Louisa awoke refreshed and thrilled to begin her day after a deep and blessedly dreamless sleep. Expectations had been to have silly dreams about weddings and children or possibly something a bit more salacious. She watched her face blush in the mirror at the thought of having those kind of dreams about Yuri Briar.

Rechecking the bows at her shoulders of the white sundress decorated with polka dots in varying shades of yellow, she did a quick turn to check the fluttery, swinging chiffon skirt. She had styled her hair in milkmaid braids in order to stay cool since they would be outside for a while today. Flat white sandals would be the perfect finish for her spring outfit.

The knock on her door sent her into a tizzy, sending her rushing out of her bedroom. Running back in, she snatched her shawl off the rocking chair in the corner. Just in case their was a chilly breeze or things should turn a bit cold for any reason.

When she opened the door, Yuri extended a single yellow rose to her. Possibly a reminder their relationship had officially been labeled a friendship to avoid any misunderstandings while pretending to be romantic couple.

Once again, he was dressed in black dress pants and a white dress shirt rolled up to his elbows. His tie was a blue so dark it almost looked black. At least his shoes were black loafers today. Did he own any casual clothes? Khaki pants? Pull overs? Surely he owned t-shirts to wear under his dress shirts.

Perhaps they should go shopping sometime. Yuri worked for the government but seriously! He could relax and be truly comfortable occasionally it seemed. Especially in his own clothes.

"You're spoiling me, you know," Louisa warned him, taking the flower from him.

"Why don't you put it in your hair?" he suggested, blushing deeply. "The yellow is perfect with that dress." He scratched his cheek with his forefinger while a thin film of sweat formed across his forehead. "And you looked absolutely beautiful last night with the flower in your hair."

Rather than trying to speak because she knew she would stutter, Louisa nodded. She broke off a portion of the long stem. Turning away from him, she walked to her kitchen; partly to discard the stem, mostly to take a moment to gather her wits.

He could be so nice and sweet at times. Exceedingly romantic and charming. Like a real prince. Then other times he could be conceited, selfish, and annoying. She thought of the way he loved his sister a little too much which sent a shiver down her back. Downright disturbing too.

Reaching behind her head, she attempted to slide the rose into the knot where she had twisted the braids together and secured them with pins after wrapping them around her head. While struggling to get it positioned between the pins, she felt Yuri's fingers, cool, slim, and gentle, tangle with hers. She inadvertently jumped away from him because she never heard him come up behind her or felt his presence until he touched her.

"I'm sorry," he apologized when she turned to glare at him. He had the rose in his hand because she had let it go when he startled her. Holding it out to her, he said, "I was just trying to help. I didn't mean to frighten you. Let me help. Please."

Louisa nodded and turned her back to him. She chewed her lower lip nervously, not really caring if she ruined her lipstick. They would be going to get coffee soon and most off it would come off on the cup anyway. She twiddled her fingers and shifting from foot to foot when she felt his fingers pulling at her hair gently to push in the rose but not to cause pain.

"There. Perfect. Beautiful," he complimented her when she turned around to face him.

"Uhm...uh, Yuri. There's something I need to ask you."

She fidgeted like a nervous child, threading and unthreading her fingers while staring at her toes. Her eyes slowly lifted to meet his. His large eyes blinked questioningly but he patiently waited for her to speak.

"Do you think I'm beautiful only because I look like your sister?"

Shit!, Yuri screamed internally. It was his turn to hesitate and be jittery. To avoid twiddling his fingers, he clasped his hands behind his back. He did think she was beautiful. She was not wrong in thinking a lot of it had to do with the fact she is a look-alike for his sister. But...

"Yes, you do look a lot like Yor," he began, a pathetic attempt to downplay their similarities. He could tell she did not fully buy it when her bottom lip popped free of her gnawing teeth and formed that straight line of agitation. "But I think you're beautiful because you're you. Louisa Eleazor. I'm not crazy. I love my sister, but I know you are you and not her. Your personalities do have some similarities but there are some big differences as well. Those are good differences," he added quickly when she opened her mouth to issue what would no doubt be a scathing retort. "And I think..." He sighed heavily. "No, I know I like you."

