[FIC] A Night At The Opera (part 1) {Chapter 32}

[dd]

They sat at a small table in a tiny roadside cafe, sipping on spiced cider and nibbling on scones. The taller one was loud and prone to laughter. The smaller one, when not busy taking photographs, seemed filled with a never ending supply of questions. Those questions seemed mostly to revolve around a young man who was not present.

"So, tell me again why we are going to spend such a beautiful day wandering around who knows where?" Kyouko had asked that same question a number of times now, but figured that Kaname would let something interesting slip if she exploded.

"Kyouko! I have already told you! It's a matter of kindness and responsibility. Sousuke has spent so much of his time guarding me, I feel that I am deeply in debt. I am just returning the favor!" Kaname was red in the face, and her volume went up yet another notch.

"Okkkaaayyy..." Kyouko tried to keep a smile off her face. She took another picture of Kaname, causing her friend to start growling deep in her throat.

"Yes, I feel responsible for making sure that clueless Sousuke does not get into more trouble than I can get him out of. If I keep things to a minimum up front, there will be a lot less mess for me to clean up later!" Kaname felt a lot better. THAT one sounded really good.

"Uh...Kaname?" Kyouko's mental antennas were doing their thing again.

"Yes?"

"Why doesn't the girl he is with today...you said her name was Tessa..." Kyouko had asked about the girls name many times already, and her memory was very good. "Won't she be able to watch after Sousuke?"

"Kyoko...Kyouko...Kyouko...THINK!!!" Kaname was glowering now, and her voice cracked a tiny bit. "You KNOW Sousuke...blowing up lockers...tackling teachers...tormenting art class...just how many people do you think have the determination and the athletic ability to keep up with that kind of catastrophe?!" Ah...more convincing logic!

"Oh...I see. That's really very kind of you." Kyouko smiled, a twinkle in her eye.

"Yes, that's what I said. Kaname, good samaritan! The award ceremony will be at nine tonight."

"You know Kaname...I once thought you were falling in love with Souske, seeing how much time you spend with him, and seeing that dreamy look in your eyes lately when you are around him..." Kyouko grinned when she saw Kaname spit out a mouthful of cider, and slam a hand down involuntarily on a scone. "But...I must be mistaken...you are going out of your way to make things nice for Sousuke and...what's her name?"

"TESSA!"

"Oh, yes...Tessa. You must really want Sousuke to hook up with this girl. That way he won't be hanging around bothering you any more, Am I right?" The camera was poised for another shot.

"Uh---" The scone was now a pile of crumbs. "Yes...you are absolutely right. I didn't want to tell you earlier, because I was afraid you might blab things to Sousuke. You now he'd feel if he thought someone was trying to interfere, even if it was for his own good." Kaname's voice wavered, then trasnformed into one of the loud laughs that Kyouko knew so well.

"Yes, he wouldn't be too happy. And today is about Sousuke's happiness. Sousuke AND Tessa. I understand now. I will give this my all, Kaname...for you and for Sousuke. I will do whatever it takes to get the two of them together!" That ought to get a rise out of her.

"Ah......ha ha hah hah hah!" That laugh again. And those eyes. "That's right...everything we can do to get them together."

"I'm sure glad we had this talk, Kaname. I feel better now. You?"

Kamame's look was worth another five pictures.

*************************************************************

Tessa stared at the bed.

She was in one of the Mithril safehouses, one and a half hours into her preparation for Sousuke's arrival one hour hence.

One side of the bed held a tidy row of outfits she had already tried on. The other hald contained the fewer remaining outfits she had at her disposal. She had visited a number of shops, buying one set of clothes at each. One of these should do!

She had started at the most conservative, an attractive but sedate calf-length dress. That just wouldn't do! She was working her way up the scale, now approaching a style of dress that was very adventuresome for her.

Tired of the process, she jumped the queue and tried on the final clothing combination. A pair of tight hugging shorts and a blouse she never thought she'd dare try on. The neckline was moderately revealing. She blushed, but told herself it was for Sousuke. Tessa could not compete with Kaname in specific physical developement...but she might score some interest by showing more of a good thing. For some reason, she was even able to convince herself it was the right thing to do.

Tessa set aside the purse and the shoes that matched her chosen ensemble. It was time for the finishing touches...she worked on stlyling her hair, slecting a perfume, and applying her make-up. Everything had to fit the theme. When she was finished, she almost didn't recognize the woamn in the mirror. That look would NEVER do on the Tuatha De Danaan...but for today...it fit the theme of Sousuke's date.

Sousuke's part of today's date was fishing. He was going to take Tessa to one of the Tokyo area's more popular fishing establishments. While Tessa had never gone fishing before---and wasn't certain that it would be fun for her---she was excited about doing something with Sousuke that he really enjoyed. It was time with Sousuke, after all...and it would be something he would feel relaxed with. She thought about her outfit again: it might not be appropriate for the sport Sousuke had chosen...but it fit in perfectly with what she was angling for.

Tessa spent a little time learning how to move and sit in her outfit. She learned the anatomic limitations, and the anatomic opportunities. It should be fun simply watching Sousuke's face today! Her breath caught in her throat suddenly...she hoped that no one she knew would run into her looking like this!!!

She put all of the rejected clothing away. She opened the curtains to let in the most available light. Turning on the television, she tried to focus on a news program with no luck.

There was no way to distract herself now. She was too excited. It wouldn't be too much longer.

