Episode 18: Date Night

"Sigh…"

Vanessa glanced up from her book to see a moping Courtney lying belly-side down on her bed. The girl pouted as her legs swayed back and forth. "That was a pretty bad sigh. Which means you have something on your mind." Vanessa explained.

"It… it wasn't that bad." The embarrassed girl buried her face into her arms. "I was just thinking about Lukas…"

"Is there anything else you ever think about it…?" Vanessa moaned as she returned to her book. The girl sat on a chair at her desk across the room from Courtney's bed.

"It's not like I think about him all the time!" Courtney retaliated as she quickly sat up. "It's just we've been dating for like two weeks now but… I don't think anything's really changed…"

Vanessa laughed obnoxiously as she slammed her book on top of the desk. "Oh wow, I didn't notice til you pointed that out but yup!"

"Hm! It not that funny…" The girl grimaced once more.

"Right, right, I'm sorry." Vanessa stood to her feet and walked over to Courtney. "So you just want to spend more time with Luke? Is that all?"

"I guess…" Courtney replied. "I know he's really busy with the Ikusa team. His qualification match for the National Tournament is tomorrow so I don't think I should really bother him."

"No! This is the perfect time to bother him!"

"Eh?"

"You see," Vanessa began to explain, "when tired little Luke gets home from a hard day of practice, he's gonna want to relax. That's when you come in! You'll cook for him! Give him a long, seductive massage! Tell him how strong he is! Wash his back in the shower! And at night when you two are all alone in his bed…"

"Vanessa!" The girl squealed in embarrassment. Her face was a fierce, hot red that almost looked like steam was going to rise from her face. "T-t-t-that's not exactly what I had in mind!"

"What?! What's the point of taking things slowly at this point?" Vanessa asked. "You guys have been through a lot. The next step is obviously sex!"

Courtney quickly grabbed a pillow and shoved her face in it. "No, no, no, no!" The pillow muffled her embarrassed screams as she shook her head back and forth.

"You're being a child! You will bang Lukas, and you are going to like it!" The girl sternly ordered. "It's just sex!"

The girl slowly lifted her face up from the pillow, only exposing the upper half. She was even redder and more embarrassed than before.

"Wait…" Vanessa slowly crept her hands toward the girl's pillow. "You're a virgin!" She giddily yelled as she ripped the pillow away from Courtney.

"Vanessa!" Courtney shrieked while she took the pillow back. "There's nothing wrong with saving it for that special someone…"

"Isn't Lukas a special someone?"

"Lukas is special to me but I don't think I'm ready for that yet!" Courtney said.

"Psh, it's just sex. Even me and Zayn have done it." Vanessa replied.

"Well I rather… wait, what?! Y-you and Zayn?!" Courtney grabbed Vanessa by the shoulders and began to shake her. "W-when was this?! Tell me!"

"Okay, okay girly!" Vanessa straightened herself out, backing up from Courtney. "It was only a couple weeks ago… we were hanging out at his place and it… just kinda happened, ya know?"

"No I don't know!" The girl squealed. "Are you two dating?"

"I don't think so." Vanessa said, though unsure herself. "But he has been nicer and asking to hang out a lot more. Plus I don't see him around other girls like he usually is."

"Awww, I'm so happy for you!" Courtney quickly embraced her friend. "I've been waiting for you two to stop being so stubborn! It was so obvious you two liked each other forever now."

"S-shut up!" Vanessa began blush herself now. "A-anyway, this is about you and your inability to manipulate men. You're a woman! Lukas should be begging to spend time with you!"

"You think?"

"Of course!" Vanessa confidently explained. "Who calls first? The guy! Who asks you to hang out? The guy! Who offers to pay for the meal? The guy! Who makes the first move when it comes to sex? The guy!"

"S-stop bringing that up…" Courtney whimpered.

"My point is we live in a society where men have no choice but to eat out the palm of our hands. You have to be doing something wrong!"

"I don't know what I'm doing wrong!" The girl sobbed. "I… I've usually been the one to call Lukas since we started dating… and when I do, it's usually cause I ask him to hang out. I remembered he paid for my meal once before, but that was before we even started dating…"

Vanessa stared at Courtney with a disappointed look. "Hmm… and how many times have you asked him to hang out in the past two weeks?"

