Third Times the Charm

This was their third date. It was more than likely their last, as well. Though their last date had ended on a pleasant enough note, Tatiana was still not very into Shun. It was understandable, and he as fine with that. He adjusted his sunglasses, sighing slightly. At least they were eating Chinese. Shun much preferred this to seafood and certainly to Italian.

Shun played with his phone waiting for his beautiful date to arrive. He texted a few orders to his underlings, and a few reassuring texts to his superiors as he waited. He never had any true time off.

Tatiana awkwardly walked to their table, her trenchcoat pulled tightly around her shoulders. She only removed it when she sat down, revealing a strapless dress that showed even more cleavage than the last one. A silver heart pendant sat on top of her breasts, drawing further attention to them.

She cleared her throat.

"...Good evening," she said, staring at her menu.

Shun stared at her out of pure shock, and when that passed, out of pure arousal. He cleared his throat, leaning back in his seat and fiddling with his sunglasses more.

"Good evening, Tatiana," he said cautiously.

"This is our last date, yes?" she asked, glancing up at him. "After this date, I don't have to do anything I don't want? And you'll still decrease my brother's debt?"

He nodded, smiling at her once more.

"Of course. I always keep my promises," he told her. "Have our dates not been satisfactory? I do apologize, I am...perhaps not the most sociable person, but I do try."

She sighed, shaking her head.

"The dates have been fine--I just wish they were with an less terrible person. Whether you buy me alcohol or not, you still cause my brother and I to live only to pay off our debt. You hold our lives in your cruel, uncaring hand. It is hard to enjoy a date with someone who owns you, yes?"

Shun sighed slightly.

"Yes...I understand the trouble here. Though, no matter. As I promised, your debt will disappear after this date, never to be heard about again. That, my dear, I can assure you."

"I can only hope so," she sighed. "Though, I suppose you've been a man of your word this far--I am alive. Though I wonder how much of that is my own doing..." She toyed with the pendant around her neck as she stared at the men, oblivious of how it drew the eye to her chest.

"What here is good? I see no orange chicken on this menu."

Shun managed to smile even at the orange chicken comment.

"Well, some of this you won't recognize, because this is real Chinese food and not Americanized Chinese food...though, there is still chow mein, I believe is what you call it. As well as dumplings, stir fry, and some other things. I, however, am going to have huǒguō, which is...hot pot in English? Do you know what that is? It's not the winter, but I am craving variety and it sounds delicious."

"I will have what you have, then," she replied, glancing at him through her lashes. "Though with that, I'd also like to ask a question, I think."

Shun smiled.

"There will be plenty for both of us, I assure you. I'll help you with how it works," he insisted happily. He was glad Tatiana was sharing, sharing hot pots was the best option. "As for your question, of course I'll answer it."

"Why do you make me go out with you?" she asked, her eyes suddenly serious. "Why not make my brother do something for you? Why not pick a woman who actually wants you? Are you trying to humiliate me? You haven't even asked for sex. What do you want from me than an escort could not provide? Is it because you know I cannot refuse?"

Shun adjusted his sunglasses and found himself choosing his words very carefully.

"...Well, the truth is...I do like you, Tatiana," he began slowly. "In fact, I like you quite a bit. I quite enjoy a woman who stands up for herself and speaks her mind. It's refreshing and very welcome. I enjoy it a lot. As for why I don't make your brother do something for me...there is nothing your brother could do that would effectively erase the debt aside from pay it...As for why you and not an escort, it is because I genuinely like you. And I've told you so many times you can refuse. Please, if you'd like, go home. I will still erase the debt as I've promised. This is our final date, anyway, you have nothing to lose if you go home.

"If you never want to see me again, then please...leave, or allow me to escort you home," Shun said with a smile on his lips.

She sighed. "You know the way to a woman's heart isn't to force her on dates, yes? I'm a person. You could have tried to talk to me."

"I..." Shun frowned, feeling his cheeks flush red. "I did not think you would even consider it...I should have just talked to you. Forgive me." He bowed slightly, feeling sheepish.

"Please, if there's anything I can do to make up for it...?"

"Maybe spend the rest of our date treating me like a person, and not a prize you own?" she replied, shrugging. "Also, buying me several drinks will help your case. I suppose what I am saying is that last time was not horrible, so I am willing to meet you halfway if this is that important to you."

He flushed red again, feeling more embarrassment prick at the back of his neck.

"I am very sorry..." he mumbled. "Well...let me order our meal and some alcohol for you. You enjoy margarita's yes? If you enjoy wine, they have a delicious wine here that you might enjoy."

"I prefer cocktails," she replied, smiling slightly. "Wine does nothing for me."

"This wine, it's stronger than most, it has an alcohol content much closer to 20% than the usual 10% of other wines," he told her. "It's usually called 'yellow wine' in English, I believe. But if you aren't interested, I understand. I may have a small glass, however..."

Shun smiled at her. "Cocktails wise, I would recommend the Red Lotus if you like lychee, or the Lotus Blossom if you want something stronger."

"Lotus Blossom it is, whatever's in it," she replied, shrugging. "I want a buzz, at the very least."

He smiled lovingly at her. "Of course."

Shun called over a waiter and spoke in Chinese without a second thought. He ordered her alcohol and their hot pot, with every single thing they carried to be brought out with it. He wanted as much variety as possible.

"So, if you say you like my personality, what would you like me to know about you?" she asked, sipping her water.

"About...me?" Shun smiled sheepishly. "I suppose you have a right. I enjoy lots of hobbies, but my work eats up most of my time, unfortunately. When I get free time I enjoy shopping, though. I've lived in America for quite some time but it seems there are always things I'm not familiar with. I enjoy trying new American food, though my favorite thing is the suits. I adore American suits. Very well made and comfortable."

"You enjoy shopping?" she asked, her face lighting up. "Why didn't you say sooner? I love shopping."

"Oh, I didn't know you also enjoyed shopping," he replied brightly. "What is it that you enjoy shopping for? Though I'm supposed to watch my diet, I quite enjoy shopping for new food to try. I also enjoy clothes shopping, and I'm very bad, I enjoy buying new furniture often to keep my house looking different..."