…Superstition saw
Something that it had never seen before:
Brown eyes that loved without a trace of fear,
Beauty so sudden for that time of year.
—"November Cotton Flower" by Jean Toomer

He had often heard that looks could be deceiving. The looks were the knowledge that the deli Becky had suggested was found in the Narrows, but upon entering he was pleasantly surprised.

Swanky.

'Yes, it is rather nice.' Jon nodded to himself as his eyes took in the pristine interior. He looked down at Becky to who offered him a smile.

"Have any preference on seating?"

He shook his head, "No, where would you like to sit?"

She took his hand, which he flushed at lightly—Scarecrow chuckled in affection—and followed her to a window seat. "Here alright?"

"Fine with me," he nodded and he removed his hand nervously from hers and grabbed one of the chairs. He pulled it out for her. She smiled slightly in thanks and sat down. "So what would you like?" He asked as he slid her closer to the table before walking to the seat across from her and beginning to shed his blazer.

"A French Anjou please with sweet tea." She replied and Jonathan nodded, turning around to head to the front so he could order for them. The cashier offered him a knowing smile and he could feel the eyes of the other customers on him as well. He returned the gestures shyly and quickly ordered. When he was done he turned around and cast a smile at Becky, despite how tense he actually felt.

'What am I going to say to her when I sit down?' He asked Scarecrow desperately. He could sense the reassurance around him instantly.

Alright, here's some advice to get the ball rolling if you get over there and still can't think of anything: compliment her; her hair, her eyes, anything.

Jonathan chuckled, 'She is very pretty today.' She had on a simple white blouse but it complimented her skin tone, and the sunlight highlighted her copper curls.

Very much, but I always think our little mouse is rather attractive.

'How does she do it? She was even beautiful soaked.'

Scarecrow purred, Especially then. Be careful, though, Jonny don't get yourself too excited like before.

Jonathan inwardly choked. He clearly remembered the thoughts he had had that particular night, and at the moment he didn't need them.

Well, Jonny, Scarecrow snickered, normally I'd tell you you need to get laid and fast, but in this context that really wouldn't help. You'd just want more and the thoughts would invade your skull just as often if not ceaselessly for a while.

'I'm comforted by your amusement.' He replied flatly.

I'm sorry, but Jonny you actually lusting after a woman is just so…cute. He was interrupted as the cashier brought them their sandwiches and drinks, which Jonathan grabbed and began making his way back to the table. Jonathan inwardly scowled at Scarecrow, but the man was less than angry. I want to thank her for bringing you out of that turtle shell you've been hidin' in.

Jonathan ignored him as he had made it back to Becky. He placed her sweet tea and sub with dipping sauce in front of her and then arranged his own food.

"Thanks for agreeing to come to lunch with me," he said as he took his own seat. He supposed he could start there.

Becky shook her head with a smile as she picked up a segment and dipped it into the sauce, "It was the least I could do in return for you picking me up, besides I would have said yes even if you'd just sprung it on me while passing me in the hallway."

She blushed and took a bite of her sandwich, eating neatly Jonathan noted as he too bit into his turkey sub. He smiled, "Well perhaps we can make this a weekly outing, if you'd like. We can go out to lunch once a week."

"That sounds…nice," She flushed a shade darker.

Add in some dinners and other dates too.

"I would also love to take you to dinner sometime, somewhere fancy." He offered meekly.

You just want her in a dress like that purple one again.

'And you don't?' Scarecrow chuckled at the mock surprise in Jonathan's voice.

"Are you asking me on a date?" Her voice edged on shyness.

He nodded as she drank her sweet tea through a straw, "Yes." He kept the answer simple, fearing what he'd say were he not to stop talking.

"I'd love to go out with you sometime, Jon." He smiled at her reply and laughed nervously.

"Th-that's wonderful." He was relieved when she laughed too, but not in ridicule. She reached across the table and patted his hand, her own gesture shy.

Scarecrow and Jonathan were both amused at her own timidity. It was very endearing. Jonathan turned over his hand and grabbed hers. "I want to get to know you better, Becky. I want you to get to know me better. I believe it is the least I can do after you kissed me." He chuckled lightly.

Once again her cheeks took on a radiant hue of pink. "Oh, so I take it you really did enjoy that?" Her tone had fallen into a smoother cadence, her voice dropping as she tried to sound seductive. It worked. Jonathan felt his stomach do a flip-flop and when he met her hooded stare he knew exactly what he wanted to do.

His eyes fell to her lips; he had told her he wanted to repay the gesture. He could stand up, walk around the table, lean down, and kiss her. It would be so simple.

Do it. Do it, Jonny. If you don't, I will. Don't be nervous, she won't reject you.

It was like every bit of awkwardness he'd tried to dispel during his school years came back with a vengeance. He wanted to kiss her, but what if he fell on his face, what if missed her lips? It was all irrational, but with every moment he didn't answer the situation was threatened.

From within him Scarecrow sighed and without further ado took control. He stared up at Becky and smirked.

"Enjoy it," he chuckled and took off his glasses, setting them atop the table as he released her hand. He stood up and walked to her chair. "I did far more than enjoy it, my mouse." He stared down at her, one hand placed on the back of her chair. She craned her head, staring at him in anxious hope. He leaned down.

"I've not been able to get it off my mind, and I believe I made a promise." His other hand cupped her cheek and he brought his lips to hers. As soon as they had made contact he retreated and Jonathan was once again back. He was surprised for a moment until he felt her mouth react to his, then he let himself fully kiss her, it was innocent and chaste, but when he pulled back he couldn't deny to himself that he wanted more.

He stared into her dazed eyes and allowed himself one more kiss, "They're as soft as I remember," he licked his lips, "and sweet too." He knew it was sugar from the tea, but to see that flush on her cheeks unconsciously darken it made it worth it, even the whistle he got from the table across the room.

I'm not dead! There is no excuse as to why I've waited this long. I just lost my inspiration for a few weeks, but it is back and I'll try and get on schedule again. Happy Fourth of July, all my American readers! Once again I apologize for such a long absence.

Oh, and this story has finally tipped 100 reviews! Thank you so much you guys! You're support means the world to me!