Mike pulled his favorite blue scarf around his neck and looked in the mirror. He was taking a brief moment to reflect on it before he headed out to see a movie with Lucy. The khao manee had suggested they go, but in a roundabout way that left Mike more confused than anything. He couldn't tell if she wanted to go because she wanted to spend time with him, or if it was merely out of convenience. It wasn't the first time Lucy wanted to hang out, not by a longshot, but something about the way she asked him seemed different. She was really blushy and a little flustered, and when she noticed the gears turning in Mikes' head, her attitude took a heel turn and she turned back into regular old abrasive Lucy. A sigh escaped from within the korat's soul. It was nothing. They would always be nothing.

Mike said his goodbyes to his mom and told her where he was headed. It was a short walk to Lucy's house, and he wasted no time in knocking on the door. Lucy answered, looking a little aggravated. "About time, jerkface." She grumbled. "I was beginning to think you weren't coming." Mike picked up on a hint of worry in her voice.

"Ah, sorry. I'm here now." He smiled, and Lucy frowned. Behind her came a small, annoying voice.

"Here I come, ruffer dan duh rest of offem!" The voice belonged to Yashy. Both Mike and Lucy stared blankly at the interruption.

Lucy turned away. She wasn't in the mood. "We're going to the movies. See you later."

"WAIT!" Yashy scrambled over. "Aren't you going to say anything about my hilarious entrance?"

Lucy smiled mischievously as she replied with, "Enjoy getting it on by yourself?" Even Mike had to stifle laughter at it. Lucy took her leave, having shut Yashy up. "Bye!" She called, slamming the door. Yashy could only watch and pout.

As the two cats walked, Mike had to wonder. "Why don't we just bring her along?"

Bringing the lizard along was the last thing Lucy wanted to do, even if she hadn't been the one to ask Mike out to see a movie. "Are you joking?!" She scoffed, shocked at the idea. "And have her repeat quotes from the movie for a week? I'm not making that mistake again."

Mike softened up. Yashy could be a bit much sometimes, with her calling him Flea, or other girls whores if they got too close to him, but she was just a kid. "Aww, she's not that bad!"

Lucy stopped, angry look on her face. Mike continued to talk to her displeasure. "She's…" Lucy grabbed his scarf. "...funny."

Lucy yanked the korat down to her level as he tried to lean away. "Anchorman references, Mike. Every day, for MONTHS." Lucy pulled Mike closer to her face. "Do you know what it's like to hear how much she loves lamp?" She growled. "Every time you turn on a lamp to study?" Mike started sweating, heart racing at how close her lips were getting to his. "How about every new toy being 'my precious'? 'Yesss, yesss, must have the preciousssss."

Lucy eased off. "I don't know what you THINK she's like, but if you want to take her to the movies, you can adopt her." She let go of his scarf and took a step back. Mike got the point.

"Maybe she'd have a better time staying at home." He said, rushing off.

Without further delay, they raced to the local multiplex, Roseville Station 9. It bustled with activity, with people coming in and out as screenings ended and started. Mike and Lucy pushed through and walked around the lobby, trying to figure out what to watch. Lucy felt bad about how she had reacted to Mike after asking him to see a movie with her, so she decided to leave it up to him. "So, what is it you want to see?"

Mike rubbed his chin in thought. Come to think of it, there really wasn't anything specifically he was interested in. Really, he was only there to spend time with Lucy. He took note of how pretty she looked that day. Well, to him she was always pretty, but it seemed like she had done something a little extra to make herself stand out more. "I dunno.. something funny?"

Just then, an enthusiastic voice overcame the crowd of other moviegoers and made it to Mike's sensitive ears. "Mikie!" Only one person ever called him that. He gave a small, slightly tired smile. "Aww, that sounds like…"

Lucy leaned over to look past Mike in the direction the voice came from. "Daisy." Lucy's expression fell flat. Couldn't she spend any time with Mike without all their other friends interrupting?

Daisy, along with Paulo and David, hurried over to join Mike and Lucy. Daisy beamed, happy she was able to find her friends. "Paulo and David invited me to watch a movie. Wanna join us?"

'Might as well.' Mike thought. "Ahh, sure!" But Lucy looked frustrated, mixed with disappointment at the whole situation. Mike didn't want to leave her out of the decision making, though."You're fine with these guys, right?"

"It's not like I've got much of a choice." She replied, annoyed.

Mike wasn't going to let it go, he could tell something was on her mind. "Aww, don't be like that! What do you really want?"

