Damien watched as she spoke and recognised the value of her statement; he had certainly felt before now that whatever the secret was that he sought, he would regret what it might unlock.  Things seemed so much more tranquil just whiling his hours away in the corner of Corner sweets.<br/><br/>Was he mistaken or did he see something in her eyes as she headed for the counter; likely he had got the wrong end of the stick, not for the first time.  Either way, as Ally walked away from the table and flashed a smile, he couldn’t help but return one; a smile that marked how at ease her company had made him.  He had almost forgotten about<em>him</em>, that weight that hung around his neck seemed a little less heavy in her presence.<br/><br/>His smile broadened; “T..thank you Ally.”  He watched as she gracefully slipped behind the counter; it was then another noise caught his attention.  The sound of the door opening and from his seat a little away from the window he bided his time watching with a distanced look as the newcomer was made welcome and smiling at Aoi as she returned.