Shot Through The Heart, part one {Chapter 11}

[dd]

A look ahead: Dating 101. Kaname & Sousuke's day out. Sousuke and the zen of gift giving. Kaname on target. Ruffians.
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High on adrenalin, and low on dread, Sousuke called all of the Funeral Directors in the city. None had a body corresponding to Kaname's, and none had record of anything pending with her name.

He had gone through the same rollercoaster ride with each call. Fear, as he was dialing. Anxiety and even impatience, while the phone rang. Relief, almost joy, when the answer was in the negative.

For a brief moment, he was assaulted by a worrisome thought: could the body have been taken by someone intent on the study of Whispered?

Even though he had handled the prior inquiry himself, he had to concede there was still a small chance that a misunderstanding had occured. All possibilities should be considered...that is the mark of a good soldier.

Sousuke called Tokyo General Hospital, and his call was routed to the front desk of the Short Stay Unit. The woman who answered did not sound like the nurse he had spoken to before. Good. He would have no reason to distrust this person's motives.

"Hello, this is the Short Stay Unit...how may I help you?" the faceless voice asked.

"Yes, Hello. I am inquiring about a patient of yours..." Sousuke asked, his voice clear and level.

"I'm sorry. The person who could best answer questions regarding our current group of inpatients has stepped out for a moment. If you call back in a few minutes, she may be back," the woman stated in a reasonanble and pleasant fashion.

"I do not wish to be insistant, but this is urgent. I was told before that she had died, but no one has knowledge of the body..."

"I am sorry to hear that. But, I am still not the best person to ask if you want a prompt and accurate answer. And I have other phone lines blinking now." The voice remained calm and even tempered.

"Her name is Kaname Chidori...she was in room 528..." Sousuke was not going to be circumvented.

"R-room 528...T-the room that had t-the i-incident..." the woman asked, her composure slipping some.

"Yes, that is the one. I was visiting with her earlier today. If there is difficulty with people handling the telephones being able speak with me, I will head back to the hospital and return to the unit for the appropriate briefing..." Sousuke thought that he might be able to catch more flies with sugar than with vinegar.

"YOU were the one?!!! YOU were here? WAIT! WAIT!!! You don't have to come back in. I will find someone with the answer IMMEDIATELY!!!"
Her voice had gone up a few octaves, and she spat her words strongly.

As Sousuke waited to hear from the appropriate individual, he was pleased to see just how eager the woman had been to help. It must be because of Kaname. They must have all liked Kaname very much.

When he heard that Kaname had been discharged and took a taxi home, Sousuke was very relieved. After taking a moment to drink a glass of ice water and take a few bites of a protein bar, he called Kaname.

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"Hello, who is it?" Kaname asked.

"Kaname, it's me. I wanted to see how you were doing."

"Sousuke? How am I doing? Do you mean after my surgery, or after I was almost crushed and then asphyxiated by a giant freakin' balloon?" Kaname's voice was somewhat irritated...physical recuperation must be tiring her, Sousuke thought.

"Yes," Sousuke replied.

"Yes? That is all you have to say? Yes?!" Indeed, recuperation must be very tiring.

"I apologize. I should have said, 'Yes Kaname'."

"Sousuke! That's not what I mean. You embarrass me by reading from the wrong chart...you confiscate peoples' flowers...you hide from security in MY room...you threaten to draw my blood...you stir up both the Clinical and Anatomic Pathology staff...you nearly kill me with a balloon...and you almost stop my heart with the repair bill I get...and all you can say to me is Yes?!!!" She was really steamed now.

"Y-yes...I mean, I apologize. I did not wish for those bad things to happen. I was worried, and I wanted to see you. I missed you, Kaname."

There was a pause before Kaname spoke again. "I know, Sousuke. I missed you too. But...the next time you visit me, can you please leave trouble behind?"

"I will do my best, Kaname," Sousuke said cheerfully. "I am glad that you recieved your diagnosis in time to go home today. Hospitals are a very confusing and hectic place."

"Sousuke! It wasn't the hospital's fault...never mind...thank you for the sentiment," Kaname started, before she remembered something important. "That reminds me Sousuke, do you remember our deal?"

"Deal, Kaname?"

"Yes, if I did not hear the answer today, you were going to draw my blood...and if I did hear today, you were going to...." Kaname left the answer hanging.

"Ask you on a date?" Sousuke finished.

"Why, what a wonderful suggestion Sousuke. Thank you. I accept!" Kaname pounced quickly, claws ready to keep her prey from escaping.

"Uh--"

"And Sousuke, I want a real date...one we BOTH can enjoy. I expect your word on this, and I want you to supply me with a date and time. Now!" She sounded very insistant.

"Uh--"

"SOUSUKE!!!" Kaname shouted loud enough that Sousuke almost dropped the phone.

"Certainly, give me a minute. Could you be ready at ten o'clock, Saturday morning?" Sousuke offered.

"Yes, it is not a problem. I expect you to be there with bells on!" Kaname said. When she quickly realized it was Sousuke she was talking with, she added "Never mind the bells, Sousuke."

"Bells, Kaname?"

"Didn't I say 'never mind'?" Kaname's voice bordered on being exasperated.

"Yes. I apologize....there is another reason I had called."

"What reason was that?" Kaname asked.

"Do you have my...uh...homework papers?"

"You mean the papers Mr. Kalinin gave you..." Kaname started.

"Yes" Sousuke interjected.

"...and THAT CAPTAIN changed for you..." her voice had gotten a little louder.

"Yes"

"...and I SAVED FOR YOU...when I was being SWALLOWED ALIVE by that monstrous B A L L O O N ! ! !" her voice was rather loud at the completion of her her sentence.

"Exactly, Kaname. I commend you on a successful rescue mission."

"No...sorry...threw them away...too bad." Kaname said in a quieter and more cheerful voice.

"Kaname!!!"

"I'm teasing you Sousuke. You deserve it. You deserve a whole lot more! Don't think I am anywhere near being through with you, mister!" Her volume was going up again.

"I see...you sound very angry with me...perhaps I should give you the opportunity to become less angry. Maybe it would be best if I delayed our date for some time. Yes, perhaps until autumn. Autumn should suffice."

