Characters: Michi and Gael
Setting: Michi's room and then downtown, WAY backdated to just before the Sadie Hawkins dace
Content: SFW
Summary: Michi and Gael have an adorkable date


Michi had been enjoying the past few weeks but also worrying like crazy. It wasn't anything he had done at all. She just hadn't found the right time to bring up the whole... teen mom thing. Sure he knew about it, he had to know about it, everyone knew about it! They had never really talked about it though. So she paced around her room, waiting for Gael and listening to her girl power playlist, just trying to think of the right thing to say.

Gael hadn’t been sure of what exactly Michi wanted to talk about. She’d been rather vague about it, he just knew it was ‘...stuff’. Obviously, it was important, otherwise she wouldn’t have brought it up or she would’ve just told him before they’d planned to get together. He couldn’t help but worry that it was something he’d done - done wrong.

So when they made plans to get together, he made sure he was early to pick her up. Taking a deep breath, he knocked on her door, bouncing a little on his feet.

She was quick to answer the door, forgetting to take a deep breath before she swung it open. "Hey," she said a little breathlessly. "You're early," she noted with a silly little smile. She stepped aside to let him in. "Did you want to talk here before we go?" she asked eyeing her coat on the back of her chair.

A part of her wanted to forget the whole thing and just run off and have fun, she was scared of what might happen when they talked it out.

When the door swung open, he blanked for a moment, a deer in the headlights expression on his face. He recovered quickly when she spoke though, giving a little smile of his own. “Yeah, well, I didn’t want to make you wait.” He leaned in as he passed her and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek. “You look beautiful.”

He didn’t go too far in, pausing just inside the door and glancing over at her coat when he noticed her looking at it. He really wanted to avoid it, but she had brought it up and it did seem important... “Whatever you want. If you think it’d be easier to talk now...”

Michi wondered to herself why he had to be so damn cute, letting the door swing shut as she turned to face him. Finally taking a deep breath she flung her arms around his shoulders and hugged him tight, pressing her face against his chest. "I really, really, really, really like you," she mumbled against the fabric of his shirt. "And I'm falling for you and I'm not good enough for you."

Well now that it was all out there she figured she might as well just get to the point. "I have a kid, Gael," she said quietly. "You know that right?"

Though slightly surprised by her sudden hug, Gael was pleased and wrapped his arms around her waist in return, squeezing her back firmly. He smiled at her first words, but frowned a little at the last bit. Rubbing her back soothingly, he placed his cheek on the side of her head so that his lips were near her ear. “Yeah, I know,” he said softly. “And you can believe me when I say that it doesn’t bother me.”

He pulled back a little, reaching one hand up under her chin to tilt her head up slightly, looking steadily at her face. “Don’t ever think you’re not good enough. I think you’re perfect,” he went on, smiling at her. “And I really, really, really, really like you too, and definitely falling,” he assured her warmly.

To say she was relieved was an understatement, she wanted to do her happy dance all around the room. She beamed up at him. "Really? Like everything is okay and you're not all freaked out at all? Do you want to meet him? Izzy, that is," she bounced a little and reached up to press a little kiss to his lips.

"I don't know if I've ever told you this, but... you're kinda perfect and by kinda I mean just perfect."

At her beam he grinned back. How could he help himself? “Yeah, really. I mean, it won’t be easy, but I’m definitely willing to make it work. And I’d love to meet Izzy.” He laughed and kissed her back, hugging her close again.

He colored a bit at the compliment, his grin turning a little shy. “I don’t know if I’d go that far...”

"Yeah," she sighed a little. "It's been pretty tough already but it'll definitely get better," she said with a firm nod. "I think you'll like him," she said sweetly. "He's a pretty amazing kid." She kissed him again more thoroughly. "It means a lot that you want to make it work. I definitely want to make it work too."

She giggled at his coloring and poked his nose. "I would definitely go as far to say that," she grinned. She nuzzled his neck a little. "The best even."

“It will,” he smiled back down at her, giving her an eskimo kiss. “Of course I will, and I’m not surprised since he’s got you for a mom.” He gave her a squeeze as he kissed her back, just wanting to enjoy this moment and feeling like words were inadequate at the moment.

He laughed a bit, shaking his head and nuzzling her back. “Hopefully, for you.”

