"Well— whooo?" Rangiku grumbled at the woman, demanding an answer. If Rukia found a date, she had right to know who it was! And it better not have been one of her exes!

Rukia heaved a sigh. The last thing she wanted was for Rangiku to be in on her business, but seeing as the woman wasn't going to leave the car until she heard about this new man, Rukia decided to go ahead and tell her. "It was the guy you threw up on."

"The orange-haired looking fellow?" Rangiku blinked twice, completely undamaged by the appalling memory.

"Yes," the dark haired woman rolled her eyes at Rangiku, "I'm going on a date with him this weekend." That is if he would call sometime this week. Rukia seriously doubted that he would remember. He was semi buzzed when he asked her anyway. Rangiku stared at her friend wholeheartedly, her long-nailed fingers stretched across her gargantuan bust.

"Rukiaaa," Rukia was sure she saw a tear stream down her face, "My dear, sweet Rukia is going on a date!" Rangiku groped Rukia, jamming her face into her large boobie pillows. "You know what this means?" she asked directly as Rukia griped between her cleavage. "This is an opportunity for loosing that unwanted v-card!"

The unmistakable aroma of liquor and vomit occupied Rukia's nostrils. "Get . . . off me! It's not like . . . that," she choked, prying Rangiku off of her.

"Why not?" Rangiku jolted back frowning, "You know someone like him would be good at it. A virgin like you needs a good first time. If not, you'd end up like those old, widowed cat ladies." Yuck. Cat ladies. Well in Rukia's case, it would be rabbits. Still scary . . . ugh.

"I'm only going on a date with him to pay him back for you soiling his expensive suit."

Rangiku paused, "So if I hadn't done that, you wouldn't be going?"

"Exactly," Rukia answered with a humph. Losing her virginity to someone like him was improbable. Maybe he wasn't an imbecile, but she was sure he was way older than her.

Rangiku giggled at the memory again, "Well, thank youuu, puke." Finally, the subject of dates and the orange-haired fellow Rukia met was dropped. Thank god. Rukia shoved the drunken Rangiku out of the Benz, which forced the woman to slither sluggishly to her apartment.

A night of morbid terror would be finished as soon as Rukia could get to her bed and sleep gracefully. And to her relief, Byakuya was in bed when she arrived home. Without a speck of hesitation, she crawled into her elegant, white sleigh bed, wrapped herself in soft silk sheets, and shut her weary eyes. In the past, she dreamed of many things, but tonight, her dreams were filled with images of a pub, jazzy music, and a man of bright orange hair and dazzling earthly amber eyes. . .


For the next two weeks, everything settles down. There were no calls from Mr. Kurosaki. Rukia wasn't shocked at all; she knew he wouldn't call. However, she still felt guilty for his suit. But the heat wasn't on her anymore because the man failed to call and arrange the date—and the thought of losing her virginity to him was an empty abyss.

Stupid hair.

Rukia glowered at her reflection in the mirror. She knew couldn't fool around with her hair any longer; she was late for work. It will just have to stay like that— stringy, stiff, and unfriendly. She hurried down stairs, never hesitating to grab her name tag, which hung on a hook over the counter.

Very slowly, she retrieved it without making it jingle. She needed to be quiet because her brother could be anywhere. Nii-sama would kill me for being—

"Rukia," her brother's voice was stern as always, but there was something ominous about it for the moment. She turned slowly to regard him sitting elegantly at the dining table, his eyes never leaving the Saturday newspaper. What an ironic place to be . . . for catching sneaky slackers. Plus, Byakuya had a keen sense of hearing, no matter where he was in this spacious old house.

"Y- yes, nii-sama," she tried to sound pleasant as possible.

"You're late to work again," he turned a page. "What's your excuse this time?"

"I'm sorry." She bowed, her face making strained angry expressions at her failure through her dark strands of unfriendly hair. Hopefully nii-sama didn't see that. "Personal complications with my hair this morning."

"Rukia," she looked up to find Byakuya frowning. "What have I told you about excuses?"

"Um. . ." OF COURSE! For punishment, he would make her recite quotes that taunted her as a child, plus a slap on the hand if she didn't say them right. Of course, there was a quote for every moral, especially one for pointless excuses. "It is better offering no excuse than a bad one."

He turned back to his paper. "Don't let it happen again."

"Yes, nii-sama. It won't ever happen again, I promise," she bowed again, hurriedly grabbing her book and lunch for work.

