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"Random Subject Prompts"
Chapter 027: Kazuya "Naru" Shibuya
Anime: Ghost Hunt
Prompt: Ice cream
Chapter Warning(s):
Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who reviewed, followed, and added this series of prompts to their favorites list! (:
KH*KS*KH*KS
Shibuya Psychic Research
Mai Taniyama stared with intense reddish-brown eyes at the coupons held tightly within her grasp as if they held the answers to the universe. In some ways perhaps they did. Her current universe, for example, lay in the hands of Fate – and if she could work up the courage to ask one Kazuya "Naru" Shibuya a very important question.
The coupons were for a new ice cream parlor that had opened up not too far from their headquarters, and the shop was running a special for couples. It wasn't necessarily for couples in romantic relationships but it was definitely implied.
And Mai – diehard romantic that she was – really wanted to further her relationship with the often aloof Naru.
"Oh? What's this?" Masako Hara intoned, a touch of mockery coloring her voice. It broke Mai from her daydream, and she turned to spot the spirit medium entering the office. "Don't tell me those are two tickets to that new ice cream parlor, Taniyama. You wouldn't be thinking of asking a certain someone to go with you, right?"
Mai frowned. "So what if I was?" she fired back, not willing to submit to her rival in love. Although it seemed like Naru and Masako had a close relationship, there was nothing romantic about it. If there was, she was sure she would have seen clues.
The spirit medium tsked, crossing her arms over her chest. The way she shook her head indicated she thought the brown-haired young woman was an ignorant child.
"You clearly don't know Naru at all. A man of his sophistication wouldn't enjoy going to places like that, not when he can have the very best. Plus, he is a man. Men don't like sweet things."
From the nearby couch, Houshou Takigawa pouted. "I like sweets…" he mumbled.
Ayako Matsuzaki rolled her eyes, exasperated. "Here we go again," she muttered, referring to Masako and Mai's continued battle for the dark haired CEO of Shibuya Psychic Research.
"Shouldn't we stop them?" John Brown questioned in worry, his accent thickening as he watched the feuding young women. He was a peaceful man; conflict made him uncomfortable.
Ayako waved off his words. Flipping a magazine open, she treated the current situation like an everyday occurrence – which it was. "I wouldn't worry about it."
"Yeah, they'll stop soon enough," Houshou commented, grinning.
Meanwhile, Mai bristled at Masako's tone and words. The spirit medium always liked to flaunt her 'close' relationship with Naru in Mai's face. Jealousy wasn't a pretty emotion to wear but it was human nature to feel that way when another female spent time with the guy you liked.
Before Mai could retort, the front glass door opened. Everyone stopped what they were doing, their attention immediately caught on a possible new case.
The young woman looked around seventeen, with long, raven-colored hair that fell in silken waves down to her hips. Her skin was smooth and pale, not a blemish in sight, and added emphasis to her amethyst eyes and pink, full lips. She was petite, standing at five-feet-five, with delicate hands and feet.
Currently, the near-angelic young woman wore a cream colored, off-the-shoulder dress that hugged generous curves and ended right above her knees, exposing shapely legs. On her feet, she wore ankle booties. To finish her look, she wore a thin chain around her neck that had a pinkish bauble dangling at the end.
Mai instantly switched to assistant mode, though she inwardly cringed at having such a beautiful female anywhere near Naru. Still, she plastered on a professional smile and greeted the new guest. "Hello, and welcome to Shibuya Psychic Research. How can I help you?"
"My name is Kagome Higurashi," the newcomer introduced, smiling warmly. "It's nice to meet you. I'm actually here to meet someone, but I'm a bit early."
Mai blinked. "Who are you…?" Dread filled her. From the corner of her eye, she also noticed the way Masako stiffened in understanding.
One of the doors to the inner offices opened, and Lin Koujo stepped out. The older male stopped upon spotting Kagome. His normally reserved expression morphed into a friendly smile, further surprising the other occupants at the rare show of emotion.
"Lady Kagome."
Kagome's amethyst eyes sparkled, and her smile widened. "Lin," she practically squealed in happiness. Faster than expected, the raven haired beauty tackled Lin to the ground with her arms wrapped around his neck intimately.
Everyone's eyes widened in shock and disbelief at the scene. Houshou's mouth moved up and down, wanting to make some sort of comment but unable to think of anything. John, on the other hand, blushed at the open display of affection.
