Chapter 2: You Two Have Never Gone on a Date?!
Joseph sat in one of Oarai's public libraries, reading a book in one hand and his other holding a pen hovering over his notes. He was focusing intently on the textbook and notes, trying to finish an assignment that he had been struggling to solve for a few days now. He was about halfway through the problem, when he heard a noise that startled him.
Ross dropped his bag next to the table and sat in the seat in front of Joseph. "What's up, Joseph?" he greeted.
Joseph looked up at him with a small grin. "What's up?" he asked as he turned to face Ross, "just trying to finish some homework."
Ross chuckled. "How's that going?"
"It's math homework, what do you think it's going to be like?" Joseph scoffed with a smirk, "but yeah, it's going okay. I think I'm getting the hang of it."
"Good to hear. I can help if you need it," Ross offered.
"Thank you, but I think I'm alright for now," Joseph replied, "who's watching Natalie right now?"
"Miho has her," Ross answered. "she wants me to have some time alone to work on my own homework, so she's watching her."
"That's good," Joseph nodded. "Are you doing okay? Getting back to normal?"
Ross sighed and leaned back in the chair. "Yeah, I mean, I think we're doing pretty well. I've gotten back into a routine and everything. I'm still a little worried, though, like something is going to happen."
"I mean, something could always happen," Joseph said, "but I'm sure it'll be okay. You're a great dad. She's in good hands with you."
"Thanks," Ross replied with a warm smile.
Joseph turned back to his work. "So what are you working on?"
"It's math," Ross answered with a slight chuckle.
"Of course it's math." Joseph rolled his eyes with a smirk.
"The bane of students everywhere," Ross chuckled. "I can't wait to get in a tank again. I feel like I haven't been able to focus lately. I just want to forget about everything for a bit and let loose, ya know?"
"Let loose huh? Like how?" Joseph asked with an intrigued look.
"I don't know…" he trailed off before his eyes widened, "oh my God, I haven't taken Miho out on a date yet. I should do that."
"Wait, you haven't taken Miho out on a date yet? Not even a movie or something?" Joseph asked.
"Well okay, there was that one time we had dinner at her place, but does that count? We had Natalie then so it wasn't just us, and I mean, we've done other things, but not on a real date," Ross explained, "oh man, I've been such a bad boyfriend."
"No, no, it's not bad at all. I mean, you haven't been dating for that long so it's to be expected," Joseph reassured him, "besides, half the time we were all focused on the nationals, and the other half we were focused on Natalie. It's understandable, it's a lot for anyone to handle."
"Yeah, but now that we're back, I need to take her out." Ross nodded.
"Then do it. It'll be fun, and I'm sure she'll enjoy it." Joseph nodded, "I'll handle the babysitting."
"Are you sure? You don't have to do that." Ross shook his head.
Joseph waved him off. "It'll be fine. You guys deserve some time together alone. Just go out and have a good time."
"Alright. Thank you, Joseph. That would be a big help."
Joseph smiled at him. "No problem. I know you'd do the same."
Ross stepped out of the public library with his phone in his hand. He looked down at it for a moment. "Nah, I should ask her in person," he said to himself before he closed the phone and shoved it in his pocket. He looked up at the sky and sighed as he took a deep breath, enjoying the cool, late summer air. "It's going to be a nice night," he said quietly.
As he walked towards his apartment, he took in the serene scenery and listened to the soothing sounds of the afternoon. It was a peaceful and calming experience, it helped calm him down and prepare himself for what he needed to do. "Okay, just be cool. This is going to go perfectly." He repeated the words in his head to help reassure himself as he walked into his apartment building.
When he reached his floor, he knocked on Miho's door. "I'm coming!" he heard Miho call out, "just a second."
He chuckled. "Take your time."
After a few moments, he heard the lock click, and the door slowly opened. Miho was standing on the other side, with Natalie in her arms and an amused look on her face.
"Hey Miho," he greeted with a smile.
"Hi Ross," she replied, "are you done with your homework?"
"I just finished it. I was hoping to talk to you about something."
"Oh?" Miho asked. "is something wrong?"
"No, it's just that I would like to take you out on a date. We haven't actually had one together, just you and me."
Miho's eyes widened, and she blinked a couple of times before she grinned brightly. "Ross, I would love that!" she answered.
