"Whole Fried Tilapia with Asian Herb Salad and Mamas Fresh Chili Sauce."
Sousuke was beginning to feel hungry. He usually wasn't big on fine food, but the meal he had eaten at Kaname's aparatment had begun to expand his horizons.
"Hmmpppfff. No, Sousuke. It should be Ichiban Shibori Beer Battered Cod with Mango Salsa."
Kaname turned up her nose and gave a little wave of her hand.
"Curried-Chicken Spring Rolls and Ginger Coconut Dipping Sauce," Sousuke said, generally liking curried food. He suspected that his suggestion would be shot down again.
"You don't sound very sure about that one. We should go with Hot and Sour Tomato and Mushroom Soup instead." Kaname looked at her finger tips. "Sousuke, do you like the way my nails look?"
"Uhhh... they are very nice, Kaname. Do you like Wild Oriental Mushroom Salad with Mizuna and Crispy Noodles?" The young soldier began to wonder if Kaname was going to try and make all of his decisions for him. Just when he had begun warming to the idea of having a girlfriend….
"You don't sound very sure about that one. We should go with Hot and Sour Tomato and Mushroom Soup instead." Kaname looked at her finger tips. "Sousuke, do you like the way my nails look?"
"Uhhh... they are very nice, Kaname. Do you like Wild Oriental Mushroom Salad with Mizuna and Crispy Noodles?" The young soldier began to wonder if Kaname was going to try and make all of his decisions for him. Just when he had begun warming to the idea of having a girlfriend….
He already had plenty of commanding officers.
"You should have asked me if I like Mama's Thai Style Caesar Salad with Crispy Calamari Croutons. The answer is yes. Take note of that for next time." Kaname was smiling, but she would much rather be laughing. Poor Sousuke. She was putting him through basic training all over again.
"I have done so. It might be nice to try a dessert. I have never made it much point to eat them before. Almond Cake with Raspberry Compote." Sousuke wondered which other dessert would Kaname choose.
"Vietnamese Hot Coffee Chocolate Cake with Cream. That ought to do it." Kaname smiled up at Sousuke, giving him a sweet large-eyed look. Sousuke just stood there looking at her. "Something wrong?" She asked, leaning up against him.
Sousuke ran one hand through his hair.
"Hmmmmm?" Kaname's smile grew larger.
Sousuke turned to get a better look at his girlfriend's face. He was trying to read what she was up to, but Kaname's expression didn't give anything away.
"Out with it, mister!" Her voice snapped out like a command. But, her eyes were filled with delight.
"Are you going to make all of the decisions, Kaname?" Sosuske's question was serious, not playful.
"Of course," Kaname said, kissing him. She wasn't going to prolong the game too long. She knew that Sousuke was probably wondering if she was going to try and change him and limit his freedom. "When we don't decide together, or when you're not the one best suited to make the choice."
"Then..." Sousuke's face loosened up. He looked relieved.
"I was playing with you. Get used to it. If you don't, I may have to get my blouse wet again..." Kaname chose that very moment to lean back and stretch slowly.
Sousuke blushed, averting his gaze after getting an eye full for a few moments. "Uhhh... that..."
"Yes?" Kaname stepped up close to Sousuke. "You were saying..." Kaname was enjoying herself tremendously. There were things she could do with Sousuke that she had never done with anyone else. Lucky him!
"It is not a problem when your shirt gets wet." Sousuke cursed his lack of control. The words had come out too fast. "So then, should we order the foods that you selected?"
"Oh." Kaname was rather pleased by Sousuke's admission. "Tonight's my treat, Sousuke. Pick out whatever you like. If we get a fair number, we would have enough left over for tomorrow night." She would give him some control, and hoped that he would give her another night of eating dinner together. No, to be honest, she wanted it to become a routine thing.
"I see. That is very clever tactical planning, Kaname. I would also surmise that you are working on strategic plans as well." Sousuke had his suspicions. He was used to eating alone, and had grown to prefer it while on Da Danaan. But, he had enjoyed eating with Kaname in high school, and even more so recently.
