There were times when Ai genuinely wondered at the minds of his friends and colleagues.

When he had unfolded that piece of paper revealing the number three, he had immediately decided that planning was key. As he was not well versed in romance of any kind he, naturally, sought the help of his fellow Quartet Night members.

First, he had approached Reiji. He had suggested that he try something simple - something that he wasn't likely to get flustered during and make a fool of himself. When he had asked for specific suggestion Reiji had simply winked at him, ruffled his hair and said "No chance, Ai-Ai!"

Second, he had sought out Ranmaru, who he found in a particularly grumpy mood. When he had brought up the fact that he was the third to be allowed to date Y/N, Ranmaru had simply told him "not to rub it in his face" and to "enjoy it while he can".

Eventually he went to Camus. Over a cup of sweet tea, they had discussed what Ai already understood of romance, dating and the like and, upon realising that he knew absolutely nothing, Camus had shaken his head, added another sugar cube to his tea and told him to do some research. Since Ai was so fond of collecting data the internet seemed like a good starting place.

That was one piece of advice that he could take. So, after some time trawling search engine for topics like "date ideas", "how to be romantic" and "what does woo mean?" He felt prepared enough to put plans in place.

When you had gotten up that morning, you had been greeted by a note pushed under your bedroom door. Written in Ai's distinctive handwriting, it respectfully asked you to join him outside the main gates at 2pm, and was signed with a kiss.

You smiled fondly at the sweet gesture and went to dress yourself in something you felt Ai would like. Deciding on your flouncy cyan blue dress and a cropped white cardigan, you went about your morning with a smile on your face, eager to see what Ai had in store for you.

At 2pm, you made your way to the gates and, of course, Ai was there waiting for you. He had smartened up his usual look a little and he had taken extra care with his hair. He was looking pretty dashing, you thought as you approached.

He bowed to you as you reached him and greeted you with a kiss to your hand, which flustered you a little.

"Good afternoon, Y/N," he smiled, "you look beautiful today. Not that you don't look beautiful every day!" He panicked, fearing he had misspoken. He simply couldn't stop talking, "and, that is not to say that you haven't made a special effort today. Not that I would expect you to!"

Oh dear. This hadn't been on any of those web pages. He was not familiar with this feeling he was experiencing. A quick diagnostic revealed the cause to be "nerves". How strange.

He was relieved when you laughed and thanked him, replying that he looked very handsome.

The "nerves" were suddenly overtaken by a strange pounding in his chest. This, he had felt before, though oddly, only around you. He wondered at its cause and what it might be.

Still, he returned to his plan. His research had led him to believe that traditional "first dates" often consisted of meeting for coffee, dinner or seeing a movie where hand holding may or may not take place, followed by walking the girl back to her home and, if both parties consent, a kiss on either the cheek, lips or hand may be shared.

He had noted this information and planned to carry this formula out to the letter.

"Y/N, I was wondering if you would consider accompanying me to the cinema this afternoon? The listings show that there are several romantic comedies showing today, there is a particularly large range of foods available at the concession stand to cater to any dietary requirements and-"

He couldn't help but notice that you were trying to hide a laugh.

"Is...is everything okay, Y/N?" he asked, those "nerves" suddenly feeling much more prominent.

"I'm sorry, Ai," you shook your head, smiling at him endearingly. "It's just that, well, it sounds like you've googled date ideas! Please, I'm not trying to offend you, and I think it's so sweet of you, but I can't help but feel that maybe...well, that you might not enjoy that as much,"

This was unexpected.

Perhaps his usual methods of researching did not apply in the world of romance. He could not bare the thought of having tripped at the first hurdle. Quickly, he responded,

"I apologise, Y/N. I have no wish to make today seem stereotypical or boring in any way. Please forgive me," he bowed.

"No! No, please, Ai, it's alright!" you waved your hands in front of you, startled by his apology, "That's not at all what I meant. I just want you to have fun today too! This is for you as much as me and I couldn't be happy unless you were too,"

Ai glanced up, somewhat shocked by your explanation. Had he truly forgotten to factor himself into the plans? Of course he had! He had been so meticulous in trying to please you that his own happiness had not come into the equation. Still, he was extremely touched by your selflessness.

