[FIC] Christmas Cake (pt. 2)
Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 7:58 pm
“Why did I do it? Why did I buy that card? Because I was too afraid to ask him face to face!”
Kaname forced herself to sit back down at her desk. Class would be starting in a few moments. Her legs definitely didn’t feel like sitting, though. Nervous energy made her muscles twitch. Her mind kept whispering ‘we have to find that card.’
She’d looked everywhere. Inside things. Under things. Even on top of things.
No luck. She had even embarrassed herself at one point, sniffing around like a dog, trying to find some trace of perfume. The look on the janitor’s face left no doubt about his unprofessional psychiatric opinion.
“Why me? Why do these things always happen to me?” She felt like tugging on her hair. “Sousuke. He’s why this always happens to me.”
She could get another card. If she didn’t change her mind. That wasn’t the major problem, even though she didn’t know if she could work up this much courage again. No. The problem would not be if the card never turned up. She could live with that. It would be worse if Sousuke found the card, and simply ignored it… blew it up… or didn’t have the common courtesy to respond. She could even live with that…Sousuke might not, but she would.
Kaname was worried that someone other than Sousuke might have found the card. Found it, and opened it. She shivered, biting her lip. What if someone Xeroxed it and plastered it all over school….or all over town? She would just die! Or, if some kind-hearted soul decided to read the card over the intercom? What would Misuki do with it? The music club? The Gundam fans?
She slammed both fists down on the desk top. Her Bonta-Kun eraser flew off, hit the floor, and bounced out of sight.
“Kaname, are you OK?” Ren’s eyes were a calming thing, like a smooth surfaced lake on a balmy day.
“Ren. Hi. It’s not a problem.” Even the brief feeling of relaxation she had felt evaporated. She clenched her hands tight again. ‘It’s not a problem.’ That was Sousuke-speak. “I can’t believe the school turned down our request for a New Year’s party.”
“I see. That was certainly a disappointment, wasn’t it.” Kaname knew that Ren didn’t but that excuse. But, her friend was too considerate to probe any further. “Where’s Sousuke? He’s usually the first one back in class after a break, going through his usual routines. Either that, or he’s not too far from your side.”
Kaname swallowed hard. Sousuke’s name was the last one that she wanted to hear on anyone’s lips at that moment. She knew she must be blushing. Part of her kept insisting that someone could read her mind.
“AH HAH HAH HA HAH… the Principal may have assigned to assist the contractors again. They still haven’t patched up the hole he made in the furnace room. At least the building engineer won’t sneak a TV in there again… or if he does, he won’t be playing any more war movies.”
Ren simply smiled.
Kaname began worrying again. This time it was about Sousuke. The word ‘disappointment’ started off like a snowball rolling down hill… it threatened to turn into an ice boulder or an avalanche. What if Sousuke had found the card, and was disappointed in her aggressiveness or assumptions? What if that military freak had reported his finding to headquarters, and Tessa ordered him back to the submarine for Christmas Eve? Could that be why he wasn’t in class yet? Was he trying to avoid her? Might he have even left for the day?”
She took out her textbook and turned it to the page for the day’s assignment. Sighing, she began to read, attempting to distract herself. It didn’t work. Her eyes froze on one word. ‘Cardinal.’ As in ‘Cardinal Sin.’ That word had ‘card’ in it.
And sin.
She accidentally crumpled one page. She covertly glanced from side to side, wondering if anyone was staring at her. Not too many days ago, Sousuke had shown her the image in a thermal scope. Heat sources stood out like sore thumbs. She felt like that now. Someone must see how hot she was glowing.
“What does it really matter what some otaku does, any way?” She silently asked herself the question in a very nonchalant manner. “I was probably more concerned about his feelings after all. It must be tough growing up in so many countries, never having a place to call home. It was merely a way to show him that he’s not alone. Hmmppff.”
On one shoulder, the figurative Shoulder Angel shook her head, looking over at the Devil perched on Kaname’s other shoulder. “You buy that line?”
“Hell no!”
