Disclaimer: Any original characters are property of myself and myself only. Eyeshield 21 is a series created by Riichigo Inagaki and Yusuke Murata. All characters of Eyeshield 21 are property of the original creators, Shonen Jump and Viz Media. Any references to the NFL and its players are copyrighted by the NFL and credited to their respective teams.

Enma's roster was quick to hit the showers after the game. The team had a small window to get cleaned up and hop back on the bus for the ride home. Their convincing victory was exciting and that energy carried with them while they were washing away the sweat of the day. Wasting little time, the boys showered and changed into fresh sets of clothing before piling back into the motorbus for their journey back to campus.

The heavy hitting lineman group clustered together towards the back of the bus and were retelling the various feats of epic athleticism they displayed on the gridiron earlier that day. The topic that seemed to bubble up most frequently was Suitokku's opening kickoff return. After all it was not a common sight to see such a large football player receive a kick cleanly, let alone return it for a large gain. In fact, one of the few field goals earned by Shuei came off a botched catch attempt aimed at Kurita later in the game. The rotund lineman mewled at the retelling of that particular play which he had miffed.

Luckily for the ligers, it hardly mattered. Their high flying offense and suffocating defense had proven too much for Shuei to overcome. If their first game against Nishi hadn't been a wake up call for the other teams in the league, a second rout against Shuei certainly was. They were going to be on the radar of a lot of stronger opponents to come. And that target could be a detriment if they were not careful. But for now, it was time to celebrate their victory and savor the moment. Towards the front of the bus a quartet of young friends were making plans to do just that.

Suzuna, ever the outgoing social butterfly, was quick to ask, "Alright so where are we going to celebrate tonight guys?" She had changed from her original outfit this morning into something more comfortable for after game festivities. The azure angel was wearing a thin pink crocheted cardigan held together in the front by a pair of large brown wooden buttons, cutting to reveal a light blue t-shirt underneath. Under that she was wearing a pair of black leggings and her ever present roller blades and protective elbow and knee pads.

Monta briefly looked to his newly minted girlfriend and offered with a shrug, "I dunno, what are you guys hungry for?" He had changed back into the same outfit he had been wearing earlier that morning. A thin red under armour shirt with an additional thin black polyester jacket that was part of his running gear made up the top portion of his ensemble. The matching pair of joggers to go with his jacket made up the rest along with a pair of red sneakers.

Shidao put a pensive index finger to her lower lip and thought for a little bit before answering, "We could go to an izakaya and share a hot pot or something?" The young verdant vixen had also changed from her original outfit, again borrowing from Suzuna's wardrobe. She was thankful for her friend's generosity when it came to sharing outfits, because she hadn't exactly had a chance to stop at her own apartment for a change of clothes since the whole Kohando incident. Shidao had borrowed a simple light blue sweatshirt with a rainbow unicorn across the chest and a similar pair of leggings akin to what Suzuna was wearing save for being light gray.

Sena thought about it for a moment. He never really went to an izakaya before. That was not too surprising though considering it was generally an establishment where business men went to after work to get drinks and share some community dishes at the table with colleagues. That said Monta and he were both still only 19, as was Suzuna, and Shidao couldn't be older than 18. So drinking alcohol of any kind was off the table considering the drinking age was 20 in Japan. And while he certainly looked more grown up in his slate colored polo and dark blue jeans, their ID's would clearly state otherwise. "I'm ok with that, but we might be turned away from some of them because no one's over 20."

His girlfriend who had seemingly gotten a bit excited over the idea of sharing some appetizers and exploring some various spirits deflated slightly when Sena pointed that out. That brief moment of defeat faded rapidly however when she turned, reaching into her little kitten neko wallet to reveal her "Hiruma Hell-Card" and deviously replied in her best Hiruma impression, "Ya-Ha! We don't need to be 20 for that! Hiruma can take care of that kekekeke!"

Sena frowned at that and scolded, "You use that thing too much." He never liked abusing the power of that card, and he did have to wonder at times just how far the privilege of Hiruma's name reached. The devil certainly had a wide influence over the greater Tokyo area, but surely even he had some limits.