************************************************************

Sousuke was the veteran of countless combat encounters. During battle, he felt at home. He trusted his skills. He understood his abilities and his limitations. And he made good use of his talent for judging the skills and proclivities of his team mates.

Sousuke was also a veteran of a small number of dates. During such mssions with the opposite sex, he felt lost at sea. He had no talent for picking up signals. He felt totally clueless in regards to expected behaviors. And he felt at the total mercy of his date.

Up until this point, 'his date' meant Kaname. He had started to learn about some of her expectations, and was learning many of her behaviors through trial and error. A trial for her...many errors for him. But, they truly cared for each other, and that helped smooth away a lot of the rough edges.

Today, a day he had for the most part been dreading, "date" equated with Tessa. Teletha Tesstarossa. CAPTAIN Testarossa. While he would call her "Tessa" today, she remained all three identities to him. Still, against his conscious will, a part of him was curious...almost eager. What would Kaname think! That would be a common theme for the day, he was certain.

Stepping out of the shower and toweling off, Sousuke thought about the abundance of phone calls he had recieved.

Kaname had called...a number of times last night and this morning...and made it a point to tell Sousuke to relax. The most curious part to Sousuke was the fact that she herself sounded far from relaxed. He had tried to reassure her, but she was insistant on telling him to behave like a good date and make certain that he and Tessa found out thir answers.

Melissa had called, once. She only needed to call once. He message was well formed, aggressive, and to the point...just like her. She had told him exactly what she expected from him. He had to be polite and attentive. Tessa had to have a good time. He was not to worry about Kaname. And, if he failed, the penalties were rather unattractive. In addition, she had said that if Sousuke acted totally clueless and spoiled the day for Tessa, she herself would make it a point to take Sousuke on a number of dates with HER...letting him know that he would be well prepared after that, if he survived.

Kurz had called, and Sousuke once again took mental note about getting caller ID. Kurz' convesation had been quite predicatble. In amongst an inordinate number of "Oh Yehs" and "Sousuke you lucky dog" there had been numerous references to condoms, female and male anatomy, special Weber dating techniques, love hotels, and guaranteed aphrodisiacs. He also took a brief moment to tell Sousuke to look after Tessa.

The final phone call had caught Sousuke off guard. It was Lt. Cmdr. Kalinin. He had a long and in depth talk with Sousuke, touching on personal and professional matters. He discussed the report detailing the happenings and results of the competition. He gave Sousuke some very good insight into dating, and what certain things would mean to a female date. He listened attentively as Sousuke explained his concerns about dating his Captain. He remembered his commanding officer's exact words:

"Sousuke, you are not aboard now. That is why I will call you Sousuke now. That is why you will view her as Tessa. She is not on duty now. She has left her rank here with me for safe keeping. Do not do her the disservice and cruelty of holding her to a standard that is not in effect where you are now. It would indeed be improper for you to behave in a romantic manner with her when she was in a command situation. It is just as distasteful to use rank as an excuse when you are in a personal situation. You have had to overcome many things in your life. This is but another obstacle to overcome. I do NOT expect you to fail."

Sousuke continued in his preparations, setting aside the case and tackle he had selected for today. He briefly thought about moments spent fishing with Kaname, but forced himself to push those memories aside. This day was about Tessa. She had earned that, many times over.

At least things were more relaxed in a way. He had the books he needed. He had the clothes and accessories. He chose the exact combination he had used on his first date with Kaname. The gifts he selected were identical as well...including the Glock 26. While the items were the same, the emotional significance was different, almost making them seem like totally different items. The flowers and candy were as an expectaion and a courtesy. And because Tessa had proven herself with a pistol, the gun was an added level of security for today.

While Sousuke would try not to think of Tessa as The Captain today, he would make certain to protect her as if she were. That was still appropriate in his opinion.

When he was finished, and the mission clock reached the designated time, he headed out to meet Tessa.

*************************************************************


"T-That IDIOT!!!" Kaname exclaimed, looking through a pair of binoculars she had confiscated from Souske. "Flowers, candy, that white box, and the same clothes he wore on OUR date!!!" Kaname did not sound pleased. She didn't like seeing her special memories borrowed for anyone else!!!

"Are you OK, Kaname? Did you mention something about a date between you and Sousuke?" Kyouko didn't miss a thing.

"No...NO...you're mistaken. I simply said that the things he wore would SOUR the date! If he gets that girl upset, who knows what kind of trouble he might get into trying to make things right. You KNOW what happens when Sousuke tries to be helpful, right?" Kaname's anser didn't even sound vety convincing to herself.

"Yes, of course Kaname!"

"It's time for your big mission, Kyouko. If you hurry, you can catch him before he makes it to his destination!" Kaname was very intent. This part of the mission must not fail.

"Kaname...will you tell me why I am doing this again?" Kyouko tried to sound innocent.

"NOW, Kyouko!" Kaname's look ended that line of questioning, and Kyouko took off jogging, holding something in her hand.

Watching through the binoculars, Kaname saw Kyouko catch up with Sousuke and engage him in a brief converstaion. She saw her pat him on the back.

She removed a small black box from her box and turned it on via the control dial. A series of beeping noises arose and continued rythmically, changing frequency and intensity over time.

The tracking device she had 'borrowed' from Sousuke appeared to be working.