"Um, I guess like five or six times."

"And how many times have you guys actually hung out?"

"Um, twice…"

"It's totally obvious that you're being way too clingy!" Vanessa stated. "Guys hate that! Well, a lot of guys do. Mainly girls, but anyway, you need to make him the clingy one. That's how girls work, see?"

"Not really…" Courtney said. "I mean, even though we haven't hung out a lot, when we do he's really sweet and nice to me. And we see each other at school all the time. It's okay, I know he's working hard with the team."

"Yea, working real hard with Luna!"

"W-what'd you say it like that for?"

Vanessa asked, "Aren't you worried that he might be spending a little too much time with her?"

"N-no!" Courtney told her, though her voice wasn't filled with much confidence. "I trust Lukas! He said they were just friends so I believe him."

"That's not the point Courtney." She exclaimed. "You're his girlfriend yet he spends more time with another girl! A girl who grew up with him and probably knows everything about him!"

"Knows… everything about… Lukas?" The girl pondered at the thought of someone other than her being closer to Lukas.

"So that's why you need my help! I will teach you how to manipulate men!"

"I don't want to manipulate Lukas!" Courtney argued. "Besides, it's only been two weeks. I'm sure we'll…"

Courtney was suddenly cut off by her cellphone ringing. The phone was laying on the desk across the room so the girl hopped off the bed and ran over to it. She looked ecstatic when she saw the name on the phone.

"I-it's Lukas!" She exclaimed with a large grin. "Maybe he's out of practice early!"

Vanessa just rolled her eyes at the love-struck girl.

"Hey Lukas!" Courtney giddily said into the phone.

"Hey."

"What's up?"

"Hey listen, I'm sorry Courtney but I'm gonna be a little late tonight. Luna wants me to stay over and help train some more for tomorrow's big game." His voice came out of the phone speakers. Vanessa could hear him as well.

"Oh…" The grin suddenly turned into a frown as she sat down on the chair. "W-what about our plans tonight? We were gonna go downtown for a movie, then get dinner, and…"

"We can still go for dinner. But I probably won't be out in time for the movie. I'm really sorry."

"Yea…" The girl moped.

"Hang up."

Courtney looked up, wondering why Vanessa told her that. "Huh?"

"You want my help or not? He's taking time out of your date to be with Luna! Hang up!" The girl repeated.

Courtney hesitated as Lukas said something else to her, but without thinking about it she hung up the phone. "W-why did you tell me to hang up on him?"

"Don't worry, he'll call back."

"But that was rude!"

"Now when he calls back, say 'hi Ben'." Vanessa said.

"Ben? Why would Ben be calling me?" Courtney asked.

"Exactly!" Vanessa jumped up from the bed and headed over to her desk where Courtney was sitting at. "When you accidently mistake Lukas's phone call for that dork Ben, it'll make him wonder why you thought it'd be Ben! He won't be able to help but think about it and it'll eat him alive!"

"B-but…" Before Courtney could argue, her cell phone began to ring again.

"See, what did I tell you? Now answer it confidently, as if you know for sure this is going to be Ben!" Vanessa cheerfully told her.

Courtney clicked the phone and placed it back to her ear. "H-hey Ben!"

"What's up Courtney? Hey is Vanessa there?"

"W-wait, this is Ben!" Courtney shouted as she looked at the name on her phone.

"What?!" Vanessa yelled in astonishment as she grabbed the phone from her. "What the hell do you want?!"

"You need to turn on your phone. Me and Zayn have been trying to call you for the past three minutes…"

Vanessa shut the phone close in a fit of rage. "He just had to call right then…" She grumbled under her breath. As soon as she closed the phone it began to ring again. This time, the two girls looked at the name flashing on the screen. "See! Now answer and say 'hi Ben'."

"I dunno Vanessa…"

The girl quickly opened the phone and shoved it up against the side of Courtney's head.

"H-hey Ben!" Courtney stuttered into the speaker.

"Ben?"

