LOG: 1 First Dates

[guardiankabaji]

Who: Kabaji and Ohtori
What: Awkward date is awkward
When: Dec 9
Where: Town
Rating: G


Ohtori carefully stood up; his ribs were still screaming at him, and while he looked better on the outside, he still felt like lumpy and battered on the inside. But Kabaji had said tonight was a date, in a strange sort of roundabout way, so he was on a mission to try and make it the best he could. Besides, there was no harm in anything happening anyway. As sweet and handsome as Kabaji was, he was also horribly shy. And Ohtori did not make the first move, he had sort of once, but only because after his admission of a crush to Sakaki, Sakaki had pushed him to do something about it. But still, tonight, he was going to at least make it as fun as he could, though he was clueless about dates. The girls in school had learned he was often too busy and had given up when he lived back home, and it seemed the people here were only interested in him for sex. So be it.

Pausing in front of the mirror, he checked to make sure his silvery hair was behaving (as well as it could) and his complexion was nowhere near the deathly pale it had been. As a final step in his preparations, he pulled on a jacket and then wrapped the scarf Kabaji had made him around his neck. Taking one final look in the mirror, he grinned slightly, the layers of bandages around his ribs were entirely concealed. Now all he had to do was wait and see if Kabaji was going to come, or if he had scared him away with the innocent kiss to his cheek last night.

He could still feel the press of lips against his cheek. He had felt it the rest of the day after he had left and into the next. Now he stood before Ohtori’s door and wondered if he could just...run. But he couldn’t. Because he didn’t want to disappoint the pale teen. He didn’t want to be labeled a coward. He didn’t want Ohtori to think of him as that for some strange reason.

Fiddling with his clothing, he decided that he was okay. He had picked out something that Taki had insisted would look amazing on him during their spa day. It felt strange to have anything that actually fit him. He wasn’t wearing too big clothing to conceal. No. Nice warm tight sweater that more than hinted at his definition, the same with a pair of jeans. Nothing too fancy. He still hoped he wasn’t over dressed. But it was too late to turn back now. All he could do was knock lightly and pull out another small bouquet of flowers. Once more, he had created them. This time white lilies, which in the Japanese language of flowers mean “purity”. Because the flower should mirror the receiver.

Knocking carefully, he mumbled. “Ohtori-san... Am I too early?”

“Oh, no. I’m ready.” He glanced at the clock as the hand flickered to the 6, and smiled. Stuffing his wallet into his jacket, he stepped out of his room and into the hallway. Making sure that he moved carefully to be sure that he wouldn’t jar anything and cause any pain. Making Kabaji worry would ruin this date, and that was the absolute last thing he wanted to do. Closing the door behind him, he took in the full effect. Kabaji looked really good in that sweater, very strong and powerful. The addition of a bouquet of white lillies just made it a heartwarming scene and he couldn’t help smiling a bit more. “You look great. Ready to go?”

He held the lilies out to Choutarou. “These are for you...” He then quieted and lightly tugged at the edge of his sweater. “Usu. I...I am ready.” He didn’t know how this was supposed to work. He could just do what he felt was right. Unconsciously, he offered the crook of his arm. Hand-holding might be a little too much for the shy boy.

“Do you mind if I go put them in water before we go? I don’t want them to freeze outside.” Ohtori smiled shyly and opened his door again, blinking as Vivaldi flittered out of the room and hopped onto the taller boy’s shoulder, chirping and checking him out and studying the boy taking his Choutarou out. “Ah, that is Vivaldi. He’s very nice. Please, come in for a second?” He lead the other into his room so he could place the lillies in a glass of water to keep them fresh so he could treasure them.

Kabaji was the sort that was kind to all creatures, large and small. When the bird landed upon him, he reached up and very very carefully stroked it with his fingertip with a small smile. He didn’t have animal magnetism as a skill, but he wondered if animals somehow just knew that regardless of his size, he was just no danger to them. “Hello to you Vivaldi. Nice to meet you. Next time I visit, I’ll bring you seeds.” He greeted. Unlike humans, Kabaji had little trouble talking with animals. He was far more open and willing to talk to them.

He entered the room and waited for the other to finish so that they could actually start their date.

Vivaldi chirped a little song and rubbed up against Kabaji’s cheek before flying back up to the small resort Ohtori had built for him above a bookcase. He had a small bath with warm water and nice bowls for food and water, a big mirror and several toys. Not to mention a small nest he had helped the bird assemble. “He seemed to like you.”

Smiling brightly at his date, he took the previously offered arm with a blush. He normally didn’t let others seem him being overly friendly with any of his sexual partners, but for some reason he didn’t seem to think this was a threat. “Okay, I’m ready.”

He nodded. Looking back to the bird, he bowed to it. “I will bring him back safe and sound, Vavaldi-san.” He promised the bird before escorting Ohtori out of the room making sure everything was shut so that they wouldn’t worry while they were gone. “It’s...a little...cold out...” He admitted. It seemed that unlike the bird, Kabaji had troubles with people, even nice people like Choutarou. “Maybe...we can take the shuttle...instead of walking...”

Ohtori carefully shifted so he could tighten his scarf and prepare for the blast of cold air that awaited them once they left the junior dorms. He smiled slightly upward, finding that he rather liked not having to crane his neck to look down at others to talk. Leaning against Kabaji a bit more, he pushed open the door and shivered, his ribs and back complaining at the forced movement or his muscles. “I think the shuttle is a great idea, Kabaji-san. It’s a pretty long walk to town, and we do still need to get the clothes.” He had been clever enough to call in advance to make sure they would be ready, and spare them the embarrassment of being in the shop together with those pushy women playing matchmaker for their daughters.

