Hey I'm back with Chapter 11 of 'Demons from My Past'. This update wasn't going to come out this week actually because I got caught up with one of my friends, who has been having some serious emotional problems. However, I think the coming weeks are going to be really busy but somehow I have been doing a lot of writing recently so I thought I better get this out of the way, in case it distracts me. XD
So here you go. And do watch out for Chapter 12 and 13 upcoming, I have some progress planned out. :)
Hope you enjoy, Chapter 11.
"Here we are."
Rukia's mouth dropped open as Byakuya pulled up to the curb. She was motionless as she watched the valet in the white uniform step down from the carpeted stairs and bow to Byakuya. She was still motionless as Byakuya got out of the car, walked over to her side and easily opened her car door.
The golden words burned bright at the sign above the glass double doors.
Le Chalbens.
Byakuya had brought her to a gourmet French restaurant for dinner. Rukia had never been to one in her entire life, though sometimes when she did pass such a place, she would daydream of walking in the entrance in a red dress before giggling at her impossible fantasy. Now she was in her jeans and a casual blouse, about to step into the finest of dinner institutions.
"I…" Rukia held back slightly as Byakuya handed over his Porsche keys to the valet and began to walk forward. Maybe she could tell him to go ahead and have dinner here while she went and grab a quick burger at any nearby joint. It wouldn't matter, and both of them would be much more comfortable that way.
Rukia opened her mouth to make the suggestion but Byakuya stopped her easily.
His long arm swiftly reached out and took her hand in his. Rukia gasped but Byakuya had already pulled her with him through the front doors of the restaurant.
xXxXx
Byakuya watched the uncertainty and anxiety slowly creep into Rukia's beautiful violet eyes. He could tell that she was only a hair's breadth from dashing off and leaving him in the restaurant. He did the only reasonable thing he could think of.
Byakuya reached out and took Rukia's hand, hearing her gasp as he did so.
That way, she couldn't escape and he also wanted her to know… that he wasn't here to have dinner, he was here to be with her.
Her hand felt so small and warm in his. It was the first time Byakuya had ever held her hand like this. To be honest, he had never held a woman's hand before because they were always hanging off his arm anyway, and because he had never wanted to. But here and now, he was holding her hand and he… liked it. He liked the feel of Rukia's fingers clasped in his, and how he could easily feel the bony outline of her knuckles. Her hand was warm and fit perfectly in his, and he could not resist giving it a gentle squeeze.
And as Byakuya walked hand-in-hand with Rukia to the dinner table, the handsome Incubus couldn't help wishing that the table was a little further off than it already was.
xXxXx
"Table 212, Sir."
Byakuya released Rukia's hand and stood opposite her as the waiter smoothly slid the chair out from the table for her. When Rukia had settled herself into the seat albeit awkwardly, Byakuya took his opposite hers at the white-lined table set for two. The waiter smartly snapped double napkins and offered them to both Byakuya and Rukia before placing the red-and-gold menus down before them.
Rukia lifted her eyes to the vicinity around her, all the unease and worry making her stomach a little queasy. This might be just another of Byakuya's everyday dinners but she had never been to such a place before. The red carpet was rich and thick, her sneakers were already sinking into them. The tables were all lined with clean, white cloth and heavy velvet red curtains hung over the huge glass-pane windows. The lamps were all dimmed golden and the tentative smell of unknown culinary goodness wafted just faintly through the air, just enough to tantalize the senses.
Their table was placed right at the back, almost sheltered. They had had to walk up a flight of steps to the second floor and here, a balcony opened out behind their table where Rukia could see the slowly setting sun. She wondered if Byakuya had requested for this table in particular. Maybe it was his favourite? Maybe he thought it would be better if they had some privacy? Maybe he… didn't want them to be seen?
Rukia clasped her hands in her lap, feeling uncomfortable again. Her comfortable jeans and blouse suddenly felt very heavy on her, as well as her sneakers-lined feet. She looked around at the people dining in the restaurant. All the males were in formal coats and wear, and the women in fashionable dresses or office suits.
Rukia contemplated the idea of leaving the restaurant again. This was bad, this wasn't her place. And she didn't want to affect Byakuya's image, even as he had taken her hand and led her into the restaurant. He had not let go until they reached the table. Rukia had bowed her head all the way in, afraid to catch the stares of the wealthy people around her. So all she could focus on was the touch of his hand around hers, and his hand had felt very warm and strong then.
