A Gentleman's Duty
Title: A Gentleman's Duty
ROCK: #26 - I Just Want You
Fandom: Engine Sentai Go-onger
Pairing: Sutou Miu × Esumi Sosuke
Rating: G
Length: 2,886 words
Disclaimer: All characters and related titles © to Toei Co. Ltd., and tv asahi. I am not affiliated with them in any way, and this story is purely fan-made.
Notes: ... guh?
#26 - I Just Want You
Sosuke's breath hitched up as Miu chanted the words that would decide his fate: the one that would test his capability as a true gentleman or an unrefined brute.
"I'll take it."
The Speed King reacted with a dull groan as the shop assistant began to find a coat cover for the dress Miu had selected. As the two exchanged their thanks and salutations, Miu turned to Sosuke with a brimming smile. Without even bothering to ask for his permission, she didn't even hesitate as she shoved her latest purchase into Sosuke's arms.
"Oh, come on," complained Sosuke. He was already bagged down with a box under his left arm, and at least four large bags in each hand with brand names clearly printed on their papery surfaces. Miu only waltzed around slowly in that observational manner of hers, leaving him to transfer the multi-colored bags from one arm to another to balance her shopping spree carefully on his arms. He turned to the girl, who ignored his glare. In response to his moaning, she pocketed her platinum credit card and marched out of the boutique, eyes alert for something else she could buy.
"This is unbelievable," sighed Sosuke as he lugged her belongings down the sidewalk. "I feel like a pack mule. Why did I have to come today? Why couldn't you have picked Gunpei or something?"
Just because! was Miu's answer. Of course, she didn't say that out loud and continued prancing ahead.
"Hey, I'm speaking to you," grunted Sosuke impatiently.
At last, Miu sighed. "How ungentlemanly of you," she retorted, stabbing a finger at Sosuke's chest, elliciting a wobbly, "Oof!" from him. "I had you accompany me today because you've yet any refined dignity or sophistication. I don't know how you live as a hero. If you can't pass this training, you've not your worth as a man."
"What'd you say!?" hissed the man, but Miu evaded his anger by skipping ahead, forcing him to jog to catch up. She threaded into a store just as the beveled glass door shut in front of him, causing Sosuke to crash into it face-first. Bags and boxes slipped from his arms, making messy piles on the welcome mat of the store. Near him, bypassing people gave him quick sympathetic looks as he pathetically picked up the items one by one.
This was going to be a long day.
At last, Sosuke finally balanced his body with all of Miu's belongings. Grumbling and shuffling his feet, he wondered what advice his companions would give him to bear this sorry state. Logical Renn would've stuck to it like a gentleman. Adorable Saki would've just told him to "smile, smile." (She actually didn't really count, though, seeing as she would have treated him like a pack mule like Miu had, though not with that princess attitude Miu had.) Gunpei was a mystery. Hant would've attempted to be somewhat optimistic.
Sosuke breathed. Yes, optimism. This training was weight training. He could pretend that the bags were training him in case he was bogged down with sticky dangers when it came to fighting the Gaiarc. Yes.
Oh, who was he kidding? Sosuke sighed, rolled his eyes, and marched into the store.
Inside, Miu was impatiently waiting, tapping her foot. "About time you're here," she scolded, shaking a finger at him. "You've got some nerve to make a lady wait!"
Sosuke only groaned.
"Don't give me that face!" Miu ordered sharply. If Sosuke hadn't known any better, he would've thought her tone sounded a little soft, sympathetic, and maybe pleading. "Ani would never be like this whenever he accompanied me. He is a perfect example of a gentleman that I suggest you follow." Without another word to that, she turned on a heel and marched off.
Sosuke gritted his teeth. "I'm not your brother!" he hissed to no one in particular, but he reluctantly followed her.
Miu seemed to be annoyed, and she was taking her frustrations out on her credit card. As she tugged him around, the list of purchases only expanded. The bags seemed heavier and heavier than Sosuke had imagined. Two pairs of shoes, a hat, and some accessories later, he asked, "How much stuff are you going to buy?"
"A growing lady needs a proper change of clothes 365 days a year," was Miu's nonchalant response just as she noticed a cute pair of shoes at a store window. In fact, she thought, it would really go well with that new dress.
"You're probably not even going to wear them all," Sosuke shot back.