Louisa smiled. His adorable awkwardness along with the declaration he had already made several times last night caused her irritation to drain away before it could escalate into anger.

"You're so strange, Yuri Briar," she said with a dry chuckle.

"So you've told me," he returned with a smile. "Now, can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Why are you so skittish? Do I make you that nervous?"

"Yes. You make me nervous."

"You seemed comfortable enough with Lloidy last night," he said in an accusatory tone. Jealousy flared inside of him hotly when he recalled how she chatted so easily with that man. She had laughed at his stupid dad jokes and terrible puns. He thought he even saw her fingers touch Lloidy's when he took her glass from her to refill it with wine.

"You make me nervous because you work for the government. You have no idea how terrifying and nerve wracking it is to be hauled into a little room and questioned for hours like you're some kind of criminal," she said, her voice shaking.

No, he had no idea what it was like. He was always the one on the other side of the table doing the questioning, using torture techniques from psychological warfare to breaking bones and cigarette burns to get the information he wanted, to get the truth.

"The only crime I've committed is being single. That I didn't marry the first asshole who came along and deemed me worthy of his time and attention. What if I don't want to get married at all? Why does that make me an insurgent or a spy or a an enemy of this country?" Her words were tremulous with emotion.

Yuri stepped toward her, and Louisa did not flinch this time. Obstinately, she held his eyes, determined not to look away even when he stood mere inches from her staring down at her. Although her insides rattled with apprehension, she remained calm and still on the outside. Even when he reached up to push away a stray strand of her hair that had come loose from the braid, she did not wince away from his hand. His fingers hovered at her cheek but did not make contact with her skin.

"I'm sorry that has happened to you. What if..." He dropped his hand and backed up a step. "What if we got married?"

Louisa unleashed that loud, braying donkey laugh of hers which made him take a few more steps back. His face had turned a deep crimson.

"Oh, Yuri, don't tease me that way," she giggled, moving forward to take him by the arm. "Come on. I'm ready for my affogato."

"But I'm serious," he insisted when she ushered him out the door.

"And I'm seriously saying don't be ridiculous," she said, locking the door then dropping the keys in her purse. "I'm looking forward to actually take a walk through the park today so don't ruin it already before we even get our coffee."

"Fine," he sighed, holding out his bent arm for her to take. It was only proper for a gentleman to escort a lady.

He could not say her rejection did not sting a little. He was actually quite serious about the offer to marry her. He could do certainly do worse for a wife. It sounded like she had experienced much worse in the boyfriend lottery to have that kind of reaction. Besides, an engagement would definitely shake things up a bit.

Glancing over at her, he was happy to see the pleasant smile on her pink lips as she did that lovely little thing of closing her eyes and raising her face to the sun. In that moment, he realized she would be a wonderful choice for a wife for so many reasons.

Not only did she look like Yor, she was different enough from his sister that he would never forget this woman by his side is Louisa Eleazor. Both women were hard working, independent, caring, and motherly. He felt sick. His sister had become an instant mother to some other woman's child. But she seemed to love Anya and the child adored her.

Maybe it was the way Louisa doted on him like Yor had when he was little that made him want to spend more time with her. As kind and gentle as she could be, Louisa could also be fierce with her words and her actions. His shin ached a little when he recalled the kicks she had given him last night. A fire would ignite in her brandy colored eyes when he irritated her. His belly grew warm deep inside. He liked her ferociousness and sometimes aggressive nature.

The table they had sat at the day before was empty so as a true replay of their date, they sat at that table. Yuri ordered two affogatos since she already said she wanted one.

"Excuse me," Louisa called to the server before he could walk away. "May I also have a blueberry scone with lemon curd and clotted cream?" She looked at Yuri who was staring at her. "Did you want anything to eat?"

"Uh..." He blinked and turned his gaze to the waiter. "I'll have a plain croissant and fresh fruit please."

"Oooh, I'd like fruit as well," she added, smiling up the patient server. "Thank you."

"Yes, ma'am. I'll be right back with your order," he assured her with a smile that was warm beyond necessary hospitality.

The tell-tale clench of his belly warned him the green eyed monster reared its ugly head again. Yuri shifted uncomfortably, clearing his throat. When the lump refused to go away, he picked up the glass of water to drink it.

