I had to admit. I was shocked with myself. Had I seriously just asked .. no.. swindled a date out of Emiko?

I laughed at my own stupidity.

Cook? Me? God, this is gonna be a disaster.

I hurried started prepping and getting things ready.

"Man, I didn't realize there were so many steps." I groaned, "And I've still gotta take care of this train wreck."

I looked around to see how little I actually tidied the apartment. My workout clothes were strewn across the unit. And tons of leftover ramen cups littered the countertops.

~~A couple hours later~~

There that should work right? It wasn't the prettiest playing but I mean, edible is good enough right?

I had also managed to shove all my laundry into a bag and hid it away in the hall closet.

There was a small knock at the door. I went to open it and there she was.

She looked so different. Her hair was down and loosely curled. It was much longer than I'd realized, almost to the middle of her back. She had makeup on too. Nothing too excessive. But the mascara accentuated her gray eyes. There was a light tint of blush on her cheeks. Her lips, they had a dainty pink gloss, made it really hard not to..

"H-hey," she mumbled shyly.

"Oh so you made it? Well come on in." I grinned, "I don't bite. Not on the first date."

She tensed and as she walked in she smacked me in the side.

I coughed and chuckled.

Damn, this girl.

~~~

We sat and ate and laughed all through the meal. I had to admit, she definitely was a quick one. Anything I had to say, she had a snarky remark.

I couldn't help but smile at the small expressions she'd make. Rolling her eyes, pouting her lips, sticking out her tongue. Teasing me.

In the midst of my thoughts, I heard what sounded like her cellphone vibrating in her purse. The color drained from her face instantly and that familiar fear returned to her eyes.

"Don't answer," I said sternly.

"Tsukishima-" she trembled, "He'll.."

"He won't do shit.." I snapped, "If he wants to try it, he's gotta face me. And trust me, I don't think he wants to face this."

I saw a flicker of a smile. Then, tears slowly dripped down her cheeks. I carefully looked stood and walked over to her and kneeled by her.

"Why am I so stupid?" she sniffled, "HE cheated on ME. Yet, I'm the one who feels guilty for dumping him."

"Hey," I wiped away a few tears from her eyes, "You're not the idiot here. He is."

She hiccuped and laughed lightly.

"Look at me," I pleaded.

Her foggy eyes looked into mine.

God, she's so beautiful.

I didn't even feel myself lean in. What I felt though was the moment our lips collided. She tasted like strawberries. I could feel her tremble, so I cupped her face in my hands.

That seemed to ease her nerves. I gingerly took her hand and got her to stand and pulled her into my arms. She clung to me like if she let go she would evaporate from existence. I didn't mind. She was so small compared to me. Yet, the hold she had over me felt so enormous.

I wanted to shower this woman in all my love, and tend to her broken heart and kiss away every tear. I chuckled lightly.

She jumped at the sudden feeling of my chest moving, "W-what's that about?"

"N-nothing. Just find it kind of funny. What a sap I'm turning out to be," I laughed.

She started giggling, "Tsukishima, you really had me thinking you were a macho tall guy, but, maybe your just a big ol' softie."

"Heh.. want to bet?" I teased.

"You wouldn't dare," she winked.

I playfully growled at her and began chasing her throughout the living room. When I finally did catch her, we both tripped and tumbled onto the sofa.

We were both laughing hysterically. I gently moved the strands of hair blocking my view of Emiko's face. She beamed up at me.

I gently caressed her cheek and leaned in for another kiss. She wrapped her arms around my neck. This was it, I knew I wasn't going to let her go. She would become my everything. And nothing would stand in the way of that.

~~~