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 Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2017 11:27 pm
She had hardly slept a wink last night, her heart and her mind racing at a mile a minute at the thought of the date she was now waiting to have.
She had spent about of the night reflecting on the smiling face of the boy that had invited her. Charles Nakahara, he had been so kind, so understanding, that Sita had found herself wondering what good deed she had done that the gods had blessed her with him.
That same thought crossed her mind now, as she sat in the coffeehouse, a warm cup of tea in front of her.
To say she was nervous was an understatement. She had never been on a date before, and she really did not know what to expect. What would he expect?
---
Charles had not been nearly as restless as Sitara, but he had spent plenty of time preparing for the date, though more the morning of than the night prior. Having decided to just go with his normal attire, Charles had entered the Starbucks and had ordered his coffee, having seen Sitara already having found a seat. She had been earlier than him, and he cursed himself for not having come just that much sooner, but there was nothing for it. She had beat him here, simple as that.
Moving to the table she sat at, he gave her a small wave before he sat down, smiling at her as he did so.
“I hope you weren’t waiting long,” He said, placing his cup on the table as he sat in the chair. “I hope your sandel dried properly.”
Not his best opener, but it would do for now.
---
She had noticed when he entered, she actually having shifted in her seat slightly. Perhaps she had even taken a moment to fix her hair. She blushed add he came over, his opening words making her smile and blush deeper all at once.
“It did, thank you so much for yesterday.” Her voice was timid, perhaps more so today than it had been when they met. Her hair hung loose around her face, and down over the black leather coat she wore.
Aside from the black it was very hard to see her outfit, the coat closed tight even now as she sat inside. She was not one to shed layers, and all the more so, not inferior of others.
“i was not waiting so very long. I just sat down not long before you came in.” she fidgeted with her cup, turning it about in the palms of her hands
---
“Again, no thanks needed, it was really no hassle and it helped me cool down from my run,” Charles said with a light chuckle, waving off the thanks with his hand, not dismissively, but good naturedly. “Besides, who doesn’t want to go out of their way to help a cute girl?”
Okay, so, that might have been more forward than intended, but still, he was fairly certain his intentions were clear by asking her out to coffee. He did want to get to know her better after all.
“So what is your major?” He asked, watching her as she fidgeted with her cup. “My guess is either Art History or... “ He tapped his chin for a moment. “Undecided is the freebie guess, so I won’t go with that… Music, maybe?”
She had mentioned a book on sheet music - so it was an educated guess on his part.
“I’m a double major myself… Philosophy and History.”
---
She blinked and gave him a rather startled nod as he mentioned her major. She had only just graduated this last summer, from Crystal Academy, so the fact that he thought her already in University had been a start.
“I...i just started this last semester. I..have a scholarship for music. I both play and write music but...recently.” she held her cup a bit tighter, she closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. “recently i have been thinking about minoring in medicine and first aid.”
The events of this last year had made her think on things that were more important. Her friends, the safety of them, the safety of the world at large. To do that, she needed to know medicine.
“a friend of mine got pretty badly hurt last year and i couldn't help him…” She bit her lip. “i don't like feeling that useless, and music cannot heal a broken rib or dislocated arm.”
---
Charles grew quiet for a moment as he processed her words. “It may not be able to mend a broken bone, or put a body back to rights, but music can heal in its own ways,” He said quietly. “But you should go where your passions lie. If you really are passionate about medicine and caring for others, then that is the route you should go. It will be hard going, but nothing worth doing is ever easy.”
He gave her a gentle smile then, and nodded his head. “I am sorry, to hear about your friend. I hope they are doing better?” The fact that she had mentioned it was a him put him a bit on edge. Boyfriend perhaps? Or an ex? Someone of significant importance all the same if their injury caused her this much distress.
“But no one is ever truly useless, sometimes just being there to support someone makes all the difference.”
---
“i have not seen him for some time, actually. He...well rather they...are more fair weather friends.” she knew that Havasu had been broken up with by Delilah, but she knew not what had become of Nirvana after the fight. She had not seen him since.
“my passion is to be the best person i can be. If that means music or medicine, i will do what i can to help my friends.” she smiled softly, raising her eyes to look at him.
There was something in his eyes that besieged away the demons. Something in his smile that drive away the images of blood and pain. She did not know what it was, but the truth was, she didn't care.
“and you...philosophy major? It hardly surprises me after our discussion yesterday” she laughed, covering her mouth with one hand.
---
“Ah, that too, is unfortunate,” Charles said softly, shaking his head a bit. “Fair weather friends aren’t the best sort, but, I suppose they are a sort of friend one happens to make from time to time.”
That did allow him to relax somewhat. Good, they had just been a simple acquaintance then. While he did feel bad that they had suffered harm, he was relieved to find he didn’t have to worry about competition. At least, not direct competition.
“I think you’re doing a good job on that front,” He said with another small smile, his eyes meeting hers for a few moments before he slowly forced himself to turn his gaze back to his own cup to sip.
“Philosophy and History… I don’t know why, but it seems easier to understand certain historical events when you’re aware of the way their thinkers thought at the time.”
---
“to understand how one thinks does help to determine one's actions, i do agree.” she took a sip of her tea, letting the hot liquid roll down her throat, slowly.
“it also helps to prevent history from repeating itself. To know the signs before things get out of hand.” she set her cup to the side, placing both her hands on the table in an attempt to stop her fidgeting.
“I might have told my mother about you this morning. We were cooking and it just slipped out.” she blushed deeper red. Her eyes looking up at him as she glanced through lashes.
---
He had about to reply to her statement with a breakdown on how very often history repeated itself because nobody seemed willing to learn from the mistakes of the past when she mentioned that she had told her mother about him that very morning. His gaze drifted back up to her, and he found himself locking eyes with her.
