Good Evening Traveler

Chapter Eleven: Mission Kamisato

"Xiao? Xiao!!" She called, wandering through the estate. As he so often did, Xiao simply appeared behind her. "You called?"
"Oh, I hope I'm not bothering you," Lumine apologized, "Ayaka said that she had to take care of a few things but she's all ready now! Are you ready?"
"If you are. Hmph." Xiao poured like a small child that didn't get his McDonalds meal- or almond tofu. Nevertheless, Lumine led him to Uyuu restaurant. They didn't speak much on the way, though Lumine had clearly tried to hold his hand. He did pull away repeatedly - not out of resentment, but out of fear.

Little did they know, Ayaka had quite the plan. She knew that they, meaning Xiao and Lumine, liked each other. Maybe even loved. If the two of them were too afraid to go on a date, she would set one up. The plan was simple - With the help of Thoma of course. Thoma would run into Uyuu restaurant and say that Ayato was requesting her for confidential business relating to the Yashiro Commission. In the event Xiao would have asked, which he would, Thoma would say it is private. From there, Ayaka would kick out Paimon, leaving Thoma to be the waiter-in-disguise. It was foolproof. Again, Ayaka knew how to work a conversation in her favor - yet not as well as a certain kitsune fox lady.
The four were all seated at the second level, ideal for privacy. Thoma, disguised as a man with a mustache, soon came along. "Grrrreatings travelers! How may I serve you all on this lovely tonight?" He asked, full of emotion. Thoma had secretly wanted to be an actor - this was his time to shine! Xiao merely rolled his eyes and glared. Thankfully, Lumine to the rescue! "I think we need a little bit longer before we all order. Thank you though!" she smiled.
"Ahh, alrighty then! I shall return later on, I bid farewell for now!" Thoma walked off, and absolutely was strutting his stuff. Ayaka laughed, though Xiao looked confused. Not confused at the...interesting waiter, but confused over something else. He looked up and saw that there was eyes on him from them other three. "Well, get on with it!" Paimon groaned.
"Fine...I'm just confused as to how mortals get a job and have no reason for it. No eternal debt, no acts of treason, none of it. Why do you have to work? Just because you want to?"
"Well, take Lumine's comissions for an example. They pay a good amount. You can't purchase food, clothes, a house, new weapons, none of it without the mora. People get jobs to earn it, and they can save up for more expensive things. Does that make some sense?"
"A little...I still don't get-"
Suddenly, Thoma burst in through the door. He had previously held his breath so it looked like he was exausted from running. "Hey! Miss Kamisato! Is...is now a bad time?"
"Oh not at all! Is something wrong? Please, don't run all the time! You're going to pass out!"
"I'm sorry...heh. Your brother requests for your help with private business related to the Yashiro Commission. Would you able to step out for a moment?"
"Of course," The young woman faced her friends, and said with great sorrow, "I will have to attend to this matter for the time being. Would it be okay with you all? I assure you that I will make up for it!"
"Of course - just go take care of this, okay?"
"Thank you. Thoma, lead the way."
Thoma led Ayaka downstairs, to where they both had a girly squeal. They didn't want to be too loud, as Xiao, Paimon, and Lumine could likely still hear them. "They're so cute together! It's adorable!"
"I know! If they would just own up to it, that would be great! Maybe if we set up another date..."
"The sakura blooms would be a lovely idea- but how do we get them out?
"We'll think of it in the meantime - now go change!" Ayaka shoved Thoma back to the corner where his waiter attire was. He obeyed the young Kamisato and eventually was changed and went to collect everyone's orders (finally). "Why, we meet again! Have you all lovely people decided on what you'd like to consume?"
"Paimon will have-"
"Let the traveler speak first, or I will be ordering you on the menu," glared Xiao, locking eyes with Paimon. Lumine looked embarrassed before speaking, saying, "I'll have the Rice Cake Soup and...the Tri-Colored Dango."
"Spectacular choice! And for you sir?"
Xiao continued to glare, though managed to muster all he could to say, "Fried Tofu."
"Oh my my! Is that all? Very well then - I will return once more with your food!"
"Hey! You didn't get Paimon's order," she wined, butting in as well. Luckily, this was part of the plan as well. Thoma tried not to break character as he responded with, "Dear me, I apologize, but this reservation is for two people - Lady Kamisato Ayaka was here, correct? On her way out, she changed the reservation to that of two." This was the hardest part for him, as being 'mean' wasn't something he enjoyed. Thoma wanted Paimon to stay and enjoy herself, but also wanted to give Xiao and Lumine the time they needed. Thankfully, Paimon was led out by Thoma in disguise.

Xiao and Lumine sat in silence before he spoke. "I had a...peculiar conversation with Miss Kamisato today while you were gone. Do you think it's alright I share it?"
"I would think so. Ayaka won't tell you to keep something private unless it's of absolute importance and secrecy."
Xiao secretly hoped that this wouldn't be the end of his relationship with Lumine - if you could call it that. With a silent breath, he began. "Ayaka has brought up the subject of...oh...what was it?"
"What did it start with?"
"L...Lee...Laa....Lie..." Xiao continued to fumble with the words. He didn't even know how to say the word as naturally as Ayaka did. Finally, there was an attempt. "Lavè?"
Before there was a response, Lumine began to laugh. Not rude in any way of course. Even if it was targeted at him, he didn't mind. Xiao quite liked Lumine's laugh. Of course, it reminded him of what happened while he was in the mediative state. It wasn't the pain and suffering he was thinking of, it was Lumine's laughter and smile. After a minute, she began to compose herself once more. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Are you speaking of...love?"
"Yes. Ayaka made me have a conversation about...that. I still don't quite know what it is," He responded.
"If you don't mind me asking...how have you not heard of love before?"
Normally, this question would have made Xiao lash out in anger. He would share his personal feelings the day that Signora apologized for kicking Venti. Though Lumine was different. She was special. She was Lumine.