It was Kaname's turn to stand and stare. Sousuke had seen through her scheming rather easily. As clueless as he still was in some ways, he was a formidable opponent. She wouldn't have it any other way.
"Is this going to be an otaku dinner tonight, Sousuke?" Kaname wrinkled her nose.
"Do you want it to be?" Sousuke had to keep from grinning. He enjoyed teasing Kaname. He had never teased anyone before, and might never have an urge to tease anyone else. Accordingly, it was best to get it out of his system while he could. "I have a number of field kits in the apartment building. Bayonets could be used in place of those wooden skewers you use. Topographical maps might make an interesting table cover."
"And should I dress up in camouflage, Sousuke?" Kaname couldn't help but smile. She knew that Sousuke was playing.
"Uh... I..." Some thought had suddenly struck Sousuke.
"Sousuke?" Kaname wondered what Sousuke was thinking. He had blushed ever so briefly.
"It is not important. We should place our order. It may take a while to prepare." Sousuke was speaking quickly again.
"Sousuke!" Kaname wondered how long it would be before that kind of short exclamation would lose its effectiveness. She better use it while she could.
"I only have camouflage pants, Kaname." Sousuke straightened up. His expression looked somewhat guilty.
"So, why would... oh... I see." Kaname blushed. "I can see where your mind is, soldier!"
"Kaname, I…" Sousuke wondered if he had offended her. She had been coming on strong, but he still did not know the limits of the playing field.
"Keep up the good work." Kaname gave Sousuke a pat on the cheek. "I will say that I'm disappointed in one thing, however." Kaname began tapping her foot.
"Kaname?" Sousuke was finding it hard to keep up with her mental gymnastics.
"I should think that you could at least have ordered the food by now. Sheesh. Do I have to do everything?" Kaname laughed at the expression on Sousuke's face. She gave him a quick hug and llet him go about ordering their dinner.
"Affirmative. I will choose some from the ones that I mentioned and some from the one's that you selected." Sousuke signaled for the attention of the person at the take-out desk.
"Make certain they're foods you can pick up with your finger, Sousuke. You did very well last night." Kaname chuckled at Sousuke's reaction. How could he perspire like that so quickly? "I'm only joking, Sousuke. We'll eat whichever way you choose."
"Uhhh. Very good." He turned to speak with the attendant who had come to take their order.
As the two of them sat in a small but beautifully decorated waiting area, Kaname pulled her chair close to Sousuke's. "You know, I'm very happy that we're together, Sousuke. More happy than I can remember being in a long time." She closed her eyes and was content to lean against him.
"It is good to hear that." Sousuke said, taking note of the way he was feeling. Kaname's safety had always been very important to him. Now, her happiness was just as important. "I have never felt this way before."
He wondered what the future would hold. There would be very difficult decisions to make one day.
Very difficult, indeed.
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Kaname and Sousuke made their way along the sidewalk, chatting together as traffic passed by on the busy street.
Each carrying large bags of food, they walked past the entry road that led to the Advanced Research Lab. Kaname asked Sousuke how the repair work was going.
"It will be a difficult process. Much of the heavy debris and damaged equipment has been removed. But, a number of power lines were severed, and will be difficult to replace. Also, new components need to be built, delivered, installed, and tested. The final structural repair will be extensive." Sousuke stepped aside to let an old woman and her wheeled grocery carried move on past.
"But it could have been much worse, right?" Kaname smiled, seeing Sousuke's courtesy towards strangers.
"Affirmative. The secrets are safe. The major machinery is intact. Few people were killed. And your injury was not very severe." The last statement meant the most to Sousuke. He wondered if that indicated that he was not taking his assignment seriously enough.
"Either was yours. Don't forget to mention yourself, Sousuke." Kaname's voice was a little harsh. She wanted Sousuke to begin valuing himself more. "I feel kind of guilty, though."
"Kaname?" Sousuke stopped, wondering what Kaname meant.
"If I hadn't been in that building, and did not end up saving you and injuring myself, I don't know if you would ever have given me the chance to..." She didn't need to finish.
They both knew what she meant.
"Yes. I must admit I have felt the same way myself recently. That is a shameful admission from someone whose responsibility includes keeping that building and its inhabitants safe."
