My, My, Imai! Vol. I

Imai:
Imai, just like Hatori, had fallen asleep right along with him. As per usual, his tranquilizing effect on the young rooster had gone without fail, and even if neither realized it, they had fallen asleep still snuggled to eachother. But when dawn broke, Imai's eyes slowly opened to meet the day, and despite the warm and affectionate night she had shared with Hatori...

She felt like 'a load of crap'.

With painstaking slowness, Imai eased her way out of bed, taking great care in not waking the man of her dreams as he slept. And despite her usual trip to the bathroom to wash up and get dressed first thing in the morning, Imai had gotten out of bed to immediately greet the day at the window of the front room.

She stood there, quiet as a mouse, with tousled hair and disheveled robes until she felt she could no longer look. But once she moved from the window, she was immediately moving to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee for Hatori. It WAS Valentine's Day, right? The least she could do for Hatori to show she cared (despite the wonderful snuggle session from before) was to have coffee ready for him when he woke up.

She had long ago learned just how he liked his coffee, and once the pot was done, she poured a mug for him.

**Two lumps of sugar and two spoons of cream.**

Imai plopped the sugar into the coffee, followed by the cream.

**Stir ten rounds... Tap the spoon..**

She stirred the usual ten bouts before something came into her mind.

**Since when have I actually remembered the finer details of how Hatori makes his coffee? And since when do I not wash up as soon as I roll out of bed? Ugh... Now I remember...**

It was Valentine's Day... And despite the fact that she loathed this day more than any other for the simple fact that it was her birthday and the anniversary of her mother's death, she was STILL thinking about Hatori.

She gave a bit of a sad sniffle before deciding that the best thing she could do to greet the day was to bring Hatori his coffee in bed. She looked at the clock.

**We didn't stay up too late last night... He should be waking up right about now, and no doubt he'll want his coffee.**

Mustering a smile, Imai picked up the mug, took a deep breath, and forced all of her negative thoughts from her mind before shuffling off to the room she had shared with Hatori that night.

Once she reached the door, she slowly opened it and slipped inside, shutting it soundlessly behind her afterward. She knew that she probably should have knocked, but she knew, personally, that Hatori was in a decent state of dress.

**How do I even know that he wants coffee in bed? ... I'm just getting paranoid... I don't think he'll mind. Besides... I woke up to his face; I'm sure he'd be in a far better mood waking up to mine paired with fresh coffee than waking up alone...**

Quietly, Imai moved to the bed and set the mug of steaming, ready-to-drink coffee down on the bedside table. She couldn't help but smile and tenderly brush a stray bit of hair from his face, leaning in to place a loving kiss to his forehead.

He was so sweet when he slept!


Hatori:
His waking had to do a little with the smell of the strong, fresh coffee that was just a reach away, but mostly with the tender kiss and timid touches he was greeted with when the side of his mattress sunk down under Imai's weight.

His good eye was the first to open, and then the other and they both remained squinted in the morning light as he became conscious. It was true. Though Imai's face was more than satisfactory to be greeted with along with the sun's rays, the coffee was an added extra that he wouldn't turn down.

"Good morning," he said, voice heavy with left over sleep.
Now, he was looking just as rumpled and she was when she first woke up, for he hadn't bothered to change out of his clothes the night before. However, that was going to change... After he had his first bout of coffee, which was what he reached for as soon as he was steady.


Imai:
Imai smiled, handing the coffee to him just so he wouldn't have to move. She still looked rumpled and tired, but it was typical.. At least before her bath. Cherry red strands fell in soft clumps over her cheeks and eyes, and a few meager strands poked out here-and-there, offering her a more human look.

"It's about time Prince Charming woke up. Good morning.. And Happy Valentine's day.."

She continued to smile. And just as she did, Hatori looked far more human in such a disheveled state. With the morning stubble, rumpled hair, and wrinkled clothing, Hatori just looked far more... Obtainable. Almost like a grouch, but she knew that he most likely wouldn't be, unlike her.

