The final bell tolled, and Rei was quick to leave her school's campus. There was no way in hell she would be letting Jadeite beat her to the shrine again. It had happened one time too many, and Rei knew that if it happened again, she would never hear the end of it.

She walked briskly, her long raven hair swishing behind her. It was nice not having any friends, because no one tried to talk to her on her way out. Friends were annoying, anyway.

Rei had gotten about halfway to the shrine when she slowed her pace a bit. Jadeite was no where in sight, which meant he either already beat her (which was highly unlikely - he was a lazy bum), or she was way ahead of him. Smiling to herself, Rei took the time now to get in touch with nature and admire the things around her.

Jadeite let out a heavy sigh, when he left school. Another teacher pulled him aside questioning him about some incident. For whatever reason people thought he was a troublemaker. He walked on home wondering what grandpa would have to do today. Love charms have been popular lately so he'll probably end up selling them. Which meant....

Annoying teenage girls. They'll be laughing and talking real loud. Ugh...

He didn't mind the work at the temple. He was grateful that the head priest took him in. But he hated dealing with teenage girls. At least the loud super peppy ones. Jadeite came to a stop, when he saw Rei up ahead. He smirked. Rei was the priest's granddaughter. They had a little rivalry going on. He loved teasing her. He quietly approached her and let out a small breath on her neck.

"Boo," he spoke quietly.

Rei jumped when she heard Jadeite's voice in her ear. The feel of his breath on her neck sent chills down her spine, but she ignored it and spun around. Angrily, her foot smacked against the ground and her hands went to her hips.

"How many times have I told you not to sneak up on me?!" she yelled, her violet eyes filled with angry fire. "You boys are so annoying, so - immature! Grow up, will you?"

Having released her anger, Rei spun again, making sure her long hair would whip Jadeite in the face before walking away. She knew it would be pointless, since they were heading in the same direction, but walking away always made her feel better.

Jadeite took a step back, when Rei flung her hair at him. He just chuckled to himself and walked behind her. She was interesting girl alright. As they walked Jadeite pick up his pace and brushed past her. He looked back at her with a smirk and made it the Temple before her. Jadeite was then greeted by grandpa. He told him that today he would be selling love charms again. Jadeite groan under his breath and went to his room to get ready for work. 

After changing into his priest clothes (I'm not sure what it's call), Jadeite went outside and entered the small booth. There were girls already waiting at the front counter. All of them chatting and talking about their chance winning their sempai's heart. Jadeite just put on a small smile and opened the booth for business.

Rei rolled her eyes as Jadeite immaturely walked past her so that he would beat her to the shrine. At this point, she was so agitated that she didn't even care. She just wanted to get her chores done for the day, finish homework, and go to bed.

Without speaking to Jadeite, Rei went into her room and changed clothes, heading back out to sweep the leaves on the courtyard. She spotted Jadeite at his usual post at the charm booth, selling good luck charms to googly-eyed girls. With a scoff, Rei turned and continued to work. She had always thought that Jadeite definitely did not do his part around the shrine. He was always sitting behind the booth selling charms and flirting with customers - what kind of work was that? Rei was always the one who did the dirty work. How was that fair?

She was never very good with people, anyway. Most of her peers feared her and her mysterious psychic abilities. 

Rei felt a nerve being struck when one of the girl customers started giggling at something Jadeite said. She didn't know why, but something about the way the girl was leaning so far over the counter and looking up at Jadeite made Rei mad. Angrily, she stormed over to the booth and interrupted their "conversation."

"Excuse me, but this is a business, not a kissing booth," Rei snapped, her violet eyes daring the girl to challenge her. Recognizing Rei as the creepy priestess who was rumored to live at the shrine, the girl bit her lip and reached into her pocket. Avoiding Rei's gaze, she slid a slip of paper to Jadeite and winked. "Call me," she said. 

Rei watched her go, the look in her eyes practically burning holes in the girl's back. When she was gone, she turned to Jadeite and glared at him. "Stop flirting and get these customers what they need," she growled, her jaw tight. She was just so mad, but she had no idea why.

