Chapter Five: Date at Midnight Garden
In the last chapter, Kurama was informed that Raven was a reincarnated demon. He took it quite well. Yusuke and Kuwabara are teasing Kurama right now about his "feelings" for Raven. Of course he denies it, but he can't help but wonder if it's true. Kurama is now lost in thought. Raven goes to the table with their drinks in hand.
Raven: Hi guys. I have your drinks here. puts them on the table You guys ready to order?
Yusuke: I'm ready!
Kuwabara: Me too!
Raven: Are you ready Shuichi?
Kurama: I still need a minute. (blushing)
Yusuke: Oh come on Kurama! Choose already!!!
Kuwabara: Yeah Kurama. You should just pick somethingso we canget on with our lives.
Kurama: I just need a minute! (glares at them)
Raven: Kurama? Is that a nickname?
Kurama: Huh?! (blushes) Uh… yes! It's just a meaningless nickname that my friends call me when I'm not in school. (nervous laughter)
Yusuke/Kuwabara: Nice cover…
Raven: I like that name. Do you mind if I call you that Shuichi?
Kurama: Uh… (squeaks it out) I don't mind!
Raven: Okay. I'll come back when you're ready Shu… I mean… Kurama. (smiles and walks inside the restaurant)
Kurama: (sigh of relief and looks at Yusuke and Kuwabara who were grinning) What are you guys staring at?
Yusuke: And you said you didn't like her.
Kuwabara: Yeah… I've never seen you break down like that before.
Kurama: I'm just a little jumpy today. That's all. (hides his face behind the menu)
Yusuke: Admit it. You like her.
Kurama: Let's not start this conversation again.
Yusuke: Come on! Just date her! It'll make the job easier.
Kuwabara: Plus it saves us time!
Kurama: Listen! (puts hand down on tea pot) I'm not going to ask the girl out just so you can slack off!
Both: Uh… Kurama.
Kurama: And even if I did like her, it wouldn't make a difference. The only difference it makes is that she has feelings for me!
Both: Uh… Kurama.
Kurama: What?!
Both: Your hand.
Kurama: What? (looks) AH! Hot!!!! (blows on hand to cool down)
Kuwabara: I'll help you! (pours drink on his hand)
Kurama: Geez… thanks Kuwabara…
Yusuke: Yeah, you did a good thing… (sarcastically)
Kuwabara: Aw man! You made me spill my drink Kurama!
Kurama: You're the one who wanted to help!
Yusuke: You can always get a refill Kuwabara.
Raven: (comes to the table) You guys ready now?
Kurama: Yes. I'll have the Mandarin Salad.
Yusuke: I'll have the Sushi Special.
Kuwabara: And I'll have the Burger Giant.
Raven: Great! I'll go and place your orders with my friend and we'll talk some more.
All: Okay!
Raven: Hey Anna!
Anna: Coming! (goes down the hall with roller skates)
Raven: Oh no! Not again! (tries to get out of the way)
Anna: AAAHHH!!!! Going too fast!!!!!
Raven: Anna stop!
Anna: I can't! Watch out! (bumps into Raven and then the thorn bush)
Raven: (lands on Kurama) Ow… you okay Anna?
Anna: I'll be… ow… alright. Just need to… ow… pluck out the thorns again… ow!
Kurama: (face in Raven's chest and mumbling something)
Raven: Huh? (looks at Kurama who's between her breasts) Oh, sorry Kurama. (gets off)
Kurama: (eyes are wide and face red as his hair) T-that's alright… (gulps) I'm sure that was an accident.
Raven: (smiles) Anna, I need you to take these orders to the kitchen.
Anna: Okiedokie Smokey… (reaching to get list of orders) Ow… I'll bring them… remind me to go get an ambulance later.
Raven: Alright Anna. watches her crawl back to the restaurant You okay Kurama? Kurama: Yes… I'm alright. (blushing still)
Yusuke: Seems like you had a nice view of her Kurama. (dirty smile)
Kuwabara: Did you see anything?