*************************************************************

Sousuke waited outside of Tessa's door. This was deja vu all over again!
The feelings might be different, but the fear and apprehension were rather similar. How would Tessa look? What would his reaction be? How would she respond to his reaction. Things were just so...complicated!

He rang the doorbell after checking his pulse for the third time.

He waited, on guard...no sudden and surprising opening of the door this time. He started to relax. But not for long.

The door opened very slowly. Tessa peered out the crack, smiling when she saw Sousuke. She unhooked the security chain, and oppened the door some more, her body hidden from view.

"Sousuke...it's wonderful to see you...I'm so happy...please come in." Tessa. breathing quickly, managed to get her words out in spurts.

"Yes. Thank you Tessa. I..." Sousuke stopped speaking when Tessa stepped out from behind the door. Tessa smiled at his reaction, keeping quiet, and remaining perfectly still. The lighting ws very good where she was.

"Uh---"

Sousuke had no control over the destination of his eyes. He could not control them. He could not close them. He could not move his hand to cover them. Try as he might, he could not conjure up an image of Kaname to save him at that moment.

"Uh---"

He had never seen Tessa looking like this before. He had never seen THOSE parts of Tessa before. Mithril uniforms did not present this kind of challenge...or opportunity. Sousuke almost wondered if he was in danger of going blind. Would he be turned into a pillar of salt.

"Uh---"

Tessa still felt somewhat uncomfortable with her style of dress...but that discomfort was placed on a back burner as she soaked in Sousuke's reactions. His simple conversation was music to her ears.

"Uh--they...you look very nice, Tessa." Sousuke felt stronger. He had broken the spell. He had never realized just how dangerous an opponent a woman cold be.

"Thank you Sousuke. I must say you look rather nice yourself. And that is a VERY attractive cologne. Did you pick all that out for me?" Tessa made it a point to breath deeply, holding her breath for short stretches of time. She also smilled coquettishly and batted her eyelids,

"Uh---no. I had gotten these for my date with Kaname." Sousuke wondered if that had been a smart thing to say. He did not want to hurt Tessa's feelings.

"I see. I take that as a rather nice compliment Sousuke...your wearing the same things you chose for your date with her."

"Yes. Of course, Tessa."

"Won't you come in? I promise not to bite without permission..." Tessa showed her teeth slightly. She blushed, realizing just how aggressive she was playing things. It might be somewhat out of character, but if it worked....

"Uh--bite?"

"Nibble, if you prefer..." More teeth.

"Uh---" This was becoming overwhelming. Sousuke felt as if he were under attack along multiple fronts.

"It's OK, Sousuke...it's not a problem...I was almost joking!" Almost.

"I see. Your jokes remain very...effective, Tessa."

"Thank you, Sousuke. Are those for me?" Tessa asked with a rush of pleasure, seeing what Sousuke carried.

"Yes."

"Wait, before we look at them, I have something for you too." Tessa bent over to retrieve her purse, left strategically on the floor.

Sousuke tried again to close his eyes without success. She couldn't mean THOSE, of course. Kaname had never gone so far as to show that much of herself. He wondered how he would have felt if she had.

"Ah...here they are...the tickets to tonight's Opera. It's the Gotterdamerung, Sousuke. It has warriors and intrigue. I think you will enjoy it!" Tessa sounded truly excited.

"Enjoy...yes...enjoyable." Sousuke snapped out of his brief trance. "I shall endeavor to give it my best try, Tessa!"

"Really, Souske? The opera...too?" Those teeth again.

"Uh--"

"Unless you want to skip the opera and come back...here...after fishing. I'm certain I can think of many things to...do" That smile belonged on a predator, not an attractive young woman approaching her seventeenth birthday.

"The opera will be fine, Tessa!!!"

"I see. Well, back to your gifts." Tessa expressed joy and satisfaction at the flowers and candy. "You don't think the candy will make me look fat, do you Sousuke?" she asked, hands on hips, doing a slow turn.

"Uh--" THAT side would be trouble too, Sousuke realized.

"Sousuke...you're so quiet...you must not like the way I look, then. I'm so disappointed.

"Uh--you look very...uh...nice, Tessa." Why was it so hard to say that without shaking?

"Oh, I am SO relieved to hear that." This was working better than she had hoped. Yes...a girl's got to do what a girl's go to do. Poor Sousuke! But, what didn't kill him would make him stronger!

After spending a few more moments torturing Sousuke, Tessa toned things down considerably and picked up the package Sousuke had brought her. Sousuke waited a little warily, remembering Kaname's reaction to thje same gift. "Oh...a pistol...and a very nice one too...Thank you, Sousuke. This is a splendid gift!"

Not a very romantic gift, Tessa thought. But she had no reason to expect something like that. It was something Sousuke knew about...and no doubt he had a very practical purpose in mind. "Will this be very handy on our date? Should I consider myself in danger from you, Sousuke? I'm starting to feel tingly all over!" Tessa put her hand up to her mouth dramatically, biting on a finger.

"NO! I mean, no. You are at no risk." Sousuke did not understand tingling, and had no desire to be faced with too many new things at once. Things wre definitely getting out of control. "But, it is still my task to protect you, even when we are on a date. That will provide me an extra weapon...and will provide you with one too, if the need arises. I too will feel safe with the contest winner by my side."

"Oh...how very galant. And I will protect you Sousuke. At least until...we come back here..." Let him chew on THAT ONE for a while. Tessa almost felt cruel...but she was having too much fun. It was at Sousuke's expense now. She hoped they would find things later that they could both enjoy.