"These clothes aren't just for me; they're for you too. I had Renn's recordings of all your sizes with me, so I got you guys each a little something. Bear it a little more, and soon you'll have as many nice things you can wear. A proper hero needs a proper change of clothes." Miu expected Sosuke to be touched with appreciation for her sympathy, but to her disappointment, he shook his head.
"What? You think you're too good for my kindness?" she chirped hotly.
Sosuke heaved a sigh. Really, while he did somewhat acknowledge Miu's will to do something for him, he was less gracious about it. Why was she still trying to convert them into little Sutou clones? He was a Go-onger, not a Go-on Wing. He wasn't Hiroto... "Thanks, but no thanks," he said stiffly. "I don't need it."
Miu glanced at the other shoes on display, not paying attention to him. "You'll be thanking me later."
At this point, Sosuke wanted to throw everything down. "You don't understand. You can buy us anything you want, but money can't buy certain things."
The girl turned to look at Sosuke. "Your point is?"
Sosuke sighed exasperatedly. "You can't buy feelings. You can't buy the ambition, the will to protect...you can't buy what really makes us Go-ongers in the first place. Clothes, food, and shoes don't show a person's true character."
In response, Miu shrugged. "I know that," she said simply, in that knowing voice of hers. "However, it's best to live for the best, especially when you have these advantages."
"You can't buy loyalty," Sosuke sputtered tiredly. "You can't buy loyalty from me."
It was a habit to argue with Sosuke, and although Miu partially agreed with him, she couldn't help but think of ways to rebute his arguments. Well, loyalty could be bought, Miu thought. After all, there were such things as mercenaries... but she bit her lip and began thinking again. That loyalty wasn't exactly genuine; should the lord run out of resources, the mercenaries would no longer support him in some cases, especially when a proper relationship was not developed.
Sosuke had stated that his loyalty couldn't be bought... well, truthfully, she wasn't exactly trying to buy it from him anyway, right? She just wanted him to accompany her on a little shopping trip, because she liked his company! She liked to be with him! But if she wanted to get along with him, this wouldn't do.
"I... guess," she answered, forgetting what she was answering to. Sosuke took a seat on the bench where other people were trying on their shoes, piling the bags in a massive heap next to him. He stretched out his arms, and that trademark cocky grin of his returned.
"Aah, that feels good," he exclaimed, shaking his arms out. He seemed a little happier now that the stress on his muscles were relaxed, and he leaned on the palms of his hands. Miu couldn't help but think that his motions seemed a little animated... in a good way, that is. She took her mind off of the shoes she had planned to buy (she could always get them later; if they were bought, she could always ask the store which brand and model the shoes were and have Ani buy it directly from them). Instead she stood up and walked off. Sosuke was too dazed to notice.
Miu walked into the men's shoe section. She had noticed there were worn spots over Sosuke's shoes from encounters with the Gaiarcs. She looked for a pair that would be sturdy, comfortable for combat, and would be able to keep his feet warm on cold days... her eyes caught a pair. It was the same brand as Ani's (hence the reliability), and as soon as she saw it, she knew it was perfect. Drawing out the measurements Renn had compiled, Miu perused the piles of shoeboxes around her and finally came upon one of the right size. As she braced herself for more of Sosuke's complaints, she began wondering if he even should try the shoes on... no, it wouldn't be necessary. After all, Renn was never wrong, "just correct", as one would put it. Miu couldn't help but smile; this would make a wonderful surprise for Sosuke. Immediately, she purchased it and returned to where Sosuke was sitting.
"Oh, you're back," chirped Sosuke, but his expression fell flat when he saw what was in Miu's hands. "Another box?" he whined, massaging his wrists in preparation.
Miu shook her head. "No. I'll be carrying this one."
Sosuke shot up his eyebrows in surprise. He looked as if Hant and Saki had switched bodies. Miu grinned at his expression.
The Speed King frowned in response. "What?"
"Nothing!" Without another word to that, Miu gaily turned towards the door.
"Hey, wait up, Miu!" cried Sosuke, scampering to lug the bags and boxes unsuccessfully.
Miu stopped and turned towards Sosuke, who was hopping to meet her pace. "So, Sosuke, you're progressing very well," she commented. "You've accompanied me to no end. Your manners are still a little indecent, but for your efforts, I shall reward you."
Sosuke cocked his head to a side. "Reward?"
There was a gurgling, rumbling sound, and Sosuke's face turned red. Miu placed a hand over her mouth, giggling, "You must be hungry. Let me treat you to something."
