Notes: Hello, it's been a long seven months! I hope I haven't forgotten how to write (sweats)

Although he'd been approached romantically by strangers before, this was certainly a new situation.

"M-my name is Ryuugazaki! Ryuugazaki Rei!" The man before him bowed stiffly, back almost at a ninety-degree angle. "Th-thank you for agreeing to meet me on this occasion!"

"Um—" He smiled politely at the crop of dark blue hair—a few strands were sticking up at the back, despite its neatly combed appearance in the front. "Hello, I'm Hazuki Nagisa. It's nice to meet you."

"N-no, it's my pleasure!" Nagisa noticed Ryuugazaki's ears had turned pink. "If, if you don't mind, let us be on our way!"

As he trailed behind the man and his robotic walk, Nagisa wondered whether they would really be able to enjoy themselves today.

Ever since he was little, Nagisa had loved the idea of fate, of two people being destined for each other. Maybe his three older sisters were to blame for it—they had been in charge of putting Nagisa to bed until he entered grade school, and his bedtime story had always been one princess story or another. Cinderella, Rapunzel, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty—for a while back then, he'd thought those were the only fairy tales that existed. It wasn't just the magic and fire-breathing dragons and the gallant bravery of the prince—Nagisa genuinely thought it was wonderful that the prince and princess always ended up together, against all the odds and perils in their way. How could such a feat be explained, if fate wasn't involved somewhere?

But those fairy tales didn't quite explain why Nagisa never outgrew his penchant for fate, not just for love but in general, even as he went through his teen years. Joining the Iwatobi Swimming Club was fate. Reuniting with Haru and Makoto at Iwatobi High was fate. Running into Rin after graduating high school was fate. Winning the 500 yen raffle at the convenience store last Wednesday was also fate, he'd thought happily, as he walked home with the stuffed toy penguin he'd won in his arms.

With each of his romantic relationships, it had also been the same. Being seat partners in the same class for three years in a row—reaching for the same umbrella on a rainy day and having their hands touch—meeting an attractive stranger's eyes in the bus and running into each other the next day—stealing glances at each other at a wedding and asking each other to dance at the same time. Each time, Nagisa had been convinced that this was his fated person, this was who he was meant for all along. In the end none of those relationships had worked out—but all the same, Nagisa found each time that he couldn't completely give up his belief in fate. With each new meeting, with each first date, he had gotten his hopes up again and again.

But this date was a different story.

"A blind date?"

He'd been sitting at the corner café with Rin one afternoon, happily lapping up an ice cream sundae that the redhead was treating him to. Now that the bowl was empty, Nagisa could actually hear what Rin was saying.

"Well, more like an arranged date, really." Rin leaned back casually in his seat. "Since technically, you have seen him a couple of times before."

"I have?" Nagisa blinked curiously. "Who is it?"

"Ryuugazaki Rei." When Nagisa only blinked back at him, Rin sighed. "You know—dark-haired dude with red glasses, wears grandfather clothes and always has his nose in a book?"

"—Oh." Now that Rin described him, Nagisa thought he did remember seeing Ryuugazaki with Rin a few times. It had always been from a distance, however, and they'd never even spoken a word to each other. For some reason, the guy had always disappeared somewhere before Rin could introduce them—weirdly like he was trying to avoid Nagisa or something.

So why would the same Ryuugazaki ask for something like this?

"Ryuugazaki-kun wants to go on a date? With me?" Nagisa repeated, with a slight frown. "I always thought he didn't like me, though—"

"Hey, he's the one who asked me to arrange it," Rin replied, shrugging. "How should I know why he likes your annoying ass? You should go ask him that yourself." He closely avoided the spoon Nagisa threw at him, the silverware landing precariously close to the edge of their table.

"But he's your friend, Rin-chan." The frown was still on Nagisa's face. "I don't even know him that well—and how come he didn't just ask me out on his own?" In response, Rin snorted.

"'Ask you out'? Please—he nearly faints when other people hit on him. If you ask me, just asking me to ask you out for him was a challenge." The redhead sipped his own water, and placed it down with a grin. "And you'll get a whole day to get to know him inside-out—you're one persistent-ass social butterfly, you can do it."