Lucy could feel a blush creep up on her cheeks, and she lowered her head. She put a hand up to try and hide the blush as she whispered so quietly that she was certain that only Mike could hear. The whole purpose of asking Mike to see a movie, the reason she had been so anxious over it, was because, "I was kinda hoping we could watch something alo-"

Lucy's tender confession was cut off by a large somali, who grinned at her while rubbing her back. "You wanted to sit next to me? Oh, why didn't you say so, babe?"

Lucy's timidness turned to anger real fast. She whipped around and clocked Paulo in the face with such force that he flew back and smashed into the popcorn machine. David, who was just ordering said popcorn from Amaya, who was tending the concessions stand, took no notice. "Two jumbos, please!" He requested.

Daisy looked over in surprise. "I didn't know Amaya worked here!"

Mike joined her in her surprise. "Well, what do you know?" Lucy didn't care either way, she just dusted herself off.

The issue still continued, though. What to watch? Everyone had their own idea. "How about we watch Lover Forever and Ever?"

Paulo straggled back to the group, face dripping with blood from the shards of glass of the popcorn machine. "No way! Face Bleeder Three!"

Mike was feeling a little hopeless with the movie selection. He wasn't particularly interested in either option. "Can't we watch a comedy?"

Lucy rolled her eyes. Once again, it was up to her to step up to the plate and get everyone on track. She didn't really particularly care, either, she was still annoyed that her day had been ruined by the intrusion of their other three friends. She just wanted it done and over with. "How about Face Bleeders Forever and Ever in Love?" She said. "It's a horror romance comedy drama crossover film." Everyone stared blankly at her as they digested the information. Then, one by one they sounded off.

"Yeah, I'm game!" Daisy said, happily.

"Fair enough." Paulo said, still dripping with blood.

"It's crunchy." David said, obliviously.

"Good idea!" Chimed Mike, though he could still tell something was off with Lucy.

As they got ready to go get their tickets, Mike pulled Lucy aside. "Want any popcorn?"

Lucy, who figured the popcorn was sullied by Paulo's fur and blood, declined. "No thanks."

"Ah, okay. By the way, what were you saying earlier? Before Paulo cut you off." Mike asked before she could turn away.

Lucy smiled quickly. She felt foolish enough as it was, trying to see a movie with Mike, hoping for it to mean a little bit more. "It's fine! It was nothing."

"Okay.. but if there's something you want, just tell me." The korat gave Lucy an earnest smile that made her relax just a little. Just enough to be honest with her feelings for once.

"Wait, there is something…" She whispered. "I was really hoping that we could see something together. Just us." Her heart pounded, waiting for a response. Was it too much to ask for? Was she overstepping? She immediately started regretting saying anything.

This is what Mike had been waiting for. "Oh, alright. I'll let the others know we're gonna go see something else." So… Lucy did want to spend time with him, the movie was just an excuse to do so. Mike left to find the others, who were coming back with their tickets.

"C'mon Mikie, you guys are gonna be late!" Daisy said, brandishing her ticket.

Mike waved it away and smiled. "Actually, Lucy and I are going to check out another movie. Maybe next time, guys."

"Aww, Mikie!" Daisy pouted. "We never get to do anything together!"

"Yeah, what gives?" Paulo folded his arms, upset. He had been planning on sitting next to Lucy, and then putting an arm around her during the movie.

"Sorry guys." He shrugged. "We'll catch you later?"

Daisy humphed, disappointed. "See you, Mikie…"

Paulo looked at the korat and khao manee wistfully as they walked away. "Man, why does she always pick that wimp?"

"Cause she loves Mike!" David said, a bit too loudly.

Lucy thought she might die of embarrassment. Her cheeks heated up, and her expression soured. Mike could see a fit of rage coming. "Hey, don't listen to him. He just likes to stir the pot. I know you don't love me."

It wasn't meant as an attack on her, but there was a hint of melancholy in his voice as he said it. It made Lucy sad, too, because it wasn't true. Underneath several tough layers, there was a sweet, soft center wanting to come out, to tell Mike that she does love him, that she asked him to see a movie because she loved him. Lucy looked away sadly, trying to think of something to say to make him feel better, but not reveal her true feelings. She just wasn't ready yet. "Lucy…" Mike began, and she looked up at him. He smiled at her. "What did you want to see?"