The two of them began walking again.
"You're only human, Sousuke. You have a right to your own feelings. What happened, happened. If we benefit from it, great! Our happiness didn't cause the catastrophe, right? Spending time together won't cause it to happen again, will it?" Kaname looped her free arm through Sousuke's.
"But, if I am distracted from my work..." Sousuke voiced one of his major concerns.
"You won't be. This is not an 'either or' kind of thing. You can care about me and do your job well. " Kaname pulled Sousuke to a halt, wanting to make an important point. "If you are not strong enough for that, I will be sorely disappointed in you. I'm strong enough to allow you to do whatever you need to do your job. I hope you can be strong enough to allow yourself whatever you need to be happy."
"I see." Sousuke looked at the fierce look on Kaname's face, feeling grateful that she cared about him. "I will do that for you Kaname. I will also learn to do it for myself as well."
"Hmmmpppfff! Not bad having someone who cares about you, is it?" Kaname bumped up against Sousuke.
"You may have some practical use after all," Sousuke said with a straight face. That earned him a kick in the shin followed by a kiss on the cheek. He smiled at that, before his face became rather serious. "I hope that the expected delays in the project lead to my staying here longer than originally planned. I pray that it does not cause people to think that I will not be useful here in the interim."
"Do you think they might pull you away?" Kaname's heart was in her throat. That was the last thing she wanted to hear at the moment.
"I cannot say. For the immediate future, however, I am very useful here. They ignored many of the security suggestions I made before. Now, they are planning on adding as many as they can while they rebuild the damaged areas." Sousuke sounded pleased about that. "Soon enough, I may be dedicating a fair amount of time to that."
Kaname had mixed feelings. She was glad that there was something that might bind Sousuke to Tokyo. She didn't like the idea of his not having a lot of free time after class.
Taking the good with the bad. That was something she had been forced to do throughout her entire life.
She planned on making the most of any opportunity she was given.
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Kaname had worked up quite an appetite by the time Sousuke stopped before a four-story building.
"This is what I call home."
Kaname looked at the tidy and compact structure, taking note of the clean marble steps, intricately carved stone work, ornately etched wooden shutters, and stout window bars. The front was deep red brick. A large fluted arch covered a small recessed entryway. The intricate metal railing leading to the front door seemed recently painted.
"It's a very nice building, Sousuke. Can we see your room from here?" Kaname wondered what floor Sousuke lived on. Knowing that he was a fitness freak, she guessed the fourth floor.
"Yes, Kaname. All of them are my rooms."
"What?" The answer didn't quite register with Kaname at first. "How can they all be your rooms, Sousuke?"
"It is my building, Kaname. I am the only one who lives here." Sousuke took out his key and opened the front door. Holding it open, he ushered a slack-jawed Kaname into his home.
"But...did Mithril buy the whole building for security purposes? Or will this one day serve as a large safe house?" Kaname began looking around a small lobby. It looked to be very nicely kept, decorated with what was probably the original furniture, paintings, wall coverings, and lamps.
"Negative. I bought the building, Kaname." Sousuke walked into the area that was once a concierge's station. A number of monitors were set-up, as well as various types of recording equipment. Punching numbers into a keyboard, he ran a series of tapes at fast forward, reviewing the logs of the external camera systems.
"The whole building? But, it must have been very expensive, Sousuke!" Kaname couldn't believe what she had heard.
"Correct. But, Mithril pays very well. My means were always very meager, and I have been in their service for a long time now. Members of the Finance Department helped me make a number of wise investments. This building itself shall serve as an investment of sorts." Finished with his perusal, Sousuke took the second bag from Kaname and led her down an exquisitely paneled hallway lined by old-fashioned lamps, mirrors, and murals.
"You never cease to amaze me, Sousuke." Kaname was taken aback. A number of ideas began running through her head, but she realized that she was rushing things.
"We can eat in this room, Kaname. It must have been a meeting room of sorts. I make use the table in here, on days when I have sit-down meals." The room had a high sculpted ceiling, plus a wall full of fancy windows, each heavily barred and exhibiting wires from some kind of sensors.
