Chapter 7: The Case of Sarutobi Sasuke Take 2

A/N Oh GOD dear lord I am SO sorry for not uploading for an ENTIRE week. Kinda got caught up with some stuff IRL, so, here's chapters 7, 8, and 9 to.. hopefully make up for it..
Also, the original Author had a A/N of her own in here from before, so I'll just put it here.

Original A/N:

I am posting this chapter early to thank everyone who reviewed, particularly the people that I could not reply to. Each one meant a lot. Most of all though, I would like to thank the wonderful anon who requested this fic and is currently drawing epic art for it ^^.

I would also like to apologize for having messed up Mouri and Kojuurou's names in earlier chapters, though that issue has been fixed.

Enjoy the fic everyone!


Though many often found it surprising, Sasuke was the type of person who liked school; in particular, he found himself enjoying Kenshin's class. It wasn't because the man favored him. If anything, Sasuke was struggling to pass this literature god's class. Even Kasuga, who probably was the teacher's favorite, had to be having difficulty keeping up with that dragon's schedule. The work was rigorous and time consuming, but at least Sasuke always felt he got something out of it, which didn't hold true for many of the classes he took.

The big surprise of class today though, was seeing Date Masamune in it. The man was notorious for his poor attendance, and if not for his infamous reputation many people would have thought he was a lost student the second he walked into class. Kenshin seemed to frown a little when the arrogant bastard had randomly walked in, pausing from writing on the board to see what he wanted. Date looked back at his teacher, but then sat in a seat behind Sasuke of all people, taking out a notebook as if prepared to actually pay attention. Sasuke watched as Kenshin seemed torn between throwing out the two-week missing student or letting him stay to see what would happen. In the end Kenshin turned back to the board, and Sasuke had to force down his rising paranoia in trying to figure out the reason the demon was behind him.

Sasuke was distracted and his mind swirled with questions during the lecture, wondering why Date was there at all and what had made him decide to come. And why sit behind Sasuke for that matter, when there were certainly enough empty chairs from students who had dropped from the pressure of the class. What bothered Sasuke most of all though was his own curiosity, mainly because he never wanted to have any concerns regarding this man. He once thought he had Date Masamune's character pegged, and now that bastard was ruining everything.

Like everything else that has ever been infected by Date's presence, class was strange that day. Sasuke wondered if he was in a parallel dimension. Date Masamune was not only in class, he was actually participating, much to the amazement of everyone. Somehow, he had managed to catch up with the reading to be prepared for that day's class. It wasn't right. Date Masamune was being a responsible student.

Kenshin called a fifteen minute break and Sasuke could still hear Date scrawling something down on paper. Sasuke took his own pen and wrote a message to Kasuga, asking her thoughts on Date, since she particularly seemed to hate the fact that Date of all people had been upstaging her in class. Sasuke folded the paper into a shuriken before chucking it at her. It hit the back of her head, causing her to glare and ignore his message. Sasuke knew she would pick it up the second he stopped watching her.

So Sasuke turned around and decided to do the unthinkable and converse with Date, "I can't believe you are actually in class. Hell, I'm amazed you weren't kicked out. What's a failing art major doing in a class and trying not to fail?"

"I changed majors," Date replied, focused on scribbling down some story.

"So you aren't a failing art major anymore?"

"No", Date said with great pride, "Now I'm an exceptional Lit Major."

Sasuke gave him a disbelieving look, "…do you realize how many classes you have missed to even be considered passing?"

"…"

Sasuke lightly shook his head, "Anyway, so you have a new career in mind?"

"Author," Date replied, letting Sasuke look at him with scrutiny after the statement.

"I'm really torn on whether or not that suits you."

"I've had worse potential careers. I once wanted to be a race car driver after I watched this one movie. I lost my license pretty quickly after that. Kojuurou still won't let me have one after that disaster."

"Somehow I can picture that."

"Then before that I wanted to raise penguins."

Well, Sasuke figured, he never once claimed to actually understand the theme park that was Date Masamune's mind, "And that is somehow less likely than you being an author."

"After those I thought about being a brain surgeon."

"You're just screwing with me, aren't you?"

Date just smirked a little and changed the subject, "Hey, does the leggy blond realize that she is in love with the teacher who is in love with her boss?"

Sasuke grinned a bit in spite of himself, "Just realize that now? Rumors must be right. You really must have gotten into college because of your father's money."

"You really must be a ninja to know so many rumors. Though while that rumor is more than possibly true, you still haven't answered my question," Date replied.

Sasuke mused with humor, "At least you are an honest idiot."

Date smirked toothily, "Kojuurou says honesty is my greatest redeeming trait."

Were they…teasing each other? Having a friendly conversation? Friendly as in "friend"? Sasuke felt like he had a bad taste in his mouth. Especially because of how easy it had been to get into that mode of "friendliness". On top of everything else, this just wasn't right.

Sasuke turned back in his seat as he said, "You know what? I believe that. Though I'm not sure our teacher appreciates your redeeming quality like everyone else does."

Truer words were never spoken as Kenshin looked at them from the front of the room, apparently having been waiting for them to stop conversing. Kenshin was the scary type who didn't immediately say anything when you were in trouble, but once you realized you were, there was nothing you wanted to do but run. "Sarutobi, Date. Break's over. Get to work on the prompt I wrote on the board and stop sharing my personal life with the class."

