Disclaimer: Pure work of fiction

Disclaimer: Pure work of fiction. No rights. Just for fun.

RECAP: Imani and Tsuchi settled into a routine of dating on the weekends. Imani had a break at lab and surprised Tsuchi at work with lunch for him and all his coworkers. They enjoyed a romantic lunch, and then she left.

Chapter 36: Lab Visit

Since Imani's return, Tsuchi had found himself working harder and longer hours. One reason is because of Imani's extremely packed schedule. Since she woke up every morning at 6:00 to train with her bodyguards, Tsuchi found himself up early to talk to her first thing in the morning. So he would workout, shower, and be at work early. He would work late and then work on his special project at home until late so that he would call her when she was out of the lab and getting ready for bed.

The other reason was so that he could take off earlier on Friday evenings, meet the guys, and then have dinner with Imani and spend the weekend with her. However, this particular week he had a third reason. He worked extra to take time off and prepare the surprise that he had planned for the end of the week for Imani.

On Thursday of that week, Imani had special plans for her class. She had planned to take them to see a demonstration of the project and therefore had cancelled her Wednesday class. Instead, all three classes would meet together at her 2nd Thursday class and then head to the lab.

Most of the students were happy to get out of the class and go to the lab although the majority of the females were not as interested in seeing a demonstration of the project at first. Most of the males were very excited to see the project. Despite the lack of interest every student paid rapt attention during the demonstration. Initially their interest stemmed from having to complete a worksheet that Imani had prepared for them to complete and hand in for a grade after the demonstration. Eventually, everyone was drawn in and enthralled by the demonstration and paid attention out of sheer interest. Of course after they left the lab, she was surrounded by students (mostly males) wanting to find out more about the project. Most, and then all of the girls' attention had been completely entranced by a scene on the university's roadway causing them to stop dead in their tracks.

Imani had been so engrossed in conversation and answering questions with her interested students that she failed to notice that her students had stopped when they reached a certain point and turned toward the roadway. She failed to notice, that is, until one of her students that had been looking toward her instead of watching where he was headed bumped into a girl staring out toward the roadway. So entranced was the female student that she failed to recognize when the young man said "Excuse me." Noting her inattention, they all turned to follow her gaze to see what had caused all of the students to stop dead in their tracks and stare.

Imani, being petite, could not see what the stares followed by the "Ooh's" and "Ah's," and "So cool!" "Tall, dark, and handsome, just my type" and finally the "Check out the bike" comments were coming from. So she made her way to the front to see what the source of the commotion was. As she reached the front, she heard a female student ask. "I wonder who he's here for?"

"Probably some really hot, sexy sempai." Another girl with glasses commented.

Imani's mouth dropped in shock as she looked out to see Tsuchi standing by his motorcycle dressed in a black leather jacket, blue jeans, black leather boots, and a button-down white dress shirt with the neck opened revealing a silver chain, smiling and waiting.

Then as he caught her eye, Tsuchi winked and motioned for her to come to him with his index finger. All of the girls looked around at first to determine who he was talking to or if he was motioning to them. Imani's face alternated from a look of happiness to surprise as she walked toward him. She called back absently. "Class dismissed." She tried to control her gait as she half-walked half-ran to the object of her affection and of everyone else's attention. She stopped in front of him and smiled and then threw her arms around him and kissed him on the cheek. He picked her up and swung her around and then returned her to her feet.

When Imani heard the collective gasp, she knew without looking that 90 jaws had dropped and 180 eyes gaped at her as she heard their comments. "No way!" "How can sensei know someone so hot?" "Is that her boyfriend?" "That can't be her boyfriend."

Tsuchi reached to the back of the bike and handed her a bouquet of roses. She covered her mouth with her hand as she took them. "Surprised?" She nodded. "Happy?" She nodded again. He reached down to peck her on the cheek and whispered. "Then is a kiss on the cheek the best you can do?"

"When I'm in front of my students, yes. But when we get to the office, you'll see." Imani responded grazing his ear lightly with her lips. Tsuchi straightened up quickly before the heat he felt reached the remainder of his body.

"So do you like the flowers?" Tsuchi asked.

Imani looked up at him smiling. "I love them."

Tsuchi returned Imani's smile but then frowned as he took in her outfit. "Hey, why are you in disguise again? Don't tell me you knew that I was coming, or are you into cosplay?"

Imani scowled. "Very funny, the university makes me dress this way. They still believe that Ren was attracted by my appearance, and that is why he stalked me. So to protect me, they thought it would better if this were my standard dress to avoid my male students becoming obsessed with me again. Do you like?" Imani held open her lab coat jacket and modeled for him.