Perhaps it was jealousy? Not jealousy over Jadeite flirting with a girl, but perhaps jealousy over the fact that people seemed to gravitate to Jadeite and completely avoid Rei. The young priestess couldn't help but wish that she could have at least one friend - one person who would love her and appreciate her. 

Other than Grandpa.

Jadeite frowned when Rei tore him and that girl apart. He couldn't help it. He loved to flirt with girls who weren't annoying. He then felt the girl place a piece of paper into his hands. She wanted him to call her. He looked down at the paper and wondered if he should? Even though he loved to flirt he wasn't interested in dating someone. For some strange reason he felt like he was searching for someone. And that flirting was his way of searching. 

"Stop flirting and get these customers what they need," Rei growled.

He blinked and looked up at Rei. She looked pretty ticked off. He just smirked. "Why are you jealous? I can't help it. They find me charming."

Rei rolled her eyes. "Oh, please," Rei said, rolling her eyes. "The only thing charming about you is the charms you sell."

Turning to go back to work, Rei paused. "Oh, and Grandpa wants us to run to the store to get food for the week. I expect you ready to leave in an hour."

With another signature toss of her hair, Rei turned and went back to sweeping the courtyard. She forced herself to tune out the giggling girls that continued to purchase charms from Jadeite, and instead began to hum to herself as she worked.

Time flew by, and before Rei knew it she was in her room getting dressed in regular clothes for the trip to the store. After getting ready, she went outside to wait on Jadeite.

Jadeite went back to work after, Rei went back to her chores. He didn't mind the idea of going shopping with Rei. It would be an adventure. Within the hour more girls kept stopping by to buy charms. Jadeite was getting a bit annoyed. How many high schools were there around this area? It was getting close to dinner time so Jadeite closed the booth. He went inside to his room and changed into a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. Jadeite then went back outside and found Rei waiting for him.

"Got the shopping list from Grandpa?" Jadeite asked her. It was a bit strange to call the man grandpa, but he insisted on it.

Rei scowled when Jadeite joined her outside. His very presence annoyed her. He was just so cocky and downright infuriating. And she hated when he called her grandpa "Grandpa." She was the only one who should be allowed to call him that.

"I don't need a list," she snapped, beginning to walk down the shrine staircase and to the grocery store. She just wanted to get this trip over with so she could eat dinner and go straight to bed. They arrived at the store, which wasn't too far from the shrine, and Rei led the way inside. 

"Alright, we need to get milk, eggs, lettuce, sushi, rice, vegetables, chicken, and...um..." Rei paused in ticking off her mental list, looking up at the ceiling for inspiration. "I swear there's one more thing..." she said, more to herself than to Jadeite. She suddenly snapped her fingers, a grin appearing on her face. "Ah! Potatoes!"

Feeling triumphant, she began to walk over to where the vegetables were all stored, but she completely neglected the "Wet Floor" sign that was right ahead. Her foot landed on a patch of water-covered tile, and before Rei could take any control, her feet flew out from under her and she began to fall backwards. A small shriek escaped her lips as she plummeted towards the hard tile, bracing herself for impact.

What was her problem? 

Jadeite didn't mind their bickering, but only when they were both at odds. All he did was ask her if she had the list of groceries. No need to snap! He just rolled his eyes at her and followed her to the store. When they got inside, he just nodded his head as Rei told him what they needed. Jadeite then watch Rei make her way over to the produce. He went to grab a cart, but before he could he saw Rei was about to fall! Jadeite then rushed over to her and caught her before she hit the ground. He helped her up and let go of her at once. For some reason he felt his heart racing.

"Are you alright?" he asked her.

Rei felt a warm pair of arms wrap around her waist, stopping her imminent fall. Shocked, the priestess stood and turned around, seeing Jadeite had been the one to save her. Her hair had fallen in front of her face, and she quickly brushed it behind her ear and smiled slightly. "I'm fine, thanks," she said, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink. She told herself the heat in her face was from embarrassment, but a small part of her told her that it was something more. She could still feel the warmth of Jadeite's arms around her body, and now that his had stepped away, she felt cold.

Throughout their trip, Rei spent the time nagging Jadeite about how no, he could not get coffee and no, the toilet brushes weren't to be used as swords. No matter how often she would try to tell him that you had to check the dates on everything, she was pretty sure he grabbed the milk that was due to expire in a few days. 

