Chapter Five.

Ichigo had spent most of the day fussing over what to wear later that night for her date. She couldn't wear the sleek black dress she had bought the other week as she didn't know if they were going for a sophisticated meal. After finally picking out an outfit she set them down on her bed and moved into the bathroom. Running the shower she undressed and climbed in. Not bothering to turn the temperature down she let the hot water splash over her skin. Leaning her head against the tiled wall she sighed past the moisture, closing her eyes.

All day she had made herself smile and busy herself for tonight. After all it's what she had been waiting for. But for the life of her she couldn't shake the sad feeling that was inside of her. Her thoughts kept going back to last night in his bedroom. She smiled to herself as she thought about him. Shaking her head to try and keep him out of her thoughts she washed her hair and body then climbed out.

Standing naked in front of the large mirror she looked herself over. Her hair, dripping wet, clung to her and hung to her shoulders. Her skin was so pale, like she had spent many summers inside. Touching her face with one hand she wondered why, after so many years, it was Ryou that had taken her first kiss. She frowned in confusion. Wasn't she pretty? Her mother had always said she was. And looking at herself now, she had to agree that there was something alluring about her, even if it was because she was dripping wet. Lowering her hand back down she bent over and picked up a white fluffy tower and began to dry her body.

Maybe that's what she should be doing. She should parade herself around in front of the lads dripping wet. But then again it wouldn't be very healthy, at least not in this weather. Wrapping the towel around her securely she exited the bathroom and went to get dressed.

Pulling on a matching pair of knickers and bra, a laced pink set, she pulled off the towel around her head and began to rub at it to get all the moisture out of it. Throwing the now wet towel aside she blow-dried her hair. Once completing that task she pulled a hair brush through it and looked herself in the mirror. Frowning at the amount of 'bounce' she had in it, she pulled out the strighteners.

Half an hour later, and after a little hair loss she was pleased with the outcome. Wearing her hair down when she straightened it came almost to shoulder length. It had a slight layered look to it. Smiling she glanced over at the clock. Half six. Good, she still had half an hour to finfish getting ready.

Pulling on a pale pink tank top, a white cardigan over it and a pair of hugging white jeans ichigo moved over to the bathroom again and applied some make up. A lot of black eyeliner and mascara and a little pink lips gloss. She didn't put any base on; she was too pale for most bases anyway. Smiling in satisfaction she went down stairs to wait for Aoyoma.

As the clock struck seven the doorbell rang. Standing from the couch she opened the door to see a casually dressed Aoyoma, still looking rather smart. He pulled her into a brief hug and pulled away smiling.

"Shall we go?" he asked. Nodding ichigo locked the door behind her and walked side by side with Aoyoma.

"Do you have anything planned for tonight?" ichigo asked, making conversation. Aoyoma looked at her nodding his head.

"Yeah I thought we could go get a burger. You eat burgers right?" inwardly cringing at the question she nodded, which was a lie. She didn't really eat burgers; something about the texture of the meat didn't feel right to her. Still she didn't want to ruin the night already by saying no. Smiling slightly they both entered a normal burger bar. Sitting down they both ordered a coke and a larger cheese burger.

As ichigo starred down at the sandwich she started to panic. How the hell was she supposed to eat all this? Closing her eyes she took a bit of the burger. Admittedly the bread and the cheese were good. All until she began chewing meat. Chocking back a gag reflex she glanced up at Aoyoma, who was scoffing down his own.

"It's really good isn't it?" He simply stated, taking another huge bite. Ichigo ignored the question and starred at the offending piece. Pushing it away she faked a big grin.

"Yeah it is! But I've already eaten so I'm REALLY full!" Aoyoma just nodded as he finished his off and then her own. At least she didn't have to worry about wasting his money. When they had finished it turned out that Aoyoma had double booked on her. He leaned forward and stole a kiss from her. Smiling and accepting his apology she headed off to the park as he headed off in the other direction.

