Star Crossed and Everything

Chapter Two

It had been exactly one week since the Cultural Festival and the Host Club's run in with the St. Lobelia's Zuka Club. But more importantly it had been one week since Mori had met Higurashi Kagome. He couldn't stop thinking of her, of her bright smile or the way her hand had felt in his larger one. There was something special about her, of that he was sure.

But he hadn't called her yet.

The idea was constantly running through his mind. All he had to do was open his phone. And each time he made an attempt, he just froze. His mind would go blank, his hand would start to tremble, and his mouth would suddenly go dry. He felt like such a fool, but it was not like he had much experience asking out a girl seeing as how he never had before.

Sighing, he opened his eyes as Tamaki made some loud exclamation. He shouldn't let his mind wander during club hours.

Looking around he saw Honey happily munching on cake as a gaggle of girls cooed fondly over him. While his own clients were content to simply sit around him, as quiet as he was.

Days like these, when they were not participating in some crazy scheme or having to cosplay, he felt the most bored. He bet that Kagome would not have been content to just stare at him. She seemed too lively.

"Uhh, Mo-Mori-senpai," one of the girls bravely stuttered.

Mori simply arched an eyebrow in acknowledgement.

His cool, dark eyes bore into the girl's brown ones and she instantly melted in her seat. The others quickly started fanning her and gushing about his eyes.

He let out another, drawn out sigh.

He couldn't have been more grateful to Kyoya when he suddenly announced that club hours were officially over.

"Let's go Mitsukuni," he said once the girls had cleared out and they were free to go home.

"Sure thing Takashi. Wouldn't want to keep Chika and Sato-chan waiting," Honey happily chirped. "Later you guys."

Mori grunted, his version of good bye. He was eager to get home and spend time in the meditation room. He needed some time to clear his mind, and hopefully it would help him get up his nerve to call her.

Satoshi and Yasuchika were already waiting for them in the limo. Though each family owned their own, the cousins almost always rode together. Mori chose a seat by the door so that he could look out the window, Honey sat beside him and Satoshi and Chika across from them.

"Yo Taka-kun, how was school today," Satoshi cheerfully greeted his brother.

"Alright," he answered, briefly looking at his brother before his attention moved back to the scenery outside.

Honey shared a worried look with Satoshi. They had both noticed Mori's odd behavior. He was sighing a lot, and was zoning out more than usual. Plus, he had this new found fascination with his phone.

"Are you okay Takashi? You've been a little, out of it lately," Honey asked, tugging on the taller boy's sleeve.

Mori looked down at his cousin and smiled softly at his obvious concern. He ruffled Honey's blond hair, earning a gleeful giggle. "I'm fine."

"You sure big brother, you haven't quite been yourself lately," Satoshi spoke.

Yasuchika huffed and sourly spoke, "Leave him alone. It's probably nothing."

Satoshi glared at his cousin, wishing he had his shinai, though he settled for slapping him on the back of his head. "Have some respect Chika. Obviously there is something wrong with my older brother. I mean he hasn't been eating, he's been sighing a lot. He even lost to a first year at kendo practice the other day."

Mori's eyes widened, he hadn't realized he'd been acting so off.

Yasuchika rolled his eyes as he rubbed the now soar part of his head and muttered, "Sounds like he's in love."

Honey and Satoshi suddenly turned to the tallest Morinozuka, who was pointedly ignoring their curious gazes, as they seriously considered Yasuchika's suggestion.

Mori, in love?

It made absolutely no sense, but it did perfectly explain his particular behavior,

"Is it true Takashi," Honey asked.

Mori's face turned a bright shade of red.

"I'd take that as a yes," Yasuchika commented.

Satoshi grinned widely, excited for his brother as he questioned, "Oh, so who's the lucky girl?"

"Is it somebody we know," Honey inquired, truly curios about the girl who managed to capture his cousin's attention. The only girl he had ever looked twice at was Haruhi, though they already knew who had her attention even if she hadn't realized it herself.

Mori shook his head no.

"Well come on, spill big bro."

Mori felt his shoulders slump as he caved into their questioning. "I met her at the Cultural Festival last week."

"Ooh, wait was it that girl you sparred with," Satoshi asked. He made it a point to attend all of the upper classmen kendo practices. And he remembered the girl, she was the only one to score any points on Takashi that week.

"Yeah," he softly replied, his mind flashing back to that day.

"She was pretty cute. So have you asked her out yet?"

"N-no," Mori stuttered as he stared at his shoes, ashamed of his cowardice

"If you like her then, why not," Honey spoke as he hugged Usa-chan tightly to his chest.

Satoshi nodded his head in agreement with his older cousin and said, "Yeah, and did you get at least her number?"

"She gave me her number," he shyly said.