Rukia looked up and Byakuya was now looking right at her.
"What are you thinking about?"
"I… nothing." Rukia dropped her eyes to the menu before her. An array of foreign French words stared back at her. The panic slowly crept in again.
Oh… no.
Rukia looked up again but Byakuya was concentrating on his own menu.
"Sir, would you like the special today?" The polite male voice spoke.
Byakuya looked up at the eager waiter. "Amour?"
The waiter nodded excitedly.
"I think I'd like to give it a try today." Byakuya looked down at the menu as the waiter happily scribbled something in his notepad. "Is he in today? To tell the truth, I've never had him before."
The waiter nodded. "He's present… and a little restless for work, I think." A boyish grin appeared on the waiter's face.
"Very well then."
Rukia looked between Byakuya and the waiter in confusion. Who were they talking about? And give what a try?
She jumped as Byakuya suddenly addressed her. "Rukia, do you like escargots?"
Rukia blinked in confusion. Escar-what?
Byakuya smiled. "Snails." He pointed to a gold line of words on the red menu. "Snails cooked with garlic butter."
Rukia's eyes widened and she hurriedly shook her head. She wasn't the sort of scream-happy girl in the presence of cockroaches or grubs alike but she could not bear the thought of eating the brown slimy things that crept up her Otousan's garden wall every morning, even if their shells had always looked beautiful to her.
Byakuya smiled and looked back down at the menu. "I think we will have Fricassée de Gambas au Gingembre et Chili and…" He turned a page as Rukia tried to make sense of the otherworldly words that he had just spoken.
"…Pavé de Venaison for the main course." At this, he looked up at Rukia. "Rukia, do you take venison?"
This time, Rukia knew what venison was. She shook her head furiously. "They are too cute!" she blurted out before she could stop herself. The waiter quickly masked his chuckle in a polite cough but Byakuya smiled. "You like deers?"
Rukia nodded, her cheeks pink.
Byakuya looked at the waiter. "Do you have beef instead? Sirloin would be good."
"Yes, sir. We can make the modification."
"Make two of them."
Rukia started to speak. "You can have venison if you prefer-"
"I think they are cute too." Byakuya turned back to the menu easily as Rukia blushed. "And we will have two dark chocolate charlottes for the final." He looked up at the waiter. "And a Corte 1987?"
"Yes, definitely."
Byakuya snapped the menu shut and turned to Rukia. "Rukia, would you like anything else?"
Rukia shook her head awkwardly as she sat in her seat. She had not turned the menu at all. Byakuya smiled and called out as the waiter walked away. "Oh, and a glass of orange juice would be perfect." He turned back to Rukia. "You take orange juice, don't you, Rukia? Something tells me you wouldn't like the wine I ordered."
Rukia blushed horribly, feeling more embarrassed. "I... don't drink."
"That is fine with me." Byakuya smiled.
Silence passed over the table as Rukia fiddled with a loose thread on her jeans. But she knew she had to say something. "I…"
Byakuya looked over at her.
"I haven't been to places like this before."
Byakuya smiled. "What do you think of it?"
"It looks really expensive," Rukia answered quietly.
Byakuya chuckled slightly. "Where do you usually get your food, Rukia?"
"Er… I usually cook… or either I buy them down at small diners or fast-food joints."
"We will certainly do that next time."
Rukia looked up in surprise at Byakuya. He smiled back at her.
"You don't eat food like that, do you?" In spite of herself, Rukia had to ask.
"You'd be surprised. After all, we first met at a ice dessert stall, didn't we, Rukia?"
Rukia's wide violet eyes met Byakuya's easy grey ones. She remembered how angry she had been when she watched the tall handsome man cut the people waiting in line. She remembered how she almost exploded when he offered the wad of cash to her. And she remembered how she had thrown them back in his face.
"You called me a demon."
Rukia's cheeks turned red and she looked down.
Byakuya chuckled.
Rukia, if you only knew…
xXxXx
"You know French?"
"A little," Byakuya spoke, his tone smooth. They had been talking for a while now, as the minutes ticked by. Despite her discomfort, Rukia could not help responding to Byakuya's questions and asking some of her own. Like everything he owned, he was equally flawless at conversations.
"You know a lot," Rukia conceded, feeling almost jealous.