"Sousuke...bite your tongue. You WILL be here Saturday. You WILL take me on a date. And there will NOT be any postponement. I don't care if they send an Arm Slave to bring you back, Sousuke...you WILL keep your word." Kaname did not sound as if she were open to negotiation.

"Yes, it will be as you say, Kaname. I know that it is late, but could I possibly come over and get my assignment papers?"

Kaname looked down at her word processor, and looked at the papers she had already typed. "Is that the kind of thing you ask a girl at this time of night, Sousuke? A girl who has had a very trying day, and has just returned from the hospital?!"

"I'm sorry, Kaname. I just wanted to make certain I did not lose those papers. And I wanted to see you, to make certain you were OK."

"Thank you, Sousuke. I will give them to you tomorrow. I have a few more things to do, and then I'll be turning in for the night. It's just as well any way...you can use your time tonight to start planning the perfect date!"

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The perfect date.

Kaname had said 'the perfect date.'

That placed Sousuke at even more of a disadvantage. He had trouble dealing with the concept of 'date,' as it was. When thinking of the difficulty he would have in figuring out the parameters for a date, Sousuke had seen the image of a soldier doing a recon mission, alone, far behind enemy lines. But, when he thought of the expectation inherent in a perfect date, he pictured that soldier taking on an Arm Slave, armed only with a pocket knife.

He sighed. That made fifteen times in that last hour. He would get some sleep, if his troubled mind would allow. He would tackle this mission after school tomorrow. He still had a number of days left.

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There were definite benefits to this dating business, Sousuke thought after returning home after school. A number of times Kaname tried to criticize him for his schoolwork...she had instantly stopped when he told her he had been too busy working on the date to give his full attention to schoolwork. She had also been ready to instruct him in the ancient and honored art of phrenology after peppering his head with her halisen, but she refrained from striking when he said an injury might delay the date.

Sousuke placed a large tripod and its accompanying large pad of papers in the center of his room. He had asked the art teacher if he could borrow it, and his teacher had happily complied...she was so glad to see Sousuke take a quiet interest in something creative.

With a large marker, Sousuke divided the paper into columns. At the head of the columns he wrote the words GOALS...NEEDS...EQUIPMENT...LOCATIONS...TIMETABLE...RISKS.

He then took time thinking and filling in each column as far as he was able. When he was finished, he came to an unmistakable conclusion. He needed more information.

Sousuke knew exactly what to do. A mission is a mission is a mission. And, a mission without proper intelligence was a recipe for disaster. He would need to find answers.

A quick check through the Mithril manuals did not reveal anything applicable to dating. He searched the encoded Mithril on-line information base, also without success. He was NOT going to ask anyone on the TDD-1 or at school for advice! And, he would certainly not disappoint Kaname by asking her.

Sousuke grabbed his wallet and headed out of his apartment, walking down to the street below. He would locate appropriate intelligence sources. In whatever media were readily available.

Seeing a large video store, Souske walked in and searched the shelves. He saw no instructional videos of any kind. He asked the store manager if the store had videos that could help with dates. The manager looked confused for a moment, but then smiled slyly, saying he knew just what Sousuke wanted...and yes, they had the best selection in the city. He pointed towards a door, pushed a buzzer, and told Sousuke to go ahead in.

"Knock yourself out son, but don't do anything kinky in there...save that for home." Sousuke was uncertain what the man was refering to.

Walking in the room, Sousuke noted that there was an odd assortment of people in there, men and women, young and old...some acting very secretive, and some acting very excited. Yes, he should not be surprised...dating is, after all, a very popular activity.

Souske pulled a number of tapes off of the shelves. He put them back even more quickly. He walked to another shelf, and did the same. Again. And again. Looking at one box cover, he exclaimed, louder than he intended "I-I didn't know t-they got THAT large. How can she possibly walk?" A number of people around him chuckled knowingly.

Although he had figured out he didn't belong in there, Sousuke was mesmerized...he thought of himself as a ground squirrel or field rat staring helplessly at a swaying cobra. Cobras swallow their prey whole, he automatically thought. In that room, that thought suddenly made him blush.

On the street again, Sousuke ran along quicker than he usually would. When he was a sufficient distance from THAT store, he slowed to a normal pace. He was relieved when he reached a bookstore...a family bookstore. After he looked at topic headings without success, he decided to be efficient with his time, and asked for help. A young man in his twenties assisted him, saying he knew just what Sousuke needed.

"You have used this yourself, then?" Sousuke had asked, wanting to check the validity of the man's claim.

"Of course not. I do NOT need this book, thank you. I do QUITE well on my OWN!" the man seemed very determined to convince Sousuke.

"I see. Then if you do not know if it is good, perhaps I should not spend money on it. Besides, I am not a Dummy...I'm a specialist."

"That's fine..." the man replied as Sousuke turned to walk away, "...it's the best we have...but if you are so certain you do not need it, that's OK." Seeing Sousuke stop, he added "And it's the last copy we have."

Sousuke quickly bought the book. And the disc.

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

In the safety of his own apartment, Sousuke quickly skimmed through the book, leaving a more detailed study for later.

He put the book back down and looked at the cover again. DATING FOR DUMMIES. Appropriate, Sousuke thought, as there was an enormous number of things he hadn't known...and hadn't even known to think about. This was not going to be easy. And, he had to be certain he was going on good advice.

He read about the author. Dr. Joy Browne. A woman...she should therefore be an excellent resourse regarding the things women want on dates. And, a doctor...a specialist! Yes, it would be wise to trust her word.

Sousuke had gotten a general feel for the areas he needed to consider:

What to say
What to do
What not to say
What not to do
What a woman meant when she did or said certain things
Guidelines for flirting
Tipsheets for restaurants
Ways to make your date miserable
foods to avoid
Opening lines
How to hug
How to kiss
What women want
Good places for a first date
Ways to ditch a date if necessary
An emergency repair kit
10 ways to know when one is in love
And so forth and so on.
27 chapters
128 pages

He thought a while longer, and wrote up a list of supplies needed for the mission. He would need to visit a Mens' Store, today. Perhaps a pharmacy. Perishable items he would get on the morning of the date. Saturday. That day was coming closer.