Courtney glanced over to Vanessa who gave her a thumbs-up. "Oh L-Lukas, sorry. What's up?"

"Well you hung up on me. Just wondering if you were okay."

"Tell him you're fine and you're about to go out." Vanessa whispered to her.

"I-I'm doing just fine. I'm actually about to head out now." The girl tried to sound as convincing as possible, though she was still a bit hesitant of Vanessa's plan. She turned back to Vanessa who had an over confident grin.

Lukas replied, "Alright. Hey I feel bad not spending enough time with you, but it'll only be for a bit longer; just til the tournament is over."

"Tell him it's whatever and you have to go. Then hang up right as he's saying good bye."

Courtney frowned at the suggestion but went along with it anyway. "It's… it's whatever. Hey, I gotta go. I'll talk to ya later."

"Courtney, is Vanessa there telling you wha…?" Lukas's voice cut off as Courtney shut off the phone.

The girl threw the phone on the desk and let out a long sigh. "Ohh, he so knew what we were doing. I feel so bad now…"

"Damn that Lukas…" Vanessa growled as she walked back to the bed. "Should have known he'd be too smart to fall for that. It's okay though!" She exclaimed turning back to Courtney. "You guys are going for dinner tonight. I will teach you how to make him your puppy!"

The small convertible car sped down the road toward the horizon. The sun was beginning to set, covering the landscape with a brilliant fiery gold. With the top of the small vehicle down the fierce yet calming winds beautifully whipped the girl's silver hair all around. She casually leaned against her door as she continued to maneuver her way down the empty highway.

After a short time, the car began to slow down and headed onto the main road. From there it only drove for a little while longer, passing many large buildings along the way, and came to a stop outside a rather majestic, almost palace-like structure. The city seemed to be packed with civilians walking about all over the place. However, there didn't seem to be much activity surrounding this place.

The girl stepped outside the car and made her way toward the building. There was a large steel gate preventing anyone from entering, and two guards stood erect in front.

"Identification number GF06-02: General Meredith Brook." The woman pulled out her badge and flashed it at the two guards.

"Ma'am!" The two guards shouted in unison as they saluted the girl.

Shortly afterward, Meredith found herself entering the main office room of Glendale's Royal Hall. The guard who escorted her saluted before closing the large doors, leaving her inside.

"Thank you for coming all the way out here." The man standing behind the large desk calmly said as he turned toward her. He was a rather built man, though his tan suit and well-kept facial hair gave the impression he was more of a gentle soul than a brute. "I apologize for not having time to discuss this matter earlier General."

"Duke Dalton Markham." The girl stepped further into the office and saluted the man. "That's quite alright. I didn't mind the drive from Frelia."

"It's over a two hour drive here mate. You must have been speeding like crazy."

Meredith quickly turned to see another man sitting in the corner of the room. "Roy?" She asked surprised. "I didn't even notice you. What are you doing here?"

"The girls of Gun-Force are as rude as ever I see…" The young General chuckled as he stood to his feet. "How many times did you get pulled over?"

"Only once!" The girl pouted as she looked away. "I just said it was an emergency."

"Abuse of power much?" The man smiled as he took a seat in front of the Duke's desk.

"Oh shut it! What are you doing here?!"

"I asked him to come in regards to the issue you brought to me. Let's recap on what you told me before." Duke Markham solemnly stated as he took a seat in his large leather chair.

Meredith took the chair next to Roy and moved it away from him before taking her seat. "Right… About six months ago, members of Silver Blood attacked an innocent civilian's house. Luckily, no one was injured, but their home was gravely damaged. After the home was fixed and the family returned inside… a couple months ago, the girl's house was attacked again… and this time, two people were murdered."

"Oh right, I heard about that all over the news for weeks." Roy stated. "The media was blaming the army for not dealing with the terrorists or placing any protection for the girl."

"I'm not stupid enough to leave an innocent civilian unprotected while Silver Blood was still active in the area!" The girl shouted. "No one outside my team, other than Courtney, was aware of this but I had two Knights from my Gun-Force stationed as guards at her house… they monitored the area from the roof top. The thing is… after the Silver Blood Letter I told you about killed her siblings, my two guards went missing…"

"So there were guards after all? Wait!" Roy looked shocked as he turned to her. "What? Missing as in they were taken by Silver Blood? Or… did they willingly abandon their post?"