Lin softly groaned from his spot on the hard, unforgiving floor. "Lady Kagome," he gently scolded, "how many times must you do this before realizing it is inappropriate?"
"But I love you," she drawled out playfully, arms tightening. She snuggled her head under his chin, humming cheerfully.
If he had the emotional capacity, he would have rolled his eyes. Instead, he sighed and sat up with the young woman in his arms and situated on his lap. "Be a good girl. He'll be out shortly," he instructed rather than respond to her declaration.
Kagome pouted for the briefest moment before her sunny smile reappeared. Leaning up, she pressed a kiss to Lin's jaw. In the background, their captive audience either gasped in shock or choked in disbelief.
"Fine. But I'm still determined to get you to say that you love me back one day," she chirped.
"Should I be worried then?" Naru's voice suddenly interrupted. Everyone turned their attention onto the dark haired young man as he exited his office with his usual stoic façade. Dark indigo eyes softened when they landed on Kagome, however. "You're early."
Kagome positively beamed. Quick as lightning, she was up and throwing herself at Naru the same way she had pounced on Lin. "Kazuya," she cried out happily, arms wrapping around his waist.
The way his facial features became tender with adoration was startling for the other members of SPR (except for Lin) to witness. Mai watched with widened eyes as Naru held Kagome in a gentle, intimate embrace. Her heart, however, splintered the tiniest bit.
"Are you ready to go?" Naru asked, his complete focus on the raven haired beauty.
Kagome nodded. "I can't wait to try their green tea ice cream. I heard that's their signature flavor," she enthused.
"Let's go then. I have the tickets in my pocket."
He grabbed her hand, fingers interlocked, and led the way out of the office amidst gaping onlookers and an indifferent Lin. He didn't otherwise acknowledge them, his thoughts centered on his date.
Once the couple was gone, several pairs of eyes zeroed in on the oldest male in the room, who looked irritated but resigned at his current predicament. He silently waited for them to react, to start screaming their questions.
Lin wasn't disappointed.
"Who was that?"
"Does she have any spiritual powers or abilities?"
"Why do you call her 'Lady'?"
"How do they know each other?"
"Where are they going?"
"Are they dating?"
The questions continued to bombard him. Finally, Lin had enough. With an icy glare and a raise of one hand beckoning for quiet, the others stopped talking to listen to whatever he had to say.
"You know her name – it's Kagome Higurashi. She is a priestess, the most powerful in history. Shibuya consults with her on difficult cases. She will, in fact, be joining our team. They met when she was fifteen, at her family's shrine. As for where they are going, I do not care, though Shibuya mentioned a new ice cream parlor. Yes, they are dating."
"What?" Mai screeched in horror. "The ice cream parlor? I thought he didn't like sweets?" The last was mostly directed at Masako, accusatory and angry.
Masako's thin frame shook with the revelation that Naru was taken. She sent a bitter glare at Mai since she couldn't actually confront the one she truly wished to. "Well, how was I supposed to know?" she shot back. "Part of Naru's appeal is the mystery that shrouds him."
Lin turned away from the two bickering girls. He had more important things to do than listen to them. "Shibuya doesn't care for sweet things," he informed placidly. "But he does like making Lady Kagome happy. And Lady Kagome has a notorious sweet tooth." With that, he walked back into his private office to get some work done without the interference of the SPR members bothering him.
KH*KS*KH*KS
With Kagome and Kazuya
"Mm~" Kagome happily hummed as she took another spoonful of ice cream into her mouth, letting the sweet, icy treat gradually melt on her tongue.
From across the small, circular table they were seated at, Kazuya watched with an indulgent smile as his girlfriend continued to enjoy her dessert. His own lay untouched in front of him, silver spoon buried in the quickly melting substance.
"Kazuya, you have to try this," she said, smiling widely as she offered a generous scoop. "Say ahh~" She held it up to his mouth, patiently waiting for him to take the bite.
Without flinching, he leaned forward to accept the offering. He let the flavor burst on his tongue before swallowing. He smiled. "It's good."
She laughed, the sound like tinkling bells. "See? I told you."
His smile was tender as he used one hand to gently brush her hair behind a delicate ear. Seeing her so happy, so carefree, was all he had ever wanted. Her smile was his light in the darkness.
And Kazuya would do anything to keep Kagome just as she was in that moment.
*Next Chapter: Mamoru Chiba/Darien Shields (Sailor Moon Crystal) (Sequel)
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~Celestial Law