Ross grinned back at her. "I'm so glad to hear that. We don't have to do anything fancy if you don't want to, but it'd be nice if we could just have some time together. Joseph already agreed to watch Natalie for us."
"That sounds good. When were you thinking?" Miho asked.
"Once Joseph gets back from the library, then we can head out," Ross answered.
"Okay. I'll get ready quick and be ready for you."
"Great, I can take Natalie until then."
"Okay!" Miho nodded before handing Natalie over to him.
"Thank you." Ross took her from Miho's arms and held her close to his chest. He kissed the top of her head and looked back to Miho. "I'll see you soon," he whispered.
Miho smiled at him before closing the door and leaving them alone in the hallway.
Ross stood in the hall for a moment longer, taking a moment to enjoy the warmth he felt in his chest from her. He eventually shook off his thoughts and carried Natalie to his apartment, "did you have a fun time with Mama? She just went to get ready for her date with Daddy. You'll be here with Uncle Joseph, so just be good for him" he whispered to her before they stepped inside.
Inside, he found William with a cup of tea and a book by Ralph Waldo Emmerson in his hand. "Hey Ross," he greeted without looking up from the book.
"Hey," Ross greeted back as he walked by. He noticed that William's phone was on the end table next to him and on speaker.
"Good afternoon Ross," Darjeeling greeted through the cell phone.
Ross smiled and walked over to the table. "Hi Darjeeling. What's going on?"
"I am sharing some tea with William and discussing a book with him. It has been most fascinating." Darjeeling explained.
"I see. I'll let you get back to your reading," Ross said as he walked towards his room with Natalie. As he carried her into their room, she yawned and rubbed her eyes. Ross smiled down at her and kissed the top of her head. "Looks like someone needs a nap," he whispered.
As Ross placed Natalie in her new crib, she was still awake but her eyes were starting to close. He laid her down on the mattress softly. "Good night, sweetheart."
He stepped away from the crib to leave when she started to cry. He sighed and walked over to the crib and gently picked her back up. "I know, I know. I don't want to leave you alone either," he cooed to her as she continued crying, "it's okay, it's okay. I'm here."
After a few moments, he was able to get her to calm down and lay her back down in her crib again. Thankfully she fell asleep this time. "Goodnight, my little princess," he whispered to her. He turned and left the room, closing the door gently behind him. "That was close." He let out a sigh of relief as he stepped back into the living room where William and Darjeeling were still chatting.
"How was she?" William asked with a soft chuckle.
Ross rolled his eyes playfully. "She was being difficult again. I don't think she liked me leaving her alone to nap," he explained.
"I think she's just used to having someone next to her all the time, so she likes to sleep next to someone," William suggested.
Ross nodded as glanced at the bathroom. "I should freshen up too. I'll be right back."
"Take your time," William replied as he turned back to the book.
Ross nodded and went to the bathroom to clean up and change into some nicer clothes. He chose to wear a nice white polo shirt with the sleeves rolled up and some black slacks with his nice shoes. "Okay," he whispered to himself as he looked at himself in the mirror. "you got this. This is going to be a good night," he told himself, before heading back out.
He found Miho waiting for him outside his apartment. She was wearing a pink dress that went down to her knees and had white flats on.
Ross smiled at her. "You look incredible," he said to her.
Miho blushed darkly. "Thank you," she replied with a smile.
He walked up to her and kissed her cheek. "You're welcome." He offered his hand.
"Let's go then." Miho took his hand and they walked down the hall.
"Do you know what we're going to do?" Ross asked.
"We could always just walk around and see where we go, but I'd also like to do something fun." Miho thought out loud.
"That sounds fun." Ross nodded. "I think I know a few good places."
"Good, I'll leave it up to you then." Miho smiled.
They stepped out of the building and headed down the street, still hand-in-hand. They took in the sights as they walked and enjoyed the weather. "It's so nice to be outside like this," Miho said as she leaned her head against Ross's shoulder.
"I'm glad," Ross replied, leaning his head against hers, "it's really nice out tonight. We should do this more often."
Miho smiled up at him. "I would like that."
"Yeah, me too." Ross nodded.
The couple enjoyed the stroll through the streets before stopping at a nearby café. As they stepped inside, Ross led Miho to a table and pulled out her seat for her.
"Thank you," she said with a giggle as he pushed the chair in and sat down across from her.
"My pleasure." Ross nodded with amusement.
