“Where were we gonna have dinner?” Genji asked.
Lucio looked back. “I made a reservation at Sakura’s. Since it’s good food and these girls never get tired of sushi.”
“Time for some good old fashioned sushi!” Hana said, leading the group to where Lucio parked.
“Is that the same place you brought food from that night?” Brigitte asked Hanzo quietly.
“Yes it is.” Hanzo responded.
“Sakura is gonna be pleased to hear she has more regulars.” Genji said, replying to Lucio.
“Oh yeah, she’s your cousin right? I forgot about that.” Lucio chuckled, unlocking the car’s door with his keys. “Who wants to drive with me and Hana? I can fit two more.”
“I’m gonna, I want to discuss a stream thing with Hana.” Genji said, then tried to signal for Zarya to join them without Hanzo or Brigitte noticing. “You gonna come with us too, Zar?”
“Sure, I’m curious about that game you’ve been playing. ” Taking the hint Zarya nodded then tossed the keys to Hanzo who caught it.
“See you guys in a few.” Hana said, winking before the other four got into the car and started off, leaving Hanzo and Brigitte standing there.
Hanzo figured this was their plan but he wasn’t really complaining. “If you’ll follow me, I’ll take us to the car. It’s around the block.”
“Alright.” Brigitte smiled and walked alongside Hanzo. “I hope you had fun.”
“Yes, sorry I didn’t sing. Though you have a lovely voice when you do. I should have said that earlier.” Hanzo smiled back.
“Thank you.” That made her blush and hid her hands in the sleeves. She wanted to reach out and hold his hand again, feel the warmth against the cold air.
“Your hands look cold.” Hanzo said, getting a pair of leather gloves from the pocket of his coat and handing it over. “Here, wear these.”
Brigitte slipped them on, they felt so warm and comfy. “Thank you again.”
“You’re welcome.” Hanzo walked over to a parked black sedan and opened the door for Brigitte.
Slipping into the car, Brigitte waited for him to shut the door and go in on his side, then put her seatbelt on. “I was expecting your sports car.”
“Sorry to disappoint you. Zarya drove and she uses the ‘company’ car.” Hanzo chuckled, starting the car before putting on his seatbelt. “Is it still something you want to take apart?”
Brigitte shook her head and giggled. “Well if you are offering I wouldn’t mind looking.”
“You’ll have to talk with Zarya about that.” Hanzo said jokingly. Then fidgeted trying to decide on if this was a good time to ask the question on his mind.
“Is something wrong?”
“I have a question for you before we head on.”
“What is it?” Brigitte tilted her head toward him.
“Brigitte...would you like to accompany me to dinner whenever you are free next?” Hanzo asked.
Brigitte saw Hanzo bite his lip out of nervousness. His question made her giddy. “Are you asking me on a date?”
Looking directly at her, Hanzo smiled a little. “I would like it to be very much considered that.”
Brigitte blushed and nodded. “Yes, I’d love to go on a date with you. The next best day I would have is Tuesday. Would that be alright?”
It was as if a weight was lifted off his shoulders and Hanzo smiled wider. Taking her hand, he kissed the gloved knuckles. “It’s perfect. Times can be discussed later. We should probably go meet them before they think something happened to us.”
“Probably.” Brigitte blushed, running her thumb over the spot where he kissed. She still was curious about his tattoo but figured she could ask later.
The content silence was comforting as she drove off to their destination.
-----------------------
“They are certainly taking their time.” Hana said plopping down on one of the zabuton cushions on the floor near their table.
“Hana, It’s only been twenty minutes. I highly doubt anything bad has happened.” Lucio said, sitting next to her.
“I wasn’t thinking anything bad, I just am curious about the juicy details.” Hana grinned. “Nice play in getting them alone, Gengu.”
Genji suavely ran his fingers through his green hair. “I’m super smooth.”
“I really hope those two get together.” Zarya said bluntly.
“We gotta root for the ship to sail.” Hana offered a high five to Zarya which the taller woman took.
“Just don’t interfere too much you three.” Lucio jokingly replied. “But I am with you on the shipping.”
The sliding door opened to a woman wearing a kimono designed with a dragon going through a cherry blossom field, her dark hair in a hime style. She was carrying a tray of tea and cups. “Konbanwa. Welcome to Sakura’s. I will be serving you our special made tea.” Then started pouring drinks for them.