"A blind date, though—" Nagisa fiddled with the empty sundae glass before him, eyes hesitant. "That sounds so forced." He could feel Rin's eyes on him, reading between the lines.

"Listen, kid—I know you'd rather have one of those fairy tale romance movie encounters, like with the last four human disasters you dated—"

"They weren't all human disasters," Nagisa said defensively. "Just one of them." Rin rolled his eyes.

"Whatever. Either way, you've been single for half a year now—which is saying a lot for you, considering that you thrive on human relationships. And believe it or not, not everyone's lucky enough to just run into the love of their life in the library or some café on a rainy day. That's why they put themselves out there, make it clear that they want to land themselves someone even if they have to force it a bit." Seeing that there was no change in Nagisa's expression, Rin's face softened slightly.

"Look, I know your romantic life's been through some shit," he began again. "Considering how all those relationships started out, I know even an opening with fireworks and the whole deal can be scary. But I'm not saying you have to marry the guy—just try meeting him once, and if you don't like him, you can dump him. Rei'll probably cry in bed at night, but he's a good kid. He'll understand." He grinned coaxingly at Nagisa, flashing his sharp teeth. "Do me the favor and just think of it as a casual date. What do you say?"

"Geez—" The frown on Nagisa's face shrunk into a pout. "Just because you're not the one going on the date…" Rin laughed.

"I promise, at the least, you're not going on a date with some human disaster—just a disaster at flirting." He grinned. "Who knows, you might even like the nerd back. Life's full of surprises."

Life was indeed full of surprises, if someone like Ryuugazaki had asked him out. That was what Nagisa thought, as their 'blind' date progressed.

After meeting at the subway station, they started out their date at a nearby restaurant—a family diner Nagisa was familiar with that served good pizza. He ordered a little less than what he usually did—just six dishes instead of his usual eight—and though Ryuugazaki was noticeably taken aback, he didn't comment on his choice of orders.

At first they talked back and forth at a reasonable pace—Ryuugazaki was just a little awkward about it, but he was polite and fairly conversational. He asked Nagisa about basic, run-of-the-mill things like what his hobbies were and what he was majoring in at college. It was easy enough for Nagisa to return those questions, and when he did, he found out that Ryuugazaki's interests lay mainly in the sciences. It was when he was talking about chemistry and math and various theories that Ryuugazaki seemed the most animated and comfortable—until he noticed the lost look on Nagisa's face, by then which he'd abruptly change the subject, surprisingly to topics that fell into the blond's own interests (like penguins and European history).

It wasn't that Nagisa found Ryuugazaki's conversation boring (just that he didn't understand some of the things the brunet was talking about, since the sciences weren't exactly his forte), but the more he found out about the guy, the more he realized how little they seemed to have in common. During the awkward silences that came later on, Nagisa stared into the glass of strawberry ade he was sipping out of and wondered, again, just what Ryuugazaki liked about him in the first place.

He might have asked, too, if Ryuugazaki hadn't seemed so nervous and tense.

By the time they were out of the restaurant, Nagisa started to think that the whole date might be a setup by Rin. He knew plenty about Nagisa's love life—though they'd reunited during their sophomore year in college, they had been out for their fair share of drinks. And Nagisa tended to talk even more than usual when he was drunk. He was sure he'd even broken down a few times in front of Rin, on the nights when he really swam in alcohol.

Maybe Rin had asked his good friend Ryuugazaki to go on a date with Nagisa, and everything about Ryuugazaki liking him was a cover to cheer the blond up by making him feel desired, or something along those lines. And even though their interests seemed pretty different, Ryuugazaki was easy on the eyes, in a nerdy but handsome sort of way—and Rin knew well how much Nagisa was attracted to good looks.

Damn you Rin-chan, he thought, distracted by the way Ryuugazaki's biceps were currently flexing under his polo shirt. Torn between saving himself from Rin's trap and just forgetting everything to admire Ryuugazaki's assets, Nagisa almost missed the look of confusion on the man's face.