"Yes, sensei!" both men replied as the class around them stifled laughter. Sasuke went back to throwing more paper ninja stars at a bright red Kasuga when Kenshin wasn't looking and Date continued writing.

A little later Kenshin began walking down the rows of desks, making sure that everyone was working and not having any problems…though it was more like he just didn't trust any of them to do it right. It made most students paranoid. It had always amused Sasuke that the man was so active and hardcore about his subject. Apparently Date, still focused on his alternative project, was one such person who couldn't be trusted, "Date Masamune, would you please stop writing extremely explicit material about certain individuals that need not be named when you are in my class. You are giving me extremely conflicting feelings about how to handle your grade, particularly in lieu of your recent absences."

Date in turn made a grave face and said with all seriousness, "Forgive me Uesugi-sensei, but I write whatever I am called to. I have found that I have little control over it. Besides, the names are just coincidence I think."

Kenshin gave him a flat look in return, "I'm sure. Please feel called upon to write on the prompt."

Date nodded somberly, "I'll try, but I guarantee nothing."

Sasuke felt a little comfort. Date Masamune was still a bastard after all.

After class Sasuke stayed in his seat, waiting for Kenshin to finish talking to Kasuga about the class's newest paper. Date got up to leave and then paused, realizing Sasuke wasn't leaving.

"Hey, are you that boring that you have nothing to do outside of class?"

Sasuke just shrugged, hoping that Date would take the hint to mind his own business. Sadly it was Date Masamune, and without his friend or a certain waiter around, Sasuke was the only entertainment he had. Date waited for an answer and Sasuke decided dealing with him just wasn't worth it.

"Kenshin drives me to the café after class since he visits Shingen during his break. I just always have to wait about twenty minutes for Kasuga to finish being herself."

Date sat down again in his seat and took out his phone to text, "So, this happens each week?"

Sasuke eyed him with an apathetic curiosity, "Yes."

They were silent for a few minutes as Sasuke watched Kenshin and Kasuga while Date laid his head on the table and began texting sideways. Sasuke got up when Kasuga was leaving the classroom, watching with humor as she deliberately threw away all the notes he had shot at her throughout class before exiting with a glare at both him and Date.

"Hey, Uesugi-sensei, can Motochika and I have a ride too?" Date asked, standing from his seat. Sasuke sighed, he should have known.

Kenshin opened his mouth to say something about Date's presumptuousness when the door to the classroom shot open, hailing the jubilant Chosokabe Motochika who walked in with his usual stride.

"Hey, Sensei! Date just texted! He said you and Sasuke were offering rides to the café! I'm here to take you up on it!"

Sasuke groaned to himself at being involved. At the same time, Kenshin looked between Sasuke, Date and Motochika before finally just resentfully sighing.

The ride to the café was awkward to say the least, and it was made worse when they were stuck in traffic. Apparently Kenshin had promised to pick Shingen up a book he had ordered during his break, but the detour was now costing them. The ride had started out relatively silent, but then Motochika and Date had started hitting each other in the back seat after Date had tried using his time to write and Motochika refused to stop bothering him.

Kenshin looked really put out by everything and emitted the greatest suffering sigh Sasuke had ever heard, "I will probably only have time to drop you off and say hello."

Date leaned forward while pressing Motochika's head into the backseat window, "I could have gotten there quicker if I walked. Can't this go any faster? I want to show Sanada Yukimura how much I wrote today."

Kenshin looked like he wanted to kick him out and make him walk, "I'm just sure that the boy I helped raise will appreciate what you didn't do in class as much as he will love what you wrote about him."

Sasuke just couldn't help himself, "Maybe you two should make posters to motivate people to go faster. I've seen your talent for that from the 'Have You Seen Date-Chan' set."

Motochika pushed himself off the window to let out a squeaky, "You think?"

"Feh, I can't draw," was all Date retorted, kicking Motochika who was trying to pull his hair.

"Finally admitted it, then?" Sasuke asked.

"Fuck you, ninja."

"Language," Kenshin intervened.

Date huffed, "You only say that because you are a teacher."

Kenshin eyed his student from the rear-view mirror, "I only say it because I have seen how you can get at the café and I don't need that in traffic. And please set Chosokabe-san free. He is turning purple."

"Oops."

Motochika took a deep breath as soon as Date let him go, trying to articulate something that sounded like "you bastard".

"Speaking of your grade, Date-san, the only reason I have decided not to completely drop you is because you did put in some effort today. I really want you to understand though, Date-san, usually I would have dropped you in a second, but Yukimura-kun said to give you a second chance, and he has never once let me down when I follow his intuition. So, even though I want to fail you, badly at this moment I might add, I owe him enough to give you a chance. This is your opportunity to redeem yourself, it will not be easy, but I may actually pass you if you work harder than any student I have ever had."

Sasuke felt a twinge of pity as he thought of how much work that would be.

"Sanada Yukimura vouched for me?" Date asked with a happy tone as he sat forward again, "I won't let you down! Do you care if I come to class every day?"

Kenshin looked completely unimpressed, "Date-san the joy of teaching at a college is that I don't have to care if you come to class. I just get the absolute pleasure of failing you."

"…no wonder that monster of a father likes you."

Kenshin glared, "Shingen isn't a monster. He is a very good and wonderful man."