"What are you waiting for then, call her," Yasuchika added, changing his mind and getting involved.

"What if she changes her mind and says no," Mori admitted, slightly shamefaced.

"She gave you her number for a reason," Honey pointed out.

"It's been a week Taka-kun. A girl like that probably has some of her own admirers."

Mori felt his shoulders tense at that. He hadn't even considered that possibility. Taking a deep breath, he reached for his phone and shakily entered the number that had been all but seared into his brain.

He nearly dropped his cell phone when it started to ring.

Satoshi and Honey looked on excitedly, making Mori even more nervous. Yasuchika was slumped in his seat, trying to ignore them again.

On the fourth ring, someone answered.

"Sunset Shrine, how may I help you?"

Mori felt his stomach drop.

Did he dial wrong?

Or had she given him a fake number?

Finding his voice, he went ahead and asked, "Is Kagome there?"

"Yes, she just walked in. Who is calling?"

Mori felt his heart rate pick up as he said, "Morinozuka Takashi."

"Okay, Morinozuka-san, here she is."

Mori froze when he heard the phone being handed over.

"Hello, this is Kagome."

"…"

"Umm, hello? Morinozuka, are you still there?"

"…"

Satoshi slapped his forehead while Honey quickly nudged his cousin.

Mori coughed nervously and spoke, "H-hello, Higurashi-san, and please call me Mori."

He heard her giggle and speak, "I was beginning to think you weren't going to call."

"S-sorry."

"So did you call for a reason Mori-san," she coyly asked.

He swallowed back the lump in his throat. This was it.

"Yes, would you like to go out with me?"

"Sure," she said without an ounce of hesitation.

"…"

"Uhh, you still there?"

Honey had to elbow him again before he started to speak, "Yea-yeah. How's this Friday at six?"

"Sounds great. See you then Mori."

With that, he was met with a brief click and silence. Slowly, he lowered his phone to face the curious gazes of his family.

"She said yes."

Mori could've died happy, right then. He finally did it.

"That's great Takashi, where are you gonna take her? Ooh, what about a bakery, I bet she likes sweets," Honey gushed.

His euphoria evaporated in an instant. "T-take her?"

"Yeah bro, you gotta plan the date now. You don't want to disappoint," Satoshi reminded him.

Mori nearly fainted. He hadn't thought about that part yet. He had been so nervous about actually calling her, that he had forgotten about what would happen afterwards.

Kagome giggled excitedly as she leaned against the wall, next to the house phone.

After the first few days, she figured he wasn't going to call. She had been a little disappointed. He was cute, and seemed very interesting. The tall, quiet type, he reminded her a bit of Sesshomaru. They both shared that silent, samurai disposition.

But after the third day she thought he would just be a passing memory. She moped about it for a day, and though her confidence had been shaken, she quickly got over it. She was just proud of herself for mustering up the nerve to give him her number. A year ago, the thought wouldn't have even crossed her mind.

Still smiling, she grabbed the phone and debated who to share the news with. Benio and the others from Lobelia wouldn't be too happy to hear she was going out with a guy and so they were out. In fact she shuddered at the thought of their reactions if they ever found out.

"Definitely not," she muttered to herself before moving on, and decided on Yuka. Her only friend left from middle school. Swiftly, she entered the number and impatiently listened through the phone as it rang.

"Hey, what's up?"

She got straight to the point. "He called."

"The guy from the Cultural Festival? Details, Kagome," Yuka demanded, after letting out an excited, high pitch squeal.

Kagome laughed into the phone and said, "Yep and I'll spill if you help me find a dress."

Yuka scoffed as if it was the most obvious thing in the world and spoke, "Of course, and I'm so helping you get ready."

"Alright then, the date is this Friday. Can you come to my house right after school?"

"Of course, see you then Kagome-chan."

Thunder roared over the hum of the car engine as Mori nervously fiddled with the collar of his shirt for what felt like the hundredth time that night. The rest of the week had passed in one big blur and before he knew it, it was the day of the date. Friday had come way too fast, and now there he was, in the limo on his way to the Sunset Shrine.

He had spent two hours in the meditation room after school, hoping to calm his erratic nerves. It had only helped so much.

It had taken him over an hour and both Honey and Satoshi's help for him to pick the right clothes. In the end, and after a quick word with his father, he settled for his first choice, a dark dress shirt with a black blazer and jeans. It wasn't too casual and neither was it over the top like Honey's choice had been.

He had almost called Tamaki for advice about his date. And though the blond would have good intentions, he wasn't quite ready for the chaos the Host Club would bring. He wanted his first date to go smoothly and accident free.

Taking a deep breath, he willed himself to relax, like he was able to do in kendo when facing a tough opponent. He shouldn't be so nervous. He handled girls on a daily basis. This time shouldn't be any different.

