Dinner, Drinks, and Chance Encounters

Makie nodded. "I'm ready for anything."

At this, Toshio's expression turned a little sombre, even as he sipped his beer. Noticing this, Makie turned to him. "Toshio-san, it's okay...it's not like I'll be hurt or anything."

Toshio's eyes widened in surprise. "What? But...that's...no, I wasn't thinking that, I..."

At the other table, meanwhile, Kyo had finished his meal and was now finishing his drink. "We should be heading off as soon as we're done," he said. He gave her a polite smile. "Care for an escort back?"

MIdori got up to leave.

Haruka smiled at Kyo. "Why sure."

Makie got up to leave as Midori stood up. "See ya tomorrow, senpai!"

As Makie turned to leave, Toshio suddenly tapped Midori on the arm. "Hey, uh...listen. I'm sorry if...well...I gave you a bit of a cold shoulder this evening. Its just...its just, well...I dunno, I guess I still can't get over the fact that you pummeled my sis in the ring. If thats an unfair attitude for me to have, then...well, I'm sorry."

At the other table, Kyo smiled back as he stood up, quickly signing the bill. "Lead the way, then, Haruka-san, seeing as you probably know it better than I do."

At that moment, Makie passed by their table. "Don't forget to ask for her number, Kyo-san!" she said in a conspiratorial whisper, though she left her voice obvious enough for Haruka to hear. "If you're lucky, she may ask you to come inside!"

Kyo's face turned bright red. "M...Makie-chan," he stammered.

Makie giggled. "I'm just messing with you, Kyo-san. You need to lighten up-- girls don't like the 'strong, serious' type. Isn't that right, Haruka-san?"

Midori smirked at Toshio.

"I think you give her too little credit. If you realy wanted to protect her you should have kept her out of wrestling."

Haruka sighed inwardly. She had been willing to allow this eveing to proceed as fate took it but now she was starting to find the suggestive tone of this being a date a little uncomfortable.

"Hey Kyo. Tel you what. I am heading back on my own. I will see you at the arena tomorrow."

Toshio's face reddened. "I..." He frowned. He'd never thought of it that way, but Midori was right-- he didn't like seeing Makie get hurt, and a part of him wanted to protect her wherever possible.

"She's my sister, alright? I'd be a crappy brother if I didn't worry about her. Believe me, I think she could kick the asses of half the girls in AFW if she had the chance. I just never thought she needed help before. And in a way, I guess I still don't."

On the other table, Kyo looked at Haruka in surprise. "Eh? Haruka-san..."

He quickly realized that Makie had spoiled the mood with her comment. There was no way he knew of to salvage this situation. He gave Haruka a polite nod. "Fair enough, Haruka-san. See you tomorrow."