Before Miu could continue, Sosuke piped up, "Okay! How about there?" He pointed to a noodle cart across the street.
Flabbergasted, Miu's jaw dropped. "Y-You mean," she stuttered, "over there?"
Sosuke nodded. "Yeah!"
"I can treat you to a fancier place," Miu scoffed haughtily, eying the ramen shop with inferiority raging in her thoughts.
"Fancy food's okay, but I haven't eaten ramen in a long time!" Sosuke was already cheering in his mind. It was like the sun was shining. "It's so nostalgic!" His feet-dragging became a lighthearted hop-step as he hastily walked around Miu, drenched in excitement.
"O-Okay," said Miu quickly. "Okay, I'll do it. Stop dancing around! It looks embarrassing."
Obediently, Sosuke calmed down, but at least he was laughing now. There was a twinkle in his eye, and Miu felt that twinkling feeling just by observing him. It was just like watching a little child, whose happiness flooded the whole world... Just like Sosuke, Miu figured. No wonder he's so interesting. She was glad that he had come with her today...
"Hey, Miu, what's wrong?" Sosuke suddenly cut into her thoughts. "Your face is red!"
"Huh?" Miu glanced up at him. As soon as her eyes made contact with his, she briskly looked away. "Nothing's wrong. It's getting kind of cold."
"Really?" Sosuke looked up at the sky. "It does seem to be getting windy. We should hurry up and eat!"
"How unrefined," was all Miu could say, but it was with affection. "I guess that's what makes you you," she added softly.
Although the words were spoken quietly, Sosuke heard them and smiled. Luckily Miu was spared the embarrassment of him noticing as he marched onward, ahead of her to the ramen stand. "Yo, old man!" he called, and a man attended to them. "I'd like some of that classic beef ramen." Sosuke turned to Miu. "What do you want?" he asked, gesturing to the menu.
Miu furrowed her eyebrows in thought. She hardly touched ramen (lest from a shabby stand like this), and she had no experience in choosing. Why would she even eat this? She could be eating a lovely French course right now! All of these thoughts were dismissed when she saw the glint of eagerness in Sosuke's eyes. If Sosuke wanted it, she'll abide by it. When in Rome, do what Romans do... right? Softly touching her cheek, Miu solemnly answered, "I'll have what you're having."
"That'll be 1500 yen," rumbled the man. He quickly set two large bowls of beef ramen in front of the two.
How cheap! Miu fished her pocket, and promptly handed him her platinum credit card. To her surprise, the man crossed his eyebrows and pushed it back to her. "Sorry, lady, we don't accept credit cards," he said, elliciting a pale face from Miu.
Something uncomfortable creeped in her stomach as the shopowner's words dawned on her. "You... you don't?" she stammered, eyes wide. "B-But how am I going to pay for this?"
Thoughts were racing in her head. Miu had never been rejected like this before, and to make it worse, she had no pocket change on her. Should she call Ani? Ani would know what to do. She should...
"You mean you can't pay for it?" grumbled the man impatiently. "Like I said, no credit cards."
Sensing Miu's troubles, Sosuke jumped in. "Hey, old man, you wanna see some tricks?" He whipped out his coin.
"If it involves me not getting paid, then no," the man replied sternly. "Look, either you pay or you don't eat."
"Aw, come on, man!"
"Sir, I am Sutou Miu," Miu spoke calmly. "I will be sure to pay you."
It was evident that the man was growing more irritated at the moment. "I don't care who you are, Little Miss Princess," he snapped. "If you can't pay now, don't plan on eating."
"Miu," called a tiny voice from Miu's pocket. She pulled out her trigger and inserted Jetras' soul into it, and in seconds, a hologram of his mechanical body beamed. "Miu," he started again, "we should not pay this man any service for his rude behavior. I understand you are doing Sosuke a favor, but this man is undeserving of our good will."
"Yeah," agreed Miu. "We shouldn't." She turned to the shopowner to tell him off, but surprisingly Sosuke was already a step ahead of her.
"Fine!" he yelled. "We don't want your food!" He turned away and began leaving the cart as the man glared at him. A few steps later, Sosuke glanced over his shoulder at Miu, who was still standing there in confusion. "Well, come on, Miu!" he urged.
Although in a stupor, Miu was quick to follow. "O-Okay!" she squeaked as she caught up with him.