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Walking into the Mens' Store was like walking into a large miltary base that one had never visited before. There were so many people. So many different types of equipment. Civilian uniforms had a much wider variety of styles, colors, and cuts. And shoes! So many kinds!

Sousuke needed a moment just to drink in the enormity of it all. And, he decided, he needed a guide. Walking over to the information desk, he asked where the best place to start might be, and how he could find someone to help him. The gentleman behind the desk was very helpful, and buzzed for some assistance.

After a few minutes, a middle-aged man in a crisp suit walked up and asked Sousuke what he could do to assist him.

Sousuke was polite when he said "I thank you for your kind offer, but I was looking for a woman to assist me."

The man looked somewhat taken aback, and replied "I am quite able to show you whatever you need, sir. This is not the place to be picking up dates."

"I understand, sir. That is not my intention. I already have agreed to a date. I wanted a woman to assist me because she would know how a woman thinks. But, I would be glad for YOUR assistance, if you know how a woman thinks."

The man thought a moment, and then shook his head. "Who knows what women think?!" Inside his own head, the man had decided that he was a man, and thought like a man...NOT like a woman. A very manly man. "I will see who might be available."

"Thank you," Sousuke said. Perhaps this dating stuff wouldn't be so difficult after all.

About ten minutes later, a middle-aged woman in a colorful blouse came to where Sousuke was waiting, and helped chauffeur him through the store.

"Hello, my name is Karla." The woman had a very pleasant voice.

"I am pleased to meet you. My name is Sousuke."

"My...you are a handsome one. And I understand you have a date planned. I am certain I can help you prepare quite well, at least in regards to clothing and accessories." Her manner put Sousuke at ease.

"If I may be so bold to ask...is that a dueling scar?" She asked when Sousuke did not immediately reply to her previous statement.

Sousuke considered the question. Though his scar had not come through fencing, it had come from something one might consider a duel. "Yes, it is."

"Oh, how very distinguished. And romantic. Women love dashing heroes with hidden pasts!" She almost bubbled over.

"I have that too" Sousuke added.

"Really? That's wonderful!!!. All you need now is the proper clothes. As they say, clothes make the man."

Karla...who Sousuke quickly learned loved to talk and gossip, and who was a BIG fan of mystery and romance novels...led her young charge on a whirlwind tour of the store. When she was done, Sousuke had an arm full of underwear, socks, shirts, pants, belts, shoes, and even a 'dashing scarf.' He placed that on the counter along with the items that Karla had carried: cologne, a hankerchief, and a dress watch. After the total was rung up, and he saw the bill, he almost gasped. But...he calmed himself...he did indeed work on an expense account. He could certainly justify this purchase, and who knows: the opportunity may come again when he might need some of these items.

Sousuke thanked Karla and left her with a nice tip. For her part, she thanked Sousuke, and said it had been a pleasure to assist such a fine young man. Yes, it seems this dating thing would be simple after all!

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Having read the book, Sousuke knew that another establishment was on his 'must visit' list. The pharmacy.

He found the general area he wanted, but was again faced with a bewildering array of choices.

Breath mints. Breath lozenges. Breath sprays. Some with plain labels. Some with fancy labels. Some with guarantees. And the flavors...why on earth did there need to be so many flavors? Kumquat? Persimmon? Double Extra Ecstacy? Tundra Blast? This was too confusing. He needed help.

A bored-looking store clerk accompanied Sousuke back to the site of his dilemma.

"Which of these are good?" Sousuke asked.

"All of them, I think." The clerk said, pulling at his lip.

"You think? You are not sure?"

"I think I'm sure. I think." the clerk said helpfully, rubbing his nose.

"I see. And your qualification to work here is?" Sousuke probed.

"I filled out an application. My mother runs the store," the clerk said, tugging at an ear.

"She does? Excellent. Could you bring your mother here to assist me?"

"Yes, I can." And, he did. His mother was a pleasant woman in an impeccably pressed store apron, her name badge polished just a fraction away from perfection. Things were looking up, Sousuke thought.

The woman was an unending source of information. Yes, she new about each product and each flavor. And, she knew someone for each flavor she knew. Someone who liked that flavor. Why they liked that flavor. How long they had liked that flavor. Other people and relatives they had, and which flavors THEY preferred. On which days. In which circumstances. And that was just the beginning.

Sousuke left the store with a very large bag of breath products. He would try them at home. He had also puchased a roll of colorful wrapping paper...the designs on the paper reminded him of halisens. On the way out of the store he stopped, catching sight of a rack of condoms. After staring a moment, he shook his head, sighed, and headed home. He was exhausted.

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The day of the date had arrived. And took too damn long to get there, Kaname thought.

She had set her alarm for six o'clock that morning, to be certain she had enough time to prepare. She of course woke up an hour early, and couldn't go back to sleep. But that was fine with her: just more time to enjoy this day!!!

She was too excited to eat yet, so went straight in to shower. She took a nice warm shower...three times, each time realizing there was a shampoo whose smell she liked more. Or thought Sousuke might like more. She brushed her teeth...once. She had taken enough time with each tooth to be certain everything was perfect. Singing happily, she used four different hairbrushes to try out six different hairsyles. There were too many ribbons, bows, and other accessories that she looked at, experimented with, and tossed aside, to be able to keep track of it all.

The later the time got, the more excited she became. The more excited she became, the more things she found to laugh at. At one point, she realized she was rubbing a frozen waffle over her lips. She found her lipstick in the microwave. That was OK! She had another roll the same color!

She looked in the mirror. She looked in every mirror. From every conceivable angle. In every conceivable amount of light. Moving. Posing. Standing casually. Sitting. Reclining.

Her alarm went off. 9:55. Time for a few last checks. The mirror agreed with her...she was beautiful. She checked her breath again. Still minty fresh. She smoothed her blouse. Oh, damn!!! That thread! Where were her damned scissors!!! After a brief and frantic moment, she found her scissors and amputated the offending string.

Not a moment too soon.

10:00. On the dot.

The door rang.

Time slowed, became twisted and distorted. No, not like in the Whispered state. This was much worse! It felt as if she were trying to swim through molasses, with an iron ball chained to her ankle, moving against a strong current.

When she opened the door, she seemed very cheerful and calm.

The same could NOT be said for Sousuke.

