We burst out laughing, and I'm out of breath by the end of it. I can't remember the last time I've had this much fun! Then again, I can't remember very much, but my point still stands. I look at Minerva smiling, and I feel all warm inside.

"So I told you a bit about my recent issues, but what's new with you?" I ask.

"Well, I'm pretty much done school, because I've passed high school already. I might go to university later, but I wonder how much they could teach me anyway." I laugh at this, but I force myself to remember that she's not joking. "I'm also working on developing a new software program. I'm thinking something for managing money, but in a new way."

"Sounds interesting," I say, mainly out of etiquette. My new brain can't handle very much talk about these intelligent subjects.

"Ha! I don't expect you to humour me," she laughs. "I'm also working with the stock market, trying to make enough money to sustain me long term. Not very interesting, is it?"

"If you're involved, it's always interesting!" I grin.

"When did you become such a suck-up?" she jokes.

I smile, but Butler comes to mind suddenly, and how he's still in the shuttle waiting for me. I don't know how long he expected me to be, but the thought of leaving now is unbearable. I hope he doesn't mind waiting, because I plan on staying longer.

"So like you asked before: What now?" asked Minerva.

I clear my throat, suddenly nervous for what I am about to say. "Minerva?"

"Yes?"

"Would you like to be my girlfriend? We could go to Italy for a bit and travel Europe. I don't remember any of my European trips. What do you say?"

She bursts into a fit of giggles, and doesn't seem to be in control of herself. Embarrassment floods through me, and I feel ashamed for asking. Apparently kissing a guy for a while doesn't mean anything. My stupid inexperienced self can't even tell me if this is normal!

"Why are you laughing at me?" I finally demand.

"Oh! I'm sorry! I just couldn't help myself!" Minerva wipes tears from her eyes, still recovering from her laughter. "I'm not really laughing at you, but it's just so funny!"

"Har-dee-har!"

"You're just so different from anyone I've ever met! Firstly, because you asked me to be your girlfriend. Mostly because of how you asked."

"What was wrong with how I asked?" I thought it was pretty classy.

"Most people wouldn't just go out and ask it. The conventional way to do this is to date for a while, and after a certain point you can be boyfriend/girlfriend. It's definitely not normal to propose a European trip along with it, either! I know you lost some memory, but it was still surprising."

"Oh. How was I supposed to know? This isn't really my area of expertise! Anyway, since we're pretty unconventional: Will you be my girlfriend?"

"Didn't you hear me before? I'm not going to agree to this before we date!"

"Are you serious?"

"Yes! If this is the only time I'll be normal, then I will do this properly."

"Fine…" I grumble a bit, but secretly I think it might be cool to date for a bit. "Would you like to go out with me?"

"Let me check my calendar. Call me later."

"Why don't you check it now?"

"Because a lady must always leave a guy wanting more, and being uncertain."

Girls are so confusing. The games they play are unbelievable.

"Ok…" I try to figure out what to say next. "So, can I get your number, or is that a violation of the 'girl code'?"

She laughs. "Yes, you can have my number. I'll program it into your phone for you. Hand it over."

I blush. "I don't have a phone right now," I say sheepishly. "You can write it down for me, if you want."

"Are you serious? No phone? Alright. You'd figure the boy genius would have one, but whatever."

"I've been busy! I had Atlantis Complex! Pardon me for not buying a phone immediately after I recovered!"

"Ok, ok! You're going to get one, though."

"Of course."

"Good. So I guess I'll hear from you soon, when you call me later."

"This is ridiculous!" I protest. "You know I'm going to call, and you can check your calendar right now! I bet you don't even need to check!"

"Time to go! Call me!" she says playfully.

I growl, but lean in quickly and kiss her. I put one hand on the small of her back and the other in her hair, pulling her close to me. I try to be passionate, but my prior experience doesn't give me much to work with. Then, just to play games with her, I pull away quickly and yell "I'll call you later!" as I run out her front door.

I look around for the shuttle, but I don't see one. I softly call out, "Butler" and pray for a response. Right behind me I hear "Yes, Master Artemis?" Butler steps out of the shadows, and stands beside me, surveying for dangers.

"Where's the shuttle? I have so much to tell you! I'll fill you in while we go get me a new cell phone!"

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