She was possibly the biggest grouch in the mornings, but with Hatori, she was just as sweet as always; no foot stomping for him.. He was too special!

"... Did you sleep okay? I hope I didn't keep you up all night.. I think I tend to kick in my sleep.."

Ah, yes! Now it might dawn on the good doctor that he had slept the entire night through with her by his side.

It had been a very strange and very new feeling for Imai, for she had never slept with anyone before. But it had been strange in a great way. While she normally would have shut herself up in her room for the entirety of her birthday, she'd been in too good of a mood that morning to do so, especially being able to spend the whole day with Hatori, should she wish it.


Hatori:
It took a moment for everything to sink in, but when it did, the good doctor was able to reach out and take the offered (and much needed) cup of coffee.
"Morning? This is more like afternoon compared to when I usually get up. Thank you."

Though that's what vacations were for, right? A gracious sip was taken and Hatori was momentarily taken by how Imai had made the morning beverage just the way he liked it to catch the part about Valentine's Day. And that's when he looked up from his cup of coffee, offered a smile and was the first to say what he did next that day.
"I would wish the same to you, but I think Happy Birthday would suit better, hm?"

What a chatterbox Hatori was turning out to be. Not only was he speaking complete sentences to her now, but a few of them. And all at once, too. As sure as Imai was coming around, so was Hatori.


Imai:
"Thank you, Hatori... And what a happy birthday it is; It's not every day a girl turns the almighty age of nineteen, right?"

She really didn't feel much different or any older... But she had to admit that while she hated her birthday more than any other day of the year, she was happier being able to spend it with Hatori.

Normally, she might not have even rolled out of bed at all.. Even to eat. But waking up to his face had been a lift in her spirits, enough to not bring his own down.

She took one of her previous thoughts back..

She -did- feel older, somehow. More like a woman than she had ever felt before. While she was still a child in some peoples' eyes, she felt as though their thoughts didn't matter. Her heart had been chained up, locked away from everyone else; Hatori had held the key to it all this time. He had unlocked it with a mere smile now-and-then, a Christmas gesture, and a timid kiss. THAT made her feel like a woman.

"I hope the coffee's alright; it's not your usual blend, but I'm sure it'll wake you up all the same."

Imai continued to smile, merely watching him as though he were the most interesting and fascinating subject on the planet. Really, it was only because she'd never seen him like this before!


Hatori:
"It's perfect."
And to emphasize this point, the doctor took another long drink from the cup he held. It didn't matter the blend, really, as long as the content that went in was just the right amount. Hatori preferred his coffee more bitter than sweet, though with a touch of cream to make it a little smoother going down.

As far as Imai being or feeling older, Hatori had nothing to say on that. He obviously thought her mature, otherwise he wouldn't take the time to strike up conversation with her; whether it be about work, life, or... well, just the weather itself. He always believed that she took on more than anyone her age should have at once, thus always making her more of an adult than most real adults he knew. Courage was a strong trait and seemed to run in it's own way through most of the family.

"I'm going to get dressed, but then I'll be down for a second cup. Tell Shigure to make himself useful and get breakfast started."
A little bit more rumpled than Imai in that moment, Hatori slid off the bed and to his feet, only feeling slightly embarrassed for his unkempt state. Imai was the first to ever see him before he started the day, other than Kanna, and it was a similar sort of childish feeling that spread through his chest.


Imai:
Imai felt highly priveleged to see Hatori in his unkempt, just-out-of-bed state. But then again, he should feel just as honored; other than Shigure on the very rare occasion, Hatori was the first to actually see her in the same state.

Brushing a bit of hair from her face, Imai stood with him. Feeling just a bit flirtatious-- almost giddy, for some unexplainable reason-- Imai reached up to rub her fingers across the morning stubble that had peeked through Hatori's jawline. Letting out a soft and breathy chuckle, she spoke.

"I kind of like that on you, Hatori. You almost look like a grouch."