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Sousuke had gotten to the door in time to hear Kaname's alarm go off. He hoped she hadn't just gotten up! She couldn't have forgotten, could she? This wan't just some way to get back at him for missing her tutoring session that one night?! That was so long ago!

"Settle down Sousuke. Settle down," he told himself. "You are prepared. You have done your best. And you have no backup."

He brushed off his shirt. And his pants. He moved his belt and watch just the slightest amount. He rubbed his hand behind his ear and smelled it, trying to be sure he had remembered his cologne. He had. He ate three more breath mints...he had no idea what flavor they were.

He checked his watch, synchronized to an atomic clock. When 9:59 became 10:00, he rang the doorbell.

He was shocked. The door opened immediately!!!

And Kaname was standing in the door. He had no choice but to do a double take. It was not something of free will. It was glandular. Automatic. And it was still going.

Yes, this was Kaname Chidori. But, it was more than Kaname Chidori. He had never seen her quite like THIS!

He found that he was experiencing a very small but global tremor. He found it hard to swallow. He found it hard to speak. Things became worse when he noticed her curvature..as if for the first time.

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Kaname was pleasantly surprised. Wow! She hadn't figured Sousuke could clean up THAT nice!

She looked at everything. Literally. Every piece of clothing, and every area on each piece of clothing. His shoes. His belt. His watch. Looking at his pants, she quickly withdrew her view from one area.

She sniffed expectantly from her present distance, waiting. Waiting. Waiting. THERE! Ah, but that was a VERY nice cologne. And he had gotten a haircut!

She could feel the rush of blood in her ears, and it felt as if her fluttering heart wanted to take flight. She prayed she didn't look too eager, and she hoped she wasn't sweating.

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"Sousuke, right on time. Please come in!" she was proud that she seemed calm and her voice didn't crack.

"Certainly. I must get something first. If you can wait a moment." He bent over, reached for something out of view, and stood back up again. When he walked through the door, Kaname saw that he carried a gift-wrapped package, a box of chocolates, and a large bunch of flowers.

"These are for you Kanme," he started, automatically switching over to one of the phrases he had memorized, stumbling only slightly "I tried to find something as nice as you, but that was not possible."

His statement was rewarded with a blush. And a rare occurence. Kaname was speechless.

To fill the void, Sousuke continued "I knew you liked flowers, so I brought you flowers." He handed the bouquet to Kaname who almost glowed. "I knew you had missed good food in the hospital, so I brought you some sweets." The intensity of Kaname's glow went up a notch. "And, I realized you liked getting gifts...and I saw that there was something you might like...so..." and he handed the package to Kaname, who almost burst into happy flames.

Some things hold true to form. Mischief was in Kaname's blood. "It's not BALLOONS, I hope" she laughed.

"No," said Sousuke grinning. He HAD thought of balloons though. But, he hadn't needed to think long about balloons.

Kaname had Sousuke sit down and get comfortable and went to get some cold drinks. After a brief bit of small talk, she left to put the flowers in water. When she returned, she was carrying a plate filled with the candy that Sousuke had brought, and her present. She tasted a number of the chocolates, biting them in half and giving Sousuke half as well. Sousuke blushed ever so slightly.

"Can I open my present?" Kaname asked, eagerly. What COULD he have gotten her?

"Certainly. It is, after all, something for you!"

"Nothing wierd?" she asked out of habit.

"No, I do not think so."

"Nothing dangerous?" Habit again.

"Not if used properly."

Not if used properly? What might that mean? But...this was Sousuke, and he thought that way about EVERYTHING. No time to think any more...time to OPEN.

"The wrapping is very nice Sousuke...did you do this?"

"Yes...these do not come giftwrapped." Her curiosity jumped up a couple of stairs.

"And the ribbon?" she asked.

"Yes."

Kaname removed the wrapping. The box was plain and white. No clues to what might be inside. She opened the box.

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When Kaname looked at the contents of the box, she was speechless.

Sousuke took that as a good sign. "I thought long and hard about this. I had many things to consider. I decided you were certainly worth the best!" He tried very hard not to seem smug.

"S-------?" That from Kaname

"I have made certain it is in proper working order, and I have the necessary accessories back at my apartment." Souske let a little bit of smugness creep into his voice.

"Sous---?"

"While we were at the hospital, I noticed how happy you were when I left my things with you, so I decided to get you something that would please you. And, of course, it is very practical." For Sousuke, that voice was nearly crowing.

"SOUSUKE!!! YOU IMBECILE!!! IS THIS THE KIND OF GIFT YOU BRING A LADY!!! ON YOUR ***FIRST*** DATE???!!!" Kaname, it seems, had found her voice. Actually, it sounds like she found a whole room's worth of voices.

"But--"

Kaname was glaring, hand on hip, shaking the box in her hand right up under Sousuke's eyes. "I should have expected this. Things were going just to WELL. I am SO stupid...THAT should have been an immediate warning sign."

"But---"

"Thank you so very much Sgt. Lets Go On A Mission And Kill The Mood!!! Sousuke...can you tell me what you were thinking...were you thinking at all...I mean, like a normal person?"" She sat down abruptly. Sousuke almost thought she looked on the verge of tears.

Kaname was very quiet, and turned away from Sousuke.

Things were dead quiet for a while. No one moved. No one spoke. Finally, very quietly, Sousuke tried to comfort her. "It seems all my thinking...all my learning...all my efforts have led to little. It seems that I just do not know how to act around you Kaname. I wonder why that is, since I feel I want to be around you and want to make you happy. Maybe it is just not my time or my place."

Kaname turned back to look at Sousuke.

"I was correct about clothes, I think. I was also on target with the flowers and the chocolate. But I seem to have missed the drop zone entirely on the gift. At the hospital, when I left you my things, you seemed so happy, so intense. I thought I knew the perfect gift. I seem to have failed miserably in this mission." Kaname had not heard Sousuke sound this sad before, not even when he was worried about Kurz and Melissa. "My apologies. I will continue to do my best to guard you. This will not be a problem for me. If it is a problem for you, I will see if other arrangements can be made."

When he finished, Sousuke headed towards the door. "I will go now. Before I do, I should say something. I thought you might be an angel when I opened the door. I couldn't be certain it was you. You looked so pr--...so pretty." Kaname was certain that was the first time Sousuke had ever said something like that to someone.

