2ND DATE – A DATE TO REMEMBER
Disclaimer: I don't own the Eyeshield 21 or it's characters – I only own this little story.
Summary: A date to remember... It was Kakei's and Akaba's turn to have their time with Sena. Just what kind of trouble would the three of them get into?
Shout Out: So there. Another chapter bites the dust ... metaphorically speaking. Real Life had it's way to swamp even the best of us with it's lemons and other assortment of exotic fruits. Kitten Trouble has another chapter in works, hopefully I will finish and upload it soon. Mainly, I am wading through Scrapbook Jewels and chewing the corners into appropriate stories. So rejoice.
Warnings: AU - verse. Sena is a girl in that one, and a double date, this time Kakei/Sena/Akaba.
For once, Kakei and Akaba looked doubtful that they had come to the right place. "Yumeiri Orphanage?" The aquamarine-eyed teen muttered disbelievingly. "Why on Earth – oof!" He felt someone collide with him. Or more accurately, his legs. It was small, almost petite boy with shockingly orange hair and deep blue eyes. "Uh... S – Sorry, mister," the boy apologized, before his eyes widened with awe. "Uwah! So tall!" He exclaimed, gawking at Kakei's ... tall... posture. Akaba discreetly coughed at his partner's misfortune.
Kakei smiled uncomfortably at the star – struck boy. "Hello. And who might you be?" He asked the small ball of energy kindly. The boy brightened. "I am Kai! And I am five an half year old!" The now named Kai beamed proudly. Akaba smiled at the little guy's enthusiasm. "Pleased to meet you, Kai-kun. Could you tell us where is Sena – san?" he asked the small boy kindly. The child's eyes widened. "You want to talk to Sena – neechan? Are you the guys she said she wanted to go..." Kai's nose scrunched up cutely as the boy was searching for the right word. "On a date?" Kai finished, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. Kakei nodded, wide-eyed at the chibi's glare at the two of them. What they expected even less, was for Kai to grab both of their hands and tug them down on his level, making the two teen crouch in front of him.
The child was scowling ferociously. "Prove it!" He demanded, deep blue eyes flashing with determination to protect his Sena – nee. Akaba and Kakei eyes each other helplessly. "Uh... Akaba stammered out. They certainly didn't expect Sena would have pint – sized protector when they arranged to pick her up, that was for certain!
"Kai! Kai!" Oh, there you are!" Sena came running to the little group. Her cheeks were flushed lightly, her hair was messy as usual and she was clothed in simple black capris along with faded out blue T – shirt that was at least two sizes too big for her. She skidded in front of her gaping dates.
Kai turned around, beaming again, once again being a cute, harmless chibi his two unfortunate victims had perceived him to be. "Sena-nee!" "He yelped out happily, before releasing the boys' hands and diving at her. "Those two meanies want to take you away from us!" he accused the two flabbergasted boys, bottom lip pouting cutely. Sena couldn't help but chuckle lightly. "Oh, Kai," she muttered fondly, while ruffling the child's bright hair.
"Er... Sena?" Kakei and Akaba were still crouched on the ground, looking at her with confusion. Gentle brown eyes widened. "A – Ah, gomen!" Sena squeaked out, blushing. She offered them each a hand as to help them haul on their feet . Smiling, Kakei and Akaba accepted, careful to not bowl her over. 'And her hand fit so comfortably within mine, 'Akaba mused silently, before he spoke out. "Thank you, Sena – chan. But what are you doing here, anyway?" He asked, shifting his guitar case carefully.
"I am a part – time helper here, " Sena answered them, smiling. "Three days in a week, I come here and work odd bits and ends. My shift should be finished in about half an hour." She offered, releasing their hands.
"Sena-nee is the bestest!" Kai piped up, beaming. Sena flushed, much to her dates' amusement. "Ah..." She stammered. "Really?" Kakei inquired, eyebrow arched in mock – doubt. Kai nodded furiously. "Yup! " He embraced the slender girl tightly, making her squeak with embarrassment.
Akaba smiled warmly at the helplessly sputtering girl. She definitely was cute. Kai then perked up. "Sena-nee... are those two your dates?" He asked the blushing girl innocently. Sena squeaked again, but nodded all the same. "Yes, Kai. The one with aquamarine eyes is Kakei Shun, and the red-haired one is Akaba Hayato," she introduced Kai to the duo, smiling shyly.
For a moment or two, Kai eyed the introduced duo quietly.