"We're here young master," his driver suddenly spoke, breaking his train of thought.

Nodding his head, he stepped out of the car to come face to face with a smiling Kagome, dressed prettily in a simple, sleeveless green dress that took his breath away. Her hair was styled in a nice up do, with a gold locket around her neck. Besides her stood another girl that he hadn't met before.

He stumbled over his own feet and nearly tripped.

They both giggled at his uncharacteristic clumsiness.

"Hey," he greeted, his face flushed in a combination of embarrassment and nerves.

He heard the other girl loudly whisper to Kagome, "You're right, he is cute."

His ears burned, but he was no longer the only one turning red. Kagome wore a matching blush as she promptly elbowed the other girl.

"Most people are intimidated by all the steps," Kagome said, explaining why she was waiting for him. "Thought it would be easier if I had met you down here."

"Hn."

"And this is my friend, Shimizu Yuka, and she was just leaving," Kagome introduced. Yuka had been a big help. She had gone through her whole closet twice when the brunette walked in and instantly pulled out the perfect dress that she had somehow overlooked.

Mori nodded his head in a silent greeting.

Yuka surprised him though by marching up to him. Though she had to look up at him to meet his gaze, the pointed look she gave him told him she cared for none of that.

"You treat her right, you hear me buster," the petite girl who was barely taller than Haruhi threatened him.

He chuckled at her protectiveness. She was a good friend. "I promise."

"Good," she huffed. "You too have fun now, but not too much fun if you get what I mean."

Kagome rolled her eyes and said, "Goodbye, Yuka."

Smiling softly, Mori happily helped Kagome into the limo.

With the ice officially broken, the limo ride hadn't been too bad. He had been worried things would be bit awkward. Though there wasn't much talking, it was a comfortable atmosphere. They asked the usual questions, and they learned they both had younger brothers in middle school, and that they shared a favorite subject, history.

And before the two knew it, they were at the restaurant.

His dad had actually picked it out (the older Morinozuka often frequented the place with his clients). He was driving himself crazy on where to take her on their first date, when it was decided a classic route was in order. A nice dinner and a walk afterwards would be a great way to get to know each other better.

They were quickly seated at one of the nicer tables. Though he noticed Kagome's slight discomfort and their waiter's condescending gaze on her, as if he could tell she wasn't of the same class.

He handed them a pair of menus and asked, "What drink shall I start you off with today?"

"I'll just have water," Kagome ordered. Mori ordered the same, and was pleased when the waiter left them, even if it was only temporary.

"So, this place is nice," she awkwardly spoke, not sure what to say anymore.

He grunted his agreement.

"Been here before?"

"Not really."

She nodded her head and picked up the menu. Her blue eyes quickly swept over it, and quickly realized the entire menu was in French. Before she could tell him, the waiter reappeared with their drinks.

"And what shall you two be dining on tonight?"

"Sorry, but I can't read the menu," Kagome sheepishly admitted, either ignoring or remaining completely oblivious to the waiter's obvious disdain. "Do you mind ordering for me?"

Mori rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. He probably should have planned the date better or at least research the place more. He himself didn't even like French food (something Tamaki had been dismayed about).

"No problem," he said as he turned to the waiter and ordered. He really should have chosen the restaurant himself.

Their waiter quickly made himself scarce and Mori silently watched in amusement as Kagome childishly stuck her tongue out at his retreating back. Seems she hadn't been as oblivious to his snooty behavior as she seemed.

Catching his amused gaze, she giggled timidly. "Sorry about that. It's just… well he's a bit rude."

He didn't speak, but his gaze softened at her silly antics.

She rewarded him with the same bright smile that made him want to ask her out to begin with.

"So how long have you been practicing kendo," he asked, truly curious.

She shrugged her shoulders as she played with a loose strand of hair. "Not too long. I don't have enough time to join the club at school, so I mainly help my brother practice."

"What other clubs are you in?"

"Well, there's kyudo. I'm hoping to make captain next year. And I like to help out with the tea ceremony club when I can," Kagome answered before asking, "And what about you? Are you in any clubs besides kendo?"

Before Mori could answer, the waiter returned with their plates of food. Both stared skeptically at what was placed before them. It hardly looked like food.

"Will that be all," their waiter asked, still eyeballing Kagome with a smug smile on his face as he noticed her disgusted face.

Glaring, Mori stiffly asked for the check.

"Are you sure you want to leave," Kagome said, as she played around with the food.

"Yes, what about you? Do you honestly want to stay?"

She was quick to answer with a shake of her head. "No way."

Nodding his head, he reached into this jacket pocket to grab his wallet. It wasn't there.

