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Lied stood outside the hellcafé, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. He had meticulously planned this—down to the exact amount of money he’d need if they decided to play a game after their meal. He had even consulted Iruma about “normal” date etiquette, though his friend’s panicked response hadn’t been much help.
They did after always find time to talk about love life even in the most not-the-time-for-this times.
He adjusted his collar for the fifth time. “Okay, Lied, don’t mess this up. Be cool. Be—”
“Lied!”
His tail stretched more as if he jumped in the air before spinning around to find Elizabetta standing there, her usual composed smile on her face. “You’re here early.”
Lied coughed into his fist. “O-Of course! A gentleman should always arrive first, right?”
Elizabetta hummed in amusement. “How proper of you.”
She linked her arm through his, and Lied had to use every ounce of willpower not to combust on the spot. Instead, he put on his best grin. “Let’s get inside!”
Once seated, Lied found himself hyper-aware of every move he made. Was he holding his spoon weird? Was it bad form to order the same thing she did? Should he compliment her outfit again, or would that seem desperate? He had already said she looked great the moment she arrived—
“Lied, relax,” Elizabetta said, breaking through his frantic thoughts. “You’re twitching like you lost a bet.”
He nearly choked on his drink. “Wha— I-I mean, no way! I’m totally chill. Just a normal chill guy.”
Elizabetta tilted her head. “Really? Because you keep looking at the exit like you’re calculating an escape plan.”
Lied let out a nervous laugh. “Pfft. As if! Why would I—” He cut himself off, realizing she was giggling. “Oh. You’re messing with me.”
“Just a little,” she admitted, resting her chin on her palm. “You’re fun, Lied.”
Fun. Lied wasn’t sure if that was good or bad, but judging by the twinkle in her eye, he decided it was good. Probably. And as if there is anything in these whole damned lands of the underworld that will make him want to move an inch away from his nee-san.
After they finished eating, Elizabetta casually suggested, “Wanna go play something? You’re the expert, after all.”
Lied brightened instantly. “Oh, you’re on! But don’t expect me to go easy just because it’s a date.”
She smirked. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”
And just like that, Lied forgot his nerves. Because, win or lose, at least Elizabetta thought he was fun. And that? That was worth more than any game.
They walked through the bustling arcade, the flashing lights reflecting in Lied’s wide eyes. He barely knew where to start, but Elizabetta’s amused expression reminded him that he was supposed to be leading this date.
“Alright,” he declared, puffing up his chest. “I’ll show you the best games here!”
Elizabetta chuckled. “Lead the way, master gamer.”
The first stop was a claw machine, because of course it was. Lied rubbed his hands together, staring at a stuffed bunny inside. “Watch this.”
She leaned in, arms crossed. “I’m watching.”
Lied maneuvered the joystick with expert precision, pressing the button at just the right moment. The claw grasped the bunny… and then promptly dropped it.
Elizabetta clapped. “Impressive.”
Lied deflated. “That was a warm-up!” He fished out another token and tried again. And again. And again.
Elizabetta rested her chin on her hand, watching him fail repeatedly. “I’m starting to think this game is rigged.”
“Nonsense! One more time, I can feel it—” He stopped short when Elizabetta took a turn, moving the claw with effortless ease. She pressed the button, and the claw gripped the bunny perfectly, dropping it into the prize chute.
She handed it to him. “Here, a good luck charm.”
Lied stared at the bunny, then at her, his heart skipping a beat. “Uh… thanks.”
Their gaming spree continued, from rhythm games (where Elizabetta crushed him) to racing games (where Lied barely won), (and if she was using her BLA to get him to let her win and cheat with it just to mess with him, that was going to be a secret she’ll take to the grave). At one point, he challenged her to a shooting game, determined to impress her.
“Alright, Elizabetta, prepare to be amazed.”
She nodded seriously. “I’m ready.”
The game began, and Lied went into full gamer mode, shooting targets with rapid precision. Just as he was about to reach the high score, he felt Elizabetta shift closer.
“You’re really good at this,” she murmured, watching the screen.
Lied’s brain short-circuited. His shot missed. Then another. Then—
“Game over,” the screen blared.
Elizabetta blinked. “Oops. Did I distract you?”
Lied sighed dramatically. “You totally did.”
She smiled innocently. “Oh well.”
(yah, she loved this)
Despite himself, Lied couldn’t be mad. The rest of the evening passed in a blur of laughter and playful teasing. By the time they left the arcade, Lied felt lighter, happier.
As they reached the crossroads where they had to part ways, Elizabetta stretched. “That was fun.”
Lied scratched his head. “Yeah, it was.” He hesitated, then quickly added, “We should do this again sometime.”
She smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’d like that.”
And with that, she waved goodbye and of course, with a kiss on his cheeks, she took off.
Leaving Lied standing there, clutching the stuffed bunny to his chest, grinning like an idiot.
Best. Date. Ever.