My, My, Imai! Vol. I

Imai:
Imai seemed to spend hours playing with Shigure in the water, and the pair never seemed to tire of horsing around. But once the cousins started to grow exhausted... And even a little hungry after such a long swim... They decided that it was time to get out.

When Shigure emerged from the water and onto the shore, Imai was sitting on his shoulders. Both of them were, of course, soaked to the bone, and maybe a little pink around the shoulders. But they never looked happier.


Shigure:
"I can't remember the last time I had so much fun!"


Imai:
"I might need another nap after this!"

When they reached Hatori, Imai was let down from Shigure's shoulders so that she could get a towel.


Shigure:
"No, you won't waste away your first day with sleep! Why don't you go inside and change into one of those nice dresses that Aya made for you and take a walk?"


Hatori:
The suggestion of a walk seemed harmless enough, but Hatori was well aware of Shigure's ulterior motives. Was he expecting him to volunteer himself to be the escort? The doctor didn't say anything just yet, working on one of the three cigarettes he had gone through since they started swimming.

However, it would be a different story if Imai wished for him to accompany her, as he was confident Shigure would oblige himself if he, the doctor, did not go along. The lake house might have been secluded, but the "Private Property" signs didn't exactly apply to Mother Nature and her furry friends. Big or small.

Hatori let out a long breath after sucking in a good portion of smoke, letting the other two simply be graced with his presence.


Imai:
That was perfect! She had already promised herself that she would spend time with Hatori that evening, and what better way to do it other than a quiet walk without Shigure babbling in their ears? A bright smile crossed her face, and as she wrapped the towel around herself, Imai looked down at Hatori.

"Will you walk with me, Hatori-san? I still have to change, but that should give you plenty of time to finish your cigarette.."


Shigure:
"That also gives me time to call the bath house and see how Tohru-kun and the boys are doing... Not to mention find something for dinner..."

Imai had taken the step for him.. Good.. Now he didn't seem so suspicious!

As for what he had to do? It really was all in truth. He had let the boys take Tohru to the bath-house... More for the fact that if they destroyed his house while he was gone, he wouldn't be very pleased... And they did seem to need the vacation, too, and Rit-chan's mother would keep them all under control, too.


Hatori:
"Yes, I'll go."

Hatori wasn't reluctant, for it had been Imai herself to suggest the idea without any influence too much from Shigure. The swimming thing had just been way out of line, though the doctor was glad that they both had fun and managed to keep him at a safe distance from it.
"Take your time. I'll be waiting here."

Dinner was on Shigure, as he promised to take care of that sort of thing while they were on this vacation. Unless there was some fine print entailed to where it was only for that morning's breakfast. Another drag and then the dragon's eyes were lifted to come to a steady rest on dog in silent inquiry. Hatori was worried to come home to something neither himself or Imai wanted to see if Shigure wasn't kept under careful watch. Hatori almost felt sorry for those living in his house if it weren't for Tohru keeping them mostly on their best behavior.


Shigure:
Shigure smiled as he watched Imai leave to change. He took an easy seat beside Hatori on the grass, stretching his bared legs out as he watch the water in silence.

But he couldn't hold it in any longer.

"You've turned to putty in her hands, haven't you?"

He was grinning, now, instead of smiling. He had taken note of how compliant with Imai Hatori had been. He'd taken note of every tiny smile the dragon had given her, every look he'd offered, and every time he'd agreed with her. He was almost jealous of Hatori, now, but he was playing match-maker, not jealous lover.

He was already having a bet with himself that Hatori would more-than-likely have stronger feelings for the little rooster before the vacation was over. He knew very well that Hatori knew what he was up to, but he wasn't about to fess up to it. He would just continue to play dumb until things turned out.


Hatori:
"This is her vacation," said Hatori dully.
"If she wishes to go for a walk, then I will comply so she will enjoy herself."

As unwilling as Shigure was to confess his plans, Hatori was twice that when it came to admitting to the distinct warm spot Imai had created in his heart since Kanna.

There was no need for anyone to play match maker, however. It was also quite possible that Hatori may have been less stubborn if it weren't for outside forces attempting to be an influence. If this was something real, he would rather discover it on his own to be sure that it was absolutely right, regardless of the doubt he had dumped on Shigure just mere nights ago.