Eyes wide, he frantically checked the rest of his pockets. Nothing.

Sensing his anxiety, Kagome spoke, "What's wrong?"

"I forgot my wallet," he embarrassedly admitted.

"Will there be a problem sir," the waiter asked.

"N-no. I just need to make a call," he replied, inwardly cringing at the fact that he would have to call his father to settle things.

Before long, Mori's father had the matter squared with the manager. His family name alone should have settled things, but they did want to verify that he was who he said he was. Luckily they were out of there in no time.

Unfortunately, when he called his driver to pick them up, the man was being held up with a flat tire. It would take him at least an hour before he would be able to retrieve the two.

"Sorry about that."

"It's alright. Was just a little concerned for a moment that we would spend the night washing dishes," she jokingly replied, earning a snort. "And besides, a little walking never hurt anybody."

As she said that, rain started to drizzle down, quickly picking up speed.

Groaning, he was about to apologize again when the sound of her laughter caught him off guard. She was standing proudly in the rain, smiling up at the sky. But he noticed her start to shiver. Being the chivalrous gentlemen he was, he wrapped his blazer around her shoulders.

Giggling, she grabbed his hand. "C'mon, I know a sushi place not too far from here. I think you'll like it."

He let her drag him down the street, laughter drowning out the busy downtown buzz of Tokyo. They moved quickly, ducking under buildings and store tents to avoid being completely drenched.

Thankfully small restaurant wasn't too far, and they did not get too wet. The sushi bar was almost like stepping back in time. It was furnished old fashionably with various, unique weapons hung all over the place. On the wall, above the bar, hung an impressive spear that looked to be well taken care of. Standing just below it was a girl, who was probably only a few years older than them with wicked, red eyes.

"Kagome-chan, it's good to see you again," she greeted Kagome with such familiarity.

"It's nice to see you too, Soten," Kagome replied as she walked closer to the bar, still holding onto Mori's hand.

"Ooh, who is this?"

Blushing, Kagome answered, "This is my date, Morinozuka Takashi."

"Lucky you, Shippo isn't dropping by tonight," Soten lightly teased. "So, what'll it be then?"

"Just the usual."

"Alright then, why don't you have a seat and I'll bring it out to you," Soten replied with a nod of her head as she turned to the kitchen.

Kagome led Mori to a small, private booth, near the back of the restaurant.

"So what do you think of the place?"

"I like it," he honestly replied. The atmosphere and décor was more his style.

"I love coming here when I can. The owners are pretty good friends of mine and I even work here during school breaks," she rambled on, as she started toying with a strand of hair again.

He smiled softly at her. "The weapons are impressive."

"I'm glad you noticed them. Most people think they're just fakes for decorations. But they're all real," Soten piped up as she placed a platter of sushi between the two teens. "Enjoy."

"Thanks," they both spoke as they dug in.

"So what do you plan to do once you finish high school," Kagome asked in-between mouthfuls.

"Study law, you?"

"I dunno. I was thinking about studying history, but I've already gotten early admission to this pretty cool dance school."

"Dance?"

Kagome nodded her head, and swallowed back a mouth full of fish and rice as she answered, "Yeah, I go to a school that's pretty big on performance art on a dance scholarship. I'm usually pretty busy because we're always training, and per my scholarship requirements I have to help out with the younger classes."

Mori nodded his head to show that he was still listening and Kagome needed no further encouragement to keep talking. "I love to help though. And I really do like to dance, but I'm not sure if I want to make a life out of it."

They continued on that way for the rest of dinner. Back and forth, getting to know one another. Though Mori's answers and questions were shorter, Kagome easily picked up on his silence.

Before long, the night was coming to an end. Kagome paid for their dinner (something he felt deeply embarrassed about, and made a promise to himself to make it up to her). And sooner than they imagined, Mori was walking Kagome up the shrine steps to her front door.

"I had a lot of fun tonight," Kagome shyly admitted, as she handed Mori back his coat.

Mori nodded his head, agreeing with her statement. "Sorry about all the mishaps."

"I think that's what helped make the night."

He silently agreed and Kagome could read it in his eyes.

Now standing just outside her front door, Kagome nervously fidgeted. It was one thing to give her number away, and a completely different one to ask out a guy again. "So would you like to go out again, this Sunday? I mean if you want. I know we just went out, but I had fun and I hope you did also and…"

He stopped her rambling with a kiss chaste kiss on the cheek. "I'd like that."

TBC

AN: And I'm tired. Been working on this chapter too long. Originally I wasn't going to write it (was gonna skip the date and just mention it in the next chapter, which is halfway done). And I hadn't planned on including Soten. In the original plan out, I hadn't included anybody from the past but that is now gonna change.

Thanks for all the reviews, favorites, and follows.