Sasuke was amused when Date gave an irritated scowl as Kenshin's expression became more woebegone than defensive, "Only a monster would hit his son and let him hit him back and destroy walls and shit. How the hell do you pay for repairs? And if I have to listen to that CD one more time I'm going to somehow manage to actually kill Motochika in misplaced blind rage."

Sasuke had to hide a smile at that one. Extremely not amused, Motochika just gave Date a sad look.

On the other hand, Kenshin looked a little thoughtful, "I actually thought he was a child abuser at first. That's how we met. But I realized the truth of what a good man he was soon enough."

Even Sasuke had to give Kenshin an odd expression at that statement. Date just flat out looked like he thought his teacher was crazy.

Motochika on the other hand just nodded, "Yeah, sometimes parents have to be cruel to teach you things. I mean, I had to wear girls clothing until I hit puberty."

"…"

"…"

"…"

There was a five minute silence until finally the other three couldn't take it. All at once they asked a different question.

"Are you serious?"

"Is that what's mentally wrong with you?"

"Is that why you wear so much pink and purple?"

Motochika, probably having heard each statement numerous times in his past, deciphered the jumble to snap back with, "You guys really fail! And don't tell Mouri. He would just laugh at me."

Date gave a small snort, "Like Mouri laughs…yeah, you know, he would. You should tell him. He may actually think you were funny for once."

"I want him laughing with me, not at me."

Sasuke, entertained, had to add, "He doesn't already laugh at you?"

Date answered before Motochika could, "No, he doesn't laugh yet, remember? Motochika has to embarrass himself first."

"Wow, you guys are seriously the worst," Motochika said, regretting ever adding to the conversation.

Kenshin decided to take pity when Date looked as if he would keep adding to the jokes, "It's not like you aren't in a similar position, Date-san. I heard an interesting story about you chasing poor Sasuke-kun with Shingen's silverware, and then demanding a job of all things. I'm not sure if Yukimura-kun would be quite so kind to you if Mouri-san hadn't covered for you."

"I never asked for Mouri to do anything for me."

Date may have the vexing personality that can shrug off such comments, but Sasuke felt a little uncomfortable at the mention of that day.

Reflecting on two weeks ago, Sasuke knew he had been extremely childish in taunting Date until he snapped. Sasuke wasn't a childish person, easily humored yes, but not immature. He had always prided himself on quick thinking and levelheadedness, but Date seemed to bring out the worst in him the longer he infested Sasuke's life. Sasuke had gotten tired of watching the man and his cohort objectifying Yukimura like it was some hobby, and then turn around with all arrogance to insult Sasuke.

In that situation, calling out Date had not been kind to Yukimura either, though he had to thank Mouri's quick thinking in covering it up. Oddly, Sasuke and Mouri had become something like friends after that, even though Mouri hardly approved of what he had done. Luckily for Sasuke, there wasn't anyone who was more annoying to Mouri than Date or Motochika, so if nothing else he and Mouri had become allies against the rampant absurdity that surrounded them daily.

To add to the shame he felt at losing his cool, Shingen had told Sasuke off the next day when he had finally showed his face. There was very little Sasuke disliked more than Shingen being upset with him, the man being like a second father to Sasuke. But what made it worse for Sasuke in the end was Yukimura telling him to "be a little nicer to Date-san, he takes the strangest things seriously". It really just made everything more frustrating.

Yet in spite of tempestuous interactions and clashing personalities, a happy rhythm had formed at The Great Tiger Café which was only complete when everyone was in attendance. To Sasuke's chagrin, this rhythm somehow included Date and Motochika.

"Don't you two have lives?" Mouri exclaimed as they all entered the café to sit down at their usual tables, with the exception of Kenshin who quickly ran off to find Shingen before he had to leave.

"No, Mouri! I don't! I live for you, so without you, how can there be life?" Motochika asked with the best fake pouty expression he could make without laughing at himself.

Having already spotted Yukimura at the counter, Date nodded absentmindedly and tapped his pen against his notebook, "Yeah, whatever he said. But not including whatever he said about you. I don't like you."

Mouri scowled at them both before nodding to Sasuke who was intelligent enough to sit two tables away from the troublemakers, "I'm on break now, but did you want me to grab you anything while I am up, Sasuke-san?"

"Don't mind the honorifics. In this place only Yukimura keeps up with them anyway. And I'm fine Mouri, thanks," While Sasuke didn't mind being called by his first name, Mouri was much more awkward about it, leaving everyone to settle on "Mouri" for his sake. Ironically, Yukimura, who used honorifics the most, had broken most of his co-working friends out of them. Sasuke figured it was because every worker secretly and deeply appreciated the intimate closeness Yukimura and Shingen strictly enforced, allowing for each strange misfit to have a bond that was something more than even a typical family. It was crazy and fun though rarely peaceful, but it was theirs and not one person would change it for anything.

The door jingled not long after they had settled themselves, and Sasuke quirked an amused brow as one of Yukimura's friends, with both hands full of bursting bags, entered the café. The long-haired brunet was bouncy as usual to greet him, while his compatriot was stoic and silent as always. Sasuke saluted the tall newcomer with his tea cup and a grin, and routinely the young man evenly nodded in return.

