Author's note: sooo sorry for taking so long! I have been signing papers and doing schoolwork. Also, {…} = sign language. '…' = thoughts. "…" = talking. ~…~ = note from previous chapter.

Challenge: Send me ideas for Snake's real name, and I'll write a bonus chapter for any story within the LOTR, Ranger's Apprentice, or G.I. JOE fanfictions. The sender of my favorite name gets to pick witch fiction I write the bonus chapter for.

Disclaimer: still don't own anything, but the plot.

~{So, dinner?}~

"Dinner sounds lovely." Channa replied with a gentle smile. 'Hmm, I might actually consider dating him…'

{Good, I have the perfect place in mind.} Snake-eyes said, smiling. He then led her to Mamma in Cucina, an older log cabin looking place.

"Oh, I've never been here." Channa said doubtfully.

{Trust me, this place has the best pizza, spaghetti, and Italian sodas.} Snake-eyes said, noting her slight discomfort.

"Ooh, I've always loved Italian sodas." Channa said, putting her full trust in him. If you asked her afterward why she did so, she wouldn't be able to explain it.

'I wander why she trusts me so easily? Me, the Dark Angel of Death.' Snake-eyes wandered as he led her into the restaurant. The elderly Italian hostess knew him from the times Conrad and Shanna had brought him there. "Oh, Mr. Arashakage, how wonderful to see you again! Shall you and your lovely friend be wanting the corner table?" she asked. Channa blushed at the compliment. "May I ask you of your name young lady?" She crooned.

"My name is Channa." Channa replied quietly.

"What a lovely name for such a beautiful young woman." The hostess crooned.

"Why thank you. I just arrived yesterday." Channa said.

{Mamma Alessia! We barely know each other, this is our first date!} Snake-eyes said, horrified. He looked at Channa to apologize, but found her attempting to smother her laughter, unsuccessfully.

Mamma Alessia just cackled, "Oh, you young people are always so blind when it comes to love! You never know when it hits you, until it's too late."

"Hmm, my mother said something like that when I was younger." Channa mused.

{You're agreeing with her! Why?} Snake-eyes signed.

"Our elders oft' hold the answers, Snake." Channa replied.

"She's a bright one, a real keeper Snake-eyes." Mamma Alessia crooned.

Snake-eyes merely blushed and gestured that he would like to be seated now. He smiled inwardly at Channa's rosy cheeks, they made her so much more attractive to him. 'Though she would be attractive if she was scowling at me.' Snake-eyes thought.

Mamma Alessia got them settled, then took their orders. When the Italian sodas and lasagna came, the couple dug in. "Wow, I've never had such wonderful lasagna!" Channa exclaimed.

"I'll give your compliments to the chief, he'll be glad you liked it. Would you two like some desserts?" Mamma said, then asked.

{We would love some of your cannoli.} Snake-eyes replied.

"Alright, I have some fresh made." Mamma Alessia replied with a twinkle in her eyes. The cannoli were wonderful, vanilla flavored filling, chocolate chips on the ends, and dipped in white chocolate. Both Channa and Snake gave their thanks. Snake-eyes payed the bill, gave a generous tip, and led Channa out. He walked her to her hotel, wished her goodnight, and drove himself back to base.

Unbeknownst to the lovers, Scarlett went into Mamma in Cucina. She was pleased by the report she got about the progress of Snake and Channa's relationship. She hoped that the two would fully fall for one another soon…

~To be Continued~