“I did not think I rated talk with one’s mother quite yet, seeing as I only asked you out on a coffee date,” He said, his voice sounding more sheepish than he would have liked. “Were my intentions that obvious?”
Do I flag that I wanted to ask you out on more dates that heavily?
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m flattered… and I would very much like to see more of you, Sitara… That is, if you’d be so inclined. You’re very cute, and from what I’ve heard so far in our conversations very sweet and driven. I like that.”
---
She couldn't stop the smile that came to her face as he seemed to fumble here and there with his words. Was he embarrassed? Why shouldn't she have told her mother about him? It was only right of her to tell her mother that she had been asked out, yes?
She cocked her head to the side in question, she looking him over with a slightly more careful eye. “my mother is the head of the house. It would have been wrong not to tell her about you.”
She made it seem so simple, so matter of fact, but in the inside she knew that she had gushed. She had told her mother how kind he had been, and charming. She had gotten stares and I'd glanced then too, but not so much from her mother, but from her cat.
“she needed to know where i was going, after all.” she chuckled lightly to herself, knowing that Mel was more than likely having kittens over this date.
“i would like to see more of you as well. But this date is still young, yes? There is much more of us to see, and wet have the time today.”
---
“That is very true, on all counts,” Charles said bowing his head. “Well, if you are content with having sat for long enough here in the shop,” He added as he slowly stood, coffee in one hand and his other he offered to her. “Shall we find somewhere else to be?”
They were close to campus, and he was sure some of the facilities would be open for showcases and what not. Barring that, he knew the museum was not overly far, and worse case he could always drive them there.
“That way we don’t have to be tempted to buy more to drink unless we really are thirsty,” He added, knowing that he often bought more coffee than he needed when he studied in places like these because he felt bad taking up space without paying for things.
---
Sita let her eyes wander to his hand. She reaching our timidly to take it. She rose from her seat, guided by his helpful tug, and giggled. “there are many places to go. The campus is lovely this time of year.”
As she stood there he would be able to see a bit more of her attire. Black heavy leggings vanished into rusty orange wedge tennis shoes, while the leather coat faxed down into a teal blue cotton skirt that gathered in two places to give the skirt a high-low effect. Die one side if the black leggings were golden symbols, Looking almost like henna as they traced the length of her legs.
“but this is your job, to make the date a memorable one, is it not?” she was slightly old fashioned when it came to dates. It was the man's job to entertain, to woo her, and she was suppose to enjoy the time.
“i am content with talking to you. Provided i do not lose another shoe in his endeavor.” she winked.
---
“I would hope you do not lose another shoe, though I suppose this time it would have to be a bit more intentional.” Charles said with a wry smile, not releasing her hand as he turned and slowly walked her to the door. He did not mind the task of having to be entertainer, he was sure he’d figure something out.
Once they were out on the street, he led down along the block toward the campus, looking towards the art buildings to see if any galleries were running yet, or if perhaps he would need to lead her another couple blocks further to the museum.
“Campus gallery or Museum, you pick,” Charles said with a chuckle. “It may be my job to entertain, but I am not about to remove any of your agency for it.”
---
She took a look about the campus, reading signs and taking note of the exhibits that were there. She spent so much time on campus, and yet she never attended any of the galleries..this would be her chance.
“on campus is fine with me. I never have much time to see them myself. That and to look at art alone is so very sad. One must have one if another opinion at their side to speak of the pieces.” she closed her hand in his a bit tighter, letting him guide her. All the while she kept her eyes in the ground. Watching and feeling with each step just to make certain she did not miss a change in the pavement.
She looked up every now and then to see his face. He was lovely to look at, and Sita found herself doing it more and more as they walked on. “do you get to attend the galleries often?”
---
Charles did his best to guide them on a path that would prove the lease resistance. He had noticed her looking down to judge the ground as they walked, and he could tell by the way she let him guide her that she was not sure of her footing. This would be a question for another time, but for now, he was content with answering questions instead of asking them.
“Not really, when I’m not at class I’m helping my father out at the Dojo,” he said, with a bit of a sigh he could not stop. “Though, I am supposed to take it over once he retires, and I am the assistant master so…” He shrugged very carefully so as to not disturb her balance.
“What time I don’t spend training or teaching I spend studying or taking classes, so free time is not generally in the cards. I had to beg off afternoon lessons today. Though, when I explained why, my father was very understanding.” He added with a chuckle.
---
So, he taught lessons as well? She was beginning to understand why she had never seen him around before. He was the busy sort.
She sighed and nodded, biting her lip lightly as she walked on. ‘those with busy lives have little time for girls. Perhaps he is to busy for me. It would be my luck. Asked out by a boy that cannot spend time with me.’ she thought to herself as she stumbled once, lost in her head and forgetting to watch for the crack in the sidewalk ahead of her.
“I'm sorry!” She whimpered as she caught herself, holding his hand tighter to keep herself from really stumbling. “i wasn't paying attention. You said you teach in a dojo? That has to be exciting!”
---
As she began to stumble, Charles moved with her, if only to ensure she didn’t fall, from him coming to a complete stop and throwing off her momentum. Once she steadied herself again, he slowed down. “Don’t be sorry, you did nothing wrong. We’re all allowed our moments to wander.” He said with a very soft chuckle.
“It’s… got it moments, I’ll admit, but it’s mostly the younger classes I teach. My dad teaches most of the adult classes - though I assist, sometimes. I’m more than capable to, but he enjoys it too much and I’m not in any rush to take over.” He added.
“Though, I think my mother would rather I be more excited about the prospect, but oh well.” He added with another small shrug.
