed aloud at his expression.

"You like it...?" I prompted, fingers clasping onto the drink as he pushed it back into my hands.

He shrugged, trying- and failing- to expel the happy look from his eyes, "Yes...I suppose."

I giggled and brushed our fingers together, looking straight ahead as I murmured, "You absolutely love it."

He scoffed and grabbed my hand, turning me around and sending me a small smirk, "Yes, Alice. I absolutely love it."

Leaning down, Nate brushed his lips against mine in a gentle kiss before pulling back and grabbing the slushy, taking a large sip.

Gasping playfully, I tried grabbing it back, which only prompted Nate to drink it faster. Our laughter filled the sidewalk and we began our epic battle for the orange slushy melodramatically.

Heads up! Next chapter = Lemon scene! But don't worry, it's not too mature so those who don't enjoy reading such things won't be disappointed. I do hope those who DO enjoy reading them will be happy XD It's HARD writing a lemon for someone like Near!

Thanks for all the reviews~! I want to start a new story but I haven't picked out the right character yet. I kinda want to write another Jasper story, but this time it would have a vampire OC 'stead of a werewolf X] Let me know whatcha think!

Thanks for reading! =D