He shifted a little unconsciously towards the other. He was a little more solid so he could share his warmth with the pale teen. He didn’t want to shift in front to play windbreak, but if it became necessary, he would do just that. He was glad that the shuttle to town was already waiting for them. They wouldn’t have to sit at the stop and wait. He wondered if it would be okay to sit next to him on the shuttle. Maybe, he might even wrap an arm around Ohtori to help keep him warm.

When they reached the bus stop, they boarded the shuttle almost immediately and Ohtori lead him to the seats toward the back of the bus, settling against the window where Kabaji would have a choice of spots on the back bench, where he could sit next to him, or have one of the two further seats. He wouldn’t force his date to sit by him, but wouldn’t mind at all. Smiling invitingly, he waited for him to make his decision.

Kabaji took the seat next to Ohtori and smiled shyly. They were on a date. There was no reason for him to sit elsewhere. He did try not to take up too much room though. He stared ahead of them as the bus started out. Only once it was in motion did he make his move to lay that strong arm about his shoulders. “I...its cold out there.” He stammered a little. It was a good excuse and he did want to make sure that Ohtori was warm.

Ohtori jumped slightly as an arm wrapped around him, but he quickly reminded himself not to accidentally make the other boy sick, especially as they had plans to eat and ungodly amount of pizza in the very near future. In a blink of an eye, he calmed himself and leaned against the other, letting him wrap his arm over his shoulder. “I called ahead so we can just pick up your jacket and a new uniform shirt for me, and then we’ll get dinner. Okay?”

It was nice to sit like this. He didn’t have the unnatural fear that he might accidently hurt Ohtori. He also felt a little more relaxed around him for some reason. Ohtori was a kind person and hadn’t judged him once. Ohtori was safe and it was okay to be like this with him. Plus, it wasn’t everyday that he got to have such a handsome boy lean against him like that. He only wished he could have been less...burly. He wasn’t the softest thing to lean against.

“Usu...That’s fine...T...thank you...I don’t think I can handle the ladies...and I wouldn’t want to embarrass you if I told them I was...there with you...on a date.” Not because he was ashamed of that but because he didn’t want to hurt Ohtori’s reputation. Though being there on a date might make the ladies give up on matchmaking...unless they had eligible sons running around and then they were back to the drawing board.

Ohtori cuddled against the other boy again, resting a bit, and it was calming to have a warm body against him like that, especially since the air outside of the bus was so cold. Plus he liked to know there was someone bigger and stronger than him, it made him feel safe. While he knew it sounded silly, it was a comfort for him.

“No problem. I figured we wouldn’t want to dawdle there all night long.” Ohtori smiled a bit more, “and believe me, in the grand scheme of things that would make the list of less than embarrassing things in my life. Believe me.”

His hand moved slowly, softly over the other’s back. He didn’t feel the bandages or he might have immediately jerked away and apologized profusely. He kept his unconscious petting. Ohtori was like Niko a little. Warm and soft, but a lot less demanding that was for certain. He had gotten the diva kitten somehow. “Still...” He murmured. “I don’t want that.” Because Ohtori was a good boy and Kabaji honestly believed that. He would protect Ohtori’s honor against anyone who said otherwise.

“You...are right though. I would get hungry and that...wouldn’t be good.” He was truly looking forward to pizza. “Is the...pizza place....far?”

The hands smoothing over his back felt really nice, and Kabaji had very strong hands, luckily his bandages were laid out perfectly flat, he was certain the other couldn’t feel them. And besides, he was fairly certain this was not likely to lead to sex, at least it didn’t seem likely. Looking ahead, he reached out to point carefully. “Okay, there is the uniform shop. And from there, we cut down that alley and down another block and we are there.” His stomach growled softly and he looked over and blushed, “I guess I’m pretty hungry too.” The silvery haired boy smiled faintly as the bus lurched and stopped on the street, rising carefully from the other’s arm, he grinned. “So let’s get the boring part over with.”

He waited for the other to pass him before he too stood. “Usu.” he answered and followed Ohtori out, but not before actually thanking the driver, like he did every time he took the shuttle to town. He would try to remember the schedule so that they wouldn’t have to walk back.

He chuckled and lightly patted the top of that silver hair in a fond manner. “It is good...that someone knows...what he wants...” Meaning Ohtori’s stomach. “And...I’m ready.” He put on his best blankly stoic face. It fit very well on him but made him look just a little...simple... If he looked as stupid as people thought he was, he would be left alone. He hoped. But it wasn’t to be.

As they entered the shop, they both were immediately swarmed by women. He readied himself to endure the groping and petting and the announcements that he was such a “big strong boy~” He really hoped that the clothing was ready so they could get out of there as quickly as possible.

Ohtori’s face turned beet red before breaking into his best good-boy smile, so much so he could almost get away with wearing a halo. “Good evening ladies...sorry we’re in a bit of a rush. My friend here and I have reservations for a quick dinner before we head back.” He looked around, as if he wasn’t certain the order would be ready even though he called ahead. “Ah- I called ahead....I don’t suppose it is ready?”

His face lit up even more as the owner hurried off to fetch their uniforms, he paid quickly and smiled as he accepted them. “Thank you so much! I’m sure we’ll be back soon!” He bowed, wincing at that, having forgotten he was still a bit injured. “Good night. Come on, Kabaji-san... we don’t want to be late....” He started for the door, still wearing the good boy smile.