But for some reason, Rei didn't yell like she normally did. Sure, she rolled her eyes and acted annoyed, but really, she had spent more of the afternoon laughing to herself instead of yelling at Jadeite. It was nice, in a way.

When they finally got everything, Rei was confident in the savings they would make as they arrived at the checkout aisle. Rei couldn't help but notice how attractive the guy at the cash register was as he helped her get the items scanned and bagged. He would make small comments every now and then and she would giggle, completely forgetting that Jadeite was there. When it came time to pay, Rei was shocked by the price of their trip.

"Fifty dollars?!" 

"Yeah, uh...the savings only count if you're registered for a store card..." the guy said, scratching his head. Mock tears filled Rei's eyes as she leaned towards him.

"Oh please, you have to give me those discounts. I really can't afford to pay all of this money...do you think you could make one small exception for me? I would really appreciate it...I promise I'll make it up to you," Rei begged. Her violet eyes suddenly became vibrant and full of plea. She blinked a few times, emphasizing the forging tears. 

The guy at the register, whose name tag said "Morishique", glanced back and forth from Rei to his screen. He suddenly became locked in her gaze, and all resolve melted. A smile formed on his face and he started pressing buttons on the keypad in front of him. 

"Alright, I'll give you the discounts, on one condition," he leaned forward, "you let me take you out tonight."

Jadeite had a big frown on his face as Rei was talking to the cashier. He felt his lips tightening as Rei tried charmed the cashier to lower the price. He had no idea why he was getting upset over this. There was no reason to get worked up for this! Rei and him were just friends! Well... okay maybe friends wasn't the right word. But still! This shouldn't be bothering him!

"Alright, I'll give you the discounts, on one condition," the cashier leaned forward, "you let me take you out tonight."

Jadeite's mind erupted like a volcano. How dare he ask her out on date!!! How dare he stoop so low!!! He was totally taking advantage of her!!! He then took a deep breath. He had to stay calm. He didn't want the manager to throw them out of the store.

"Excuse me," he spoke up and got between Rei and the cashier. "I'm pretty sure your manager wouldn't be happy out this. You let us sign up for the store card and get the discount or I'll tell your manager your sexually harassing my friend." He did it. He used the word friend, but he had to stand up for Rei. She'll probably hate him for this.

Rei's jaw dropped in shock when Jadeite stepped in, his body tense and his voice full of pent-up anger. And did he...just use the f word?

Friend. He called her his friend.

The word sounded foreign. Whether it was because she had never heard Jadeite use it, or because no one had ever used it when talking about Rei, was a complete mystery. But he still called her his friend, and that in itself struck Rei silent.

The cashier looked Jadeite in the eye, then leaned back. "Yes sir," he grumbled, getting the card set up. The three remained silent as the cashier gave them their discount and their groceries, and Rei didn't say a word until after they had left the store and were walking home.

She punched Jadeite in the arm. "What the hell was that?! He was cute, and I almost got a date with him! Now it's ruined. You're going to have to make it up to me, you know." With a huff, Rei blew her bangs out of her eyes. She was silent for a few more moments, her brain still reflecting on the fact the Jadeite had called her his friend.

Something about it made Rei feel uneasy. She was glad someone had actually considered her a friend, but...something inside her felt...hurt. The "friend" title just seemed so low, so basic, so...natural. For some reason, Rei felt like Jadeite was something more than a friend. But if he didn't think that way, then why did she?

Rei felt ashamed. Why was she being so selfish? She should be grateful to just have a friend. It was more than anything she had ever had before.

Jadeite rubbed his arm as he followed her down the sidewalk. Man he could never do anything right around her. He thought the cashier was being rude to her. Girls don't like it when guys act like that, right?

"At least I got us the discount," he grumbled. He then grew quiet for a moment. So he had to make it up to her? How should he? Do her chores? Nah. Her homework? Nah he hated homework. Take her to dinner? That seem reasonable. Girls loved food, right? "Hey, Rei. Would you like to grab some dinner tomorrow after work? It will be my treat."

Rei faltered slightly in her pace, stopping for less than a second when Jadeite's offer reached her ears.

