"Full Marks!" Kaname beamed as she looked at her history paper. "This
one is going straight to my showcase." Her classmates began to crowd
around her.
"No way!" Shinji exclaimed, "You're the only one who got number 14 right."
"You're going to give Atsunobu-kun a run for his money," Kyouko chipped in. "Your grades are neck and neck with his."
"Oh, stop!" Kaname began to blush. "I'm not that good. Besides, this test was easy, if you just studied a little bit and-"She stopped suddenly as she noticed one person missing from the crowds around her. "Where's Sousuke?"
"Funny you should mention him," Shinji answered. He pointed at a desk at the corner of the room. There a spiky haired boy was looking intensely at his test... as if it were an enemy. Kaname got up and walked over to him. She gave him a sweet smile but he didn't notice. He was still glaring at the paper.
"Umm... are you okay, Sousuke?"
"Huh?" Sousuke looked up and saw a pretty blue haired girl smiling at him. "Oh, hello, Miss Chidori." He looked back at his test and gave a long sigh.
"Ooh, what did you get?" Kaname peered over his shoulder to see, and quickly jumped back. "WHAT!! Sousuke! You only got ten percent of the test right!" Sousuke's already gloomy face sunk even lower. Kaname's exclamation caught the other kids' attention and they all rushed towards Sousuke's desk.
"No way!" Kyouko looked with amazement. "I can't believe you got that wrong!"
"The US dropped the atom bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, not Tokyo and Mt. Fuji! You should have known that seeing as how your such a crazed otaku" Shinji exclaimed. "Sousuke... one more failing grade like this and you're going to be detained!"
Everyone else began to chide in, scoffing at Sousuke for getting the easiest questions wrong. Only Kaname kept silent, just watching Sousuke with gentle eyes. Thankfully for Sousuke the bell rang and he snatched his paper and ran out of the classroom, leaving his classmates just standing there, bewildered. Sousuke slowly passed the front gate and began strolling through the wooded path. He looked up to admire the trees, the rich green foliage shining so gracefully as the sun's rays danced on them ever so softly. He paused for a second, and then his stiff posture softened, his shoulders lowered, his defenses slowly fading, allowing him to take the beauty of the landscape in full delight.
"Sousuke!" He quickly snapped back to his rigid self as he turned to see who was calling him. He saw Kaname running towards him, and he felt his heart flutter as she subtly glowed in her simple radiance. She stopped a few feet away from him, breathing hard as she caught her breath.
"Miss Chidori, is something the matter?"
"No... well, yea... I mean..." she paused for a second and gave a sigh. She looked at him with sad eyes and bowed. "I'm sorry."
Sousuke was startled at this. "Sorry? For what, Miss Chidori?"
"Well, if I hadn't yelled out your grade in front of the class, you wouldn't have had to put up with them criticizing your test."
"That's alright," he replied, "I should have studied harder for it."
"Well, I know Japanese history isn't your greatest subject, so if you want, I'd be happy to help you for the next test."
"That would be great, Miss Chidori. Thank you."
"Oh, it's nothing. So, when do you want to start?"
"How about tomorrow, if you aren't busy?"
"Tomorrow is great! Well, see you!" Kaname waved goodbye as she ran passed him. Sousuke felt the tip of her hair tickle his chin, and a warm feeling surged in his body. Tomorrow then...
"Sousuke!" Sousuke felt a sharp pain in his head and a ringing in his ears as Kaname whacked him with a paper fan. "This isn't nap time you know. You want to pass the test or what?"
"Sorry," he replied. "What are we on now?"
"Okay, pay attention. In 1191, the Zen sect was introduced, and a year after that, Minamoto Yoritomo is appointed as the shogun and he establishes the Kamakura government. Also-"Kaname stopped as she noticed Sousuke's eyes droop and his head tilting to one side. She let out a low growl and tapped on her fan. She was about to give him another good whacking when Sousuke suddenly jerked up and snapped out of his little doze.