He rushed happily out of the shop the moment he got the opportunity. His face was red and his heart was going far too fast. He hadn’t liked that at all. He looked at Ohtori and mouthed a ‘thank you’. Without the boy there, he would have been trapped for who knew how long.

He caught his breath and looked to the pale angel again. “I...” His stomach protested. “Pizza....”

Ohtori grinned once they got outside and glanced back at the shop before looking at Kabaji. “I can’t believe that worked. I think that was the fastest I have ever been in and out.” He carefully lifted his arm to place the bags of clothing over his shoulder, noting that the pain was uncomfortable but not unbearable. “Yeah, pizza.” He lead him down the alleyway and around the block to the pizza place, opening the door and leading him inside. It smelled like a delicious mix of cheese and garlic, his stomach growled again. “Where should we sit?”

Maybe...from now on, he would always call ahead. It would help alot in the future. He wanted to take the bags away and carry them, but Ohtori seemed fine. Later, he would take them, but for now, he just trailed behind the other boy like a lost puppy.

Once inside, he stood a moment, just enjoying the smells before looking for someplace to sit. It wasn’t very busy and a lot of seats were still open but he found himself pointing to a table meant just for two people. This was a date right? So...they were supposed to sit at a table like that. But with how many pizzas would come before them...they might need a large table just to hold them all! So his finger moved to a larger four top. “There...room for us...and the pizzas...”

Looking at where Kabaji pointed, Ohtori nodded and headed over there, glancing around and making sure there would be ample room for their pizzas. Grinning, he pulled out the menu and handed it over to Kabaji. “So what toppings do you like? Aside from sardines, I agree they sound ....just gross.”

He sat down opposite of Ohtori and pulled out the menu. He already knew that this was not going to be a cheap date for the other teen. He felt terrible that he did eat so much. He wondered if later, he could insist that he pay for at least one or two of the pizzas they picked. He looked down the list of things. He then chuckled a little and put the menu down for Ohtori to see. “All of this...” He ran his finger down the entire list of toppings. “Sounds pretty good...” He didn’t dare say it though. “You...might have to order...for me...if I read out loud...off of it...” Ohtori knew what he did. If he read it, pizzas might suddenly appear. While it might be okay back at the school, out here, it wasn’t okay at all. “I...I’m sorry...”

Smiling at the request, he nodded and went to the counter to order 3 of their largest pizzas with everything on them. Ohtori returned moments later with warm breadsticks and two glasses for them to go to the drink bar and choose what they wanted to drink. Handing a glass to Kabaji, he sat back down and smiled a bit more. "So, can I ask what would have happened if you ordered?"

He started to fill his glass. He didn’t like to speak about his ability, especially in public. “...Maybe...nothing...maybe not... My...subconscious made...rules...to keep my ability in check. Sometimes, the rules...get broken.” Usually when he was overly stressed. “Eventually, I will be able to...control it...without the rules.” His voice was a low droning whisper, since he didn’t want others overhearing it. “But...there is a chance...that if I read it out loud...like the flowers and the...the bandages...” Things would just appear. Ripped right from the menus.

“Ah.” Ohtori smiled slightly, “I’m sure with practice you’ll have no problems soon enough. There are some good teachers at the school.” Leaning in, as if sharing a deadly secret, he whispered to the other. “If I get startled or stressed and touch someone, sometimes I make them really sick. Like they get the flu for a few hours. I uhm- have been working on that....” With Atsushi and Sakaki, his face flushed thinking about their ‘sessions’. Filling his glass next, he gestured to the breadsticks. “They’re really good here. You should try some.”

So Ohtori could make people sick as well as heal himself. That was something good to know. Kabaji wasn’t really a sickly person, but he was sure he couldn’t fight off anything Ohtori gave him. He nodded in understanding. It was very good that they had such great teachers. He really did hope they could help him so that accidents didn’t happen and so that he could know what to do if someone wanted to try and force him to use his ability for bad things.

He smiled a little and snatched one once he sat again. Taking a bite, he smiled even more. “You are right...this...is good.” He was sure they would probably eat this poor parlor out of house and home.

"The waitress didn't believe me when I ordered 3 pizzas." Ohtori mumbled softly, taking a bite of the soft and warm bread and sighing happily as it seemed to quiet his stomach for the time being.

"So what do you like to do for fun?" It was a date, after all.

He shifted in his seat a little. He didn’t know what to say or even talk about now. They couldn’t really talk about school and he wasn’t much of a conversation starter. To say that Kabaji was the strong and silent type was to say that the pope was catholic. But it seemed Ohtori was much better at this than he was. He was really grateful, because of left up to him, there would be awkward silences interrupted by the sound of eating or drinking. Not really much of a date at all.

He looked at the other quizzically while he thought. He supposed it made sense to get to know the person he was going on a date with. “I...” What did he do? Back home, he sort of was just a home body. Being under house arrest did that to a person. “I...like knitting...” That was a given. “And...Atobe-sama is...teaching me to bake...I like that too. And reading...” He realized just how boring he really sounded. “I...like playing with kitties...” Boring and now lame. His shoulders hunched. He was failing at this. “Wh...what about you....Ohtori-san...”

“It’s cool that you can do that stuff. I’m a horrible cook. I can make the very basics, but only after actually burning water at one point at home. We had a maid that did a lot of the cooking when my family was away on missions.” He blushed, preparing for another tirade on ‘rich boy’ problems. “My mom had two cats, they were great. Very friendly.” Dating was hard, Ohtori was deciding, it required actual thought unlike what he did with Kite, Sakaki or Atsushi. Turning redder, he bit his lower lip. “I’m a musician. I play piano and violin. I’m in a band at the school with Atsushi-sempai and his brother, and Irie-sempai....”