Just as Suzuna was about to pierce Sena's head with a dagger like stare Monta conveniently intervened, raising his hands and saying, "Yeah lets put away the hell cards tonight. Like I said I want to treat you guys for helping us out and that seems like cheating. We can still do an Izakaya, they do have a couple in Point Crest that allow students in and serve non alcoholic cocktails. I went with Mizumachi and Kakei once to one of them." He paused to yell out across the bus, "HEY MIZUMACHI! What was the name of that Izakaya we went to in Point Crest?"

From the back of the bus the gangly former Poseidon cocked his head in the direction of Monta. Cupping a hand to his mouth he shouted back, "Okiroke Karaoke?"

The simian receiver snapped his fingers in instant recognition and nodded yelling back, "That was it! Thanks!" and then turned back to Sena and Suzuna before continuing, "I can't believe I forgot what it was called." he laughed sheepishly and rubbed the back of his head before elaborating, "Anyway, it is a mix of a karaoke parlor and an izakaya. You rent a karaoke booth by the hour and you can order izakaya style food and drinks from a menu they have set up on the same machine you pick songs from."

Suzuna's eyes immediately lit up and sparkled with excitement, "Karaoke! Oh that sounds like a blast! I haven't don't karaoke in forever!" She clapped her hands together enthusiastically and squealed with joy.

Monta smiled wide as well and agreed, "Right? It was a ton of fun when I went with those two last time, and the food was pretty good too." His chipper attitude about the idea seemed to only egg on the young cheer captain.

Sena and Shidao however both paled and gave each other a morbidly horrified expression. Karaoke? For these two introverted shy teens? A more horrifying outcome could hardly be considered. The pair each began to backpedal on their initial ideas almost immediately.

Shidao was quick to chime in, "A-are w-we really s-sure that we're up for karaoke? I m-mean it's been a long day right?" Her bright red face and sheepish laugh that followed certainly betrayed her apprehension about singing in front of friends.

Sena also stammered, "Y-yeah, I mean we c-could always go somewhere else if everyone w-would like r-right?" His ruby colored cheeks and sweaty skin also gave away his own nervousness about the avenue his two more outgoing friends seemed to be dragging them into.

His girlfriend however, was far too eager to do this and tried convincing the two sheepish teens, "Aww come on! It will be so much fun, and it's only going to be the four of us so there's no need to be embarrassed by it."

Monta did not help matters when he added to the pile with a big thumbs up, "It actually was really fun, and I didn't think I was going to like it when Mizumach and Kakei invited me last time. But I would MAXI-recommend it!"

Shidao and Sena exchanged defeated glances and pitifully mewled, "I guess…" in unison.

Suzuna squeed aloud and wrapped her arms around her boyfriend's shoulders. "Oh it's going to be so much fun you won't have time to worry about it stud!" She wondered what his singing voice was like? Her curiosity was piqued!

The poor bewildered running back could only sigh and sag under her unrelenting enthusiasm. Things always seemed to turn out this way for the meager runner. But at least this time he wouldn't need to parade himself in front of the entire team in a chicken costume. So he could take some solace in that.

Ever the timid one, Shidao remained silent even though internally she was screeching in protest. If Sena thought singing in front of two people he knew exceptionally well, plus one newcomer was hard, she had it way worse. She didn't want to embarrass herself in front of Monta! And in addition to that she didn't want to sing in front of Suzuna or Sena either! This was far too embarrassing, and it hadn't even happened yet!

Unfortunately for her Monta seemed rather oblivious to her plight and was continuing to egg on Sena with Suzuna. Perhaps suggesting this double date after the game had been a bad idea. The shy introverted beauty was now regretting her earlier decision. But her boyfriend seemed excited about it and she felt bad for having put him in an awkward spot yesterday. It was nice seeing him free of worry and full of enthusiasm. Despite her internal conflicts about it she would at least try to enjoy herself tonight with her friends.

Over the course of the next hour on the ride back to Enma's campus the four friends continued making small talk about the game and their planned double date. Suzuna and Monta were already debating which songs to pick and sing as well as what kind of food they might enjoy. Meanwhile Sena and Shidao were quite mum on the subject, not willing to commit to any song choices when prodded. However, they were more willing to discuss topics when it came to what kind of appetizers and platters they might be interested in splitting.