"That's strange—it was supposed to be open today—" Ryuugazaki was murmuring. "I know I researched it properly—" Now that Nagisa was paying attention, he found that they were standing before a pair of traditional Japanese gates. The sign above the doors read 'Takaoka Flower Garden' in kanji—and the smaller sign hanging on the doors read 'Closed'. "Are they opening late today? But it can't be—" The taller man took out his phone and nervously looked something up. "AH!"

"Ryuugazaki-kun?" Stepping forward, Nagisa tapped a horrified Ryuugazaki on the shoulder. "What's wrong?"

"Th-the homepage for this garden—" A look of misery painted itself across Ryuugazaki's face. "I checked the old one instead of the new one, by accident—it seems like today is their annual holiday…!" His shoulders slumped, as if all the positive energy had been sucked out of him.

"Oh…" Feeling sorry for him, Nagisa smiled sympathetically. "I'm sorry—you really must've wanted to see this garden, huh?"

"No—I'm the one who should be sorry, Hazuki-san!" Soon, Nagisa was faced with the crown of Ryuugazaki's hair again, the man bowing in apology. "I was the one who invited you out today, yet something like this happened due to my carelessness—this isn't beautiful at all! I don't deserve to be in your company, I'm so sorry—" His voice sounded so sincere that Nagisa wasn't sure what to suspect anymore.

"—Did you really, though?" The question slipped out without him meaning for it. "Rin-chan didn't ask you to?"

"—Huh?" Ryuugazaki raised his head, looking confused. "What do you mean?" Nagisa hesitated.

"I mean, I've been thinking about it—and I guess I just don't get it." He looked up at Ryuugazaki doubtfully. "We've never even talked to each other before today, Ryuugazaki-kun—and the few times we did see each other, it always seemed like you were trying to avoid me. That's why today seems kind of sudden for me." With these words, Ryuugazaki's cheeks flushed pink.

"Th-that's—" he stammered, voice flustered. "That was because—" Nagisa didn't miss the way his violet eyes grew shifty. Any anticipation he had left for the day seemed to fade, and he smiled resignedly.

"So it was Rin-chan's setup, after all. I should have realized it earlier, huh?" As Rei's head perked up, Nagisa went on. "It did seem a little strange—you seem like a nice guy, Ryuugazaki-kun, but it doesn't look like we have much in common. It's bothersome to match yourself to my pace, isn't it?" The blond scratched his head sheepishly. "I don't know what Rin-chan said to convince you, but it's okay. You don't have to pretend that you like me. We can just split up here and—"

"I'm not pretending!" Nagisa's eyes widened—it startled him, hearing Ryuugazaki raise his voice. The man's face was now tomato red, but his expression was firm.

"You misunderstand me, Hazuki-san. I would never pretend about something like that, or invite someone on a date under such pretenses." His flush quickly spread to his ears and his voice grew smaller. "I really do feel an attraction to you. That is, romantically!" When Nagisa just stared back at him, Ryuugazaki fidgeted with his hands. "I know it must seem sudden in your perspective, and I've behaved misleadingly in your presence before, but—but the only reason I avoided you prior to today was because I was too nervous to introduce myself. Please forgive me for my rudeness!" He bowed sharply towards Nagisa once more, hair bouncing against his nape.

"I-it's okay." Feeling surprised and a little embarrassed himself, Nagisa murmured, "You don't have to bow or anything…" He trailed off, unsure of what to say next.

"—I know you must be wondering how I came to hold such feelings," Ryuugazaki continued, after straightening up. "It's just like you mentioned, Hazuki-san—we haven't even held a conversation before today, and we've hardly interacted otherwise. If Rin-san hadn't given me a push, I might never have…" Catching his words, the brunet shook his head as if putting himself back on track. "As I was saying—even for me, it's somewhat difficult to give a logical explanation. And—and if you wouldn't mind, Hazuki-san, I actually wanted to tell you about it after we get to know each other better." The taller man squeezed his eyes shut. "I know that sounds suspicious, but I do genuinely like you. Please believe me!"

'I do genuinely like you.'

