Akabane eyed himself critically in the large antique mirror and went over every detail with zealous attention. His shoes were spotless and polished to the rich shine that is only possible with the best hand-cured leathers. His trousers were pristinely black, and not a speck of dust dared mar their perfection. The creases were straight and precise enough to shave with, if one were so inclined. Akabane was quite satisfied with those.

This wasn't the sort of thing he'd normally go along with, but his curiosity had been piqued. Hevn had been most insistent, even going as far as trying to overexplain things. Really, "transporting yourself to the lady's presence". He was a man of the world, and knew perfectly well what a date was! Still... It was an odd mission, and for the life of him he couldn't figure out the why. Akabane smiled faintly at his reflection. The experience ought to prove intriguing, and it was rather long since he had last had the time and inclination to enjoy a fine dinner with female company.

Long, slim fingers fastidiously adjusted the snow-white shirt, and corrected the black silk tie. It wouldn't do to leave anything out of place. After all, the lady he was to dine with was said to be a creature of fine tastes and timeless elegance. Finding out how and why she had agreed to a so-called "blind date" would be absolutely fascinating. The few details he had been given also revealed that his date was widely read, and that fact alone suggested that good conversation would be had.

Akabane sighed happily. Good conversations were so rare these days, and thus something to be treasured. Yes, this would be a most pleasant evening. He buttoned his jacket, checked for the umpteenth time that there was no traces of dust and that it was absolutely free of rumples. Following that, he reached for his trademark black overcoat and slid gracefully into it.

The mirror showed a tall, thin gentleman of indeterminable age, impeccably dressed from top to toe. A final touch-up on his long, black hair, on with the white gloves, and then he was ready for the piece de la resistance: A big, wide-brimmed hat that he carefully placed on top of his head. It was quite new, but he had gotten so used to the slit in the brim of his old hat that he'd cut a precise copy of it into this one. Dr. Akabane Kuroudo was as ready as he would ever get, and his watch informed him that it was time to go. After all, it was dreadfully bad form to leave a lady waiting.

. . .

Akabane looked up as he perceived the head waiter nearing his table. With him was an elegantly dressed woman in her prime -- tall and prim, with her hair in a tight bun. He got up, and bowed politely over her hand in greeting, brushing his lips in the air two millimeters over her knuckles. "Good evening. My name is Akabane Kuroudo, and I am honoured by your incandescent presence, madame.(*)"



(*)In the original version there was the name of a real person there. You see, the fic was written under duress, after I mentioned to a couple of so-called friends that I thought it perfectly possible to write an 'Akabane goes on a date' fic. Someone in the GetBackers community on LJ had commented that she (or he) couldn't even imagine it, and that sounded like a challenge in my ears. And then, one of said friends dropped the name of a mutual friend. And then, I said no -- no way. And then, the other of said friends forced my hand. The lady herself was presented with the fic, and promptly choked and swore dire vengeance. Apparently this is a good sign...