Kurama: (glares and sips tea)
Raven: (not really understanding the conversation0 Yusuke, Kuwabara… do you have any questions about me since we're soon going to be friends?
Yusuke: Yeah, I have one! Are you and Kurama going out?
Kurama: (almost spits out tea)
Kuwabara: (ducks to get out of range)
Kurama: Did you have to ask that?!
Yusuke: I'm just curious. If it bothers you so much then kill me.
Kurama: I think I might!
Raven: (scratching head) What do you mean by "going out?"
All: (faint)
Yusuke: You seriously don't know what going out is?
Raven: (weak smile)
Kurama: (thinking) Thank god for her memory loss.
Yusuke: (sighs) Well, it's when a guy likes a girl or vice-versa. They usually go out to restaurants, movies, walks, or shopping. Then when the relationship gets to a high point, they both have… (mouth gets covered by Kurama)
Kurama: Ha… we don't need to go that far Yusuke.
Raven: (still confused, but thinks about it)
Kuwabara: Maybe you need to experience it head on. (looks at Kurama)
Yusuke: (does the same thing but with mouth still covered)
Kurama: (pinching Yusuke's mouth) I'm sure that will be later guys.
Raven: Kurama…
Kurama: Yes? (glances at Raven)
Raven: Can I…
Anna: (comes to the table) FOOD HERE!
Yusuke/Kuwabara: Yeah baby!!!! (begin to eat food like animals)
Kurama: Guys! We're at a public restaurant! (feels a tug on his sleeve and looks) Raven?
Raven: Can I talk to you alone?
Kurama: Why yes, of course. (gets dragged by Raven to the back of the building) What is the matter?
Raven: (blushing) Would you like… to go… to the piano recital tomorrow? My boss gave me an extra ticket, so… I was hoping to bring you along. (poking fingers) Is this kind of like "going out?"
Kurama: (surprised) Raven?
Raven: (looks up) Yes?
Kurama: Have you been thinking about this for some time? (stares)
Raven: Yes… I didn't know how to ask you and what you were going to say. When Yusuke said "going out," it got me thinking a lot more… about…
Kurama: About what?
Raven: (hair covering eyes and blushing like crazy) Well… I've been keeping things to myself for a while now. I've never even gave it a second thought until now. I kind of like you Shuichi. You may think I'm an idiot for saying that, for a lot of girls in our school say that.
Kurama: That obvious, huh? (scratching the back of his head)
Raven: Uh… so do you want to come tomorrow. (biting lower lip) I understand if you don't…
Kurama: I'll go with you. Is this a formal concert? (smiling)
Raven: (looking at the floor) Y…yes. So… it's okay?
Kurama: (nods0 It was bound to happen sometime. It's just so funny.
Raven: What is?
Kurama: How you change your personality around different people. First you were a girl who didn't really understand a thing my friends were saying, and here you are asking me out with that same sweet, innocent tone you used ever since we first met. Also… I was about to ask you out later on in the week, but this was a change of plans.
Raven: I'm that easy to read huh? You forgot one thing.
Kurama: What's that? (tilts head a little0
Raven: My clumsiness. (pouting)
Kurama: (laughs) Is that it? You can't be as bad as the other girl earlier! I mean… did you see her crash into that thorn bush?! That was priceless! I know you can't do that! (holding his stomach and still laughing)
Raven: (trying to refrain from laughing) I… guess… you're right! (laughs with him)
Kurama: Okay… (breathes in hard) I'm done. So do you want me to pick you up or meet you somewhere?
Raven: You can pick me up. How about around twelve?
Kurama: Alright. (smiles) Can you give me the address?
Raven: Uh… (writes it down on one of the bill thingies) Here!
Kurama: Thank you.
After a little while of talking and having fun, Hiei joins them. He just plops down in a chair near Kurama. His expression is just like the normal, agitated face that's unmistakable.