"Also your college called." Rukia's heart dropped. "Your school fees were late this month again," he sighed sincerely. "Rukia, you know I'm always here to help, and yet you never ask me. I know you want to do things yourself but I will be forced to—"

"I'll get it taken care of I promise. I just had a lot to pay for this month. Don't worry," she swore to herself that she would never ask him to help with anything. She needed to learn how to do it by herself. She couldn't count on him all the time. "I'll see you tonight."

"Alright," the man glanced up one last time, "And Rukia."

She whirled around, "Yes, sir?"

This time, he had made an effort in pulling down his glasses, his voice sounding a little more sentimental than usual, "It doesn't matter how you look on the outside— it's the inside that counts. Despite of that, your hair looks fine."

Clustering all her items in her arms, she smiled wryly at him, then scampered to the car. Whether I look my best today or not— I'm still ten minutes late to work, she protested to herself. But the small woman understood the whole point of his "lesson" and appreciated it. He was stern but sweet, and he always showed unconditional love for his sister. Her delightful nii-sama.

Though his whole lecture on being late . . . made me even later. She shook her head.

The roads were clear, but it took her at least twenty minutes to get to her job. She frowned at the gas meter. "Damn it, empty already?" Of course how could she forget! She filled up almost two weeks ago. Rukia grumbled. She would have to tell her boss something. Abruptly, she swerved into the nearest gas station flustered as hell, now I'll be forty minutes late.

She slammed the door to the Benz and walked inside the little store. Of all days. . . I'm late, and I only have ten bucks for a half tank of gas. That won't even last me till next week. I fucking hate—

"M-miss Kuchiki?" came a small voice from behind the clerk's counter.

Seeing the man's childlike face made her relax. That's right, he does work here. "Hanataro, isn't it?" He was the sweet man she met at the speed dating event before that orange-haired prick ran him off. It was pleasant to see Hanataro again.

"Oh, you do remember me!" If that countertop wasn't there, Rukia was positive that Hanataro would have leaped over and hugged her.

"Heh, of course I do," she couldn't help smile. "How are you?" She opened up the mini fridge and pulled out a bottle of iced coffee.

"I'm doing really well!" He was doing better since Rukia showed her face here. She looked a lot prettier today than the last time he saw her. She was professional with her blue Juju's work shirt and khaki pants. He assumed she was going to work just by how she ready she was.

"Well good," Rukia placed the iced drink on the counter. "Ten bucks on pump five and an iced coffee, please."

"How, how are you?" he asked like a little school boy crushing on his teacher. Rukia glanced up to see the small man flushing red.

"I'm okay. I'm off to work. I'm late again," Rukia sighed, handing a ten over to him.

"Awh," the man sticks his lower lip out. "I'm so sorry. . ."

"Nah it's fine," she sighed again, "I'm always late. I don't worry about it anymore."

"Oh. . ."

"Anyway," she grabbed her drink, "I better go before my boss thinks I've abandoned her. Later, Hanataro."

"O-oh okay." Mr. Yamada seemed sad. He watched her as her hand grabbed the knob. "Em… R-rukia?" his voice was scratchy and nervous looked back, raising a single brow.

"Yes?" She blinked twice.

If he didn't do it now, he would never do it. The time was now. Phew, is it hot in here, or is it just me? He took a deep breath, moistening his lips. "Rukia . . . w-would you like to go on a date with me?"

"A date?" she stood there with a blank expression on her face. "With you?"

Suddenly the man hesitated, "I mean if you want to . . . I wouldn't want to bother you or make you. It's okay if you don't, I-I totally understand. You might have things to do so never mind. Sometimes I just think of myself instead of the other person, please excuse me for—"

"Yes."

"Wah?"

"How about we go out for lunch?" Sure what the hell? She was single, bored, and pretty positive she'd lost Mr. Kurosaki.

"Today? Well that was easy. . ." he mumbled quietly as he released a breath.

"What?"

"N-nothing. Lunch is great," the man cleared his throat. "We can meet at that pizza place in town, Spazoli's, in the late afternoon. Let's say around two p.m.?"

"Perfect I take my lunch around then," she smiled a glorious smile, which melted him instantly. "I can't wait."

"Me either," he flushed, "I'll see you later!"

"Okay," she waved cutely, "Don't work too hard."