Byakuya smiled. "Would you like to learn?" He looked at Rukia, his grey-eyed gaze piercing. "I can teach you… a lot of things."
Rukia's cheeks burned at those words. It was the way he said it, the sultry emphasis at certain points… that even the most common of words appeared almost… sensual.
"I-
Rukia was spared the necessity to answer as the waiter approached their table.
She watched as the boy placed the clear glass of orange juice at her side. He popped the wine bottle smartly and poured a measure of dark liquid into Byakuya's flute glass before placing the bottle into the silver iced wine-holder.
A few minutes later, the waiter materialized at their table again with warm white plates... and food. "Fricassée de Gambas au Gingembre et Chili. Tiger prawns stir-fried with ginger and chilli butter, garnished with roasted pepper salad."
Rukia looked at the food with curious fascination. Byakuya motioned politely with his hand.
"Tuck in, Rukia."
xXxXx
Fricassée de Gambas au Gingembre et Chili. Tiger prawns stir-fried with ginger and chilli butter, garnished with roasted pepper salad.
Pavé de Venaison. Venison steak (in their case, sirloin), served with wild mushroom sauce and mashed potatoes.
Charlotte au Chocolat. Dark chocolate charlotte with dribbles of tea syrup.
They dined at the white table, as the night breeze blew in softly from the balcony. The food was absolutely delicious, Rukia had never eaten anything like it. They were also measured in portions just suitable for the palate. Once in a while, Byakuya would ask her something and they would talk easily for a bit. Sometimes, he would lift the wine bottle to refill his glass (he never waited for the waiter), his eyes all the while staying intensely on Rukia, as if she was the next course meal.
When the last bite of dark chocolate was taken and the plates swept off their table, Byakuya looked up at Rukia. "How was the food?"
"It was good… really good." Reeling from the wonderful food, Rukia mentally calculated the money she had in her purse. It wouldn't be enough for her share, she hadn't brought all that much out today. She would have to borrow some from him. "I, er-
Her eyes widened as the waiter came up to her with a stalk of red rose. "A pretty flower for a pretty lady."
"Oh... thank you." Confused, Rukia accepted the rose and the waiter walked off, smiling. She looked back at Byakuya. "What-
Byakuya smiled. "Those are probably not as good as the ones you have at your shop. But they unfortunately, come with the dinner set."
Rukia blinked in confusion.
"I ordered Amour, the couple dinner set for today. Which is why all our food, from the appetizers down to the finals, were identical as a pair. I hope it was alright."
Rukia's eyes widened. "Oh-
"My lady." She turned at the interruption, this time from an ancient-sounding voice. An old man with thick white moustache and hair had approached their table. His built was stocky and muscular, and he looked rather intimidating. Only the white restaurant uniform and the polished old violin in his hands softened his look.
"This is Master Barragan. He is the music maestro head of the Le Chalbens entertainment… and the last component of our dinner." Byakuya smiled as the old musician bowed.
Rukia was speechless.
"My lady, an old man's music might not be as peerless as the music the young ones listen to these days." In spite of his polite words, Barragan's expression hardened in distaste to the current music of today. "If you would like to spare me the kindness to listen to what I have to offer, I guarantee you... an unforgettable night with your man." Rukia blushed horribly at the words. "You are free to refuse, of course." Barragan smiled.
Rukia looked at the elderly man, at his white moustache and hair. In spite of an apparent musical background, there was a large scar across his right eye. He looked scary at first glance but then as he had smiled at Rukia, his fearsome features gave way slightly to a normal old man who walked with an aging slouch.
Rukia finally smiled back. "Of course."
She looked up in surprise as Byakuya moved, standing up from the dinner table. Her eyes remained wide as he walked over to her side. Barragan stood back and took up his violin as two other men appeared on either side of him.
"What?" Rukia looked at Byakuya in total confusion.
Byakuya smiled as he extended his hand to her. "You just agreed to a dance, Rukia."
"N-No, I just said I-" Rukia could feel the eyes of everyone in the room on her now. The men and women stared over at their table, and many were smiling. Rukia's cheeks grew hot.
Byakuya chuckled. "You are not going to sit at the table and listen to the violin, if that's what you are thinking. You are going to have to dance to the music."
Rukia shot him a look of pure panic. "I don't-"
"Dance with me, Rukia."
Rukia's eyes widened at Byakuya's deep voice. He smiled again and kept his hand outstretched.
"I…"
Her violet eyes locked on his grey ones.