Sasuke's eyes jumped from the two who were now talking to Shingen to watching Date and Motochika slide into seats at the table closest to Sasuke's.

"Why does that otaku keep coming back?" Date asked as his eye focused on the newcomer.

Mouri, sans apron, came back to Sasuke's table a couple seconds later for their usual break time tea, only to frown at seeing the other two.

"What are you two doing? Don't we have a rule that keeps you both at least two table's away?" Mouri demanded, as he sat on the other side of Sasuke so that he was as furthest from the other two as he could possibly get. Motochika waved at him. With more decorum than Sasuke had ever expected anyone doing such an act to possess, Mouri responded by rolling his eyes. Sasuke decided immediately that the café was a very good influence on Mouri.

"Yukimura brought a friend. We are curious about the intruder," Motochika responded aptly, trying to get Mouri to look at him again.

It worked as Mouri looked from Motochika to Yukimura and his much larger friend before giving a light shrug, "Oh, Honda-san?"

"Oh, is that his name?" Date replied with a similar tone, but his keen gaze was sharp and rooted on the two boys who were setting the bags down on a table at the other side of the room. They heard Yukimura tell Honda to get started without him since his break wasn't for another hour. Date frowned deeply, an almost menacing light in his eyes as he viewed Honda.

Sasuke and Mouri sipped their drinks and enjoyed the momentarily silence that was doomed to end. Date and Motochika looked at each other, looked at Yukimura and Honda, and then turned back to Sasuke and Mouri.

"So…what does Honda-san do?" Motochika asked delicately, trying to act as if he wasn't prying for information.

Sasuke sighed, it never took long to end silence with those two around.

Mouri looked at them before snapping, "Why do you always ask us for answers? Ask Yukimura. Or better yet, go join them." Mouri seemed to rethink his words a moment later, realizing that he was putting Motochika, Date and Yukimura together, which he hated more than anything, but just sipped his tea to pretend no mistake had been made.

Sasuke had a fleeting moment of panic when the two actually got out of their seats to do just that. "Sit back down, don't bother them. Honda Tadakatsu has been Yukimura's friend for a little less than a year. This is their biweekly routine. That's all it is. Just leave them alone."

Date and Motochika looked at one another silently and unconvinced, still standing from their chairs. Date frowned with crossed arms, "That sounds suspicious."

…how was it suspicious…?

Sasuke knew Yukimura would never realize what a good friend he was, "Look, Honda-san is…a little shy. You two are overwhelming for even normal society."

The two looked proud, as if Sasuke had praised them.

Motochika then frowned and tried to focus on what the boxes in the bags were, "…are they building Gundams?"

Mouri turned to Sasuke and seemed to hesitate before boldly following through with whatever thought was running through his prideful little head, "So, what is their story?"

Surrounded, Sasuke thought, as he lost to the inevitable.

"Alright, I'll explain, just sit down you two," Sasuke ordered, and Date and Motochika grabbed their chairs and squeezed to fit in at his and Mouri's two person table. Mouri scooted as far as he could from Motochika, but still focused on Sasuke who quickly began to speak. "Yukimura used to do the high jump at his high school, but quit. Honda had been his rival, and Honda was upset that the undefeated Yukimura now left him unchallenged. Yukimura felt bad, and instead tried to be his friend like he does for every lost and lonely soul he finds. Now Honda comes in every couple of weeks with a new Gundam model and they generally spend a couple of hours being otaku before Yukimura works. That's it. Any questions?"

Motochika raised his hand as Sasuke took a deep breath to counter his rapid explanation, "Yeah, does he talk? Because Yukimura is really yapping away and that kid has said nothing."

Date added, chewing on his pen in thought, "Sanada Yukimura used to do high jump?"

Sasuke nodded to both, secretly thinking that he wouldn't be surprised if Date was somehow related to a piranha, it would certainly explain his personality problems, "Yukimura was the champion for two years straight."

Mouri tilted his head and Sasuke swore he got it from Yukimura, "Why did he stop?"

"He went through…a phase not too long ago. He just, well, got out of everything. I don't know why."

"So, does he talk?" Motochika asked again, indiscreetly pointing at Honda.

"He does. I think," Sasuke answered, secretly a little unnerved about that.

Date's attention was already focused on a pleased Yukimura who was giving Honda his order and watching the customer piece together the model. The tall guy, who seemed really intimidating before, now seemed strangely kind. It was as if being around Yukimura, an honestly interested companion, made him feel more comfortable about doing weird things like building Gundam models in a café.

"Out of curiosity, do you even know my name yet?" Sasuke decided to vocally interrupted Date's line of sight.

"You're the ninja. Sanada Yukimura's ninja."

Sasuke just sighed, "…you really don't think anything of me at all, do you?"

Date didn't even turn to look his way so Sasuke just let it go. The man was either stupid or just spiteful, though Sasuke personally felt it may be both.

Motochika was still listening in on Yukimura's one-sided conversation, "I have no idea what he is talking about. Date, we must go buy and watch Gundam. We can marathon it this weekend!"

Sasuke smiled in spite of himself. He wasn't necessarily fond of Date Masamune or Chosokabe Motochika, but they were admittedly amusing to be around sometimes. Sasuke was constantly reminded of two mice trying to get to the cheese in the center of a maze and miserably failing. It may be a sadistic amusement, but nonetheless true.

"Which one?" Mouri suddenly asked.