"Uh--"

"Are you gong to show you the other things you have brought with you?" Tessa waved her hand towards the cases concealing Sousuke's fishing equipment?"

"Not yet...There will be plenty of opportunity when we reach our ultimate destination!"

"Very good then. Would you like something to drink, or should we get going?" Tessa was eager to get the day started.

"We should get going, we have a lot of things planned for ourdate." What Sousuke would have said if he were being completely open: 'We should be going NOW...I need to get away from this place!'

*************************************************************

Kyouko thought back as far as she could rememeber. No. Definitely not. She had no recollection of Kaname swearing THIS much before. And some of those words were not even in her own vocabulary.

The two of them were concealed in a row of bushes, across from Tessa's apartment. Kaname had the binoculars, and had been attentivly watching the front door. She was prepared, having noted a change in tone on the tracking device.

The problem started when the couple walked out onto the street.

"Oh...I can't...how COULD she...I didn't expect..." Before reaching into the gutter for her words, Kaname stuttered almost incoherently. "That little bitch....that TRAMP!!! How could she stoop so low...she had better NOT stoop low!!! Not with Sousule there!" A growling dog would seem a minor threat compared to kaname.

"Kaname?" Kyouko risked her health. But she was Kaname's best friend, wasn't she. She should be safe...

"W_H_A_T !!!"

Kyouko almost jumped. Gamely, she continued. "Why are you so upset?"

"It's NOTHING, Kyouko. Why do you keep asking that. Do I sound upset to you?"

"Yes."

"KYOUKO!!!"

"Sorry, Kaaname...but why are you upset?" The camera again. Kaname in the bushes with the binoculars.

"How should I put this..."

"Take all the time you need, Kaname...the more you wait, the futher away they get!' Kyouko was going to have a good time today. For certain!

"Oh..." In a rush, Kaname spat out her explanation. "You know that we are also looking out for Sousuke's well being...and you know how innocent Sousuke is. There are proper ways to act and to dress, and I don't want to see Sousuke treated in the wrong...fashion."

"You mean you are upset that you didn't think of it first?" Kyouke set out the baited trap.

"Yes...I mean NO! Of course not. Why would I ever do such a thing?!" Kaname was blushing furiously. Another photo opportunity. "Why are you wasting time with questions. We should be going!"

They didn't hear the low rumble of the garden tractor until it was just upon them. An intermittent hissing noise filled the air. Neither young woman was overly pleased when she was doused with liquid organic fertilizer.

*************************************************************

They had just gotten off the JR Yimate line, green. They left Shibuya Station and headed across the way to a popular tackle shop. Tessa felt a lttle self conscous at all the looks she had gotten...but folks did not have a habit of staring too long, not with the stern look on the face of her date. Sousuke was not too concerned about those looks. He paid closer attention to cues and postures that might suggest some impending peril.

The shop was more crowded that Tessa would have expected at this hour. She said as much to Sousuke. "Fishing is a popular form of recreation, Tessa. And it is often beneficial to get an early start. It's nice to relax in the cool morning air, and it is advisable to get the best location possible. The early bird gets the best chance to use his worm" Tessa thought a brief moment, blushing. She was not going to touch THAT one with a ten foot pole. Or any pole for that matter. She had to maintain some class.

"We will not be here long, Tessa. I just need to purchase some fresh bait. I suppose, as a gentleman, I should consult you in your preference. Please step over here." He showed her a small sliding-top refrigerator, filled with buckets of various living...and moving...creatures. "Since it might be best to learn how to bait your own hook, it's probably a good idea to get a feel for the different baits."

Sousuke sounded so reasonable. It made perfect sense. It was apparently her turn to feel a little discomfort. She was NOT going to give Sousuke any reason to be disappointed in her. But, she added a note to her mental checklist. He WOULD pay later. Somehow.

"That was a good selection, Tessa. Nightcrawlers and bloodworms. They have small scented towels here, would you like one?"

"How many can I have?" Tessa decided she would pocket at least one. It would probably get a lot of use.

*************************************************************

Kaname had said that she was a good samaritan. She made no claims to be a happy samaratin. In fact, anger and discontent seemed to be the theme for the day. Sousuke wasn't even with her...and he STILL had the power to get her twisted into knots.

Both Kaname and Kyouko had been forced to delay their covert operation for a bit. Each had needed to go home for a change of clothes after their unfortunate encounter with lawn and garden products. Kaname had left home with a larger shopping bag this time. Some extra items might prove useful. And she included a spare set of clothes, just in case. She probably wouldn't need them...but 'probably' had a different meaning than usual when HE was involved. Whether or not Sousuke was at fault...he WOULD end up paying, somehow!

Fortunately, Sousuke and Tessa were not constantly on the move, putting an inordinate distance between the two groups. Kaname had not arrived in time to see Sousuke and Tessa enjoy a pleasnt breakfast at a small posh eatery. She was in time, however, to see both of them walk into a crowded tackle shop. It was time to prepare.

"OK, Kyouko...it's time to get ready. You know the drill!" Kaname did not sound as if Kyouko had any choice in the matter.

"I know...I know...you only went over things ten times. You must be getting tired. Did you breathe in too much of that fertilizer?" Kyouko was still having a good time. Hers was an intersesting hobby...and it provided no shortage of opportunities.

