The next day, Rey arrived right on time with Rosie and a brilliant smile. Ben welcomed her in and as soon as the door was closed, she let Rosie go. Rosie immoderately hopped over to Huxy and they rubbed noses.

'They are so adorable!' Rey squealed.

Ben smiled at her. Rey sniffed the air.

'What is that amazing smell?' she asked.

'Risotto, my speciality.'

'My mouth is watering already.'

'I also got these for the bunnies,' Ben said, moving over to the small kitchen. He picked up a bunch of carrots with the tops intact.

'Ooh! Rosie loves carrots tops.'

'Yeah, so does Huxy.'

Rey sat down at the small table where a place setting had been set for her. Ben gave Rosie and Huxy a carrot each, which they happily crunched through. Rosie ate Huxy's tops, but he didn't seem to mind.

'I can't thank you enough for all of this, Ben. For the food and for letting Rosie hang with Huxy, I had you all wrong.'

Ben filled her plate.

'What do you mean?' he asked, filling his own plate and then sitting down.

'I thought you were this grumpy, surly guy who didn't want to interact with anyone, but you're not like that at all. You're kinda wonderful.'

Ben blushed.

Rey took a bite of her food and closed her eyes and moaned. Ben blushed harder.

'This is so good!' She ate every bite.

Huxy and Rosie were taking turns licking each other's heads.

Rey watched them while Ben cleared away the plates.

'I can't believe they are getting along so well. It's like it was meant to be!' she exclaimed.

Ben was happy but also somewhat sad. The quicker this process was over; the quicker Rey would disappear from his life.

We might have to go find a joint hutch soon, then we can talk about a feeding schedule and oh, we could make them an obstacle course for the garden!'

Ben perked up. Rey seemed to have a lot of things planned for them in the future. That would give him lots of time to pluck up the courage to ask her out properly.

'Would you like dessert?' Ben asked. 'I made some chocolate brownies, they're still warm.'

Rey blinked at him.

'Seriously, are you even real?'

'Is that a yes?'

'That's a hell yes.'

Ben handed her a plate with a gooey, warm brownie placed in the middle. He watched anxiously as she took a bite. Keeping one eye on the rabbits who had disappeared behind the sofa together.

'How is it?' Ben asked.

'I think I want to marry you,' Rey said with her eyes closed as she chewed slowly, savouring the treat. Ben's heart leapt in his chest. That was promising. Maybe he could bring the schedule forward for asking Rey out. She seemed to be responding very positively to him.

'Where are the rabbits?' Rey asked suddenly, looking around her.

'They sneaked off behind the sofa.'

'Good job they are fixed or I'd be worried we were going to become grandparents.'

Rey jumped onto the sofa and leaned over the back. Ben tried not to stare at her ass, and failed.

'Oh, Ben come look!'

Ben leaned over the back of the sofa with Rey and saw Huxy and Rosie snuggled together both fast asleep.

'I hate to disturb them; they look so sweet.' Rey said.

They were inches apart. Ben turned and looked at Rey. She turned and looked at him. Ben wanted to kiss her; he really did but he started to wonder if that was what she wanted. Was it too soon? Was he jumping the gun? Before he could finish his train of thought Rey leaned forward slowly and pressed her lips to his very softly, her fingers lightly feathering over his cheek. She pulled away and looked up at him meekly. When Ben didn't respond Rey started to panic.

'I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that,' she said.

Ben wanted to let her know it was okay. That it was more than okay. That she had just stunned him but he felt lit up on the inside and…

'I'll get Rosie and go,' Rey said. She started to get down off the sofa but he grabbed her hand.

'Wait, would you...would you go out with me sometime?'

Rey smiled.

'Well seeing as I just kissed you, my answer is obviously yes,' Rey grinned. She picked up Rosie.

'Can we come back tomorrow?'

'Of course,' Ben said, climbing down off the couch and standing in front of her.

'I'll cook for you again.'

'You don't have to do that.'

'I don't mind. I like cooking for you.'

'And I like eating your cooking, so this is a match made in heaven.'

Ben looked down at her with a soft expression.

'I'll see you tomorrow,' she said gently as she headed for the door.

Ben nodded. He wondered if he should kiss her goodbye? Again, Rey beat him to the punch by walking towards him and reaching up to place a quick peck on his lips.

'Goodbye, Ben.'

'Goodbye, Rey.'

She left and Huxy came out from behind the couch. Ben picked him up and stroked his head.

'I had no idea getting a rabbit would help me get a date,' Ben told Huxy who blinked up at him.

'You like Rosie, huh?' Ben asked.

'Yeah, I like Rey too,' he murmured. 'With any luck we'll both come out of this process with a meaningful bond.'