Dinner, Drinks, and Chance Encounters

Makie blushed. "Eh...that's not what I was worried, about, I was just...um..eh..."

Toshio chuckled. "You are such a bad liar, sis," he said. "Obviously, if Midori can eat all the carbs she wants and still stay nice and curvy, what are you worried about?"

Makie glanced up, sneering a little at her brother. "Toshio, are you hitting on my senpai?" she asked.

At this, Toshio blushed. "Well, uh, no, I was just saying..."

His sister covered her mouth with her hand as she held back a laugh. "Now who's lying, Mr. "Hits on everything that has boobies"?

*****

"Ah." Kyo took that as a signal that he shouldn't pry further. "I won't pretend to know what sort of difficulties you two may or may not be having, or understand what you were going through. But I'm certain that she still loves you very much."

The waiter brought each of them a glass of water. Kyo sipped it as he placed an order. "If you don't mind my asking, is that why you joined AFW? So that your life would be a lot less...static?"

Haruka was silent for a moment.

"Michiru and I have a mission. The others might think the world is at peace again but I for one will not let down my guard. I came here to make sure I still stay honed."

*****

If Midori showed any discomfort to Toshio hitting on her she did not show it and merely watched the brother and sister quibble with a smug expression. She usually found guys usually got a rise out of women who reacted too much or tried to act aloof so she let it roll off her good naturedly. Besides he was right. Her regimen is what gave her this body.

"A misson?" Kyo raised an eyebrow. "And what sort of mission would this be, Haruka-san?" This date had just gotten a little more interesting.

Suddenly shakes her head as if coming out of a daydream.

"Never mind. That is neither here nor now."

Takes a drink of water and orders a salad for herself.

Realizing that he may have just asked one question too many, Kyo gave Haruka a polite nod, deciding to drop the matter.

"Well, whatever combat training you recieved before coming to AFW...it must have been pretty good," he said, ordering a small dish of the fish and fried rice. "You gave me one hell of a match, Haruka-san, so I'd say you've been doing very well to stay honed."

She smiled and blushed slightly as if Kyo had hit on her with that remark.

"Thank you, Kyo. You are a pretty skilled fighter yourself and I think you are just the person to help keep my senses sharp. If you want, perhaps we can tag together."

Kyo gave her a charming smile at the comment. It wasn't often someone complemented his ability in the ring. "Haruka-san, nothing could please me more," he replied. "I'd be honoured to fight at your side in the ring."

He paused for a moment, before continuing.

"Might I ask you a personal question?"

"Maybe."

Indicated she might or might not answer.

"Well..." Kyo cleared his throat. He knew this would be a difficult question to ask, and if he asked it in the wrong way, he might risk offending Haruka.

"I know of your...well, preferences, Haruka-san. I am not judging you over them-- I have a cousin who is gay, so I really don't mind one way or the other. But why am I suddenly the exception to the rule tonight?" He turned a deep shade or red. "Unless, of course, I misinterpreted and this is a completely platonic date, in which case I am completely fine with that, and I apologize for any presumptions I may have made."

Wow...from suave to akward in just a few seconds, and you risked potentially insulting Haruka in the process. Way to go, Kyo, he thought to himself.

Haruka smiled a bit before answering.

"Kyo. I am having a nice time so far. I wanted to see what it would be like for a change. I am not making any promises here but let us see how it all turns out."