The glass door slammed shut behind her. He watched her scurry to her car. Behind the counter was a man strongly head over heels. "Ahhhhh." He let out a smitten sigh. He simply regulated his breathing, mumbling to himself that it wasn't a dream. "She told me not to work to hard," he sighs again, this time with a hand on his chest. "She cares. . ."

"Get to work!" an old wrinkled man with no teeth smacked Hanataro in the back of the head with a wrinkled paper from last week. "I told you, you ain't never gonna get nothin' dun starin' at them girls all day!"

"Awh! Graaandpa! Give me a break."


Rukia had worked at Juju's Flower Store for almost a year before she started college. Getting a job was something she had always wanted to do. It was much better than just living off her brother's enormous fortune, she assumed. Besides that, working in a warehouse allowed her to learn about hardware, tools, and materials. She could recall and name any plant or flower that Juju's Flower Store sold. Juju's was a completely different world from her twisted reality, and at the store, she could think of anything else besides men and school…

"Aye Rukia," came a voice from the back of the counter. Quickly a head peeked up and regarded the little woman carefully. "I thought you weren't going to make in today."

"I'm sorry, Juno, I was . . ." It is better offering no excuse, than a bad one. "I had a flat."

"It's okay, honey. I'm just happy to know you're okay." The owner sent Rukia to the stock room to unload bulks of flower seed bags. Such a massive job for a little woman, but Rukia never complained.

Juno went to lunch early, leaving Rukia in the store alone and bored out of her mind. Saturdays at Juju's were always zombie dead and tedious. While Rukia was left to rearrange shells and water plants, she sunk her teeth into a homemade ham and cheese sandwich that she brought from home. Suddenly her phone started ringing. She didn't answer it, realizing she had several other missed calls. Hopefully none of them were Ichigo Kurosaki.

"You have one voicemail— today— at twelve o'clock pm.

Beep—

…RUKIA, PICK UP YOUR DAMN PHONE, WILL YA? IT'S MATSUMOTO, DARLING! DID YA GO ON THAT DATE YET? WELL? DID YA? EH? CALL MEEE BACK, DAMN IT!"

Rukia glowered, gritting her teeth at the annoying tone. "Doesn't she realize I work?" She frowned again, hearing the phone vibrate under her touch. She flipped it back open, "…What."

"Rukia, dear, it's me—"

"Yes, Rangiku. What?"

Rangiku sighed at the midget's bleak tone. "Well aren't we happy today? Did the date not go so well, or are you still a virgin? Tsk, tsk, a lack of booty always makes a healthy girl moody."

Rukia rolled her eyes, "I'm not going out with him, and I'm still a proud virgin, thank you very much." She wouldn't exactly call herself proud.

"Bummer," the woman sighed again, "Well who is this guy?"

Rukia grunted, "That's not what matters." She looked around to make sure she had no customers or her boss wasn't nearby listening. "The point is he's too full of himself and a jerk. Uck, and for him to be a doctor, makes the whole situation worse." She winced at the sudden sound of her friend's voice as she exclaimed with surprise.

"AAA DOCTOR?"

"…" Uh-oh.

"…You mean to tell me that orange-haired looking fellow is loaded?" Rangiku laughed hysterically, "And all you care about is how much of a jerk he is?" She spoke as if it was the dumbest thing ever. "Rukia, you hit a jackpot. You're just too blind to see it."

"Shut up…" Rukia rolled her eyes again "Didn't you hear me, I found someone else. We have lunch in about a hour." but the other woman begged.

"I'm serious, Rukia. This is the perfect time to get in his pants before he gets in yours!"

Rukia paid no attention. "I don't know why I even talk to you about these things— If you like him, you date him." (Where ever he was.) "I'm going to hang up now." Her eyes concentrated on her task, yet for the oddest reason, something moving closer in her peripheral vision induced her to look up and have a mini heart attack. "Shit."

"Well, well— look who we have here," he smirked. We meet again. It had been quite some time since he'd seen her. He regarded her up and down.

"What the— what are you—?" she whispered. When she saw him, he noticed how suddenly keen she was to his presence, her chest intermittently rising and falling, distributing short, shaky breaths. It all made his dick twitch with eagerness.

Mr. Ichigo Kurosaki looked down at her, gawking sternly, "Kuro…saki," she whispered once again, because that was all she could register at that point. The man folded his arms neatly, unveiling his pure gold Rolex watch on his wrist. He wore a black collared shirt and grey trousers. Rukia gaped at the tag on his shirt— his work badge: Dr. Ichigo Kurosaki, and under that, smaller letters read, V. PhD Karakura Hospital. Well, the man wasn't lying about being a doctor. So was he off work, or about to go on?