With that, she turned to leave the room. When she reached the door, she continued to speak as she opened it.
"I'll have another cup waiting for you at breakfast.. Don't take too long, though, or Gure-ni-san might try to pick off of your plate."


Hatori:
Almost? Hatori could really be a grouch, but only when he wanted to. It was rare, however, since he seemed to stick with sarcasm more than anger, especially when dealing with Shigure. It was simple reflex by this point.

"Thank you, my dear," he responded, hefting his baggage up upon the mattress to dig out his clothes for that day. A pair of black slacks, white button up, and matching tie with socks, too. Not knowing what they were to do that day, he decided to keep casual, yet classy all at once should they happen to go somewhere for breakfast instead.

Once prepared, his other manly instruments already in the wash room, he was on his way there for a much needed shower.
"Tell him to make French toast if he's feeling ambitious."


Imai:
Imai only grinned, the expression tipping the edges of fine lips as she turned to face him when she reached the door. 'My Dear'..? That was something new, but she liked it. Quite a bit, actually. And...

French Toast? Imai had to keep herself from giggling; she never knew Hatori liked French Toast, of all things! She took mental note of it, stashing it away in her little 'Hatori Rolodex' for later use.

"Okay, then.. I'll call for you if he burns the kitchen down in the process."

She felt a bit of a happy bounce in her step after she left the room to leave Hatori to his own devices. Oh, my! This was shaping up to be a wonderful birthday! The best ever! Just the tiny things were making her heart soar, now! But no sooner had Imai left Hatori's room and shut the door, than..


Shigure:
".. And just what do you think you're doing in Hatori's room?"

Shigure was standing just outside the door, having been listening in on the conversation. He was just as rumpled and unkempt as they were, but he seemed wide awake with curiousity..


Imai:
Imai stepped away from Hatori's now shut door and moved toward the window.

".. Nothing. Just bringing him coffee, that's all."


Shigure:
"That's very sweet of you. He didn't bite your head off?"


Imai:
"Of course not..! He slept like a rock last night."


Shigure:
"How would you know?"

Shigure followed her to the window, holding a steaming cup of morning tea in his hands.


Imai:
"We slept together.."


Shigure:
"*PHHHHTTTT!!!* WHAT?!"

Shigure's mind was always running on the wrong track; with the sudden 'confession' that Imai offered him, Shigure's tea sprayed from his mouth in shock.

"S.. So soon?! Are you nuts?!"


Imai:
"What are you talking about? We fell asleep reading... What were YOU thinking?"
Imai reached up and, with her sleeve, wiped away the droplets of tea from her face.


Shigure:
"Oh.. Uh.. Nothing. Nothing at all."

He took a quieting sip of his drink, trying to play it off as though he hadn't thought the good doctor had deflowered the little rooster like a fox breaking into a hen-house.
Sip.


Imai:
"... Okay... So maybe I put it the wrong way. But it was completely innocent, you dirty old mutt."

Imai changed the subject with a roll of her eyes.

"Hatori says for you to make French Toast.. But only if you're feeling 'particularly ambitious'. Personally, the idea of you burning the place down isn't very appetizing.."


Shigure:
"I'm not just feeling particularly ambitious... I'm feeling VERY ambitious.."


Imai:
".. And probably stupid for coming to such a horribly degrading conclusion about Hatori.."


Shigure:
".. Yes, that, too.. But we're going out for breakfast."


Imai:
".. Out? You mean 'out' out..?"


Shigure:
"Yes, 'out' out... There's a little place around here that has a good breakfast, and even on Valentine's Day, it's not too crowded."


Imai:
Imai was a little apprehensive about the idea... But she was eager to try it out. And after being ushered to get cleaned up and ready, Imai hoped that Shigure didn't blab his mouth to Hatori about something she'd accidentally let slip. But, really... Even if it wasn't Shigure's business, he wouldn't tell anybody, right?


Hatori:
Hatori had a feeling that saying what he did would work out in his favor and it did, though he had yet to discover this much. Usually any time he mentioned for the dog to cook, they ended up going out to eat instead. Not only did it save the summer house, but all their stomachs as well.