Thinking over the night's events ichigo was a little taken back by him. From all the times she had seen him he always came across sweet, always knowing what to do. It's what made her notice him at first. But now, it seemed like he was just, well, a slob. He didn't really seem to care that he was out with her at all. I mean who double books on a date? Sighing she sat down on a bench by a bed of roses and looked out into the lake.

How could it be that the night she had been waiting for turned out to be a really crap one. She had more fun at home, on her own watching the grass grow. Frowning she watched the moonlight shimmer across the lakes water. She thought back to the moment he kissed her. What was all that about? Normally you only give a kiss if it was a good night, or at least that's what she thought. Sighing she lifted her hands behind her head and locked them together. She thought about the kiss she had been given. It wasn't what she thought it would be like. She had always fantasised that he would come in slow, a press of gently lips against her and then that would be it. But he rushed in, not giving her a chance to react. Not giving her a chance to stop him. Leaning forward she rested her hands in her lap.

Hearing footsteps near and then stop she looked up to see none other than Shirogane standing in front of her in his trademark stance. Smiling down at her he offered a hello.

"I didn't know you came out here." He simple stated. She looked at him, stoic in her bad mood from the evening's event.

"It's a public park. Everyone comes here." Frowning at her he sat down next to her. He couldn't explain why he did it. It was obvious that they both didn't like each other. Now that's not true, his mind told him. You both like it when you steal her lips with yours... ignoring his sudden urge to kiss her he leaned back against the bench, assuming the same position ichigo was just in.

"Why you here then? Thought your mum wanted you to look after the house." He said, without looking at her. Ichigo chanced a glance at him. She had forgotten that she told a fib to him. Feeling guilty she leaned back.

"Turned out she didn't want my help anyways. So I came out here..." she paused as a sound quiet a lot like thunder erupted from her stomach. Ryou pulled a mock shocked face, causing a deep blush to arouse on her cheeks. Smiling at the effect and liking how it looked on her he stood, offered his hand out to her.

"Guess we'll go get you something to eat." Taking his hand she stood and looked at him. Her heart was in her throat and she found it suddenly hard to breath. Why was it that Ryou affected her like this and yet Aoyoma didn't? Feeling his hand slid out of hers they set off together towards the cafe.

After polishing off another cupcake, the 3rd of the night, she smiled up at him. She watched das he leaned forward, his hand coming out and touched her face. His thumb ran over her cheek, gently, caressing. Pilling back as she closed her eyes and leaned into it, he licked his thumb.

"You had a little crème on you..." he offered. In all accounts it was a good excuse. Watching heat fill her face again he held back a grin. Why as it when he was around her he felt all warm and fuzzy. Ever since she had approached him and asked him to be her 'tutor' he began to feel, well, feelings for her. He tried to stop it, tried to distance her from him, but everywhere he goes she's there. She permeated his mind and body.

Ichigo starred at the plate with its crumbs left on it. She could feel Ryou's intense stare on her and she didn't dare look up. Her heart was once again pounding. She didn't trust her face to be blank enough to hide what she was feeling. She felt and heard him stand and in no time he was kneeling next to her.

"Ichigo I ..." he paused and grabbed her chin between his thumb and fore finger. Offering a gentle smile he changes what he wanted to say. "We have some time, we could continue on your lessons." Ichigo just looked at him, mesmerised by his blue orbs. She thought over his words. That wasn't what he was going to say and she knew it. If only she knew what he wanted to tell her. Nodding he moved away, letting go of her chin. He moved back to his seat and sat down.

"Tell me what you think would seduce a man." He stated. No beating around the bush, just straight to it. Ichigo blushed as she replied.

"Well..." she began and Ryou felt the pull of her. God, if she only knew that a blush like that could capture any man. "I think they like nice clothes on women. A little revealing, showing what's for sale." Ryou raised a brow at that but said nothing as she blushed even deeper. "And I think they like..." she paused and glance up at him. Biting her lips she swallowed. "I think they like girls to be innocent." Her eyes bored into him as she said that. Nodding he leaned forward.

"Why do you think that?" he asked, keeping his voice under control. If she only knew what those little innocent actions were doing to him.