"Reporting for duty sir!" He looked around the room with a totally blank face. 'What? Where am I?' He looked at the table next to him and saw his history books and notes laid out in disarray. He also noticed Kaname studying him with a concerned expression. "Oh." He let out a long sigh. He and Kaname had been studying for days, and he knew little more than when they first began. "I appreciate all your help Miss Chidori, but I think we should stop studying. I haven't been able to absorb anything we've covered." He reached for his books, but a gentle hand stop him.
"It's all in your head," Kaname said softly. "You just need to relax. You're all tense. You won't recall all this information if you don't loosen up."
"How can I relax?" He asked. The stress was finally breaking him. "The test is tomorrow, and I don't know a thing!"
"Yes you do, but you've got too many things in your head. Just focus. Just take a deep breath and concentrate. I think you keep failing your tests because you won't let go of some of that pressure."
Sousuke did as he was told. He felt himself go into a trance as his mind cleared like sand trickling out an hourglass. He then felt soft hands rub his shoulders and he turned his head, his face bearing his naïve look. "Umm, Miss Chidori? What are you doing?"
"Well," Kaname was blushing, "since you still keep tensing up, I thought a massage would help. It'll loosen you up, and you'll be able to focus more."
She worked slowly, trailing her hands from his shoulders to his back. As she did this, she asked him about the first Shogunate. To both of their surprises, Sousuke was able to answer every question right.
"What did I tell you?" Kaname beamed. "You did know all of this. You just needed to relax."
"Thank you Miss Chidori." Sousuke could feel his back still tingling from where she worked him with her hands, firm and soothing. "I enjoyed tonight's session."
"Just don't get the idea that I'll give you a full spa treatment every time you can't f ocus." Kaname looked at her watch and gasped. "It's past midnight already, and we haven't even had any dinner."
"Oh, that's quite alright, Miss Chidori. During a mission in Nepal we- "
"It not alright! I'm hungry! It's too late to order, and I don't have anything prepared." Kaname looked at her watch again and nodded her head. "Come one Sgt. Get some pans out and boil some water."
"But Miss Chidori, I-"
"No buts!" Kaname gave him a look that told Sousuke not to question any more orders. "Just do what I tell you and I'll just cook some ramen."
She worked quickly with grace and exactness. She added some seasoning and broth. Finding some grub in the fridge, she began preparing those too. The smell was agonizing for Sousuke. He knew Kaname's cooking was like tasting heaven, but he never actually watched her prepare them. He looked on, watching like a wolf that just spotted a tender calf. His insides craved for food, and he was doing all he could to keep his stomach from roaring.
"It's finished." Kaname sampled the food and smiled. "Would you mind setting the-"She broke off her sentence as she watched Sousuke scramble for dishes and utensils, setting the table in seconds. She grinned at the scar-faced boy. "This from the guy who didn't want anything to eat."
As they ate, Kaname continued him. When they cleared up, Sousuke's stomach and mind was full.
"It's very late. I should go now Miss Chidori."
"You're leaving? At this hour?"
"Yes. Do not worry. I'll be safe." Sousuke patted his leg, looking pretty smug. Kaname knew he probably had a gun strapped or some other weapon she dreaded.
"Why don't you stay tonight? Save yourself some trouble."
"Oh, I couldn't do that, Miss Chidori. It's not polite to sleep over- "
"Nonsense! As long as you don't try anything funny, there no problem. You should also know it's impolite to refuse offers."
"I'm sorry, Miss Chidori. Thank you for your hospitality."
"No biggie. I'll get the futon out while you get your things ready. If you need to use the bathroom, it the first door in the hallway." Sousuke bowed slightly and headed towards the bathroom to freshen up. When he came back out, he was surprised to see Kaname lying in the futon with her things. She had changed into silky red pajama, her hair loose and free. Sousuke felt something stir inside him, but he quickly brushed it off.
"Miss Chidori, why aren't you in your room?"