Tsuchi shook his head. "This just won't do. Since you are off duty, and since I am here, we don't have to worry about that. It shouldn't be a problem." Then he reached behind her head and took down the bun and fanned out her hair with his fingers. He then took off her glasses and put them in his jacket pocket. Finally, he helped her out of her lab coat and folded it across his arm.

"That's better." Tsuchi commented. The second collective gasp from her students followed by the usual comments and incoherent babbling of the boys affirmed Tsuchi's comments. "Wow, sensei hair pretty." Sensei nice body. Sensei face cute, big round eyes, and full lips."

Imani took Tsuchi's extended arm and headed toward her office as 90 pairs of eyes followed their progress. As they talked Imani could hear the girls' slightly jealous banter. "Wow, I didn't know that sensei could look so pretty. But still, how did she manage to get such a hot guy?"

As they continued walking, Imani turned to look at Tsuchi. "I forgot to ask you. What are you doing here?"

Tsuchi stopped walking, turned to her with a puzzled expression. "I came to see you of course. Since you surprised me with lunch at work, I decided to pick you up form work as a surprise. Since I don't cook, I brought flowers and the bike instead."

They continued walking. "How sweet! I appreciate it. But," Imani frowned. "Is it really okay? You won't get in trouble for leaving work early will you?"

Tsuchi pat her hand. "No, I worked extra and made up the time already. Besides, I told my boss that my girlfriend is the one who owns the restaurant that sends free food sometimes, and he told me that I should take off earlier more often and make sure that I treat you right." Tsuchi reached into his pocket and took out a business card. "He even gave me his business card to give it to you. He told you to call him to let him know if I am not treating you well. He will be glad to help you out in any way he can."

Imani took the card giggling and put it in her pocket. She then stopped laughing and frowned. "But is it really okay for you to work so hard? Lately you have been working extra hard a lot."

"I know, and that's your fault. It's because of your work hours that I get up early and have nothing else to do but go to work." Tsuchi feigned complaining and then smiled. "But it's okay. I've never worked hard in my life. It's about time I started."

By that time, they had reached her office. Imani unlocked the door opened it and then closed it behind them. Tsuchi looked around admiring her office. "You know this is the first time for me umph …" Tsuchi was interrupted by Imani pushing him against the door, and entangling his tongue in a kiss. Tsuchi responded by lifting her up, deepening the kiss, and rubbing his hands up and down her back. Imani wrapped her legs around his waist to support herself. The finally broke off for air.

"Is that better?" Imani asked.

Tsuchi smiled and nodded. "Oh yeah."

"That's what I wanted to do when I first saw you, but it was all I could to restrain myself." Imani relayed to Tsuchi. Tsuchi set her down on the floor. Imani reached up and kissed him again. "That's to thank you for the flowers." Imani took her lab coat and hung it up. "I'm going to change right quick, and then we can go. What are you planning to do for dinner?" She asked as she took off her sweatshirt revealing a black silk tank top underneath.

"I'm hoping my girlfriend can hook me up because I'm starving." Tsuchi said rubbing his stomach.

"Gladly, I'll fix you anything you like." Imani went and planted a kiss on his forehead.

"Oh, is that so? Is that because you know you have the absolute ideal boyfriend?" (A/N: Yeah, I know, but I couldn't help referencing it.) Tsuchi kissed Imani on the shoulder.

"That and my ideal boyfriend is going to let me drive the bike." Imani winked at him as she picked up her bag.

"Sure. No problem." Tsuchi took out the keys from his pocket and tossed them to her.

"Sweet!" Imani caught them and then ran a brush through her wavy hair and held out her hand. "Let's ride."

He opened the door for her and grabbed her hand. Imani locked the door behind them and grabbed his hand. As they walked, they discussed what to have for dinner. Much to their surprise all 90 students were still where they had left them waiting to catch another glimpse of the couple. To their shock and pleasure, the students were treated to seeing the couple again resulting in quite a few nosebleeds for the boys.

As Tsuchi heard the comments when they passed by, he tightened his grip around Imani's waist.

"Wow, sensei has a nice body." "Woah, where was she hiding that chest?" "Beauty and brains, what a combination." "I'm never missing another class again."

The girls felt slightly dejected and commented. "He's cute. I wonder if he has a brother."

Imani ignored the comments and smiled at Tsuchi. She then proceeded to get on the bike and started it up. He put her bag away. She twisted her hair up and put the helmet on. She patted the seat behind her and motioned with her head for Tsuchi to get on. He took off his leather jacket and helped her put it on, and then she put on sunglasses. He put his arms around her waist, and they rode off together

The students finally awoke from their daze when the couple on the bike was no longer in sight. They finally disbursed with a ton of questions for their teacher the next day.

The next evening Tsuchi met the guys with all smiles and told them what had transpired the previous day.

"Oooh, you romantic dog." Takeda teased Tsuchi.