"In truth," he began, "I do not have a preference for romantic comedies and I did think that the cinema was an odd venue for a date…"

"Really?" you asked, a smile returning to your face at his honesty, "why is that?"

"Well, in a cinema, I would have no way of measuring whether or not you were happy through facial expressions or body language. I would rarely be given the opportunity to look at you and I…" he trailed off, averting his eyes slightly with a frown.

"Ai?" You tried to coax him gently.

"...I wouldn't want to miss a moment where I could look at you," he confessed.

Again, those "nerves" hammered at him. He always spoke the truth but it was rare for him to say something truly heartfelt. It caused him a surprising amount of anxiety - as if everything depended on a favourable response from you.

"Well," you answered,a slight blush colouring your cheeks, "I'd rather look at you then a projection screen any day,"

It was then that Ai learned that he possessed the capacity to blush.

Choosing to stifle as much of his sudden emotions of bashfulness, he simply bowed and attempted to appear collected.

"So," you continued, feeling more than a little happy with yourself when noticing the pink tinge of his cheeks, "with that in mind, what would you really be happy doing with me today?"

Ai cursed his association with Reiji for the inappropriate thoughts that sprung into his mind. As the pink flush rose to red, he cleared his throat and replied,

"I want to get to know you better, Y/N. I spend so much of my life trying to learn and to experience what others do. I...care more for you than anyone else and yet I know so much less than I would want. Please, teach me about you today?"

The brightness of your returning smile made his heart pound.

"Ai," you grinned, moved by his response, "if that will make you happy then I'd be delighted! Actually, I have an idea for how this could work! Come with me?"

"Of course, Y/N,"

You had to give yourself a pat on the back - this was a pretty good idea.

As you led Ai through the atrium of the beautiful town library, you were delighted to find that your favourite corner table was empty. It was so perfectly situated - far from anyone else, shielded by towering bookshelves and lit by the afternoon sun through the arc window - it was the perfect venue for this unique date.

As you pulled up two comfortable armchairs, Ai looked around himself with fascination.

"Everything alright?" you smiled.

"I've never been in a place like this before. Is that odd?" he replied, taking in all the thousands upon thousands of books around him.

"No, I don't think so," you giggled, "considering that nearly all of your research is internet based and that you are a literal genius when it comes to technology, I can see why a library might seem obsolete to you,"

"Now that I'm here," he began, running his hand along the spines of a row of books, "I think I could be very happy here,"

"I'm so glad!" you beamed, "I want us to have a wonderful day together, k?"

He nodded, allowing himself a small smile.

"So, how can I learn more about you from these books?" he asked, trying to understand.

"Well, I thought I could try to find some books that I love - you know, ones that have kind of shaped me - and that way you'd um… be able to sort of...see my heart?" you trailed off. Did that sound cheesy and dumb? You hoped it didn't.

Ai, however, lit up at the thought.

"I would be honoured," he bowed a little, breaking into a genuine smile.

You felt your heart flutter whenever he bestowed that rare and beautiful smile on you.

"Okay, well, I'll go and look some out! Will you be okay here till I get back?"

"Please, don't worry. I look forward to your return,"

Your heart skipping a beat at his kind words, you hurried off to comb the shelves.

On your return, arms holding six or seven leatherbound books, you saw that Ai had, himself, been busy.

Sitting on the table, waiting for you, were two large hot chocolates, thick and sweet, topped with a mountain of cream and tiny marshmallows.

"Ai, thank you so much! You shouldn't have!" you gasped, setting the books on the table.

"I remembered what you said two weeks ago about hot chocolate being the best thing to drink when curled up with a book. I hope I did not presume too much in getting this for you,"

"No! I mean… thank you! That was really thoughtful of you to remember that! I don't even remember saying it!" you smiled, appreciative of just how much attention he pays. How much he always pays.

It was now even more important to you to be able to show him what he asked for. You hoped the books you chose would be enough for now.

As you got comfortable beside him, he began to turn over the books.

"I've never heard of some of these…" he said, pulling one from the pile, "What about this one? Will you tell me about it?"