"Just put on your disguise...and get it right, or you will be receiving fertilizer on your next ten birthdays!" Kaname was wearing a set of clothes she was certain Sousuke had never seen her in before. She had on the blonde wig she had bought as a prop for the big competition. She had a pair of sunglasses on, even though it was an overcast day. A couple of stockings stuffed into her bra significantly altered her contours.

"Kaname, why are we wearing disguises, any way? Do we really need to get THAT close to them?" Kyouko had her braided hair tucked up under a dirty white baseball cap. She had a dark makeup on her face, fake plastic braces on her teeth. "These things hurt my mouth!" 'And this outfit makes me look like a potato sack' she wanted to yell.

"It's for Sousuke...remember? Don't you want to help Sousuke?"

""Yes, but..."

"And aren't you willing to do whatever it takes? For him, AND your best friend?" Kaname was turning the screws.

"Yes, I guess, but..."

"Good. We agree completely. How nice! Time to head in. I don't want to miss anything...I mean, who knows what kind of trouble he can cause in there on his own!" She had to stop with those slip-ups!

"But he's not alone, Kaname. He's with Tessa. He's been together with her all morning." Kyouko was just trying to be helpful. Helpful and mischeivious.

"I......KNOW.....THAT.....!" Uh oh...not THAT look!

"Oh. Yes. I see."

They certainly were not a normal looking couple. Their appearence drew just as much attention as Tessa had. Most people made it a point to give them a wide berth and to hold tightly onto their belongings as they passed by. A policeman decide to trail them from a distance, watching as they entered the shop.

Kaname took in the sights, the sounds, and the smells. Some of the customers were not in the habit of bathing it seemed. Either that, or the bait was far from fresh. It was just another thing to put on Sousuke's running tab.

Kyouko pulled on Kaname's sleeve. "Kaname..."

Kaname clamped her hand over Kyouko's mouth, and that action drew a number of disapproving stares. They had the shop owner's undivided attention.

"Shhh...what did I say about using my name? Are you trying to blow this?!!!" Kaname's look and attitude were also parting the sea of people in the shop.

"I'm Sorry, K--" Kyuoko rushed to put her own hand mouth for a moment. "I just wanted to tell you that a lot of people are looking at us kind of funny. More now..."

Kaname wasn't listening. She saw Sousuke now. Sousuke and HER. Her and THAT outfit. They were both bending over the bait case, and she could only imagine just where Sousuke's eyes were. Damn him. Damn her. Damn THEM! Worse, there hands were in their together...Sosuke was smiling...and SHE was giggling. What could be so funny about bait!

"Excuse me miss" the shop owner had come up behind Kaname, and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Are you shopping to buy something? If not, I would appreciate it if you would move along now."

It was not a good time to raise her voice. That did not stop Kaname. "Oh...and have you said that to any one ELSE in here? That sounds like descrimination to me!!!"

"Let me be direct. You do not look like the normal customer. You do not act like the normal customer. And, you are disturbing the customers, causing some to leave before they made their purchase. If you are here to cause trouble, I will be forced to call the authorities." The shop owner sounded serious. The shop had gone very quiet, as everyone one listened in.

Kaname heard Sousuke's voice. "Kaname..." he said. "No, I'm Tessa, Sousuke..." Tessa joked. "No...I thought I heard Kaname's voice, but that wouldn't be possible." Tessa laughed, "You must have a guilty concious Sousuke. We haven't done anything that should upset her.......YET."

It took a Heculean effort for Kaname to keep quiet just then. The word 'yet' echoed inside her head, with each reverberation raising her heart rate by a couple of beats.

Fortunately, Kyouko stepped in to diffuse the situation. "I'm sorry, sir. I had not thought that a tackle shop would be prejudiced against the appearence of two young lady patrons preparing to go fishing. We were here to purchase equipment for the day's trip. However, I noticed on the way in that there is another similar shop not to far away...perhaps we should be going now...the folks at that other shop might find this occurence interesting..."

As if by magic, the shop owner was suddenly very helpful and apologetic. He pointed out all of the best equipment, which Kyouko put on the counter with a smile. It would be a hefty bill. But Kaname deserved it.

"Will that be all, ladies?" The shop keeper was happy to see the pile of purchases.

"Certainly. Unless you see more that we might need. Kaname?" Kyouko made it clear that she expected Kaname to come forfward and complete the transaction. This ought to be fun!

"Pay the nice gentleman, Kyouko. I forgot to put money in my purse. We can stop at a bank machine later!" Kaname was smilinh. This ought to be fun. It would serve Kyouko right for asking so many questions and for calling out her name.

Kyouko grudgingly paid for the fishing gear, and they left the shop, headed in the direction that Sousuke and Tessa had gone.

Before they got one block, the shop owner ran into the street yelling. "Stop...stop...those two girls..."

Kaname and Kyouko turned. They saw the shop keeper talking with the policeman, pointing in their direction. When the policeman started jogging in their direction, calling out for them to stop, the girls took off running down a side alley way. He was pretty fast. They couldn't afford to let him catch them...not with the things they were concealing, and not in disguise.

"Let's hide in here" Kaname pulled Kaname in through a large door in the side of a building. The room smelled oddly fragrant, almost like laundry detergent. There was a definite sense of moisture in the air.

"But Kaname, it's dark in here. We don't even know what this place is!" Kyouko sounded very frightened.

"Shhh! We don't want to get caught. That damn shop owner probably told them we stole this stuff. Besides, it's quiet in here. What could possibly go wrong?"