Yabuki scoffed. "Ha, you call that romantic. I say he was just marking his territory. He shows up in front of all of her students, and then she has to go home and cook for him. That's slick."

Tsuchi shook his head. "It's not like that. I was just surprising Imani at work like she did me last week."

"Yeah, but Imani was on the DL, came in disguise, arranged for a private, romantic little lunch for two, and left with no fuss. She's got the right idea." Yabuki nodded.

"I'm not sure that's romantic. Maybe she just doesn't want everyone to know that she's with Tsuchi. Maybe she's embarrassed. I say that Tsuchi is more romantic, letting everyone know." Hyuga defended his friend.

"And I say that Imani is more romantic, making sure that she has Tsuchi all to herself." Yabuki chimed in.

"And I say that it doesn't matter because they are both showing how much they love each other in their own way. Further more, it is stupid for us to argue over which one of them is more romantic." Odagiri finally spoke up.

"I second that." Tsuchi spoke.

"I third that." A female voice spoke. They turned around to find Imani smiling and making a face at them.

"Imani," they all greeted her. "What are you doing here?" Hyuga added.

"What, you guys are my friends too? I cannot hang out with you?" Imani asked as she hugged and kissed each one on the cheek.

"Yes, but we can't talk about you if you're here, like how Tsuchi went to your school to make sure that everyone knew that you were his." Yabuki put his arm around Imani's waist.

Imani nodded. "Ah, that."

Tsuchi smiled smugly. "So did the students say anything or ask anything about it?"

"Yeah, when I asked if they had any questions about what happened at the lab yesterday, almost every hand went up to ask a personal question. I had to let them know that I wouldn't entertain personal questions so half of the hands went down." Imani explained.

"What kinds of questions did they ask you?" Tsuchi was curious.

"Oh questions like is that your boyfriend, does he have a brother, how did he get so hot, do you know any more hot guys like him, has he always been that fine, when did you get so fine, have you always been like that, if he's not your boyfriend will you date me, can you let your hair down like that while you teach, and can you take off the glasses?"

Tsuchi had been smiling at first when he heard the questions directed toward him, but he frowned when he heard the questions directed toward Imani. "And how did you answer them?"

"Like I said, I cannot entertain personal questions during class time." Imani stated.

Tsuchi relaxed. "Good, so I guess all of the guys left you alone after you told them that I was your boyfriend?"

Imani shook her head. "As I said before, I would not answer any personal questions during class time including whether or not I had a boyfriend, but they actually began flirting with me more after seeing me without the glasses and with my hair down."

Tsuchi was upset. "It looks like I may have to make a few more trips to your school."

Imani shook her head. "Don't do that. I don't want to have to answer any more questions or get bullied again."

Tsuchi frowned. "Bullied?"

Odagiri finally spoke up. "Again?"

Imani nodded. "Yeah, these five girls came up to me today to warn me to leave you alone since I was a foreigner."

"Were they your students?" Tsuchi asked.

"No, I don't think so. They were probably either relatives of students that go to Keiko University or potential students."

"So what happened?" Odagiri was concerned.

Imani chuckled. "Oh, that."

-- Flashback to an hour earlier --

"Hey, you!" Imani had noticed the five girls calling out to someone but continued walking on her way to meet Tsuchi.

"Hey, you, gaijin. I'm talking to you. Don't you understand Japanese?" One of the girls ran up to her and tapped her on the shoulder.

Imani sighed and turned around smiling. "Me?" She pointed to herself.

They nodded. "Yes you, who do you think you are?"

"Oh, well my name is Harri…" Imani began but was interrupted.

"Did we ask for your name? Listen, I don't care who you are. I don't want to know your name or anything about you. I asked you a question. Aren't you going to answer it?"

Imani scratched her head confused. "But didn't you just say you didn't want to know who I was. I tried to introduce myself."

The main girl, who must have been the leader, responded. "That's not what I meant. I mean, how dare you gaijin date one of Japan's hottest guys?"

-- Flashback interrupted --

Tsuchi interrupted. "She said I was one of Japan's hottest guys? She has taste."

Imani glared at Tsuchi, and Yabuki hit him on the back of the head. "Anyway, like I was saying."

-- Return to Flashback --

"Ohhhhhh, that's what you meant." Imani nodded. "So, is that a problem?"

"Yes." She answered rolling her eyes.

"Is it a problem because I'm foreign, or is it because he is hot? Would it be okay for me to date him if I was a Japanese citizen or if I were born here in Japan? Or would it be okay if I were to date a plain-looking or unattractive Japanese guy?"

"Eh?" The girls looked puzzled and thoughtful and blinked.

Imani walked off. "I'm sorry, but I'm really busy right now. I don't have the time to play with you, but when you figure it out, please let me know. Bye bye." Imani waved and walked off chuckling to herself.