He handed the book to you and you turned it over with a smile.

"This one?"

You opened the book and quickly flicked through the pages, remembering all the times you had sat with this book in your lap and lost yourself in its story.

"Beauty and the Beast is an old fairytale. My parents used to read it to me to help me sleep. I've just...always felt a connection with it, I guess? Does that sound stupid?"

"No!" Ai reassured you, "It makes perfect sense. Please, will you tell me more about this book? I would like to know about the things that make you happy,"

You beamed, so happy that he didn't think you were silly for being so attached to a children's book.

"Of course! Here, scoot closer, I'll read it to you. This is the abridged version,"

"I would like that very much," Ai smiled sweetly, moving closer in his chair to follow as you read.

"There was once a very rich merchant, who had six children, three sons, and three daughters; being a man of sense, he spared no cost for their education, but gave them all kinds of masters…."

You read and as you turned each page, glanced up to see Ai's expression.

Your worries that he would be bored, disinterested or confused dispelled by the rapt attention he paid to the story.

Occasionally he would make a comment such as, "Why would Beauty agree to stay at the castle? That wasn't her fault!" or "I don't understand. Why would her sisters want the Beast to eat her?"

You did your best to explain as you went, secretly enjoying teaching Ai about something that meant so much to you.

As you drank your chocolate and read, you found yourselves drifting closer until, as you read the last few pages, you hand remained rested in Ai's.

"...He married Beauty, and lived with her many years, and their happiness - as it was founded on virtue - was complete. The End,"

You finished, closing the book with a grin.

"Thank you, Y/N. That was beautiful. You... have a wonderful voice for storytelling,"

You blushed at his sincere compliment.

"Thanks, Ai. I hope you enjoyed it,"

"I did. There were times where I understood more than… than I expected to,"

That puzzled you. You weren't entirely sure what Ai had expected at all, you had just been focussed on showing him why you loved the book. You had done that, right? What else could he have noticed?

"Really?" you responded, turning to face him, "And what was that?"

"I have never identified with a character before,"

That took you by surprise. You hadn't expected Ai to find any sort of connection with the story.

"Huh? Oh! Well, maybe that's a good thing? Sometimes identifying with a character can make a book more enjoyable. Who do you think you identified with?" you asked, curious.

"The Beast,"

That puzzled you even more. He and the Beast could not be more different. You wanted to know more.

"Really? Why's that?"

Ai sat silently for a moment. He did not seem nervous or worried - rather, he looked like he was trying to formulate the correct words.

"I suppose it is because of how he perceives himself and the world around him," he began, looking intently into his empty hot chocolate mug, "or rather, that he doesn't understand how things are. He is limited by what he is. I feel the same. I am limited in my experiences of the emotions, the feelings that you all have. There are times when I wish so much to be a part of it but I cannot. I must be taught to understand. It is…frustrating. You are the only person who has ever helped me truly understand. These feeling I harbour for you – they are my only understanding of love. Through you, I know how to love,"

"Ai…" you were momentarily lost for words.

On the one hand you were so proud that he had saw fit to trust you and let you in to how he was feeling. On the other, his confession was so sincere that you had to struggle to keep your emotions in check.

You wanted to reassure him but you were unsure what to say that would show that you truly understood.

"Ai, thank you so much for being so open with me. I really appreciate that," you squeezed his hand lightly, "Listen, I know that it must be frustrating for you sometimes when you don't understand something that the people around you do… but you never need to hold back with me, okay? If you want me to help you to understand anything, please, just ask. I love you as you are, Ai. You're special. You're just as you're meant to be and you're perfect…"

Ai flushed a little at your confession.

He was aware of a sudden skipping sensation in his chest as if his heart was also taken by surprise.

It brought to mind a wish of his. Considering your last statement, he felt less nervous than previously about asking you to grant it.

"Y/N," he looked directly into your eyes, "why do couples kiss?"

You blinked.

Well, that had certainly been out of the blue.

You had offered to teach him whatever he wanted, you just hadn't expected to jump in at the deep end.

You cleared your throat.

"Well, um… couples kiss to express affection for each other," you replied.