"Huh?" Motochika replied.

"Which Gundam?"

"…all of them?" Motochika winced at Mouri's look.

Sasuke had to turn away to hide his laugh. Though he had to wonder how Mouri, who seemed so cloistered in his small world, even knew about Gundam. If anything, Sasuke figured Date and Motochika would have been the ones to know about it. Sasuke caught Mouri looking discreetly at Yukimura who was back at the counter, and it was then he realized exactly why Mouri knew what Gundam was. Yukimura had forced himself into Mouri's small world, and now Mouri was growing socially and culturally to keep up with his new friend.

Mouri frowned, "I should get back to work. Yukimura's section is getting busier and he deserves a break."

"Bye, Mouri!" Motochika waved sadly with a napkin, sending his would be lover off to the war called work. Mouri just gave him an incredulous look and walked behind the counter where he left his apron. "I love Mouri working here. That little waiter outfit is so sexy."

Date smirked, "I agree."

"For the puppy-waiter cutie, right?"

"Of course. You're the only ass who is masochistic enough to chase after Mouri Motonari."

"Ah, the blinding course of true love. Speaking of Yukimura, Mouri was right. His section really is getting full," Motochika leaned back in his chair to get a better look around Date to see the rest of the room, "I can't believe it! Date, your waiter is like a man-magnet! It's incredible! Not even Kasuga get this many people, and as you put it she can be pretty clothing optional some days."

Date scowled, "I'm aware! And take your eyes off his ass. And don't I keep telling you not to come back here?"

Motochika gave a labored sigh as he watched Yukimura practically run around, "I can't help it, the magnetism is strong in that one. Of course I have to come back. You and Yukimura are here! Besides, I want to see Mouri in that fun little outfit. He is just so cute I want to pull his hair."

Motochika's head was knocked forward with a loud ping as Mouri walked by and 'accidently' whapped him with a tray. Mouri let out an unsympathetic "I apologize", and put the tray down on a recently vacated table to clean up and make room for more customers.

Motochika just smiled at the attention, "You don't need to apologize, Mouri! It's like a kiss of love coming from you! We should go-"

Mouri swiftly came over and whacked him with the tray again; though this time the waiter didn't apologize and just went back to cleaning.

"I love you too!" Motochika wailed after him.

Date's eye twitched at the proceedings, "You're really the type of guy who would help Mouri nail your voodoo doll to a tree, aren't you?"

"I would buy the nails."

Sasuke wished Mouri would come back. He was left alone with these two fools, who once again both completely forgot he was there, and who would later blame it on him being a ninja. The stability of group dynamics was failing because only one of the two sane ones was left.

Sasuke jumped as Shingen called him from the counter, a weighted expression on his face as he held a phone to his ear. Sasuke swiftly got out of his seat and moved to find out what the man wanted.

"That guy really is a ninja. Did you see him move?"

"I totally forgot he was there, Date-chan."

"Don't call me that."

Yukimura reached the counter when Sasuke did, the boy flushed from working hard.

"Oyakata-sama, when is Oichi-san going to be here? Mouri-san is going to help me work her section, but it's still way too many people!"

"Don't lose your head, Yukimura!"

"Of course not, Oyakata-sama!" Yukimura stiffened in resolution and looked as if he would run seven miles and back in under a minute just for Shingen.

"Oichi isn't able to come today. Her brother is causing her trouble again. I'm going to ask Kasuga to leave early and make sure everything is alright at their apartment. Sasuke, I know it's a lot to ask, but would you mind helping out here?"

"Not at all," Sasuke replied, perfectly fine with helping out his second family.

"We can ask Date-san too!" Yukimura suggested.

"What?" Shingen and Sasuke replied with something akin to dread.

"Date-san sort of works here. He can help, right?"

Shingen and Sasuke gave each other conflicted looks. Yukimura decided to take things into his own hands.

"Date-san, would you mind helping me?"

Sasuke and Shingen watched Date go paralyzed for a second, obviously allowing his mind to go disturbing places in how he could help Yukimura. To both the surprise of Shingen and Sasuke, not only Date but Motochika stood up, both following Yukimura to the counter for assignment.

Yukimura handed them both aprons, "Date-san you can help me with the customers. Motochika-san—"

"Motochika."

"Motochika-san can wash dishes in the back since he isn't even somewhat hired and I don't want to get Oyakata-sama in too much trouble."

Yukimura began showing Date how they take orders and had him shadow him for a couple of customers so he could get the hang of it. Motochika blinked and looked like he wanted to say something humorous, but immediately shut up when Mouri walked over and helped him put on his apron so he would get to work. Mouri obviously knew Motochika well enough to realize that he wouldn't stop once the jokes started.

"Date-chan he touched me!" Motochika called out as Mouri dragged him by the apron to the back.

"Yay," Date replied unenthusiastically as he began to get overwhelmed trying to copy what Yukimura did with the customers.

Sasuke and Shingen spent the next three hours getting orders ready, ringing up checks and making sure everything ran smoothly. It was amazing to them both how hard Date and Motochika were actually trying.

"Why the hell are we so popular?" Date asked Sasuke as he took a breath and waited for an order.

"We?" Sasuke asked, handing the order to him.

"Hey, I'm working, aren't I? In fact, I think I deserve a raise."