"So this is where you've been hiding," he raises a fine brow at Rukia.

Hiding? Rukia's eye twitched, "I wasn't hiding. I work here." What the hell was this guy doing here anyway?

"Are you sure?" he asked in disbelief, his gaze was unwavering, and it compelled to her shift troublesomely in her stool. "Because you gave me the wrong number. I tried calling it multiple times. I was beginning to think you tricked me so you wouldn't end up paying for our— little mishap," he lengthened the last words, almost exercising them with his taunting tongue.

"What?" Rukia violet eyes flared at him. How dare he think I would do such things, "I didn't give you the wrong number?"

"You did, unless you dated a guy name Shinra and gave me his number?"

Rukia gasped, "Excuse me, but I have never had a boyfriend.

I live with my brother, and that's that. You must have dialed the wrong number." Why would she make a mistake like that? She could see the man's egotism sky rocketing.

"Well that's reassuring," the man murmured before saying another word. "Still, you gave me the wrong number. Maybe to get rid of me? Which didn't do you any good." Shockingly, Ichigo had the same piece of paper Rukia gave him from the other night. He pulled it from his wallet, perhaps saving it for an occasion such as this one.

Was he serious? "Look pal," she smashed the water can on the ground, "perhaps I should use small words so you will understand. I didn't give you the wrong number." Her voice reverberated throughout the store. "My number is 557 - 5371, and I'll prove it to you . . ." She waved a finger in his face.

"Be my guest," he smirked viciously. I'll have to multiply her scores now.

Rukia jerked the piece of paper from his slender hands and peered at it. "5-5-7, 5-3-7— oh . . . heh. . . " she flushed. "Um yeah . . . that's supposed to be a one, not zero."

Ichigo raised an eyebrow suspiciously, slanting his head to the side.

"Sorry. I'll fix it." With a pen from her pocket, she scribbled out the unwanted zero and put a one. Dr. Kurosaki probably thought she was an idiot right about now. She glanced up as her cheeks became a scorching red. "Here," she dreaded giving her number a second time. It only meant she blew her original opportunity to escape.

"Rukia?" Juno called unexpectedly, causing Ichigo and Rukia to both turn. "Is everything alright?"

"Juno?" She was back from lunch already? Rukia was hoping to get Dr. Kurosaki out of here before Juno could smother him with unconditional kindness.

"Everything is fine Mrs. Juno Hatsu," Ichigo bowed to Rukia's boss.

"Well, Dr. Kurosaki! What a lovely surprise," Juno grasped the man's hand as if it was pure as rare, genuine gold. "So courteous of you to stop by today. What can we help you with? I hope my sweet clerk is being extra friendly and helpful as always."

Oh brother, you mean they know each other? Rukia's lips pressed into a thin line. Was he really that important?

Ichigo slid his focus over to Rukia, smiling mischievously as she turned her head, glaring at him. Rukia was so damn cute. He mentally laughed at how she pouted— almost like a little kid who didn't get what she wanted for Christmas. "Why, yes she is," he bowed mannerly to Juno again. "She was just about to help me with what I came here for today."

That asshole! Volunteering me like that— find whatever you need your own damn self! She scowled, choking the doctor in her mind.

"Well don't let me interfere; this girl is extraordinarily gifted," Juno pointed proudly at Rukia. "She knows just about everything I have in my store. I honestly don't know what I would do without her. " Rukia heaved a heavy sigh at the older lady. It was as if the woman were trying to persuade Dr. Kurosaki into buying her. He didn't seem the type to reject either.

Uck…

"I'll look forward to it then." A ghost of a smile appeared on his lips.

"Well," Juno turned to a gloomy Rukia, humbly grinning, "Now you be nice to Dr. Kurosaki, we owe him. I wouldn't be breathing today if he hadn't granted me that heart transplant." She sobbed softly.

"It was my pleasure, Mrs. Hatsu; it's my job," Ichigo smiled at the woman.

Rukia couldn't believe it. When the store was closed down for a month because her boss was deathly ill, that was the reason why? This was the handsome lad Juno always talked about restoring her heart? Dr. Ichigo Kurosaki? Now Rukia was interested. Maybe there was more to this man besides his haughty innovations. "What can assist you with?" Rukia breathed, as an expanding pain in her throbbing temples developed.