The remaining players on the bus also were making various celebratory plans. Mizumachi and Kakei had made plans to meet with a few of their former teammates from Kyoshin, while Dante was ever eager to go to Lone Star's. He once again invited several of his teammates. However, this time around they politely declined. Much like Sena several of them seemed to have a beef aversion after last weekend's feast there.

When the motorbus came to a stop and unloaded the team Kurita and the other linemen helped to unload their equipment and thanked the driver. The teammates helped one another haul their gear back to the club room and stowed it in its proper places. As the various groups bid their farewells to one another and split off in different directions to either celebrate or rest, Suitokku approached Dante.

"Where are we going then Gingerbread?" asked the stoic giant as he stopped nearby the American.

Dante crossed his arms and sighed, "Well you know I'm always up for a steak at the pit, there in Lonestars but judging from everyone else's reactions you're probably getting tired of it too huh?"

Suitokku simply shrugged and said, "I can't complain. You always buy so I feel like you should have the right to pick." And while the maritime giant did partially look at this bizarre one sided sugar daddy friendship of theirs that way, he actually thought the real reason Dante liked Lone Star's so much was because of the waitress he always flirted with there.

The fiery foreigner frowned and formed a reply, "Well yeah. But…" and with a reluctant sigh he continued, "I GUESS we can go somewhere else. I mean… we do eat at Lone Star's a lot." He didn't seem too happy about the decree but there it was.

A crooked grin cracked across Suitokku's broad face and he chuckled, "Oh no, what will Akiko think if she finds out you eat somewhere else like a normal human being?"

That earned the colossus a glower from the cantankerous redhead. Dante then hunched over and folded his elbows inwards, pressing the backs of his hands against his waist as he flapped his arms like a chicken mocking, "Oh No WhAt WiLl AkIkO tHiNk?" The grumpy gus then chucked a punch into Suitokku's side for good measure.

Suitokku was unphased by the strong jab and simply shifted slightly away from the punch laughing, "Haha, oh come on don't give me that shit. If you really want to see her just say it and we'll go to Lone Star's."

Once more, Dante glowered at the taller teen and spat, "No! It's too late now! My mind's made up! Now where do you want to eat, you big lummox?"

With a roll of his eyes and a slight shake of his head he snorted in amusement. The maritime giant then crossed his pylon like arms and sighed, "Hmmm what do I want to eat?" he furrowed his brow in thought for a moment before tilting his head and thinking further on the matter. Closing his eyes he thought about food he'd eat at home, perhaps something special. After a moment more he had it. "Ever tried grilled unagi?"

Dante narrowed his eyes suspiciously at the mammoth lineman and said, "Can't say I have… that's eel ain't it?"

The titanic teen nodded and slapped a massive hand across Dante's back, sending the American forward several paces. "Yep, now come on. I think I remember a place on the way to Lone Star's that specializes in it. After we're done you can go see if Akiko's working and maybe even just ask for her damn number."

Quick on his feet, Dante was able to maintain his balance after the hefty hit across his back. He was not a little fella, but it didn't seem to matter whenever the Orca smacked you. Big or small he sent you flying. "Ah shaddup Orca! That broad can do way better than my sorry ass anyway." Retorted the oddly despondent linebacker as he jammed his hands deep into the front pockets of his jeans and started trodding off in the direction of Point Crest.

Suitokku frowned at this odd behavior but followed after his friend. "The hells that supposed to mean? You think you're not good enough for her or something?" He had learned by now that being blunt with the American typically resulted in the clearest answers from him. And this strange turn of behavior seemed out of character for the linebacker.

Dante huffed and kept walking, "Nunya is what that's supposed to mean."

"Nunya?" Suitokku asked in confusion. Between his years in Ireland learning English and Japanese he hadn't heard of that word before.

"Yeah, Nunya business!" Dante snorted with a sudden sourness.

The massive Okinowan cast a dour look at the back of his friend's head and frowned. "So you don't like her then?" he stated more than asked.