Dinner?

Did he just...ask her to dinner?

Rei quickly wiped the look of disbelief from her face and smirked. "Why Jadeite, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you're asking me out on a date," she said with a laugh.

'You're an idiot, Rei.'

"But I guess buying me dinner would suffice as payment for making me lose that guy. You'd better have money - if I end up paying, you're doing my chores for a week." She smiled, this time genuine, and headed up the shrine stairs. Her heart felt warm, and butterflies were floating through her stomach. Did Jadeite ask her to dinner because he had feelings for her, or was it just because she told him he had to repay her?

Jadeite remained standing at the bottom of the stairs watching her walk up to the shrine. He felt his stomach drop and his face felt flushed. She actually seem happy about their little date and he couldn't help, but smile. He walked up the stairs and entered their house. Jadeite then entered the kitchen and began to put the food away. It was his turn to carry the bags home. 

"Ah!!" spoke a voice. Jadeite turned and saw grandpa standing in the doorway. "You two are home. How did it go?"

"Alright," he replied and was quiet for a moment. Jadeite ponder about telling the old man about his little date. He didn't want him to make a big deal out it. However, he needed to know that him and Rei wouldn't be home for dinner.. "Grandpa.."

"Yes?" grandpa replied. He was now standing over the stove making tea. 

"Tomorrow Rei and I will be going out for dinner."

The room went super quiet. Jadeite stared at the old man waiting for an answer. He wondered if he didn't hear him. Jadeite then clear his throat to tell him again, but the old man leaped for joy. Jadeite almost made a facepalm. The old man was going to make a big deal out of this.

"This is wonderful!!" grandpa yelled in delight. He rushed over to Jadeite and patted him on the back. "I was hoping there would be a spark between those two. You are the only person besides myself that can handle Rei's um well you know...personality!"

"It's not what you think. We're just going to grab something to eat after work," Jadeite replied all flustered. He felt his face growing hotter by the second. "You know as friends.."

Grandpa just laughed. "You can't fool an old man. But I will shall play pretend with you." He then walked back over to the stove to check on his tea. Jadeite took this opportunity to leave the kitchen.

Rei went into her room and collapsed onto her bed, staring up at the ceiling. Why did she feel so...skittish? Could it really be because of Jadeite asking her out to dinner? It wasn't that big of a deal, he was just trying to make up for what happened at the store. But a secret part of Rei's heart wanted it to be a big deal. Sure, Jadeite may be annoying and a huge flirt, but he was really a sweet guy, and handsome too. 

She needed to know how Jadeite felt. They had known each other for quite some time now, and if Jadeite had asked her to dinner for reasons other than making up for his mistake, Rei needed to know. She needed to know if he was feeling the same things she was. Feeling confident, Rei stood and stretched before heading towards Jadeite's room. She was about to pass through the kitchen when she realized there were voices coming from inside. Being the nosy person she was, Rei leaned against the wall and listened to the ongoing conversation. 

"I was hoping there would be a spark between those two. You are the only person besides myself that can handle Rei's um well you know...personality!"

Rei scoffed silently. Of course that was her grandfather's voice insulting her. Rei was not hard to handle. High-maintenance, maybe, but she wasn't that bad. 

Or...maybe she was. Maybe that was why she didn't have any friends.

"It's not what you think. We're just going to grab something to eat after work. You know as friends.."

Jadeite's words hit Rei like a slap in the face. Of course - why didn't she see it before? What level of stupidity would cause her to believe that someone might actually have feelings for her? She was a freak, an outcast, someone who didn't deserve the affection of another. There were so many other beautiful, more appealing girls out there. Why did Rei think she might actually be the subject of Jadeite's affection? 

She was blinded by her own feelings. 

Rei looked down, struggling to prevent the hot tears from falling. She covered her face with her hands and started walking, but little to her knowledge, she walked in the wrong direction.

Right into Jadeite.

She collided with him and took a startled step back, removing her hands from her face to glance up. "Oh, I'm sorry," she said, struggling to keep herself under control. Before Jadeite could say a word, she turned and started walking back towards her room, hoping he wasn't following her. She couldn't bear to face him - not after the reality check she just had. 