At Sasuke's left, Shingen gave a snort of laughter, "You aren't getting paid, remember?"

Date quirked something like a smile, "But if I was I would definitely deserve a raise."

Boss and somewhat employee parted with matching grins and Sasuke couldn't help but shake his head with amusement at the many surprises Date Masamune had shoved his way this day. Once in class and now watching him actually be responsible, taking orders and actually doing work. He did whatever Yukimura or Mouri asked without complaint, though it may be the overwhelming pace which kept him docile. Nevertheless, Sasuke was impressed. Maybe, just maybe, there was hope for Date Masamune becoming a respectable man yet.

At some point the regularity of the three waiters running from tables to counter for orders altered, and Sasuke noticed that Yukimura was missing. He looked around the café, unable to spot him, before his gaze finally went to the table Honda sat at. Sasuke was surprised to see a short, yellow clad man sitting there and helping Honda with the models. They seemed to be getting along. Honda had never spoken to anyone but Yukimura, and barely ever regarded Sasuke who made the effort to greet him out of politeness. Suddenly, the silent Honda had a friend.

Not too long after Sasuke had noticed the two, Honda and his companion stood to leave, walking out and smiling together.

"Crazy world," Sasuke mumbled to himself. He pat Shingen on the shoulder, letting him know he was taking a quick break and would be back in a minute. The café owner nodded and Sasuke left the café, looking for his wayward friend.

Wandering back towards the alley, Sasuke could finally hear Yukimura's voice. Sasuke gave a quick peek around the corner and saw the waiter kneeling on the ground while on the phone, petting the evil cat that inhabited the back alley. Yukimura was smiling fiercely, with a strange passion that had been missing for a long while, bright eyes excited as he spoke to the person on the phone.

"Isn't it great? I have been trying to get them to meet for a while. I'm so glad Honda-san was so patient. Ieyasu-dono was extremely hard to find though! I'm glad everything is turning out alright so far. Thank you for helping, Keiji-sa…no, I really don't think a date is necessary…No, I haven't spoken to him since then. I have been ignoring his calls…I have to go Keiji-san…I really am still working… I just wanted to call and let you know that everything is turning out fine so far…No, no one here does…Call me later to let me know how your end is going. Bye!"

What was going on?

Sasuke watched Yukimura put the cell phone back in his apron and stand up, saying goodbye to the kitty and dusting off his apron. Confused, wanting to ask so many questions but not sure how, Sasuke quickly went back into the café before Yukimura could see him.

What the hell was going on?

It took another hour for the café to settle into a pleasant monotony that evening. Shingen put up the closed sign with a wide grin, congratulating everyone on surviving. Motochika and Date had offered to sweep the café only to end up making it a sword battle the other four were too tired to care about. Yukimura was carefully piling dishes under Shingen's watchful eye and taking them to the back, doing it alone as punishment for taking so long a break.

Sasuke and Mouri, on the other hand, relaxed for a few minutes with some late night tea, personally enjoying that Yukimura's punishment gave them the opportunity.

"I can't believe Chosokabe Motochika didn't break anything," Mouri commented, something close to light amusement lifting the corner of his lips.

"I'm amazed Date didn't morally insult anyone," Sasuke added, watching as Shingen stole Date and Motochika's brooms and made them take out trash for being too loud.

Things were pleasantly quiet for a few minutes, both wrapped up in their own thoughts, both concentrating on one person for different reasons.

"Only recently got back into things huh?" Mouri finally asked, bringing up the conversation from earlier. Sasuke paused, looking at Mouri and realizing that someone else had noticed what he had.

Mouri caught his shocked look, "You and I aren't like Chosokabe and Date. Well, I would like to believe we were closer to him than those two anyway."

Mouri seemed to scoff that Date, who claimed to care for Yukimura, hadn't noticed what they had, but Sasuke just contemplated the matter before replying, hating that what he says will be true, "Yukimura is always sure to show him his smiling face. Date isn't given the chance to notice."

Mouri frowned, "Does Yukimura like Date so much?"

"Yukimura…does what he feels is best. And we just have to keep up."

"That didn't answer my question."

"I don't have an answer," and that bothered Sasuke, because slowly, Yukimura, the person he cared for most, was beginning to feel a bit like a stranger. Sasuke had so many questions, and Yukimura just gave him that smile and Sasuke couldn't stand to ask him anything. Sasuke didn't mind if Yukimura didn't romantically love him, because he knew that Yukimura would always love him in a different way. No matter what happened they would always be close and deeply a part of each other's lives. But Sasuke hated the sudden secrecy. What was going on? Who was Keiji? What did it have to do with Honda? Sasuke realized that Yukimura had done it again though. He didn't know how, didn't understand how he did it in the slightest, but Yukimura made two more people happy, just like he had for Shingen and Kenshin and so many others. And Yukimura had somehow known how to make them all happy.

"I'm going to help Yukimura with dishes. Mouri, you just relax and make sure those two idiots don't cause havoc when they come back in."

Sasuke knew Mouri wanted to question this, but had realized Sasuke wanted to talk to Yukimura alone and let it go with a nod.

Sasuke went into the back of the café, and as if he sensed him coming, Yukimura turned to give him that devastating smile that suddenly seemed so false compared to the one he had seen in the alley.

