Moy mell 41

Elly put on her newest kimono with care, using her tail to help fasten the sash. It was fish themed, featuring various species of the region where the fabric had been made. She loved anything ocean or sea related. That's why tonight was extra wonderful. The new addition to the aquarium would be in debut and she would finally be on a real date. Not to belittle Sanji, but now she understood that she hadn't loved him in that special way. It made all the difference and she was overwhelmed with excitement and jittery nerves as she fixed her hair and some very light makeup. 

She checked herself once, making sure everything was in place, then nodded. "Okay. Ready to go." 

Upon opening the door, she saw Aizawa standing in the hall with a small sprig of lavender in his hand. He was dressed in a charcoal yukata and sandals with his dark hair done up in that messy bun she had expressed fondness for. He looked her carefully over, causing her to fidget slightly, before handing her the flower. "You look beautiful."

She choked a little on the compliment. "Um. Th - thank you. I like your yukata."

"Our colors complement each other," he said quietly, nodding.

Elly found her tongue after a moment of fiddling with the lavender, tucking it into her hair. "Your color would match almost anything."

"But it looks good with yours." He shrugged. "Oh. Wait." 

A hand caught her sleeve before she could walk toward the elevator. "Hmm?"

"I was briefed a bit by others that have worked similar events. But never as a date." He cleared his throat.

"It's not a big deal. I'll go up to make some speech about what we're opening and then it's just everybody patting themselves on the back for doing something decent with their money." She paused, thinking. "They might be interested in you, though. Be prepared for a lot of questions."

His left eye twitched but he nodded, adjusting the folds of his robe. "I set up additional security as usual."

"Are we done talking about that yet?" She flicked her tail at him. "I'm actually looking forward to showing you off." 

"Showing me off?"

"Oh, for goodness' sake. This is the first serious date I've been on in ages. I've never taken anyone to any events, you know."

"Yes, but the phrase 'showing off' implies you're pleased with me." He grinned as he watched her turn red in the cheeks. 

They caused quite a stir at the aquarium. Everyone was interested in the scruffy man and when they heard he was her head of security they were even more surprised. Some people were pleased that she could take an interest in any one, not just another celebrity. Others turned their noses up at the thought of dating 'the help'. The rest just couldn't get over what they thought of her taste in men. She was bombarded with so many thinly veiled insults and suggestions that she ended up staying close to his side so as not to have to deal with anyone.

It was over in a few hours and they returned gladly to the main house to go to bed. 

Aizawa escorted her to her door as usual, then paused. "This was a date, correct?" He stared intently into her eyes, causing her to blush and get flustered.

"Y - yes."

"Well, then..." He leaned forward, curling one arm around her on the wall while his other hand gently held her chin, his thumb stroking her lower lip. "May I kiss you good night?"

She was rendered speechless and simply nodded. Aizawa smiled and bent forward, brushing his lips against hers gently. The tingle she had been feeling all night grew into a palpable electric shock at his brief touch. He did not try to press hard but backed up to gaze into her eyes again, resting his forehead on hers. 

She finally swallowed past the lump in her throat and spoke. "Probably not a good idea to tuck me in, huh?"

"Oh, I don't know about that." He laughed. "It might be <i>very</i> good."

"Shota!"

He grinned. "I agree we should forego our usual bedtime ritual this once," he said solemnly. "Instead - how about another kiss?" 

She shivered. He noticed with affection that her tail had fluffed out, and he took this as a sign of approval. His hands slid down to her waist and pulled her hungrily towards him. This time his tongue flicked out and lapped lightly, requesting permission before deepening the kiss. Her mouth parted with a soft sigh, and he gladly lost himself in her everything for a few fleeting minutes. Long before either wanted it to be over she broke the contact with a shiver.

She didn't sleep much that night, but she <i>did</i> dream.