Somehow, amidst all the questions in Nagisa's head, the words stuck out to him. And then, the blond realized that technically, this was Ryuugazaki's first direct confession to him. His voice did sound truthful—and upon second thought, Ryuugazaki himself didn't seem like the type of person to lie.

"Well, well—how young!"

Both Nagisa and Ryuugazaki were startled by the third voice. They turned to find an elderly foreigner couple, who apparently had seen their whole exchange from the smiles on their faces.

"E-e—" Face flushing a dark red, Ryuugazaki jumped out of their way. "Excuse me for blocking the door!" he squawked in English, his neck fairly red as well. The elderly man chuckled good-naturedly, replying in perfect Japanese.

"It's all right, young man—the garden's closed, anyhow. Looks like we're the ones interrupting—carry on charming your date." The couple left, the elderly woman aiming a cheery wink at them. Nagisa felt his own face warm, as they were left standing alone once more.

"—Um," he chirped after a while, in an attempt to break the awkwardness. "Looks like they were on a date too, huh? Haha—" He immediately realized what he said probably added to the awkwardness—falling silent, his eyes dropped to his sneakers and the blush on his cheeks grew.

"—I'm sorry, Hazuki-san." Wondering why Ryuugazaki was apologizing again, Nagisa looked up curiously. "We came all the way here, but the garden is closed—and the Seika Aquarium isn't supposed to open until later in the afternoon—"

"You got tickets to the aquarium too?" Nagisa asked with surprise. Ryuugazaki's blush deepened, and he looked away shyly.

"I, er—I heard from Rin-san that you enjoy seeing the penguin exhibit," he confessed, ears pink. "I—I really hoped that if you didn't enjoy my company, you could at least enjoy the places. I probably have been boring you with my conversation, after all—" Blinking, Nagisa thought about it—the family restaurant they'd had lunch at served his favorite pizza. The aquarium that was mentioned had his favorite penguin exhibit. Then, the garden—

"Did you come here for me, too?" he asked, gesturing towards the garden gates. Ryuugazaki made a choked noise with his throat, before reaching up to readjust his glasses.

"—It was because you look so happy when you pass by the local flower shop," he admitted in a small voice. "And, well…the camellias here remind me of your eyes." He ducked his head bashfully, the cowlicks in his blue hair bobbing slightly.

A warm feeling settled in Nagisa's chest, as he watched Ryuugazaki fidget.

"—Hey." he found himself saying, stepping towards the brunet. "Those tickets—are they limited to today?"

"Eh?" Ryuugazaki blinked. "Uh—no. They're actually acceptable for any day of the month."

"Then let's go another time," Nagisa said, smiling with anticipation. "Today, we can just relax. We can walk around the park or something instead—I want to talk to you, get to know you better." Before him, Ryuugazaki's mouth fell open with surprise.

"But—are you sure you won't be bored?" he asked, and Nagisa laughed.

"Of course not! We can even feed the ducks, if you want. I love walking in the park, and I love talking to people." He bounced back, with a spring to his step that hadn't been there before. "Don't worry, Ryuugazaki-kun—you're not boring. Yet," he added teasingly, and Ryuugazaki inhaled nervously. "How would I know that, when I still don't know a lot about you?" He flashed a mischievous grin at the taller man. "I'm Hazuki Nagisa! In the end, I always find a way to have a good time! You don't need to worry about me getting bored at all."

For a moment, Ryuugazaki looked stunned. His violet eyes flickered with an emotion that Nagisa couldn't read, before a shy smile finally worked its way across his face. Nagisa found himself thinking that it was cute, and the guy should definitely smile more, before being pulled back to reality by his voice.

"If it's all right with you, then," Ryuugazaki said sincerely, "I would like that very much, Hazuki-san."

End Notes: Does it count as a blind date if they've seen the other person around before? (I wasn't sure what else to call it...)

As some of you can probably tell, I'm pretty fond of 'arranged' romantic situations. I wanted to write something different this time around but...maybe next time...(stares at pile of unfinished fic)

Next chapter will be the continuation of their date. Thank you for reading ^^