Almost on cue, the lights went on, and the sound of a series of mechanical belts could be heard. Large brushes started to turn near them. Water and cleaning materials sprayed out to cover them completely.

When they ran out of the carwash, they ran into the waiting policeman. "Now why did you girls want to go in there? Well, in any case...here's your change. You left the tackle shop without taking it. It ought to be just enough to pay for the car wash." The policeman smiled before continuing. "Since you'll be paying, you might as well make use of the rinse. It looks like you need it!" He left, trying very hard not to laugh.

"You. Forgot. The. Change. Kyouko." Molten metal would be cool in comparison.

Kyouko started running again.

*************************************************************

Tessa was certain that had indeed been Kaname's voice. Having looked around the room, she spied a woman Kaname's height, and the woman was obvious in disguise. A very bad disguise.

She wondered if Sousuke had caught on. Of course not! It was Sousuke after all. Tessa had no doubt that he was certain that Kaname must be miles and miles away. It would take Kaname removing her costume...smacking Sousuke over the head with her halisen...and yelling 'It's me, Sousuke!'...for him to see things any differently.

She smiled. She wondered if she should tell Sousuke about her suspicions. She decided not to.

After all...relationships are built on trust!!!

*************************************************************

Sousuke took Tessa to Fish-on Ouzenji, a fishing establishment located in the sububan town of Asou-Ku Kawasaki.

There were four large ponds, and none were crowded at the moment. One pond was for bait fishing. Another pond was for fly fishing. The third was for lure fishing. And the fourth was a beginner pond, for both fly and lure fishing. Sousuke led Tessa to a good spot at the bait fishing pond.

Looking around, Tessa saw a BarBQ garden and the adjacent bar area. "This looks like a very nice place, Sousuke. If we get thirsty or hungry, we'll be well taken care of. Have you been here before?"

"Yes, I have. I am doing my best to sample many places when I have time to myself, and usually do not return to the same place twice. I thought this one would be very well suited for you." Sousuke thought that Tessa was pleased. He was glad. He was doing his best to show her a good time, and it seemed he was successful. He also realized that he was having a good time. No one was yelling at him. His head was not sore from being smacked with a fan. He didn't seem to be doing something wrong every minute.

"It's certainly very nice to be out in the fresh air, Sousuke...and it's nice to be spending time with you." There was no innuendo or act.

"Yes. I agree. If you like fishing Tessa...perhaps some other day we can try topwater angling in a natural setting, or take a day to go off shore. There is more than one way to go fishing." Sousuke had barely gotten started, but Tessa could tell he was an avid hobbyist. It would be nice to see him with something other than a gun in his hands.

Tessa watched as Sousuke opened his soft vinyl cases and started assembling two fishing poles. "I'm using G Loomis IMX rods, which usually come with Fuji Alconite guides. I have replaced the guides with SIC...a must for use with braided lines. I am not using silk today. I have also added an assortment of appropriate balance components to get the rods just right. It should do very well for you." Yes, an avid hobbyist.

"Thank you, Sousuke." Tessa didn't understand what he had just said, but trusted that it was something good and proper.

"Yes, and furthermore...I have brought Daiwa 105HVL bait-casting reels, as they make use of the Mag Force V brake system, quite possibly the most advanced system available. Very good at medium speeds. No bird-nesting!"

"I see." Tessa smiled. Sousuke sounded like he was describing a weapons system, or talking like a proud father. She stared at him a moment, wondering what kind of parent he would be, given the things he had been through in his youth.

"And, I am using Rocket Fuel brand oil. It suits my needs. It should not be a problem."

"Ah, yes. That sounds good Sousuke." He certainly took things rather seriously. Accordingly, she would make certain that she would too.

After he had assembled both rods, Sousuke taught Tessa how to place line on a reel...how to select the appropriate drag...and the various appropriate ways to tie knots for hooks. He also gave her a chance to handle bait, showing her how and where to place a hook. He described the features of various hooks, as well as weights and floats. Tessa might be learning more than she thought she wanted to know, but it was good just listening to Sousuke's voice without hearing "Captain" this or "Madame Captain" that!

They set their bait containers in a convenient place, and Sousuke left Tessa briefly alone while he went to get fruit drinks and a pair of rental chairs. He usually preferred to stand, but Tessa would likely feel like sitting soon enough, given the type of shoes she was wearing. When she sat, he would sit with her.

When they were settled in, after Sousuke showed her how to cast, it was time to fish

*************************************************************

Kyouko was concerned. Kaname had been very quiet. Very quiet for a long time. That was definitely unnatural!

Not expectingan answer, she repeated her question for the umpteenth time. "Kaname? Are you feeling OK?"

Kaname surprised her by answering. "Yes, most excellent Kyouko. It's early yet, and already I have been doused with liquid manure...insulted in a tackle store...chased by a police officer...sprayed in a car wash...and covered by trash after falling into that dumpster you climbed on trying to escape a well-deserved beating! Why shouldn't I feel OK? Really!!!" Her face was indescribable.

"Well, it has been a full morning. At least Sousuke and Tessa seem to be having a great time. What more could we ask for, right? She should be able to take him off of your hands in no time." Kyouko should have stopped there.

"Errrh." That was a new noise.

"And, Kaname, she looks to be treating him really sweetly! She hasn't hit him. She hasn't yelled at him. She hasn't poured anything on his head. After the way you treat him, he must feel like he is in Heaven!"

