Standard Boring Disclaimer: Bugger. Tecmo's not mine. Chars you find familiar in the story are theirs, the plot is mine. Japan Rail (JR) and Shinkansen are copyrighted.

Author's Note: This is an edited version of a story I penned, posted and left 3 years ago during my 1st trip to Japan. Within hours of posting the 2nd chapter just over 10 days ago, the entire story was deleted for 'listing' and my account was suspended. I don't exactly know what went wrong but here's hoping the same doesn't happen again. The story is rated 'T' for Adult themes and may rise to an 'M' later. Enjoy :)

A Night on the Town
By Kochan

Chapter 1: Hikari

"Quickly, we can't miss this one!" Hayate's fingers tightened over his sister's hand as they made their towards the Japan Rail Kyoto Terminal.

He led her through the gridlock of taxis and buses before they waded into the crowds of commuters within. Kasumi's eyes were widened, darting through the sea of colored signs floating overhead. Her soft panting, the flush on her angelic face, the countless 'Ahs' and 'Ehs' that she emanated as she clung to his arm; he hadn't seen her this excited since their first Bon Matsuri (Summer festival) together. .

He fed the passes through the electronic gates and shuffled through with her. Once they were ascending on the escalators, he sneaked another peek at her; A soft-pink, turtle-necked pullover hugged her lithe form beneath the fluffy white coat. Her matching cream skirt was school-girl short and she'd donned knee-length stiletto boots over patterned stockings. With the lightest amount of makeup and her reddish brown mane styled with class, Kasumi was all woman tonight.

His own full-length charcoal coat flowed like a cape with every movement over his dark slacks and autumn brown sweater. The striped black-grey scarf she'd made for him last winter was warm about his neck and he winked at her as she caught his gaze. As a handsome pair they turned heads, drew envious stares and stole hearts, male and female alike...no one had to know they were siblings. Free from the pressures of the Mugen Tenshin, they enjoyed their anonymity in public and could be as brother and sister tonight. Their sibling bond had been all they'd had at times and he felt it strengthened with every moment they spent together.

They stepped out onto platform sixteen and there it was: The Hikari Shinkansen, otherwise known as the Super-Express or Bullet Train. Sixteen cars from tip to tail boasting a maximum complement of over thirteen-hundred passengers, two thousand with standing room. It would cover their five hundred and twenty kilometer journey from Kyoto to Tokyo in a just over two and a half hours.

Hayate found the twin seats within their car located at the rear. He stowed their luggage away, holding his sister's coat as she eased out of it then nodded to her to take the seat beside the window. Kasumi did so, a nod and sweet smile her thanks. His own coat and scarf were a relief in coming off and these he hung with hers. A deep sigh escaped him as his body sank into the plush brown seat.

"Nii-san?" His sister's dulcet voice lulled his eyes open again.

"Mmm?" he turned to face her then looked where she did outside the window.

A girl perhaps six years of age in a frilly blue dress, pink parka and hair in pigtails stared back at them. Holding her hand on the platform was an older boy with similar features. He looked about twelve, clad in a red racer jacket and a baseball cap. A younger set of siblings, Hayate guessed. His sister giggled, having drawn a wave from the little girl with her perfect smile.

Kasumi reached over to take his arm in her grasp, leaning her head on his shoulder, "Boku no Nii-Chan! (This is my Big Bro!)" she said in excitement.

The little girl mirrored that smile as she clutched at her own brother's arm. Hayate chuckled as the young boy patted her head in return before crowning her with his cap. She laughed with tiny eyes and saluted them. Kasumi met his own gaze, eyes bright, perhaps expectant of similar attention. But Hayate had other ideas; his sister's cheek was warm as his palm settled there, those soft brown eyes widening as he leaned in.

A quiet 'iya', The softest of protests as she turned, his kiss settling upon her cheek, trailing down her neck, her perfumed scent so strong and fresh there.

"Yada, Nii-san..." Kasumi's voice was so soft, a whispered plea in his ear.

Hayate's eyes flashed opened as he was interrupted by the buzzer signaling their departure. Looking up found the younger pair of siblings watching them with heads tilted, eyes widened from amusement. Then the little girl revealed crooked teeth in a cute grin. She leaned up on tiptoe and tugged down at her brother's arm. Hayate let out a gentle laugh, leaning his head upon Kasumi's shoulder as the child was just able to place a light peck at her older sibling's cheek. Kasumi managed a smile despite her deep flush mirroring that of the boy's. They exchanged waves as the train departed, the young girl using her new cap to farewell them. Then the children were gone, the track fence now a blur as it flashed past.

"Nii-san...?" came that dulcet voice once more.

"Mm, what is it?" he replied with a flicker of an eyebrow.

"Do you think...I'd make a good mother?" her voice was so soft, as though she were afraid of the answer.

He grinned, then paused a moment, "I think my sister is good at anything she does. She takes after her mother, no?" another chuckle, "Mother was talented, beautiful and always got her own way, regardless." he chided, patting her knee.

Kasumi's answer punctuated a soft giggle. "Nii-san is so cruel, always making fun of me." That gentle touch came to squeeze at his arm. "Always making me laugh..." she whispered before her gaze trailed to the window again, "I'd want their father to be just like that." Hayate could find nothing to say, his mind a pot of mixed thoughts and emotions as he returned that affectionate squeeze.

"I would want you to train them." she continued, "Mugen Tenshin Tenjin Mon Ryu. Would you?" She asked.

Hayate smiled, of this much he was certain. "If you wished, I would train them, raise them, love them...as my own." he whispered as their gazes met once more.

That familiar smile graced her lips and she nodded, leaning upon his shoulder once more, "Mmm...that's what I thought.".

Hayate smiled himself, heart warmed. His fingers slid across to tease at her girlish fringe and draw yet another giggle. No one had control over his emotions like Kasumi. She lingered a kiss at his neck, the touch of her lips teasing like a spring breeze. Her hair was fragrant like the March flowers as he lay his head upon hers, mind awash with thoughts...

Kasumi's eyes were still closed and he spread his coat over her petite frame with his free hand. The night landscape streaking past the window gave no clue to how much time had passed before he'd opened his eyes. The sparkling lights of a Pachinko parlor flashed past for just a split second before darkness settled again.

'The time we have together is so short, so rare...just what does the future hold in store for us...'