"Ah, this is wonderful," she sighed, glancing around. "Such a beautiful day."

"It is," Yuri agreed, watching her as she watched the people around them.

There was a couple a few tables over, holding hands across the table while they conversed. Their food and coffee sat forgotten in front of them. An old couple toddled along down the street. The bent gentleman wearing a brown plaid driving cap walked with the assistance of a cane. His wife with her white hair twisted into a bun at the crown of her head held tightly to his arm guiding him and assisting him. A family with three children, the smallest one between the parents and the other two on the outer sides, all linked hands to walk across the street to the park.

"I bet they're going for a carousel ride. Hey, did you know there is a carousel in the park?" Louisa asked him, observing the children skipping and singing on their way.

"I did not since I'm not familiar with this area. Would you like to go for a ride?" he inquired, noting the way her eyes grew bigger and sparkled like topaz gemstones.

"Oh, yes!" she exclaimed happily, slapping her hands together. "I would love to!"

Yuri smiled, his insides fluttering. Her happiness and excitement were contagious. He also recalled a poignant memory when Yor had saved up to take him to a carnival that had come to town. She bought him a balloon and a candied apple. Rather than riding a horse on the merry-go-round, they sat in one of the stationary booths that looked like Santa's sleigh. If he had been on a horse, he would not have been able to cuddle up to Yor's side.

Louisa propped her chin in her hand and returned to people watching. There were mostly couples and families out today. Only very few single people, and they were all men. It was sad that women were viewed as suspicious and potential spies if they were single. His own sister had been questioned as a spy before. Well, at least after marrying Lloid, she would not have to worry about interrogations anymore.

"Dammit," he muttered, taking a sip of his water. Lloid Forger was actually a lifesaver to his sister in a way. A veritable hero of sorts. But he had always wanted to be her hero, not some other man.

"There's also food carts on Sunday as well. Hot dogs, corn dogs, french fries, cotton candy, popcorn, sodas...all kinds of tasty and absolutely terrible for you foods," she giggled. "It's like a festival."

"Sounds nice. I'm glad I asked you out today," he said, grinning at her when her head whipped back to him.

Her lips spread into a wide smile, revealing all of her impeccably straight white front teeth.

"Yeah. Me too."

All right, Yuri Briar. Things are going great. Don't say something stupid to screw this up today, he coached himself.

Their coffees and food arrived at an opportune time when there was a natural lull in the conversation. They ate in silence, watching those around them to distract them from each other and their thoughts about each other. When the check came, she took her wallet out of her purse.

"Oh, no, I'll get this. My treat," Yuri insisted, waving her to put it away.

"I'll buy whatever you want to eat from the food carts. Deal?" She extended her hand over the table.

"Deal," he agreed, shaking her hand.

She was almost too independent. It was a shame a lady with such an untamed spirit should be forced to get married to avoid an inquisition from the government. She would make a good spy - except for her total inability to hide whatever she was thinking from her face. However, her openness and honesty were two of her more intriguing personality traits.

Without waiting for her escort, Louisa draped the shawl over her arms and went to stand beside the street. Before Yuri could get to her, she ran across the street amid a herd of other park goers.

"Ms. Eleazor!" he called to her, weaving through people to try to reach her. "Ms. Eleazor! Wait, please!"

Louisa slowed then stopped, waiting for him without turning around. She did not flinch when his hand touched her elbow.

"Shall we?" Yuri inquired, taking a step forward.

"We shall," she rejoined with a giggle.

They waited for the line of snow white ducks with bright orange beaks to waddle across the sidewalk on their way to the pond. Further down the path, a gaggle of geese honked and flapped their wings. A man walked past them with his dog on a leash. Surprisingly, the dog took no interest in the noisy birds, not even bothering to bark.

"So well behaved," Louisa remarked, adjusting her shawl and making his hand fall away from her elbow. "Do you like a well behaved woman, Mr. Briar?"

This is definitely a trick question, he thought, clasping his hands behind his back as he continued to stroll beside her. He looked out across the pond, squinting his eyes from the sunlight reflecting off of the glass like surface where no ducks or geese paddled around making little waves.