"M-my Knights would never…!"

"We don't know that yet." The Duke sighed as he leaned forward on the desk.

"You think the Letter sensed their Rei-Ki and killed them?" Roy asked.

Meredith shook her head. "I don't think so. I had the area thoroughly investigated… I couldn't find a drop of blood belonging to either one. On top of that, the two both wore special R-Concealers. They're bulletproof and they also reduce one's natural Rei-Ki output so greatly that you would have to be right next to that person wearing the jacket to sense their Rei-Ki."

Roy suggested, "Well perhaps they engaged an enemy elsewhere and were killed…"

"They were ordered to not leave that area. If they believed there was a threat outside their post, they would contact me."

"You just love rejecting my ideas, don't ya…?"

"You just love giving shitty ideas…"

"At any rate," the Duke interrupted, "why don't you inform us of what you believe happened."

"Okay…" The girl continued, "So the only person aware of the guards' presence other than myself, was Courtney. With that in mind, Silver Blood's activities involving this girl have been far too precise. They attacked her home knowing she wouldn't be in it twice already. Initially, I thought it was the lower ranking members acting on their own. However, I was incorrect and had learned that a Letter was helping them. Even so, both Gun-Force 6 and the Anti-Terror Division's intel lacks one crucial piece of information: how these people get their information to plan these accurate attacks."

"You think someone close to the girl has been providing them with information?" Roy asked curiously.

"I… yes, I do."

"The girl knew of the guards, perhaps she accidently informed someone." The Duke suggested. "Did the boy know anything of the guards?"

"Lukas?" Meredith pondered. "No, but he is definitely not a suspect."

"Ooh my supposed replacement?" Roy chuckled. "That the same guy you've been bringing along on your assignments?"

"Yea, but he's refused to take part in any further activities as of late. However, I have the strong urge he will accept the offer and you can finally get your ass out of here!"

"Heh, no need to be so cold." The man grinned as he placed his hands in front of his face.

"Anyway, what do you plan on doing General Brook?" The Duke brought the conversation back on topic.

"Either my two Knights betrayed me or Silver Blood has been spying very closely on the girl." Meredith explained. "Either way I will take care of the matter. The more pressing issue I discussed with you Duke would be…"

"Ah yes… the Demens…" The Duke sighed, rubbing his forehead. "You told me that you engaged two Letters, a woman named Lucy Cyril and an unnamed man, in their underground facility."

"Cyril?" Roy looked surprised as he turned to Meredith.

She glanced at him, then back to the Duke and continued. "Yes sir. According to the group of Silver Blood members we captured a while back, their main facility for creating these Demens is located somewhere here… in Glendale."

"Yes, which is why I've brought Roy here."

"Me, sir?" The blond man pointed to himself.

"Yes, I am assigning you to investigate this matter here." Duke Markham sternly ordered.

"Aw, making me work when I'm trying to get outta here…" Roy groaned, slouching down in his chair. "Can't Toran or one of the other three do it?"

"General Dolthersay will graduate from the academy in a couple months." The Duke explained. "General Ashley Sayarah is far too busy dealing with Gun-Force 3 on her own. And besides, you are arguably the strongest General."

"Thanks, and while true I'm still not staying."

"Psh, Laylin could kick your ass…" Meredith murmured.

"Gun-Force 2 is just as strong as Gun-Force 1." Roy argued.

"Maybe, just maybe when it comes to your Commanders… but General Laylin would have no problem beating you." The girl laughed hardily.

"Oh whatever." He sighed, leaning against the chair. "I guess I can clean up the mess General Brook failed to clean. Their facility will be located and taken care of."

The teasing smile Roy gave Meredith seemed to make her even madder than his little comment. "Grr… I think we should let Lukas skip going to the academy so he can hurry and take over this dumbass's spot!" The girl childishly exclaimed pointing at Roy.