"Errrrrh...Heaven? Heaven, Kyouko. Would YOU like to be in Heaven right now?" Kaname's fists were clenched.

"Why are you upset, Kaname? You're not jealous of Tessa, are you? You know...you could treat Sousuke nicer if you wanted to..." Kyouko had a compelling point. A very damning point.

"Errrrrh...Ha ha hah hah HAH HAH HAH!!!" It was a good thing they were outdoors. The volume would have been murder in a closed room. "That's true, isn't it? If I truly cared for Sousuke, I would naturally treat him better!"

"Yes, I guess that's true...then you don't care about him that way?" Kyouko was smiling, camera at the ready.

"No...no...of course not...ha ha hah hah ha!"

"And you're not the slightest bit jealous of his spending time with a pretty girl dressed like that?" Plenty of room left on the camera disc.

"How could I be...I would have to care to be jealous...and since I DON'T care, I CAN'T be jealous...hah hah hah HA HA!"

"So, it doesn't bother you that he walked into this place holding her hand, and she put her head on his shoulder?" The camera exposure was just right.

"WHAT? HE WAS WHAT...?" Vesuvius was a greenhorn.

"Kannnaaammme...I thought you said you were not interested?" Snap snap snap snap.

"Heaven. Do you remember when I mentioned Heaven, Kyouko?!!"

Kyouko wisely decided to remain silent for a while, putting all of her energy into locating Sousuke and Tessa at the nearest fish pond.

*************************************************************

Tessa looked at the panorama surrounding her. Fruit trees were blooming along the banks of one of the futher ponds, and a slight odor of blossoms carried on the air. Some flower petals had been blown by the wind, and were sitting atop the water near her, pushed gently this way and that by a swirling breeze.

She felt a tug on her line! But it was gone...

No...it was back, and stronger! She tugged back, and felt a strong pull on the line, almost tipping her off balance.

"Sousuke!"

"Yes, Tessa?"

"I think I have something...what do I do?" She was a little anxious. She was new at this, and didn't want to make any mistakes around Sousuke.

"Hold on tight to the rod, Tessa. Crank on the reel, and try to keep from going for a swim."

Sousuke was smiling. Smiling at HER. Now that was a sight to see. Oh, yes...better concentrate on fishing.

"Sousuke...if I fall in and get WET!!!" Yes, the fiery Tessa had come along on the date, too.

"Here...let me help you..." Sousuke stood behind Tessa, helping keep her staedy, and showing her the best way to plant her feet. "Now, hold the pole here. Turn the handle like this, strong and steady." He stood with his arms reaching around her, showing her the proper way to continue.

Tessa leaned back against Sousuke briefly, drinking in the smell of his cologne, and feeling the warmth of his body as a stark counterpoint to the chill breeze.

This was one of those moments she wished would never end,

*************************************************************

Kyouko was peering through the binoculars, watching Sousuke and Tessa while Kaname struggled with her efforts in getting the fishing gear ready. It had always looked a lot easier when Sousuke did it!

"My...Oh, my...it's certainly a VERY good thing that you are not jealous, Kaname. My...my...my...urk" That last came as Kaname grabbed the binoculars from Kyouko's hands while the strap was still around her neck.

"What? GIVE me those!" Kyouko had obviously not heard the adage about sleeping dogs.

Kaname cursed as she tried to find the proper focus. There. There's Sousuke, but where's Tessa. What was such a big deal. All she could see was Sousuke's back...and those shoes and legs visible between his legs. That meant that she was standing in front of him, And his arms...

"They look like they are having such a wonderful time!" Kyouko continued unwisely. "And, without OUR help I might add. See...you have nothing at ALL to worry about!!!"

Kaname remained silent on the outside. The inside was an entirely different matter altogether: 'Nothing to worry about? NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT! That...that...that...SOUSUKE!!!' At that moment, the name of her beau did not sound anything like a term of endearment. Rather it sounded like the favorite curse of an irate fishwife.

She let's him out of her sight for just one day...! Oh, she really hadn't, had she? No matter, she had told him to treat Tessa very well and to enjoy himself...she shouldn't have had to tell him what that REALLY meant! Damn, why did Tessa have to win that stupid contest...! Oh, yeh...she had let Tessa win that contest. Oh.

In the middle of all that turmoil, a thought stood out. It became an old saying. 'It is better to have loved and lost...' Lose. To lose something. To be the loser! She wasn't angry at herself any more. This was all HIS fault. If she were to lose Sousuke, he would find himself anatomically incomplete!!!

"Kaname...your face!!! Oh my...are you alright. Do I need to go for medical attention?" Kyouko sounded truly concerned.

"You..........just..........might........." The way that Kaname said that brought Kyouko up short. She decided it would be a good idea to move much closer to Tessa and Sousuke to see what was being said.

*************************************************************

Tessa first saw a brief flash of water beneath the water surface, like some kind of fleeting dream. Just like today. Then a splash of water at the surface! Something had been moving there, dipping back down beneath the water. She reeled in more line with Sousuke's encouragement. He was smiling, excited. That made Tessa smile and feel excited. There! She could see the fish now!

"Hold on Tessa! I will go get the net..." Sousuke ran off to do just that.

Tessa did not wait. She was either too excited to stop, or hadn't heard what Sousuke said. She pulled the fish out with a final jerk of the pole, watching with amazement as it flopped quickly about the ground. She put her pole down, and got down on her knees, trying to grab the fish and keep it from making its way back to the water.