The bestial linebacker stopped his sudden march and turned on his heel to face the colossal lineman. With a tired look of mild annoyance he answered, "Like her? Don't like her? Doesn't matter." The American then took a deep, deep breath and let out a heavy sigh. "Here today, gone tomorrow." With a shrug of his shoulders and a shake of his head he turned on his heels again and continued his sour march. "C'mon, lets go eat some water snake or whatever the fuck it is…"

Suitokku's initial confusion turned to concern quite quickly. This wasn't simply Dante being grumpy because everyone had shut down his desire to eat at a steakhouse. And there seemed to be more to this than simply being butt hurt about a few jokes directed his way regarding Akiko. No, this seemed larger. This seemed foreboding. "What's going on ma? You're acting weird." said Suitokku with some obvious worry.

Dante paused and half turned back to peer at the big fella. He held that look for the briefest of moments, as if preparing to say something. But instead he simply shook his head, sending some of his wild red locks bouncing and said, "I'm fine… don't worry about it."

"The hell you are. Enough of this dodgy shit man. What's happening?" Suitokku stated sternly now. He had given his friend some space during previous episodes where Dante seemed to out of nowhere become dour and depressed. But these spats seemed to be getting more frequent of late and the maritime giant was concerned for his friend.

The American stiffened and stood up straight, still facing away from the colossal Okinowan. Another deep breath and long dragged out sigh leaked from the frame of the proud lion of Notre Dame. "I'm just tired, man. Tired of a lot of stuff that doesn't concern you, or the team." Dante then half turned to face his friend once more with an exhausted expression. "I know you're smart enough to piece together my Father and I don't get along very well." He shrugged and averted his gaze before he continued, "There are very good reasons as to why… but I do not want to talk about them." The forlorn foreigner then set his slate blue gaze on Suitokku's and held that stare. "So let's go eat some broiled eel or whatever it is, and celebrate, and forget about all this other crap. Alright?"

With a stern look, Suitokku conceded, "Alright." He watched as Dante nodded and slowly turned to continue walking in silence for a bit. The maritime leviathan felt a pinch of sadness for his friend. It was true he had gleaned he and his father were not close. Dante had told him as much previously. And just like back then, when Suitokku had pressed him about it, the American dug in and refused to elaborate. There was clearly some past event that had driven a massive wedge between the two of them. And whatever it was seemed to be festering to a point that it was toxic to the talented linebacker. Suitokku wanted to help his friend out, but could do little to that effect if he didn't want it, or wasn't ready to receive it. So, silent and stone faced, Suitokku followed after his torn and bitter friend determined to be there for him if nothing else.

Elsewhere, the group of young love birds were approaching the destination of their double date. Sena walked along casually with Suzuna's arm looped around his own. The azure angel rested her temple against his shoulder and smiled contentedly. She was pleasantly pleased with how much Sena had warmed up to these intimate displays in public. His presence always made her feel so warm.

The other young couple however, were still new to this whole game of love. Monta, while still bashful about asking, was less so in action. Shidao however, was still hyper bashful about any physical contact with her simian suitor. Any time she brushed against him it brought a hue of cherry to her cheeks and she could hardly stand it. But in looking over at how openly Sena and Suzuna were walking together with interlaced arms, the younger Sawai sibling could not help but be a little envious.

Tentatively the mint haired beauty reached out towards Monta's relaxed hand and nudged his pinky finger with her own. The apish receiver glanced down at the touch and then shifted his view to meet her own gaze. She was beaming bright red and sweating bullets of anxiety but the wide receiver simply smiled through cherry tinted cheeks of his own and wrapped his own pinky around hers. He could only chuckle as it seemed to send shivers up her arm and then down her spine. One could practically see steam coming out of the verdant vixen's ears.

It was not long before the duo of duos found the Okiroke Karaoke bar. As they approached Monta pointed it out and stated, "There it is! Oh man I can't wait to dig in to some of that karage again!" And trotted up to the door to hold it open for his friends. "After you my lady!" He added with a prompt bow for Shidao.

The already blisteringly red mojito maiden froze for a moment, looking into the void that lay beyond the door. In the interior of this establishment awaited one of her ultimate fears of singing in front of others. But her pause was gaining attention. Monta tilted his head upwards to see what was holding her back, so the midori mama had to quickly shake off her jitters and step through the portal to hell.