He hadn’t had lived a wealthy life. He couldn’t imagine what it would be to have a maid. It sounded like it would be interesting but also a little lonely. He had his parents around, hovering protectively over him. Ohtori’s had been away. He perked up a little at that. “I...know about the band...I..told the twins...that I would come and listen sometime. I...I...” He looked down and lightly drew a random shape on the table with his finger. “I bet you sound...really nice. I’d love...to hear you play...sometime...” He wondered.

When no comments about his upbringing came up, he visibly relaxed back into the chair and took another bite of the garlicky breadstick. It was starting to occur to him that perhaps a dinner with pizza and onions was not likely the best date food. It was messy and strong scented, not that he was arrogant enough to believe the night would end in a good night kiss. “Please do, we are pretty good.” He smiled a bit more, “I could play the piano or violin for you, I spend a lot of time in the music rooms before curfew.

No one had ever given him a private concert before. The offer was surprising. He smiled a little and started to fiddle with the napkin because if he didn’t, he would just start fidgeting more. Together. Alone. Just the two of them. In a room... It was music though!! MUSIC!!! He felt dirty for even letting his mind go down that path. Ohtori was a good person and not to be subject to normal teenaged boy fantasies. He was still blushing though and it would be awhile before he could look the other in the eyes again. “I...I’ll come by sometime then...and listen...”

Looking up as Kabaji seemed look almost panicked, he smiled shyly and reached beneath the table to gently pat his knee once for reassurance, only hoping it would not further upset the other teen, who seemed to be even more touch shy than he had been when he first arrived at the school. As he was not a mind reader, he would have to be more direct. “Kabaji-san? Are you okay? You look a bit...flustered. Are the breadsticks too hot?”

The hand patted his knee and he flushed a little more. He knew he was overthinking this. This was just an innocent date. Quickly, he lifted his drink and took a long long sip of it before answering. The cool fizzy beverage really helped him cool down a bit. It also gave him time to think. So that he could answer without making himsefl seem like an ass or make Ohtori feel like he had to do anything he didn’t want to do. And he wondered if he was doing it again. What Watanabe sensei had scolded him for.

“No...I...” He couldn’t tell a lie. “I let my imagination...run away with me, I’m afraid...” He admitted softly. “I...I’m sorry about that.” He looked at the table and the little checkered cloth. “The breadsticks...are very good.” He looked up again. “Do you...have a favorite food?” Maybe, if he found out, he could ask Atobe-sama to teach him how to make it for Ohtori.

"Oh, I do that all of the time." Ohtori smiled again and picked up another breadstick to nibble on. When he was younger they were more innocent, but since arriving at this school-- his face flushed as he pulled his mind from the gutter again. "I uhm- I guess stews are a favorite....smelt and anything sweet too.... What about you?"

His smile expanded as he saw a trio of large pizza platters approach, "it looks like our order is ready!"

He had already told Ohtori once, but he was sure that it was okay to answer again. “I....like this...” he pointed. His finger seemed to hover, aimed at Ohtori himself and not the pizzas before them. “This looks...good.” He then focused on the pies. They looked delicious and full of all sorts of toppings. “I...” He reached out and sort of mumbled. “Can I...take this one?” As in the whole thing... He hoped Ohtori would remember that part as well.

Ohtori nodded in agreement as he shifted the pizza closer to the other boy and pulled one closer to himself. While he rarely allowed himself to overeat, he felt safe enough with the other boy. Dashing some more cheese onto his pizza, he mumbled his thanks before attacking a huge slice, watching the cheese stretch. "Ohhh- this is soooo good!"

He was glad that he wasn’t the only one with a whole pizza before him. Unlike Ohtori, he just took and folded the whole thing in half. His hands were large enough that it would seem just like a large pizzone. Taking a bit of his own he nodded. “Usu! It is very good! This was a very good idea, Ohtori-san.” He didn’t realize he had a bit of sauce drop down his chin. He knew it was good enough that it wouldn’t take that long for him to polish off his and start looking at the third. But he would wait. That, he would split...Because it wasn’t right not to wait.

Blinking at Kabaji's unique way of handling a pizza, Ohtori couldn't help giggling a bit, it was a very creative way to eat pizza and it seemed to work. Smiling as he took another bite, he spotted the sauce on the other boy's cheek and gestured at it on his own face so Kabaji would not be embarrassed. "I'm glad you like it here." Taking note of the difference in their eating speed, he nodded. “If you are still hungry, go ahead on the third. We can always order another. Or dessert.”

He noticed the gesture and once more flushed and scrambled for a napkin. “Sorry!” He was sure that he must be embarrassing Ohtori. No one wanted to date a messy guy who rather wear their pizza than eat it. All cleaned up, he shook his head. “N...no...I’ll wait...for you.” Of course, that meant watching Ohtori eat and trying to think of things to talk about. This was hard. Dating was hard.

“So....other than music...what...do you...like to do?” He hoped that was an okay question to ask. Hobbies were normal to talk about, right?

Blinking at the other boy for looking upset by the napkin, Ohtori shook his head and smiled slightly. “You really need to relax. And that is coming from a guy who gets panic attacks over everything. It’s fine. I’m not going to judge you.” He took another bite of his pizza, starting to wonder if this was how he had come off with Sakaki the first time. “You really don’t have to wait for me, I’m a slow eater.” He redoubled his efforts though so Kabaji would not have to wait long.