"Well, you like it don't you Ryou?" sitting back she smiled at him. "But I also know that they like them experience and I'm none of that."

"Why, ichigo, do you think I like innocence?" he heart sped up at that. Oh no what was she going to say? She couldn't exactly say 'well I'm innocent as they get and you seem to like me'. It just would put a damper on it all. Secretly she could admit that maybe she wanted him to like her, but never out loud. Never to him. They would lose what little friendship they had.

"It just seems that way. Am I wrong?" Ryou didn't answer. She was a little too close for comfort. She was completely right, only it wasn't innocence in whole, but little Ichigo's innocence that drives him mad a night.

"Why don't you show me what a man would like?" He stated leaning back into his chair. He was coaxing her, because she wouldn't do anything like that. It was always him that initiated it. Smiling in self satisfaction at her reddening face he opened his mouth to speak when ichigo stood up.

Standing she removed her white cardigan. Biting her lip she moved slowly towards him. Ryou, right at that moment, took her all in. He hadn't noticed what she was wearing, not really. But as he saw the way the top and jeans clung to her curves he mentally cursed himself for not noticing earlier. In his eyes she was a goddess.

She placed her hands on his shoulders and placing one leg on either side of his she straddled him. Sitting down slowly she watched as his eyes began to grow darker. Leaning forward, as if for the lips she brushed the area next to it. Ryou turned his face to capture her lips, but her hand that had sneaked up into his hair, grabbed and pulled, just a little. He stopped moving, his heart racing, and his blood pumping as she held him immobile while she teased his earlobe. Her tongue would flick, her teeth nibble ever so slightly. It took all of his strength not to moan out loud at the sensations she was giving him. Closing his eyes as her lips moved back in front of him, leaving a trail of kisses, she finally reached his mouth. Kissing him gently she rubbed her tongue against his lips and gained entrance.

Ryou was in a trance as her mouth fed eagerly at him. He began to feel himself becoming tight and large. He felt her pull away, standing she looked down at him. Opening his eyes he looked at her fully, showing her everything he felt right at that moment.

No longer able to hide the smile she beamed at the dark blue of his eyes. His was hungry for more; it was plain in his gaze. Stepping back she sat back in her seat. A smile firmly on her face.

"How was that?" she asked, knowing full well she did well. Ryou coughed twice to clear his throat. All that near moaning had cost him his voice.

"It was..." he paused and started again looking right into her eyes. "You were amazing" Squealing at his reply she clapped her hands in a giddy expression, causing Ryou to laugh. For the next hour they talk over everything and anything, both secretly eager to know more about each other. As the clock stuck midnight Ryou offered to walk her home.

Stopping in front of her house he rubbed a hand through his hair. He had this strange feeling that he was walking her home from a date. Smiling at his own unnatural nervousness he looked around.

"Thank you for walking me home." Ichigo said, her hands clasped together in front of her.

"Sure. I just like to make sure your safe." Looking up at him she saw the sincerity pouring into her. Was it; was it that he cared for me? Shaking her head slightly she watched him. If her really cared for me that much, then what was with last night? Opening her mouth she began the question.

"Ryou, last night..." she stopped as she realised that if he didn't care about her she really didn't want to know. She couldn't explain it but she wanted to, in her own little world, pretend that that were more than just friends. Thinking fast she continued. "Thank you for helping me with my homework." Resting a hand on his shoulder she tip-toed up to place a small kiss on his cheek. Turning on her heels she left him standing there, watching after her. He resisted the urge to touch where she had kissed him.

Turning he walked away himself, his thoughts going over and over again about the moment in the cafe and then the kiss just then. It wasn't like any kiss he'd had before. It was one of caring. Glancing back at her house as it disappeared into the distance he smiled. Once again his thoughts went back to her advancements in his cafe. Groaning in frustration at the immediate tightness in his pants he thought to himself, I guess it's a job for a shower and hand.

Well there you have it!

Another chapter!

For you Aoyoma haters I hope this was good!

R&R

(.)(.)