Hiei: …
Kurama: Fancy meeting you here, Hiei. (sips tea)
Hiei: Hn…
Kurama: I guess you have been involved with the mission too?
Hiei: What do you think? (glaring)
Kurama: (smiles) No matter what you say; you'll always get involved even if you say you're not interested.
Hiei: Do you always do that? I hear that you're going with the girl tomorrow. Do you know what you're getting into?
Kurama: Yes. (continues drinking tea)
Hiei: You just can't help yourself now can you?!
Kurama: What can I say? She's a very smart, innocent, young lady. A combination that strikes my interest. She's also a very lovely woman to be around with. (smiles)
Hiei: Someday your interests will kill you. You flirt with death too much.
Kurama: (still smiling) I'd rather take the challenge than to let it flow by like a river.
Hiei: (sighs) Sometimes you can be so naïve.
Kurama: (still smiling)
The next day, Raven was setting things up. She was cleaning and washing. She was still in her pajamas. This time it was tight, black shorts and tang top with white letters that say, "Drama Queen" on it. She then goes to take a shower. Meanwhile in Kurama's room…
Kurama: (in underwear) Great… what am I going to wear? I don't want anything too fancy… although this is a formal concert. AH! I'll just stick with a solid color. (sits on his bed and sighs) But which one? I have maroon, burgundy, taupe, green, yellow with green, scarlet, white, and black outfits to choose from. (just stares at the closet and finally decides) I'll wear black today! (changes into the clothes)
Kurama chose a solid, long sleeved, shirt that has clear buttons on the front. He also chose black slacks with black dress shoes and white socks. He places a black jacket on his bed and goes to the bathroom to comb and gel his hair. Now at Raven's apartment…
Raven: (out of shower and in her room in the nude) Hmmm… let's see… (sighs) I don't have much variety for formal clothes. I guess I can wear white today. Or should I wear violet? White is fine I guess. Yes, I'll choose white.
Raven chooses a loose, white, button up shirt that has silver dragons on the bottom and on her cuffs. She also is wearing white slacks with black dress shoes. She goes to the living room to show Ren. Ren nods in approval.
Raven: You think it looks good? (laughs) I almost forgot my hat.
Ren: (barks)
Raven: There we go! (looks in a mirror) I don't look that bad. (goes over to the lily) You're growing quite well now. I'm sure Kurama will be happy to see you so big. What time is it? (looks over) It's only 11:30. Thirty more minutes… or sooner. (sits on the couch and waits)
Kurama: Okay… now that I'm ready I can head over to Raven's. I hope she doesn't mind me coming early. (goes out of the house with one rose in his hand)
Kurama follows the directions given to him on the previous night. He manages to get there only to see quite a big building. As he enters the lobby, he is quite surprised of what he sees. There was a chandelier, lovely furnishings, and a good looking stair case to go up to the other floors. Kurama: goes to the lobby assistant to find out which room Raven lives. Apparently, Raven forgot to give him the room number. He just walks up to the counter.
Lobby man: Can I help you young man?
Kurama: Uh, yes. Can you tell me which room Raven Mikako lives?
Lobby man: Oh… you mean "Little Miss Raven?" She's in the second floor in room 24. She's a sweet little girl you know.
Kurama: I know that much. Thank you very much.
Lobby man: You're welcome.
Kurama: (goes to the second floor) Okay let's see here. Room 19... 20... 21... 22... 23... And 24. Well, here I am. knocks on the door
door opens
Raven: Oh! Kurama… I didn't expect you to come so soon. (blushes)
Kurama: What's wrong? (looks lower and sees Raven's shirt halfway open from the top revealing some of her chest and bra) AH! (looks away and blushes) I t-think you should get dressed before you open the door any further.
Raven: (buttons up her shirt) Please… come in.
Kurama: (enters) This is a nice place. Everything a young woman like you needs.
Raven: Thank you. Would you like anything? A glass of water or juice?