Michi was pretty sure there was no way he could get any more perfect. She was falling hard, there was no denying that and she had to bite her tongue from saying what she wanted to. "You are," she said sweetly.

She didn't want to let go of him at all but she figured they should go on their date, though she was completely okay with staying in for a good snuggle. "Where are we going on our date tonight?" she asked, trying to draw out their snuggle as long as she could.

Gael couldn’t imagine being any happier than he was right now, just standing there holding the girl he was most definitely falling in love with. But of course it couldn’t last forever, they’d have to physically let go of each other at some point. Still, he could prolong it for a little while anyway.

“Well,” he started, still hugging her close, “I hadn’t really planned anything structured. I was just thinking that we’d do whatever you wanted to do. We can go to a movie, go out to eat, just go for a walk... Whatever you want.” He pressed a kiss her her temple before smiling down at her.

"Hmm," she said swaying a little. "Everything sounds perfect," except at a movie they couldn't talk, though really just being with him was all she could ask for. "Have you eaten yet? We could have an impromptu picnic," she suggested.

He smiled happily and warmly down at her. “A picnic sounds brilliant. Do you have a craving for any particular kind of food? Mexican, Cajun, Chinese... Anything you want, the evening is yours.”

"Mmm," she said closing her eyes. "Cajun sounds amazing right about now. And skittles for dessert," she giggled. "Seeing as though we can't have chocolates," she added with a little grin.

He gave her a wide grin in response. “Perfect,” he said, leaning down to touch their foreheads together. “Skittles beat out chocolate any day.”

"One hundred percent agreed," she said happily. She snuggled him a bit closer for a just a little bit longer before straying just long enough to get her jacket and bag. She ducked under his arm, wrapping her own around his waist. "Ready?"

“Whenever you are,” he smiled down at her, pulling her close and snug to his side once she situated herself, his arm around her shoulders. “So, shall we then,” he asked, releasing her briefly to walk to her door and open it, giving her a little bow and a grin, gesturing her through first.

She was snug at his side until, with a goofy grin, she snuck through the door in front of Gael. "Why thank you good sir," she giggled at his manners. She couldn't remember the last time a guy had held open a door for her, it was a silly thing but it stuck out. She squished herself to his side as soon as he was out the door himself and grinned up at him. "So I know this place that's pretty close to school. Great Cajun and reasonably priced, they also make it quick so we can find a nice little place to sit and eat. I have a picnic blanket in my car," she beamed.

“You’re welcome, good lady,” he responded with a grin. Slipping his arm quickly and snuggly around her once they were out the door which he shut neatly behind them, he began leading them toward the exit. “Sounds perfect to me. I like it when a woman’s prepared,” he smiled down at her, ducking his head quickly to kiss her nose.

She beamed up at him yet again. "I'm always prepared for a picnic," she grinned. "Cheap alternative for when I want to take Izzy on a date," she giggled. They meandered slowly until they reached Michi's car, she assumed most people didn't have their cars on campus when they lived so far away from campus so she always assumed to go to her own. "You don't mind taking my car do you?" she asked reluctantly letting go of his side and going to the driver's side.

He laughed a little. “I don’t think it’s cheap at all. It’s the perfect kind of date.” It was moments like these that Gael sort of wished he had a car, so that he could be the one to drive her around instead of the other way around. “No,” he said with a smile. “That’s fine. I don’t have a car anyway.”

She reached up and gave him a little peck on his cheek. "Cool, I hope it's not too small," she laughed unlocking the doors and hopping into the driver seat. She waited until they were buckled in before putting the key in the ignition and starting the car. Her face turned bright red when Beyonce's 'bootylicious' came blasting over the stereo. "Whoops!" she giggled reaching to turn it off. "I guess I was rocking out a little pretentiously last time I drove. Probably with Hunter," she added with a laugh.

Pulling out of the school parking lot she reached out and took his hand, lacing her fingers with his, a shy smile creasing her lips.

Shaking his head, he gave her a warm smile. “It’s fine,” he said, slipping into the passenger’s seat after she unlocked the doors. He laughed at her embarrassment, and the song. “I won’t judge you,” he said with a chuckle. “Nothing wrong with having some fun.” When she slipped her fingers in his, he looked down at their hands then up at her, smiling gently. He gave her a hand a light squeeze, stroking it with his thumb.

“So what are you thinking about ordering,” he asked, smiling.