"I like a mannerly woman who is possession of her herself," he said, avoiding glancing at her. Her silence made his stomach flop like a fish out of water. With a mischievous smile on his face, he continued. "Under certain circumstances, a woman who misbehaves in the best of ways is preferred."

"Yuri!" she gasped dramatically, swatting his arm.

When he turned to see her, she was covering her mouth with her hand to hide her smile but she could not stifle her giggle. A pretty pink blush had blossomed on her cheeks under her eyes. He could feel his entire body growing warm. The heat seemed to concentrate on the inside, flowing to his chest.

The warbling whistles of music from the metal pipes of the calliope could be heard. A man actually sat at the pipe organ type instrument positioned on a stationary platform in the center of the merry-go-round playing it while the riders squealed with joy while riding up and down on their painted wooden steeds.

"Oh, let's go!" Louisa exclaimed, running off without him.

"Hey!" Yuri called out, having no choice but to run after her.

She bought their tickets at the little red booth with a yellow and red striped canvas top over it reminiscent of a circus tent. They stood in line behind a mother holding the hand of her child with a yellow balloon tied to his wrist. The little girl behind them held a paper cone with a massive cloud of pink cotton candy on top of it. The girl with blond curls smiled up at her before burying her face into the sticky spun sugar.

"I want one of those when we're done," Louisa announced.

When it was their turn, she proudly handed their tickets to the man with the thick handle bar moustache. He tipped his top hat to her as she walked past him.

Yuri brushed past her to step up onto the highly polished walnut wood platform of the carousel. He held out his hand to assist her with getting up onto the unstable base that shook and moved, rotating ever so slightly, as excited children hopped on and ran around trying to find their preferred horse.

"So which charger would you like, milady?" he asked, bowing to her graciously like a knight.

"Uhm...hmmm," she hummed thoughtfully, looking around.

Dozens of screaming children ran about hopping on the horses and her choices were dwindling quickly so she better decide fast. She spotted a black horse with gleaming plastic ruby eyes. He had a shiny golden horn protruding from his head. A unicorn. One of a kind.

She glanced at the unique man beside her, then pointed out her choice.

"That one."

"We better hurry then," Yuri said, lightly grasping her upper arm to hustle her over the horse amid the throng of stampeding youngsters.

Louisa slid her foot into the gold painted stirrup. Bouncing a few times, she hopped to sit down in the crimson colored saddle. Unfortunately, the wood rubbed smooth from hundreds upon hundreds of keisters along with the silky material of her dress caused her to slide right back off when she tried to sit side saddle. She attempted to hoist herself up again only to wind up right back down on the platform.

"I guess we will just have to sit in one of the seats," she said, jerking her chin toward one of the fancy little benches built onto the carousel for parents or lovers to ride in if they did not want to sit atop a horse.

"Hang on a second," Yuri said when she looked disappointed enough to cry.

He mounted the horse, sitting on its rounded rump behind the saddle. Reaching down for her hand, he took it while she grasped the brass pole with her other hand.

"Alley oop," he said, pulling her up on an upward bounce.

Once she was seated sideways in the saddle in front of him, he handed her the worn and cracked leather reins attached to the metal bit in the horse's mouth. Reaching around her, his elbows lightly brushing her sides, he grasped the pole.

And not a moment too soon. The merry-go-round lurched forward with a shudder and squeak of gears. She let go of the reins to grab the pole above his hands. His arms pressed into her ribs when their bodies swung back then forward, his chin knocking into the back of her head.

"Ow!" she exclaimed but with a chuckle, not letting go of the pole to rub her head.

"Sorry," he apologized, angling his elbows outward to avoid brushing her body but tightening his fingers around the pole as they started to move upward as well.

The calliope started playing with almost ear splitting sharp toots. Between the music and shrieking kids they might be deaf after this ride. But oh would it be worthwhile!

Louisa laughed as they rode up and down and round and a round, caught up in the moment, savoring the sweetness the happiness of the children around her as well as her own.

Yuri wished he could see her face, to see the pure joy he was sure radiated from her. He pressed his chest into her back to support her. Relaxing his arms, he allowed them to press into her sides lightly. Just to keep her safely seated in the saddle and not slide out again of course.