-- End of Flashback --

"Are you okay? They didn't try to hurt you did they?" Tsuchi asked. Imani shook her head.

"Why didn't you leave them to your bodyguards? You know, the Kens." Yabuki asked.

"I didn't need their help so I gave them the signal that I could take care of it myself." Imani stated.

"Are you sure?" Tsuchi asked. Imani nodded.

Odagiri finished his drink and walked over to set it on the table. As he was placing the glass on the table, he slightly grazed Imani's hand. She nodded in acknowledgement. Then she made a move. "Alright boys, drink up. The next round is on me. So give me your orders." They gave her the orders. She looked over at Odagiri. "Ryo, why don't you help me with the drinks while Tsuchi continues telling them all about his visit to my campus and then my office and how I thanked him for the flowers?" Tsuchi had started to get up to help Imani but smiled when she mentioned the office and sat back down to tell the story.

The guys looked curious as Imani and Odagiri headed toward the bar. She placed the orders and then walked back to a corner to talk to Odagiri. "What's up Ryo?"

"Well, I was going to ask you for help with the plans we discussed when we were at the onsen that time, but now I'm not so sure that it is such a good idea." Odagiri spoke.

"Why not? What's the problem?" Imani asked

"Well, I was going to ask if I could come to your job and get your help, but I don't want you to get bullied because of me or because they think you are two-timing Tsuchi." Odagiri explained.

Imani shook her head. "Don't worry about it. I can handle it. Besides, I don't care what anyone thinks as long as Tsuchi's okay with it. If you are uncomfortable going to my office, we can do it at my house."

"I would, but I don't want Tsuchi to get the wrong idea again or be uncomfortable about it." Odagiri continued.

"Well, then let's talk to Tsuchi about it, and then you can come to my house. Tsuchi will keep your secret." Imani assured him.

"That's true. Let's do that." Odagiri agreed.

"I'll be right back with Tsuchi, okay?" Odagiri nodded and waited.

Imani went back to Tsuchi. She lightly touched his ear with her lips. Tsuchi shivered and turned around. "Tsuchi I need your help. The drinks are ready, and Odagiri went to go handle some business. Can you help me?" She gave him a puppy dog look.

Tsuchi smiled. "Sure no problem." He turned back toward the guys. "My girlfriend needs me. What to do?" Tsuchi shrugged and followed Imani to where Odagiri was. Tsuchi frowned. "I thought you were handling some business and couldn't help Imani. What's up?"

"I am. My business is with you." Odagiri explained.

"Eh?" Tsuchi was confused until Odagiri explained his plans, his needs, and his dilemma. "Oh, you didn't have to tell me or ask my permission. It's up to Imani, but I am glad you did tell me. So, when are you going to tell the other guys?"

"When it gets closer to the time and my plans are solid." Odagiri told him.

Imani cupped Tsuchi's chin. "I'm glad to see that someone has matured."

Tsuchi shook his head. "I've learned my lesson with what happened at the love motel. But I agree with Odagiri about not causing trouble at your work."

"I know, but that would be the best time. I arrive home too late during the weekdays and Tsuchi stays over on the weekends. So, Mondays, and Wednesdays are the best times. You should come during lunch or dinner and give me a much needed break." Imani explained.

"But it will cause you problems, I don't want to do that." Odagiri expressed.

"I can handle it as long as you bring food." Imani smiled.

"What am I, your personal delivery guy?" Odagiri asked.

Imani laughed but was thoughtful. "That's not a bad idea. I can order food from my restaurant for us and have you deliver it. They can even give you paraphernalia and a uniform from the restaurant if you would like. That way if anyone sees you, they will assume that you are just delivering food and waiting around to take the dishes back. What do you think?"

Tsuchi nodded. "That could work."

"Do I have to wear the uniform?" Odagiri asked.

"It's up to you, but the uniform is really cool." Imani teased him.

"Fine, let's do that then. Mondays and Wednesdays, I'll consider wearing the uniform." Odagiri acquiesced.

"Alright, let's start next week." Imani smiled.

(A/N): When thinking back, Tsuchi really knows nothing about Imani's work life. Although they have been through a lot together, they still have a lot more to learn about each other. If you are wondering what Odagiri is planning, you can find out in my other story, a Gokusen JDorama ending in Chapter 10. This chapter was one of my favorites because it has elements of a fantasy of mine. Really, what girl wouldn't want her hottie boyfriend to show up on a motorcycle at her work and bring her flowers? (Tee hee) So I'll wrap it up in about three chapters or so, and I've provided subtle hints about what will happen in future chapters. One hint was about a special project.

Another hint is in the title of the next chapter, Tutorials

No preview this time