"Good, cause Hunter, Mari, and I... we tend to rock the shit out," she giggled. "Maybe you can join us sometime when we're just cruising around and rocking out," she laughed. The thought of Gael liking their girl power music was some what hysterical but very cute. She liked the feeling his hand in hers, the way he rubbed his thumb against her hand.

"I was thinking about getting jambalaya or maybe some crawfish... mmm... or maybe some cajun barbecue chicken... or catifsh, oh my god, why are Cajuns so good at cooking," she laughed brightly as they drove along the road. Michi could have easily passed for someone who hadn't been born and raised in Louisiana but when it came to food she was a Southern girl through and through.

He laughed at the invitation. “I wouldn’t want to cramp your style. You know, be the only guy in a girl party. Unless you want me there to hold all your purses,” he teased with a smile. “But I wouldn’t mind cruising around just you and me once in a while,” he went on, picking her hand up and pressing a light kiss to the back of it.

“Because they’re not my mom,” he asked, grinning. “Those all sound like good choices though. How about we get a few? That way you don’t have to worry too much.”

She couldn't help the silly little giggle that escaped when she imagined Gael rocking out with herself and her two best friends and holding all their persons. "You would take it like a man wouldn't you? Holding all the purses and stuff," she squeezed his hand. "I wouldn't mind that either," she said, her heart skipping a beat when he kissed her hand. He was so gentlemanly and sweet, so different. She silently swooned a little, even sneaking a little peek at him when she pulled to a stop sign.

"You're mom's not a good cook?" she asked sympathetically. "Neither is my mom," she laughed. "My step dad used to teach me stuff before he moved out though, I'll have to cook for you sometime. Traditional Japanese," she said a little proudly. "I can do some Cajun too but not as good as these vendors we're going to," she smiled. "Oh! That's a brilliant idea! We can just get a couple containers and share!"

With that she pulled into the parking lot of the to-go Cajun shop and parked the car and undid her seat belt. She leaned over and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Are you ready for this? This guys can get crazy," she laughed before hopping out of the car.

“I’d be Purse Man, defender of women’s accessories,” he laughed. “No one would dare attempt to steal your purses while I held them for you.” He gave her a somewhat cheeky grin, teasing her just a little bit.

This time he snorted slightly, reaching up his free hand to his mouth. “Sorry,” he managed. “No, my mum’s a horrible cook, but none of us have the heart to say anything.” He grinned at her pride. “I’d really like that, whatever you want to cook I’m sure I’d like it.” Another smile crossed his lips. “That’s what I was thinking. I don’t mind sharing food if you don’t.”

He was undoing his own seat belt when she leaned over and kissed him, and he turned to her slightly, smiling. “I’ll brace myself,” he chuckled and climbed out of the car after her.

She laughed brightly at that, especially his new super hero alter ego. "No one would fuck with you," she said with a little grin.

Michi couldn't help but beam at him when he snorted. "You are so friggin cute," she giggled. "You Shaws are just too sweet to tell her so. That's okay though," she said squeezing his hand. "I'll make sure I cook it super super good so that you don't have to pretend to like it," she teased gently. "I don't mind sharing either though."

She lead him through the doors and into the noisy, little restaurant. There were a few tables where people could sit and eat and a counter with a display case of the pre-prepared food that people could take home without waiting for. People were sitting at the tables and enjoying their food and the cooks were shouting orders from the counter to the kitchen which was right there in open view. As they approached the counter one of the cooks recognized Michi as one of their regulars and smiled brightly. "Michiko!" he said loudly. "Good to see you! How much gumbo you taking home tonight eh?" he asked with a winning grin.

The other cooks heard his greeting and all turned to see one of their favorite regulars. "Michi!" the cheer went up and she blushed a bit, waving to the cooks. "Hey guys!" she called back. She turned to Gael and smiled. "Did I mention I come here a lot?" she asked laughing.

"Who's your boy?" the first cook asked grinning widely.

"Oh right, this is... this is my boyfriend Gael," she said her cheeks turning red. It was the first time she got to introduce him to someone, be it one of her favorite cooks or not, she was pretty proud.

“Damn straight,” he quipped back, managing to keep his face straight for all of two seconds before laughing.