"Ah, ah, hon— where are your manners? Aren't you going to introduce yourself to Dr. Kurosaki?" Juno beamed an apologetic expression at Ichigo.

OH FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, WE ALREADY MET— Rukia bit her lip hard till she tasted a hint of her own blood. In contrast to Rukia's mortification, Ichigo so loved this! He waited patiently for her to introduce herself. "Rukia," she uttered dispassionately, "My name is Rukia. Now, what can I help you with today?"

She's so cute. He smiled a crooked smile at the midget, "I just need to find some Azalea Bushes."

"Yeah," she frowned. "We have lots of those…" She replied with a nonchalant tone through her teeth, trying her hardest not to show her aggravation. But he could sense it; all of it was so intriguing.

"Great… Lead the way," Ichigo placed a hand in front of him, "You know more than I do." As the young woman began strolling in front of him, he followed that little tush as if it were a piece of succulent meat. In the pub, her voice is what caught his attention. It was the most pleasant sounding thing he'd ever heard. It was so alluring, he left the previous session he was in early just to see who belonged to that beautiful voice. Seeing her body again reminded him of why he needed to claim her. She was so small, so young and so…available.

He felt as if he was wasting precious time. Soon this woman would be swept up by another; he just knew it. Anyone would want a decent girl like her. Rukia was one of a kind, one who was purely good, but with time, she could be easily trained to be naughty. He licked his lips lavishly. He would do anything to spread those sexy legs and claim what was between those inner thighs. His thoughts were halted by his walking desire as she turned to glance at him.

"It's this way— in the back of the store."

Back of the store, he repeated in his head. Right now, she was certain the man was staring at her butt. She sighed. She hoped the man wouldn't try anything on her. Being a doctor hopefully meant he had a little decency. She stopped and pointed to the live Azalea bushes growing in the stores flower beds. "Or did you want seeds?"

"Nope these will do." Ichigo smiled. What do you think for a girl who loves purple?" he crossed his arms, concentrating on the flowers in front of them.

Rukia froze, looking at the various blues and pinks. It all reminded her of her childhood and how her room used to look. Everything was some shade of cool colors and saturated with a bunny theme. She squatted down, gazing at the selections of blue until her hand stopped at one particular bush. "I'd go with a pastel, because—"

"Pastel it is," he answered quickly, pointing at the lavender bush. "When do I need to pick them up?" His sweet manly fragrance lingered over her. He wasn't that bad looking. In fact, he was really quite eye-catching. His tan face glistened under the florescent lights, betraying confidence to every detail: his defined cheekbones, the shimmering spark of his eyes, his full pastel peach lips.

Ichigo inspected the mesmerized lady, "Uh, Rukia?"

"Oh uh." she snapped to back reality, "I'll get a pot for you."

"Excellent, she'll love it." Ichigo laughed, "Don't you think so?"

Rukia raised a brow. "Sure… I'm your girlfriend will love it."

"Actually, they are for a cancer patient at work." He answered quickly again, "Don't worry, I'm single." his light milk chocolate eyes beamed at her.

Why is he staring at me like that? She gives a Juju employee smile, a fake one, "I'll get that pot now…"

"Alright," he agrees softly.

"Anything else before I go get that… pot, sir?" she beamed a fake smile.

"Nah, I think I'm all set." He made his first move by putting a strong hand on her shoulder. Even though it was a friendly gesture, it made her freeze instantly. "Unless there might be something else I'm missing?"

That was her chance to end their conversation, "Nope." Rukia moved away from his cold touch; her violet eyes gazed his nicely fitted grey trousers. She shook her head, picking the price of the bushes. "I'll check you out in the front."

They began walking to the front of the store after she carefully placed the few bushes in a clay pot. "So, I'm curious," he quickly changed the subject. "What made you want to work here?"

Rukia looked up with the most confused expression. Why on earth would he ask that? She shrugged thinking, "I guess to help out with school. Even though I don't have to work, I chose to because I like to be independent. I don't ask my brother for money unless I really needed it. Even then, I probably wouldn't ask."

"Seriously? What if you had no choice?"

What a weird question. Suddenly she remembered her past due fees form school. If only Dr. Kurosaki knew. Rukia couldn't help but smile— for real this time. "I don't believe in what ifs," Rukia trembled, realizing the man's gaze had become more intense.

"You don't, eh? Interesting," the man seemed to be thinking, but he looked down at her for the moment. "You'll have to tell me your beliefs next time we see each other."