“With any luck I can take the rest of the year off from teaching at the Dojo and focus on my studies… And maybe some extracurriculars…”
---
“children are the next generation. What you teach will have a more lasting impression on those children than a million adult lessons, Charles.” she took a moment to gather herself again before allowing them to walk on.
“though, add you told me. One is to pursue their passions. In that. We can find peace.” she let her fingers caress along his as they walked. The action was unconscious, her fingers moving from side to side, tracing his knuckles.
“which would you say is your passion? School? Fighting? Perhaps helping others?” she grinned, banishing the earlier worries as she looked up at his eyes.
---
Charles chuckled. “My passions lie in Philosophy and History. I want to be an academic. To study that which has already happened and why people thought the way that they did, and apply that to the now. To provide some insight on the past so that we may better shape the future.”
It was also why he meditated so much. Because the mistakes of the past were so often repeated he often wondered if humanity ever really learned at all.
“But I am glad you think that I am important in some way,” He added with a grin, before steering them toward the building that housed the gallery.
---
“Every being has their role in this world and the next, Charles. No matter what we might think, or what others say. We are here for a reason. I truly believe that, and no force on this planet will change my mind on that account.” She smiled softly, she keeping her hand tight in his as they walked on. She liked that he was able to talk to her of such things. That he was not scared to speak of life and the world at large. It was something that so many avoided, wanting more to focus on the now and the mundane.
She looked toward their destination, she nodding once and closing her eyes, letting the feeling their steps and his guidance make it easier for her to walk. “Then you should speak with those that would hold you back from your passions. If your passion does not fall in the dojo, I am certain your father will understand. We are our own person, not what others would make us.”
She placed her other hand on his arm, absently caressing it for a good minute before she blushed, realising that she was being so very intimate in her touches. “I…” She pulled her hand back and quickly shoved it in her pocket. “I’m sorry…”
---
Sitara was very sweet, but perhaps a bit naive and innocent to the harsher realities of the world. Still, it was hard not to want to encourage her seemingly boundless optimism. She was also easy to talk to. She did not shy from the esoteric or cerebral. Charles was finding himself becoming very fond of her.
“Sadly it is not that easy. I am an only child and father won’t turn the dojo over to a non-family member, it is all he has left of his father.” He said with a small frown.
As she rubbed his arm then pulled away and apologized he gave a soft, warm laugh. “No need to be sorry, I do not mind.”
---
The fact that he did not mind her touch, did nothing to calm her blush. She moved just enough to hide her face in her hair as they walked on. She not saying a word to it as he chuckled at her. She was too comfortable, and she did not understand why. This man was new to her, she should be more cautious.
She carefully pulled her hand from his and moved on on her own power. She standing stronger as she flipped her hair back and gave him a glance of her crimson eyes. “You would do it for the sake of tradition and not be pleased wit you place in the world then?” Her voice was harder now, more to the point. She was confused as to why one would do such a thing.
It was true that she and her family had traditions, old ones from India, but all the same, it was a tradition they all accepted and enjoyed to a point. Some of the old traditions Sita even missed. Watching her father and mother in the mornings as they readied for the day. Her father placing that symbolic bindi on her mother’s head, an act of love and dedication to their marriage. It was a shame it had fallen apart for many years ago.
She let out a soft sigh and shook her head. “I would like to see this dojo at some point...perhaps? Though I admit, I do not understand the idea of fighting...never have.”
---
Charles was disappointed when she pulled away, but he supposed he had pushed his luck. Oh well, there would always be another chance he was sure. As they walked on he shrugged.
“I do what I must because I must,” he said. “But the tradition ends with me, I would not subject my children to such things.”
At her statement he nodded. “I can bring you by sometime. But it’s not about fighting. One only uses Karate if they are attacked. It is self defense, not meant for offense.”
---
The look of confusion spread over her face, she cocking her head in question. “I have heard it referred to as such, though I do not think I have ever heard of anyone actually taking the defence to heart. It is a fighting style to most, is it not?” She could tolerate one fighting to defend themselves, but to fight for the sake of causing harm…?
She shuddered and wrapped her arms around herself, feeling that cold air from the rift on her skin for but a moment before drawing herself back into the now. What would this man think if he knew the demons she had fought and seen?
She moved on ahead of him, her pace hastening, perhaps a bit too much for her as she stumbled once on her toes and had to slow herself and turn to face him. “Enough on that, this is suppose to be a fun date.” She smiled, her eyes flashing that haunted look for but a moment before covering over with a shine that sold her joy.
---
Who hurt you? Charles thought as he move with her, pausing when she turned to face him and he caught that far off look in her eyes.
“You are right,” he said offering his hand again. “And we have reached the gallery.”
Me motioned behind her to the building that was their destination. “We’re here.”
---
She turned to look over her shoulder, looking up at the gallery building and smiling softly. So they were. She was more than thankful for something else to occupy her time and her thoughts, so as she turned to face the doors she glanced over her shoulder at her date for the date. “Come...let’s see what sort of mysteries we can unfold here.”
She giggled to herself, knowing that she would come off as perhaps the most nerdy of the two of them here, in this gallery, but all in all, it gave her a reason to show her passions, and art, oh art and music were her loves.
“I have heard the have an exhibit here on the effects of sound on the mind and body. The music department have been working hard on getting it started!”
---
Charles gave her a warm smile as she looked over her shoulder, it did not take him long to join her as they made their way into the Gallery. At her mention of the sound exhibit, he raised a brow. “Did you want to check that out first, or save it for later?” He asked. He was good with it either way.