Souske turned and started to leave. He stopped---or, more accurately, he was stopped. Kaname was standing...and crying...and she had ahold of his arm.

"Don't be silly, Sousuke...you can't go anywhere...if you did, how could we have out date...and I have been waiting so long for this date." When she was finished, she wrapped her arms around Sousuke. "I'm sorry, Sousuke. I over-reacted. I didn't think. I...I...I always look to see what the problem is with you, and I often overlook what is so right..."

After she was finished, Kaname walked over to the couch with her present. She patted the cushion next to hers. "Why don't you come over here and explain this too me, Sousuke?"

"With pleasure!" Kaname thought that he looked happy again. She decided that she should encourage him in the things he liked, and the things he knew well.

Sousuke removed a pistol from the box. He showed it to Kaname from all angles, and had her hold it. He showed her the proper grip, how to release the clip, and how to use the sights if the situation required.

"This is the Glock 26. Perhaps the best pocket pistol in the world. Pocket pistols most often are not good general weapons, and are good only for close combat. This pistol is the exception. It allows for instant and instinctive action. It is safe. It is reliable. It has relatively few parts and is simple to take down, clean, and put back together. Do you follow me , so far?"

"Yes" Kaname said, nodding her head, trying to seem attentive.

"The pistol is made out of light but durable plastic. It weighs about two ounces empty, seven ounces fully loaded. This weapon can digest an unbelievable assortment of ammunition, able to use many available 9mm rounds. I have given you one clip of Austrian Hirtenburg and one clip of Finish Lapua. Each clip holds 10 rounds."

The way Sousuke spoke of ammunition made Kaname think of gourmets speaking about cheese, wine, coffee, or tea. She smiled.

"I promise you, it is a fine weapon Kaname!"

"I am certain it is Sousuke. I should know that you'd never let me down." She smiled warmly, and pressed his arm.

"And," Sousuke put in cheerfully, "my selection of your gift has helped me decide what to do for the first part of our date today!"

Kaname coughed a bit, but did not quite choke.

A gun?

The date?

She started to get that sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.

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They were at Sousuke's apartment. He had said that he needed to get something for the date.

Sousuke's apartment was a mess...Kaname had never seen it that way before. It was not that it was filthy, or that there was dirty laundry or food everywhere. It was...cluttered, for want of a better word.

A large pad of paper was sitting in the room, with notes written on it. She understood why it was there when she looked closer. His desk was covered with small boxes...many small boxes: so many types of breath mints!!! New clothes, some still on hangers, were drapped over furniture.
A number of different cotton balls smelled of different colognes. The box the bouquet of flowers came in was sitting on the floor. DATING FOR DUMMIES partially covered up papers that Kaname recognized as Sousuke's 'homework.' Seeing that Sousuke was not looking, she lifted up the book to see if he had written anything yet. He hadn't. She didn't know whether to feel relieved or disappointed.

Looking around the room, Kaname was hit by the full weight of realization: Sousuke had REALLY gone to a lot of work and an awful amount of trouble trying to get ready for this date. For a moment, Kaname TRULY felt humbled. Almost unworthy.

"OK, Kaname. All set...ready to go?" Sousuke said, a bit of good cheer in his voice.

"You bet!!! But before we go...it's tradition you know..." Kaname was smiling, and she winked.

"Nothing weird" Sousuke said, knowing the routine. "And, nothing dangerous..."

"...if done properly!" Kaname finished. They both grinned.

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

They walked down the street slowly, drinking in the sight, sound, and smell of everything. Kaname stopped briefly to put an offering in a church collection basket. Sousuke stopped to buy them warm iced-buns and cold tea.

Sousuke carried a large and long case, hard plastic and doubly locked. It was a bit scuffed, but gave no outward clues to what size or shape objects were inside. Given the nature of her gift, Kaname had a good idea what was inside. When Sousuke said "Almost there...," she knew it would not be long before she would have her suspicions confirmed. She looked at Sousuke's and her reflections in the large mirror-like windows of a tall glass-tiled building as they walked by. They looked like a happy couple...like a couple of college students heading to or from class, with one carrying a musical instrument case.

She thought about college...and about Sousuke. If she went to college...would Sousuke follow? How long would they allow him to follow? Would Sousuke ever be forced to choose between his profession and his heart. Were they one in the same?

"Easy, Kaname" she said to herself. You are putting the cart before the horse. Let's even wait to see how this date goes before you make Sousuke and yourself an 'item.'

Kaname had spoken outloud unknowingly. "Kaname? Is there something wrong?"

"No, Sousuke...nothing is wrong, not even with me carrying a gun and ammo in my purse and you carrying that battleship there."

"Kaname, this is not a battleship. This is a heavy cruiser. Believe me, I have bigger..." He was not bragging...just stating facts.

"I believe you. I certainly believe you." Kaname said.

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

Being an athlete, Kaname wasn't winded after their long and peaceful stroll. Even though he carried the heavy case, Sousuke showed no signs of strain. Kaname thought he must be even stronger and more fit than she had imagined. Somehow, that thought made her proud.

"There it is," Sousuke said, pointing across the avenue. "Sureshot Joe's shooting range. Best I could find in this area."

Kaname couldn't help herself...she sighed. She felt her face crumble, even though she had long ago made an accurate guess what they would be doing.

Sousuke heard her sigh and correctly interpreted her face. "Yes, Kaname...I know this may not be what you wanted to do today, but I had called ahead yesterday and said we would come...I do not want to be dishonest. And, I had read that a date should be some thing that both the man and the woman should like. I would be happy if you could enjoy this part of the date...but I will understand if you do not. I want to assure you, I have done good research, and I am certain you will enjoy the second half. I was not certain I could find something we might both like together, so I chose something for each of us. Can you trust me, Kaname?"

Those words, or something very similar, echoed in Kaname's ears and within her head. She had flashbacks of her standing in the forest of a foreign land, scared of Sousuke, scared of everything. He'd asked her to trust him. She did. They both came home alive. "Yes, Sousuke...I trust you."