Sasuke lightly smiled in return, wondering how to start this conversation. Yukimura tossed him a towel and Sasuke went to stand next to him at the sink. Usually they would have started speaking about something, anything, but both seemed far too preoccupied.

"Hey, Sasuke? What's Date-san like at school?"

Sasuke frowned, of all things to talk about he wanted to discuss Date? Sasuke heard a slight noise from around the corner and had to grin, knowing instinctually who would have a reason to listen in on this conversation. Sasuke figured that if he was doomed to have Date Masamune in his life, he could at least have a little fun torturing him.

"Hmm, well, the general opinion at school is that while attractive he is very strange and temperamental, really difficult to get along with. Has a usual posse he hangs out with. You've met Motochika, I don't need to say anything about that. Date is not necessarily an active troublemaker, but certainly not an achiever. Gets into a lot of fights though, probably likes to set small things on fire."

Yukimura paused in cleaning off a dish to stare at him, mouth slightly open.

"That last bit was just conjecture. Let's see…he has a lot of admirers, but they prefer being the type that admire from far away. Like I said, really not a people person, though I think he thinks he is. People are terrified of him since he is probably a little crazy. Obsessive compulsive too, but you have probably realized that. "

Sasuke could just feel the inner tantrum Date must be pulling around the corner.

"That's interesting."

Interesting? Sasuke was trying to make him look bad. What the hell was with Yukimura lately?

"Why do you like him so much Yukimura?"

"He is…very interesting. I've never…well, met anyone like him before, I suppose. He seems really kind in his own way, and we are becoming good friends, even though he always calls me Sanada Yukimura instead of just Yukimura."

"To be honest I think it's to help him remember your name."

"He does seem to have a bit of a problem with names," Yukimura added, and he and Sasuke smiled at one another. Then it got quiet again.

"So, how's math going?" Sasuke questioned, trying to keep conversation going until he could bring up his real point.

Yukimura gave a pitiful groan, "Horrible. I've just been so busy lately working on other things. I should have spent more time studying."

Sasuke wondered if the "other things" involved the strange conversation with the person he knew only as Keiji. Sasuke turned seriously towards Yukimura.

"Hey, did I hear you say something about math?"

Sasuke inwardly bristled, he had forgotten that Date had been listening for a moment. He frowned in resignation and gave up talking to Yukimura, this was a conversation better left without interlopers.

Yukimura blurted out, "Yes, I am having trouble in my math course. I need it to graduate so I can get into your and Sasuke's school."

Sasuke didn't like the light blush on Yukimura's cheeks, the boy obviously hoping that Date hadn't heard the first part of their conversation. Tough luck with that one.

Date straightened and leaned against the wall provocatively. Sasuke had to give him some credit, that guys recent luck usually would have had him slip or something before he could even lean. Sasuke distantly wondered how he had distracted Motochika from joining them in the back.

Date glared at Sasuke, obviously reading from his face what he was thinking, but gave one of his usual grins to Yukimura, "I'm pretty good at math, if you like I can offer some assistance. We are friends after all."

Sasuke could see where this was headed.

"Please! I would be most grateful, Date-san!"

Damn Yukimura and his inability to recognize the trap of a predator.

"Not a problem," Date replied fluidly, looking so strangely cool that Sasuke wanted to push him over, "We can compare schedules later for some good times. I can tutor you at my place. Only Kojuurou and I live there so it should work. You can even stay for dinner."

"Really?" Yukimura looked so grateful that Sasuke wished he had offered first. Why hadn't he? Because he didn't know that Yukimura was having problems. When had Sasuke been so on the outside?

"I hope your math skills are better than your art skills," Sasuke couldn't help but quip to break the warm moment between the two in front of him. Sasuke hated it, Date leaning down, his face so close to Yukimura's. They didn't even hear him.

"YUKIMURA!"

That did it, Sasuke thought as Yukimura and Date broke apart.

"I'll go see what Oyakata-sama wants! I'll tell him the good news as well, Date-san!"

The two watched the brunet run to his father, neither knowing what to say to each other or even if there was anything to say.

"That was almost smooth for you," Sasuke granted when they had stood around awkwardly for long enough.

"Shut up, ninja."

"OYAKATA-SAMA!"

"YUKIMURA!"

Sasuke and Date both ignored the shaking walls as Shingen and Yukimura congratulated each other in their own special way.

"Anyway, it amazes me that you can turn being a ninja into an insult. You know though, our school is pretty tough. And while I can admit that you are intelligent you certainly aren't the type to make much effort to be in a place you hold obvious apathy for. Who are you to help him get into a place he wants to so badly and you avoid?" Sasuke didn't even know what he was trying to get at.

"Jealous you didn't think of it? That's alright. I'm jealous of you for different reasons. And though you find my honesty annoying I will admit that you are right. I can stay in school because my dad pays it off. And I do hate it there. But that doesn't mean I am not the most qualified to help him. So stay out of my way."

"It really is annoying how honest you are," Sasuke retorted blandly as Yukimura ran back in and looked between the surly men.

"What happened?"

"Oh, nothing, Date is just being a pampered princess."

Date looked a little hurt when Yukimura stared at him contemplatively.

Sasuke just laughed awkwardly, possibly even at himself for being such a fool, "It's a good thing you are so honest, Date-san, because he believes anything."