It was a delicate situation with two even more delicate hearts at stake.


Shigure:
But Shigure was determined, despite his own tinge of apprehension, to make sure that the pair hit it off.

Besides... His next plans would make his editor proud.

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do..."

He closed the mini-conversation when Imai came out, moving to a stand so that he could let the two be off while he did his own thing.


Imai:
Imai came out of the house wearing none other than something of Ayame's creation. Since the evening was still warm, Imai had chosen to wear a sun dress. It was the color of her eyes and the thin straps tied at the top of her shoulders. What was with Aya and bows, anyway? But at least Aya had taken the liberty of making her shoes to go with it.

She stopped next to Shigure and Hatori, smiling down at the dragon.

"Are you ready to go?"

She looked absolutely ecstatic to take a simple walk with him.


Hatori:
Yet another cigarette was put out and Hatori was much quicker to get to his feet than he had been when asked to at least watch them swimming.

"Ready."
No particular mind was paid to Shigure, but he did have hopes that dinner would be something to look forward to upon their return. Imai was no doubt starving by now and as for himself, the breakfast sandwich could only tide him over so much.

Shoving his hands into his trouser pockets, the dragon started to lead the way down the grassy hill and to a dirt path that had been eroded into the greenery from frequent travel that would take them around the body of water and through the bits of forest around them. It wasn't much different from the outdoors around Shigure's home, but that was something Imai hadn't seen, either.


Imai:
She turned to Shigure and smiled.

"We'll be back soon!"

And after giving her elder cousin a small wave, she turned to follow after Hatori down the dirt path. The walk was silent, but warm... Something very welcome, to Imai, compared to the noise that Shigure offered. During the walk, Imai stayed close to Hatori, still looking curiously around her.

The trees were different than that which she knew, and the air smelled fresher and cleaner than the stifling, captive air of the gardens at the estate. As the path thinned out, Imai saw that there was a perfect sitting spot just ahead. She was eager to share it with Hatori, as though it could be their little secret place for the time being.

After such a long quiet, Imai finally turned to him.

"There's still a bit of time left before we should head back... Do you want to watch the sun go down? This looks like a perfect spot..."


Hatori:
It was like being in his study, but outside. Either way, that comfortable, silent company that Imai offered was more than welcome. Though he didn't voice it, Hatori was glad to be in this moment, especially with Shigure not around so he could soak up all the tranquility possible.

And with walking close, the doctor was careful not to make any contact between them-- not even an accidental brushing of hands, as innocent as that may be. Truth be told, there were still images of Imai in her flattering bathing suit Ayame created dancing around in his mind. Did that make him a pervert?

Her gentle voice brought him back to the present and he blinked before he considered her suggestion.
"If you wish."
He really didn't mind being away like this, he just wasn't one to be as emotional or energetic about it as some.


Imai:
Imai smiled, reaching to take a single hand of his in both of her own as she led the rest of the way to their perfect sitting spot. So much for Hatori not touching her, right? But she was smiling, and it was as though the action of taking his hand had come to her without her even realizing it.

Once reached, Imai took a tentative seat on the grass just as the sun was starting to sink behind the treeline of the mountains.

To her, it was the most beautiful sight she could have ever laid eyes upon. She seemed utterly captivated by the way the sky bled from blue to orange and red and then finally to purple. The light that the setting sun cast upon everything around it made it all look as though it were made of gold, the warm colors tinting their skin a deep orange.

She had always wanted to be able to watch something like this... Having only dreamed of it, while everyone seemed to take it for granted. But she had always wanted to share such a simple thing with Hatori. She couldn't think of a more perfect moment in time than that which she was now immersed in.


Hatori:
Hatori blinked when she took his hand, but did not move to take it back. It had not been accidental and, really, something done that he had been too shy to do himself. If anything, he was relieved that Imai took the initiative, for he wasn't sure if it would be appropriate.

He took a seat beside her, eyes fixated on the colorful horizon before them as that particular sort of warmth settled more comfortably about them. He had seen the sun set and rise a number of times in life, though they had been precious moments shared with Kanna. It was strange, however, that he didn't feel the guilt as strongly as he once did now that Imai was sitting in the spot that Kanna normally would occupy. It was even stranger now that Hatori was seeing Imai's image at moments where it had only been Kanna. The love he had for his ex-fiancee was still strong, no doubt, but there was also another sort of love he was learning to grow, and that was reserved for Imai, evidently.