"Ah, so it is purely symbolic gesture?"

"No, not really. I guess it's more um…well, it feels…good," you tried again.

"Feels good?" he tilted his head, confused.

"Yes, it's… it's something they do that's a pleasurable expression of love between them," you hoped that was better.

There was a pause. Ai contemplated for a moment before turning back to you.

"Will you show me?"

He sounded so innocent, you almost couldn't believe what he was asking.

But, looking into his mesmerising blue eyes, you could help but feel a spark of excitement.
Slowly you leaned forward, placing your hands gently on his shoulders to guide him towards you. You felt him take a gentle intake of breath a moment before your lips met his.

They were so soft. Like petals.

You moved your lips carefully against his, not wanting to jar him. You felt your stomach doing flips in excitement as you shared this kiss.

Apparently you were not the only one.

As you captured his bottom lip between yours, you heard him moan.

The sound alone fanned the flame in you and you gasped in surprise, the kiss ending as you both caught your breath.

"I-I…" he stammered, "I had not expected such an…intense response…"

You smiled coyly, eager to elicit that response from him again.

"Really?" you leaned forward, "You know, Ai, you can kiss me wherever you want…"

He let out a huff of breath, his cheeks reddening further.

"Y/N…I want to kiss you again," he whispered, his voice less confident than usual.

You beamed. Leaning forward, you kissed him again, this time much harder.

You wound your hands into his beautiful cyan hair and pressed yourself against him.

His hands instinctively flew to your waist. You could feel them shaking.

Trying not to smirk, you sensually licked along his bottom lip, his ensuing gasp allowing you to caress his tongue with your own.

He tasted like peppermint.

Then, as you tilted your head, kissing him deeper, you heard that moan again. This time it sounds less surprised and more desperate. His moans and whimpers continued as you caressed his scalp and ran your hands down to his shoulders.

Breaking away, you pressed your forehead against his.

He was panting and his eyes were closed.

"Y-Y/N…my heart… it's pounding…" he whimpered.

You took his hand and placed it against your chest, allowing him to feel your own thundering heartbeat.

He smiled dazzlingly and, winding his arms around your waist, he breathed,

"Y/N, what more is there than kissing? I want more…"

He learned fast, you thought, with a sly grin.

"I can show you, Ai… but you have to promise me, if something happens between us and you feel uncomfortable, you have to tell me, okay? I would never ever push you, Ai. I need you to trust me on that,"

"I do. I do trust you, Y/N. Please, just show me. Teach me…"

How could you refuse such a request?

* * *

You had made your way back to the Master Course dorms as fast as you could and were now entwined in an embrace on your bed.

You were straddling him as you kissed. He learned fast indeed and he was becoming very talented at drawing delighted gasps from you with his lips.

You were already half clothed. Ai had absolutely no inhibitions about baring his body to you. He had been extremely puzzled at you own hesitation, stating that "of course" you were beautiful. The very fact that he took your beauty to be universal knowledge made your heart flutter.
As you pressed your breasts to his chest his hand stroked up from your waist to caress them.
You groaned, breaking this kiss as you arched into his touch.

"Oh, Y/N… they're so soft!" his eyes were blown in arousal as he brushed his thumbs across your hardened nipples.

"Ai!" you cried, "do that again!"

"Does it feel good, Y/N? Am I pleasing you?" you heard the smirk in his voice.

Oh, he was a fast learning indeed.

"Mmm!"

Without warning, he took your nipple in his mouth, suckling desperately. The vibrations from his delighted moans passed into you.

"Ai… please… let me touch you too!"

He drew back and latched onto your neck, nibbling at your pulse point.

"Yes! Please, touch me, Y/N…everything feels so good!"

Forcing yourself to pull back from him, you reached for the buttons of his trousers, hurriedly freeing his throbbing erection and tossing the remainder of his clothes aside. Again, he had no inhibitions, merely sighing that he "hoped he was what you wanted".

As your eyes raked over him, taking in his beautifully toned legs and abs, his milky, perfect skin and his protruding cock, you wondered how his stunning figure could have gone unnoticed to you.

"Ai, you gorgeous!" you praised, running your hands gently over his thighs, feeling the muscles tense.