"Are you serious about Sena – nee?" He asked the duo curiously. Kakei smiled at the boy's question. "of course we are. Otherwise, we wouldn't be here, would we?" Kai blinked at that logic. "Oh... Okay." He agreed reluctantly. "But if you hurt Sena – nee..." He growled out, deep blue eyes flashing with determination, "I'll hurt you back, and I'll never let you near Sena – nee again!" The three of them were taken aback at the child's vehement words, especially Sena.
She kneeled down and hugged the small boy gently. "Kai, love... They would never hurt me," she murmured rocking the child softly. "And thank you for looking out for me. " Kai nodded petulantly, still pouting at losing his Sena-nee to those two... meanies.
Kakei kneeled too. "Sena is very lucky to have you taking care of her. I would be honoured if you would entrust her to us." He told to the still mutinous – looking chibi gently. . Deep blue eyes stared into aquamarine eyes for what Kakei felt it was an eternity, searching for something. Finally, Kai smiled- "Okay! " Kai chirped out. He then looked at Sena imploringly, using the dreaded weapon ... puppy dog eyes. " Sena-nee... will you tell us how did You – nii recruit you?" Sena laughed fondly at the child, ruffling the bright locks playfully. "Of course, Kai. Now let's gather the others, ne?"
Akaba arched one eyebrow inquiringly. "You-nii? He inquired, as Sena and Kai stood up again, with Kai shooting off and yelling for other children to gather for the story.
Sena chuckled, embarrassed. "They love to hear about my days as a Deimon running back. Especially Kai. When he grows up, he wants to be a quarterback, just like him. "
Kakei blinked. "Him?" He asked slowly. He didn't want for Sena to have such a fondness in her voice about anyone outside their little circle. Brown eyes looked up at him, confused.
"You don't know?" Sena asked, honestly surprised. "They call Hiruma-san You – nii.",
Akaba stumbled.
The children were gathered around her, eagerly listening to the story. Akaba and Kakei sat near Sena, also curious as how she became the Eyeshield 21.
"It was when I enrolled into Deimon High," Sena began, smiling softily at the coloutful memories. "I was waiting for Mamo-nee to come back from picking the information packet for me, when suddenly, Someone grabbed me, and threw me into the air. " Kakei had to grab his nose to stop the flow of blood at the perverted images that invaded his head. 'Sena... In the air... Panties showing...' Akaba chucked at Kakei's plight softly. Kakei just eyed him , irritated, exhaling a small wounded huff about being found out. "Of course," Sena continued, unmindful of Kakei's troubles, " I was clothed in my previous school 's uniform, so I didn't wear a skirt. That, and with my short hair, I was easily mistaken as a boy. " Sena smiled sheepishly at the wide – eyed faces. Akaba felt a keen disappointment about not being able to rib Kakei some more. The story continued, with Sena describing the Huh – brothers, bullying her – both Akaba and Kakei growled – and Hiruma's recruitment tactics. Akaba had to bite back a chuckle at the description of Sena being bound up like a worm and hauled around on Hiruma's shoulder.
"And then, Hiruma – san told me to run. I did, and the stop watch showed 5, 0 seconds. Kurita-sempai was so overjoyed!" Sena smiled at the memory. "But you – nii wasn't satisfied. He slipped a dog biscuit down my shirt, and called Kerberos. "The children gasped.
"And oh my, was that a run of my life," Sena chuckled. "You-nii timed me and the stop – watch showed 4, 2 seconds. " Akaba and Kakei gasped. "Are you serious? Kakei asked, wide – eyed. Sena nodded solemnly. "Yeah. That was my highest speed, under pressure. But it still passed some time, before I learned to maintain it."
The time passed in telling stories – children somehow convinced Kakei to tell them about his living in America and meeting the Eyeshield here, much to the trio's amusement. Akaba fascinated them with his guitar and playing on the said instrument - Sena was quite sure that the word 'Fuu' would be an important part of the kids' vocabulary from now on. An hour and a half later, the children finally let themselves be tucked in to their beds for the afternoon nap.
The two of them watched Sena tuck in Kai. It was a surprisingly domestic scene, and they didn't mind that their date was delayed. It had been an enlightening experience, watching Sena work and play with the kids; and in process, they had found out more about her than they would on an actual date. They still couldn't believe that Hiruma had found such gem among running backs thanks to the bullies. Which reminded them... Get a word with the Huh – brothers. Sena forgiving them didn't mean that THEY would forgive the bastards.
Finally, Sena came to them. "Thank you for being so patient with them," She whispered, smiling at the duo, making them blush slightly at the praise.
"Fuu. It was nothing." Akaba nodded at her, smiling. "In fact, I enjoyed it. And it was interesting to hear about beginnings of your American Football career," he gently teased Sena, while Kakei chuckled at their kitten's mortified blush. "A – Ah," Sena stammered, her gentle brown eyes wide. "Um..." Kakei smiled at her speechlessness. "Personally, I look forward to finding out more about you." Akaba hummed an agreement. "Now, where to next?"