Kaname looked over his direction. He was dressed in baggy cotton pj's. He kept the top unbuttoned. Kaname blushed as he saw his chest was hard and his abs chiseled. She gathered herself and tried to regain composure
"Guests should be given the finest treatment possible. Dad told me that every time we had someone stay over. That mean you sleep in my room. Go on ahead. I'll be fine."
Sousuke shook his head. "I can't do that Miss Chidori. This is your place. You've already been so kind. I'll sleep on the futon and you can have your room back."
"I'm fine, Sousuke. Go on!"
"I'll stay, thank you."
"No! You're a guest and so you will sleep in my bed! That's an order!"
"I'm afraid I cannot comply."
"Sousuke!" Kaname's temper was rising again. Her breath was now ragged and sharp. "Sleep... in... my... bed... NOW!!"
"I will do with the futon, thank you very much." Sousuke lied down in the futon and stayed there."
"I'm not budging, Sousuke. Either you take my room or you'll have to sleep with me."
"I am used to sleeping in close quarters with others." Sousuke shifted to make himself comfortable and slept on his side. Kaname felt a sweatdrop. His voice was clear and unattached. How was she going to get out of this one? She was willing to yield, but her mind was too stubborn. She merely let out a huff and remained steadfast.
"Okay, fine by me. But I'm staying here too." She was a little apprehensive. No one ever slept in the same bed as her before. Even in slumber parties she always slept alone in a corner or somewhere alone. This night was a little too close for comfort. 'Get a hold of yourself, Kaname! It's just Sousuke. Stupid, clueless Sousuke. Nothing's going to happen. Nothing...'
The sun peeked through Kaname's lacey curtains; it's rays dancing playfully across her body. Kaname twitched as the subtle light shone on her face. She didn't want to wake up. She had the most wonderful dream last night, and she didn't want to let it go. Yet something caught her senses that caused her to stir once more. She smelled a strong scent around her, but she found it... arousing. She was resting next to something smooth and hard. And warm... very warm. It moved in syncopated rhythm, soft and lulling. She could also swear that something was beating in unhurried flow. She finally opened her eyes, wanting to know what was it that caused her heart to race and flutter. What she saw quickly made her heart sink back like a snapped elevator.
"......aaaaaaAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"
"No way!" Shinji exclaimed, "You're the only one who got number 14 right."
"You're going to give Atsunobu-kun a run for his money," Kyouko chipped in. "Your grades are neck and neck with his."
"Oh, stop!" Kaname began to blush. "I'm not that good. Besides, this test was easy, if you just studied a little bit and-"She stopped suddenly as she noticed one person missing from the crowds around her. "Where's Sousuke?"
"Funny you should mention him," Shinji answered. He pointed at a desk at the corner of the room. There a spiky haired boy was looking intensely at his test... as if it were an enemy. Kaname got up and walked over to him. She gave him a sweet smile but he didn't notice. He was still glaring at the paper.
"Umm... are you okay, Sousuke?"
"Huh?" Sousuke looked up and saw a pretty blue haired girl smiling at him. "Oh, hello, Miss Chidori." He looked back at his test and gave a long sigh.
"Ooh, what did you get?" Kaname peered over his shoulder to see, and quickly jumped back. "WHAT!! Sousuke! You only got ten percent of the test right!" Sousuke's already gloomy face sunk even lower. Kaname's exclamation caught the other kids' attention and they all rushed towards Sousuke's desk.
"No way!" Kyouko looked with amazement. "I can't believe you got that wrong!"
"The US dropped the atom bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, not Tokyo and Mt. Fuji! You should have known that seeing as how your such a crazed otaku" Shinji exclaimed. "Sousuke... one more failing grade like this and you're going to be detained!"
Everyone else began to chide in, scoffing at Sousuke for getting the easiest questions wrong. Only Kaname kept silent, just watching Sousuke with gentle eyes. Thankfully for Sousuke the bell rang and he snatched his paper and ran out of the classroom, leaving his classmates just standing there, bewildered. Sousuke slowly passed the front gate and began strolling through the wooded path. He looked up to admire the trees, the rich green foliage shining so gracefully as the sun's rays danced on them ever so softly. He paused for a second, and then his stiff posture softened, his shoulders lowered, his defenses slowly fading, allowing him to take the beauty of the landscape in full delight.