Sex. “Uhm- well....I like to sing with Vivaldi sometimes, and I draw a bit. Not well.” He considered the question and shrugged, “I guess I am sort of a boring guy, really.”

“Sorry...” He muttered. He just couldn’t help it. He was nervous and it was definitely showing in everything he did. “I...I’ll try...” He made an attempt, glad that Ohtori was okay with him. He just hoped he didn’t somehow give the other teen a panic attack. If Kabaji did, then there would be two people panicking because Kabaji would as well, if only because he wouldn’t know what to do to calm the paler boy down. “And...you don’t have...to speed up...I...don’t want you to...choke...”

Unconsciously, he started to fold and unfold one of the napkins while he listened. He looked up and shook his head adamantly. “No! You’re not!” He couldn’t believe how strongly he disagreed and immediately apologized. “Sorry....I...I mean...you’re not boring at all. You...are very interesting. It’s nice to know...someone else with calm hobbies...” Just like with the music, he wondered if he could see Ohtori’s drawings at some point, but he didn’t want to pry. He didn’t want to seem too demanding.

Ohtori smiled, still eating a bit faster, but not able to just fold his own like Kabaji had. Plus if his mother saw that, she would scold him severely.

"So what would you say is the strangest hobby you have?" Ohtori's smile turned a bit mischievous at the question, still working on his final slice.

Strangest. He wasn’t sure. He was certain that everything he did was weird for a guy his size. Even more so was his abilities. He wasn’t sure how to answer that. He didn’t want to out any of his friends either. He had promised he would keep no matter what, so he couldn’t say it was wrestling tigers. He frowned a little more, at a total loss. What could he tell Ohtori? “I...” He shifted in his seat. “I really don’t.... I...haven’t been out much.” He supposed Ohtori would understand better if he explained. “Because of my abilities, my parents asked that I always stay inside. So...I didn’t play with kids...my own age...and I didn’t go out...I... was part of the Going Home Club” He stayed inside. His school. His home. Nothing in between.

Ohtori’s lips turned downward slightly as he looked at the other boy in a new light. He had been essentially a shut in, the polar opposite of his own upbringing. He was always at school, music practice, with his family, the maids, or his friends. There was no real peace, and his parents had actually been very happy his own abilities were almost entirely harmless to others. It was impossible to really relate to what Kabaji had been though. Swallowing his last bit of pizza, he sipped his soda before making a decision.

“Then I guess we will have to fix that, ne? It doesn’t do either of us any good being home bodies all of the time.”

Thing was he didn’t blame them for it. He could have refused. Sneaked out and ignored their request. However, he was a good boy and would have felt terribly guilty, just as he did for running away like he had. But he wasn’t angry about it. it just meant that he was a little more sheltered and naive than a lot of the boys there. But it seemed Ohtori was okay with that. Not just okay, but willing to help him get out of his shell a little more.

“I...want to learn a sport.” He admitted. “And...go to dances with dates and …” He trailed off. He wanted to just be a teenager. He then smiled at Ohtori. “I...really appreciate that...” He carefully reached over the table to lightly put his hand onto Ohtori’s, huge palm barely dwarfing the other boy’s. “And...I think I can...half that last pizza...so we can both have the same amount...”

“A sport? Any particular one? I mean...I’m not great at them, but maybe someone on campus is. Or we could try together.” Perhaps basketball, where they would easily tower over a lot of the competition, granted he hated running. “You know....I think I might like going to dances with a date maybe too.”

His face flushed as a larger hand rested gently on his own, smiling faintly, he glanced at the pizza. “That sounds like a good idea.”

He didn’t know. He had never thought about what sport he would even be good at. He supposed any sport he played, he’d have to be exceedingly careful at with normal opponents. His strength would really hurt them badly. But maybe there was something.... “I...don’t know...but trying together...would be fun...whatever it was...even if we didn’t make the team.” They would have at least tried. Same with dancing. He didn’t know how but for the right person, he would study hard and learn so that there would be no trampled feet.

“Maybe...we...could learn that too...” He meant dancing. His hand moved away and he took a knife to carefully slice the last pizza into perfect halves. “You...can pick your side...first.” He offered.
“I’ll see if the school has any sports we can try out for then...and we can go from there.” Even if he deeply hated running, and while he was strong, he was not very graceful at all. At least it would be fun to have someone to try with, and he supposed that perhaps some exercise could help with his endurance. At the mention of dancing though, his face heated up. “I tried taking dancing lessons as a kid, my partners always yelled at me for being too passive and making them lead.” Which, now that he thought about it, explained a lot about his relationships now.

“I’ll take the half closer to me, then. Thanks.”

He perked up a little. “You...took lessons...Could you....” He realized what he was about to ask, especially since Ohtori seemed to dislike it. He would too if he was getting yelled at all the time. He had been about to ask if the pale boy would teach him. He immediately looked down and mumbled a small “never mind...” It wasn’t fair to make such demands on his new friend.

He let the half get taken before taking his own. This one he would be much slower on, if only because a full mouth meant less chance to say something stupid like he almost had.

It wasn’t hard to guess what Kabaji had almost asked him, Ohtori smiled up a bit and shook his head. “As much as I would love to help you, I’m the last person on earth you would want to teach you dancing. I only lasted 3 weeks, one night a week.” He chuckled, “then mom decided I should probably stick to my music. Apparently my rhythm did not carry on through my feet. Sorry.”

Picking up a slice, he took a big bite and sighed happily, “I just love this place.”

