A/N: Whew! Finally got this chapter out! I apologize for the extremely late updates. Finals + Internet then Computer crashing during Winter Break = Not a Happy filtered. Enjoy the chapter!

I watched her delicately slip a piece of cheesecake in her mouth and thanked my lucky stars that I was able to stare at her without it looking awkward. At least, I hoped I was. Everything was going rather smoothly so far; we teleported to floor 35 and had a nice walk before stopping for dessert. I found myself staring into her eyes with my chin in my palms, transfixed. She looked up at me, smiling.

"What are you staring at?"
"The epiphany of beauty and perfection."
"Cut the cheesy crap for a second," she said, blushing softly.
"Sorry."

She offered me a bite of cake on her fork.

"Aaah..."
I was able to keep my cool despite the blush on my face. "No thanks, I can't eat another bite."
She pouted. "Hey, I'm the one trying to be romantic here. Or would you rather me poke that ticklish spot again?"
"Not now..."
"Maybe while we're alone...?"
"Maybe." Another pout. "What did I do?" I asked, already knowing that I had an uninterested tone.
"Nothing, I just want to be romantic. I know it's our first date and everything, but..."

My hands moved on their own and grabbed her's. She looked back at me and I smiled rather wanly.

"I'm sorry. I'm not quite used to this."
"Hey, neither am I. This is my first date, too."
"That's a surprise, here I thought you were the most popular girl in your school."
"If I was, you probably wouldn't find me in this game." Her eyes lowered and I chuckled.
"In that case... I think I'll have that bite of cake if you don't mind."
She slipped the piece of cake into my mouth with her fork and giggled. "Such a cutie." She almost burst out laughing when she saw my reaction: almost choking on the fork with a reddened face.

It was around that time when everything broke down.

...

I wish I could forget about what happened during the next few minutes. Unfortunately, along with the blissful moments that occurred afterwards, it's been etched into my memory.

I was holding the door open for Liz when a familiar face walked in; Asuna. Once again, I found her quite attractive (I wouldn't dare stray from the current path I was on; no way was I going to find out whether or not Liz was really good with a mace). What surprised me was that she was holding hands with someone.

"Oh, Liz!" She said. "Didn't think we'd bump into you guys here! ... Hello, Arkham." I gave her a comical salute, a bit displeased with her less-than-cheerful greeting in comparison. "Ah, I don't believe you two met... Arkham, this is Kirito, he's-"
"Oh trust me, I know this guy." I smiled at him. "A kind soul who kicks ass at this game while helping other players? You're putting Dancing Shadows out of business, my man."
He chuckled. "Sorry, just trying to make my way, I guess." He offered his hand and I fist-bumped him (the Baraki Nakatsuka gesture of badassery).

"So," Kirito asked, "what brings the two of you here? On a date?"
Liz spoke up immediately, her face cheerful. "Actually, yes, we are!"
"Oh, that's great!" Asuna said. "Well, you see, Kirito and I are... well..." she blushed, looking away.
Kirito decided to finish the sentence with a smile and a blush of his own. "We're married."

I smiled, giving my praise and wishes of a happy marriage (blabbity blah blah) and glanced at Liz. What I saw- well, what I really saw behind the face of cheerfulness- was a broken heart.

She's always able to keep her happiness on her face, regardless of what's inside. It's like looking at two different people. I was just lucky that I saw it all. She was crushed.

We talked for a little while (mostly discussing the little vacation house that the couple were planning to stay in during their leave) and parted ways, me and my crushed date out the door and the happily married couple choosing a table. The two of us walked for a few minutes when I stopped in my tracks.

"Arkham?" She asked. "What are you-"

I slipped my arms around her body and hugged her tight, embracing her. Tears stung my eyes. "Liz, my god, I'm so sorry," I said, shaky.

"W-what are you talking about? What are you... what are you..." her voice began to break and she held me back, sobbing. Fresh tears felt hot against my chest. "I'm sorry too, I was never supposed to feel this way, I'm over him, I'm..."

"Shh... s'okay. Don't talk. Just hug me. You don't want to talk right now."

She began to calm down. "Okay. But, why wouldn't I want to talk?"

I released her, smiling, now realizing how everything came together.

"Because I'm about to ask you to marry me."