The khao manee squinted at the LED board showing all the movies and showtimes. She'd been semi-looking forward to Love Forever and Ever, but romance movies always made her cry. She didn't want to appear weak in front of Mike, but… she really did trust him. Why couldn't she just trust him enough with her feelings of love? "Maybe… Love Forever and Ever?" She whispered, so quietly that Mike barely heard her.

Mike was a little confused. This seemed like the last movie Lucy would ever have any interest in. "The one Daisy wanted to see?"

"Got a problem with that, jerkface?" Lucy grabbed his scarf threateningly.

Mike put his hands up. "Hey, I'm not judging. I want to see it!"

Lucy let go of him and went a little red at her overreaction. "Whatever." She muttered.

It was a little disheartening, the violence and the total disregard for manners that Lucy often displayed. It left Mike wondering why she bothered with him if she hated him so much. Then again, it was all he'd ever known her to be. Mean, defensive, always trying to hide her real feelings from him. At least, that's how it felt to Mike. The idea that she may just not like him, and nothing was being obscured, made him a little sad. He still really liked her.

They got their tickets, or rather, Mike did. Lucy was too embarrassed to do it herself. Mike was okay with that, he wanted to be the gentleman and pay for it anyway. At the concessions stand, the popcorn machine was down courtesy of Paulo, and bits of blood and fur were being cleaned up and tossed out. "What did you want?" Mike asked Lucy, who was becoming increasingly more flustered the more it felt like a date. "It's my treat."

She folded her arms, ears flat and face red, unable to look at him for fear of letting her true feelings slip. "I don't care! Let's just get a soda or something."

Mike knew Lucy's favorite drink. It was his, too."One large orange soda, please!"

Amaya got them their drink, Mike paid, and the two went to the theater room indicated on the ticket. Mike held the door open for Lucy, who mumbled something about her being capable of opening doors herself, and they went to their seats. The auditorium wasn't too busy, and the friends were able to find prime seats in the middle of the theater. Mike got comfy while watching the previews, while Lucy stared at him in the darkness, only illuminated by the large screen before them. She was admiring him, he looked really handsome that day. She was also internally doing flips, happy they were able to see a movie together. Every other time, just as what happened today, their other friends got involved. Mike realized he was still holding onto the large cup. "Oh, here you go." He placed the drink down between them. There was just enough light for him to see the red on Lucy's cheeks while she looked at him.

"Is everything okay?" He asked.

Lucy's expression soured when she knew she was caught staring. "Shut up, the movie's about to start!" She hushed.

"Sorry." Mike replied sheepishly. It was then he noticed that Amaya had only put one straw in the drink. 'Amaya!' He thought to himself. 'You knew what you were doing!'

The movie started, and everyone in the audience settled down. It was a standard cheesy romantic drama movie, though it did keep the korat's attention. Lucy was drawn in as well, and couldn't help but see herself in the main character; a woman who was afraid to express her feelings to her friend. She felt a little anxious, hoping Mike wouldn't draw the same parallels either. The way the seats were constructed, there was but one armrest between the two to share, which led to an awkward moment where the two nearly held hands, an arrangement that Mike would have been okay with, but Lucy pulled hers away quickly, blushing hard. She kept her hands to herself the rest of the movie.

That wouldn't compare what happened near the end. Just as things were coming to an emotional climax, where after all the hardships, the woman was confessing her love, both Mike and Lucy decided to take a sip of the soda. Their eyes were glued to the screen, holding onto every second, as they leaned down to the cup. They turned their heads towards each other at the last moment, and their lips met at the straw. For a few moments, they were frozen in surprise, staring into each other's eyes. In the blink of an eye, the cats sat back up to attention, looking away from each other. Lucy thought her heart might explode. Mike closed his eyes, waiting for her to berate him, but it didn't happen. Instead, Lucy kept herself together, and they watched the rest of the movie without incident.

Once it was over, Lucy didn't bother watching any of the credits. Without a word to Mike, she stood up and left. Mike grabbed the drink, always being mindful to pick up after himself, and tossed it in the trash bins at the exit. Lucy was long gone from the auditorium. In the lobby, Mike searched for her, and saw her walking beyond the glass doors of the theater building. He took off after her, inadvertently shoving some people who walked in front of him. They gave them dirty looks, and he gave an apologetic one.

Lucy was flushed with embarrassment. Her arms were by her sides, and her hands were balled up into fists. No matter what she tried thinking of, she couldn't get the accidental kiss out of her head. It wasn't that big of a deal, it was just an accident. They weren't paying attention, who cares? It didn't mean anything… and yet, Lucy couldn't help but secretly wish for another. She buried the desire deep down, underneath hardened layers of the fear and frustration that she couldn't just tell Mike three simple words that would make her infinitely happier: I love you. Running up the path came Mike, who was waving and calling her name. "Lucy! Wait!"