In about half an hour, Hatori was completely showered, shaved and dressed to go. His dark hair was even a bit damp when he emerged from the bath, blissfully unaware of the conversation that had taken place in the mean time by his door. Shigure's well being was safe for now.

The good doctor was adjusting his tie as he came down the stairs, still looking forward to the promised second cup of coffee as he greeted the day with only one eye shining to the world. It was on the look out for Imai, though he was completely casual with the way he went about it.


Imai:
Thankfully, she had taken her bath the night previous and didn't need to take one that morning; she she was quite ready by the time Hatori came downstairs to look for her. She stood in the kitchen area, faithfully making Hatori another cup of coffee; Shigure was nowhere to be found.. Probably hogging the other bathroom. At least there were two, and at least Imai had made Shigure swear on his writing career that he would keep to himself about what she had accidentally blurted to him. She didn't want Hatori getting taunted about it; that was the last thing they needed.

As she stood in the kitchen, pouring another mug of hot, liquid caffiene for her heart-throb doctor, she looked over a cook-book had been left there. Probably Tohru's. She wore another of Ayame's creations: a pink, double-layered skirt made of a heavy jean-like cloth cut just at the knee and a black top, similar in design to a tank-top save for the strangely cut shoulders that remained as wide as the top itself before tapering off into tiny stinged bows at the shoulders. Apparently, stringed bows were in season and Imai had become the snake's personal Barbie Doll.


Hatori:
Actually, it would be the last thing Shigure needed. The good doctor was not afraid to throttle the dog when he needed it and would be the first to jump at the chance. Yes, he was mean.

"Is that for me?" he wondered, even though he knew the answer. Shigure had his tea, he had his coffee, and Imai had juice and tea, no doubt. It smelt wonderful, however not as strongly as the scent of the doctor's cologne. The morning stuble was gone completely, as if it never existed, and he looked completely refreshed. It was impossible to tell that Hatori woke up in the mornings as raggled as he did.


Imai:
Imai turned at the deep-voiced question, cherry-red hair swaying about her waist with the action. A bright smile danced across the pale features of the rooster and a thin brow raised.

"Maybe... Maybe not.." She had been so tempted to add 'It depends on if you can pay the toll'.. But such a cheesy and overly flirtatious line, she feared, would put off the doctor. She had to admit, though, that she was feeling quite flirtatious that day; maybe it had been the late-night, affectionate snuggle? Even she wasn't sure exactly why.

Imai stopped stirring the coffee and set the spoon down, closing the cook-book as she gave the good doctor a blatant once-over. She simply couldn't help it. Holding the cup out to him, Imai tilted her head.

"Somebody looks nice today.. Smells nice, too."

Cologne? She didn't know he wore it... Maybe she just hadn't really noticed until just now; she always did see him in the evenings.. By that time, it had probably worn off. But now she could smell it quite clearly, and she rather liked it.


Hatori:
Nothing about the night before or the night of this kiss had been brought up. At least, not on Hatori's part. They were private moments to him and would reamin so until similar situations occurred. And as he took his second cup of coffee from her, it would be a lie to say that it was an accident on how his fingers brushed her's.

"I was about to say the same to you. Thank you."
Still shy, that was as far as it went before he turned to claim a seat at the kitchen table. It was a gorgeous morning out despite the chill and he was always one to admire the view of the only place he could take naps in. Who could resist with the way the sun streamed through the tress and through the panes of glass of the windows? He sipped his drink, waiting for Shigure to finish.


Imai:
Imai couldn't help the light blush that came to her cheeks with his words, noticing the tender brushing of fingers as he took the offered cup of coffee, letting her eyes meet his. Despite her own subtle flirting, she was still shy. Shy but utterly exctatic about everything that had transpired so far.


Shigure:
And just a short while after Hatori sat down, Shigure came down the stairs dressed in his typical robe. Thankfully, he hadn't been privvy to the sweet little scene that had just finished playing out. Making his way to the kitchen, he grinned.