Dance with me.
The night air was still, almost as if waiting with bated breath for the response of the woman to the man who now stood before her. Then slowly, Rukia's hand moved from her side... into Byakuya's. She placed her hand right into his and she stood up from the table. Barragan and his musical band took up their instruments as the couple headed out to the balcony… and into the moonlight.
xXxXx
Byakuya led Rukia out to the balcony. "He guaranteed you an unforgettable night with your man… You weren't thinking about some other unforgettable things, were you? Because what he meant was the dance."
Rukia's cheeks heated up but Byakuya just smiled. He lifted her hand in his, before his other one snaked around her waist. In a fluid movement, Byakuya easily pulled Rukia to him as she gasped. He slowly lowered his head to whisper in her ear. "But I will try to make this dance… just as good."
Rukia's heart was pounding so fast, her body was already heating up at their closeness. She was pressed close to Byakuya, and she could almost feel his breath ruffling her hair. And then she heard the soft strains of the violin, Master Barragan's reputed magical music... and the start of the dance.
xXxXx
"I… I don't know how to dance," Rukia whispered to Byakuya as they swayed slowly to the music together.
"Then why did you tell him you would?" Byakuya spoke, his deep voice low.
"Because…" Rukia looked up at Byakuya. "… I couldn't refuse him once he smiled. He reminded me of Otousan."
She noticed that Byakuya's lips immediately curled upwards some more. "Is that so?"
"I only like old men and their smiles though." Rukia muttered back.
"That's truly fitting. I'm a lot older than I look."
Rukia felt the annoyance creep in again at Byakuya's teasing words. This man is really... everything impossible. But Byakuya just cocked his head to one side and smiled at her, the black hair falling over his misty grey eyes. She hurriedly looked down.
"Dancing is easy. Just move with me, Rukia…" Byakuya pressed Rukia closer to him as his body moved slowly to one side. "… and give yourself over to me."
Rukia's eyes widened as she heard the words spoken in a deep whisper but she chose not look at Byakuya. Her heart was pounding so fast, and she was so close to Byakuya, her head resting just a little over his chest. Byakuya was indeed a good dancer, he kept his hands around her and moved to the music, making slight motions to guide her… and then taking her with him to the next step.
The violins were light and soft somehow, and Rukia was pretty sure they were using another instrument as an accompaniment but her brain didn't really want to figure out what it was. She was full, and the white moonlight was perfectly dim as they danced. Byakuya's hands were warm around her, steadfast and firm.
Just give yourself over to me…
In spite of herself, Rukia slowly felt her head lean in onto his chest, slowly felt her body relax in his arms.
"I will take care of you, Rukia," Byakuya spoke gently in her ear. Rukia felt her body warm to the words, but she reflexively stiffened.
She heard him chuckle softly, his hands still around her. "Why are you so nervous around me?" His deep voice vibrated low. "Am I that intimidating?"
Rukia's eyes widened but she kept her head down, not meeting his eyes. "I-
"It's because of that night, isn't it?"
Rukia gasped and she reflexively drew back.
But Byakuya kept his arms around her waist, preventing her from moving away as they danced slowly with the music. "I thought so." He chuckled slightly. "That girl who scolded me in the ice shop hasn't made an appearance for a while. I can't wait to meet her again."
At this, Rukia lifted her eyes to look at him. What makes you think you are ever going to meet her again?
She can… never be who she is around you.
"Why?" This time, it was Byakuya's turn to look down at Rukia's quiet voice. She was looking up at him.
"Why are you doing this?" Her voice was so small, but she did not stutter. "What is your purpose?"
Byakuya looked down at her. Her eyes did not move away from his and were filled with honest question. He himself did not look away. "Because I felt something I had never felt before in my life… until that night. And believe me, Rukia, I've been through lifetimes."
Her violet eyes widened but he did not look away. Slowly, he lifted a finger to her face, tipping her chin up to him. "Did you feel it too?" His voice was husky.
"I…" Rukia could only look into those mysterious eyes, those beautiful misty orbs. She could only look as Byakuya bent down, closing the gap between their eyes.
"Rukia..." His voice was a deep whisper, a soft lilting call for her. Rukia felt her head angle upwards ever so slightly.
Did you feel it too?
They were so close now, and Byakuya's warm hand moved to her cheek. He tilted his head, their noses almost touching...