"Sousuke!" He quickly snapped back to his rigid self as he turned to see who was calling him. He saw Kaname running towards him, and he felt his heart flutter as she subtly glowed in her simple radiance. She stopped a few feet away from him, breathing hard as she caught her breath.
"Miss Chidori, is something the matter?"
"No... well, yea... I mean..." she paused for a second and gave a sigh. She looked at him with sad eyes and bowed. "I'm sorry."
Sousuke was startled at this. "Sorry? For what, Miss Chidori?"
"Well, if I hadn't yelled out your grade in front of the class, you wouldn't have had to put up with them criticizing your test."
"That's alright," he replied, "I should have studied harder for it."
"Well, I know Japanese history isn't your greatest subject, so if you want, I'd be happy to help you for the next test."
"That would be great, Miss Chidori. Thank you."
"Oh, it's nothing. So, when do you want to start?"
"How about tomorrow, if you aren't busy?"
"Tomorrow is great! Well, see you!" Kaname waved goodbye as she ran passed him. Sousuke felt the tip of her hair tickle his chin, and a warm feeling surged in his body. Tomorrow then...
"Sousuke!" Sousuke felt a sharp pain in his head and a ringing in his ears as Kaname whacked him with a paper fan. "This isn't nap time you know. You want to pass the test or what?"
"Sorry," he replied. "What are we on now?"
"Okay, pay attention. In 1191, the Zen sect was introduced, and a year after that, Minamoto Yoritomo is appointed as the shogun and he establishes the Kamakura government. Also-"Kaname stopped as she noticed Sousuke's eyes droop and his head tilting to one side. She let out a low growl and tapped on her fan. She was about to give him another good whacking when Sousuke suddenly jerked up and snapped out of his little doze.
"Reporting for duty sir!" He looked around the room with a totally blank face. 'What? Where am I?' He looked at the table next to him and saw his history books and notes laid out in disarray. He also noticed Kaname studying him with a concerned expression. "Oh." He let out a long sigh. He and Kaname had been studying for days, and he knew little more than when they first began. "I appreciate all your help Miss Chidori, but I think we should stop studying. I haven't been able to absorb anything we've covered." He reached for his books, but a gentle hand stop him.
"It's all in your head," Kaname said softly. "You just need to relax. You're all tense. You won't recall all this information if you don't loosen up."
"How can I relax?" He asked. The stress was finally breaking him. "The test is tomorrow, and I don't know a thing!"
"Yes you do, but you've got too many things in your head. Just focus. Just take a deep breath and concentrate. I think you keep failing your tests because you won't let go of some of that pressure."
Sousuke did as he was told. He felt himself go into a trance as his mind cleared like sand trickling out an hourglass. He then felt soft hands rub his shoulders and he turned his head, his face bearing his naïve look. "Umm, Miss Chidori? What are you doing?"
"Well," Kaname was blushing, "since you still keep tensing up, I thought a massage would help. It'll loosen you up, and you'll be able to focus more."
She worked slowly, trailing her hands from his shoulders to his back. As she did this, she asked him about the first Shogunate. To both of their surprises, Sousuke was able to answer every question right.
"What did I tell you?" Kaname beamed. "You did know all of this. You just needed to relax."
"Thank you Miss Chidori." Sousuke could feel his back still tingling from where she worked him with her hands, firm and soothing. "I enjoyed tonight's session."
"Just don't get the idea that I'll give you a full spa treatment every time you can't f ocus." Kaname looked at her watch and gasped. "It's past midnight already, and we haven't even had any dinner."
"Oh, that's quite alright, Miss Chidori. During a mission in Nepal we- "
"It not alright! I'm hungry! It's too late to order, and I don't have anything prepared." Kaname looked at her watch again and nodded her head. "Come one Sgt. Get some pans out and boil some water."
"But Miss Chidori, I-"
"No buts!" Kaname gave him a look that told Sousuke not to question any more orders. "Just do what I tell you and I'll just cook some ramen."