He wasn’t surprised that Ohtori would turn him down. He wasn’t sad or hurt by the refusal. It made sense. Honestly, he didn’t think the other needed to apologize or make excuses either. No meant no and Kabaji really didn’t need explanation for it. He had been refused and that was that. He wouldn’t force the other into teaching him. “No...I...it’s all right. Really. It’s...enough that you’re...willing to try out for a sport with me...when you already have so much going on...” Anything more would just be selfish. Anything more would be stealing Ohtori’s time from important things and important people. “Plus...you came here with me.” It was a lot more than he could ask for. “It...is a very nice place. I can see...why you like it...” Once more, a folded half a pizza later, he settled for polishing off the remains of his slices before searching for more napkins just in case he decided to wear even more.

Did he have that much going on? Band practice. Sex with Atsushi. Music with Sakaki. Power training. Classes. Homework. Sex with Kite....Ohtori looked up, his face flushing at the trail his mind was starting to wander down, and quickly shook his head to force any ideas that Kabaji would want him like that, especially if he knew. And how could he not? The school was full of idle gossips. “I was actually really happy you took my invitation to come out. I like spending time with you.” He worked on the rest of that slice of pizza, musing to himself about other matters.

He noted Ohtori go red. He wondered if maybe the pizza he had gotten was a bit more spicy than the last. He couldn’t taste a difference though. But maybe Ohtori’s taste buds were just more sensitive. He smiled a little more. He was glad he had taken the offer too now. He was learning a lot about his new friend and also getting to spend time away from school with him. Besides, as firsts went, he thought that the other was a perfect first date....not that he had anything to compare it to other than movies that his big sister liked to watch. He just wondered if it was supposed to end the same way. Not with garlic and onions probably. But that was still a ways away.

“I...am also glad for a return of my jacket...though...my emblem is still blank...” He still didn’t know how to depict his ability best with pictures, especially since he didn’t like many knowing about it. “So...thank you for that as well...” And for showing Kabaji that he was all right. He was sure an injured person wouldn’t be able to eat like Ohtori had been. “I...I’m really glad...you recovered...” He added after a moment of thought.

“Mine is too.” Ohtori shrugged, still being careful for complaining ribs, but making sure to hide any discomfort at all, knowing Kabaji would probably find a way to think it was partly his fault for having him out so soon after his injury. “I’m not exactly sure how to depict what I do. So I suppose that it may stay blank for a while. Maybe the school will get annoyed enough to make one for me.” He picked up another slice after taking a long sip of his drink, his pace slowing up as he became more and more full. “Sometimes it is pretty cool being able to recover as quickly as I do.”

It was good to know he wasn’t the only one that couldn’t figure out what to draw. It seemed he and Ohtori had a lot more in common and he previously thought. “They....might just draw a bandaid...” He suggested unhelpfully and wondered if Ohtori was going to eat the rest of those breadsticks... “And...maybe that means a boxing team is out...for the both of us...” Ohtori had a distinct advantage of being able to heal. Kabaji’s advantage was sheer overwhelming strength. “It...wouldn’t be very fair...” Which made him wonder. “Do...you think...they let our teams...compete against other schools? Since we have..such an advantage...” Maybe there was a rule in place. No powers...or if powers couldn’t be helped, come in second place or something.

“I think a bandaid may be too simple for that place, they seem to like to make things harder than they need to be.” Ohtori shrugged, eating a second piece of pizza before looking up at the other again. “I don’t think I’d want a sport where I had to hit people anyway. I don’t think you really seem like the violent type either. Not to mention, it would probably be impossible not to cheat. It is really hard for me not to heal.” He shuddered, thinking of Kite marking him and telling him not to heal his lovebites right away. Blinking back up from his thoughts, he blushed and laughed awkwardly.”Unless there is a mutant tech near here, I am guessing we probably just have to compete with one another.... do you like basketball?”

He had to agree there. Everything at the school seemed needlessly complicated compared to his life as a shutin. But he wanted to believe that the school did everything it did for he good reason. It was why he had come after all. He nodded again and lightly played with his straw. “You....are right...I...don’t...like fighting...It’s not right...to bully the weak...” Which was why, even when the bullying he had endured was at it’s worse, Kabaji had never fought back. Because he was just naturally bigger and stronger so had an unfair advantage. “And...I’ve never heard...of another school...like this one...”

He paused with his fiddling and thought for a moment. He had never played. “I...guess...I’d have to learn how first...I’m...afraid I don’t know a lot of games...but...I think...we could try...” They had the height for it after all. Plus Ohtori would probably look pretty cut in basketball shorts....and...he knew that was wrong to think about. “Should...we ask...about a team?” Not today though. They would probably not be back in time to talk to the teacher involved with the team if there even was one.

"I can teach you, they made me try for the team at my old school.... But I was never aggressive enough to be much good." Ohtori glanced at the other boy and then back to his plate. "We can ask tomorrow if you want but, do you want one of my slices? I don't think I can finish them both."

His eyes lit up at the offer to be taught. Ohtori really was a wonderful person! Even more so wonderful because he was offering his last slice to Kabaji. “Please...” He murmured before reaching to take it. He would quite happily polish it off and he’d end up still in the kitchen later on at night because he’d be hungry again. He would be happy when he finally stopped growing. “Thank you...” He smiled at the other warmly before making short work of the piece he had been offered. Once it disappeared, he took the time to make sure he was all tidy. He didn’t want to embarrass Ohtori more than he probably already had.

Finishing his own slice politely, Ohtori glanced up at his date and grinned. "Maybe on the way back to the shuttle we can pick up a dessert or something." While he was not really hungry anymore, he knew the other probably was as he had survived a number of growth spurts, besides as much as he loved sweets there was always room for more.