Sena on the other hand, while sharing that dread, was pulled along with his beloved's momentous enthusiasm. It didn't matter how miraculous his footwork on the field was. There was no escaping an unstoppable force that was already hooked up with you arm in arm. The head strong cheer captain seemed to drag him along with the determined strength of Kurita or Suitokku. When his three friends stepped through the open door, Monta followed them inside.

The front counter was clean and curt. Made of bamboo and some type of laminate topper, both a deep healthy green color. A monitor and a card reader were present on the counter's surface and behind it stood a tall lanky host. The thin fellow stood perhaps a half a foot taller than Sena and had long gaunt arms and spindly fingers. He had long black hair that covered the left side of his face and dropped to just about the bottom of his chest and shoulders. It was straight and impeccably well groomed. His exposed eye had heavy dark blue eyeliner and a droopy lower eyelid. When he noticed the three enter he greeted them with a slight bow.

"Welcome to Okiroke Karaoke, how many in your party?" he asked in a voice with a slow sophisticated cadence.

Monta stepped up and addressed him, answering, "Four. Would we be able to get a booth for two hours?"

The skeletal host seemed to twist like an animatronic puppet to the monitor and began to scroll through the menu before answering, "Yes, we can certainly accommodate that. Have any of you been here before?"

Monta nodded and said, "I have. Hey, if we wanted would we be able to extend our rental time?" He felt like two hours might be good enough to eat and get a few songs in, but also knew they may want to keep at it if they had fun with it.

Once more the gangly host nodded answering, "So long as you let us know a half an hour ahead of time so we can accommodate moving other guests, that is acceptable." With a few clicks of his mouse he selected an available booth for the group and printed out a ticket before turning to retrieve a card key to the door of the parlor assigned to them. He turned once more like a puppet on strings back to the group and slid the key card across the counter towards Monta. The simian receiver took the card as the gangly host continued, "Parlor number four sir, down that hall. It is the second door on the left."

The wide receiver nodded in understanding and thanked the odd looking front man. "Thank you!" He gave a curt bow and then turned back to his trio of friends. "Are you guys ready?"

Suzuna of course pumped a fist skyward, "Hell yeah! Let's do this!" and tugged Sena along after the wideout. Sena slacked a bit and mumbled something incoherent under his breath, but it sounded a little self depreciating. Shidao stiffly followed the three of them and could already feel her heart pounding in her throat.

As they arrived at the door, Monta inserted the key card into the slot and a little green light illuminated with a soft beep sound. Grabbing the handle of the door, the apish athlete opened the portal and stepped inside, making sure to hold the door ajar for his friends. Suzuna was quick to step into the room with Sena close behind her. Shidao however took a few moments to work up the courage and force herself over the precipice.

Once inside the small parlor they could see that it was set up quite similarly to many other karaoke establishments. A trio of black leather couches lined a long and low wooden table that was dark brown in color. The walls were a deep rouge teetering towards burgundy, and the floors were stained hardwood oak. At the front of the room across from the sitting area was an open space in front of a large flat screen television. On the table was a small receptacle that contained multiple microphones all of which were attached to chargers and a single remote control that could be used to select songs from a menu on the television. There was also a telephone on the wall which could be used to dial out to the front desk to request more time and to order food and beverages for the room.

Suzuna quickly zipped over towards the table and snatched up the remote control. She pointed it towards the large screened monitor and opened up the song menu and began scrolling through the various genres in search of a song to sing. Perhaps she could even convince her timid partner into a romantic duet. Swaying back and forth with the excitement of it all she continued surfing through the listings while her boyfriend and the others found seats around the table.

There was a small plastic envelope-like holder on the wall nearby the seating area that contained menus for food and beverages, and as Monta took a seat he reached over and pulled out a few of them to share with the others. "All right, what would you guys like to eat? I know the karage was great, but I think I'm gonna steer clear of their fried tofu, it was MAXI soggy."

Sena took his seat on the couch opposite of Monta and grabbed up a menu of his own. He looked through it and tried to think of something the group might enjoy sharing. "They have a yakitori platter and yakisoba as well. Would you guys like to share that?"

"Mmmmmm yakisoba. Yes please!" Suzuna chimed in as she continued scrolling through various song choices.