"Dumbass?! That was a bit harsh mate…"

"Eh, no… he's not that good…" The Duke said. "Besides… he hasn't accepted the offer yet…"

Downtown Frelia was always bustling with excitement and things to do. People had places to go and other people to meet. Groups of friends walked down the sidewalk and crossed roads trying to get to their destination. The lit billboards and bright lights from the buildings made the area look rather lively.

Courtney and Lukas walked side by side down the sidewalk. The two observed the many different things on their way to the restaurant. There was a small concert being held down a few blocks. The drums and other instruments could be heard from a band in the distance but they really couldn't make out the words of the singer. Even though the place was so lively and energetic, it seemed to be rather peaceful as well.

"Hmm…" Courtney's eyes were turned away from Lukas, glued to all the other different things down the road. She walked quietly alongside him, not saying much.

"You sure you okay? You've been awfully pouty."

Courtney quickly looked up to him. She didn't want to act this way, but she decided to take Vanessa's advice to try and build their relationship. Besides, Vanessa was far more skilled when it came to controlling guys, so she had to know more about them than Courtney herself.

"I'm fine." The girl coldly stated as she cocked her head away. I think I'm doing everything she told me to. What else… oh right! I have to make him feel like he's not the most important thing in my life right now.

"We're almost there. Get anything you want, it's on me. Least I can do for not having enough time for you." He said smiling.

I-is it working?! Courtney quickly blushed with excitement. No, I can't let up! I have to keep it up… "I've been pretty busy too Lukas. I dunno if we'll be able to hang out for a while. Finals are coming up soon and I really need to study."

"You're far too modest Courtney." Lukas replied. "You're a lot smarter than you give yourself credit for."

The girl grimaced, "Thanks…"

Lukas glanced at the girl, observing her behavior for a moment. He noted she began to observe some building across the street. It appeared to be a rather luxurious restaurant, far more elegant than the one they were going to. He saw her eyes were captivated by the intricate design of the building and the lights that gleamed from the inside. Men in their expensive suits walked inside with their flock of wealthy friends in equally luxurious attire.

"Have you ever been there?" Lukas asked the girl.

She just shook her head.

The two then finally reached the restaurant; though a casual diner, it appeared more popular and expensive than a lot of other ones they've been to. There was a decent size line that stretched out the door from inside. The couple made their way to the back of the line and waited patiently to be seated. A few more people got in line behind them; the building was very crowded, which wasn't a surprise for a Thursday night.

"This is my fault, sorry Courtney." Lukas sighed, looking ahead at the crowd in front. "If I got out of practice when we planned, we wouldn't have to wait like this."

"Oh, it's oka…" Courtney quickly stopped herself. Wait! According to Vanessa I'm supposed to make him feel bad about that sorta stuff… "I-it'd be okay if I didn't have a bunch of homework to do."

Lukas turned around to her, seeing the cute frown on her face. "Well my girlfriend is pretty amazing then to come be with me instead of doing her homework."

The girl darted up at Lukas, who was smiling so sincerely at her before turning back around. Courtney quickly blushed as she looked away. Why does he have to be so perfect?!

Suddenly Courtney felt a bump from someone standing behind her. The girl fell forward but caught herself on Lukas's arm before actually falling to the ground.

"Hey, you okay?" Lukas asked.

Courtney was holding Lukas's arm tightly, with her face scrunched right next to it. She didn't realize she stayed like that for a moment, just gripping the muscular limb. "W-wha…?" When she did realize it, she quickly jumped back, acting like nothing happened. But she felt her heart continue to race and her face become hot.

After a while of waiting in the line and walking dreadfully slow inside the two managed to get a table. The restaurant and bar were packed with a variety of people. The waitresses all wore cute clothing while the waiters looked sophisticated but casual at the same time. It was an interesting place. The TV's that hung against the walls was on a new channel; the volume was off, and instead subtitles were popping up at the bottom of the screen.

The two sat across from each other at a table, and they had their food already served to them. Surprisingly, it wasn't too loud inside despite the large amount of people all over the place.

"How was it?" Lukas asked as he watched the girl place her fork down on the plate.

She took a napkin and gently patted her lips. "It was good."