Jadeite walked slowly back to his room. He was lost in his thoughts about tomorrow. He then felt something bumping into him. He looked and saw it was Rei. She quickly apologized to him and ran off before he could say anything. He remained standing there wondering what that was about. He let out a heavy sigh. He'll never understand girls. He continued on his way to his room and closed the door behind him. He then collapsed on his bed.

"Hmmm," he spoke to himself. "Where should I take her tomorrow? She seem upset about something just now. Maybe I should take her somewhere nice. It might cheer her up." He then buried his face into his pillow. Why on earth did he want to cheer her up? He just shook off that thought and decided to do some homework before bedtime. 

The next day grandpa let Rei and Jadeite get off early from work. Jadeite went to his room and got ready for their little date. He hoped Rei would like the place he picked out. After getting on some decent looking clothes, Jadeite went outside to wait for her. As he was waiting for her he felt a huge pat on the back. He turned and saw it was grandpa.

"You look good when you clean yourself up," he spoke in teasing voice. "Are you nervous?"

"Nervous!?" Jadeite said alarmed. He felt his face growing hot. 

"There there," the old man said and patted him on the back again. "It's only natural to be nervous on your first date." He then pulled some money out of his pocket. "Treat her nice tonight, okay?"

Jadeite smiled and denied his offer. "I have enough money tonight."

"Are you sure?"

He just nodded his head. 

"Alright," grandpa said and placed the money back into his pocket. " So where are you taking her?"

"It's surprise."

Grandpa just laughed. "I get it! You don't want me to ruin your romantic date to Rei."

Jadeite's face turned a bright shade of pink. He just folded his arms and looked away.

"Well good luck! And remember to breath!" Grandpa then headed into the house. Jadeite glanced at his watch wondering what was taking Rei so long.

OOC:

Rei had spent the course of the next day in a dampened mood, going through the daily routine with a somber attitude and a downcast expression. She had never felt this way before, and she was disappointed in herself for letting Jadeite get to her like this. It wasn't like he meant to make her feel this way. Rei was doing this to herself. She had allowed her emotions to take over her logic, and got herself burned in the process. 

After chores, she trudged to her room to change for her "date" with Jadeite. She hadn't spoken to him much since the previous night, since she was too embarrassed to even look him in the eye. And now she had to go out and have dinner with him, and pretend that everything was alright. 

With a sigh, Rei finished brushing her hair and headed out to the courtyard. She passed Grandpa on the way, who was mumbling to himself and laughing like an old man on a sugar high. Rolling her eyes, Rei went outside to find Jadeite waiting on her. She approached him, still avoiding his eyes as she plastered a fake smile on her face. 

"Sorry it took me so long. Where are we going?"

"It's fine," Jadeite replied to her. He gave her a small smile."You'll see." He then walked off with Rei following behind him. He hoped she liked the place they were going to. Something was clearly bothering her and he wondered if he was the reason. She didn't really talk to him this morning or make eye contact with him. He took her to a small Italian restaurant. It was a hole in the wall kind of place, but it was quite nice. A host greeted them when they entered the door. The restaurant was crowded which made Jadeite glad he stop here after school and made reservations.

"There's an hour wait," explained the host.

"I have reservations for two. It would be under Jadeite," Jadeite replied. The host looked through his book and then grabbed two menus and led them to a small table in the back of the restaurant.

"Your waiter will be right with you."

"Thank you," replied Jadeite and the host left them alone. Jadeite opened up the menu and felt uneasy. Even though the restaurant was filled with people he felt like they were truly alone. He had to make conversation with her. He took a small deep breath to help calm his nerves. "So how was school today?"

Rei followed Jadeite, remaining silent as they went. She wondered where exactly they were going, and was surprised to see they had arrived at a small Italian restaurant.

When they entered, Rei mentally groaned when she heard there was an hour-long wait. But to her surprise, Jadeite had actually been pro-active for once and made reservations. Amused, Rei followed Jadeite and the host to their table. The place was definitely packed, but it was nice that Jadeite had gone through so much just to take her to dinner.

'Stop it, Rei. You're thinking too much of this again. He doesn't feel that way about you.'

Rei looked up from her menu, surprised that Jadeite had spoken. "Oh, um, it was alright I guess. Same as usual."

