(Hey, guys. Thanks for all of your reviews! I'm sorry last chapter was so short, and to make up for it, I'm giving you Harry's date first. Hope you like it!)
Hermione was excited. Since the process started, she has been excited more times than she could count, but this had to
be an exception. She was going to have a one-on-one date with Harry. She had wanted to have alone time with him for a
long time. So much, in fact, that she found herself regretting giving the First Impression rose to Draco. In a game
like this, there wasn't much room for regret, so she couldn't let herself dwell on it. She had to move on and
think about the next step. As of this point, the next step was Harry, and she couldn't be happier about it.
She had decided to take him to the Japanese Garden. She had never been to anything like it, and thought it would be nice to talk while they walked through the garden. It was supposed to be the most authentic Japanese Garden in the States, and Hermione always enjoyed seeing new things and going new places. She hoped it would be a night they wouldn't forget.
******
Back at the Bachelor Pad, Harry awoke the day before the first one-on-one date was scheduled wondering if he would be going, or whether he would have to wait to see her. With only five of them left, he knew she had to feel something for him or he wouldn't be there, but he wondered if she felt for him what he already felt for her. Because of how he had grown up, love wasn't easy for him. Almost all of his past relationships had ended because he wasn't ready for love. Or maybe it was because he just hadn't found the right woman to love yet? He already felt so strongly for Hermione. There was something about her; something she had that the others didn't. He hoped he would have an opportunity to find out just what that was.
After showering and dressing, Harry went downstairs to join the remaining five men. Just as he sat down, the doorbell rang, and he offered to go get it. When he got to the door, there was an envelope lying on the mat where the Date Box normally was. Confused, he picked up the envelope and saw his name on it. Happily, he closed the door and went into the living room to share it with the others.
When he got back to the living room, he found the other four waiting patiently for him to reveal who it was for.
"Well guys," he told them with a smile. "Sorry to disappoint you, but it's for me!" At that announcement, four smiles faded into frowns as Harry set the box down and opened the envelope to read the note.
He read it aloud, " 'Harry, tomorrow we will be exploring the mystery and wonder of the Japanese Garden. Wear comfortable shoes and prepare for a calming day at the most authentic Japanese Garden in the United States. Can't wait to see you tomorrow! -Hermione'." Upon finishing the note, he looked up at the others.
"Japanese Garden?" he said uncertainly. "That's different." The others agreed but tried to put out of their mind the fact that Harry got to go first.
****
Once Hermione was finished dressing for the day, she took one last look in the mirror and headed out the door. She had chosen to wear jeans, and because of all of the walking they would be doing, she wore her trainers. Afraid she might look to casual, she decided to wear a pink v-neck tank that had the cutest embroidered design around the neck and bottom. She also had a pink butterfly necklace that went with it nicely. She decided to wear her hair down so it cascaded down her back in shiny corkscrew curls. She wore little makeup. Just a little mascara and lip gloss. She didn't want to overdo it. She never was one for caring what she looked like, but one of the rules of the show is that you look as cute as possible at all times. She just hoped that whoever she picked would understand the fact that she usually didn't do this every day.
She hopped into the limo and twiddled her thumbs anxiously on the short ride to the Bachelor Pad to pick up Harry. She couldn't wait to see him. Before she knew it, the limo pulled up to the house and she jumped out to knock. She didn't have to wait long before the door opened. Not surprisingly, it was Harry that answered. She didn't think she had ever seen him look so good. (And that was saying something!) He had on a simple hunter green tee shirt and jeans. His hair was slightly mussed as usual, and his eyes were glittering.
Once she got her breath back, she smiled at him. "Are you ready?"
"Yes. I've actually been ready since yesterday when I found out I was going, but I didn't think you'd like the idea of moving it up a day, so I had to force myself to wait."
She chuckled appreciatively at what she thought was a joke, but when she looked at him she saw he was quite serious. They climbed into the limo and started off toward the Japanese Garden.
"What made you choose the Japanese Garden?" he asked her, wanting to know why, of all places in a large city like L.A. she picked a Japanese Garden.
"Well," she started with a laugh. "I've always been one to go to new places and see new things. What place I visit or think I see depends on my mood or what I want to accomplish that day. With you, I wanted just quiet talking time; a place to relax. I knew the moment that I heard about it that the Garden was for us. I want to just be able to get to know you better, and it definitely helps I haven't ever been somewhere like that before."
He laughed. "I see how you are. You're using me to go sightseeing!" He nudged her playfully and she smacked his leg in retaliation.
"You know that's not true," she tried to convince him.
"I know," he assured her as he grabbed her hand. The gesture in itself was so sweet, Hermione couldn't help but smile. They were silent for a moment, and she knew it was moments like this she loved about Harry. Moments where they could just sit and be with each other. They didn't need to talk. Just knowing they were together was enough. Sooner than they expected they arrived at the Japanese Garden. As they walked through the front gate, Harry automatically took Hermione's hand. It already seemed so natural. It shouldn't considering how much alone time they had actually had, but he didn't want to question it. He didn't want to question anything about their date. He knew this was just the first of five for her, but he didn't want to think about it. Today it was just the two of them, and he was going to enjoy every minute of it.
They walked leisurely through the garden, stopping to examine points of interest or comment on something. By the time
they reached a small building toward the end it was dusk. Upon entering the building, they saw the edges of the floor
were filled with candles, and there was a table for two set up in the middle.
"It's beautiful," Hermione gasped, admiring her surroundings. She didn't notice Harry was watching
her reaction. Still looking at her, he agreed, "Yes, it is." She didn't have to know he was referring
more to her than the room. He pulled her chair out for her, and once she was seated, he went around and took his seat.