Lukas stared at the girl in front of him who simply played with her thumbs. "Hmm… you wanna have a bet?"

"A bet?"

"Just for fun. Let's see how long you can keep up this 'playing hard to get' act." He teased her with a smile.

"I-I'm not playing hard to get!" Courtney pouted.

"Courtney, growing up with a mother like mine I've become pretty decent at studying people."

"Studying… people?" She asked surprised.

He nodded, "Yea. Just how like you're trying to manipulate me… I can do the same."

W-why is he suddenly being so playful?! Courtney knew better to try and act differently in front of someone so perceptive. But, she just had to try and beat him. "I don't know what you're talking… EEK!" The girl's sudden shriek, though short and quiet, drew the attention of some people nearby. Courtney puckered as her face turned hot red. "W-what…"

"Physical attraction is a great way to manipulate certain emotions." Lukas casually told her as he took a sip from his glass.

His… his leg… Courtney suddenly felt her whole body become tense as Lukas's leg brushed up against hers underneath the table. It just rested right up against her leg. She wanted to move hers away, but she didn't. For one reason or another it just stayed right there against Lukas's. What made it worse was how nonchalant Lukas was while she was freaking out over something like this.

Lukas saw the uneasy look on Courtney's face and promptly pulled his leg away. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"I… I wasn't… completely uncomfortable." The girl whimpered out.

"So, you gonna tell me what's been on your mind?" Lukas asked.

Courtney sighed, knowing she could no longer keep up the act. "I'm sorry… Vanessa just gave me some advice for our date."

"What made you think you needed any advice?"

"I don't know…" That was a lie. She couldn't help but think about Luna. Even though they were dating now, Courtney still seemed to think that Luna was held more dearly in Lukas's heart. She couldn't tell if it was jealousy that was irrational or not, but she just wanted to get Lukas's attention. "Vanessa was just trying to help, though I think she might have over read the situation…" Courtney pouted.

"I think so too." Lukas said as he placed a hand over hers. "I apologize for not getting to spend enough time with you. Listen, if we win the qualification game tomorrow, how about I take you to that restaurant we saw on our way here?"

"The really expensive looking one?" Courtney confirmed as she recalled the place Lukas was referring to. "N-no way! We couldn't afford that! Besides, we should hang out with the rest of the guys when you all win tomorrow."

Lukas let out a brief sigh. He then said, "Money has never really been of any importance to me. My mother makes a pretty good salary and since it's just her and myself we never have any financial issues. So if I want to spend money on something, or someone, I will."

"I'm not sure if that's sweet or foolish." The girl grinned.

"It might be foolish considering that most people work their entire lives to get paid, and it's money that keeps food on the table." Lukas shrugged. "But I honestly don't have much attachment to money or any physical item. Well, perhaps one…"

"Are you a spiritualist or something?" Courtney teased. "Now that you mention it, your home is pretty bland. Wait, what item are you attached to?"

Lukas kept quiet before replying, "Well. I'm really fond of a scarf I have."

"A scarf?" Courtney recalled Lukas wearing a red scarf frequently when the weather was colder over the fall and winter seasons a few months back. But now that spring was starting, he stopped wearing the scarf. "Can't say I blame ya; you look really good with it on!"

"Haha, thanks." He chuckled. "Anyway, you up for dinner again tomorrow night then?"

"Oh, I'm gonna get fat if I keep eating like this!" The girl cried out as she poked at her stomach.

"C'mon, you barely eat anything. Besides, I'm sure that restaurant is one of those fancy places that serve tiny portions." Lukas insisted with a smile.

The girl was hoping Lukas would have insisted she had an amazing body and whatnot, but she figured Lukas wasn't the type to fondle women for such reasons. "Oh okay. But then we have to dress up all fancy!"

"Don't worry, I have plenty of 'fancy' clothes."

"I thought you weren't a materialist…" The girl smirked.

"My mom buys a ton of clothes for me that I never wear…" Lukas sighed. "Kinda feel bad, but I guess an occasion like this would be perfect for wearing them."

"Ooh, ooh! Can I come over and see all your clothes! I could totally help you pick one and then find a matching dress!" Courtney giddily exclaimed.

