(D12, LE, Open) The Last Dance

[Kakita Haruhi]

"Ah! That sounds so nice. Kakita Hiroki-sama and I got passes one morning, and it was just ... lush. We lounged on heated chairs and had a brunch of the tastiest egg and seafood treats."

She smiled, continuing to dance joyfully.

"Oh! But I must return the favor for such a lovely retreat!"

"I won a full-course dinner at the Hanei Tower at the arcade tournament. I just love Moshi Super Sunrise Classic! Maybe I could treat you sometime. It's supposed to be a splendid experience. The whole restaurant slowly rotates so you can see wonderful views of the city and island, across the course of the meal."

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

"Oh! I've been meaning to dine there. But, it isn't the Detective's kind of place." he said. "The resort can watch over him, however, while we have dinner. That would be very nice."

[Kakita Haruhi]

She smiled. "That sounds like a plan. I'll look forward to it."

She twirled and wove her way around him, gracefully. A skilled dancer.

And then glanced over at Detective sitting alone. "Would Detective like to dance with us? He could probably sit on one of our shoulders. If you think he'd enjoy that."

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

"He would love that." The Kitsune gestured to the monkey and the Detective scampered onto the dancefloor leaping onto Kiyoshi's shoulder.

[Kakita Haruhi]

Haruhi grinned continued to dance with them both, sometimes making eye contact with Kiyoshi and sometimes with Detective. Laughing. Happy.

As Detective seemed comfortable with her dancing near, she placed a hand on Kiyoshi's shoulder, making a little bridge if Detective wanted to venture out onto her arm or shoulder. Her hand lingered, regardless of what the monkey chose.

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

Kiyoshi moved closer, encouraging the Detective to move move over. He was notably slower and gentler when he transferred over to Haruhi, in contrast to the way he liked to climb all over the Fox.

[Kakita Haruhi]

Haruhi smiled at Detective, and swayed a little more casually, compared to her earlier dancing. A steadier perch. Ah, he seemed to like her!

"I think I've gotten a little better at making animals feel comfortable with me. Not just birds. I've been watching how you do it."

"Detective has been a stalwart competitor in all the games. If he can survive a Jade chef kitchen, an obstacle course..." She turned to the monkey. "You are very smart and very brave and I'm glad you keep an eye on Kitsune-san in all his endeavors."

She only wished she had a bit of mango in her pocket, but she hadn't even known she'd see them at the dancing. But she'd remember to bring some the next time she saw him!

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

The Detective hugged her neck and gently kissed her cheek.

[Kakita Haruhi]

She grinned. "What a sweetheart you are! Daring indeed."

She tried petting the monkey's neck, like you might a cat, to see if Detective liked that.

"It's funny. Most of my dance routines are shared. Me and my avi-drones. But they can be programmed to precision. Performing with a live animal... You must have learned how to do it. How to improvise in tandem with him. It's admirable. Have your shows included much singing and dancing together?"

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

He nodded. "Music has been a significant aspect of every version of the show. As the Detective's on set trainer, I have to coordinate our movements. But, some things he does entirely on his own, like trying to make me jealous."

[Kakita Haruhi]

Jealous?

She smiled at that.

"That could be a fine sub-plot for an episode. Perhaps it already has been! I shall clearly need to watch all the episodes so I can anticipate Detective's 'choreography'. I'd like that. To see all the episodes."

"Though I feel sure if the two of you ever competed for a woman's affection, that you would win, Kitsune-san. I quite like your chances."

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

"I don't know. He is pretty cute." he grinned. "But, he does recognize great beauty and I'd be a fool to let him win so easily."

[Kakita Haruhi]

She smiled.

"True. Detective is very cute. And a fine dancer." She did a little waltzing series of steps, with one hand holding Detective's little paw, as he perched on her shoulder.

She would bring so many mangoes for him. He was truly the best monkey in the world.

"Perhaps only time will tell..."

A careful observer would note that though she held the monkey's hand, her eyes remained on Kitsune-san's face.

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

The Kitsune had eyes only for her, as the dance continued. He caressed her cheek lightly, as he reached towards the Detective. "For you, Kakita-san, I have all the time in the world."

[Kakita Haruhi]

Her breath caught at the touch to her cheek and his beautiful words.

"Kitsune-san, you make me so happy thinking about the time that lies ahead. I think ... I think you could call me Haruhi, if you'd like."

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

"Then, you must call me Kiyoshi." He responded. "And, when we're alone..."

He leaned in and whispered, "The Detective is Kota."

[Kakita Haruhi]

When we're alone... There was so much possibility in those words. She looked forward to it.

And savored the closeness required to whisper to her.

"Thank you, Kiyoshi. I have so much to look forward to. I'm glad you decided to come dancing tonight. Very glad."

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

"I wish we had the chance sooner. And, I hope we'll dance for many nights to come, Haruhi." He drew back with a smile.

[Kakita Haruhi]

She smiled brightly at him. Lit from within.

Detective remained perched on her shoulder, looking at ease.

Her dancing motions brought her closer and closer to Kiyoshi. He'd said her name! She took note of the song that happened to be playing at that moment. It would be a favorite that she'd listen to over and over.

"My time is yours," she whispered.

[Kitsune Kiyoshi]

He glanced over at his booth. "Would you like a drink?"