Finally, they decided on bowling. While they were walking to their destination, they passed the basketball park. Suddenly, an orange ball almost hit Kakei's head, if it weren't for his fast reflexes.
"What the fuck was that for!" Kakei snarled out, pissed. He threw the ball back to the punks, intending to continue his chat with Sena.
No such luck.
The next recipient of the ball was Akaba. Red eyes flashed with irritation. "Fuu..." The guitarist sighed dismissively, bouncing the ball back to the idiot who threw it. Inwardly, he twitched.
The next ball ploughed straight into Sena's stomach, making her yelp and bend over with the force of the throw. She was sprawled on the concrete, grimacing lightly at the pain.
"Sena! Are you alright!" Kakei asked frantically, while Akaba crouched beside her, helping her up gently. Sena smiled at Kakei reassuringly. Well, more like grimaced. "Don't worry, Kakei – kun, I've had worse." She wined at the sight of her skinned hands. Kakei's eyes narrowed. Both her and Akaba gently helped the woozy girl stand up. He saw the punks laughing at Sena, and his blood boiled. How dare they...!
"What a pussy, " The ringleader , a fat boy with lip ring and green Mohawk, sneered. "Couldn't even catch a ball." The gang broke out in raucous laughter.
Akaba and Kakei seethed.
"What do you want?" Akaba asked. The gangly redhead with a horse face and buck teeth grinned nastily at the question. "Hand over yer money. All of it."
Kakei twitched. "No can do." He growled out. The punks gulped as Kakei went into his gangster mode. Kakei looked down at the fat kid who seemed to be unsure of the situation. Then, the fat lips smirked. "Tell ya what, we'll play a game of basketball, three on three. If ya win, we'll let you go without a scratch. If WE win... Ya'll hand us all yer money and be our slaves. " Sena gulped at the laughter that followed the fatso's proclamation.
The three of them huddled, with Akaba and Kakei eyeing Sena in concern. Kakei's eyebrow twitched in irritation. "We're fucked..." He stated flatly. Akaba sighed. Sena shook her head. "Why are you saying that?" She asked. "I can play basketball... Well, I learned in America..." She trailed off at the boy's growing smirks. "Then let's do it," Akaba purred out, his red eyes bright with mirth.
Sena's speed, Kakei's throws and blocks, Akaba's dribbles and their teamwork stumped the punks. Apparently knowing each other moves in American Football reflected in basketball too.
Because they were used to winning with either death-threats of overwhelming their opponents with raw power, the punks couldn't cope with opponents who didn't fear the collisions or dirty tactics and were complete stamina freaks to boot.
The result? Punks: 5, the trio: 165 points.
"Wh – What are you?" The punk leader croaked out, scared out of his wits. Kakei smiled a mirthless smirk, barely winded from the match. "Someone you shouldn't have messed with." He replied.
Sena blinked. "Oh... I almost forgot. Have to call Hiruma." She mumbled to herself absentmindedly. She had to report about his brats, didn't she? Hearing her mumble the punks paled a ghostly white. "H – H – Hiruma?" The one with broken nose croaked out, his eyes bugged out. Sena nodded, still absent minded. "I should've called him before the game that we would be delayed to out meeting... Oh man, he'll be pissed..." She sighed, fingers poised over the phone's keyboard. Akaba and Kakei blinked, before getting a truly evil idea...
"W – Wait!" One of the punks feebly called out. Sena paused. "Yes?" She asked mildly. Akaba and Kakei forced themselves not to grin. "C – Could you, you know... Not c – call him?" The fat ass begged, sweating like pig he was. Sena arched an eyebrow. "What, and suffer punishment game myself?" She asked them flatly. "No can do, pal. " Kakei snorted. "But Sena – chan," he purred out "I am sure these boys didn't mean to... detain us. " The culprits began sweating harder. Akaba crackled his knuckles, mock – contemplating expression on his face. "Fuu... I vote for calling Hiruma – shi, Sena – chan," His lips stretched into a cruel smirk. "They are the culprits, after all."
After being far enough to not be heard, all three of them busted out into a helpless laughter. "T – That was priceless!" Kakei choked out, tears of mirth escaping from the corners of his eyes. " I – It was brilliant!" Akaba agreed, grinning. "I've always wanted to play 'Good Cop, Bad Cop', anyway. " Sena piped up, smirking. That remark made the three of them almost fall over with the new bout of mirth.
A date to remember, indeed!
/THE END - OWARI/