AN- And I'm back (surprisingly quickly)! Still coming down off the amazing SC Encore induced high, too (it's probably the reason that I'm updating so quickly). Anyways, we finally get a drabble in which Utau (sort of) wins. Enjoy~!

Disclaimer: I'll be boring and say I own nothing.

Edit: Why this drabble is important: Now, I'm not sure how many of you are familiar with the way the Japanese culture works, but that's why I'm making this section here. Over there, it's formal and polite (generally) to refer to others by last name. And generally, unless you're SUPER CLOSE, you at least use a -kun or -san or -chan when addressing someone by first name. So, for these two to talk to each other so casually indicates a BIG leap in their relationship, see? ^_^

First Name

"So, Idol-san, you've got another concert coming up soon, right?"

The blonde in question looked over at the boy beside her. The previous day, she'd pretty much just left after declaring that she wasn't in denial anymore. She was thankful that Kuukai wasn't calling her out for it. But still, if they both liked each other, why was he keeping on with that stupid nickname? She really wouldn't mind if he addressed her by name…

She shook the thought away and nodded. "Yeah. I'm leaving the day after tomorrow."

He smiled. "You've been getting pretty popular on the charts again. I'm sure lots of fans will show up, Idol-san."

Her eyes narrowed. "Utau."

The boy paused mid-bite to give her a confused look. "Huh?"

The words had slipped through her mouth unbidden, but she followed up with, "Call me Utau…" she trailed off, blushing slightly, before continuing, "…okay, Kuukai?"

He was so shocked, the chopsticks slipped through his fingers---luckily, they fell into the bowl instead of clattering onto the counter or floor. If the blonde looked hard enough, she could swear he was turning red. "W-what?"

Utau blushed harder, and snapped, "You heard me. I'm not saying it again!" It was embarrassing enough to come out and say it the first time…

Now she knew he was blushing, and her expression must have given something away, because he pivoted on his seat to face away from her, muttering, "I-it's just I don't usually address girls so informally. With guys, it's different. The only girl I ever call by her first name is Yaya, and that's because she's like the little sister I never wanted…" Here he paused to put a hand to his chin and think. "…Well, I suppose I also called Nadeshiko by her name, but, uh, that person doesn't really count…"

???

Utau filed this strange tidbit away for further questioning at another time before addressing him, "It's no big deal, really. I want you to call me by name. You should feel honored. I don't allow just anyone to address me so informally."

He turned back around slowly, but kept his eyes trained on his ramen bowl. "…What's wrong with calling you 'Idol-san'? I mean, can't it be, like, an endearing nickname?"

The blonde scowled. "You've been using it since the first time we had ramen together, which is back before you found me endearing in the first place… Kuukai." His name was rather sloppily tacked on at the end, and it was obvious that both parties felt slightly uncomfortable at its use, but Utau was determined to get on a first name basis with the boy.

So she shoved him gently. "Come on, it's not like it's hard! Just try to call me by name."

He sighed and locked gazes with her, putting on a serious face. "U…tau."

She resisted the urge to smack him. "What was that? My name is not Ooooootau, it's Utau! Two syllables, only takes about a second to say. Try again."

Kuukai scowled, but the redness on his face was clearly not from anger. He opened his mouth and said (read: whispered), "…tau."

The blonde glared. "I can't hear you."

He glared back, but finally managed to come out with, "Dang it, Utau! This is too hard!"

Finally the girl smiled, as he blinked in confusion, as if unbelieving of the words that had escaped his mouth. "See, Kuukai? It's not that bad, now is it?"

A faint, almost indiscernible blush rose across his cheeks. "…I guess not… Utau." He repeated her name a few times to himself quietly, getting used to the sound of it rolling across his lips, liking it a little more each time. Finally, he nodded. "I could get used to this!"

The blonde smiled. "I told you it wouldn't be so hard, Sou---" no, "---Kuukai."

The boy ignored the comment in favor of turning to his previously forgotten ramen, fishing his chopsticks out carelessly. Taking a bite, he frowned.

Noticing, she rolled her eyes. "What now?"

"Utau…" Kuukai started very seriously, "…you made my ramen get cold."

AN- Lawls (lol) at the last line. This drabble, in my opinion, is kind of… awkward. It just seems kinda funny, you know? Either way, hopefully it's not too bad. Only one more drabble to go, folks! And it is: One Last Challenge