Kaname jumped. Her conscience was having nothing to do with her lame attempt. It mattered. It mattered more than she wanted to admit sometimes. She had learned that back on March 14, “White Day.” Back on Valentine’s day, she had left chocolates in Sousuke’s locker with a cryptic note. An operative skilled in cryptography should not have any difficulty deciphering it. He should have known that the gift was from her. Even as big idiot and a jerk would have understood the significance.
He didn’t say anything.
Not a single word.
It had hurt, but she was patient. When “White Day” rolled around, the favor was never returned. No chocolate. No flowers. Not even a single heartfelt comment. She had been crushed. Even if the boy doesn’t have the same feelings as the girl who took the risk, it was considered common decency to reciprocate.
She never would have guessed that she would hurt that much.
Of course, she felt much better after she had eventually worked herself into a huff… knocked on Sousuke’s door… and sent him half way across the apartment with her softball bat. When he was able to speak, he told her that he had never read her note. He hadn’t even known there was chocolate. As usual, he had resorted to demolition work.
She almost strangled him.
But, she actually smiled when she left, knowing that he hadn’t simply blown her off.
Kaname actually smiled. She could only imagine how much her actions must confuse Sousuke sometimes. Good. He deserved it, the total moron! She pictured him tied in a knot like a pretzel. But what if that type of behavior actually made her seem overly moody or uncaring? Couldn’t he just see through all that and realize that she was upset because she wanted more from him?
Sousuke, see something that wasn’t written in a military manual or tattooed to his hand? Kaname’s heart sank. All of the uncertainty and self doubt was tying HER into a knot.
Maybe she should just forget about everything. Even if Sousuke had found the card, she could explain to him that she had made a mistake. There was no sense in rushing things. Obviously she still had a lot of things to think through.
Kaname looked over at the Christmas Cake sitting on the teacher’s desk. “You can’t have your cake and eat it too, girl” she mumbled under her breath. Those words came to life for her, whistling for her undivided attention.
‘Right now, even though it’s scary, you’re actually excited about the uncertainty. There’s a chance he’ll say yes. Things might even turn out just how you dreamed. You can’t wait to hear his answer, despite what you tell yourself. The look in his eyes. You want to see the look in his eyes when he gives you his decision. But, to enjoy all that for real, he has to say ‘yes.’ Right?’
Unconsciously, Kaname nodded slightly.
‘But, even if he does say ‘yes,’ things will change. The uncertainty will be gone. Your own feelings won’t be a secret to him any more. And, your friends would likely find out. What would they think? Would it change your special relationship with Kyouko, Ryo, Ren, and Maya? Can you see yourself thought of as ‘Sousuke’s girl.’ Would you have to start wearing camouflage skirts and blouses?’
Kaname shook her head.
She would most definitely draw the line at camouflage.
Unless they were alone. She’d wear camouflage and train herself to salute if it made him pay more attention to her.
“Is she really that desperate?” The Shoulder Angel had her doubts.
The Shoulder Devil smiled impishly and saluted. “Remember the bikini?”
“Touche.” The Shoulder angel turned a bright shade of crimson.
Kaname rubbed her eyes. She really should consider whether she was ready to do anything that might change her neatly ordered life so drastically. She stopped. How could she have even considered using those words? Her life had been one big ball of uncertainty since Sousuke made his way to Jindai.
No. She knew the gist of her point was true enough. Was she really ready to take such a risk? Either way, her world would be different. Her hopes and dreams might be shattered. Or, she might set sail down a raging river of discovery. And THEN her hopes and dreams might be shattered.
“Stop being such a pessimist!” She though peevishly. Things might also turn out better than she had any right to hope for.
“Kaname.”
Her arms shot forward unexpectedly. Her textbook slid half way across the floor. She banged one knee against the bottom of her desk. How could she have been so out of it? How could that otaku move so quietly?
Sousuke was sitting at the desk in front of Kaname.
His face was exceedingly stern, even for him.
The card was in his hand.