Next time? "Whatever do you mean, Dr. Kurosaki?" Rukia wasn't exactly ready for the response but observed him shrewdly.

"I believe you still owe me a date," the said man smiled as he watched Rukia slip behind the counter. "I'm still expecting one."

Shit, that's right. The date. But she already had a lunch date.

"About that." Rukia smiled helplessly. As much as she wanted to, there was no way to get out of this. Okay well he's a doctor, and doctors are busy most of the time, aren't they? "What are you doing tonight?" Because it was such a short notice, he would have to refuse.

"I have a meeting this evening."

"Well I can't tomorrow. And I have school all next week," she curled her lip, acting disappointed.

"Hmm." his vacation started in the middle of next week, but he didn't want to wait that long. He wanted Rukia now!

She tried to sound considerate, lightly smiling her bogus smiles. "No stress, take your time. I wouldn't want to disrupt your work."

Ichigo frowned, finally catching on to Rukia's getaway plan. That little sex bunny thinks she's slick. I'll show her. Ichigo contemplated, no big deal, I can cancel one meeting. I'll have to make it up on Monday, but she's worth it. This may have been his only opportunity— only shot. "Oh fuck it."

"Huh?" Rukia's small ears twitched at hearing Ichigo's blasphemy spew from his pastel lips for the first time.

"Why not? Let's do it tonight," he grinned.

She didn't like this. "But…what about your meeting?" she stammered.

"Trust me. I can make up the meeting another time. How about we meet tonight at eight? I can pick you up," he offered.

He's persistent. An abrupt frown mixed with her phony smile. "That's really, really sweet, but you don't have to do that—"

"No," Ichigo gave Rukia's hand a squeeze, his monster hand covering her small quivering ones. "I insist. It isn't all that important."

But I am? What's so great about me? Rukia swallowed nervously, shifting her head back at him and removing her shivering hands. "Oh, heh. Well okay then, great." After this, she'd never see him again. Then she wondered what would happen if Dr. Kurosaki met her nii-sama at their door. She'd never see the light of day again. That moment, an idea struck her, "How, how… about I come to your house instead?" she trembled.

Perfect. Ichigo simpered ear to ear. It seemed all too perfect for the young man. He swiftly cleared his throat, confining the jubilant feeling that boiled passionately within him. "Oh are you sure? I mean… you don't have to. It might be hard to—"

"No. I insist," the woman glared, her eyes falling on him like to giant boulders. "Just give me the address. I'll find it just fine."

"Well that's not the point, Rukia," he said, "I just thought it might be hard because I live in a gated area and they might not let you in at a certain time. BUT—" there was a brief pause, Rukia could hear the man's thick arrogance through his voice again, "if you can handle it, be my guest."

"Just write it down." She quickly rang up bushes "Fifty- one dollars and twelve cents— cash or debit?"

Ichigo pulled out a hundred dollar bill and a piece of paper with his address on it and handed it all to her. "A confession, if you don't mind," his voice was stern but his look is unreadable.

"Yes, Dr. Kurosaki?" Rukia placed his fourty-eight dollars and eighty-eighty cents in his hand, raising a brow.

"Because of your friend ruining my clothes is not the reason why I'm looking forward to going on this date with you. Personally, I could give a damn." Rukia's eyes widened to his blasphemy once again, "You just amuse me, Rukia, and I'd like to get to know you better. If you give me a chance that is." he shrugged at her.

Was he really saying all of this to her? Or was it her imagination going ballistic on her? "Wha… interested in me?" she swallowed hard.

"We'll talk later— over dinner. I'll see you at eight." He retrieved the bag of things from her and strided smoothly out of the store without looking back, leaving Rukia's heart racing with curiosity and random assumptions exploding in her head. What did he mean? Was he serious? "You just amuse me, Rukia, and I'd like to get to know you better. If you give me a chance."

All of it seemed too weird to be true. Two date offers in one day? What the heck?

"A sweet man he is," Juno reappeared, startling Rukia instantly, "and talented too."

Rukia picked at her half eaten sandwich. "One would like to think, Juno."

"Oh honey," Juno beamed a motherly smile at the lady, "He's one of a kind. He's gentle, considerate, and financially stable. Why, if I wasn't pushing sixty-one and married to Mr. Hatsu, I'd take Dr. Kurosaki for myself." The woman chuckled at the thought, suddenly pulling a straight face, "Ahem. Don't tell Siah that please, he'd kill me for sure."