There was silence again, and Rei felt the strange urge to ask Jadeite the question that had been plaguing her mind ever since the previous day. She had to know the answer - she couldn't go on wondering.

"Jadeite...why did you take me out tonight?"

Rei's question startled Jadeite. He wasn't sure how to answer that. At first he just did it to make up for yesterday. However after seeing her reaction and her grandfather's reaction he wondered if there was a different reason. Ever since they went to the store he has been getting worked up around her. Jadeite wondered if he was falling for her. Maybe grandpa was right. There had been some kind of spark between them. 

"Well..I," he replied slowly. "I wanted to get to know you more." That was a lame answer, but he didn't want to tell her that he maybe falling for her. That would make everything so awkward especially if she didn't feel the same way.

"Get...to know me?" she said, her head tillting slightly.

A mischievous glimmer appeared in her eyes. Maybe...she was wrong. Maybe he did have feelings for her, but he was just too scared to say so. Rei had to admit that she was a little...hard to approach.

Smiling, she closed her menu and leaned her albows on the table, clasping her hands in front of her. "Alright, let's play a game. You ask me something, I'll answer, and then we switch. Sound good?"

Jadeite just nodded his head. He could breath a bit easier now. Before they could start a waiter came by and took their orders. After he left, Jadeite thought about his first question. He was worried he might ask her a touchy question. So he thought about starting small.

"Do you like working at the temple?" Such a stupid question, but it was better than asking what's your favorite color or food.

Rei nodded, taking a sip of the water the waiter brought. "It's my home. The shrine is the only place I've found since my mother passed away that makes me feel at peace. I just have this...connection with nature that the shrine revealed to me. I wouldn't trade living or working there for anything. It's my dream to become head priestess someday."

Nearby, a waitor dropped a tray of drinks, causing a loud shattering sound to reverberate around the room. Rei rolled her eyes. The guy was clearly new to the job.

"How long do you plan on staying with us? Of course, you're welcome as long as you like, but I was just wondering what your plans for the future were..."

Jadeite just nodded his head as Rei talked. She had a dream. 

"My plans?" Jadeite repeated back, when she asked him her question. He grew quiet and looked at his glass of water. He never thought about his future. He then began to twirl the water around with his straw. "I have no plans as right now. I'm only 14 years old after all. I got plenty of time to figure something out. All I know is I will never go back home." He dropped the straw and looked back at her. "It must be nice to have a dream. So what kind of connection do you have to the shrine?"

Rei narrowed her eyes. "Oh come on, you have a dream too. Maybe you just don't realize it yet, but it's in there. Everyone has one."

Looking down at her hands, Rei wondered exactly what Jadeite had run away from. He didn't talk about his home, or his parents. And Rei never asked. She knew it was a touchy subject for him, just like her parents were sort of a touchy subject for her.

"The shrine is...a place where I belong. I can be myself, and do what I love. My relationship with the spiritual world is welcome at the shrine. And...I feel like it's my one outlet to my mother. Not because Grandpa was her father, but because I feel like I'm becoming more like her every time I pray. It's crazy, I know, but it's just the way I feel."

In an attempt to lighten the mood, Rei looked up and smiled. "So Jadeite, do you believe in true love?"

Jadeite was taking a sip of his water as Rei spoke. He then nearly choked on it, when Rei asked if he believe in true loved. He had a small coughing fit and took another sip of water to clear his throat. Why on earth did she ask him that? 

"Umm...." he replied. " I guess so. I mean if you found the right person that would be true love, right?" He felt his stomach do a back flip. Is this question her way seeing if he likes her? He'll just have to do the same. "What about you? Do you believe in true love?" He then lean over and put his hand under his chin and gave her a playful smile.

Rei's eyes widened at Jadeite's answer. His response to her question was rather amusing, but also questionable. Rei wanted so desperately for him to have some sort of feelings for her, and she realized that she was thinking of any excuse possible to believe that he did like her.

And so she decided to step over a boundary.

Leaning forward, she leaned on the table far enough that he face was merely a few inches away from Jadeite. "I do," she said lowly, blinking once. Her eyes were locked on Jadeite's and she wondered what was going through his head.