"I dunno, it's getting late." Lukas replied taking a glance at the watch on his wrist. "I was actually gonna study a little before tomorrow's match."

"Study for your game?" Courtney asked. "How do you do that?"

"Well Luna keeps recorded games that the team has played in the past for coaching purposes." Lukas explained. "I was gonna watch some vids of when Kane was on the team so I could learn a bit more about him. We'll be facing his team tomorrow."

"No way! You have to play against that guy?" Though Courtney wanted to spend more time with Lukas, she also knew that disturbing him while he was gearing up for such an important match would be selfish on her part. "Okay, I don't want you to lose because of me. But… do you think I could still come over… and just watch them with you?"

Lukas sighed as he stared back at the girl who gazed pleadingly into his eyes. There was no way he could reject the girl's request, especially since he's been ignoring her as of lately. "Fine… let me just call my mom and make sure she's still working at the hospital."

"Yay! Thank you Luke!" Courtney blushed as her smile spread across her face. She watched as Lukas stood to his feet then walked off to go make the phone call to his mother.

The place was beginning to quiet down now. There weren't many people left in the restaurant. A lot of the waiters and waitresses were cleaning off tables and preparing to close down. Courtney repeatedly tapped her shoes together, sipping her water with a straw, as she eagerly waited for Lukas's return.

"So they finally managed to move everything to Glendale?"

Suddenly, Courtney's attention unintentionally overheard the conversation that occurred a few tables behind her. It was a man's voice, and sounded like there were a few other men sitting with him.

"Shh! Not so loud man." Another man hissed.

"Yeah, they had to kill a few Demens though."

Demens?! Courtney's eyes suddenly shot wide open, staring into her glass of water. She recalled the word being used by Lukas and her teacher a few months back when she followed them into some sort of underground building. They called the hideous monster Lukas fought that.

"Damn it took long enough."

"It couldn't be helped dumbass. We couldn't just stroll into Glendale with all that stuff. That would have risked our facility being discovered."

"Yeah. Having the new facility only blocks away from Glendale's Royal Hall was pure genius. Neither the Imperial Army nor Gun-Force will suspect that!"

"Would you two shut the fuck up? Someone's gonna hear you…"

W-what the heck? Are those guys from Silver Blood?! Courtney wanted to desperately turn around and confront the men. She wanted to know exactly where this facility was. She wanted to know if that man, the one who attacked Lukas, would be there. That was the man responsible for killing Natalie and her brother. I have to find out! Courtney suddenly felt a surge of rage rush up within her. These men knew where that Silver Blood Letter was, and she was going to make them tell her.

"You ready?"

Courtney had gotten up from her chair and was about to head down to the table behind her. She quickly spun around when she heard Lukas's voice. "I… um…"

"I gave a quick call to my mom and she'll be working late as usual." Lukas told her as he got out the wallet and placed some cash on the table. "If you're ready, we can head over to my place now."

"Y…yea…" The girl glanced at the group of men sitting a few tables down from them. They had changed the topic of their conversation and were now back to drinking their beer and laughing with one another. Courtney picked up her purse and proceeded to walk past Lukas toward the door.

Lukas noted her strange behavior, but figured she would be fine after they got to his house and relaxed. He caught up to her and the two headed out the door of the restaurant.

S-should I tell Lukas? The girl thought, nibbling on one of her fingers. I remember him and Misayo talking about Silver Blood 'moving their facility' somewhere. I'm not sure what they were talking about, but I know those guys were talking about Silver Blood stuff! They know where that guy is! They know where that guy who killed Natalie is!

She turned around to glance at Lukas. He returned a sincere smile as the two continued to his car. Somehow, his smile made her feel more at ease. Courtney returned her attention in front of her. No… Lukas has done enough for me already. There's no way I can bring up this whole Silver Blood issue again. Not yet at least…

Author's Note: Only a few more Episodes left. One of my more chill Episodes, meant to give you guys a insight on Courtney and Lukas's "new relationship." Gasp, why did he quote that? ;) Anyway, just so you guys know we are near the climax of this season. Thank you so much for sticking with me so far. Let me know your thoughts on this chapter!