Ack! I'm terribly sorry for having not updated for... almost a year. Oops. I've gone through a lot since then, but hopefully, I'm back! Here's chapter two of Peonies and Chrysanthemums! This one was based around the word Date. Enjoy! :)

Romance was never a strong point of Kiku's. Even after years of practice and silent observation, he was never able to pick up the charm of Francis or passion of Antonio. He struggled his way through the first few months of he and Yao's romantic relationship (though Yao said he didn't mind, Kiku knew better than to believe his awkwardness pleased Yao as much as he would lead on); and, eventually, he sought change. A prim, pressed suit was picked, restaurant reservations were made, and a giant bouquet of peonies was ordered before Kiku had the chance to tell Yao about it all.

"You want to do... what?"

"A date," Kiku repeated into the phone receiver. "I want to treat you to dinner. A night out. The next time you visit, that is. You are still coming next weekend, right?"

"Of course I am," answered Yao, on the other end. "I'm just confused. We never go out. Did someone else talk you into this?"

"No! I just... want to do this for you. I care about you. I want you to have a romantic night out once and a while."

Quiet Mandarin was heard on the other end. "Alright, Kiku... whatever you say. I am not sure what came over you to cause this, but I will go along."

"Good!" Kiku's face lit up with a victorious smile. "Remember to bring your best tailored suit. It will be great, I promise."

"Okay, Kiku. I will see you then."

"Kiku, stop shaking. People are watching us."

"S-sorry." Kiku made several very unsuccessful attempts in getting his entire body to stop trembling. Other customers stared as the Japanese man spoke louder than necessary, his date speaking low. It was a bit more than obvious that Kiku was nervous.

"Also, keep your voice down. Aiya... maybe we should just go-"

"No! I-I mean... we haven't even had our food yet. Just have a bit of wine; everything will be fine." Kiku reached out for Yao's glass, shaking hands gripping the neck... until a slip knocked the fragile dish over and shattered it. Horror spread across both of their faces.

"Well," Kiku glanced down at the shards of glass, dumbfounded, "no wine, then..."

"Kiku, really, I think we should leave-"

"No!" Kiku interrupted. "There is no need for that, Yao, we'll be fi- oh, there's our food!" At that moment, the waiter arrived at their table with a spread of various styles of sushi.

However hesitant he was, Yao sighed and gave in. The pair ate their sushi in a deadly silence. Kiku stared at the other for almost the entire evening, wanting to say something, compliment his impeccably pressed suit and tie, tell him just how stunning he looked... but the words would not form. Yao seemed to enjoy the food, but to Kiku, every piece of sushi- no matter how carefully crafted- tasted bland to him. No matter how much salt or soy sauce he added, the flavor was the same.

Finally, the night drew to a close, and Kiku covered the bill (even over Yao's protests). Though, nothing could prepare them for what they would view outside of the restaurant... a downpour. Rain crashed against the streets of Tokyo as people with umbrellas and heavy raincoats dashed into whatever buildings they could find. Kiku cursed himself for forgetting an umbrella as they climbed into a taxi- which they had to share with two American tourists.

Home could not come fast enough for the downtrodded Kiku. His stomach was unsatisfied, his suit was soaking wet, and worst of all... his date with Yao, his beloved, had gone terribly wrong. He swore to every kami he could remember the name of that he would never, ever ask Yao out on a date again. After all, being indoors was much more appealing.

"Yao, I'm terribly sorry," he said once they were nearly settled and warm in the comfort of Kiku's bedroom. "That was a bad idea. I truly feel awful. Forgive me."

The other simply smiled and took his hand. "Kiku... an evening spent with you is a lovely one, no matter what. I had a splendid time. Thank you, wo de qing ren. We must do it again some time."

"Oh..." a blush crept onto Kiku's face, slowly but surely. He squeezed Yao's hand lightly and smiled back. "Y-you are welcome, I suppose. I promise that next time will be better, though! I will be less nervous and I will pick a better restaurant and check the weather forecast and-"

The Chinese man cut his lover off with a laugh and a sweet kiss, one that was gladly returned. "Right, Kiku. Now, let's go to sleep." With a gentle, loving hand, Yao pushed Kiku onto the mattress and laid another kiss to a pair of parted lips.

"Right... goodnight, Yao," Kiku murmured as sleep began to take him over, "I love you."

"I love you too," Yao replied, closing his eyes and slipping his arms around the smaller man. They fell asleep, breathing in sync, both dreaming of the next outing to come.

wo de qing ren means "my lover/sweetheart" in Mandarin. That's it.

Hopefully I'll have another update up soon! Thanks for sticking around!