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Sosuske ran across the back stretch of lawn, keeping low and rolling across any open space longer than his body length. Bushes shuddered and shook as he knifed through them, his shadow having a hard time keeping up with him. Plastering his body flat against the building wall, he ducked down and inched his way under a set of windows.
He did not want to be detected.
At least, not by Kaname.
His mind had not arrived at a final decision yet. In fact, he had not made much headway at all.
Wait. Movement! A momentous leap carried him up to the lower branches of a stately elm tree. Like a gymnast, he swung up and somersaulted, landing on a secure foothold. He would move again as soon as the intruder was identified. The time spent waiting would serve well as more opportunity to consider matters.
Unless the card was a forgery, placed where he could find it by some student with a grudge against him or Kaname… or left by a terrorist or spy hoping to lure him to an isolated location where no one would think to look for him… it was intended for him by Kaname.
Analysis of the situation yielded a rough 99.6 percent probability that Kaname was indeed the perpetrator. It was, after all, her handwriting.
Should he be using the term ‘perpetrator?’
“It is not a problem.”
Sgt, Major Mao may well be correct in her analysis. But, a good operative thinks things through on his own, covering all possibilities. If Kaname did indeed intend to lure him to a Love Hotel, what was her purpose. The likely reason was difficult to fully comprehend at the moment, so he focused on less plausible scenarios.
Should he be using the term ‘lured?’
“Also not a problem.”
Just the last week…. after he had accidentally destroyed Kaname’s meticulous botany project, thinking it was a fertilizer-based explosive device… she had sworn vengeance. Could this be an elaborate set-up… a means to take incriminating photographs or embarrassing videos? Doubtful. Likelihood 1.5 percent.
She had also said that they needed to boost their study sessions. Important exams were approaching. A good meal…with highly nutritious food… could provide good strength for industrious students. A quiet hotel room at an out of the way establishment could provide a much better study environment that either of their apartments. Hmmm. Probability estimated at 15 percent. The cost:benefit considerations were decidedly unfavorable.
Three weeks ago, while hiding in a locker to avoid an irate wood shop instructor---who did not appreciate the boost in power he had engineered into the lathe using Bonta-Kun spare parts---he had overheard Ryo tell Kaname that she should throw Sousuke a surprise party if he every went a whole week without shooting anybody.
He had gone two weeks. A personal record by nearly a week. It didn’t matter that he had been ordered by Lt. Kalinin to avoid the use of weapons after he shot the famous movie star. How was he supposed to know that the man was simply playing the part of a robber for the demonstration during anti-crime week. He had missed the introductory remarks. It was more important to give First Aid to the girl who had walked into the trap he had set for the person who was stealing school trophies. How was he supposed to know she actually had been taking them away to be polished?
A surprise party in a hotel? Possible, but not probable. 20 percent chance at best. Kaname would know better than to surprise a Specialist.
Sousuke ran through a dozen more possibilities, but nothing had a rating greater than 35 percent. It would appear that Kaname did indeed want to ask him to a romantic establishment for personal reasons. He began to sweat. He face went rigid. No doubt about it. His thoughts were wandering into unknown territory again. His combat knife appeared in his hand. Absent-mindedly, he began cutting at the tree limb in a sawing fashion. From up on his precarious perch, wood chips floated down on the icy air.
He knew nothing of romance.
That was not a secret.
Melissa had given him a romance novel of Tessa’s once, telling him it might save his life some day. He had taken her at her word, much to Kurz’ entertainment later on. Page after page, he struggled to make sense of things. Even the repair manual for the instrument panel of the ARX-7 was more readily comprehensible than that book. To him, it seemed to be written in a foreign language.
He remembered some of the phrases, just the same. Might they be useful when discussing the issue with Kaname?
“What are you doing tonight…. besides me?”
Negative. He remembered Melissa’s explanation for that now. Unfortunately, she had clued it in AFTER he used the line on Captain Testarossa---Kurz had told him that it had to do with performance evaluations. He neglected to ask what type of performance.
“Baby, you must have dynamite in your pants, because your ass is the bomb.”