Looking around at the entrance of the Gallery, he was actually quite taken in with all the various paintings that were on display. Most were from the current students but there were a few from graduates that had been tucked in here and there.
“Art is such an interesting thing… It gives you a window into the heart, soul, and mind of the person who made it…” Charles said as they walked slowly inside. “There’s a lot of philosophy in art, if you stop to ponder.”
---
“The thoughts and state of mind of the artist at the time the piece was made is often reflected in the work or paint strokes left behind.”
she smiled and took his arm, leading him forward and toward through first gallery of paintings. They would look at the sound exhibit when they came to it, for now, it was fine art.
She stood, perhaps about closer than most would. She fixing her eyes on the small details of each piece.
Her lips curled in a grin as she cocked her head to the side to look at Charles. “this piece...if you watch the strokes..they are fast, jagged. The artist was in a hurry or upset.”
She placed her hand on his arm, timidly. She settling in once more into a more calm, and collected state.
---
As she placed her hand on his arm, he brought one of his own to rest over it with a small smile. “The colors are also warm, so I’d say upset, perhaps frustrated or angry. Probably at the deadline.”
He tried to absorb the piece, see it as a part of the larger picture. “People are much busier now, not surprised frustration has seeped its way into art.”
“Seems like it is go, go, go, anymore.”
---
She looked down at his hand on hers, she grinning and looking back to the art before her.
“but if you look at this next piece, by the same artist…” She moved to the next piece, a dark blue skyline of a city. “...there is a softness to it. An attention to detail that does a love for the subject.” she chuckled.
“they seem to be painted around the same time, perhaps a difficult client…?” she knew it was all just speculation, but it was fun to guess what the artist was thinking at the time.
---
“A difficult client or a difficult subject,” Charles said with a grin. “We can speculate, but the truth is only known to the artist.” He added with a small chuckle. “The city though, it’s very peaceful, which I suppose is one way to view the city at night.”
Personally, he was just enjoying the moment with Sitara. “The darker colors, I think, hide the life of the city though.” He added with a bit of a tsk to his tongue.
“Not that there is anything wrong with that, I suppose.”
---
She pulled a face, cocking her head to the side as the comment on life was made. “perhaps the artist was commenting on the darkness that can sometimes be hidden in the shadows of the buildings. Or...maybe the person finds the darkness a seductive influence and brings that to a city that is so cold?”
She squeezed his arm slightly, she looking out to the other pictures. She knew that she was saying to much, and she needed to move on. She did not need Charles asking too many questions. He was safer not knowing.
---
“All cities are cold, and have a dark side to them, that is the nature of mankind,” Charles said, gently, his voice taking on a tone of someone reciting something they understood to be true. “Humanity has a duality, we are both the best and worst. We can do great good, or horrible evil.”
He let out a small dry chuckle. “Sorry, I’m probably boring you, philosophy isn’t a good mid day conversation topic.”
He bowed his head then, allowing Sitara to guide him where she would.
---
“you are fine, Charles. I do like to hear your views on life, and people. It is one of the things that made me agree to this date.” she chuckled and lead him down the hall to where a large sculpture stood.
The sculpture was of a large bird, in its talons was a large crystal, globe. Below it was a bench, the location perfect to look up and see the details of feathers as well as the shine of the crystal.
She slid down onto the bench, she looking up through the shining jewel. “you do tend to worry too much. You know that?”
---
Charles chuckled and sat down with her, looking up at the crystal for a short moment before looking over at her. “Again, another part of the human condition, we worry when we think we are making mistakes, even if it is only through mistakes that we learn.”
Charles returned his gaze back to the crystal. “Just as that sculpter probably went through so many different variations of that bird and that gem. They did not reach their vision without at least having failed to find it once.”
“So to, that I must be willing to risk mistakes when I speak with you.” He said. “And so I will worry.”
---
“do you fear so many mistakes?” she blinked. So early in the date, and he confesses to being so fearful.
“i am naive, Charles, but i am not so easily lost. Though the fear is endearing.” she smiled and reached up her hand to shade her eyes from the shine of the jewel.
“what do you think he was thinking? The bird is so strong...but a crystal can be so fragile”
---
“It is early, and early impressions are important,” Charles admitted with a hint of dryness. “So, yes, I fear misstepping and causing you to not want a second date.” He added with a small chuckle.
Her question though, made him shift his gaze upward again and he thought for a moment. “It’s a message of being strong enough to not break a fragile thing.” He said with a nod. “Strength is great and all, but if all it does is cause damage it is not a useful thing.”
---
A smile only grew on her deeply painted lips as she listened to the words he spoke. Those same words having formed in her mind as she looked up at the large sculpture.
It was a small blessing to be here with one of like mind. To see things the same and enjoy the deepness of art as a whole.
“you read my mind, Charles. To see this art as not an expression of strength, but as a showing off gentleness and care...i do not think many would see it s such.”
---
“It is but one interpretation, the true meaning is lost to all but the artist.” Charles added with a small grin. “Not that, that is a bad thing.”
He turned to look at her. “I would not say I read your mind, more that we share similar worldviews. Power unfettered is never good, for it seeks only to crush that which is weaker.”
“But power used well, will not shatter even the most fragile crystal.”
---
“to use one power in a way that is like he tender touch of a mother. To cradle the fragile in her arms and protect them. I think that is the best interpretation.” she stared up, through the crystal at the beast that held it. It was not unlike the battles they fought. Each sided holding their power in didn't ways, and each believing they were right.
“there are times i wonder if there is a one true answer in this world. Do you think that there is a right way and wrong way to live? To think?” she found herself moving about closer to her date, her thoughts fatiguing her as she dared rest her head on his shoulder.
“can one really call their own agenda the one true right, when there are others that fight against them?”