“No need to be so formal, Saku-chan.” Genji laughed and took a cup.
“And you should learn to have some sense of manners.” The woman gave him a small glare then smiled. “You do know I have to be professional for the customers.”
“These are mine and Hanzo’s friends so you don’t have to be so uppity.” Genji said. “Sakura, this is Lucio and Hana. You already know Zar.”
Sakura bowed from her knelt position. “Pleasure to meet you and it is nice to see you again, Zarya. Will Hanzo be joining you?”
“He’ll be here soon with a lady.” Genji wiggled his eyebrows.
“Then I’ll have more tea sent to your room.” Sakura said.
“You serve just such amazing sushi.” Hana replied excitedly.
“As an itamae, I take that as a great honor.” Sakura said proudly but stayed informal. “So since you are Genji and Hanzo’s friends, I will personally make your dishes tonight. Do you have a particular platter you wish to have?”
“Why not surprise us?” Genji said. “Unless someone disagrees.”
The rest nodded in agreement.
“Oh and bring your finest sake.” Genji grinned. “My treat.”
“Then I shall be back when everything is ready.” Sakura bowed again and exited.
-----------------
After parking the car, Hanzo walked Brigitte into the main lobby of Sakura. It was completely decorated to look like an old fashioned Japanese building. Brigitte looked around all fascinated, especially liking the lucky cat statue that waved.
“If you like maneki-neko statues so much, I can easily get you one.” Hanzo said playfully, when he noticed her childlike smile.
“Oh.” Brigitte realized she was staring.
“They bring good luck and since you love cats so much, it would be a fine addition to your cat collection.” Hanzo said.
“If it’s not too much trouble. It looks so adorable.” Brigitte mumbled.
Hanzo felt his heart skip a beat at how cute she sounded but his thought was interrupted.
“Good evening, Mr. Shimada. Would you like a table for you and your guest?” The hostess suddenly appeared and spoke japanese.
“No. We are with the dos Santo party. They should have arrived before us.” Hanzo replied back.
“Ah yes, they have been seated. I will lead you to them, follow me please.” The woman stated after looking at the computer. Waiting for them at the doorway to the side area.
“Thank you very much.”
Brigitte felt a little out of place with only knowing two things that were said but liked hearing Hanzo speak his native tongue. When Hanzo noticed her puzzled face, he smiled apologetically.
“Sorry about that. I usually speak Japanese when I come here. We are going to see the others now.” Hanzo said, offering the crook of his arm for her.
“It’s ok, you sounded really nice.” Brigitte said shyly, taking his arm and enjoying the contact.
Hanzo cleared his throat in surprise. “Never been complimented for my japanese before.”
The hostess stopped at a sliding door and then bowed, switching to english. “Have a wonderful evening.” Leaving them alone in front of the room door.
“Ladies first.” Hanzo said, sliding open the door to see the others while Brigitte walked in.
“There you are Briggy and Hanzo! What took ya?” Hana said, patting the cushion next to her.
“We had a bit of evening traffic.” Hanzo replied, hanging up his and Brigitte’s coats on the hangers. It wasn’t a complete lie but he wasn’t ready to announce that it was also because he wanted to speak with Brigitte alone at that time.
Brigitte sat next to Hana and got herself a cup of tea, pouring one for Hanzo too. Taking a sip, she felt good being warmed up. “This is so good.”
“Well it is Hanamura made blend so it’s going to be.” Genji chuckled. “Bro you just missed Saku-chan. She’ll be making our sushi personally.”
Hanzo took his place between Genji and Brigitte, thanking the latter for the tea. “I take it we will be getting a surprise platter?”
“Well we all kinda agreed on it, hope you didn’t mind.” Lucio said.
“I don’t mind, I like trying new sushi and such.” Brigitte said with a smile.
“And we’ll have to agree on designated drivers since I ordered sake.” Genji commented.
Brigitte raised her hand. “I can be one since I can handle one drink fine.”
“You sure Brig? I don’t mind if you want to relax more and enjoy the sake experience.” Lucio offered.
“No it’s fine. I probably shouldn’t over drink anyway. Need to reset my schedule.” Brigitte reassured.
“I’ll be one as well, since I’ll be out tomorrow.” Hanzo said.
Genji grinned once it was all settled. “So Hana, want to see if you can outdrink me?”
“You’re on.” Hana replied, giving a determined stare.
Lucio shook his head. “This is not gonna go well.”
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