Chapter 4: It's Not a Question of When, But of What
#4 of The new toys
written by Hikari-kun
Chapter 4: It's Not a Question of When, But of What
_ _"So guys, what's happening today? Hikari and I have plans later tonight, but what's happening until then?"
"Oh? What kind of plans?" Shuichi asks while Kouji has a slight smile on his face. I hope he's smiling because he's enjoying Hikari's omelettes.
"Nothing you ne-"
"We're going on a dinner date." Hikari cut me off.
"What? But I thought..." I feel him trace words on my paw saying that they didn't need to know. I feel a slight tingle from his residual magic. I love that feeling.
"Oh, sounds like fun. Today was really just a trip to the strip mall." Shuichi had a slight smile on his face as he took a bite of his omelette. "Mmm, delicious. Hikari, you've outdone yourself, what's in these?"
"Shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, pieces of real bacon, some cream to make the eggs sweeter and fluffier, and, of course, eggs."
"I've heard that some people put baking soda, or was it baking powder... Anyway, some people use that to make it fluffy." I chime in, although I don't have much to offer to this conversation.
"Gross, why would you put that in an omelette?" Kouji wouldn't quite know what he's talking about either, although he does have a point.
"It works, but I never use that, it's baking powder by the way. Even at the breakfast rush at the café."
"So, what do we need at the strip?" I saw inside the fridge and it was stocked, so I was a little confused.
"Kouji and I have some things to get. Having such a good cook has made us eat a bit much lately." You two don't look any larger, was my thought.
"Okay then," Hikari had something in mind apparently, "I need to stop by the bookstore, the next book in the series I'm reading came out recently. I would also like to look up their books on witchcraft."
"I thought you didn't trust those books?" Kouji spoke up.
"He only checks their validity. Most people only write them for profit, they don't believe a word of their own writing." I speak for Hikari, since I don't seem to have much to say lately.
"It's true, sad, but true. If only more people believed in magic. Most people think I'm kidding, until they need some help that normal methods don't offer."
"So your magic brings in business?"
"I have a few loyal customers. My café is profitable, but it eats up most of those profits. The girls that work there are friends who help when they can, and only three of them are regular workers with a steady pay."
"Are they famous loyal customers?"
"Privacy agreement, can't tell you Kouji."
"Aww, not even a hint?"
"Nope, sorry."
I look around the table to see that everyone has finished and, out of impulse, I stand and clear the table.
"Shall we head out then? Since you can't get any info out of Hikari."
"Yes, we should go, before the stores becomes packed with shoppers. We all know how kids like to pet Kuro." Hikari mentions something the Kouji isn't too pleased about.
"Yes, or they run away, scared. It's really a pain. You would think that people would get used to seeing Kuro, I've lived here so long."
"Yes, but people don't get it sometimes. We should get going though." Shuichi agreeing with my earlier suggestion.
I hear Kouji gives Kuro the appropriate commands to get harnessed and meets the rest of us at the front door. I hold Hikari's hand and see Shuichi take Kouji's hand.
"You know, Hikari, for the amount of money you have, you have a pretty unassuming car."
"What's wrong with that? I happen to like my little Honda Fit more than I like your Honda Accord, Shuichi."
"I didn't mean anything by it, I was just amused when I saw your little car. I expected a corvette or something more expensive."
"Yeah, that's what my clients say too."
"Guys, let's go. Kouji and Kuro are already in the car." I say with a little annoyance, getting into the front passenger side of Hikari's car. Kouji, sitting in Shuichi's car, has Kuro taking up the entire back row.
"We'll see you there then." I hear Shuichi say to Hikari before I close the door. I simply wave at him and see him wave back. Hikari get's in the driver seat and says to me.
"They totally don't expect us to actually go home for some private time."
"I look forward to it!" I lean over, pulling the seatbelt, and give Hikari a kiss on the lips. As I lean back, I hear the seatbelt lock. "Damn it."
Hikari laughs, "I guess it's a sign that you should wait." He buckles up, starts the car, and follows Shuichi to the strip mall.