"It's ridiculously pathetic."

"It's sad, not to mention maddening."

"When do think that they'll realize it?"

"…."

"Well?"

"Exactly how high is the betting pool, Sano?"

"… I have no idea what your talking about, Meg. I was just wondering what you thought."

"Our dear raccoon girl and Kenshin may be oblivious, but I'm not."

"I don't think you are."

"Good. Now what are the odds?"

"Oh hell, okay, so I have the jocks pulling for Kenshin to notice it first, placing a solid fifty on it happening before playoffs, the debate team is rooting for Kaoru and wager she'll make the connection by the end of Senior year, the drama club just placed their bet today and think Kenshin will first, although, I think its more they think it would be romantic if Kenshin declared his love for Missy and put down another fifty on it happening as soon as Homecoming. And- wait, I have a chart."

"Hmm…this chart is better than the one it took me hours trying to help you with during our last tutoring session."

"Hey now, Fox, when it comes to illegal gambling on the relationship of our friends, well, I cant help it if I find it more interesting than what brand of cereal kids prefer: Life or Cheerios. Now, Drama club says Homecoming."

That's in less than two weeks."

"I know."

"Isn't our own, Little Miss Drama Queen, herself, head of that club?"

"Yeah, and Misao in honor of living up to her title, has decided to place the bet on the power of love conquering the obliviousness of the two lovebirds."

"The power of love?"

"Her words, not mine."

"A sucker's bet."

"Yup, but what can you do? Misao is a romantic and so are all of those in the Drama Club. It's what I heard gives them license to act as if Brad and Angelina getting married is the second coming of Jesus."

"Typical Misao, even with her being best friends with Kaoru she would rather wager on Kenshin and this nonsensical notion of 'love conquering all' then reality. I take it your rooting for Kenshin as well, Sano?"

"Do I look stupid?"

"I take it that's a rhetorical question."

"Cynicism never sounds quite as hot unless it's coming out of your mouth, Megumi."

"Spare me, Sano, I've already turned you down twice this week."

"They say third time's a charm-"

"Enough, Sano."

"Right. There's always tomorrow. Okay, so I've known Kenshin since we were in diapers and have been his best friend since and his confidant."

"Touching."

"Ha-ha. So because I'm his best friend it gives me an advantage in this bet, because I'm close to him. So do Misao and you, because you guys are close to the Missy. Knowing that, and the players, it's no sucker's bet to place your money on Kaoru."

"So being his best friend and confidant, it only seems fitting to place your money against him."

"I've known Kenshin forever… the guy doesn't wear his emotions on his sleeve."

"He's a musician."

"That's different, Megumi. All you girls believe that a musician is sensitive and emotional. As if we're freaking bleeding hearts wanting comfort. I wont lie, there are musicians out there who play up that stereotype to get girls, but they're not real musicians and chances are their music sucks and is only appealing to society's puppets who buy into the artificial garb. Kenshin is a real musician. He doesn't play to get girls attention or even to get attention. He plays because music is his life. It's a way to show a glimpse of what he is feeling inside without having to constantly wear his emotions on his sleeve. To let people in and feel his emotion in a way that telling them can't. THAT'S the difference. Knowing this is what makes me place my money on Kaoru. THAT girl wears her emotions on her sleeve and unless Kenshin is going to write a song of the nursery rhyme variety, that is so blatant and obvious, not the undertones or mysteriousness people associate with Kenshin; then its up to the girl who isn't afraid of a little rejection, even if it does come from Kenshin."

"… Third time really is the charm. Be at my house around seven."

"For what?"

"Our date."

"Since when?"

"Since you've actually been able to prove that there is a brain in your head and not just hot air, Rooster-head. Just don't be late unless you want me to come to my senses…and please try and get that fish-out-of-water-look you've got there under control for tonight."

"HEY! - Wait, don't you want to place a bet before you leave?"

"It's a sucker's bet to go against the house in this gamble. Let's just hope that raccoon girl takes the plunge."