Monta looked up from his menu and asked, "The Yakitori thing is the one that has the squid, beef, chicken, and pork right?" His tone implied it sounded familiar, like it may have been something they thought about trying the last time he was here but didn't.

The wild haired running back nodded adding, "I think so." and after a brief pause to clarify nodded once more confirming, "Yeah it is." He then looked up to Monta and asked, "Can we get an order of that and some yakisoba then?"

His simian friend nodded and answered, "Definitely. I'm going to get a couple orders of the karage as well." He then turned to Shidao who had finally managed to meekly make her way over to sit with him and asked her, "What are you hungry for Shidao? Get whatever you would like." He paused for a moment before snapping his fingers, "OH that reminds me…" He began to run his finger down the menu sheet and hum, "Uhhh where is it… da-da-dah AH here!" and he tapped the menu before emphasizing, "You might like this!" And he leaned over into her space, unwittingly pressing his shoulder into hers.

Her proximity alarms went off in the form of some blood rushing to her face. But as her hunky monkey pointed out something he thought may be an interest to her she did lean in through the steam coming from her ears to get a better peek. It seemed the kitchen offered chicken wings with various flavors of sauces. The particular one Monta was pointing to was called "Incineration Sauce" and supposedly used ghost peppers amongst other hellish spices to make the quote on quote, "Ultimate Death Wing". She smirked a bit at the challenge and nodded towards her boyfriend saying quietly, "Bring it on!"

He laughed and shook his head in disbelief, "I bet it makes you sweat!" And at this point he realized they were beginning to compile a bit of a list so he reached across the table to the tub that had the microphones and grabbed the notepad and a pencil provided by the establishment to write it all down.

Shidao smirked impishly and said, "We'll see." After all, as Monta was already well aware; she took to spicy food like a fish took to water. She hadn't met an incendiary dish that could take her down yet. This one little bit of excitement seemed to spurn her on and help her forget about the other part of this date. The karaoke part.

Monta shook his head and gave a snort before tallying up the order, "Ok so a couple orders of karage, the yakitori platter, an order of yakisoba, and the molten death wings for the lovely lady. What do you guys want to drink? I think there's a section for non alcoholic cocktails if you are interested."

Suzuna was only sort of paying attention up to this point, having been more zoned in on the karaoke aspect of the date, when she heard mention of molten death wings. Doing a double take she turned back to the group and said, "Whoa whoa hold up. Did you say molten death wings?" The azure angel's eyes darted between Monta and Shidao in a show of confusion and concern. Even Sena seemed quite surprised by the odd inclusion of the spicy chicken wings and sat up looking between his friends with a look of bewilderment.

Monta laughed lightly and thumbed in the direction of his girlfriend before explaining, "The lovely Shidao here has a sweet spot for spicy food. I keep trying to find something to make her sweat but so far," he paused to blow a raspberry and his eyes widened in disbelief, "No dice."

Shidao straightened up a bit at that brag and seemed to be rather proud of herself for that. She did however withdraw a little when she saw Sena looking back in mild horror and Suzuna, jaw agape in disbelief, looking directly at her. "Wh-what can I s-say? I like spicy food."

Her boyfriend was quick to add, "Yeah and so far on our last couple dates any time we find a place with spicy food she's tried it and defeated all of them." He extended out a hand and waved it to gain their attention before continuing, "You gotta see it, its MAXI-nuts! She doesn't even break a sweat!" He seemed rather proud of his girlfriend's ability to easily demolish molten food.

"No." Suzuna replied with absolute and utter disbelief. "I don't believe it! This I gotta see."

The midori maiden was a little bit uncomfortable being the center of attention but at least it was with these guys. Slowly but surely she was gaining more confidence and was coming out of her shell. Suzuna had been a great friend to her so far, and she absolutely adored Monta so it was easier. And Sena was a nice guy, and she could easily tell how infatuated he was with Suzuna and vice versa. Shidao grinned awkwardly and said with a shrug, "Yeah well, I've yet to be defeated so, ya know." She then stretched out her arms and clicked her tongue.

Did Shidao just brag? Suzuna couldn't believe her eyes and she began to giggle. This promised to be an entertaining night to say the least.