Kurama: Water is fine. I have something for you. (puts hand out to give the rose )
Raven: Huh? Oh, Kurama. It's beautiful. (looks at him then reaches)
Raven reached out to get the rose, but she stopped a centimeter away from Kurama's hand. She looked up and both of their eyes met. They stood like that for a minute until Raven snapped out of it. She then took the rose out of Kurama's hand gently. When Kurama felt Raven's hand stroke against his; his arm started to feel numb. He didn't understand it, but it felt quite good. Raven went to put the rose in a vial. Kurama just sat on the couch waiting for Raven.
Kurama: (thinking) That was weird. For a moment there it felt as if I was hypnotized, and what happened to my arm? When she touched my hand it went numb or something; although, it felt so delightful and even pleasurable. Oh… what in the world am I thinking?
Raven: Kurama? Are you okay?
Kurama: What? Oh… I'm sorry Raven. I must have been distracted.
Raven: You seemed like it. Here's your water. (hands it to him)
Kurama: Thank you. 9takes it and drinks hastily then coughs)
Raven: You should be careful Kurama. You're going to choke.
Kurama: I'm sorry. I have a lot in my mind. So when are we going to go?
Raven: (petting Ren0 We still have at least 40 minutes until the recital opens for lines. You want to just talk?
Kurama: That's fine. Is that your dog?
Raven: Yup. Her name is Ren. She loves to be pet here.
Kurama: May I pet her?
Raven: Sure.
Kurama: (pets Ren on the head)
Ren: (smiles and barks)
Kurama: Raven…
Raven: Yes?
Kurama: I see you've been taking care of the lily.
Raven: (blushes) Uh… yeah. I did.
Kurama: You've done a marvelous job.
Raven: Thanks.
They just talk for the rest of the time they have. When it was time, they headed to the piano recital. They took their seats and watched the background as the pianist played. Raven leaned on Kurama's shoulder as the minutes went by. Kurama was just holding her hand with his fingers entwined with hers. Kurama was very calm and Raven… she was experiencing for the first time what affection meant. Although she just knew Kurama for a month; she felt as if she knew him for years. Kurama was feeling quite comfortable now. After about three hours, Kurama and Raven got out of the building.
Kurama: That was a very good concert.
Raven: Yes, it was. What do we do now? (walking with Kurama)
Kurama: Do you want to go to Midnight Garden again?
Raven: Alright.
Kurama and Raven get to Midnight Garden. They both sit on a bench under a huge Cherry Blossom tree. There were also some strange white flowers accompanied with dark violet flowers in the area. The aroma in the area was pleasant, but was unfamiliar. Kurama was getting dizzy after a few minutes in that area. Raven noticed this about Kurama.
Raven: Kurama, are you okay?
Kurama: (holding his head) I'm fine… just a bit dizzy. Don't worry about it.
Raven: Okay. Uh… Kurama?
Kurama: Yes?
Raven: I was wondering something. What's a "kiss?"
Kurama: (eyes widen) What did you say? (now he's out of dizziness)
Raven: I said what's a "kiss?"
Kurama: Okay… (blushes) Um… how can I explain this? (scratching head)
Raven: (just stares at Kurama waiting for an answer)
Kurama: It's when two people come really close together, and…
Raven: And what?
Kurama: Uh… their lips touch each other. There's different methods of kissing, but I'm not going into detail.
Raven: So that's what it is. That seems like a ridiculous thing to get crazy about.
Kurama: Excuse me?
Raven: I was eating lunch when I heard a group of girls talking about something. It turned out that one of the girls had been kissed by this really cute guy. I didn't really see the point in all that excitement.
Kurama: I guess it's probably the different method that guy did that made her excited. (eyes lines and dots)
Raven: Seems pathetic. (playing around with a leaf)
Kurama: Well, most girls would think that's a good thing. But I guess you're not the type for that stuff?