Harry poured her some wine and she thanked him.
"I want to know more about you, Harry. You seem to be a fairly confident individual. You wouldn't have made it this far if you weren't, but there's something else about you that I haven't seen in any of the others. You've already told me a bit about your childhood, but I want to know more about you as a person." She knew this would be a hard question, but she so much wanted to know more about what makes him tick.
He looked thoughtful for a moment before answering. "You're right when you say that's a hard question. Because of the fact that I had to grow up around people who resented me for something that was entirely out of my control, I never really had much self worth. I never believed I would amount to anything. When I found out I would be able to go to boarding school away from them, I was overjoyed. Most eleven-year-olds would be scared when leaving home for such a long period of time, but I was so excited. It was a chance for me to be around people who didn't know me and would judge me for the person I actually was rather than the horrible person my aunt and uncle made me seem. Even when I got to school and found out it was more pressure than I had bargained for, it was still much better than being with my so-called family. I made so many friends, and I doubt I would be the person I am today without their influence. They were my real family, and I can't thank them enough for all they did for me. I was able to visit my best friend Ron's family over holidays sometimes, and just being around a real family that accepted me for who I was is indescribable. I love them like they are my own family, and I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world."
Hermione was so touched at the way he spoke of his friends. It would be hard for most people to deal with the fact that their family hated them, but Harry dealt with it and overcame it. He was definitely a better person because of it. She gripped his hand across the table, and he smiled gratefully. She found herself entranced with him. She couldn't imagine how he could still be so single when he was such the perfect guy. He was drop-dead gorgeous, considerate, and seemed genuine. What was wrong with him? Deciding the only way she was going to find out exactly what was wrong with him was by asking, she tried to make a joke out of it and hoped she would get a real answer. She also knew it would help lighten the mood, and Harry seemed like he could really use lightening.
"So, Harry, not only are you absolutely gorgeous," she started, smiling when she noticed him blush at her compliment. " but you are considerate, smart, and an I assume upstanding citizen despite your less-than-desirable home life. You seem like the perfect guy, but if you are so perfect, why are you here?"
He chuckled, and she knew he really thought it was funny because she could see the laughter in his eyes. Did he realize how much his eyes gave away?
"Well, I'm sure it's because I'm a total slob, I snore, and I can't remember a single important day, including my own birthday most years." At the confused look on her face he couldn't help but laugh. He knew she couldn't decide whether or not to believe him.
"That's not totally true," he started, noting the relief that flooded her face. "I'm not the most organised person in the world, but I'm not a slob, either. I don't know if I snore because you obviously can't hear yourself if you're sleeping, and nobody has told me either way. I'm sad to say the not remembering part is true, though. I'm pretty good about Christmas, but I'm absolutely horrible about birthdays."
She smiled at his honesty. "It's good that you can admit to that. Not many would be able to admit to the fact that they can't remember birthdays. I don't think that's too big of a deal. Birthdays are overrated."
He nodded in agreement. "I have to agree. Why anyone would want to celebrate the fact that they are getting older is beyond me."
Sadly, they were finished with their dinner and had to leave. Hermione was surprised at how long they had been there. It barely seemed like any time at all, but it must have been late. They went out and climbed back into the limo to start the ride back.
"I really had a great time with you tonight," Harry told her, wanting her to know he enjoyed her company. It was very important at this point to stick out in her mind and make her think about him.
"I did, too. I enjoyed learning more about you. I was hoping it would help me understand you better, but I'm afraid it only confused me more!" She shook her head and laughed.
"I didn't mean to be confusing," he said uncertainly. He hoped this wouldn't ruin his chances. He was really feeling something for Hermione, and he didn't want that to be ruined because she didn't understand his intentions or how he felt. He wanted to kiss her so badly, but was afraid it was too soon or she wouldn't want to. She was watching him with such an unreadable look on her face. He began to lean in to test the waters. He was pleased when she leaned in as well. By this time, their faces were only inches apart and he could see the light sprinkling of freckles on her nose. He decided to take a chance and brushed his lips over hers quickly. He pulled back and looked into her eyes to judge her reaction. Either she would hit him or kiss him back. He was pleased to see she was smiling. He took that as acceptance and leaned in for another kiss. He held it longer this time, and, feeling brave, ran his tongue along her lip, politely asking entrance. She granted it, and opened for him to taste her. He thought he would drown in her sweetness. She tasted of the wine and berries they had for dessert, but below that was a taste he knew had to be Hermione. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. Much too soon they arrived back at the Bachelor Pad and it was time for Harry to go. He ended the kiss and pulled back slightly. He still had her in his arms, but he pulled his head back enough to study her face. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes slightly clouded. Her lips were turned up in what he believed to be a smirk.
"And why are you smirking like that, may I ask?" Harry asked smugly.
"I've wanted to do that for awhile," Hermione admitted.
"Me too. I'm afraid that will have to be all for tonight. I have to go, but I'll see you soon. I can't wait. Too bad it will have to be under such bad circumstances."
"I know," she told him. "but Rose Ceremonies aren't all that bad. You've been lucky so far. You just have to hope that luck holds out." He kissed her again quickly before climbing out of the limo and heading to the door.
I'll be hoping, he thought. But it's really up to you if my luck holds out or not. Let's hope you make the right decision.
Meanwhile in the limo, Hermione was thinking almost exactly the same thing.
Let's hope I can make the right decision. One down, four to go.
(Just in case anyone is wondering, the Japanese Garden is a real place. I took the virtual tour on their
website and it seemed like a cool place to go. If anyone is interesting in learning more about it or taking the tour
themselves, you can visit their website at www.lajapanesegarden.org. PLEASE REVIEW!)