"I will get us some plates and glasses. The kitchen facilities are through this door." Sousuke left and returned with a small serving cart full of bowls, plates, glasses, and utensils.
Kaname looked around the room breathlessly, as she helped Sousuke arrange the meal. "This is all very beautiful, Sousuke."
"Affirmative. I was very fortunate. The owner was willing to sell me the facilities intact, with all of the current contents. I would not have been good at arranging things myself. I will give you a tour after we eat." Sousuke's look rested on Kaname's face. It was rather intense.
"Sousuke?" Kaname wondered what he was thinking.
"It is..." Sousuke was looking for the right way to bring up a certain subject.
Kaname looked on, more curious than before. What was he going to ask? Could he mean to...
"This building... it is larger than one person needs... I was wondering..." Sousuke's face looked nervous. His eyes only lingered on Kaname briefly.
Kaname felt her heart begin racing. Her breathing sped up. Could Sousuke be asking her to live with him? That would be so bold for anyone, especially him. Their relationship had not gotten that far yet. What should she do if he was asking that? It was something she had already fantasized, when she heard that the building was Sousuke's. But, she didn't know if she was ready for that kind of step. "Are you asking me if I want to live with you, Sousuke?" She swallowed hard, but managed to meet his uneasy gaze.
"Yes." That word had Kaname feeling weak in the knees. "But it... you would not... the arrangement would be one of convenience and frugality. I am not trying..." Sousuke ran down. He was clearly embarrassed. "There are many open rooms. Even open floors. You could select as many as you wish, wherever you like. You would be near me that way. I could always be certain that you are safe. But I would not wish to keep track of your actions, or..."
Kaname tried to settle herself down. She realized what Sousuke was proposing. No, she did not want to use that word. It made her blush.
It was a very nice arrangement, if she wanted to go through with it.
She would be closer to school. Sousuke was unlikely to ask for rent money. It was a gorgeous building. She could put her rooms as close to Sousuke as she thought was proper, and as near as he would allow. And if their relationship progressed where she hoped it would...
"If I were to be called away for a while, the building's security systems would still function adequately. And, if I was called away for..." Sousuke stopped momentarily, not wanting to consider certain possibilities at that time.
"I could still live here, and also help take care of the building for you." Kaname was impressed by Sousuke's line of reasoning. She wondered if he had thought about this before, or whether he had the same idea that she did when they walked in together.
"Yes." Sousuke's posture and look suggested that he was somewhat anxious.
"That's a very nice offer, Sousuke. Could I have some time to think things over?" Kaname didn't want to rush in to things and get Sousuke's hopes up, then think of some reason why she shouldn't have made her decision.
"Certainly, Kaname. I should go get some ice. Napkins would also be advisable." Sousuke left to gather up the items he had mentioned.
Kaname smiled. It certainly looked like Fate was offering her wonderful choices. Things were going more splendidly than she could ever have imagined. Did that mean she should start to worry? Was Destiny setting her up for some great fall?
Maybe. But, she would not worry about that tonight.
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After a leisurely and pleasant dinner, Sousuke cleared off the table and graciously allowed Kaname to help him.
"When I made dinner, you didn't have to clean up." Kaname put on a false pout.
"You told me I couldn't. At one time you threatened me with bodily harm." Sousuke placed plates and dished into a huge stainless steel sink basis and started the water.
"You're a soldier. Somebody is always offering you bodily harm. That doesn't stop you from doing your job, does it?" Kaname poured some liquid soap in. When there were enough bubbles, she scooped some out and threw them on Sousuke.
"I see what your idea of helping is, Kaname." Sousuke handed Kaname a large sprayer. "Why don't you just get it over with?" Sousuke gave Kaname a somewhat peeved look. "We were discussing help. If you remember correclty, I informed you that you did not need to offer any assiatnce."
"I know, Sousuke. I'm just a better person than you are, that's all. Nicer. Smarter. Better looking." Kaname smiled. "Besides, I've matured more than you have. I have no desire to squirt you with this hose. That would be childish."