Hatori wasn't aware when he had taken to watching the other beside him rather than the sight before him. There was no question in which was more captivating.


Imai:
Imai was unaware that Hatori's eyes weren't in the same direction that hers were, and only when she was about to say something did she turn in his direction. She stopped short when she saw that he was watching her intently. And for a fleeting moment, she wondered if there was something on her face...

... Or on his mind, either one.

Her expression changed, turning softer as she smiled to him.

"... Hatori..?"

She questioned, knowing that she really didn't need to finish if he actually noticed the fact that he was all but staring at her.

She couldn't place the look that was coming over Hatori's face as he looked at her, unsure whether or not he wanted to leave, or if he was bothered by something..

But she hoped... She prayed that the look he was giving her was for something else entirely.

**I wish I knew what he was thinking...**


Hatori:
Maybe the mood was too much influence on them? Maybe Shigure had spiked his morning coffee when he wasn't looking and it had taken the substance all day long to finally kick in? Whatever the reason, Hatori was only sure it was unknown, causing him to think, feel and DO strange things. It was almost overwhelming.

The burnt orange shadows of the setting sun played off of Imai's soft features, casting her in a warm glow of light that produced a cherub effect all the way around her. Perhaps too fantasy-like? Considering Hatori and his personality, it was very farfetched to even think of with him. When did he turn into such a cliche, dumbstruck romantic, anyhow? It was terrible, but not in such terrible ways.

Winter eyes were glazed over and still nothing was said, but there was something dark about his expression now with no way of hiding it. Lost in thought was one way of putting it, but Hatori would rather much call it a dream, and everything began to have a surreal atmosphere as he leaned in just a little bit closer when the sound of her voice calling his name echoed in his ears. . .


Imai:
Imai saw the look in his eyes... And while she might have been frightened by it, she was more captivated by it instead. Her heart took a mighty leap into her throat when he leaned closer, and she dared not call his name again for fear of breaking whatever moment she had so suddenly found herself immersed in.

Did he want to tell her something? God forbid, did he want to KISS her?

It certainly looked like the latter, and Imai found her heart suddenly pounding in her throat as the lids of her eyes drooped the tiniest fraction, lips parted, almost trembling.

The anticipation of it was killing her, and she wasn't sure if she should lean in the rest of the way and take the dive. But she had promised him that she would wait patiently for him, and this was a step that she knew she couldn't take unless he took it first.

**We haven't spoken about it for months... Maybe... Maybe he's finally caught up to me, and I never realized it..**


Hatori:
It would seem that Hatori had every intention of kissing her indeed, and it was quite true with the way he let his eyes close and his own mouth inch so very close to Imai's. He hadn't gotten to the point where his breath was held, but rather having it come out in light, warm puffs against hers through his own parted lips. This moment, he was aware, was sweeping him further and further away from the Shore of Rationality and he was in a boat without a paddle.

Thankfully, oceans had waves and he was sloshed back to his senses with just millimeters of space between them. This was his patient he was with. . . His friend and his COUSIN. Hatori was swept in a different direction then by a gusty wind of self-consciousness and it swayed him in the opposite direction of Imai as well.

". . .Forgive me," he murmured, turning his head so that his face was in profile view to her. It was rare that the doctor was often seen in this state: brows furrowed down over eyes hazy with confusion. Hatori was normally so level headed and collected. Imai had a strange effect on him.

He felt like Shigure.

A broken moment, though only temporary, with the promise of repair should the right cards from Imai's hand be dealt out.


Imai:
The feel of his breath against her lips caused a heavy feeling in the pit of her stomach, and she had just closed her eyes, preparing herself for the kiss he was about to deliver when...

He turned away, muttering his apology as though he had done something wrong. Imai was confused, eyes opening to fall only on his profile.

This wasn't how it was supposed to happen! She thought she'd been dreaming but a moment ago, and now it was turning into reality. A confusing reality.

Had it been her breath?

"... No... Hatori..."

She couldn't take it. She couldn't wait another moment, and she couldn't let him leave her hanging like he had. It just wasn't right... Her heart had jumped from her throat to her stomach in less than a fraction of a second, and it had been due to his indecision. She understood that he was confused... But she had a feeling that he wouldn't have started something unless he FELT something.

