“You know you’re making this a bigger deal than it needs to be,” Tommy said, laying comfortably on Aria’s bed and scrolling on their phone.

  “You think being in a relationship is too much trouble,” Aria responded, looking over her outfit.

  “So we’re just stating facts right now,” Tommy teased.

  Looking over to their best friend, Tommy wrinkled their nose at the outfit. Seeing the look in the mirror, Aria took off the purple cardigan.

  “How about now?” Aria asked.

  “You wore that at Aster’s party,” Tommy reminded her.

  “What?!” Aria screeched.

  Throwing off her overalls and crop top, Aria scurried to her closet. Grabbing a long-sleeved pink crop top with a black stripe across the chest; accompanied with black jeans.

  “Now?” Aria asked worried.

  “It’ll have to do, ‘cause if you don’t leave now you’ll be late,” Tommy warned, holding their phone out to Aria.

  Seeing the time, Aria rushed to get her pink high-tops on. Speeding to the bathroom, she put in her heart gauges and pulled her hair in a high ponytail. With a quick swipe of her lipgloss, Aria called her farewell to her best friend as she rushed out.

  Giggling at their best friend, Tommy texted Kouya.

  ‘She’s so nervous that she’s late’, with several laughing emojis

  ‘Kousuke left an hour ago, I think she’ll be fine.’

  ‘You guys live ten minutes away!’

  ‘You tell him that!’

  The second Aria’s feet hit the sidewalk, she took off to the cafe. Thanks to adrenalin keeping Aria focused on running, anxiety couldn’t take over like it had been.

  Checking the time constantly. Worrying about what to wear. Getting scared because she read the time wrong and thought she was two hours late.

  Twice.

  It was hard to focus on the main emotion.

  Excitement.

  It’s been so long since Aria had been on a date. To be energized with happiness, and anticipating the time that gets spent together. It was a wonderful fluttering feeling in her chest. A feeling that had been long forgotten.

  The fantastic feeling also made her want to throw up.

  Rounding the corner, Aria picked up the pace seeing Kousuke waiting by his bike.

  Looking up from his phone, Kousuke grinned seeing Aria. The grin was returned with an apologetic smile.

  Skidding to a stop so she wouldn’t bump into him, Kousuke tucked his phone away.

  “Sorry I’m late, I got caught up in finding the right outfit, and just when I found the right one, Tommy told me it was the same outfit I wore when we first met. I didn’t want to wear the same thing twice, especially on a date-“ Aria’s face flushed pink as Kousuke patiently waited for her to finish talking.

  Grinning the entire time.

  “Please stop me next time,” Aria squeaked out.

  “I don’t think I ever will,” Kousuke chuckled.

  Reaching into his pannier, Kousuke pulled out another full-face helmet. Slipping it onto Aria’s head, Kousuke adjusted the straps to fit better.

  “How’s that feel?” Kousuke asked.

  “Good, do I look cute?” Aria asked, cupping the “cheeks” of the helmet.

  “Always,” Kousuke chuckled, taking his phone out again to take a picture of Aria.

  The blush from before returned and Aria was so thankful for the helmet. If Kousuke could see how red she was, he would never let her live it down.

  Putting away his phone, Kousuke slipped on his helmet and straddled his bike. Gesturing for Aria to jump on behind him, she was quick to do so.

  “So what are we doing?” Aria asked, wrapping her arms around his waist.

  “It’s a surprise,” Kousuke said, revving the engine.

  “So, you didn’t plan anything,” Aria teased, then let out a surprised shriek when the motorcycle raced off.

  Squeezing Kousuke tighter, Aria watched everything zip by. Smoothly weaving in and out of traffic, Aria was convinced this was the closest to flying. The wind made any loose article of clothing flutter, wrapping around them as they cut through the air.

  It took everything in Aria to not spread her arms out, heart fluttering with excitement.

  If this was the only thing they were going to do on the date, Aria would be happy.

  This spectacular feeling ended a little too soon.

  Parking in a crowded lot, Aria looked to the park full of varying colored canopies. People milling about from spot to spot or sitting at the food truck park.

  Sliding off the motorcycle, Aria and Kousuke took off their helmets.

  “Is this a pop-up market?” Aria asked.