"Fine. When we are done here, I will give you a----" Sousuke shook his head when a stream of water ran down from his hair and onto his chin. Looking at Kaname's grin, he thought of a response. It might scandalize himself more than Kaname, even though he would only be joking. "If you are intent on getting me all wet, you might as well come into the shower with me."
Kaname twitched. She squeezed the handle on the sprayer inadvertently, leaving a large wet spot on her skirt. That was not supposed to happen. His offer had caught her off guard, even if it was only in jest.
"OK. Let's go." Kaname put the hose away. She wanted to see what Sousuke would do next. "I hope it has big glass enclosure. That way, we will have plenty of room. Although, I won't mind if things get a bit tight."
Sousuke stood silently for a moment. Kaname was a crafty opponent. She had been studying his ways, just as he had been taking note of hers. He swallowed hard. What if Kaname had something risqué in mind? Should he follow through with it? He couldn't back down now. Also, it would help to let the dishes soak some before he finished them. "The top apartment has just such a shower. I will give you the tour on the way up."
"Great!" Kaname followed after Sousuke. She was certain he was just playing a game of brinksmanship, but couldn't be entirely certain. He had shown a growing capacity for affection, and had been willing to accept more and more attention from her. His education was proceeding nicely. She couldn't back down either.
Most of the rooms in the apartment building remained furnished, with beds, dressers, and tables, and chairs. All had full baths, and a majority had kitchenettes. A fair number of rooms had been redone radically, based on Sousuke's needs.
Kaname was shocked to hear that Sousuke made use of all of the bedrooms. He never slept in the same room for more than two nights in a row. While trying to convince him that such a security measure wasn't necessary, she was glad to learn that he know longer slept under his bed.
Sousuke showed her a library... a small gymnasium... an armory... an office... and an entertainment room. There was a large laundry facility was present in the basement, along with sizeable areas of storage. The top floor had the largest bedrooms, not to mention a small separate kitchen, a decadently large sitting area, and a enormous bathroom attached to the master suite.
"Will this suffice, Kaname?" Sousuke showed Kaname a large shower area, complete with a small sitting area inside the shower. The glass was brass edged and etched with heraldic scenes.
Kaname looked at the shower with a mixture of avarice and trepidation. It was wondrous. What she wouldn't give to be able to take a shower in that every morning!The large soaking tub next to the shower was also elegant beyond belief, lined with polished stone and bordered by imported tile-work.
Now, how should she play this out? Oh. That might be fun. But, it would be risky, and could leave her in a rather embarrassing situation. She had to take the risk! Kaname Chidori had been good and proper for years on end. She needed a chance to let things hang out a little, so to speak.
Besides, she thought she knew SousukeWhat was the chance that he would take things very far, or let her do the same?
"This room is amazing, Sousuke. It will do just fine. Why don't you get the water running?" Kaname held back a grin, watching the play of emotions across Sousuke's face. For a moment her imagination wandered, and it was her turn to blush when Sousuke looked over at her.
The water got hot very fast, and soon a great foggy cloud of steam filled the shower. Sousuke went through the motions of correcting the water temperature. A number of images ran through his mind, with his imagination filling in the enticing details.
"Uh... it appears that the shower is ready, Kaname. You may go in first, if you like. I will use it after you are finished. I should get us some towels." Sousuke swallowed hard again and turned to leave.
"The towels over there will do just fine, Sousuke." Kaname nodded towards a number of neatly folded towels on a fancy dresser. "And you asked me to get in the shower with you, right?" That ought to get an 'uhhh' or two.
"Uhhh... if that's what you want... uhhh... you may undress in here while I disrobe in the other room." Sousuke tried to keep his voice even. A small part of him was overly eager, but for the most part he simply felt nervous.
Kaname was playing, wasn't she?
"Now, what would be the fun in that?" Kaname licked her lips, figuring that would send Sousuke's pulse rate skyrocketing. "Why don't we get started..." She slowly unbuttoned her blouse, realizing that she actually wanted to have Sousuke look at her. "Come on, Sousuke. You too. This is not a strip joint, you know."