"Well! Doesn't the birthday girl look absolutely smashing? Ready for a lovely birthday breakfast? Maybe a bit of shopping?"


Imai:
"Breakfast will be just fine, thank you. It's risky enough as it is; I'm not ready for anything else right now."

At least she knew her limits. She might have really wanted to see the outside world more, but breakfast in a public place was a big enough step for the sheltered (if one could call it that) girl.


Shigure:
"Well, Hatori? Chug, chug, chug, then! All of the French Toast'll be gone if we don't hurry!"


Imai:
".. He just sat down..."

Imai chuckled a bit before leaning against the kitchen counter, opening the cook book again.

".. Let's not rush.. It's still early, anyway. If we hurry through whatever we've all got planned, we'll end up twiddling our thumbs before the sun goes down."


Shigure:
"Well, then.. While we're waiting for Hatori... You can open your present!"

Shigure excitedly left the room, returning a few moments later with his hands behind his back. He sang the 'Happy Birthday' song horribly out of key before revealing what was behind his back.

"Ta da! Happy Birthday!"


Imai:
Imai looked at the small box in Shigure's hand. What could it possibly be? He usually got her books; not that she was disappointed in the fact that it wasn't a book, just surprised. When she opened the sloppily wrapped gift, she held up a thimble.

"What's this?"

She knew what a thimble was, but she was confused as to why Shigure would give her something like this.


Shigure:
"A kiss!"


Imai:
"Why, thank you very much for the 'kiss', Peter Pan..!"


Shigure:
"Look inside of it.."


Imai:
Tilting the tiny silver object over into her palm, the tiniest ring she had ever seen fell into her hand.
"Oh, my... What a tiny little ring. You couldn't expect me to fit this on any finger, Shigure. Where'd you get it?"


Shigure:
"It's your baby ring. I've been holding onto it for a special occasion just like this."
Shigure had, honestly, stolen the ring before it could be thrown out by Akito. Thankfully, the Family Head hadn't noticed its absence.


Imai:
"It's so small..."

She turned the small silver object around in her hand, inspecting the tiny silver band carefully, as though she were afraid to break it.


Shigure:
"It used to fit on your finger, believe it or not. You're the record holder of being the smallest baby born into the Sohma family; it was said you could fit in your father's hand at birth."
Shigure was treading deep water with bringing up her and Akito's parents, but he knew that Imai knew very little about why her parents were gone, so he found little harm in telling her that tidbit of information.


Hatori:
Hatori had his eyes closed as he sipped his coffee, not flinching in the slightest when Shigure came down to rush them out. As Imai said, he had just sat down and with coffee as good as the cup he had, he wasn't about to leave it half full. Before it was decided that they should take their time, the doctor made it apperent that he wasn't going to rush off anywhere, crossing his legs and taking a drink again. Besides, he had the keys.

"We could pick up a chain for you, if you want."
Necklaces seemed to be more suited for Imai anyhow, Hatori thought, with the long and slender neck she had.

"..."
Did he just think what he thought he did? Perhaps it was the brewed blend that was getting to him. The good doctor took a bit of a deeper drink then, finishing most of it then.


Imai:
Imai smiled and nodded, still holding both the thimble and the tiny ring in her hand.

"That would be wonderful; it might get lost otherwise. Thank you.."

It wasn't certain whether she was saying thank you to Shigure, Hatori, or the both of them. Either way, she was glad for both gifts she'd recieved; Hatori's gift of her vacation (she still believed it had been him who had planned it) and the memento Shigure had given her.


Shigure:
"Hatori, why don't you hang onto it until we pick up the chain? You're the only one of us that has pockets, anyhow. We can pick up the chain after breakfast."


Imai:
After everyone had been piled into the car and buckled in (with Hatori holding onto the ring and having finished his coffee), Imai seemed far less nervous about the ride in the car than she had when she had first been in it; she seemed far more relaxed, and she actually sat back in her seat rather than dangerously close to the dashboard, like before. She, however, continued to keep her eyes glued to the scenery passing through her window; endlessly fascinated with whatever they passed, no matter how mundane.