She prayed that he hadn't been leading her on...

Lifting a hand, she cupped it against his cheek, turning his face back to her own. The expression on her face was one that nearly matched his own; her own brows were furrowed, and her expression was marred with confusion... And even disappointment. She'd been expecting a kiss from him by how close he had come, and yet he had pulled away.

Any sane woman would have been disappointed by that.


Hatori:
No? Had he really been all right with what he was doing after all? It was so confusing and Hatori was beside himself with his sudden inability to depict right from wrong. That was what he was renowned for, wasn't it? Clear thinking and a level head. . . That was all gone in a heart beat and the doctor was rendered to fend for himself without his mind.

He turned his head back when the hand was placed on his cheek, tipping it slightly to the side to nuzzle just the slightest bit into that soft palm. Reassurance was something that he needed, though he was too proud to admit so, but Imai had done it without her even realizing she had. No? No, it was all right? Then. . . There couldn't have been anything wrong.

A small lapse of contemplative silence went by, lashes fluttered over his cheeks, though soon to open to meet Imai's eyes once more. And as if nothing had happened, he was carried off again and this time there were no cross waves of his own insecurities that sent him back to shore.

The first contact his mouth made with hers was brief, as if he were testing out and making sure that this was really what she wanted. However, that little taste was sweet and before Imai could get the chance to tell him that it was still all right, his lips were already seeking hers out once again, lingering softly in the most timid embraces from such a strong man.


Imai:
She could already feel her cheeks flushing, even from the first touch of his lips to her own. Her eyes slowly fluttered closed, her heart soaring back up into her throat to pound relentlessly in the hollow of it.

She had to be dreaming...! To think that Hatori was kissing her..!

But the feel of his lips brushing against her own told her that this was no dream... The heat of his body close to her own, the softness of his hair brushing against her hand... It wasn't a dream.

She couldn't lie to herself... Ever since she'd realized that she'd fallen in love with the good doctor, she had wanted to feel this. She had wanted to feel his body close to her own and his lips pressed to hers. She had wanted to smell the subtle, masculine scent he carried and know what his lips tasted like.

Her heart fluttered for that moment his lips finally locked with hers before racing once again like a rabbit from a fox; she knew he must be able to feel it. The reality of it slammed home.

Imai's lips trembled faintly beneath his, and when the kiss was finally broken, her breath shuddered out against the flesh of his lips. For a moment, she remained quiet and rigid, her hand trembling against his cheek.

"... Hatori.."

Her words came out as a soft and breathy whisper, her eyes still half-lidded and heart still racing. She felt as though she'd faint.


Hatori:
For a moment, Hatori didn't speak. He didn't open his eyes and he thought that he may not even be breathing. He allowed her to touch his face, though one could only be lost in Wonderland for so long before finding their way to reality.

Hatori drew back, but none too quickly and stared as he did his best to figure out what had just happened. It had been so long since he had been in contact with someone in that manner, he hardly knew what to do now that he was so suddenly thrown back into that race. The doctor turned his face away one more time, stare fixing on the ground while he finally caught his breath. "...I'm sorry.." he murmured again, for that seemed like the most intelligent thing at that current moment.

What could he say to a woman-- his patient AND cousin that he just imposed upon. With as wanting as she had seemed to be, there was still no excuse for his lack of control.

Hatori shifted his legs, making a move to prepare to stand.
"Maybe we should go back."
It could have been the dying glow of the sun's rays from behind the horizon playing upon his face, but if Imai were to look hard enough, she would be able to tell that the good doctor was blushing ever so slightly.


Imai:
As Hatori pulled back, Imai brushed her thumb across his cheek, eyes slowly opening to watch his face.

Then, she remembered to breathe.

Her first kiss with her first love... It had been everything that she had anticipated and more. Even despite the strange awkwardness the ensued afterwards. She let her hand free his face, going back to her side as he stood.

She noticed the blush, and could not deny that she, herself, was blushing; though moreso than he. She offered soft words to both his apology as well as his suggestion to leave. She just hoped that this did not ruin anything between them... Hoped that it would not dash her hopes and her heart to pieces.

"... It's alright, Hatori..."

She only offered a smile as he stood, bringing herself to her feet beside him.

"... Gure-ni-san will be waiting with dinner.."