---
“Right, Wrong, Just, Unjust; all these things are dependant on the morality and values of a society,” Charles began, his voice taking on a dry, lecturing tone. “The purpose of philosophy is to try and answer that question objectively, without the influence of society. Because what some societies view as wrong may be viewed as right in another.”
He placed an arm around her as she leaned her head on his shoulder and he smiled. “The easy answer is yes, there is a right and wrong and that one is only as right as the power they wield to make it so. But that way lies barbarism.”
“Better to argue that right is the path that does the most good for the most people, regardless of other moral arguments.”
---
As his arm went about her, she seemed to relax. The tone of his voice and the beat of his heart, making her calm. She breathed in deep, closing her eyes as she listened to his words. “the greatest good...for the most people...i agree”
That fact alone was one of the many reasons she fought for order. To keep the status quo, and to keep those that would do the civilians harm, at bay. They were the greater good. They would protect. She knew that.
“if only you knew how much those words really meant, Charles” she smiled softly, reaching diem to take his hand in hers.
---
Charles took her hand and smiled. “It’s just simple logic, really. That which does the most good for the most people has to be the best path. Anything else serves only a smaller good and unless it is to further the greater then it is not nearly as good.”
Her words touched him and his smile grew more broad and he gave her hand a squeeze. “Well I am glad that they bring you solace, regardless of why.”
---
The fact that he had not even bothered to press for reasons, set Sita aback. How could this man be told such things and be so willing to go along without question?
“you do not question. Why? Not that i do not appreciate it, but…” She turned her head up to look into his eyes. “this is not really a common conversation”
Even as she questioned, she relaxed against him. She knew they were probably getting stares at this point by art students and others that wanted their seat, but she did not care. “you confuse me, Charles...greatly”
---
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Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2017 11:28 pm
Charles did not care if people stared, it was a date and they could judge if they wanted. He was focused on Sitara and her questions. He smiled at her warmly.
“Philosophy is never a normal discussion, I do not need the why if you agree. Whys are for disagreements. I need to know why you think counter to me. But we agree, so the why ask why?”
He let his fingers brush over the back of her hand. “I hope that makes things more clear?”
---
She lifted a brow in question. His logic made sense but was rather backward for most in the world. She had learned that many wanted the conflict, no matter what, and that alone made her leery of most people.
“it makes things clear...yes..though in the same breath, it is not the norm.” she sighed as he ran his fingers over her hand, she looking down to watch him. He was so sweet, and in that fact alone she was scared for him. Could he handle the life that she had been tossed into? And dare she ever tell him?
Even as she thought these words her her mind perked, she felt that familiar tingle of power and she took in a slow, collected breath. ‘please, not here...not now.’ it was almost as if her thoughts summoned them.
Her eyes glanced up, looking about the area for any signs that they were making a move. Hopefully they were simply watching.
---
Charles chuckled, shaking his head slowly. “We are both hardly normal Sitara, I find that to be a point of favor.” He said with a nod. “It takes a peculiar mind to favor philosophical musings.”
As she glanced up he slowly rose. “Come, we have held up the bench long enough, we should see what else is in store.”
If there was danger about, Charles was blissfully unaware.
---
She rose and turned her eyes back toward him, she smiling softly and squeezing his hand in hers. “let us move, yes...we should go and look at the rest of the exhibit.” There was a bit of an edge to her voice, one that some of concern, but not to the point it would be noticed by most.
She lead him forward, trying to feel for the location of energy. Her eyes flashed toward a couple nearby, sitting on another bench not far off. They seemed tired, resting arm in arm as they leaned on each other. ‘keep cool Sita. You can do this.’
She lead Charles and herself to another large painting, this time she keeping herself closer to him, her mind not on the art but in those that moved about them. She feeling the brush of their clothes on hers as a few came too close.
One in particular came passed them, a hand landing on Charles's arm add he stumbled, the dark haired man looking up and flashing bright green eyes at the man as he tried his best to regain his balance.
“forgive me...for my clumsiness…” His voice was a rumble, his touch like a cold fire.
---
Charles felt the pressure against his arm, and all at once, his body moved, placing Sitara behind him as he spun, his shoulder rolling away from the hand in a smooth fluid motion, as he squared off against the man. “You are forgiven, but you really should be more careful where you are going.” Charles said, his voice taking a somewhat hardened edge to it. “There is plenty of walk space here, no need for you to move so close to others.”
He did not go as far as to dust off his shoulder where he’d been touched, but he kept his hands in front of him now, not quite taking a guarded stance, but keeping the limbs between him and the other man.
“Now then, if you’d kindly leave us be? My girlfriend and I were trying to examine the art.”
Perhaps he had been a bit too terse, but something had set Sitara on edge and already his mind was going back to their first meeting. Maybe she really was on the run from someone and just didn’t want him to know?
---
As she was spun around and back behind Charles, she gasped, she meeting eyes with the man that now squared off with Charles. “Charles, it's ok, I'm certain he didn't mean to crowd.”
There was a strength in her words, something that was never really there before, but as the man stepped back he grinned, shaking his head. “i don't think you understand the meaning of forgiveness. After all...all this standoffishness is such a waste of energy.”
He waited fit the exhibit to clear, save for the couple that had already been stained to the point of sleep. It was only moments later that he walked around the couple, his hand lashing out to make a grab for Sita.
The young woman gasped, but didn't scream. She relaxing into the hold. She could feel the man draining her, but she knew to struggle would not help.
---
Charles had to admit the guy was fast, but that was about as deep as the appreciation went. Charles’ face set into a stone cold face of determination, and more than a little anger. He quickly turned on his heel, already bringing one open palm down on the other man’s wrist while the other arm knifed his hand up to the other man’s throat.