Joe himself was behind the counter. A near elderly man, with a crewcut and a large number of tatoos--including an excellent rendering of an M60 tank with the word 'Mom' in the middle---Joe looked to be in excellent shape. The long wooden counter was heavily pitted. Locked cabinets line the walls, as did a bookshelf containing numerous weapons manuals, military books, and military history texts. A few framed ribbons were on the wall, as were photographs of a group of posing soldiers...Vietnam, Sousuke thought.

"Well, what can I do for you kids? Interested in buying some books...I'm willing to sell anything on the shelf if you make a good enough offer. Or have you come to ask me to sponsor a sports team or a school event?" Joe had a firm but friendly voice, with the slightest catch. Sousuke noted a scar on his throat and thought he might have slight laryngeal damage.

"My name is Sousuke Sagara, I called you yesterday, sir. I have come here to shoot, and to train my date to shoot." Kaname liked the sound of that. 'My date.'

"Oh...you sounded much older on the phone. I'm afraid I have rules about underage shooters. They need to be accompanied by an adult friend or relative." Joe sounded apologetic, but unyielding.

"Sir...I understand and I applaud you wisdom and responsibility. I am no novice. I offer a compromise. If I can convince you that I am a suitable instructor, will you allow us to fire here today?"

"I like the way you speak, son. And I like the way you think. Deal!" They shook hands.

"I will gladly use whatever you provide me. sir. Or I could use any or all of these." Sousuke hefted his case onto the counter, and opened it. Joe's eyes got very large very quickly.

"My, my, my, my, my, my. I suppose you could just be a collector, but I am almost convinced enough to let you in just seeing these. Yes, I'll let you describe range safety to me..and the art of proper gun handling...and I will watch you shoot. Not that I doubt you son...I'm just guessing it will be a pleasure. The heavy weapons will require the far range, and that will cost extra." Joe was smiling widely, and could be seen to be missing a number of upper and lower teeth. "We get too many people in here who think they are Rambo, Clint Eastwood, or something out of The Matrix. I'm guessing none of that describes you, eh son?"

"No sir...I'm a specialist!"

"I see...and you, little lady" Joe asked Kaname.

"I'm...I'm on a date with the specialist." She took out her pistol and clips and put them on the counter.

"Ah...Glock 26...a very apt choice! Your selection for her, son?" Joe asked

"Yes. It seemed appropriate."

"You're a lad after my own heart, son. A lad after my own heart! My own boy would have picked out something chrome-plated for her, or gotten her something engraved with flowers."

They all walked into the closest gallery. Sousuke removed one of the pistols in his case...checked it...loaded it...removed the safety...sighted at the target, and looked over at Joe, silently waiting for permission. Joe nodded his head. Sousuke emptied the clip quickly and smoothly. When the target was brought in, Joe asked if Sousuke would autograph it and let him keep it for framing. They would be allowed to shoot.

"Son, that was extremely fine shooting. When my son comes in to relieve me, would you mind if I came back to watch you work?"

"It would be an honor, sir." Sousuke paid the range fee up front. "Sir, a question if I may. I didn't want to start off with too many weapons today, but may want may want to return some day. Do you allow comat shotguns, and do you allow sabot rounds?"

"Yes, definitely to the first question. Same back room. Yes to the last question, with enough notice to prep the room. And, son, if you are as good as I think you are, you can come back any time you please."

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

Sousuke was very knowledgeable in his subject...Kaname was not surprised. When Sousuke took a certain object out of his case, she WAS very surprised. A halisen.

Seeing her reaction, Sousuke said "I have been very fortunate to have a fine student instructor at my school...she shall remain nameless, except to say that her first name starts with a 'K' and her second name is Chidori." Sousuke was enjoying things way TOO much, Kaname thought.

"This fine instructor has been an inspiration to me. Nowhere in my previous training have I found anything as formidable and as effective as the halisen. I have suggested to my superiors in Mithril that we arm all Arm Slaves and fighter aircraft with halisens. That will most certainly lead to world peace, and no one will think twice about the Whispered or Black Technology again!" Yes, DEFINITELY enjoying himself too much. Big mistake!

"S-S-Sousuke, I thought this was to be a fun d-date. Are you saying you'd forget me? And...and would you really use the halisen on me?" Kaname made as dejected-looking face as she could.

Sousuke wasn't buying it. He looked very serious. "If you were no longer of any value, why would I stay around?" he asked, smiling inside when Kaname jumped and looked miffed. "And of course I will use the halisen. Let me explain it this way: Sousuke, algebra (smack)...Sousuke, history (smack)...Sousuke, social sciences (smack)...Sousuke, it's Tuesday (smack)...Sousuke, JUST BECAUSE (smack smack smack whack slammm!!!)."

"Oh," said Kaname, not certain whether or not Sousuke was kidding.

"And," Sousuke said without any sign of grinning, "the books I read on dating suggested other uses for a halisen." He wasn't even exactly sure what he was implying, but was pleased to see Kaname blush.

"Uh--" Kaname said.

"Uh--?" Sousuke said, "Uh--!!!" He shook his head. "Kaname, I am disappointed in you."

She smiled at him. He smiled back. "You had better stop that, Miss Chidori" Sousuke said in a very serious tone, "Someone might think you were having fun during MY part of the date!"

"It's not a problem" Kaname said with a straight face.

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

Sousuke spoke on range ediquette and firearm safety.

He spoke on having a proper respect for one's weapon and for one's environment.

Other topics were in a similar vein.

Without a weapon in hand, he helped her work on her stance...how she held her arms...how she should breath when firing. His closeness made Kaname uneasy, but also somewhat yearning. His arms were taut, strong. His body was warm, firm. His cologne was making her dizzy. His voice was comforting. She occasionally had to pinch herself...hard...to get herself to pay attention. This was a serious subject.

He then went to the weapons case, and she saw for the first time what he had brought. He took them out, one by one.

"We'll start with the Glock 17," Sousuke said, handing Kaname a pistol, similar to her pistol but larger. "Once we work briefly through everything I have here, we will spend considerable time firing your Glock 26. I want you to get used to it. We won't get too far today, but you should start to get a feel for some things."