Yukimura seemed to puff up a little, "Don't tease, Sasuke. Date-san, Oyakata-sama was really impressed with you and Motochika-san tonight. If you two wanted, he may consider actually hiring you!"

"What are you talking about, I already work here."

"…"

Sasuke couldn't believe the egotism, "Do you really think you work here Date?"

"Of course I do!"

Yukimura tilted his head thoughtfully, "Well, Oyakata-sama says he is amused by Date-san's tenacity and spirit."

"Must be redeeming, like his honesty," Sasuke concluded.

"I think Date-san has many good traits."

"That's because you don't know any better."

"Hey! Cool it, ninja!" Date exclaimed.

The three somehow managed to work together to finish the mass of dishes in spite of the awkwardness. A quiet pace set between cleaning off dishes, putting them into the dishwasher, and then drying them off. Sasuke hated feeling like a third wheel, knowing that if he wasn't there the two would probably be having a grand time.

He didn't say anything when Date ridiculously asked to walk Yukimura home, just sat next to Mouri who was poking a piece of chocolate cake with a fork and just as ill at ease. Motochika was asleep in the chair across from him. Sasuke didn't question the pieces of cake that dotted Motochika's hair and clothing.

Mouri looked at him questioningly, asking without words if Sasuke had been able to talk to Yukimura. Sasuke shook his head, having already decided to let his questions about the phone call earlier go for now. He believed in their friendship, that Yukimura would tell him when he was ready. He trusted Yukimura, but he also worried about him. For now though, he would wait. He just couldn't kill the anxiety he felt that Yukimura may talk to Date Masamune about it first. He didn't want to lose every privilege to that bastard.

Even though all he wanted more than anything was Yukimura's happiness, why did he feel like the bad guy?

Mouri, Sasuke and even the now awake Motochika jumped as a hand pounded on the door. The three looked at one another, looked back to the closed door of Shingen's office where he retired so he could get work done, and then back to the door. Mouri shrugged as the knocking continued and stood to answer it.

"Be careful Mouri, it might be a rapist," Motochika warned.

Mouri was too tired to even bother responding to his idiocy.

A tall man, well muscled with slicked back brown hair and a scar on his cheek walked in with heavy steps, his form positively leaking danger. Sasuke wondered momentarily if he was yakuza and searched his seemingly docile attire for some sort of weapon, not that this guy seemed to need one.

Sasuke then noticed that the man was clenching papers, many of which had Yukimura's name written across the top. And was that a picture of Yukimura? Was this man involved somehow with that phone call? Was Yukimura somehow involved with yakuza?

"Oh, hey! It's the Battle Butler! How are you doing?" Motochika loudly announced, finding the energy to practically leap from his chair and greet the man.

"Chosokabe-kun," the stranger stated, "Have you seen Masamune-sama?"

Motochika looked around the room, "He may be in the back."

Mouri reached up to slap the back of Motochika's head before giving a light bow to the guest, "You will have to excuse us, but the café is closed and there is no way we could give you any personal information about an employee or a customer."

"Eh, don't worry, Mouri! This guy is Date's Battle Butler, Katakura Kojuurou. He's cool. Why are you here though, Battle Butler?"

Kojuurou looked uncomfortable, not certain what to say, but Motochika was always a helpful friend and took the papers that were in Kojuurou's hand before the man realized what had happened.

"Are these love letters to Yukimura? And even pictures…oh Date-chan, you creepy bastard."

Sasuke almost breathed a sigh of relief. It was just Date being an idiot, which, granted, could be dangerous, but at least it wasn't Yakuza.

"Oh I see," Motochika nodded to Kojuurou, "You've been worried about Date-chan's late night hours. Don't worry, he isn't doing anything illegal. He was working here tonight. Are you feeling lonely at home, Battle Butler Kojuurou?"

So this Kojuurou was just worried for the same reason Sasuke was.

"He just left to walk a coworker home not too long ago," Sasuke offered, recognizing the worry on the strangers face and hoping he could help a little.

Kojuurou glanced at Motochika, an expression Sasuke couldn't decipher on his face, "Masamune-sama is actually working? I had been so worried when I accidently found the letters when I was cleaning his room. I wanted to meet this young man and—"

Kojuurou didn't have to finish his statement, they all pretty much thought Date was a benign stalker anyway. Sasuke had to give Kojuurou credit for being the kind of man who would warn Yukimura though, even though it would have upset Date. Then again he probably wanted to save Date from screwing up. While he had some admiration for Kojuurou, was grateful he went out of his way to fix what he imagined the situation to be, Sasuke wasn't sure what to think of a guy who still cleaned a nineteen year olds room.

Watching Kojuurou's face as the man surveyed the café, Sasuke realized that the Battle Butler was feeling proud of his ward, probably believing that Date was learning responsibility and becoming a capable, self-sufficient member of society.

"He wasn't actually hired, he just thinks he was."

Trust Mouri to kill the moment.

"Then why is he here if he isn't working?"

"To hang out with his friends and flirt with puppy-cute waiters!" Motochika supplied helpfully.

Suddenly seeming broken, Kojuurou made a soft sound that Sasuke somehow imagined as the epitome of abject despair.

Motochika looked sympathetically at Kojuurou and presented to him Mouri's discarded plate, offering it to the once happily deluded man, "Cake?"


A/N oh yes, because cake always makes things beter :D