When they finally reached the diner, Imai stuck close to Shigure and Hatori, fearing that even the smallest touch from a stranger would turn her into a feathery mess. But they managed to make it to the table without incident, and Imai was certain that the walk back to the car would be just as uneventful.

She sat next to Hatori on the inner side of the booth, looking over the menu carefully, when...


Waitress:
The waitress came up to take their orders. She was obviously American... Not just because of her blonde hair, overly pale features, and striking blue eyes... But because she spoke Japanese with such a horrible accent, that she sounded as though she were trying far too hard to sound just like a regular Japanese native.
"What would'ja lahk ta'day? *smack, smack*"
She was chewing her gum like a cow would chew it's cud... Really, it was rather annoying.


Imai:
Imai did her very best not to stare in awe at how utterly... Rude the waitress seemed to be. Did she have to chew her gum so loudly? At least she didn't SPEAK rudely... At least she could SPEAK.


Hatori:
The changes were subtle, but the good doctor was quick to catch them all. Imai was his patient after all and working with her so closely let him in on almost all of her behaviour patterns. He didn't comment on it, lest he embarrass her, but it did make him smile a tiny bit.

Hatori seemed to have a smiliar reaction as Imai, arching a single brow as he slid his gaze in Shigure's direction. He'd have to rely on the mutt to translate the horrible speech, indicating this by pointing out what he wanted from the menu to him.

Hatori was a light eater, wanting just a cup of coffee with the ham and cheese omlette. Western food was a treat, for he didn't have Tohru to cook for him at the main house as Shigure and the others did at his. He paid no mind to the waitress, sitting back in his seat when he was finished.


Imai:
Imai herself couldn't understand the woman's speech, and she, too, pointed out just what she wanted from the menu to her elder cousin, trying not to be rude and stare at the strange woman.


Shigure:
"A coffee, two green teas, a ham and cheese omlet, an omlet all the way but without onions or mushrooms, and a bacon cheddar breakfast club, please!"


Waitress:
The waitress seemed absolutely astonished at the last two orders. And couldn't tell whether it had been the girl who had ordered so little, or if she was one of the ones with a big appetite. Either way, she shrugged, continued to smack her gum, and wrote down the orders. Placing the ticket on the table, she paused to converse with Imai... Of all people.

"How'd'ya get ya'h hair like that? D'joo dye it or somethin'?"


Imai:
Imai struggled to understand the mangled words, and when she finally pieced it together, she let out a nervous laugh with her answer, seeming to shrink back against the edge of the booth as though the woman would spit acid in her face.

"Uh... Yes. Uhm... I... Had it dyed.."

She had to lie. She didn't like to, but the prospect of all the questions the waitress might ask if Imai told the truth about her natural hair color... She'd rather choke on a spoon than try and translate anymore of the girl's speech.


Waitress:
"You must'a got it done down at that salawn down by Tokeeyoh Station... I like it... Looks real Valentine's Day."


Imai:
"Uh.. Th.. Thank you very much.."

Imai breathed a soft sigh of relief when the waitress finally left, and she muttered..

".. I could barely understand her..."


Hatori:
"Don't worry," assured Hatori in a bland note as he showed mild interest in the cup of water served before his actual drink, "you weren't the only one. Leave the trash talk to the experts."

It was a zing at Shigure and the good doctor seemed proud of himself with the slight hint of a smirk that tugged at the corner of his mouth. Afterwards, the lemon tucked on the rim of the glass was picked up between a thumb and a forefinger, squeezed, and then dropped in the layer of ice to be stirred with a spoon.


Shigure:
"I resent that... Just because I could understand what she was saying doesn't mean it's trash talk. She just... Needs some polishing on her accent, that's all."


