"There's a moment between a glance, and a kiss, where the world stops for the briefest of times." - A series of unrelated one-shots to celebrate my 100th fic on Ao3, based off a pairing, occupation, and a colour (with a kiss).
It wasn't what Jinenji had in mind for a first date, but Rin had been the one to plan it, so he wasn't about to say no.
She'd shown up in a lilac summer dress, a matching sprig of the flower tucked into her ponytail, and had led him to a quaint café not far from her shop, nothing but smiles and enthusiasm shining out of her face while they ate.
He'd been worried it was a cruel joke and had even said as much when she'd invited him out, but Rin had been more than understanding, placing a reassuring hand on his arm and promising she'd be on time.
After their meal had concluded, she'd brought him back to the pet shop, wanting to show off how the animals were cared for. Most of the items for sale were those found in a catalogue, but each animal being housed was less than perfect. Some were missing an eye or a limb, others slowly recovering from illnesses, but Rin loved them all, greeting them each by name.
It was what had drawn him to her in the beginning. One of his friends had asked him to pick up a new tank for one of her snakes, and he'd fallen in love with Rin on sight. She hadn't balked at the thought of handling any of the animals, genuinely concerned about the snake's condition and quizzing him on whether his friend was taking proper care of it.
Something wet brushed against his nose, and Jinenji looked down to find her holding a small cat, its soft paws pressing against his face. "You're supposed to be paying attention to me," she said jokingly. "What were you thinking about?"
Jinenji flushed, taking the feline from her. "You," he admitted.
Rin instantly perked up. "Really?"
His entire face was red now, but he nodded. "From when we first met."
Rin scratched the cat's head. "All good things, I hope." He managed to nod, unable to meet her gaze. She chuckled softly, squeezing his arm. "I thought good things about you too. I wasn't sure you'd say yes when I asked you out."
Jinenji's eyes bulged. She'd been nervous about asking him? "I'll always say yes," he murmured, watching as she fed some of the dogs.
Rin flashed him a smile, and Jinenji felt himself falling all over again. "I'll hold you to that when I ask you for a second one later," she said with a wink.
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