The strikes were fast, but probably did not seem nearly as much to the Negaverse Officer, but they packed quite a wallop all the same. Already Charles had moved to again place his body between Raspite and Sitara, moving his leg into the other man’s space and attempting to hook his ankle around the man’s calf to send him backward from the force of the neck blow.
Charles was in full on self defense mode now, and more than a little glad he’d worn clothing he could move in.
---
Raspite was startled at the gall add well as the speed of the man. He took the hits, even falling back on the ground as Charles hooked his leg, sending the officer to his back on the floor.
At first Sita was pleased, she nodding as Charles took him down, but she knew better, and as the officer let out a loud laugh she made a break for cover. She had to transform, but she couldn't let Charles see her do so.
The young officer continued to laugh, he rising from the ground and cocking his head to the side. He glanced at Charles, a small look of remorse in his eyes. “don't make me fight you, you will lose.”
He darted forward and grabbed Charles sind the neck. His hand on the small if the man's back, drawing energy slowly. “don't struggle...it will be easier”
---
The speed the other man moved was uncanny, and Charles had to admit a small stone of fear began to form in his gut. As he hand moved to press against his neck, he brought both hands up to roughly push at the hand on his neck, before bringing his leg up and kick hard forward. He could feel his strength draining, and that was making his even harder. Still, Charles did not make it easy.
He struck with hard, fast blows, and even with the hand around his neck each strike was thrown with a loud, warlike shout from his diaphragm. Charles gave into his training, and after the third strike to the other man’s chest, he drove his hip into the other man hard and with his hands, attempted to throw him onto his back again.
But he was far weaker than he had been a few minutes ago, but he tried his damnedest.
---
She could hear the fight between them, hear Charles’ cries. She made a grab for her pen, holding it to her chest before calling her Henshin and transforming then and there.
She knew she was more than likely no match for the officer, but she would be damned if he ruined her date!
She steeled out from behind the statue. Her eyes set hard on Raspite. “Let him go! You have stolen enough energy tonight.”
The lieutenant laughed, he taking the hits from the weakening human like a punching bag. He smirked once before tossing Charles aside, he looking at the senshi and rolling his eyes. “Never can you leave well enough alone. These humans do me a service, nothing more, and in turn they get our aid. Pesky senshi brat!”
Kastra blinked her eyes at the man, moving to Charles add he was casted aside. She looked him over once before turning back to Raspite. “you take what isn't yours! These couples did nothing to you!”
She rose again to get feet, suddenly rushing the man before her. Taking a swing her fists found nothing but air as Raspite side stepped and use, what had to be his elbow to drive a firm thrust into the senshi’s shoulder blade.
---
Charles sprawled onto the tile floor with a rough thud, and had to blink a few times as he looked up at the dark skinned woman who was coming to his aid. The words being thrown about, human, senshi… energy… They went well and over his head. He’d heard some of the gossip about the Senshi and the Negaverse and he remembered vaguely a news report about how the Senshi were Terrorists but all the same he wasn’t sure he believed it. The news had been horribly slanted in that regard - more so than usual. Which had led Charles to believe that someone had, had an axe to grind.
Regardless, the young woman had charged the man and was getting hurt, and Charles could not abide that.
He got up slowly, on shaky legs, barely able to pull enough energy into them to stand, but he kept his breathing steady and stable. Sho Ren Ryu relied on inner strength as much as outer strength, and even if he was broken and battered - he would not relent.
Moving over to one of the roped off sculptures, he shakily fiddled with the post, removing the ropes and picking up the aluminum post and heft it into his hands. Then he moved, trying to get behind the officer before throwing the last remaining energy into a sprint, lifting the pole over his head as he charged the officer’s back.
“HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!” He cried, attempting to bring the post down against the back of the other man.
---
Kastra had fallen to her knees, the pain of the officer's elbow in her spine making it hard for her to breathe. She actually coughed, her chest aching, when she heard the cries of Charles rushing at her attacker. “no, don't” she could hardly get the words out, her voice a whisper.
Raspite blinked he spinning his head just fast enough to see the pole coming at him. He twisting his side and taking the full force to it rather than his spine.
“bothersome human brat!” He gasped around through pain, he holding his side with on hand before he turned and swung a back-handed slap across Charles's face.
“i would spare you, but you are quite the little bug…” He make to take a second attack, stopped only by Kastra, grabbing him firm about the ankles and pulling him to the floor.
---
At that point Charles fell to the ground, the back hand more than enough to render the man completely unconscious and limp as he hit the floor, completely drained of what energy reserves he had left. As he began to drag him by his ankle though, there was commotion coming through the doorway, as two dark blue uniformed security officers entered.
“Security! Get your hands where we can see them!” One of the officers yelled, pulling a taser from his belt and leveling it at the Negaverse agent. “Back away from the young man…”
The other was already talking into his radio hurriedly, watching his partner’s back with one eye.
Then off in the distance, came the blare of sirens, loud and insistent.
---
It was at that moment, as he was cornered by the security officers that Raspite cursed. “another day then…” He leapt into the air, all be vanishing from sight, leaving the unconscious Charles and the confused senshi alone.
Kastra heard the sirens, she cursing under her breath that she had been caught like this. She took the moment that the guards were distracted and darted into cover to power down. She would have to play the injured mortal in this as well a to not draw attention, and damn six she feel it.
--
In a testiment to the response time to the Destiny City Police and other first responders, they were there in less than five minutes, and soon the area had been cordoned off, and Charles checked for injuries and loaded onto a stretcher for transport to the hospital. The EMTs were certain there weren’t any major injuries, but they would check him for concussive trauma when they got to the hospital.