Imai:
Imai had a smart retort on 'polishing', but she kept it to herself, occupying her mouth with her drink, instead. When the food was delivered, Imai's portion was well beyond that which she normally ate, but she didn't seem at all surprised. She was starving, and with the chance to eat food she had never eaten before in portions she could only dream of... Well... She wanted to be a little spoiled.


Shigure:
But Shigure seemed surprised, to say the least. His eyes almost bugged at the man-sized portion of food that was set before the tiny rooster.

"Imai-chan.. Are you sure you'll eat all of that? Seems your eyes are bigger than your stomach!"


Imai:
"Not exactly. My stomach is about the size of my fist... But trust me; I'll eat every bite of it!"

And it surprised even Imai that she actually did. With her plate clean in almost record time, Imai leaned contentedly back in the seat with her tea in hand, sipping at it lightly as she allowed her food to settle. She didn't seem to notice the stunned stare she was recieving from Shigure.


Hatori:
Hatori was impressed as well, he himself not even being able to finish the end portion of his meal after putting away the toast and side of bacon it had come with. However, he was more concerned with whether or not Imai was enjoying herself, noticing how she still seemed relaxed even in the atmosphere of the restaraunt. Quite a feat in itself when considering who.

"Did you want anything else," the doctor asked, then patted around his mouth politely with his napkin before he crumpled it and set it in the middle of his plate. This was a rare outting and (since he was getting credit for the idea, anyhow) he wanted to spoil her a bit-- at the expense of Shigure's wallet.


Imai:
Imai looked up at Hatori, her face flushing softly. He still smelled nice, despite the overwhelming stench of cooking food in the restaurant. Imai shook her head, the cherry-hued wisps of hair kissing her face with the movement.

"No... I think I've had all that I can take for one meal. Though..."

Imai looked down at her half-empty teacup. It had been refilled at least once.. But she wanted something a little different before they left.

"... If it's alright, though... Could... I have a soda? I've never had one before..."

Imai's teeth captured the edge of her lower lip timidly; it was a face that she hadn't practiced... But it was definately one that somebody couldn't deny. The simple way her brows furrowed, the tilt of her head, the slight smile she showed even as she nipped her bottom lip like a shy little child... Even her voice and the glitter in her eyes. She didn't need to practice for a begging face at all; she must've been born with it.

Who could say no to a face like that? Besides... It was only one, small, tiny little soda, right? It wasn't good for her health, but it was just this once!


Hatori:
He seemed as impassive as ever, but the impish expression that donned Imai's face worked like magic on the doctor. Not answering right away, the fleeting glance he passed at Shigure seemed to be some sort of plea for help, instantly recognizing that it was futile and becoming an abandoned hope. Had Imai not asked herself, he was certain the pup would have interjected on her behalf.

Torn, it was only a moment longer before he gaved.
"Just one. A small one."
She was young after all and though he had never touched the stuff, that didn't mean she had to do the same. One really wouldn't hurt and this trip was special. He would have another cup of coffee in that case.


Imai:
The look that crossed her face was an eager one, but she batted her eyelashes and flashed a toothy smile. Still being flirtatious, of course. And the tone she now used was definately one of obvious flirting. She seemed to forget that Shigure even existed.

"Thank you very much, Hatori.."


Shigure:
Shigure decided that it might be good for his health to keep his mouth shut when it came to the scene playing out before him. He wasn't about to help the doctor out of this one; it was about damn time he had somebody flirt with him for a change. Instead of commenting, he ordered the soda and another coffee for Hatori.

And he was already forming another idea in his head that the pair simply couldn't refuse. While they waited for the drinks, Shigure piped up with a grin.
Uh-oh. Here it comes.

"So... What are the plans for tonight? It's Valentine's Day.. And your birthday, Imai-chan. Anything special you want to do?"


Imai:
"Well... Nothing, really. I.. Don't really know what we COULD do."
Imai spoke before taking a sip of the soda that was delivered before her, the bubbly feel of the new drink on her tongue almost made her giggle, especially with how the little bubbles tickled her nose as she took a drink.


Shigure:
"We could watch a movie.."