He shook his head, grin still in place. “Three relatively grown men, cowed by a single woman. It’s true though, Dad just can’t find it in himself to tell her when she gets something wrong. And since Dad’s never been able to, we never really learned how.” He grinned over at her, squeezing her hand back. “I’m sure I’ll enjoy it for real,” he assured her.

Walking in, Gael looked around to get a feel for the place. Small, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, and it seemed like a close knit kind of place. He refocused his attention ahead when the cook shouted out to Michi. He grinned at their greeting of her. “Nothing wrong with that,” he replied. “They certainly seem to like you.”

Smiling at her introduction, Gael nodded at the cook, extending his free hand before thinking it might be unwise considering that the chef couldn’t be sure if his hands were clean. “Nice to meet you, sir.”

Without a second thought the cook reached over the counter and clasped Gael's hand warmly. "Beau's the name," he said brightly. "Co-co-co-co owner and cook," he joked. The other three chefs all laughed and shook their heads. "Michi is out favorite customer, any friend of hers is a friend of ours," he proclaimed. "That's Otis, Julius, and Remy," he said pointing out the other three who waved in turn.

Michi wrapped her hand around his elbow and grinned. "Anna, Elizabeth, and I come in here all the time," she explained. "We've consistently been coming in for like six years," she laughed.

"And she usually picks up a pint or three of gumbo and an order of crawfish," Beau said, grinning. "I have a feeling you're going to switch it up today though, am I right?"

Michi nodded. "Yeah, I was thinking jambalaya, some cajun barbecue chicken, blackened catfish, and of course some crawfish. Can't have a proper meal without crawfish."

"Just like we taught you," Beau laughed, standing back a bit. "You boys hear that! Give 'em the best we got!" he called back to the others. "I'll be right back with your food," he said tapping the counter gently before he went back to help the others cook.

"So... what do you think?" she asked Gael hopefully. "It's kinda my favorite place ever," she grinned.

Gael grinned at the four owners in turn, giving each one a wave as they were introduced. “It’s a pleasure to meet all of you. I can see why Michi was talking you guys up on the way over. And the food smells delicious, too.”

He smiled down at Michi as she held his arm, trusting her to do the ordering. She knew the cooks better than him, and he trusted her to pick out good food. When she asked for his opinion, his grin widened in response. “I think I might just like this place, too. There’s something to be said for friendly owners and staffs.”

"Thanks man," Beau called back to Gael. It only took them a few more minutes to finish up the cooking and bring it forward. He handed it over with a grin. "I'll put it on your tab," he said with a wink.

"Thanks Beau," Michi grinned, taking some of the bags and waving one last time at the guys. "Thanks guys!"

"Take care of our girl," Beau told Gael with a big smile.

Michi gave them one last little grin before heading back out to the car. "So there's this little park just a few minutes away," she said settling back in to the driver seat.

Gael smiled and waved at Beau and the rest as he took the rest of the bags. “Thank you. Don’t worry, I will, gents!” His smile widened, and he let it fall over on Michi as well, promising her at the same time.

He climbed into the car after her, putting the bags in the backseat. “Sounds good to me,” he responded with a smile.

She couldn't help but beam at him when he smiled at her. Quietly, she took his hand again when she started driving down the road and toward the park. It was a relatively short ride and she popped right out once she parked the car. She grabbed the blanket and one of the bags out of her back seat and pranced about in the grass, looking for a place to sit. "What looks good to you?" she asked Gael as she took a look around.
He happily threaded his fingers in hers as she drove, stroking her hand with his thumb. When she stopped, he took the rest of the bags out of the car and followed her onto the grass. Looking around for a suitable place for them to sit. “How about that spot over there,” he said pointing near a tree. “That way, we can sit in the shade or the sun.”

She would have been content to sit in the car and just drive around all day, holding hands and just enjoying each other's company but then she felt her tummy rumble and the smell of the food was starting to waft it's way to the front of the car. "Looks perfect!" she said when Gael pointing out the tree. She spread the blanket out but before sitting down she took the bags away from Gael and set them down on the blanket, squeezing him into a hug. She reached up and planted a kiss to his lips.

With a little giggle she situated herself on the picnic blanket and started to open up the containers of food. "What do you want to try first? They're all amazing," she beamed.

Gael would have been happy anywhere, so long as it meant he got to spend time with Michi. He laughed when he heard her stomach grumble. “Let’s just sit down and eat already, hm,” he teased lightly. He helped her set the bags down and happily squeezed her back, smiling into the kiss before settling down on the blanket with her.