"So are you, Y/N. You're so beautiful. Look what you do to me,"

Indeed, his cock was already weeping with need. It was so inviting.

He leaning back on his forearms, unsure what the next step was.

That was, until you took him in your hand, using your own saliva to ease the way.

"AH!" he cried out, "My god, Y/N!"

"Does it feel good, Ai?" you purred, working his length and gazing up at him, "Am I making you feel good?"

"Yes!" he groaned, falling onto his back, "You make me feel… there is nothing like it! Oh, Y/N!"

His response was so intense it made you wonder whether he had never felt this kind of stimulation before. The thought that this was his first ever experience of sexual pleasure turned you on beyond words.

"That's it, Ai. Give yourself over to the pleasure. I'm going to take such good care of you, sweetheart…"

You pumped him harder, sweeping your thumb over his leaking head, leaning over him so that he could feel your hot breath on his cock.

"AH! Y/N! What's happening to me?!" he cried out, his back arching off of the best as he writhed, "This feeling! I-I don't understand! Oh, I want more! Please! Give me more!"

His begging was truly beautiful. You caved instantly.

He whined mournfully as you let go of his cock but gasped as you straddled his hips. In the second that you had been apart, you had removed your panties and thrown them to the floor.

"Y/N!" His eyes snapped open to take you in, "Oh, Y/N, you're so pretty! I- Ohhh!"

He fell back again as he felt his head, directed by your hand, brush you entrance.

"I'm so wet for you, Ai," you whispered, "Can you feel it?"

"Yes! Yes, I feel it! Y/N, please, I don't know-"

"Don't worry, baby," you grinned, "I'm going to teach you,"

With that you sank onto him in one movement.

"AAAH!" His hands flew to the sheets, searching out anything to grab onto, "So tight! It feels… it feels- OHHH!"

He howled as you braced your hands on his chest and began to ride him.

He felt incredible inside you. So hard and so perfect that your eyes closed in pleasure as you bounced on his member.

"Mmm!" you panted, rocking harder atop, finding the perfect angle, "I love it, Ai!"

"Yesss!" he hissed, his hips beginning to buck up into you of their own accord.

Suddenly he surged forward, capturing you in his arms and raising you up and down on his cock.

"Ai!" you cried out in surprise and pleasure, "What-?"

"I'm a fast learner, right?" he huffed a laugh, "God, Y/N, you feel incredible! I want you so bad! Ugh! Let me go harder, please!"

"Yes! Anything, Ai!" you held on to him tight, spreading your legs wider for him.
"I'm going to make you feel so good, Y/N!"

His hips stopped their steady rhythm for one moment before ploughing up into you again and again, constantly increasing in speed and force.

"AH!" you shrieked, your head tossed back, "Ai! Oh my god! Yes!"

"I can keep going, Y/N! As long as you want, I can keep going!" his smile had turned predatory as he slammed into you, "Let me make you cum!"

Those words. They had you on the edge. His cock was stroking your sweet spot with every thrust, so hard and so right, it was taking all your strength to hold on.

"Ai! I love you! Fuck, I'm so close!" you called out, your vision starting to blur.

"I love you too! God, Y/N, I love you too! Please, please cum for me, Y/N!" he begged, not letting up in his thrusts for one moment.

"AI!" you screamed, you whole body writhing as you came hard around his length. You muscles clamped down and you clung to him desperately.

"What- AAH!" his eyes shot open wide.

The sensation of you tightening around him drove him unexpectedly over the edge, milking the cum from him as he orgasmed for the first time.

He trembled all over as he filled you, his head pressed firmly to your breasts, his breath coming in high whimpers.

Eventually, the aftershocks overtook you and you fell sideways onto the bed. You hissed as he pulled out, wrapping you in his arms.

"Y-Y/N…" his voice shook, "thank you…t-thank you so much… my love,"

You tried desperately to catch your breath as you nuzzled into his chest.

"Thank you, Ai…for trusting me…love you…"

As you both drifted into sleep, Ai reflected. He was no longer inexperienced, no longer unknowing, and you, his teacher, had entirely captured his heart.