Suddenly, an abrupt tinkling sound broke the peaceful violin strains, and the magical haze in the balcony. Rukia jumped and her eyes widened in surprise. She immediately took a step back from Byakuya, her heart pounding. This time, his arms loosened around her, allowing her to put some distance between them.
Flustered, Rukia looked up at Byakuya but he smiled easily at her. Behind them, a murderous Barragan had abandoned his musical band and was furiously dragging a careless waiter to the kitchens for being an insufferable butterfingers.
"I-I… need to go to the restroom."
Rukia bolted off before Byakuya could say a word.
xXxXx
Byakuya watched the petite figure disappear around the flowered trellis leading to the restroom. He smiled slightly as he walked back from the balcony and resumed sitting at their dinner table.
"I'm terribly sorry, Sir." He looked up. The waiter who had served them had come over with an apologetic expression. "Our colleague did not mean to disturb, the glass unexpectedly fell from his hand."
Byakuya nodded and waved his hand dismissively.
The waiter hurriedly bowed. "I'm so sorry. Master Barragan himself is upset and is now handling the matter appropriately. He sends his apologies." From behind the kitchen doors, the faint sounds of crashing and shouts could be heard.
Byakuya watched as the waiter retreated quietly, before resting his back against the chair. Sure, it had been a missed opportunity on the balcony just now. It would have been good, his fast-pounding heart then had told him that it was the perfect moment. But it was alright that it was taken away from them. They had plenty of time.
He had seen her eyes grow slightly lidded as she had gazed at him, seen the hints of want in those beautiful purple irises. He had seen how she responded to him, how natural she had answered to him as her name escaped his lips.
Byakuya smiled as he took a sip of the red wine.
You felt it too.
xXxXx
Rukia dashed into the ladies' and closed the heavy door. She hurried to the line of glistening white sinks and desperately turned on the tap. As she did so, she looked at her reflection in the clear mirror.
Her eyes were wide and her face… God help, it was the reddest she had ever seen it been. Rukia hurriedly cupped her hands under the tap and brought the water splashing up to her face, before rubbing her warm cheeks vigorously as if she could diminish the warmth from them. As the droplets dripped from her chin, she opened her mouth to take in breaths of air. Her heart was pounding so fast and the air seemed so thin, it was like she was out of breath. And all because…
Did you feel it too?
Rukia lifted a hand to her mouth as she looked at herself in the mirror again. It was such a close call. If the waiter had not accidentally fumbled the dish or whatever it was that cause the disturbance, she would not have been able to pull away. And if she hadn't, they would have…
Rukia splashed more water onto her face.
'Ukitake Rukia, what is wrong with you?'
It was just the first date, and he could affect her this much already-
'No no no! Whoever said it was a date?' Rukia shook her head in frustration. She took in another gulp of air. Why? Why could he affect her so? Why did her stupid heart always began to beat so erratically whenever he drew nearer, whenever he touched her? Why did her body heat up when he held her close, when he called her softly in his deep voice? Why… why did she bring her head up to him just now? Why did she-
Rukia gasped as she clapped a trembling hand to her mouth.
No. No, it can't be.
Rukia stood in her jeans and white blouse as she stared at her reflection in the mirror, the water running steadily from the tap.
It was obvious. It was so out-in-the-open obvious.
She had wanted to kiss Byakuya just now.
xXxXx
"I hope you liked the food."
Rukia turned to look at Byakuya as he drove the Porsche speedily through the highway. "It was good. I don't usually eat expensive food like that." Rukia hurriedly rummaged in her sling bag and produced her purse. "I will pay you for my share."
"It's a date, Rukia. The man picks up the bill," Byakuya spoke in his deep voice, his hand resting on the steering wheel. He did not look at her. "Your company for today was worth more than the entire dinner set put together." He turned to Rukia, a sexy smile easily grazing his handsome features.
Rukia fought the blush on her cheeks as hard as she could.
No such luck.
xXxXx
"You don't have to-
"It's a date, I have to send you right to the doorstep and then answer Otousan's questions."
Rukia almost rolled her eyes as she opened the car door. Byakuya had swiftly stepped out of his side of the car and headed to hers, probably to open the door for her but Rukia was too quick. Byakuya chuckled and waited for her to unlock the glass door of the flower shop. She turned to look at him.
"I really think-
"Rukia, it was rude of me to take you out for dinner without Otousan's permission. I have to apologize to him."