“What do you recommend, Miss Michi,” he asked with a smile.

"Hmm," she looked over their containers of food and contemplated for just a second before she scooped up some jambalaya in a spoon and turned to Gael with a big grin. "Jambalaya," she made him take the first bite and then she took a big bite of the jambalaya herself. She chewed it slowly, enjoying the flavor. "This is the best thing that has happened to food since... skittles," she grinned.

She scooted closer to him, resting herself between his legs and she fully leaned against his chest. "More?" she asked after taking another bite.

He grinned right back before eating the jambalaya right from the spoon Michi offered to him, chewing thoughtfully before swallowing and grinning again. “Those guys know their food,” he complimented. “You know, I think they should make skittle flavored ice cream, just for you.”

When she started scooting closer, he adjusted his own position and slipped his arms around her waist, squeezing slightly. He took the spoon from her after she finished with her bite. “Sure,” he said, smiling slightly. He got a spoonful and leaned over her shoulder to get it in his mouth, avoiding dropping any on her, then dipped the spoon for more before bringing it up to her mouth, smiling.

"Don't they?" she asked settling in. "Their food is amazing," her eyes lit up at his suggestion. "Oh my god! That's a brilliant idea! If they made me skittle flavored ice cream I would be so happy. I would never leave their shop," she joked.

Michi accepted the spoonful of jambalaya, closing her eyes delightedly as she chewed. "So good," she said quietly enjoying the food. She reached forward just enough to grab the crawfish. "Try one of these," she said holding one up to him.

He laughed and nuzzled her neck. “Maybe I’ll have a chat with the guys over at Ben and Jerry’s about making a new title just for you,” he teased.

“Don’t mind if I do,” he said, accepting the crawfish from Michi and popped it in his mouth. He gave another thoughtful chew before smiling again. “Just as delicious as the jambalaya. These guys are like wizards in the kitchen,” he joked.

"I would love you forever," she giggled and then realized she had dropped the L-bomb. Her face turned red and she just politely ignored her own words.

"Right? I just want to take them with me where ever I go," she laughed. "I would eat their food for every meal if I could," she said popping a crawfish into her mouth. "They even shell them for me because I hate shelling them," she laughed.

Gael blinked a little at the use of the L word, but when Michi pushed on he didn’t say anything. He did, however, squeeze her and kiss the back of her neck. “Anything you want,” was all he said, hoping she understood all he meant with those words.

He grinned against her skin. “Should I find out how much it would be to have them follow you everywhere and be your own personal chefs?”

Michi smiled softly at the feeling of his lips on her neck. "Anything for you too," she said resting her hands on his.

"That would be the best thing ever," she grinned. "I bet they would do it in shift for a relatively low fee," she joked.

He squeezed her again tightly, wanting to capture the moment.

“It’s a good idea,” he laughed in agreement. “That way they can be your chefs and still keep the restaurant!”

She rolled her head a bit and pressed a little kiss to his neck. She could sit like that for the rest of the night, forget curfew, forget class, forget homework. She was as content and peaceful as she had ever been.

"It is," she smiled, giggling a little. "They could just hang out and cook us food and eat skittles ice cream with us. I think they would enjoy it," she grinned. "I definitely would," she ate another crawfish, closing her eyes contentedly.

He grinned widely. “I think that sounds like a perfect life,” he agreed, picking up a crawfish and popping it in his mouth. “Yeah, I could sit around feeding you great Cajun food all day until you got sick of it.”

She gave his hand another squeeze and then ate some more before sighing contentedly. "I was just thinking I could sit around here forever basically," she said happily.

“I was thinking the same thing,” he replied warmly, nuzzling her neck. “Well, maybe we could take a break to go get Izzy and then just stay here forever,” he chuckled.

"Now that would be perfect," she said sweetly. She was seriously getting ready to drop another L bomb on him, for real this time but she refrained, she told herself to wait just a little bit longer so as not to scare him off.

"We can stop and get skittles on the way back too," she grinned.

He grinned back at her, giving her a squeeze. “Skittles and ice cream,” he added before picking up the spoon of jambalaya again. “But first we should finish our real food,” he said, lifting the spoon to her mouth, perfectly happy to feed her for the rest of the evening.

Tags: !complete, gael shaw, michiko passos