That sounded even better. Maybe an ice cream or something, even though it was very cold out. Maybe something they could even share, like the soda with two straws like in those movies that his older sister liked to watch. But the idea of the two of them so close, forehead nearly bumping over soda made his face burn hot all over again. “I....if there’s something...on the way...” Because the pale teen had already gone well out of his way for Kabaji.

Standing, he wondered if he should offer to pay for at least some of the meal. They had eaten quite a lot after all. “Will you need...I have...” He attempted to offer, unsure how it worked with dates.

"I think there is an ice cream place, I know it is a bit cold for that but it is really good ice cream." Ohtori rose and without giving Kabaji a chance to say otherwise, went to pay their bill before returning to his date. "Shall we?"

He picked up his bags from the shop and nodded, once more offering his arm to the other. Honestly, it felt nice to have Ohtori on his arm like that. Besides, it made sure that they wouldn’t get lost or separated. He didn’t want to get separated from his date now that he was actually sort of feeling less nervous about it all. As they walked, he found himself asking softly, “Can we...share one? Together...” Terribly terribly bold for him really, but he had already imagined what it would be like and it was pretty innocent compared to other things he could be imagining doing with Ohtori instead.

Picking up the bag with his replacement uniform, Ohtori nodded and smiled, carefully taking Kabaji's arm as the headed out into the cool night air. When he asked the question, the pale teen smiled faintly and nodded as he pressed closer for warmth. "Sure, that sounds nice."

He didn’t mind that at all either. Ohtori against him seeking his warmth. It was cold and he was a big guy. He knew what he would do when they waited for the shuttle back...if Ohtori would let him. But that wouldn’t be until after ice cream. Until then, he just walked quietly with the handsome boy on his arm like he was supposed to be there. Not embarrassed at all anymore about doing so.

Ohtori smiled a little wider, it was sort of nice being able to do this, even if the odd looks were a bit embarrassing. Looking around, he pointed out the ice cream shop just across the street and started to lead the other over to it. “So what do you want? A cup, a cone, or maybe one of the shakes?” He subconsciously pressed a bit more into the other’s side, just thinking of cold ice cream on a cold night.

He hoped that the pale boy didn’t mind when his arm slowly moved to around those shoulders. He remained that way while he contemplated the many choices. “A....shake...with two straws?” He suggested shyly. It was really up to Ohtori if he wanted something like that or not. He wouldn’t force him into choosing such a thing.

Ohtori felt the strong arm wrap around him and leaned in closer still, settling comfortably against the taller male. It was so nice having someone bigger and stronger than him. "That sounds nice." When they reached the door, he carefully reached out while stilling his ribs and opened the door. "Which flavor?"

He liked simple things in life. He liked the feeling of Ohtori leaning against him. He liked the date they were having. He was even liking the cold weather because it meant that he could have the other teen close. Most of all, he liked simple flavors. While the pizzas had been full of a million different ingredients, when it came to ice cream, it was just the simple things. “Chocolate?” He asked, pointing to the shakes available. “You can...even have...the cherry...” Because the cherry was the best part and his new friend deserved it.

Ohtori hummed softly and looked over the flavors before nodding his head and smiling brightly. "Chocolate is great. And are you sure you don't mind missing out on the cherry?" He preferred vanilla personally, but anything sweet was a winner in his book. He moved from the other's side to order and pay, musing over the fact that the male pays rule of dating was a bit more confusing when both parties were male.

He nodded and murmured “You can have...my cherry...” From a different person in a different situation that might have been considered dirty. But it was Kabaji and it was meant in the most innocent way possible. “Since...you’ve been...paying for everything...Next time...” He was actually asking for a next time, another date, in his own nervous way, “It’ll all...be on me.” With that stated, he waited for their shake and picked up two straws. He really did hope the paler male would be okay with this.

"Thank you." Ohtori smiled and studied the other; handsome, strong and polite. There really was no doubt why the shop women would want him for a son in law. He meanwhile wondered if he wanted to drink it here or on the shuttle. "I would like that..."

Sitting on the shop drinking from the same soda might be a bit embarrassing the more he thought about it. Maybe Ohtori would be bothered to be seen in public doing something that romantic with another boy. They’d been seen arm and arm and cuddled together but this was different. This was a little too intimate. Quietly, he tugged on the boy’s sleeve to catch his attention and leaned down the very slight distance to murmur straight into his ear. “Can we...on the bus back?” That way he didn’t bring more attention to them both. Plus it was still so novel to have someone nearly his own height. He didn’t have to bend nearly in half to do his whispering.

Pausing at the tug to his sleeve, Ohtori looked over and then leaned in to hear what Kabaji had to say. Nodding his head, he patted the other boy's arm, envying his muscles briefly, "I think that sounds like a good idea." Besides, they did have a curfew to contend with too and being punished would ruin the date, or so he thought. This was Kabaji's first date ever too, and he wanted him to enjoy himself. "Let's head back and we can drink this on the bus."

He smiled, glad that the other boy was okay with that decision. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to be seen with Ohtori. It wasn’t that at all. He was just over thinking things all over again and that never went well. But right now, it seemed to be going well enough. He had been agreed with and the shake was ready for them. He took it as the other’s hands were full and plopped the two straws into it before turning back to the tall second year. “I...hope we don’t...have to wait long...” Though if they did, Kabaji would be more than happy to let Ohtori curl up against him for warmth. That thought in mind, he turned to hold the door for his date so they could return to the cold.