Imai:
"Nnn... I don't think so. All of the movies that you have really aren't to my tastes... And I'm sure that the television movies are going to be nothing but romance movies. Not only that, but I doubt Hatori would want to watch a movie, if last night was any indication."


Shigure:
"Well..."

**Here it comes. Brace yourselves!**

".. You and Hatori could always go to dinner together. It IS your birthday... And Valentine's Day should REALLY be spent with significant others.."

**Bam. In the face.**


Imai:
Imai mouthed like a fish for a few awkward moments, her eyes darting from Hatori to Shigure before finally settling away from the both of them entirely. Significant other?! She wouldn't go as far as to think she was Hatori's significant other! And she doubted that he would want to take her to dinner... That would be considered a DATE. And she was fairly positive that Hatori was NOT ready for that big of a step.

... Though it was a very nice idea, in her mind, Imai kept her mouth faithfully shut.


Hatori:
Hatori, no matter how impassive he seemed to be, was prone to random bouts of violence, especially when Shigure's frivolous --reckless-- tendencies completely defied the laws of common sense that every human being (cursed or not) should possess.

It was for these reasons that the mutt would find the dish containing packets of pure and artificial sugar pitched in his direction. Well, at his head to be more precise, for Hatori was never one to settle back and let blatant idiocy invade. It was for Shigure's good most of the time and the doctor, with an irritated vein pulsing on his forehead, sipped at his coffee afterwards.


Shigure:
Shigure thankfully ducked away at the last possible second to avoid being hit in the face with sugar, wincing as he heard it clatter loudly to the floor. He must have gone too far! But, really... Was it that horrible of a suggestion? Maybe it had been the comment of 'significant other' that had done it..? Shigure wasn't certain, but he remained as jovial as always.

"Now, now! It was only a suggestion, Ha'ri! Really, you shouldn't act so violent around Imai-chan! You might scare her! See? Look at her face! She's stunned!"
Shigure pointed to Imai as if to emphasize his point.


Imai:
Not particularly. If Hatori hadn't been the one to throw something at Shigure and if she hadn't been so embarrassed by Shigure's comment, she might've been the one to throw something at him. Was the dog's goal in life to humiliate the both of them until they just gave in? But she was still looking in the other direction, more to hide her flaming cheeks than for any fear of Hatori's violent outburst.


Shigure:
"Besides... What sort of a reaction is that? I only suggested a nice dinner, and you haul off and throw something at me... How do you think that makes her feel?"


Imai:
Now it was Imai's turn to get violent, only her minor outburst was a little more subtle than throwing an entire dish at Shigure's face. From under the table, Imai gave Shigure a sharp kick to the shin... Just to shut him up. And this morning was going so well, too! Shigure had to open his mouth!


Hatori:
"Are you finished with your soda, Imai?" wondered Hatori with noticeable indignace towards the mutt in the seat across from them. He condoned every ounce of lashing out the girl had to dish out, saying so with just the tone that he used with her. They both had been offended and they both deserved to be in a huff, so why not do so together?

The doctor made the first move, slipping gracefully out of the booth, smoothing the wrinkles out of his shirt when he stood. He was tall, lanky and almost overbearing when in a mood, though none of that was taken out upon Imai in any way.


Shigure:
Shigure let out a noticable yelp when kicked so roughly in the shin. Really... He didn't know that Imai could be so strong; she was such a tiny girl! But he really should have expected it... She was her brother's sister, after all.
Shigure instantly berrated himself for the latter thought; she was nothing like her brother.

"Okay... Fine..! You two can be that way! I can just go home and sit in my room..!"


Imai:
"Go ahead... Cry big fat tears on your big fat pillow, Shigure."

Her tone was less angry with the dog than Hatori's might have been. She couldn't stay angry with him for long, but there was a noticable edge to it. She turned to Hatori, her voice still as sweet as always. She hadn't taken any offense to his violent 'answer' to the dinner question. She would be just as happy at home with him than she would on some fancy dinner date, anyway.

"Yes.. We can leave.."