Rukia grudgingly turned the key in the lock, softly muttering the one thing she had always wanted to say to him. "He's not your Otousan..."
Byakuya must have heard her, because he chuckled softly.
They stepped into the flower shop and Rukia turned on the lights in there, before heading down the path to the house. She called out happily as she walked. "Otousan!" Byakuya followed in the wake of her steps.
The house door opened and Ukitake smiled as he stepped out. "Rukia. Byakuya-san."
Byakuya bowed while Rukia smiled at her father.
"Otousan, I apologize for taking Rukia out without having your prior permission. I promise I will not do so again."
Rukia looked at him warily but Ukitake laughed. "No, no. It's alright, Byakuya-san, I was not upset in the slightest. And the food was marvelous, I thank you for that."
Byakuya smiled. "I am glad you liked it."
"Would you like to come in for some coffee? Tea perhaps?" Rukia's eyes widened at her Otousan's invitation but Byakuya shook his head.
"I would love to, but maybe another time, Otousan. It's late and both you and Rukia need to rest." He smiled easily at Rukia, who stood by Ukitake's side. Rukia reflexively inched closer to her father, much like a toddler afraid of the stranger her father was meeting.
"Very well then, Byakuya-san. Thank you for the food again, and for bringing Rukia home safe. Do drop by sometime." Ukitake smiled.
"I will definitely do so, Otousan." Byakuya bowed, before turning back to head to the flower shop.
"Rukia…" Ukitake's voice was slightly reprimanding.
"Hai." Rukia hesitantly nodded and led Byakuya off to the entrance as Ukitake stood, smiling behind them.
xXxXx
"I hope you liked the dinner tonight. We'll do something funner the next time."
Rukia lifted her head to look at Byakuya in exasperation. What can she do to make him stop?
"I'm really busy, with the flower shop and campus work. I really don't think-
"We will find time." Byakuya spoke up. "I can come to help you here in the shop."
Rukia's eyes widened in shock. "No!" Working here in the shop? With Otousan so close?
Byakuya chuckled as he looked around the shop. "You know, for every time you agree to go out with me, I will sincerely buy something I really want from your shop."
He watched as Rukia's eyes widen in surprise, and curiosity. She could never ever hide her feelings, they were all mirrored there in those beautiful purple depths of her irises.
"There's something you want in my shop?"
"There's a lot of things I want in your shop," Byakuya spoke easily, his grey eyes misty.
He watched as her eyes narrowed in wariness. He knew what she would be thinking at this very moment. She would be wondering if he was pitying her, and trying to give her money again.
"I am not the type of man who lies, Rukia." He watched as the pink spots appeared on her cheeks again, having her thoughts caught out in the open.
"I thank you for spending your time with me today. Good night, Rukia." Before Rukia could react, Byakuya leaned forward and kissed her on the right cheek. He closed his eyes as he savoured the warmth of her skin, and could not help letting his lips linger there just a few seconds longer. But knowing that he would send her into panic mode if he tried to have his way again, Byakuya swiftly drew back.
"I… good night. And…" Rukia deliberated, but she was as courteous as her manners had been well-taught to her. "Thank you."
Byakuya smiled easily before opening the glass door and stepping out of the shop onto the pavement. The door swung in between them as he gave her one last look, his grey eyes piercing and intense.
And as Rukia watched, Byakuya easily mouthed the words at her as he stood out there on the pavement, the glass door between them.
"Sweet dreams."
xXxXx
And there you have it for Chapter 11! I only went through it once, I'm really tired right now and I just got back from my night on-call duties. *faints* Hope it would be good enough, if there are any typos, do let me know and I will correct them. :)
I hope this chapter was squeal-worthy enough as it chronicles the entirety of their very first date. 3 I snuck in as many lovely scenes as I could... and a guest appearance by Barragan as a musical genius. XD Lol, comic relief, you would say. XD And Byakuya, as always, with his continuous smooth seduction of our innocent Rukia as she still continues to struggle against him. But as you can see, she is apparently losing the struggle bit by bit... lol :D And so ends their first romantic date. :)
I planned out some nice progress for Chapter 12 and 13 but it would probably be more content-wise than romance-wise so it might appear boring when I finally write it out (God knows when :D).
Hope you would review this new chapter for me... any comments/feedback... and just anything you have to say, it'd really help better and motivate me to write! :D
Cheers. :)