He inhaled sharply when tendrils of her hair blowing in the breeze tickled his cheeks. She smelled like lavender. The warm spring air blowing around them as the carousel rotated heightened the aroma, filling his nose making his head spin too. Usually lavender was a calming scent that soothed the emotions and lessened anxiety. Not today.

His eyes focused on the flawless porcelain skin of the back of her neck. There were a few light brown freckles scattered across the tops of her shoulders as if brown paint had been flicked on her from a paintbrush. He found himself contemplating what it would be like to stroke his fingers across the soft skin of her shoulders, to press his lips to her long delicate neck. Heat rushed to his face and he looked away but it did not stop the inquisitive and somewhat lecherous thoughts from running through his head.

When the merry-go-round started to slow, he pushed his arms outward and sat up straighter to put a few inches of space between them. The entire carousel trembled as if it might shake apart. The brakes locked a bit too hard, shoving him forward, his lips brushing the skin at the lower part of her neck where it curved into her shoulder.

He inhaled sharply but could not seem to exhale. He felt so hot he began to believe, or possibly even wished, spontaneous human combustion is possible. She did not seem to notice the accidental touch of his lips. When she twisted her upper body to look at him, there was a huge smile on her face. Her cheeks were colored a bright magenta and her eyes glowed with happiness.

"That was so much fun!" she exclaimed. She let go of the pole, pressing her hand hands to his cheeks. Her body shifted and he had no choice but to clamp his arms around her to keep her from falling off. "Are you okay? Are you sick?"

"No, no, no, I'm fine," he insisted. "It's just really warm today. How about we get one of those sodas?"

"Sure."

Although they were completely stopped, Yuri still felt like his head was spinning. He took her hand, assisting her with sliding from the horse. When he dropped off the back of the horse, his knees buckled leaving him no choice but to grasp its rump to keep himself upright. A little dizzy, but not from the merry-go-round, he managed to make his way to the ground from the platform without falling.

Without him offering, she threaded her arm through his. He was actually thankful for the support as they made their way over to the line of people in front of the cart where the fizzy drinks were being dispensed. She ordered strawberry. He ordered a plain cola.

"Want to sit for a minute?" Louisa asked as if aware he was still not too steady on his feet.

"Just for a minute. I'm a little light headed. I'm certainly not a child anymore," he said as if to keep his pride intact.

"No, but sometimes it's fun to act like one. To remember what pure joy feels like," she sighed, sticking the straw in her mouth. "Oooh, so sweet! I love the bubbles!"

What is this feeling?, Yuri pondered, rubbing his chest over his heart while sipping the cold, sweet, bubbly drink. I don't understand. I've never felt anything like this before for anyone. Anyone except Yor.

"What have you done?" he whispered not realizing he had spoke the words out loud.

"What?" Louisa asked, turning her head to look at him with the straw still grasped between her teeth.

"What are we doing next?"

"Well..." She looked straight ahead while pausing to think.

Yuri exhaled a sigh of relief. She seemed to have genuinely not heard him this time. Her poker face and acting skills were terrible so for her to have no reaction had to mean she did not hear. It had been obvious to him yesterday when she heard him call her by Yor's name though she tried to pretend otherwise in the moment. She had looked so hurt, positively crestfallen, as if he had purposely disparaged her.

Guilt washed over him like a tidal wave, drowning him in a sick, hot feeling that made his guts clench and twist into knots. To be perfectly honest, he had wanted to use her as a sad substitute for his sister while also using her as a tool to reclaim what he believed was rightfully his. But now...

"Hey, Yuri," she said, chewing the straw while staring straight ahead.

"What, Louisa?" He fiddled with the straw in his cup, rotating it in the dark liquid while watching the bubbles rise to the surface and pop.

"I know you're using me as a surrogate for your sister. You don't have to pretend you're in love with me. It actually hurts me when you do that," she informed him with shocking forthrightness. When he did not say anything, she swung her head to look at him. There was no anger. Just a sad smile on her face. "You're not as good at hiding your emotions and true intentions as you think you are."