"Man, that guy was unbelievable!" If Sosuke's hands were free, he would be rubbing his head, Miu could tell.
"I'm sorry." Miu's voice was apologetic and in her heart she wished things hadn't resulted like this. "In the end we couldn't eat there."
"Why are you sorry?" asked Sosuke. "If anyone should be sorry, it should be that old man. He was so mean to you!"
Miu glanced up. Sosuke was worried about her?
"As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone say such crap about you," he went on, passionately ranting and raving as they walked. Miu could barely listen past the insults and complaining. Deep in her heart, she could only think of what Sosuke had just said. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone say such crap about you, was it? No one else had ever defended her like that, except for Ani, of course.
"You know," Miu broke in, unaware of what Sosuke had been blabbering about.
As expected, Sosuke paused and glanced at her. "What?"
Miu giggled. "You're quite a gentleman after all."
Sosuke was confused by what she said and only answered with, "Huh?" Her words sank in and he straightened up. "I mean, of course I am."
As he was doing so, in a swift motion, Miu yanked some of the bags off of Sosuke's arms and pushed the shoebox into his. "Here," she interrupted, hesitantly waiting for his response.
Sosuke pointed at himself. "F-For me?" he questioned in stutters.
"Yes." Miu tried not to blush.
His hands were at the lid and he gingerly began lifting it up, anticipation much like a child during Christmas. At the sight of the shoes, his eyes went wide and he softly shut the box. "You didn't-"
"I did," confirmed Miu, staring at her own shoes. "I noticed your shoes were wearing out, so I got you a new pair. Now make them useful."
"Thank you..." Sosuke couldn't find anything else to say.
The soft and tender moment was shattered by his next action - "Well, then, now that's over with, let's eat! 'Kay?"
The mood was ruined. The atmosphere was ruined. Miu could only look up at him and twitch.
"What's wrong, Miu?" inquired Sosuke cheerfully. "I'm starved! Are we going to eat or not?"
It was like Sosuke to ruin everything, from missions to shopping dates, with his ever-so-eccentric mind, but Miu would let this slide. "Sure," she answered hopefully. "Just make sure it's a place that'll accept credit cards."
"As long as I'm here, they have to accept it!"
"So you say..."
ROCK: #26 - I Just Want You
Fandom: Engine Sentai Go-onger
Pairing: Sutou Miu × Esumi Sosuke
Rating: G
Length: 2,886 words
Disclaimer: All characters and related titles © to Toei Co. Ltd., and tv asahi. I am not affiliated with them in any way, and this story is purely fan-made.
Notes: ... guh?
#26 - I Just Want You
Sosuke's breath hitched up as Miu chanted the words that would decide his fate: the one that would test his capability as a true gentleman or an unrefined brute.
"I'll take it."
The Speed King reacted with a dull groan as the shop assistant began to find a coat cover for the dress Miu had selected. As the two exchanged their thanks and salutations, Miu turned to Sosuke with a brimming smile. Without even bothering to ask for his permission, she didn't even hesitate as she shoved her latest purchase into Sosuke's arms.
"Oh, come on," complained Sosuke. He was already bagged down with a box under his left arm, and at least four large bags in each hand with brand names clearly printed on their papery surfaces. Miu only waltzed around slowly in that observational manner of hers, leaving him to transfer the multi-colored bags from one arm to another to balance her shopping spree carefully on his arms. He turned to the girl, who ignored his glare. In response to his moaning, she pocketed her platinum credit card and marched out of the boutique, eyes alert for something else she could buy.
"This is unbelievable," sighed Sosuke as he lugged her belongings down the sidewalk. "I feel like a pack mule. Why did I have to come today? Why couldn't you have picked Gunpei or something?"
Just because! was Miu's answer. Of course, she didn't say that out loud and continued prancing ahead.
"Hey, I'm speaking to you," grunted Sosuke impatiently.
At last, Miu sighed. "How ungentlemanly of you," she retorted, stabbing a finger at Sosuke's chest, elliciting a wobbly, "Oof!" from him. "I had you accompany me today because you've yet any refined dignity or sophistication. I don't know how you live as a hero. If you can't pass this training, you've not your worth as a man."
"What'd you say!?" hissed the man, but Miu evaded his anger by skipping ahead, forcing him to jog to catch up. She threaded into a store just as the beveled glass door shut in front of him, causing Sosuke to crash into it face-first. Bags and boxes slipped from his arms, making messy piles on the welcome mat of the store. Near him, bypassing people gave him quick sympathetic looks as he pathetically picked up the items one by one.