"The Glock 17. The pistol is light, so don't underestimate the recoil. It weighs 2 ounces empty, 10 ounces fully loaded. I prefer it to the SIG-Sauer P226, Steyr GB, Beretta 92SB, and Colt 1911. It can digest many types of 9mm ammunition, just as could the 26. The magazine has a 17 round capacity. It has 33 parts, and can be broken down and cleaned easily. I will show you this another day, if you wish. This gun is very reliable, and fairly accurate. It is a gun I trust with my life. Literally."

Sousuke removed a semi-aautomatic pistol from the case. "This is one of my all time favorites, the Steyr TMP semi-automatic pistol. 900 rounds per minute. 9mm. 15 round clip. Three pounds, and little kick. It has stupendous reliability, good accuracy, and gets the job done!!!" Sousuke showed Kaname the cocking handle, safety and magazine catches, front and rear sights, and bolt catch. "The attractive black matte finish goes well with your hair and dress, Kaname" he added, catching her off guard and making her blush.

Sousuke set the TMP down gently and took out a rifle. "This is the Steyr AUG-A1 assault rifle, this version chambered for the NATO 5.56 round. It is of ambidextrous design, and I can configure the ejection port to either side. It is gas operated, and its 1.5x scope doubles as a handle. It can be operated semi-automatic, or in five shot mode as is standard with the Austrian armed forces. The clear magazine holds 30 rounds, and you can easily see how much ammunition remains. I have the 16 inch gun barrel in place...20 and 24 inch lengths are also available. It weighs eight pounds, and I consider this excellent design to solve many of the problems historically inherent to assault rifles."

"Some day, if you like, I will also show you the FN FAL rifle, HK MP5K sub-machine gun, and the IMI Desert Eagle pistol" Sousuke said, finsishing with his briefing.

True to his word, Sousuke walked Kaname through each weapon, and helped her get used to firing. First the noise. Then the kick. Then he focused more on firing rates, sighting tricks, and the like. Then he put his instructions to the test.

Sousuke never struck Kaname...and would NEVER consider doing so...but he would strike the halisen against his leg or against a post if Kaname started to backslide. "This, by necessity is a special situation Miss Chidori: it is the lecture, the homework, the quiz, and the test all rolled into one. I have always done my best at school for you. Are you prepared to do your best here for me?"

"Yes, Sousuke?" Kaname said timidly.

"What? Louder!"

"Yes, Sergeant!" Kaname said, louder.

"This is NOT a Sunday social, Chidori!!!" Smack, the halisen came down, making Kanmae jump and pull the trigger inadvertently.

"S-s-sorry, Sousuke..." she sounded scared, and embarrassed.

"THAT is why we discussed safety. And THIS" he said making a loud noise with the halisen "is a way to teach you to NEVER let yourself take your weapon for granted. It most deinitely is NOT your friend...if provoked by misuse, it will bite you...or someone around you. Maybe a friend," and then Sousuke's voice got softer and more pleasant "And mayber your date. Please be careful, Kaname."

"Yes, sir."

"WHAT?!!

"YES, SERGEANT SAGARA, SIR!!!" Kaname shouted.

"Fine. I'm pleased with you soldier!" Sousuke didn't smile, but Kaname did.

Sousuke was serious when necessary...kind where appropriate...and used humor and Kaname's pride to his best advantage as a teacher. Kaname progressed well, considering it was her first day.

"Well, that wasn't too bad, Miss Chidori," he said, "You missed the terrorist, but only managed to kill the dog next door and the old woman down the block. The doctors have reasured you they can reattach the arm of the paperboy...although they doubt he will regain use of it!!!"

Kaname fumed, but kept quiet. She was determined to do well at this. She was determined not to give Sousuke the satisfaction of seeing her crack. Then she smiled. And smiled and smiled and smiled. This was for today, and this was Sousuke's domain. But, school would be for MUCH longer, and school was HER domain. Queen Kaname. Queen of the halisen.

Eventually, Kaname's arms grew too tired to continue.

"I'm proud of you, Kaname. You are doing very well. But when you are tired...that's when you need to try your best, work your hardest. I have just one more thing for you to do. Today's final exam. And there will be a prize, if you do well enough."

"Prize?" Kaname asked

"Yes. And it will be of your choosing. Both the weapon you use, and the prize you wish to contend for. You will have a chance at two targets, with the weapon of your choice. If you hit both within the innermost three rings, you win."

"OK, said Kaname...I will choose the AUG, it's got a sight." Kaname said, thinking.

"Very good, Kaname. And the prize?"

"A second date, if this goes well. My choices." She looked very determined.

"Agreed. I will go purchase two competition targets." When Sousuke returned, Joe was with him.

"I don't want to put you under any pressure, little lady, but I wanted to see what kind of instructor this young man is. And I will offer my services as an official referee. Will you both accept my word as God's word?" Both Kaname and Sousuke agree.

"Let's make this fun, shall we? Young lady, I want you to take this marker and write the name of your target here?" Joe said, and Kaname did as asked. Joe sent the target down the lane.

Kaname took her time, and verbally went through all the steps. The shop owner was rightfully impressed. She took her time, sighted, and checked again. She pulled the trigger, and the target jumped. Joe brought the target back.

"Well, it's just within that third ring. This 'Tessa' is in a lot of pain." Joe said with a big grin.

"Tessa? I see. That was a very good shot. It took Tessa a while to become this good." Sousuke said

Kaname was NOT pleased to hear that, OR what that implied. She quickly scribbled on the second target, put in place herself, and sent it down. This time, she was much more intense in he gaze. She waited until things were just where she wanted them. Again the shot. Again the jump.

"Well, missy, I'm afraid you are far off target!" Joe said, a bit disappointed.

"Actually, I'm directly ON target." She pointed to the name she had written: 'Sousuke.'

The shot went right through the target's groin area.

"Uh--I see, Unfortunately, I have to say you have lost..." Sousuke started.

"Nope. It's my word here. The lady has clearly won. She hit EXACTLY what she was aiming for. NICE shooting gal. And good teaching, castrato." All three grinned.

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

They talked a brief bit with Joe, and Sousuke had started to pack things up in preparation to leave. Before he could do so, Joe's son opened the door, and a group of six men of all shapes, sizes, ages, and dress entered carrying cases, bags, guns, and a cooler. They all wore clothing with macho logos, sayings, or pictures. There was a swagger about them...a cockiness.

"Hey Joe..." one started...

