[It's definitely new territory for her as well, given that she's only just barely begun leaving her shell after high school and is still learning what kinds of social and physical interactions she does and doesn't like. All she knows is that she genuinely likes Five, and while she doesn't know where any of this is going... she already likes it.]

Don't be. Things will either work out or they won't, and I'm not going anywhere either way. But even though it kind of goes against my nature... I don't know, I'd like to be cautiously optimistic about something for once. And I think you're it.

[It isn't until now that she fully realizes just how cautious she's been during such a big chunk of their friendship, and she has to wonder if he's been doing the same, and for how long. She gives him a long, considering look before asking a soft question, still feeling a little tentative about this whole thing.]

... so... should we plan an actual date, or should we just... see where this all goes organically from here?

[She shakes her head even as she considers it, giving his hand a small squeeze.]

Is it too maudlin to say that I'm okay with pretty much anything so long as we're together? That feels kind of gross to say. [She chuckles a little/] But it's true. Maybe something simple, so we're not too caught up with the bells and whistles of a fancy dinner. But beyond that, I'm not picky.

[Her eyes widen a little when he says he wants to take her somewhere fancy, but she schools her expression fairly quickly.]

I mean, I guess I've never really experienced the whole fancy dinner thing, so I don't mind if my first time is with you. [Why yes, she does belatedly realize how that sounds, so she's quick to bury that comment with some follow-up.] There's a decent Thai spot by me, if you're into that. And a pretty good Mexican place on the same block. Or we can go somewhere closer to you if you had something in mind.

[She's grateful he doesn't bring up her phrasing, since that's not a bridge she's quite ready to cross yet, considering how new this all is.]

I'm trying to tell you there's both a Thai and a Mexican spot near me. [The words are dry, since she hadn't been trying to imply anything with her suggestions.] When it comes to food, I'm not picky so long as there's an adequate number of carbs involved, and maybe some spice or cheese or something. So I'd be just as okay with Italian or American food, too.

[Her voice softens a little, though she doesn't seem to really realize it.]

I won't exactly be focused on the food, anyway.

[The way he looks at her changes, and MJ finds that she has to consciously think about her breathing as that odd fluttering sensation within her continues, and she can only think to chuckle softly to break the tension before she does something that risks ruining this.]

I think I know you well enough to know that if we don't part ways soon, I might be tempted to say or do something embarrassing.

[She'd never really pegged Five as being much for physical intimacy, so while she's not one to just go and kiss anyone she considered cute, that goes double for this situation where she doesn't know for certain that that would be okay. And she doesn't want to do anything that wouldn't be okay.

And that includes overstaying that physical contact, so as much as she doesn't want to back away, she eventually reluctantly gives his hand one last squeeze before slowly drawing back.]

Okay. I'm looking forward to it. And remember, I'm going to be more focused on you, so... no need to go all out.