  “Yeah, I found out about this place last month,” Kousuke answered, “You talked about all the fun you had at the ones in Hueco. Thought this would be a good place to start.”

  Smiling up at Kousuke, Aria quickly handed her helmet to him. Patiently, impatiently, waiting for him to put the helmets away. Excited to start looking around.

  With free hands, Aria grabbed one and dragged him to the market; starting the adventure.

  There wasn’t a vendor stall missed, Aria chatted with almost everyone and made sure to grab everyone’s business card. If they had a sample to give, they tried it. Any social media account Aria followed with ‘Botanical’s’ account.

  A few of the dessert vendors talked with Aria and gave her business advice. One vendor had sun catchers, and Aria bought one for the apartment. Another had handmade accessories. There was a dark blue bandana with black tiger strips that Kousuke purchased.

  Stopping at a food truck, the two ordered burgers and a basket of fries to share.

  “This place is so cute,” Aria hummed happily.

  “This one does markets every third Saturday,” Kousuke said.

  “Let me tell Tommy real quick,” Aria said, pulling out her phone and quickly texting her roommate, “Picture!” Aria added.

  Turning her back to Kousuke, Aria held up her phone to take a selfie with him. Holding up two fingers as a peace sign, the Radiant User grinned at the Terra User and returned the same gesture. After a few pictures were taken, Aria returned to her food.

  Happily kicking her feet as she ate, making sure to avoid Kousuke’s knees.

  When the food was gone, they left the market. Window shopping around the area of downtown they were in. Waiting for their stomachs to settle, talking to each other to pass the time. The promise of something else in a few hours dancing around them.

  Movement at the corner of her eye, Aria looked over. Behind a glass wall was a couple of cats wrestling each other. A few other cats in the background watched the two play.

  “Aww, how cute,” Aria cooed, squatting to watch the two play.

  “This is a cat cafe, we can go inside if you want,” Kousuke offered, watching Aria wave at one of the cats, “We have time.”

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  “No, it’s ok, I’m actually allergic to cats,” Aria assured, standing back up, “It’s nothing too bad. I just break out into a red, itchy, rash.”

  “That sounds pretty bad,” Kousuked said, starting their walk again.

  “It’s more, really, really, annoying. My Ma had to tape mitts onto my hands once because I was scratching so hard,” Aria giggled, “It only lasts for a few hours as long as I take some medicine.”

  “And if you don’t?” Kousuke asked.

  “I’ll start crying about how itchy I am ‘cause it’s gonna last for a whole day,” Aria shivered at the memory.

  All this information Kousuke filed to the back of his mind. Just in case something happens. Adding a mental note to find out what medication to get.

  The first time Aria reacted, she was about ten years old, playing with the firehouse cat. Like she always did when she waited for her Ma to finish working.

  This time, however, as Aria played with Cole, the tips of her fingers started to itch. Starting small, the longer Aria played with Cole, the more it spread.

  It wasn’t until Aria heard Val scream that she realized how bad the itch was.

  “That was the first time I ever saw my Ma freak out,” Aria giggled.

  “What happened to Cole?” Kousuke asked.

  “He still stayed at the firehouse. He died of old age a few years ago and they buried him under his favorite tree,” Aria answered, stopping at a window for a second and looking at some clothes on a mannequin, “You have any fun allergies?” Aria asked.

  “Thankfully no,” Kousuke answered.

  “Ever scare your mom by accident?” Aria asked.

  “I broke my wrist when I was seven because I tried a new trick on my skateboard and landed hand down first. It wasn’t even my scream that got my mom’s attention,” Kousuke chuckled, “It was Kouya’s. The second he saw my hand, he started screaming for her.”

  “Your poor Mom was double whammied” Aria laughed, feeling sympathy for the Kimura Twins' mother, “She had to make sure you were ok and calm Kouya down.”

  “That was the one time my mom took something away from me. She waited till I was thirteen to give me back my board,” Kousuke rolled his eyes, but smiled at the memory.

  “Why thirteen?” Aria giggled.

  Wrapping his arm around Aria’s shoulders, Kousuke pulled her to him, helping her avoid getting hit by a passerby. Before he could pull his arm back, Aria laced her fingers with his. The simple connection made Kousuke pull her a little closer.