"Here...let me help you" a disguised Kyouko said, kneeling down to grab the violently squirming fish. She quickly disengaged the small-snell hook, then bumped her heard hard against Tessa's.

The fish flopped out of Kyouko's hand.

It landed inside of Tessa's blouse!

Kyouko quickly retreated when Sousuke returned.

"Sousuke...HELP...it fell in THERE!" She pointed down between her cleavage.

"Uh---"

"It's MOVING, Sousuke. Help! It might see something in there it thinks is bait!" Tessa was not laughing.

"Uh---"

"Ouch! It's scratching me." She sounded on the verge of panic.

"Sousuke! It's BITING me! DO SOMETHING, SOLDIER!!!" Tessa was back in command.

"Uh---what---"

"Get...it...out. Put your hand in there and get...it...out!!!" Tessa was getting upset. "NOW, Sousuke!"

He put his hand down Tessa's shirt, blushing and stammering fiercely.

"Oooh...Sousuke...what ARE you doing?" Tessa's voice had changed significantly.

"I'm sorry Tessa...I don't want to damage anything...and they...it's very slippery!" Now Sousuke sounded on the verge of panic.

For a strange moment, time slowed for Tessa. She didn't notice the slipping and sliding of the evasive fish. She didn't think about simply pulling her blouse out of her shorts and letting the fish fall free.

"Ah...rainbow trout. Small, but well-formed." Sousuke's voice. Tessa blushed a moment, then realized that he was talking about the fish.

She thought a moment. Well, the game was already afoot. She would probably hate herself tomorrow...but until then... "Sousuke, I think something else might be in there. I think it spat out the bait! GET...IT...OUT!"

"Uh---you could---"

"SOUSUKE...be a gentleman!"

"But...Tessa...a gentleman WOULDN'T uh---"

"NOW SOLDIER!"

"Yes, Tessa." Sousuke searched, but found nothing more.

"Oh...that's OK Sousuke...I must have been imagining things.

*************************************************************

Kaname certainly wished she had been imagining things! What things? She was so charged up, she forgot what she was angry at. No matter, an object in motion tends to stay in motion.

She had picked up a long pole with a net at the end. She had no need for the net. She ran quickly in the direction of Sousuke and Tessa, looking like she was intent on jousting without a horse.

Kyouko was shocked, seeing kaname heading on a course to pass right by her, murder in her eyes! She didn't know if Kaname was going to vault a small flower pool she was nearing, or whether she was intent on skewering Sousuke or Tessa. Or both!

Intent on preventing a catastrophic event of near biblical proportion, Kyouko bravely grabbed ahold of the pole as Kaname was passing. The resulting struggle spun them wildly about, careening towards one of the fish ponds. Kyouoko let go of the pole, and watched in abject wonder as Kaname flew out into the lure-fishing pond, landing with a tremendous splash.

Kyouko was more than a little fearful as she watched Kaname resurface and make her way towards the edge of the water. People were gathering around, offering assistance to Kaname.

"Well, will you look at THAT. In all my years of fishing, I have never seen THAT technique..." A kindly middle aged man, wearing a hook-encrusted fishing hat and an equally decorated fishing vest, pointed to Kaname's hands. Her left hand firmly grasped a struggling brown trout. Her right hand had a similar grip on a lake trout. "Remarkable. I MUST get a photograph of that." The man took a rather pricey looking camera from around his neck.

Kaname left the water almost as quickly and dramatically as she had entered! The fish were thrown at a startled Kyouko. The fisherman was soon running for his life, Kaname in quick pursuit.

*************************************************************

Sousuke's attention was drawn by a loud splash, and then by a screaming man being chased by a wildly incoherent young woman with wet and bedraggled blonde hair. "That almost looks like something Kaname would do" Sousuke said.

Tessa surprised Sousuke when she let go with a beautiful ringing laugh. She smiled. "Oh, Sousuke...you know you're exaggerating!" This was turning out to be a very interesting day!

*************************************************************
End of part 1

[HELLFIRE]

Nyhahahahahaha!! NICE START you got there dd!!
Now I have to wonder how much more PO'ed Kaname can get chasing
after Sousuke & Tessa, and how much more Tessa can turn up the
inuendoes on Sousuke....





Regards

[KiLlEr]

or for that matter, how smaller Sousuke's vocabulary is going to get.

Uh...
Uh...
Uh...


LOL

Keep 'em comin' dd!

[HELLFIRE]

...to the end where he's reduced to a drooling, mumbling idiot dragged
by Tessa home... Hmm, can anyone picture that?




Regards

[darkbane]

@dd
i TOLD you Kaname's gonna tail them :p
so there we go, i know you better than you know yourself

nice, very nice, Tessa is oh so daring, what a bold darling

[dd]

Keep an eye out for daring..it might be fate that started it, but she has a big one coming up REAL soon. Sousuke will NOT forget this one. Kaname won't either! ***IT'S DONE NOW***

Credit where credit is due...I couldn't resist the comedic lure of having Kaname get all wrapped in things after making her big prouncement to herself and everybody else

[darkbane]

oh my god, you mean you actually finished? you're way over standard novel size by now

[dd]

Well...uh...finished with part 1

There's...errr...only...two more parts to this short arc...

*Goes to safely put himself under lock and key*

[darkbane]

don't 'uh..' me, Sergeant!

don't sweat it heh