This was going to be a long day.
At last, Sosuke finally balanced his body with all of Miu's belongings. Grumbling and shuffling his feet, he wondered what advice his companions would give him to bear this sorry state. Logical Renn would've stuck to it like a gentleman. Adorable Saki would've just told him to "smile, smile." (She actually didn't really count, though, seeing as she would have treated him like a pack mule like Miu had, though not with that princess attitude Miu had.) Gunpei was a mystery. Hant would've attempted to be somewhat optimistic.
Sosuke breathed. Yes, optimism. This training was weight training. He could pretend that the bags were training him in case he was bogged down with sticky dangers when it came to fighting the Gaiarc. Yes.
Oh, who was he kidding? Sosuke sighed, rolled his eyes, and marched into the store.
Inside, Miu was impatiently waiting, tapping her foot. "About time you're here," she scolded, shaking a finger at him. "You've got some nerve to make a lady wait!"
Sosuke only groaned.
"Don't give me that face!" Miu ordered sharply. If Sosuke hadn't known any better, he would've thought her tone sounded a little soft, sympathetic, and maybe pleading. "Ani would never be like this whenever he accompanied me. He is a perfect example of a gentleman that I suggest you follow." Without another word to that, she turned on a heel and marched off.
Sosuke gritted his teeth. "I'm not your brother!" he hissed to no one in particular, but he reluctantly followed her.
Miu seemed to be annoyed, and she was taking her frustrations out on her credit card. As she tugged him around, the list of purchases only expanded. The bags seemed heavier and heavier than Sosuke had imagined. Two pairs of shoes, a hat, and some accessories later, he asked, "How much stuff are you going to buy?"
"A growing lady needs a proper change of clothes 365 days a year," was Miu's nonchalant response just as she noticed a cute pair of shoes at a store window. In fact, she thought, it would really go well with that new dress.
"You're probably not even going to wear them all," Sosuke shot back.
"These clothes aren't just for me; they're for you too. I had Renn's recordings of all your sizes with me, so I got you guys each a little something. Bear it a little more, and soon you'll have as many nice things you can wear. A proper hero needs a proper change of clothes." Miu expected Sosuke to be touched with appreciation for her sympathy, but to her disappointment, he shook his head.
"What? You think you're too good for my kindness?" she chirped hotly.
Sosuke heaved a sigh. Really, while he did somewhat acknowledge Miu's will to do something for him, he was less gracious about it. Why was she still trying to convert them into little Sutou clones? He was a Go-onger, not a Go-on Wing. He wasn't Hiroto... "Thanks, but no thanks," he said stiffly. "I don't need it."
Miu glanced at the other shoes on display, not paying attention to him. "You'll be thanking me later."
At this point, Sosuke wanted to throw everything down. "You don't understand. You can buy us anything you want, but money can't buy certain things."
The girl turned to look at Sosuke. "Your point is?"
Sosuke sighed exasperatedly. "You can't buy feelings. You can't buy the ambition, the will to protect...you can't buy what really makes us Go-ongers in the first place. Clothes, food, and shoes don't show a person's true character."
In response, Miu shrugged. "I know that," she said simply, in that knowing voice of hers. "However, it's best to live for the best, especially when you have these advantages."
"You can't buy loyalty," Sosuke sputtered tiredly. "You can't buy loyalty from me."
It was a habit to argue with Sosuke, and although Miu partially agreed with him, she couldn't help but think of ways to rebute his arguments. Well, loyalty could be bought, Miu thought. After all, there were such things as mercenaries... but she bit her lip and began thinking again. That loyalty wasn't exactly genuine; should the lord run out of resources, the mercenaries would no longer support him in some cases, especially when a proper relationship was not developed.
Sosuke had stated that his loyalty couldn't be bought... well, truthfully, she wasn't exactly trying to buy it from him anyway, right? She just wanted him to accompany her on a little shopping trip, because she liked his company! She liked to be with him! But if she wanted to get along with him, this wouldn't do.
"I... guess," she answered, forgetting what she was answering to. Sosuke took a seat on the bench where other people were trying on their shoes, piling the bags in a massive heap next to him. He stretched out his arms, and that trademark cocky grin of his returned.