Negative again. He recalled what had happened to Kurz when he tried that on a nurse. To cover his embarrassment, Sgt. Weber had conned Sousuke into believing the woman did indeed have explosives strapped to her undergarments by a deadly terrorist hiding in the shadows. Rather than disrobe the woman as Kurz had expected, Sousuke turned a high power hose on her. “You are safe now,” he had proudly said. “The explosives should be too moist to ignite.” He was fortunate that the base doctor could reset his nose.
“Do you work for UPS because I swear I saw you checking out my package?”
Once again the logic escaped him. Package? Kurz told him that the line was corny and unlikely to earn a man a smile. Since anything Sgt. Weber suggested was usually wrong, it was probably a keeper. Yes. It would be good to make Kaname smile. As he should also bring her a gift, the line WOULD have some relevance. He would then ask Kaname to explain it to him afterwards.
“Why don’t you come over here, sit on my lap, and we’ll talk about the first thing that pops up.”
It was worth remembering, because it sounds warm and friendly. A girl no doubt likes to know that a man cares about what she wants to say. But, ‘sit on my lap?’ Is that degree of closeness mandatory? Just what will be required of me? Why am I feeling nervous? Certainly my lap would be able to support the weight of a well-proportioned teenage female of medium frame. “You’ll do.”
Hmmm. Short. Affirming. And to the point. He took out a pen to write that one down. No doubt Kaname would appreciate the fact that he found her acceptable.
Found her acceptable?
“Uh…”
He tried to take back that truth, wondering if it was untrustworthy, given the lack of supporting evidence. How could he make such a judgment, if he didn’t even have criteria to apply? He was struck by an epiphany. There were no criteria. There would be no manual. As Melissa had said, he needed to find his own answers.
He had never found someone acceptable before. Then again, he had never really looked. There had been no opportunity. There had been no reason. Kaname had given him both.
“Acceptable is not sufficient. Not for a specialist.” Very true. Very true indeed.
The professional in him was taking over, despite what the Sgt. Major had said. He couldn’t help himself. It was the one thing he knew well enough to take as gospel. Who says that the same type of evaluation he would use with a potential new gun could not be applied to a girl?
In a spontaneous fight, a combatant should settle for any weapon he had opportunity to get his hands on. It was common sense. Do whatever is necessary to survive! But, when one has time to make preparations, one should choose the weapon that is best suited to him, not merely one which is adequate. He should try out as many as is possible, until he is adept at recognizing generalities. Perhaps it might be wise not to explain that to Kaname. Of course, when one finds a weapon that is right for him, he need not look any further.
Sousuke’s eyes widened. Another stupendous realization. He remembered an early instructor’s comment. There are two ways to determine which weapons are truly exceptional. The one way was to study specifications, test their consistency, speak to more seasoned soldiers, read reviews, and reason things out. The right way was simply to get an intuitive feel for them. For some, they never acquired the talent. Others were naturals. Everyone else fell somewhere in between.
Sousuke realized that he was soaked with perspiration.
He also noticed that there were only ten more minutes before the start of class.
The splintering of wood and the hard fall to the ground showed him too late that he had hacked his way through the tree limb.
Wincing with pain, he picked up on his last train of thought. If he wanted to find the right girl, he would need to get a feel for her. How else would he know? It would make sense to accept Kaname’s offer. What better away to find out? For a moment, his confidence soared higher than an eagle. It was so simple!
He had a beautiful view of the ground as he began falling back to earth. Figuratively, he spun his arms around, unable to slow the descent. He pulled the cord on his parka, but he had neglected to pack a chute. He had put the cart before the horse. He had made an armor assault without infantry support.
Plucking an abandoned bird’s nest out of the crook of one arm, he realized that he first needed to answer an even more important question: did he want to find the right girl? No. Did he want to find any girl at all?
Suddenly and unexpectedly, his legs gave out on him. He sat hard on the ground, out in the open, suddenly unconcerned whether or not someone would see him sitting there.