And another finished "...what you doin' with that gun in your hand." Obviously, an old joke there.

"Yeh, I see you...I see you. Back to spend your weeks pay in ammo?" Joe asked amiably.

"You bet, time for some REAL shooting. Give you something to tell your war buddies about. Give them a reason to stop by and learn something, some day." One of the rowdies said.

"So you say. So you say. It's always easier in a back room somewhere, when there's nothing shooting back." Joe said from true experience.

"Uh, huh. I'm sure" another one of the cocky gun enthusiasts said. "Maybe that little boy and that cute little piece of fluff there might be convinced by that kind of talk, but WE know better. Right boys?"

Busy setting things up, the others all joined in with a loud "HELL YEH!!!"

Sousuke, not looking for trouble, spoke up "Joe is entirely correct. There is a lot more to learn about a man and his talent when he is under pressure and under fire. The biggest men, and the loudest mouths, often end up in the smallest pieces, in the quickest amount of time."

The largest of the men made it a point to swagger as he walked over to look down on Sousuke, literally and figuratively. He looked at Kaname, winked, and said. "Bull crap." He grabbed his crotch and said "I'm sure I don't need to get this cutie in the sack for her to be sure which of us is a real man. Right sweetie?" He fondled Kaname briefly, and turned to walk back to his friends, all of whom were whooping it up.

"You are correct, " Sousuke said, "Even from a distance she can tell that you talk big pretending to be a man, because what you carry between your legs would be small even on a woman."

Kaname gasped, shocked that Sousuke would take that approach, but satisfied that he had stood up for her honor.

The insulted man turned and asked "Are you ready to back up those words, LITTLE man?"

"Yes. It is not a problem."

"Well, then, let me think a bit." The man walked over to his friends, and conferred a bit. Raucous laughter signalled their decision. The man continued. "Here's the contest. Six lanes. Six profile targets. We shoot six at once. You shoot anyway you please. First side to hit head, heart, and both arms on each target...wins." He paused, letting that sink in. He didn't see Sousuke slowly close his case, leaving only his pistol on the gun shelf. The prize will be very big for you, since you are at a disadvantage, and since you have NO chance to win." The man looked very much in control. For Sousuke's potential winnings, he mentioned a substantial amount of money put up by each contestant. He collected that money and gave it to Joe to hold, as referee. "And for our prize...we want a long deep kiss from the little lady. For each of us. That will give us a chance to show you how it's done. Of course, she might not want you much after THAT!" More loud laughter.

"Kaname?" He asked, and the men teased him about having to ask his girlfriend.

Kaname just looked at him and raised her eyebrows.

Sousuke nodded.

Kaname smiled.

"Under one condition. May I see what I am up against?" Sousuke asked in a reasonable tone.

The loudmouthed man looked at the gun Sousuke had showing, and said "Hell yeh, why not. Let's show him the weapons of kings, boys. This is men's stuff, boy...not sissy toys."

Sousuke did a quick inventory of his opponents' weapons. Hammerli and Strayer-Voight target pistols. A Smith & Wesson Model 66 .357 magnum. Some World War II vintage pistols. An AHR hunting rifle based on the Czech CZ series. A Glock 22. A Benelli shotgun. A SIG P210 pistol. A Lazzeroni rifle. And a SIG SSG high performance rifle.

"Adequate" Sousuke said. "I accept. Your team shoots first. No shotgun."

"Wait a minute...I have a say in this matter too!" Kaname interjected. "I want a prize as well." She looked at Sousuke. "Since my virtue is at stake, I want something in return. You win Sousuke...and I get a kiss later, when the moment is right!"

"Uh--"

"Sousuke!!!"

"Yes...I accept." Sousuke wondered what he had gotten himself into.

"Not that it will matter, in any case, little boy." the bully said to Sousuke. He turned next to Kaname and said "Pucker up sweetie...and don't forget the breath mint!!!"

Kaname looked her question to Sousuke when he came back. "They have some reasonable weapons. I am not concerned. Shouldn't be a problem" he said.

The six men chose their weapons. One said "Like taking candy from a baby...." At Joe's signal they all advanced and took aim. At his mark, they all fired until they had met match terms.

"A good performance," Sousuke said. "But I was right, not to be concerned." The others laughed at him, but uneasily this time.

Joe reset the targets.

Sousuke picked up his pistol, and heard the men start to snicker. Things went dead quiet when Sousuke took the TMP out of his case. He walked over to the third lane, took a good look at all targets, put the pistol on the shelf, and readied the TMP. He nodded to Joe.

"Oh...Shiiiittt!!!" He heard one of the men say.

At Joe's signal, Sousuke emptied the TMP, dropped it, picked up the Glock 17, and finished off the full clip just to be on the safe side.

The bullies were quiet. Joe laughed loud, then louder, then louder still. "Hot damn. Doesn't that just take the cake. A story to tell my poor feeble military pals. How a young man shot the cajones off of six grown-up blowhards."

Joe handed Sousuke the money after the latter had finsished packing his gun case. Kaname quickly grabbed the money from his hands.

"Kaname?"

"Yes, Sousuke. I am holding THIS in surety until the repair bill is paid in full!!! And, after that, it will go in the Date Jar!" She was very serious.

"Date Jar?"

"Yes, a good way to fund more dates." Kaname looked calculating.

"Uh--"

"More dates, Sousuke!!! I won at least one more, right?! Who knows, you might learn to like it..." She smiled triumphantly. "And, Sousuke...you did that so quickly...you must REALLY want that kiss!"

Joe laughed loudly again. "Well, son. You are one hell of a marksman...but a man needs to know when he is beat. You won the contest, my boy...but I think the young lady here has won the battle."

"Uh--" Sousuke said, almost sounding dejected. He felt something strike him from behind. The halisen! When had Kaname grabbed that?!

"Cheer up, soldier. Or I will take charge of THIS date, too!!!"

Joe chuckled. Sousuke almost smiled.

They thanked Joe profusely, and he thanked them in return. On the way out, Kaname rammed the halisen into the groin of the loudest bully. "Don't call me sweetie!" she growled.

Kaname found herself smiling. She had actually enjoyed that whole episode. She looked up at Sousuke, who had caught sight of her reaction.

"Did I do something right for once?" he asked.