Once they sat down, a waitress stepped up to them. "Hi, what can I get you guys today?" she asked with a smile.
"I'll have a cup of coffee," Ross replied.
"Same," Miho added.
"Okay. I'll bring your drinks right out to you," she replied as she wrote their order down.
Ross looked over at Miho as the waitress left. "What do you want to do once we're done?" he asked.
"I don't know," Miho replied, "but I would like to do something fun."
"Something fun? Like what?" Ross asked.
"Well what kind of things do you like to do?" Miho asked.
Ross hummed in thought. "I have to admit, between Natalie, school, and Sensha-do, I haven't had the chance to do many fun things," he answered.
"Maybe you should try something new then. I think that would be fun. We don't have to do anything if you don't want to though," she suggested.
"No, that sounds like fun." Ross smiled. "But we don't have to decide right now. I want to spend some time with you, so let's enjoy our coffee for now."
The waitress returned with their cups and set them down in front of them. "Here you go," she said, "please let me know if there's anything else I can get you."
Ross and Miho thanked her and watched as she walked away. Miho watched as Ross added some creamer and sugar to his cup and stirred it before he took a sip.
"You add that to yours?" Miho asked while tilting her head slightly.
"Yeah, I like mine a little sweeter," Ross replied.
"I figured you'd like your coffee black," Miho said.
"Why's that?" Ross asked with a chuckle.
Miho shrugged. "I mean, mature people drink coffee black right?" she said before drinking some of her own coffee which was black. She slightly grimaced at the bitter flavor.
"I'm not sure how maturity has anything to do with coffee. Why not just drink coffee however you want? It's not that big a deal." Ross shook his head with a slight laugh.
Miho shrugged. "I don't know, I always saw it as an adult thing, you know? My mother drinks it like that, Maho drinks it like that, and I thought you would too."
"Nah, maturity has nothing to do with it. Coffee's coffee, it doesn't really matter how it's served. That's up to the person." Ross said, before taking another sip of his coffee, "I actually like it sweet like this. Why don't you try it with some sugar or creamer? Have you only been drinking black coffee all this time?"
"I guess I have, but it doesn't taste good." Miho admitted.
"Then we need to fix that." Ross nodded.
"Okay, I'll try it." Miho took some of the creamer and sugar and mixed it in with the rest of her cup. She took a small sip.
Ross watched her expectantly. "So? How is it?" he asked.
"It's sweet!" she replied before taking another drink, "it's really good!"
Ross grinned. "I knew you'd like it. You should add it to your coffee from now on."
"Yeah, maybe I should. I think I will." Miho smiled as she took another sip of the sweetened coffee.
After they finished their drinks, they headed out to enjoy the rest of their date.
The couple wandered around the city streets for a bit, exploring new places they'd never been before. Eventually, they found a bowling alley. "Want to try this place out?" Ross asked.
"Sure," Miho replied, "I've never gone bowling before."
"Really? Well it's a lot of fun," Ross replied.
Miho smiled. "I think so too."
The pair walked inside the bowling alley and stepped up to the front desk. "Hello, how may I help you?" the man behind the counter asked.
"We'd like to bowl and we'll need some shoes," Ross answered with a smile.
After paying for the lane and shoes, they headed over to an available lane.
"Do you know how to bowl?" Ross asked as they grabbed their shoes.
"A little, I've seen people do it before, but I've never done it myself." Miho nodded.
"That's okay. You'll pick it up really fast," Ross reassured her as he helped her put her bowling shoes on.
"You think so?" she asked as he laced the shoes up.
"Yeah, it's really fun, you'll see," he answered as he laced her left shoe up.
"Okay," she replied.
After lacing up their shoes, they walked over to the ball return to grab their balls. "You can go first." Ross offered.
"Okay." Miho nodded. She grabbed a red ball that was in the second to last slot and walked to the lane.
"Do you need any help?" Ross asked from behind her.
"I think I'm okay." Miho shook her head.
"Alright," Ross nodded stepped to the side to watch her bowl.
Miho stood up straight, took a deep breath and readied her ball before throwing it down the lane.
Ross watched with an amused grin as the ball rolled down the lane. As the ball hit the pins, it made a loud noise before some of the pins fell over. "That was pretty good," he commented.
"Really?" Miho asked as she turned to face him.
"Yeah, it was good for your first time. You can get a spare too," he answered as he pointed at the scoreboard at the end of the lane.