  “That’s when I got my green belt,” Kousuke answered, “I guess that was her way of saying she was proud of me.”

  “You know martial arts?” Aria asked, eyes sparkling, wide smile complimenting them.

  “Yeah, Kouya too. Our Grandpa was our teacher,” Kousuke explained.

  “I can’t picture Kouya fighting,” Aria confessed, a distant look taking over her face.

  The Pitch User that Aria had come to know, is so kind and gentle. Picturing him fighting never crossed her mind.

  Looking back at Kousuke, Aria said, “We should spar together sometime.”

  When Kousuke gave her a confused look, she added, “My Ma taught me a few things. You probably know her, she was a champion fighter: ‘Valentina Zacarias Bantista’?”

  “‘Goodnight Valentine’, is your Ma?” Kousuke asked surprised.

  “Yeah,” Aria said, pulling out her phone.

  Scrolling through an album titled “Ma??Momma”, Aria stopped at a photo of little Aria and younger Val.

  The former champion was covered in sweat, a swollen bruise on her cheek made her eye close. That didn’t stop her from having a huge smile on her face and holding four-year-old Aria in one arm. Flexing the other so her bicep was popping. Little Aria was smiling just as big, hugging her Ma’s neck tight.

  “This was her last fight before she retired,” Aria said, putting her phone away, “My Momma was so happy, she cried and cooked all of my Ma’s favorites.”

  “Your Momma worries a lot, doesn’t she?” Kousuke asked.

  “That’s the nice way of putting it,” Aria giggled.

  “How did your Moms meet?” Kousuke pondered, “A pro fighter and someone with your Momma’s level of anxiety is an interesting pair.”

  “They meet at a friend’s party, Ma said that she saw Momma across a bonfire and wanted to get to know her. Ma lived in the neighboring town so they never met before that night. So she went up to Momma and started a conversation with her. Momma had heard rumors about Ma being a ‘trouble maker’ and was a little standoffish,” Aria giggled, “Took Ma a few months of waiting before Momma was comfortable to go on a date.”

  “That’s cute,” Kousuke chuckled.

  Looking up to the sky, Kousuke grinned at the pink shade.

  Perfect timing.

  “This way,” Kouske said, leading Aria down a different block.

  Slowly the buildings became less and less. Trees along the walk took their place.

  With one more turn, beautiful iron gates going on for miles stood in front of them. An arching sign connected the gates, letting everyone know they were entering: “The World Garden”.

  Vibrating with excitement, Aria let out a tiny squeal, making Kousuke smile. Paying the entry fee as quickly as he could, Kousuke was promptly pulled in.

  Before Aria could take the lead, Kousuke guided her down the longest path they could take. When Kousuke would point at a plant, Aria would list everything about it. From if it was edible to where they originated from. Listening to her list off the names of every plant her eyes landed on, and enjoying the joy on Aria’s face.

  It made Kousuke happy to hear her talk so animatedly.

  The first time he ever heard her ramble was when they ran into each other at the store.

  How they ran into each other started back when everyone was discussing the cabin trip. Everything else but the food had been assigned, and only Aria had asked for a list of food. So Kousuke decided to go and get the basics. The worst thing that could happen is another grocery trip would be made at the cabin.

  Not only did the Terra and Radiant User end up at the same store, Kousuke noticed her buggy full of food. Enough for a three-day trip for seven people. On top of that, he witnessed her scolding a box of oatmeal.

  How dare they not be her favorite apple flavor!

  That led to her talking to herself about what flavor she should get instead. Ending in her wondering what everyone else’s favorite oatmeal was.

  It was cute.

  Since their impromptu trip, Kousuke has been wanting to hear her more. Patiently, he waited to hear her cute chatter and not get embarrassed.

  The night of “Botanical’s” soft launch, Kousuke was scrolling through his photos and came across the cave pictures. Reminding him of the gardens, a perfect place for Aria. She’d be so happy that talking was all she would do. Allowing herself to express her interests fully.

  However, what lay ahead in less than an hour would end Aria’s fast words.

  “This place is so pretty,” Aria breathed out, looking around the dimming park, “They have Apfelfroschblume here!”

  “They have what?” Kousuke asked, confused by the word Aria spoke.