"Tell him what? I didn't hear anything," Rukia smiled and rolled her eyes.

"Good." Juno walked to the small storage by the counter, her voice still lingering, "I think he likes you a lot." Where on earth did that come from? Rukia shot daggers with her eyes as the woman came back with a box of new merchandise. "He's one of a kind, Rukia. You know, my mother used to tell me, you better snatch before others. . . latch."

Pfft. Besides she liked Hanataro way better than him. CRAP WHERE HAD THE TIME GONE! "I'm late!" I gotta go to lunch! But she couldn't shake Juno's words.

Before others latch? Hmm.


Spazoli's wasn't all that crowded. It was a small place with the capacity of at least twelve to fourteen people. She hoped to get a good spot, but to her shock, the hostess greeted her at the door.

"You must be Rukia."

Rukia blinked confused, "How do you know—"

"A man name Hanataro Yamada has been looking for you. Poor guy," the woman answered with an attitude. "We all thought his date bailed out him. I guess he'll be happy to know you didn't bail."

She followed the woman, feeling horrible, "I wouldn't do that."

But the woman looked back, her eyes rolling in disbelief. "Yeah, I bet." She led her to the back of the restaurant to a table in the corner. There he was sitting with a menu and six other entrees around him.

"Hanataro?" Rukia mumbled enough for him to look up in curiosity. Quickly, the man put down the menu.

Take a deep breath. "H-hello Rukia," he shuddered. Wipe the sweat off your hands. Clean your face. He took a napkin, realizing he had been eating comfort foods until she arrived, and he must have looked like a glutting beast.

"I'm sorry I was late." Rukia bit her lip. "I'm always late," she admitted, "…of course you know that." She offered a tiny embarrassed laugh.

"It's okay," Hanataro forced out a laugh mimicking hers. He really couldn't believe that he was going on a date with a girl. Not just any girl, but a girl like Rukia. The waitress suddenly arrived and was waiting on Rukia.

"Hmm." She gazed at the menu, " I think I'll get the individual pizza platter." Most importantly, she made sure it cheap was enough just in case Hanataro insisted on paying. "And an iced tea."

"Sweetened or unsweetened?" the waitress yawned with boredom.

"Err, sweetened." Rukia answered, handing back the menu.

"So where do you work again?" Hanataro smiled nervously, "Remind me."

"Oh, at Juju's Flower Store down the street. I've been working there since I started college," she admitted.

"Oh I see." He nodded, "Well you know I work at the gas station." He forced out another laugh, and when she didn't seem to respond, he got nervous. He cleared his throat. "With my grandpa," he added.

"Oh I figured. He seemed be mad when you were on the phone today." She watched him blush as he scratched his head.

"Heh. Yeah," he tried to move to something else. "It's a family business, but my grandpa runs the whole thing. My parents help every once in a while. It's the only time I really see them. It gets so lonely at my house; I'm actually happy to see them." Hanataro giggled, "You know?"

"Oh." Rukia sighed, "Well I live with my brother so yeah…"

"Oh just your brother? What about your parents?"

"I didn't know my parents. I was adopted into my brother's family," she said in a small voice. "And my biological sister died when I was really young."

Dang, definitely crossed a line now. Here he was trying to get her to like him, and he brought up something that she probably didn't want to remember. Real nice. He needed to fix this dull mood and fast. He could redeem himself by asking about her interests. He sighed. Gosh, she looks uncomfortable. And not the kind of discomfort he usually saw from a girl. Generally, a girl's discomfort says something like, "I'm nervous, but this date is fun," but Rukia's discomfort reeked of, "I'm offended but I'm here because I feel sorry for you."

"Sorry," he said gently to her.

"Huh?" Rukia raised a brow, "For what?"

"For asking about your… well you know," he cleared his throat.

"Don't worry about it… being adopted is not something that bothers me at all." She lied.

The mood is still dull. I ruined it! Why was it so hard to find the best way to handle this situation? That's when he noticed her shirt. "Hey, you've gone to the comic con of Tokyo this year? Lucky you."

There was a crease between Rukia's eyebrows, and the corners of her mouth lifted up as she looked down at her black Wonder Woman shirt. "Oh yeah! I go every year," her warm smiles lifted the mood to happier one.

"I have never been," Hanataro admitted, shyly smiling. "But I heard it's awesome." Her silence was killing him, "Err maybe we can go together?" That was dangerous for him to say, but he couldn't have asked for a better response.

