SPIN THE BOTTLE

A shocking date

"Sea urchin!" Shido called as he walked into the Honky Tonk and saw Ban sitting alone, sipping coffee.

"What?" Ban asked, irritably.

"Where's Ginji?"

"Oh," Ban sighed, "The kid's out on a merry date with his merry girlfriend."

Shido looked shocked, "Really? I thought the extent they could go to was sit and drink soda and flirt kiddishly!"

"Yeah, well, apparently the Eel had enough guts to ask her."

"Where'd he get the money from? No offence, but you two aren't exactly rolling in the stuff."

"Emishi," Ban replied as though he was expecting the question.

"Ah," Shido sighed as he walked out of the café, "Maybe he'll become a little less of a pansy now. And I'm talking about Ginji."

Ginji heaved a sigh as he waited outside Midori's: a restaurant well within his range of money. Natsumi was supposed to meet him. He glanced down at his watch. Was it just him or was she late?

"Ginji!" her voice floated down the street. Ginji looked up, slightly – very slightly – annoyed. But once he saw her, he wondered why he had been annoyed in the first place. She was wearing a spaghetti-strap, black top with beige capris. She ran to him, panting. Ginji was wearing his normal outfit.

"Uh," Ginji smiled apologetically, "I didn't have a change. But I washed it and all. Sorry…"

Natsumi smiled, "Don't apologize! Honestly, I don't care about your dress! Anyway, I'm so sorry I came late. I missed the bus…" She grinned sheepishly as she panted lightly.

Ginji shook his head, "You have no idea how many times I've missed the bus! Let's get inside." Natsumi nodded eagerly and followed Ginji inside Midori's. It was a pleasant restaurant, with small palm trees scattered around and children laughing. Ginji glanced at Natsumi. She seemed to like it. 'Yeah, this is the sort of thing she likes!' Ginji grinned and said out loud, "Like it?"

"Yeah! It's great!" Natsumi smiled happily.

"Good," Ginji said, pulling out a chair for Natsumi to sit on. She blushed and sat. Ginji pushed it in. The typical date thing. After Ginji sat down, the waiter brought the menus.

Ginji gulped. The right hand side wasn't as affordable as he had thought apparently…

"Ginji?" Natsumi said from behind the menu card, "Can you afford this?"

"Yeah, sure!" Ginji laughed, a little nervously. Natsumi peered out from behind her card, "Because if you can't, I have some money and we can split the bill."

"No! It's fine!" Ginji insisted, "Decide on what you want. I'll be right back." He stood up as Natsumi looked back at her menu card. He walked slowly, checking if Natsumi was looking then quickly dashed over to a phone booth.

"Hey, Ban?" Ginji whispered.

"Don't tell me she dumped you…" came an annoyed voice on the other line.

"No, she hasn't!" Ginji felt irritated, "It's just the…uh…food…"

"Sucks?"

"No," Ginji gulped. His best friend's temper was one of those kinds that were dangerously dangling over the edge of 'alert!', "It's the p-p-price…"

Ban groaned, "Tell me you're kidding me…"

"I'm sorry Ban!" Ginji said, quickly, "But I really need your help, man!"

"I thought you said that you had enough cash!" Ban growled viciously, "So tell her to split the bill with you."

"She suggested it…"

"So what the hell are you waiting for?"

"Well, it's not a proper date if I make her pay when I asked her to come!"

"So what do you want me to do?" Ban sighed.

"Get me some money…?"

"From where? I'm far from being a rich man."

"Ask Himiko," Ginji said, getting an idea.

Ban fired up, "Just because we confessed to each other and stuff doesn't mean that I can-"

"No! Listen! She owes me money!"

"Sh-she owes you?"

"Yeah…never mind. Long story. So can you help?"

Ban groaned again, "Yeah yeah, just eat and we'll be there soon. Wait outside the bloody place in an hour."

"Thanks Ban! I owe-"

"Ginji?" came a voice from behind him. He turned around, horrified. "You could've just told me, you know," Natsumi stood, looking sad.

"You're in trouble, man," Ban said over the line. Natsumi took the phone out of Ginji's hand, "Ban?"

"Uh, yeah?"

"You don't have to get the money. I'll help Ginji pay the bill. Thanks though!"

"Um, alright…" He hung up.

Natsumi turned to Ginji, "Shall we get back now?"

"Natsumi, I'm so sor-"

"No, don't be. You were being a gentleman! I'll tell you what. You can pay back the bill," she grinned devilishly.

Ginji sighed, relieved, "You're the best, Natsu!" Natsumi giggled. Ginji secretly slapped himself. He had an angel of a date and he almost had blown it. What a guy he was.

Ginji belched loudly, leaning back on the chair, "I owe you one, Natsu…"

Natsumi laughed, "You ARE paying that back aren't you? I'm not saying that you have to. It's honestly my pleasure to help pay for the f-"

Ginji moved forward and grabbed her hand, "Are you crazy? I HAVE to pay you back! Only Ban would agree with something like that!" Natsumi laughed. Ginji looked into her eyes – her lovely deep black eyes, glittering as rays of soft sunlight hit her irises. He stroked the hand he had grabbed, softly, trying to remember every bit of the details of it. She smiled sweetly and placed her hand on his cheek, caressing it. Ginji sighed. He removed his hand from stroking her other hand and slowly held the other hand on his cheek. He moved it away from his cheek and turned it around, pressing his lips against her palm, very slowly and very softly. She giggled, blushing. He pulled her forward lightly and moved himself forward as well. He kissed her, softly yet lustfully.

'She's just a girl…I should be careful…' But Ginji found himself slowly tracing his tongue around her lips, begging for entrance. She hesitated a little but agreed. He slowly pushed his tongue inside, relishing her taste. But he was careful to be gentle. They pulled away only when they needed breath.

"Wow, Ginji…" Natsumi panted, "That was the best ever…"

Ginji grinned sheepishly, "Let's get out of here…there's plenty more where that came from!" Natsumi smiled mischievously.

"But, um," Natsumi mumbled, "Nothing past making out, ok?"

Ginji smiled. She was so innocent! "Sure, no problem. I know…" The last thing he needed was her father on his case.

A/N: Honestly speaking, I didn't think this chapter was that great. Sorry. It was real boring, wasn't it? I promise a better-attempted chapter next time! '