She worked quickly with grace and exactness. She added some seasoning and broth. Finding some grub in the fridge, she began preparing those too. The smell was agonizing for Sousuke. He knew Kaname's cooking was like tasting heaven, but he never actually watched her prepare them. He looked on, watching like a wolf that just spotted a tender calf. His insides craved for food, and he was doing all he could to keep his stomach from roaring.
"It's finished." Kaname sampled the food and smiled. "Would you mind setting the-"She broke off her sentence as she watched Sousuke scramble for dishes and utensils, setting the table in seconds. She grinned at the scar-faced boy. "This from the guy who didn't want anything to eat."
As they ate, Kaname continued him. When they cleared up, Sousuke's stomach and mind was full.
"It's very late. I should go now Miss Chidori."
"You're leaving? At this hour?"
"Yes. Do not worry. I'll be safe." Sousuke patted his leg, looking pretty smug. Kaname knew he probably had a gun strapped or some other weapon she dreaded.
"Why don't you stay tonight? Save yourself some trouble."
"Oh, I couldn't do that, Miss Chidori. It's not polite to sleep over- "
"Nonsense! As long as you don't try anything funny, there no problem. You should also know it's impolite to refuse offers."
"I'm sorry, Miss Chidori. Thank you for your hospitality."
"No biggie. I'll get the futon out while you get your things ready. If you need to use the bathroom, it the first door in the hallway." Sousuke bowed slightly and headed towards the bathroom to freshen up. When he came back out, he was surprised to see Kaname lying in the futon with her things. She had changed into silky red pajama, her hair loose and free. Sousuke felt something stir inside him, but he quickly brushed it off.
"Miss Chidori, why aren't you in your room?"
Kaname looked over his direction. He was dressed in baggy cotton pj's. He kept the top unbuttoned. Kaname blushed as he saw his chest was hard and his abs chiseled. She gathered herself and tried to regain composure
"Guests should be given the finest treatment possible. Dad told me that every time we had someone stay over. That mean you sleep in my room. Go on ahead. I'll be fine."
Sousuke shook his head. "I can't do that Miss Chidori. This is your place. You've already been so kind. I'll sleep on the futon and you can have your room back."
"I'm fine, Sousuke. Go on!"
"I'll stay, thank you."
"No! You're a guest and so you will sleep in my bed! That's an order!"
"I'm afraid I cannot comply."
"Sousuke!" Kaname's temper was rising again. Her breath was now ragged and sharp. "Sleep... in... my... bed... NOW!!"
"I will do with the futon, thank you very much." Sousuke lied down in the futon and stayed there."
"I'm not budging, Sousuke. Either you take my room or you'll have to sleep with me."
"I am used to sleeping in close quarters with others." Sousuke shifted to make himself comfortable and slept on his side. Kaname felt a sweatdrop. His voice was clear and unattached. How was she going to get out of this one? She was willing to yield, but her mind was too stubborn. She merely let out a huff and remained steadfast.
"Okay, fine by me. But I'm staying here too." She was a little apprehensive. No one ever slept in the same bed as her before. Even in slumber parties she always slept alone in a corner or somewhere alone. This night was a little too close for comfort. 'Get a hold of yourself, Kaname! It's just Sousuke. Stupid, clueless Sousuke. Nothing's going to happen. Nothing...'
The sun peeked through Kaname's lacey curtains; it's rays dancing playfully across her body. Kaname twitched as the subtle light shone on her face. She didn't want to wake up. She had the most wonderful dream last night, and she didn't want to let it go. Yet something caught her senses that caused her to stir once more. She smelled a strong scent around her, but she found it... arousing. She was resting next to something smooth and hard. And warm... very warm. It moved in syncopated rhythm, soft and lulling. She could also swear that something was beating in unhurried flow. She finally opened her eyes, wanting to know what was it that caused her heart to race and flutter. What she saw quickly made her heart sink back like a snapped elevator.
"......aaaaaaAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"