Raven: I not saying I'm the type. I'm just saying that I don't really understand these things. This is the first time I'm trying to understand this "going out" thing after all.
Kurama: Well, maybe you just need to figure it out by experiencing it. (leans in to Raven)
Raven: Wait… Kurama? I don't like that look on your face, and the way your scooting closer.
Kurama: I'm not doing anything. (playful tone)
Raven: I'm warning you! (scooting back) I'll…
It was too late. Kurama already planted that sucker on Raven's mouth. He was still kissing her with his eyes closed, but Raven's eyes were wide open and she was blushing. After a minute or so he finally parted from her mouth. He just sat back and looked at her expression and just smirked.
Raven: (blinks a few times) Uh… wow.
Kurama: (still smiling) Do you understand now?
Raven: (just stares and pouts) You did that on purpose.
Kurama: What makes you say that? (smiles)
Raven: (throws her hat in his face) Don't tease me like that!
Kurama: It sure looked like you enjoyed yourself. (mocking tone)
Raven: You're so mean. (blushing) But you're right. I did enjoy that.
Kurama: (playful tone) Do you want another one?
Raven: (hits him on the chest playfully) Don't get your hopes up, but maybe later.
Kurama: You're no fun.
Raven: (sticks out tongue) So? (looks up) Wow. It got dark all of sudden. Ah, look at the moon! It's so bright! (stands up)
Kurama: (gets up too) Should we head back?
Raven: Yeah… (eyes narrow)
Kurama: What's wrong?
Raven: I'm so stiff… around the shoulders…
Kurama: I'll help you with that when we get back.
Raven: Thanks…
When they get back, Kurama goes to Raven's room to help with Raven's stiffness. Kurama just takes off his jacket and sits in the middle of the bed. Raven comes and sits in front of Kurama. Kurama just places his hands on her shoulders.
Kurama: Yeah… you're stiff around here.
Raven: (guides his hands to a different spot) I'm mostly stiff right here.
Kurama: Okay, let me just adjust something.
Raven: Alright.
Kurama brought his arms in front of Raven from behind and started to unbutton her shirt about halfway. He then put her hair to the side so he won't pull at them. Kurama slowly slid his soft hands to her neck and down under the straps on her shoulders, taking his time. He let the straps fall over her arms, leaving her shoulder bare for him to work on. He started massaging Raven's shoulders and the back of her neck with his hands and his slender fingers. Then he went to her back where she said where most of the stiffness is.
Raven: (blushing) You're really good at this Kurama.
Kurama: Thanks. Are you fine right now?
Raven: Do you mind if you go lower?
Kurama: No. Is it here? (messages the lower part of her back)
Raven: (blush and pants) Yeah…
Kurama: Okay.
As Kurama continues to massage her back, Raven started to relax. She closed her eyes at the strange feeling. His touch made her feel so strange. She did not understand it, but she couldn't help but get more. She lost yourself in the feeling and didn't even feel Kurama getting closer and closer to her until he had his chest against her back. Raven, as if in a trance, leaned back, still with closed eyes. Kurama kept smelling a weird and wonderful scent, but he didn't pay attention. Kurama lowered his head to Raven's neck, right under her ear and started to lick her jaw line. Raven shivered when she felt his tongue sliding up against her neck. She let out a small moan when she felt his hot breath dancing on her skin. Then Kurama slid his hands from where they laid at her shoulders and down her arms slowly, caressing them and increasing the contact between their bodies. He slid his hands until he was holding both of Raven's hands in his. Kurama held his eyes closed. He had lost control of his body. He felt goose bumps all over his body as he held Raven close to him. He wanted more. He brushed his lips on her neck and she instinctively turned her head to the side, giving him full access to her neck as if in a surrender. Kurama's eyes went wide opened glowing gold. Kurama moved Raven on her back.
Raven: Oh Kurama…
A/N: Okay... I'm done with this chapter. Please review. I'm going to be embarrassed about the next chapter.