"I… you… affirmative." Sousuke fumbled with the buttons on his shirt momentarily, until he took a deep breath, set his jaw, and continued in a more controlled fashion. He could do this. There had been any number of times where he had seen naked women. Rescued prisoners. Victims in need of medical aid. Any number of different situations. But, none of them had been Kaname!
Kaname marveled at the change in Sousuke's physique. She pulled so hard on one button, that it popped off, leaving her holding a short pair of strings. He must work out a lot. But, it wasn't all blushes and giggles. She bit her lip. There were a number of rather nasty looking scars at various points on his body.
She dropped her blouse on the floor, feeling a good bit self-conscious. Sousuke followed suit.
They both stood there watching each other silently, until Kaname decided to make the next move. She unbuttoned her skirt and let in slide to the floor. She fought the urge to put her hands in front of her. She blushed when Sousuke looked at her legs.
Sousuke quickly averted his gaze. How far was this going to goIf Kaname took anything else off...
"Sousuke? What are you waiting for?" Kaname twitched . She was beginning to feel excited. That was not in the plan. She needed to stay focused. It was almost time for her move.
"Uhhh... yes. I will continue. My apologies." Sousuke turned slightly and took a glance at a large mirror. It showed a nice view of Kaname from behind. He blinked repeatedly. She looked just as nice from that angle.
"I'm sure it's a very nice mirror, Sousuke."
Sousuke mumbled an apology and unbuckled his belt... unbuttoned his button... undid his zipper... and let his pants slide down. He stepped out of them as resolutely as he could, feeling the cold air raising some goose bumps along his skin.
Kaname looked at Sousuke's legs, noting more scars there. No doubt, each scar had a tale to tell. Some day, if they grew close enough, she would want to hear each and every story. At the current moment however, she had a task to accomplish. Looking down at both their feet, she saw that everything was in place.
"Try not to drool, Sousuke. It's very unbecoming." She reached around behind her, as if she were going to unfasten her bra. Sousuke should be closing his eyes any moment now. Bingo!
Moving quickly, Kaname kicked her skirt and blouse out of Sousuke's reach... picked up Sousuke's clothing... then threw his pants and shirt into the shower. Grabbing her own clothes, she ran off laughing, looking for some place to get dressed again.
That all served a number of purposes, she told herself. It would make Sousuke less hesitant whenever she did want him to take his clothing off. And, of course, she had won that round. Big time!
When she was finished getting dressed, she expected to find Sousuke wrapped in a number of towels like a mummy, holding his sopping we pants and shirt. But, he was nowhere to be seen. "Sousuke?" She called out, looking around the large suite of rooms. There was still no sign of him. A trail of water led out into the hallway.
Trying to follow the tracks, Kaname cursed. Even in this playful situation, Sousuke was a soldier. He had obviously walked in various directions, leaving a number of false trails. "Sousuke, it was only a joke. Please don't be mad." Kaname checked in a number of rooms, without success. With every door she opened, she held her breath, her heart beating rapidly
Room by room, Sousuke covertly followed Kaname. It was good practice for him, and it allowed him to assess her talents in tracking and threat detection. He would allow this to go on for a while. There was little doubt in his mind that Kaname would grow more and more worried with each passing moment.
He would learn a thing or two in the process. For example, How long might it take her to go from worried to annoyed. Then, how long would it take to go from annoyed to angry.
"Please, Sousuke. I'm sorry. I was just having fun with you. There's no reason to be embarrassed or upset."
Sousuke smiled. That next room might get a response out of Kaname, especially if she didn't turn the light on first.
"AHHH!" There was the sound of falling things. The light went on. "Damn you, Sousuke!" Kaname had stumbled across a number of manikins he used to hold various uniforms and body armor. "You better hide, Mister!"
Sousuke had seen enough. It was time for him to head off to his walk-in closet and put some new clothes on. After that, he would sneak past Kaname and go back down to work in the kitchen. If she was clever, she would look there soon enough. It was a practical place for him to be.
If she wanted to search for him floor by floor and door by door, he would let her. It would teach her a valuable lesson.
It was never wise to toy with a Specialist. Especially the Specialist who owned the building!