Ohtori shivered slightly at the blast of night air, finding the ice cream shop to be much warmer and more comfortable. Strange. He waited just outside for Kabaji before leading them back to the bus station in town. He studied the schedule and smiled. "5 minutes and then we can head back to the school." The less muscular of the pair sat down on the bench beside the terminal and next to the wooden shelter and patted right next to him, inviting his date to close the space between them.

The much larger boy sat quietly next to his new friend, close enough that the bulk of his body brushed just slightly against his companion’s side. He sat that close because it was cold and between him and the wooden shelter, the other boy would be blocked by most of the biting wind and the swirling snow it kicked up. But with this cold, at least their ice cream wouldn’t melt! Speaking of ice cream, without thinking, he plucked the cherry off the top and held it out towards his friend as if he was going to feed him. “H...here.” he offered.

Ohtori blinked at the offer of the cherry. It looked like he had planned to feed him, while he had expected such a thing from Kite it was peculiar from Kabaji. But he did not to offend the other or make him think he was not enjoying himself. Leaning forward, he carefully took the cherry in his teeth carefully and pulled back, chewing it. "Thank you."

He would have been okay with the other just taking it from him with hands. But somehow this was...he looked away, face burning red. It had been his idea but he still managed to get flustered from it. He mumbled something that might have been a ‘you’re very welcome’. He then focused upon playing windblock and watching for the shuttle back to the school. It was that or let the other boy see just how much that had caused him to blush.

Ohtori noted the blush on his ears and winced, that had been the wrong move. Kabaji was a lot like he had been when he had first comes to the school, even making the twins sick the first time they had touched him. Leaning against Kabaji, he mumbled softly, "sorry."

He felt a weight against him and he blinked and turned his still reddened face towards the other boy. He shook his head. “It...it’s not your fault.” He promised softly. “I...I was just...caught by surprise...is all.” He chuckled a little, deep voice making the sound rich and rumbly. “I...guess it’s silly...because we’re going...to be sharing the drink...” He nodded to the glass and to demonstrate, took a sip from one of the two straws before lightly pushing the other towards Ohtori. The cold chocolatey goodness made his face burn a little less.

Ohtori smiled apologetically, "It wasn't my intention. Like I told you, I am not assertive and I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable...." He watched Kabaji drink the beverage, noting it was like those horrible drama shows his sister liked. Leaning closer so he was pressed lightly against the other's side, he sipped at the drink briefly. "Ah that is nice."

He smiled more and let his arm wrap around the other’s shoulder a little. It was okay that he wasn’t assertive. Kabaji wasn’t assertive either. It was nice that he could slowly take steps forward with the pale boy right next to him taking those tentative steps with him. He leaned back in for his own straw and their foreheads bumped just slightly. When he pulled away, he nodded and put one long arm around his shoulders. “Usu...it is...” It was very nice indeed.

Ohtori couldn't help but giggle softly at the bumpin of heads, that was the danger of drinking from the same cup he supposed. Feeling Kabaji's arm around him, he wondered briefly just where things might go with the other. Especially since if things ever became serious he might have to tell Kabaji about the people he slept with regularly. His mind then wandered towards sex with Kabaji, his face heating up. "I uhm- I think that is the shuttle heading this way."

They were both red in the face now and he was glad when the bus finally arrived. He was sure he could explain it away as it being just really cold. It had nothing to do with the closeness or the drink they were sharing. A drink he hoped to have finished before reaching the school again, which meant sharing a seat once more. He was glad he was comfortable with the other boy now. It made things so much easier when he was less nervous. So long as he didn’t think about certain things, he thought he could make it all the way back to school without turning red all over again.

When the bus stopped, Ohtori lead the other on, surprised to find they were alone, though he supposed it was too late for kids and too early for adults to need the bus. Moving to the nearby seat behind the divider that would allow them privacy for their drink. Patting the seat next to him he smiled sweetly at the other.

Sitting again next to the pale boy, he smiled back. He didn’t know what to say. It seemed too early to be thanking him. So instead, he lapsed into silence next to his companion, enjoying their closeness and the shake until the treat was all gone and the school had been arrived at.

The ride had been quiet, but not uncomfortably so, though it was a disappointment to reach the school stop. Gathering his bag up, he followed Kabaji back out into the cool air. They were just a short walk to their dorm rooms, and the air was stinging his face. But he was starting to wonder about whether a goodnight kiss was acceptable.

Ohtori’s room was much closer than his by far. Plus he didn’t want to make the other carry his bags with him all the way to his own room. He didn’t know how Ohtori reacted to giant spiders Diva kittens were one thing...Spiders were something completely different.

He arrived at the proper door and then shifted nervously once more. He had had time to organize his thoughts but now that it was time, it all seemed jumbled coming out. “I had...a good time...tonight...T...thank you...for this...For the coat and...and the date...and everything...” Then what...he remembered those movies his sister watched. But he couldn’t do that!! That was too familiar for a first date! So instead, he closed his eyes and leaned down just very slightly, aiming for Ohtori’s cheek. What his lips hit seemed softer and a bit chocolatey....and...his eyes snapped open and he stumbled backwards, face redder than it had ever been before. He had just...given his first kiss...to his first date...

And just like the first time, Kabaji did the only thing he could. “I’ll see you later!” He blurted out and made a run for it towards his room.

Ohtori just so happened to turn to thank Kabaji for a fun night when the other leaned in and kissed him on the lips. It had been unexpected enough to make Ohtori suddenly very glad that his hands were safely buried in his pockets rather than on his date where he could accidentally make him sick. Just as suddenly as it happened, the other boy pulled away and ran off leaving a very confused and red healer standing by his door.

"Ah good night!"