Really? That could not be true. Most of his life was spent pretending to be someone else and covering his emotions. His life and his country depended on it. Allowing anyone to see through his façade would be dangerous - and deadly. Or perhaps she was just more perceptive and able to see through his mask due to her profession.

"Actually, I was just thinking about that," he confessed. "That's why I told you what I did earlier. I really do see you, Louisa, not her, when I look at you. I like you. Not the parts of Yor I see in you. I have to admit I'm a bit shocked myself. I have these feelings...feelings I don't quite understand."

"Maybe it's just an endorphin rush. You know, those butterflies and warm feelings that come with - " She stopped herself then cleared her throat while rethinking her choice of words. "...at the beginning of something new and different."

"You mean falling in love," he said, not letting her off the hook.

He knew exactly what she was going to say and got the reaction he expected when her head snapped toward him so fast he feared she might have given herself whiplash. Her eyes were big and round. Her mouth was open but no words were coming out of it.

"I know I said I wouldn't fall in love with you. But I think I lied," he said, staring into his drink.

"Well, you know, falling in love is just temporary. It's a trick played on our emotions by a release of hormones. Oxytocin is known as the love hormone. There's several other hormones responsible for those feelings," she said, raising one of her hands with her thumb pointed upward to begin counting on her fingers.

"Louisa," he said, trying to interrupt her.

"There's several hormones responsible for what you're feeling." She lifted her forefinger. "There's also dopamine."

"Louisa."

She raised her middle finger for the third one.

"Serotonin. Norepinephrine. It's just a basic chemical reaction in the body. Like the release of adrenaline when in danger. It's only temporary, you know. Once it speeds through your system, it's - "

"Louisa!" he spoke gruffly, grabbing her hand. He folded down her fingers but held her hand as he pushed it down into her lap. When their eyes met, he continued speaking. "For God's sake, Louisa, just stop. As much as I understand the need for concrete truth, no bullshit, no emotions, just facts...I'm in love with you. Just accept it. Do you feel the same way?"

"But you said, don't fall in love with you. How could you do this? How could you bring this up?" she asked, tears forming in her eyes.

"I'm just as surprised as you are. So how to do you feel?" He slowly released her hand when her eyes moved away from his.

"I don't know," she replied, raising her cup to place the straw between her lips.

She didn't stutter. She was sure she wasn't sure. That made Yuri nervous.

"I'm confused, Yuri," she confessed, sucking on the straw until it made a burbling nose when the cup was empty. "I don't know how to feel."

"That's fair. I'm sorry," he apologized, feeling like he should. "Did I ruin our retry?"

"No," she sighed. "We'll just give this time and see what happens. Is that okay?"

"Yeah." He extended his hand toward her.

Louisa glanced at his hand then at his face. She returned his smile but her lips quivered. She looked like a frightened child which gave Yuri the impression someone had toyed with her emotions in the past and devastated her. If he were completely honest with himself, he would have to admit he had already been playing with her emotions too.

"I will never hurt you intentionally. I will be honest about my feelings from here out. But you have to be honest as well. Deal?" He waved his hand in front of her face as if to remind her it was there to be shook to seal the deal.

"Deal." She took his hand, squeezed it, and gave it one sharp pump to complete their transaction.

Whatever they were doing, they were in this together. There is something fishy about Lloid Forger, and he actually required her help to figure out what it is. If that man is indeed Twilight, he still needed her help to save his sister.

Louisa smiled at him, her pink cheeks pinching up and laugh lines forming at the corners of her eyes as her lips gradually parted to show her pearly whites.

"So you ready for a hot dog? Or some popcorn? Oooh!" she exclaimed, hopping up from the bench. She held out her hand for his. "Cotton candy!"

Yuri took her hand.

"Whoa!" he exclaimed when she snatched him off the bench to bring him to his feet.

The smile on his face, the happiness he felt, sent a sensation like thick warm oil like a salve for his soul being poured down into his chest before spreading throughout his body. He remembered feeling like this when Yor would hug him and praise him. He found Louisa's presence and touch comforting - just like Yor's.

Yuri reminded himself to proceed cautiously. Since this is only a chemical dump inside his body, it was temporary like she said. He had stopped her short of informing him once their effects wear off, the feeling is over.

At this time, in this moment, he didn't want it to be over.