It was one in the afternoon, the winter sun still blinding white, defiant of winter's grip.

Two men, each with a small bouquet of flowers in hand, stood before A-Ko's house. Both were bundled up in winter wear, dark clothing covered by long black coats. Leroy adjusted his ten-gallon hat, cast a sideways glance at Ippei.

"You're kiddin' me," the American said. "A supermarket."

"Of course," came a low reply. "I'm serious."

"A supermarket!"

"What about it?"

"Man, I -- I just can't believe my ears."

"A'intcha got an imagination, Elroy?"

"Leroy."

"Whatever."

"Ippei, we in Distributism oppose shopping at supermarkets and chain stores on a principle. Y'know, to support the little stores against the big boys. It just makes me feel like a hypocrite doin' this."

"You shouldn't," Ippei said in his normal squeaky voice. "You're the least hypocritical gaijin I've ever known."

"Then please tell me why we're taking the girls to a supermarket opening."

"Several reasons," he began, fixing the bright red earmuffs over his green baseball cap. "One is journalistic. Daitokuji Agricultural Goods and Resources -- DAGGR for short -- is set to open its first-ever supermarket in the city center. Translated from the Japanese, it's called -- get this -- 'The Happy Stomach'."

"Dumbest name I've ever heard. Makes me retch just thinkin' 'bout it."

"That's not the half of it. Rumors have been floating through the Internet that this store's produce section is totally genetically engineered. That's a news story right there."

"What?" Leroy gasped, turning to face him. "No jokin'?"

"Nope. Not a natural nectarine or an organic onion in the place. Who knows what possible health hazards may result? What will this do to harm biodiversity in our fruit and vegetable supply?"

"Yeah, and Distributism's been against lab farming from day one. Lord have mercy. Go on."

"Second reason's romantic. It shows A-Ko and C-Ko that we love them enough to help them with food shopping. There's a certain thrill I get knowing C-Ko and I can do price comparisons on cornmeal together."

"You're weird, Ippei."

"Thank you. Final reason's economic. It's one of the cheapest places to take them this week, and it's easy to reach by bus."

"Since when have you become this penny-pinching regarding 'Baby Sister' and A-Ko?" he asked, folding his arms.

"Have you looked at the network's budget this month?"

"Yeah."

"Have you looked at our paychecks this week?"

"Yeah."

"In your mind's eye, remove the amount for our bills and savings." Leroy rubbed his chin for a moment, then groaned.

"YUCK!"

"As I've always said, my gaijin friend; in Japan, everything's expensive except breathing. And don't be too sure about breathing either. Hee-hee-hee-hee."

The door of A-Ko's house opened, as C-Ko peeked out to spy on the two men outside. Her green eyes dazzled when she caught sight of her love. "Ippei!" she shouted, arms outstretched, still wearing her winter gear.

"C-Ko-o-o-o-o-OOOF!" The Princess buried his mouth in her kiss as she rushed into his open arms. The brim on his hat bent skyward, his arms froze in mid-air, one fist still holding the bouquet. His eyes stuck wide open, pupils shrunk to pinpoints. Leroy chuckled and patted C-Ko's head.

"How-do, Baby Sister. Feelin' okay?"

"Mmmmm-hmmmmmm," she murmured, nodding her head, still deep in her kiss.

"Y'all ready to go?"

"Mmmmm-hmmmmmm."

"Mind if I call A-Ko out here?"

"Hmmmm," she hummed, shrugging.

"As you wish. Say-hey, A-Ko!"

"C-Ko," came a voice from within the house. "Shut the door, will you? Mom and Dad are complaining about the draft." She came out in her jumpsuit and boots, carrying her purse. She stopped, smiling at seeing Leroy. He took off his hat, covering his heart with it as he bowed.

"If that draft was the hot air from my big mouth, I apologize." A-Ko giggled, bounded over C-Ko to him, and slid into his embrace. Her kiss melted into his mouth, her arms wrapped around his chest as if it was a lifejacket.

"Oh, Leroy," she said after a long minute. "I want you so bad, you loving hunk of dynamite."

"Seven years of double-dating, and every kiss is still like the first one -- a touch of sweet witchcraft."

"Come on inside and see the folks. We'll leave in a half-hour." Taking his hand, A-Ko led Leroy into the house. A moment later, they walked out again.

"Ah -- C-Ko?"

The Princess sighed, still deep in her kiss.

"Um -- excuse me, Ippei?"

He folded his open arms around her, rolling up his eyes as he closed them. A whinnying sound emanated from his throat, a cross between his laugh and the cooing of a dove.

"Oh boy," A-Ko sighed. "They're gone."

"Yeah, long gone."

"Well, let's carry them inside. We don't want to drive up the heating bill, do we?"