Finally the awkwardness lightened. "I would love that, Hanataro. I think you would enjoy it." She decided not to say anything more.

Hanataro twiddled his thumbs nervously. Man, if he only had the guts, this would be the part when he would tell her how pretty she was. There has never been a girl he wanted to say that to so badly. In the back of his head, he knew his brain would never allow that to happen ever, but this is the first time he ever thought he could. Kudos.

Unexpectedly gun shots went off—

"EVERYBODY, GET DOWN ON THE GROUND! NOW!"

Oh my! Rukia's heart dropped. She felt her heart clench in an icy grip once she understood what was going on. It was almost like she was in a bizarre dream. Abruptly, all the customers' heads whipped around at once towards the entry of the small restaurant to see two men dressed in black hooded jackets and jeans. They came barging in through the glass doors; each wore a black ski mask that simply showed their mouth and eyes. If their appearance and crude outburst wasn't enough of a hint of their intentions, the pistols in their hands certainly clarified it for everyone.

…All was silent.

"DAMN IT! I SAID NOW! GET ON YOUR KNEES WITH YOUR HANDS BEHIND YOUR HEAD, AND NO ONE GETS HURT! PEOPLE! LET'S GO NOW!"

The panic that came in the form of high pitched screams and alarmed gasps made her even more scared. Just her luck that she would witness a robbery. Now she could mark that off her list.

The first robber, who seemed to be the one calling the shots, growled once more at the customers, shouting out commands left and right while waving his gun around with one hand. "MONEY AND PERSONAL ITEMS ON THE TABLE NOW!"

The second guy wasted no time going around picking up purses and wallets. It wouldn't be long until they reached the back. Rukia dropped to the floor in submission before her head got blown off. Oh how she wanted to go home. Suddenly she realized Hanataro hadn't budged. Quickly she tugged on the bottom of the man's pants. "Hey get down here! You wanna get killed?" Rukia whispered loudly.

But the childlike man reacted to the intruders' presence almost like they were just another group of customers, "Wait here," the man seemed so calm, but Rukia knew he had to be shaking in his shoes. If he was going to prove how great he was, now wasn't the time…

The second robber paused noticing what appeared to be a stubborn customer. He raised the gun at Hanataro. "On the ground now!"

He studied their unexpected guests carefully, absorbing every feature of their plain attire and abrupt movements. "Please sir, I ask you to put down your gun," the man shuddered.

O-M-G SERIOUSLY? Rukia peeked from under the table. He's going to die!

"Are ya kidding me?" the man laughed through his mask. "You wanna die today, eh?"

Hanataro swallowed hard as the man aimed the gun closer to his chest. On a brighter note, by their voices, he could tell they were younger, perhaps a bit younger than him. That was good… and bad. They being younger meant he hand a chance of stopping them better than if they were older men. This probably meant they were inexperienced. That was the good part…

Suddenly the gun clicked, and Rukia quickly covered her ears. Her date was really going to die, and she was going to witness it. Then, before her mind could comprehend it, a hand snatched her up in one quick movement. "On the floor by the count of three… or I'll shoot your little girlfriend!"

Rukia frantically bit her lips, instantly raising her hands terrified. "Please do what he says, Hanataro." I don't wanna die…

"One," the man counted.

He had one shot at this; Hanataro swallowed again.

It was hard to see what her date was planning. Hopefully the damn guy knew Kung fu or something!

"Two." A lot of the customers watched as the scene play out before them; half expecting there to be more bloodshed, and half not caring either way as long as they weren't the ones dead by the end of the day.

Hanataro didn't want to make any extra sudden movements, afraid that the felon would automatically pull the trigger if provoked. One quick move should catch the robber off guard, and Rukia would go free. That was all the encouragement he needed to get a move on.

"I'M SERIOUS MAN. I WILL SHOOT HER! GET DOWN ON THE GROUND NOW!"

"Please… I ask again, put down your gun…" Rukia wanted to scream. What the hell was wrong with him? Why won't he do it!?

"Just shoot her already," the first robber called to his partner.

This is it… Rukia closed her eyes. It's over…

The second robber's eyes twitched as he scrutinized the situation with gun ready; although, he didn't want waste a pretty face such as this girl's. He hoped that Hanataro would comply. Too bad he wasn't. The masked man snickered, "And three…"

This was exactly what Hanataro was afraid of. The gun fired loudly, blistering everyone's ears, inducing loud cries of panic ringing fearfully through the humid air.