Next chapter up. Hope you enjoy.

Cap. A POV

The next morning, Alex and I managed to arrive at the cafe at exactly the same time. Alex greeted me with a hug before we even got in the door.

"Welcome back, stranger. Have a nice trip?" She asked as we entered the cafe. I noted that she smelled nice, even though I couldn't place the scent. I guess it was just further confirmation I really liked this girl.

"It was nice for what it was. Business trips can only be just so nice." We approached the counter and stood behind another customer waiting to place an order. "Why don't you go grab the table while I get the coffee?"

Alex nodded, heading to our usual table. As I waited for my turn to order, I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I came to a decision the previous night, after several hours of thinking and arguing with myself, that I would ask Alex out to dinner tonight. What harm could it do to get to know her on a more personal level. I didn't have to tell her about who I was right away. If it felt right, I'd tell her and if this whole experiment in dating didn't work out, hopefully we could still remain friends. It was a risk, but it was one I decided I was willing to take.

I got our coffees and joined Alex at the table. She hadn't stopped smiling since we entered the cafe and at the moment, I was finding it hard to think clearly when she smiled at me.

"Why are you all smiles?" I asked, feeling slightly hypocritical for asking, since I'm sure I was smiling almost as much as she was.

Alex blushed almost as red as her hair. "I just really missed your company, I guess."

"Well, that answer is a perfect segue into my next question. Would you like to go out to dinner with me tonight?"

"I'd love to." she replied, beaming at me. "Now, be honest with me. Was I being completely obvious and pathetic by giving you my number the way I did?"

I laughed. "Not at all. In fact, my female housemate had to point it out to me that normally a woman only gives her number out to men she's genuinely interested in. She was one of the two you pointed out to me before I left. I honestly thought you were giving me your number only so you wouldn't buy two coffees if my trip took longer than a week."

Alex laughed with me. "You'll have to thank her for interpreting for me. How about I meet you here around 6? If things go well, maybe you can pick me from my apartment next time."

This idea made my smile increase. "In that case, do you mind if I pick the restaurant? I honestly don't know what's good around here, but I have a housemate who I trust to recommend a place."

Alex shrugged. " Sounds like a plan to me. I don't know much about the restaurants around here either. I really don't go out much. I get most of my social interaction from my classes and you. It would be great to try someplace new, but has been recommended."

"Perfect."

We talked for a while longer, then parted ways with the promise to meet up at the cafe again around 6.

XX

Alex stood outside the front door of her apartment. She fumbled with her keys slightly, using the delay to make sure she hadn't been followed.

Once inside, she locked the door, placing her keys and purse on a side table. She took off her shoes, then padded gently into her living room, where she took a green orb, about the size of a small apple, off of a stand on the bookshelf. She placed the orb on the coffee table. It didn't roll around at all, simply lying unmoving where she placed it.

She sat down on the floor, legs folded under her, and closed her eyes.

Moments later, when she opened her eyes, her apartment had been replaced by a large open field of green grass and a clear, star filled sky.

Alex got to her feet and approached a shadowy figure standing alone by a still pond.

"You're late. I was beginning to worry." The figure stated in an obviously male voice.

"Don't you trust me?"

The figured chuckled. "Of course I do. I am only concerned for your welfare. You have been gone a long time. Far longer than anticipated. It sometimes makes me wonder if your mission is clear."

Alex scoffed. "You know full well I can only track the device when it's used. It hasn't been used for over a month. I am monitoring for it constantly, regardless of my daily activities. I've already tracked it to New York. One, maybe two more activations and I'll have it. I assure you, my mission is my primary focus, as always."

"Do not get defensive, my dear. I appreciate you volunteering for this mission, we all do, but I just have to wonder if you are using this mission to avoid..."

"Please don't say it. It's true, I did kinda use this mission to run away at first, and I am still using it to help put off the inevitable, but I am not dragging my feet on finding the device. I promise. I will return soon. The device is too interesting to be left inactive for long."

"I trust you, Alexiya, and I understand why you are not over eager to return, but you are like a daughter to me and I will always worry about you."

Alex smiled up at the figure. "You are family to me, as well."

"I have taken enough of your time. Take care of yourself and I'll speak with you again in a month. With any luck, maybe sooner."

"I'll try to check in on time next time. I don't mean to make you worry."

The figure nodded, then the green field and starry night faded away and Alex found herself back in her apartment. With a sigh, she got up off the floor, rolling the orb around in her palm for a few seconds before replacing it back on its shelf. She then headed up to shower and continue with her day.

She had a date to get ready for.

To Be Continued...