Author's note: I told some of you that this was the last chapter. Well, I kind of found a 25th chapter that I must have thought was part of this, so this is the second to last! Woot!

Chapter 24

The small bird that forgot how to fly

Ariette returned home with Fayt and she saw Albel watching the television. She walked up to him and apologised for her behaviour. He waved it off, saying he was not angry at all. She smiled and thanked him. They sat down and watched the television together like normal. Later on that night Albel went to his room and came out in a shirt and some black trousers. Fayt laughed at him, finding his new wardrobe unbelievable still. Albel threw a nasty look at him and walked over to Ariette.

"Come on, I need to show you something," Albel said. Ariette nodded and followed him. Albel led her outside the apartment block and he whistled, making Reayru descend all happily. Albel helped Ariette onto Reayru's back and he climbed on behind her, arms sort of around her due to the reins controlling Reayru's movement. Ariette blushed, feeling suddenly nervous.

Reayru started to fly and she watched as the buildings went by in the setting sun. Albel flew up quite high, so that they could both witness a beautiful twilight. Ariette gasped, as she had never seen something so amazing and beautiful before. After the twilight had gone by, Albel descended and got off of Reayru, helping Ariette down from Reayru.

Albel led Ariette into a posh restaurant, to which Ariette was a little shocked, realising what was going on. They sat down at a table for two and Ariette was a little nervous, blushing slightly. The room was dimly lit, perfect for a romantic meal and candles were placed all around the room. A huge space was in the middle of the large room, with a stage to the side. All the tables were tables for two and Albel did not look as sour as he usually did; rather he looked a little jittery. He reached for the menu, knocking over the vase of flowers, dampening Ariette's lap.

"Oh, no. I, er, I'm really sorry," Albel stuttered. Ariette giggled profusely, laughing at the redness in his face. He got up and picked up the vase, shakily wiping Ariette's dress of the dampness. He sat back down and sighed.

"So, um. What would you like for starters?" Albel asked, handing her the menu.

"Hmm. Well, how about we get one of those shared platters?" Ariette smiled. Albel coughed and nodded.

"Then maybe I shall have a Spaghetti Bolognaise," Ariette said.

"Wow, just what I was going to order," Albel whispered. Ariette giggled, making Albel redden a little. Albel straightened up and called for a waiter, telling him their orders. The waiter nodded and walked off towards the kitchen.

"Look, I'm sorry about what I said this morning I-," Albel started.

"No, it was my fault for being so persistent," Ariette said. Albel shook his head, insisting that she had not anything wrong, saying that it was his fault and Ariette just giggled. Albel looked at her.

"W-what's so funny?" Albel asked. Ariette giggled once more.

"It's funny the way you're so flustered. Ever since we entered this restaurant. It's cute," Ariette giggled. Albel blushed harder and turned away, embarrassed to be caught behaving in such a way. Ariette just smiled. The starter arrived and they started consuming it. There was one onion ring left and Albel pushed over towards Ariette, even though technically it was supposed to be his.

"But this is yours. Are you sure?" Ariette asked. Albel nodded, smiling ever so slightly. Ariette beamed, thanking him graciously. Albel went red and Ariette laughed inwardly at the way Albel was so nervous.

A piano started to play and couples got up to slow dance to it. Ariette stared at the people who were getting up to dance. Albel got up and walked over to Ariette, offering her his hand. She blushed and put her left hand into his. He led her to the dance floor and clumsily put his hands on Ariette's waist. Ariette got closer to him and had her hands on his back, resting her head on his shoulder.

"You know, you can put your hands on my back. Tee hee," Ariette whispered. Albel blushed and moved his hands up her back.

Sora o kakeru hikoukimado kara

miorosu kumo wa yuki no you

Anata no sumu basho e to mukatte

kono kokoro wa yurete imasu

Kisetsu mo jikan mo subete kawatte iku

Nee mite yo hora

ORION ga chiheisen ni kagayaku

Ariette felt ever so comfortable and safe in Albel's arms and she swayed along with him, as they moved gently from side to side with the rhythm of the ballad.

Tobikata o wasureta tori no you ni

Boku wa nanika wo miushinatte

Kizutsuita sono basho kara umaredeta

Itai hodo no shiawase wo mitsuketa

Albel felt a little nervous and he was astonished at the strange new emotions that he was feeling right now. He could feel his heart beating fast and he listened at how the music was playing softly and beautifully.

Surinuketeku shiawase hodo

hakanai koto to wa shirazu ni ita

Surechigai ya ikidoori ni

sotto hitomi wo sorashite ita

Kisetsu mo jikan mo oikakete miyou

Nee mite yo hora

taiyou ga noboru awai sora wo

Ariette looked furtively to see Albel's face was that of a peaceful one, coloured slightly with red. She remembered how much she loved this song, back when she was in high school. She was surprised at how they were still playing these old songs, and she remembered how Cliff had told her about the music shortage.

Tobikata o wasureta tori no you ni

Itsuka nanika wo mitsuketa nara

Ki ga tsuite sono basho kara umaredeta

Itai hodo no shiawase ni kitto

Albel looked down at Ariette, who he spotted looking up at him. She was taken aback and turned her face away, blushing. He brought his hand so that he gently turned her face back to face him. He smiled gently, not sure what to do.

Tobikata o wasureta tori no you ni

Boku wa nanika wo miushinatte

Kizutsuita sono basho kara umaredeta

Itai hodo no shiawase ni ima kizuite

He gently lowed his face and placed a kiss upon Ariette's lips, which she accepted with much surprise. Moments later he softly raised his head and gazed into Ariette's eyes. She smiled wider and hugged him closer. He returned the embrace and the rest of the evening went as such.