Jam Kuradoberi ticked off her fingers one by one.

"So that means no more bounty hunting because it's dangerous."

The blonde boy nodded.

"Two, to ban Millia, Venom and Johnny from my restaurant, because they're known pirates and Assassins. Feeding them will be considered to be the aid and abetment of criminal's pursuits, namely dinner."

"That is correct."

"Third, I'm not to talk about 'that man'. Or about 'that other man'; the one that give you 'those eyes'. We don't know who might be listening."

Another nod.

"Fourth, you've a busy job, so we won't see each other much. And security at your office is Code XX, so I'm not to ever bring you lunch." That last point irritated her the most. "Did I miss anything out?"

"You're to wear a gi or baggy sweatpants. Or something! Only because, well, I am Captain of the Holy Knights, kinda…and you kick high…" His voice trailed off.

"Five." With the last finger down, her hand now made a clenched fist.

"Aiyah! Why're you so square? I'm only asking to be your friend. Not 'girlfriend'. Not 'friend with benefits'. Not 'wife'. Just plain, simple, old-fashioned friends! All these rules! And on top of not talking about my past, your past, the Postwar Administration Bureau, foreign affairs, wu xia novels, Napoleon, snails, baguettes…And the S-word!"

She took a deep, shuddering breath, fearing that she would go – had already gone – too far. "So. What can we do? What. Can. We. Talk. About."

In mute answer, Ky Kiske leaned back on the picnic mat and fiddled with a back pocket. He produced a small, rectangular, pink box. Silver flowers and gold-leaf ivy had been engraved on its borders by a flowing, feminine hand. With the quiet gentleness she loved him for, he cupped the box towards her. It opened with a soft 'pop'.

They rested on a smooth velvet cushion, a matching pair. They were perfect circles that caught the summer sunshine and winked it back ten, twenty times brighter. She had wanted them ever since that first full-page, full-colour newspaper advertisement that a guest had left behind at the table; they must have cost him a months' salary, even on his pay. Maybe even two.

She looked at them, and then looked at Ky in disbelief.

Ky caught her gaze for a full eight seconds and favoured her with a beatific smile that would have made any young lady seeing it moan and cry.

"Teacups."