"Oh I see," she replied. "Do I go again?"
"Yep," he nodded, "keep doing that and you'll be a pro in no time."
Miho smiled and walked back to the lane, taking a deep breath as she readied her ball. "Here we go!" she said before she threw the ball down the lane.
Ross watched the ball again and noticed it wobbled a little before it knocked over the remaining pins.
"I did it! I got a spare!" Miho exclaimed as she rushed over to Ross.
"Good job," he replied with a smile. Then he took a bowling ball from the ball return. "Now it's my turn. Let's see how I do." He readied his ball and threw it down the lane. As the ball rolled down the lane it veered a little to the right before it slammed into the pins and sent some of them flying.
"That was good!" Miho cheered.
"Really? I thought I veered off track a bit," he said with a sheepish smile.
"It was still a good throw. You did better than I did."
"Well, let's see if I can do even better this time." Ross picked up another bowling ball and readied it.
Miho watched with interest as Ross went to the lane. Once he had his ball ready, he took a deep breath and threw it down the lane. The ball continued to roll until it hit the pins and caused the rest to fall."Now we're tied," Miho laughed.
Ross nodded. "Let's keep going then."
They bowled for a while, each trying to beat the other, but neither could manage to knock all the pins over at once. After several rounds, they reached their last round within a few points of each other. Ross dropped his ball down the lane and watched intently as it rolled down the lane. It wasn't long before it hit the pins. The sound of the ball hitting the pins echoed through the bowling alley. With a loud thud, the pins toppled over. "I won," Ross announced proudly.
Miho grinned. "You did."
"So what do you want to do now?"
Miho checked the time. "We should get dinner soon."
"Dinner sounds good. Do you have any ideas where we should go?"
Miho thought about it for a moment. "I don't mind anywhere. Wherever you choose is fine."
"I don't exactly eat out much, so I don't know where to go," Ross admitted.
Miho giggled, "Neither do I. But I'm sure we can find something."
The pair picked up their stuff and went to the counter to pay. They both put their money away and left the bowling alley. "I bet Hana would know the best places to eat around here." Miho commented.
"Maybe we can ask her next time we see her." Ross agreed.
Miho noticed that the sun had already set by the time they exited the building. "Wow, it's dark outside."
"Yeah, it's getting late."
Miho looked around, searching for somewhere to eat. "Where are we going to go?"
"Let's try the first restaurant we come across."
Miho nodded, "Okay." She walked beside Ross. The next block they came to had a peculiar looking building. It seemed to stick-out among the other modern buildings, as though it didn't belong there. Its walls were dark, carbonized wood, the color of old, blackened charcoal. There was a large sign on the front of the building, which had Kanji letters written in black ink over a lighter wooden panel. Above the eaves was a lush rooftop garden with vibrant summer vegetables and in the center a tree that bared green fruits growing through the center of the building. Miho couldn't help but stare at the strange structure.
"What do you think of the place?" Ross asked.
"It looks like someone tried to bring back the style of old Japan. Is it still open?"
"It's open. We should try it."
The pair entered the restaurant. The interior was dimly lit, a mixture of red and yellow lighting giving the room a warm glow. Immediately, the sound of flowing water filled the air. A short, stone-walled hallway led from the entrance to the main room. An open air kitchen was on the left a fair distance above them while an unusual row of stone tables and benched set perpendicular to the wall on the right. In the center of each these tables was a bamboo trough with cold flowing water that flowed into a bamboo lined receptacle. To Ross's surprise, a serving of noodles flowed down the trough and was caught by one of the guests with chopsticks at their table. "What in the world?" Ross exclaimed.
Miho's eyes lit up in recognition and excitement. "This is a Nagashi Somen restaurant! They serve cold somen noodles served in a water stream. I've always wanted to try it!" she exclaimed, her voice full of joy. She quickly lead Ross to the host stand. "I'd like two seats, please."
A middle aged woman at the stand smiled at Miho, "Of course, please follow me."
Miho and Ross were sat at a table close to the front of the restaurant. Ross watched with intrigue as the chefs above poured freshly made Somen noodles into the water troughs above them. The noodles flowed gracefully from the kitchen, down the troughs, and through to the table troughs. Miho clumsily grabbed the first serving of noodles that flowed to them. "Would you like any sauces or drinks?" the server asked.
"Sauces?" Ross asked with a quizzical look.