Lucy didn't stop, but she did at least slow down for him. It wouldn't make much of a difference, Mike was fast, and he soon caught up. "I'm sorry, Lucy, I should have been paying attention."

Lucy didn't know what to say or what to do. Her emotions were being corked up, but the bottle was about to blow. A tumultuous sea of feelings bubbled and broiled, and every word Mike said, the closer he stood to her, the more intense it got. Fight or flight, fight or flight… she was like a deer frozen in headlights. By this point, she'd stopped walking. The korat looked at her with concern. "Lucy, are you mad at me?" He asked softly.

Lucy blinked, and tears fell from her eyes. Her mind was awash, spiraling ever downwards. 'Open up to him, it'll be okay.' a small voice inside her said. 'But what if he thinks you're too much? What if it scares him off?' said another. Mike looked around. They were alone. He stood in front of Lucy, who appeared not to have noticed, and put a hand on her shoulder, giving her a warm, friendly smile. "You can talk to me if something is bothering you. I promise I'll listen."

The white cat looked at him through her tears, and decided to take the leap. It wasn't all too dissimilar to the feeling she had leaping into the rushing river to save his life so many years ago. "I'm scared…" she whispered.

Now Mike was really concerned. He wished he could get inside her head and understand. "What are you scared of?" Lucy shook her head. She just couldn't say it. "We can move on to something else…" Mike offered, but Lucy shook her head again. She just needed to say it.

She took in a raggedy breath. "I… all th-those things I s-say to you… when I hit you… I'm sorry." Lucy's heart was beating out of her chest. She was falling… falling… falling into a void. The words just came out, without her really putting much thought into them, like it was her very soul speaking to Mike. The truths she kept secret, almost even from herself. She knew calling him names was wrong, so was hitting him. They were just thinly veiled attempts at hiding how she truly felt.

Mike blinked a few times, in complete shock. He expected her to explode on him. It may have been easier to handle, as he'd been through it time and time again with this girl. Now, after such an awkward blunder, she was telling a different story. Moreover, she NEVER apologized for how she would act. Fight, split, come back, act like nothing happened, repeat. That's how their friendship always was, Mike had it down to a science, but this… this was uncharted territory. He collected himself and replied in kind. "Thank you. I forgive you for all that, you know?" Lucy nodded. "Is that all?"

A shrug was her response. She did feel a bit better. Mike pulled his hand away. "Well, we should get going. Wanna play some games at my place?" He turned to walk away, but a slight tug at his scarf brought his attention back to Lucy. "Yes?" He asked. Lucy was holding his scarf.

"If I t-tell you… w-will you tell me why you picked this color?" She whispered.

"Tell me what?" Mike leaned in. Lucy shrank back.

"J-just promise me, jerk!" She said harshly.

Mike used a finger to make a cross gesture over his heart. "I promise!"

Lucy had gone this far, no turning back now. She looked him straight in his soft, handsome face, and said the words she'd spent so many nights practicing. The words she would tell him in her dreams. "Michael… I love you."

Mike's heart skipped a beat. There was no way she said it. Even if she did, this had to be some sort of trick, like when she went all lovey dovey on him when they got in an argument over a game. The beating didn't come this time, only trembling and the blinking back of tears. He dared to speak. "R…really?"

Lucy couldn't bear looking him in the eyes. She turned her head and nodded, still clutching his scarf. It was over now. The die was cast. Mike took a moment to internalize this. This was a delicate situation, and he needed to pick his next words very carefully. Mike put his hand on Lucy's and smiled, cheeks red. "It makes me so happy to hear that!"

Lucy looked at him. "Huh?"

"I chose this color because it matched your eyes. I love you too!" Mike said, years of bottled up feelings now finally being set free. It was too much for both of them. They came together once more for a kiss, but this time it was intentional. Lucy let her walls down for him, and he embraced her with all the love and security he always felt for her. When it ended, they held each other and soaked in the moment.

"Hah!" Laughed someone a few feet away. Mike and Lucy jumped apart, fur on end at the sudden interruption of their bliss. It was David who made the outburst, standing next to a sorrowful Daisy and annoyed Paulo. "I told you guys they were in love!"

Mike and Lucy thought they might die from embarrassment.