  “‘Apple Frog Flower’, right there,” Aria pointed to the red flower.

  It was a multi-petaled flower, that bloomed outward showing off how brilliantly red it was. On top of the petals were little bumps that had specks on them. Making it resemble a frog resting on the flower.

  “They’re perfect for bees, the nectar they produce makes honey taste like apples. I visited a bee farm when I was a kid that specialized in harvesting honey,” Aria looked over at Kousuke, “I had to wear a suit and everything.”

  “Did any land on you?” Kousuke asked.

  “So many! I know they’re harmless but something about the amount of buzzing freaked me out,” Aria giggled, “I was so scared to make the bees mad, I walked so slow or didn’t move.”

  “Is it near Hueco?” Kousuke asked, taking off a leaf that landed on Aria’s head.

  “Kinda, it’s about an hour away,” Aria answered, eye roaming the rest of the flowers, “I should take you some time. I think you would like it.”

  The off-hand comment made Kousuke’s heart take an extra beat, a smile pulling on his lips.

  Grabbing Aria’s hand, Kousuke pulled her to him. Wrapping his arm around her shoulders, Kousuke grinned down at her.

  “Just tell me when and I’ll make time for it,” Kousuke promised, “We can even stop in Hueco. You can introduce me to your Moms’.”

  Wrapping her arm around Kousuke’s waist, Aria smiled up at him.

  “I get to meet your Mom too then,” Aria teased, “I have to meet someone as awesome as her.”

  “How do you know she’s awesome?” Kousuke asked, quirking an eyebrow.

  “Because of how you talk about her,” Aria answered, “It’s so sweet and heartfelt. She raised two of the most amazing people I know and allowed you two to explore and grow into who you are now. I’m sure your grandma helped, but your mom did all the leg work.”

  Giving her a quick squeeze, Kousuke rested his head on hers. Soaking in the warmth he felt from her.

  For a moment, he wondered if she was a Pyro User instead of a Terra User. Then he remembered how she saved him from the Pure Owl. Such an incredible action from her magic, Kousuke felt it radiating off the roots. It was the same warmth he was feeling now.

  So comfortable.

  Safe.

  Familiar even.

  Looking up at the purpling sky, Kousuke pulled away from the hug. Keeping an arm around her shoulders.

  “Come on, there’s one last thing I want to show you,” Kousuke said, leading the way.

  Placing her hand back into the hand that was over her shoulder, Aria leaned a little into Kousuke’s side.

  “There’s more? You really know how to spoil a girl,” Aria giggled.

  “You’re the first person I ever wanted to spoil,” Kousuke’s confession made Aria blush.

  Digging her face more into Kousuke’s shoulder, Aria brought Kousuke’s arm around her head. Trying to hide from the Radiant User.

  Yes, she was embarrassed, but she was more happy.

  The small reaction made Kousuke’s grin grow a little.

  “We’re here,” Kousuke said, stopping their walk.

  Looking up, Aria quirked a confused eyebrow. In front of them was a group of Weeping Willow trees. Standing tall and grand, their drooping leaves touching and hugging each other. Shadows slowly retreated with the setting sun.

  “Weeping Willows?” Aria asked confused, “I would see these sometimes when I explored the forest in my backyard.”

  “Give it a second,” Kousuke encouraged, making her confused gaze turn to him.

  His eyes were not on Aria, instead looking to the sky. Watching as it gets dark and darker. The purpling sky turned into a dark ink blue.

  “Three,” Kousuke began counting when more stars started to appear, “Two,” the park lights shut off when the sun disappeared, engulfing them in darkness.

  The sudden shift of her vision made Aria scoot closer to Kousuke.

  “One,” Kousuke ended.

  Slowly, from the trees at the end meeting in the middle, a green and white glow dances between the leaves.

  Green and white danced together, lighting up the section of the park the two stood in. Yellow sparks dimming in and out.

  Glancing down at Aria, Kousuke smiled at her glowing eyes. The glow of her magic enhanced the smile on her lips.

  Exactly the reaction he expected from her. It was the same when they found the glowing flowers. So much happiness that words can’t be spoken.

  It wouldn’t last long, and Kousuke couldn’t wait to hear Aria tell him everything about these trees.