Sitara had been found in her civillian state, and the cops and asked her to give a quick statement if she didn’t mine, while the EMTs looked her over and then asked her if she wanted to head to the hospital as well. They didn’t think any of her injuries were major, but given the state of her friend, it wouldn’t hurt to have her checked as well for microfractures or anything else that could have been injured from the attack.
Of course, the gallery closed early for the day, and it wasn’t until a few hours later that Charles woke in the hospital, groggy, and very confused.
---
Sita, though tired, did what she could to give a statement. She did not give out names. Nor did she try to talk up the appearance of the mysterious senshi that saved them. She gave just enough to be vague in such matters.
She forced herself to stand, her legs shaking under her as she tried to get a grip of what was going on. “i would like to follow him, if possible. This was suppose to be our first real date.”
---
Sitara had been allowed to ride in the ambulance with Charles, who had remained unconscious the entire time. She had been parted from him only long enough to ensure he was alright to see visitors, since her injuries were minor at best - and thus she was allowed to sit in his room until he woke up.
She was joined within the hour by Charles’s parents. A Stern looking, dark haired man, and a rather pensive looking blonde woman. They had had not spoken once they arrived. But eventually the blonde woman broke the silence.
“So you’re one of Charles’ friends? From school?” She asked, her hands resting in her lap as she looked at her. “He said he was going out today but I certainly did not expect it to be with a girl.”
---
She had taken the silent time to work on her story for when she arrived home. She knew that the news if the fight on the campus would get around fast, and damn if her mother would not hear it. She sighed and sat there, her hand holding Charles’ until she heard another come into the room.
There was a moment where she had to think on who they could be, but then she saw the male. He had to be Charles’ father. She gave them a shy nod and continued to hold their son’s hand. She running her fingers over his knuckles until the woman spoke up.
“Not….not really from school, but Charles has been kind enough to show me around the campus. I will be taking classes at DCU.” She bit her lip, she trying to calm her racing heart.
---
“Oh…” Charles’ mother said, eying the way that Sita held his hand and giving her a small smile. “I see now, you’re his girlfriend.” She said with a bit of a sigh. “I wonder what else our dear son has been hiding from us.”
“Katherine, enough,” Charles’ Father said to the blonde woman, his eyes narrowing in a warning sort of way. “Charles has every right to keep his personal life his own.” The words held the weight of a man who was used to being listened to. “If you did not constantly nag him, I’m sure he would have been more than happy to tell us.”
“I do not - NAG, Saito!” Katherine snapped back at her husband, eyes growing wide and indignant as she snorted angrily. “And I can’t believe we’re having an argument in front of a complete stranger while our son is passed out in bed!”
“I’m not passed out,” Charles grunted from the bed. “I was quite pleasantly resting until you arrived and are probably scaring Sita… Please hush.” Charles groaned, bringing his free hand that Sita wasn’t holding up to rub the bridge of his nose.
“Sita, I’m sorry this is how you have to meet them - I was hoping to introduce you once we were sure things were going well… This is my Father, Saito, and my Mother, Katherine.” He said, waving his IV’ed hand in their general direction. “And if they can promise to be quiet for ten minutes they’re welcome to stay.”
Katherine closed her mouth, but was glaring at Charles with a glare that promised some very cross words when Sita wasn’t within earshot.
---
Sita blinked and turned her eyes toward Charles as he made himself known to the room. She smiling softly and leaning in just enough so that her voice could be left low and still speak. “It is alright, Charles. They seem sweet.”
She turned her eyes toward the couple and smiled warmly. She cocking her head a bit in knowing as she did her best to keep silent and not engage them again. “Your mother is not wrong...at least not fully. We did date.” She winked and squeezed his hand slightly.
“Rest now, though. You had a hard day. You need not defend my honor any longer, my brave warrior.” She looked to Saito, she letting him know that his son had done a very good job doing so.
---
Saito nodded his head to Sita with a very obvious grin on his face. Katherine, however, did not seem nearly as pleased. Her gaze had shifted from Charles to Sita, and it was plain as day that she was not a woman easily won over. She huffed again and then returned her gaze to Charles.
“Well at least your girlfriend has some manners!” She declared, before standing up and stalking to the door. “If you need me, I’ll be in the car.” She said to Saito, before stalking out of the room in a huff.
Saito sighed and sat down in the now unoccupied chair, giving Sita another nod. “My apologies for Katherine, she can be… difficult.” He said, before turning his attention to Charles. “Though she would be less so, if you did not agitate her so much, Charles.”
“I’d be less agitated if she wasn’t judging my girlfriend and doing the mental math of what it’s going to cost the dojo in less class times if I decide to start seriously dating.” Charles huffed.
“Charles you know that’s not all she cares about - she was worried about you.” Saito countered.
“Yeah - worried her precious breadwinner was hurt and that I wouldn’t be able to assist you with classes and you’d have to scale back.” Charles grumped, before letting out a sigh and pinching his nose again. “No, that’s not right and I know it. I’m sorry, Dad.”
“It’s fine, Charles - I know you don’t enjoy it.” Saito said, reaching out to pat his son awkwardly on the hand. “Just… hold out until you get your degree - I’ll work on your mother and make her understand.”
Charles just groaned but nodded. Before turning and smiling weakly at Sita. “Are you okay, though?” He asked, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “I was worried - I lost sight of you after the initial attack.”
---
Sita had been ready to stop the woman from leaving the room, she more than ready to leave herself if it would have saved on the fighting. She was already to her feet when the pair started to talk to her. “I…” She bit her lip and slowly took her seat again.