"Aah, that feels good," he exclaimed, shaking his arms out. He seemed a little happier now that the stress on his muscles were relaxed, and he leaned on the palms of his hands. Miu couldn't help but think that his motions seemed a little animated... in a good way, that is. She took her mind off of the shoes she had planned to buy (she could always get them later; if they were bought, she could always ask the store which brand and model the shoes were and have Ani buy it directly from them). Instead she stood up and walked off. Sosuke was too dazed to notice.
Miu walked into the men's shoe section. She had noticed there were worn spots over Sosuke's shoes from encounters with the Gaiarcs. She looked for a pair that would be sturdy, comfortable for combat, and would be able to keep his feet warm on cold days... her eyes caught a pair. It was the same brand as Ani's (hence the reliability), and as soon as she saw it, she knew it was perfect. Drawing out the measurements Renn had compiled, Miu perused the piles of shoeboxes around her and finally came upon one of the right size. As she braced herself for more of Sosuke's complaints, she began wondering if he even should try the shoes on... no, it wouldn't be necessary. After all, Renn was never wrong, "just correct", as one would put it. Miu couldn't help but smile; this would make a wonderful surprise for Sosuke. Immediately, she purchased it and returned to where Sosuke was sitting.
"Oh, you're back," chirped Sosuke, but his expression fell flat when he saw what was in Miu's hands. "Another box?" he whined, massaging his wrists in preparation.
Miu shook her head. "No. I'll be carrying this one."
Sosuke shot up his eyebrows in surprise. He looked as if Hant and Saki had switched bodies. Miu grinned at his expression.
The Speed King frowned in response. "What?"
"Nothing!" Without another word to that, Miu gaily turned towards the door.
"Hey, wait up, Miu!" cried Sosuke, scampering to lug the bags and boxes unsuccessfully.
Miu stopped and turned towards Sosuke, who was hopping to meet her pace. "So, Sosuke, you're progressing very well," she commented. "You've accompanied me to no end. Your manners are still a little indecent, but for your efforts, I shall reward you."
Sosuke cocked his head to a side. "Reward?"
There was a gurgling, rumbling sound, and Sosuke's face turned red. Miu placed a hand over her mouth, giggling, "You must be hungry. Let me treat you to something."
Before Miu could continue, Sosuke piped up, "Okay! How about there?" He pointed to a noodle cart across the street.
Flabbergasted, Miu's jaw dropped. "Y-You mean," she stuttered, "over there?"
Sosuke nodded. "Yeah!"
"I can treat you to a fancier place," Miu scoffed haughtily, eying the ramen shop with inferiority raging in her thoughts.
"Fancy food's okay, but I haven't eaten ramen in a long time!" Sosuke was already cheering in his mind. It was like the sun was shining. "It's so nostalgic!" His feet-dragging became a lighthearted hop-step as he hastily walked around Miu, drenched in excitement.
"O-Okay," said Miu quickly. "Okay, I'll do it. Stop dancing around! It looks embarrassing."
Obediently, Sosuke calmed down, but at least he was laughing now. There was a twinkle in his eye, and Miu felt that twinkling feeling just by observing him. It was just like watching a little child, whose happiness flooded the whole world... Just like Sosuke, Miu figured. No wonder he's so interesting. She was glad that he had come with her today...
"Hey, Miu, what's wrong?" Sosuke suddenly cut into her thoughts. "Your face is red!"
"Huh?" Miu glanced up at him. As soon as her eyes made contact with his, she briskly looked away. "Nothing's wrong. It's getting kind of cold."
"Really?" Sosuke looked up at the sky. "It does seem to be getting windy. We should hurry up and eat!"
"How unrefined," was all Miu could say, but it was with affection. "I guess that's what makes you you," she added softly.
Although the words were spoken quietly, Sosuke heard them and smiled. Luckily Miu was spared the embarrassment of him noticing as he marched onward, ahead of her to the ramen stand. "Yo, old man!" he called, and a man attended to them. "I'd like some of that classic beef ramen." Sosuke turned to Miu. "What do you want?" he asked, gesturing to the menu.
Miu furrowed her eyebrows in thought. She hardly touched ramen (lest from a shabby stand like this), and she had no experience in choosing. Why would she even eat this? She could be eating a lovely French course right now! All of these thoughts were dismissed when she saw the glint of eagerness in Sosuke's eyes. If Sosuke wanted it, she'll abide by it. When in Rome, do what Romans do... right? Softly touching her cheek, Miu solemnly answered, "I'll have what you're having."