"Yes, you can dip the noodles in different types of sauces after you catch them. Some people like them plain, some like them spicy, others sweet. How about you?"
Ross shrugged, not knowing how to answer. He looked at a menu of sauces and drinks. For a sauce, he just picked the first option, "I'll do Tsuyu for sauce and Melon Soda to drink," he decided.
"I'll do Ponzu and Royal Milk Tea please," Miho said.
The server smiled and wrote down their order. "Good choices, the Ponzu sauce actually uses the Sudachi fruit from our tree that the building is built around. We also grow our own melons on the roof for the Melon Soda," the server explained.
"That sounds interesting. I've never seen anything like it," Ross commented.
"Me neither!" Miho replied happily.
They waited a few minutes until the server returned with their drinks and sauces. When the server set them in front of them, Miho immediately started dipping her noodles. Ross followed suit after catching a serving and soon the pair were immersed in their culinary experience. They both took turns catching the noodles that floated down their table. "This is so cool," Miho exclaimed in amazement.
Ross agreed, "It's a unique dining experience. I haven't been to a restaurant like this before."
The pair continued their meal. After eating a few more servings of noodles, they both felt full.
"You know what?" Miho said suddenly, "I'm feeling kind of sleepy. Do you want to go home?"
"Sure, let's get going."
They stood up, paid, and thanked their server. As they left the restaurant, Miho turned to him, "Let's do this again sometime, alright?"
"Yeah, I'd love to. This was a really fun experience."
The pair began walking back to their apartment building. "Hey, Ross?" Miho said, "Thanks for today. It was a lot of fun. I'm glad we got to spend time together."
Ross smiled. "Thank you. I enjoyed spending time with you too."
Suddenly, Miho reached out and gave his arm a squeeze. "I mean it. Thanks," she added quietly.
Ross returned her smile. "I feel the same way."
The pair walked in silence for a moment. Then, Miho spoke up, "Are you ready to be Leopard Team's commander again?" she asked.
"I think so, it'll be good to be back in a tank again. I miss being in one," he answered.
"Well, I'll be there for you. Whenever you need help, I'm here. Ok?" Miho said with a warm smile.
"Ok," Ross said, smiling back. "how are things with you and your family now?"
"We're doing better. I have to admit, mother and my sister are still unnerved about our relationship and me being Natalie's mother, but they're getting used to it. They want you and Natalie to visit to properly introduce themselves. Would you be ok with that?"
"Yeah, I think I can manage that," Ross said.
They continued walking silently side by side. "Ross…" Miho started with a deep blush and an uncertain tone.
Ross stopped and looked back at Miho. She blushed even deeper and fidgeted with her fingers nervously. "Um... I don't know if this is a good idea, but..." Miho stammered.
"Go ahead," Ross encouraged.
"Can I stay with you tonight? If you don't mind, I mean..."
"Of course I don't mind. You can always stay with me and Natalie would love it."
Miho smiled brightly. "Really? Thank you, Ross! I promise I won't overstay my welcome or make any problems."
"No worries, Miho," Ross reassured.
They walked the rest of the way in silence with smiles on their faces. When they arrived back at Ross' apartment, Miho stepped away to grab a few things for the night before joining him in his apartment. Joseph looked up from the couch with a cola can in his hand, a baby monitor on the end table next to him, and the TV on. He looked up at the two of them as they came in. "Hey you two, how did it go?" he asked.
"We had a great time, thanks," Miho replied.
Joseph nodded. "Cool, cool. Natalie's fine, she only woke up for a bottle and went right back to sleep."
"I'm glad to hear she wasn't much trouble. I really appreciate you watching her for us," Ross said gratefully, "next soda run is on me."
Joseph laughed. "Don't tempt me man, I'll fill up the fridge if you say stuff like that."
Ross rolled his eyes before the pair left to prepare for bed. After changing, Miho looked over at Natalie's crib and smiled lovingly. "Goodnight, little one." She kissed Natalie's forehead as she slept.
Ross smiled at Natalie's peaceful sound as she slept. "She's such a cutie."
"Yes, she is," Miho agreed. She climbed into bed and snuggled up against Ross.
"I'm glad you wanted to come over," he whispered, "I like having you close."
Miho sighed deeply. "Me too."
"Goodnight, Miho."
"Night, Ross."
000
Next Time on Tank Aces: Summer Break!
Chapter 3: Phoenix