“I did not mean to upset her if that was part of this…” She looked to Saito, she shaking slightly from the energy she was feeling in the room. She could sense the tension, and as Charles redirected things back to her she felt more than foolish in answering.
“I...I made a point of hiding behind the sculpture. I didn’t want to get in the way, and that man..he scared me.” She fumbled with her fingers, she didn’t even believe herself. “I wanted to get to that other couple...to see if they were ok…”
---
“Don’t worry about it, Sita was it?” Saito said with a small nod of his head. “Charles isn’t entirely wrong in his assessment. The fact that you exist as a potential distraction to Charles upsets her. She is a bit more… monetarily focused than Charles or I.”
“If anything I am glad that Charles has found a good, noble woman to dote on. He could use a break from the Dojo.” Saito said.
“Mother would kill me,” Charles bemoaned, rolling his eyes before smiling at Sita, one hand reaching up to cup her cheek. “You were very brave - and noble to seek out the wounded couple. I am sorry that I couldn’t stop him…”
---
“You would not have been able to stop him…” She stopped herself before she found herself saying more than was needed. She shook her head and placed her hand over his own, smiling weakly. Her boyfriend was far more noble that he would ever be, and she knew it. Though she wondered if his family really understood how noble their son was.
“I will do my best not to distract him too much. If nothing else, I could do with some training myself. I have been...thinking...that maybe some self defense classes might not hurt me.” She grinned widely, if nothing else it would be bonding time for her and Charles.
---
Saito grinned. “Well he teaches the kid’s classes, as well as the beginner’s courses, I’d be more than happy to help you get signed up and get all of your gear ordered.” Saito chuckled. “I am sure Charles would love to help you learn how to defend yourself.”
Charles turned his gaze to his father for a moment and then let out a long sigh. “Yes, I wouldn’t mind that at all. And I’d be more than happy to have you come and join the beginner’s class. What are your Wednesday nights like?”
---
Sita blushed slightly and lowered her head, she trying to work through her schedule in her mind. Most of her nights she was free. She did not work, and aside from classes she really did not have much to do.
She did have one small issue, patrols. She would have to set aside patrols on Wednesdays if that was the case. Mel would not be pleased, but in the end, the cat would have to get over it.
“I have most nights off. I will have to make sure my mother feeds my cat, but I think I can handle coming on those nights.” She giggled and cocked her head a bit. “”That is, if you do not mind your girlfriend being in one of your classes.”
---
“I do not mind at all,” Charles said softly, his thumb brushing along her cheek for a moment before he smiled. “As long as she doesn’t mind seeing me both as a teacher and a boyfriend.”
As long as she did not complain or expect special treatment this would be fine - because Charles would not allow that to happen. It would only make it harder for her to learn if that was the case. “If it becomes an issue - well - we have other instructors than I and I can just have you attend their classes.” He said with a nod.
“Well, sounds like that is settled, then.” Saito said, clapping his hands together. “I should probably go check up on Katherine, I will leave you two be for now.” And with that, his father stood, and wandered out of the room.
---
“It was a pleasure meeting you, Saito.” She called after the retreating man. She still feeling slightly responsible for Katherine’s having left in the first place. She certainly had not made the best first impression on the woman.
Once they were alone, Sita let her head fall against the bed. She was so tired, and she knew that Charles had to be more so. This was not how she had expected their date night to have gone. “They are a very sweet couple, Charles. I am glad I have had the pleasure of meeting them.”
She only hoped that things would go so smoothly with her own parents. Or at least with her mother. She knew that her father would adore Charles. If only for the fact that her father was so very much like her.
---
Charles chuckled softly and shook his head. “Thank you, but you can be honest - my mother is not a nice person.” He said with a soft sigh. “And I wish I could have introduced you on better terms but…” As she lay her head down on the bed, he leaned forward slightly, pressing his lips to the top of her head carefully, before leaning back.
“You are a very sweet girl, and she should not have treated you that way. I am sorry.” He said, bowing his head. “That said, I really hope that we can have a second date - and that it is not crashed by crazed men who seem to be impossibly strong.” He grumped, laying his head back against the pillow.
“Maybe a movie?”
---
She lifted her head as he asked her on another date. She chuckling and shaking her head before taking his hand in hers again, placing a kiss on the palm. “I suppose I should give you at least one more chance, seeing how you ended up in the hospital for me.” She rose from her seat, leaning over the bed and placing the softest of kisses on his lips. She let it linger for a time before drawing back.
“I will expect you at my door at 3pm next weekend then. We can do a movie, provided you are well healed” She winked playfully and sat down once more. “But first, we need to get you out of this hospital bed and back on your feet. That will be first, no matter what.”
She gave him a look that said there would be no exceptions on the fact that he needed to be well healed before she would go out again. “Understood?”
---
“Understood.” Charles smiled softly, having been a bit shocked by the kiss but taking it in stride. He had quite enjoyed it - and he saw that as a sign that things were going very, very well between them. “In that case I will be there at 3pm. We can figure out the movie when we get to the theater.” He said with a nod.
“But you are right, gotta get out of this bed first.” He yawned then. “Which probably means more sleep, even if I’d rather just talk to you…” He murmured.
---
“Yes, dear man. Sleep will do you well.” She lifted her hand and slowly ran her fingers back through his hair. Her smile never once left her face. “Sleep now. I will be right here when you wake. I give my word.”
With that said, she settled back into her chair, she watching him with ever caring eyes. She would not allow for anyone to do him harm. She knew how agents could be. If that man showed again, she would be there.
---
Charles nodded weakly, closing his eyes before letting sleep take him. He knew that Sita would be there when he woke up - and that made him happier than he supposed he had any right to. But that didn’t matter.
They had a second date.
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