"That'll be 1500 yen," rumbled the man. He quickly set two large bowls of beef ramen in front of the two.
How cheap! Miu fished her pocket, and promptly handed him her platinum credit card. To her surprise, the man crossed his eyebrows and pushed it back to her. "Sorry, lady, we don't accept credit cards," he said, elliciting a pale face from Miu.
Something uncomfortable creeped in her stomach as the shopowner's words dawned on her. "You... you don't?" she stammered, eyes wide. "B-But how am I going to pay for this?"
Thoughts were racing in her head. Miu had never been rejected like this before, and to make it worse, she had no pocket change on her. Should she call Ani? Ani would know what to do. She should...
"You mean you can't pay for it?" grumbled the man impatiently. "Like I said, no credit cards."
Sensing Miu's troubles, Sosuke jumped in. "Hey, old man, you wanna see some tricks?" He whipped out his coin.
"If it involves me not getting paid, then no," the man replied sternly. "Look, either you pay or you don't eat."
"Aw, come on, man!"
"Sir, I am Sutou Miu," Miu spoke calmly. "I will be sure to pay you."
It was evident that the man was growing more irritated at the moment. "I don't care who you are, Little Miss Princess," he snapped. "If you can't pay now, don't plan on eating."
"Miu," called a tiny voice from Miu's pocket. She pulled out her trigger and inserted Jetras' soul into it, and in seconds, a hologram of his mechanical body beamed. "Miu," he started again, "we should not pay this man any service for his rude behavior. I understand you are doing Sosuke a favor, but this man is undeserving of our good will."
"Yeah," agreed Miu. "We shouldn't." She turned to the shopowner to tell him off, but surprisingly Sosuke was already a step ahead of her.
"Fine!" he yelled. "We don't want your food!" He turned away and began leaving the cart as the man glared at him. A few steps later, Sosuke glanced over his shoulder at Miu, who was still standing there in confusion. "Well, come on, Miu!" he urged.
Although in a stupor, Miu was quick to follow. "O-Okay!" she squeaked as she caught up with him.
"Man, that guy was unbelievable!" If Sosuke's hands were free, he would be rubbing his head, Miu could tell.
"I'm sorry." Miu's voice was apologetic and in her heart she wished things hadn't resulted like this. "In the end we couldn't eat there."
"Why are you sorry?" asked Sosuke. "If anyone should be sorry, it should be that old man. He was so mean to you!"
Miu glanced up. Sosuke was worried about her?
"As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone say such crap about you," he went on, passionately ranting and raving as they walked. Miu could barely listen past the insults and complaining. Deep in her heart, she could only think of what Sosuke had just said. As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone say such crap about you, was it? No one else had ever defended her like that, except for Ani, of course.
"You know," Miu broke in, unaware of what Sosuke had been blabbering about.
As expected, Sosuke paused and glanced at her. "What?"
Miu giggled. "You're quite a gentleman after all."
Sosuke was confused by what she said and only answered with, "Huh?" Her words sank in and he straightened up. "I mean, of course I am."
As he was doing so, in a swift motion, Miu yanked some of the bags off of Sosuke's arms and pushed the shoebox into his. "Here," she interrupted, hesitantly waiting for his response.
Sosuke pointed at himself. "F-For me?" he questioned in stutters.
"Yes." Miu tried not to blush.
His hands were at the lid and he gingerly began lifting it up, anticipation much like a child during Christmas. At the sight of the shoes, his eyes went wide and he softly shut the box. "You didn't-"
"I did," confirmed Miu, staring at her own shoes. "I noticed your shoes were wearing out, so I got you a new pair. Now make them useful."
"Thank you..." Sosuke couldn't find anything else to say.
The soft and tender moment was shattered by his next action - "Well, then, now that's over with, let's eat! 'Kay?"
The mood was ruined. The atmosphere was ruined. Miu could only look up at him and twitch.
"What's wrong, Miu?" inquired Sosuke cheerfully. "I'm starved! Are we going to eat or not?"
It was like Sosuke to ruin everything, from missions to shopping dates, with his ever-so-eccentric mind, but Miu would let this slide. "Sure," she answered hopefully. "Just make sure it's a place that'll accept credit cards."
"As long as I'm here, they have to accept it!"
"So you say..."