He had radioed for assistance. .. annoyed his squad commander... received useful advice. .. and promptly ignored it. Perhaps he was too reckless, too undisciplined. Maybe he was simply too impulsive, or a slave to his better understood instincts. He watched in amazement as his hands shook. It could simply be that he was afraid.
Afraid?
A Specialist?
A veteran of countless near death experiences?
A man who had faced potential tragedy and brought the world back from the brink of disaster?
Frightened of possible feelings for a member of the opposite sex?
Scared to simply ask himself questions?
“Yes.”
It almost hurt him to admit it. He didn’t know why. It could be because it made him seem so different than other boys his age. It was difficult being different. It was exhausting and demoralizing to be so different for so long. But he could not force the issue. He had found that out numerous times in the past, for many different things.
“A coward is not a man who fears. He is a man who lets his fears rule him.” Sousuke knew the truth of that adage from the battlefield. He also realized the corollary: ‘A hero is a man who carries on despite his fears.’
Indeed. He could only do his best. It was unrealistic to expect more. Another instructor’s advice came to mind. The skill of a true fighter will not necessarily be reflected in the situations he puts himself in. It will be clear from the way he handles those situations. The heart of the warrior will not be judged best when he rushes into a battle easily won. It will show its true meddle when he walks into a situation he stands little chance of winning. A positive attitude, unconditional bravery, and perseverance can serve as catalysts, making good things happen where intellectuals are certain nothing good can come.
“It is not a problem. I can do this for Kaname. I should do this for me.”
As he limped off towards the rear door of the school, he began asking himself the types of questions that Melissa had suggested. The answers were not easy in coming. He was a maestro when it came to suppression, repression, and denial as well. But with each step he took, he became more adept at sensing the truth. With each discovery, he felt the need to find more truths. He had to fight the urge to analyze and completely verify each point.
He was oblivious to everything around him. The major thoroughfare in the school did not register on his senses the way it usually did. It almost seemed two-dimensional, constricted, populated by stick figures instead of people. He walked on slowly, giving himself as much time for reflection as he could.
“Mr. Sagara. Why all the nerve! You are tracking leaves into the school. What are you going to do about it?”
Without conscious thought, Sousuke walked over to one of the janitor’s cubby holes…. took out a broom…. walked over to the Vice Principal…. handed him the broom….and continued on his way.
One hallway over, he was confronted by Tsubaki Issei.
“Sagara. I can wait no longer. The time for our final confrontation will come. There must be a victor.” Without his glasses, the other boy began chanting, gathering up tremendous amount of chi.
Sousuke simply handed him a number of twigs and leaves and continued on his way, deep in thought. He never heard the karate enthusiast’s enraged sputtering.
Following a large number of walking students, the young sergeant shuffled down the last corridor. Shinji waved to him excitedly. He called out in an overly loud voice.
“Sousuke. Hey Sousuke. I just got the newest bound volume of Jane’s ‘All The World’s Arm Slaves.’ You should see the photos. They have a Czech CS-10... a Chinese Xi-2000... A Brazilian Yaguar… an Israeli Gibbor… even shots of a mysterious machine with some kind of glowing force shield… EVERYTHING…”
Sousuke didn’t even acknowledge his friend. His focus was on his desk and his chair. He took the card out of his coat pocket and brushed off a few clinging fragments of tree bark. Each subsequent stride was measured with metronomic precision. There were no extraneous thoughts or movements. His mind briefly flashed back to a previous mission.
He had stolen a Hind Mi-35 helicopter, needing to get a data disc to the designated authorities in a certain amount of time. He had been perilously low on fuel. The weather was terrible and the sea was incredibly choppy. The heaving deck of the cruising aircraft carrier was difficult to see in the heavy downpour. He had sighted his target… said a prayer… tightened his focus… and made the necessary choices.
Obviously, he had walked away from that mission. If fate smiled on him, he would be successful here as well. Saying a prayer, he adjusted his speed, took the best possible path, and sat down squarely on his chair.
Kaname looked up at him as if awakening suddenly from a deep sleep. She knocked her book upon the floor with an unexpected spasm. Her eyes widened. She held her breath
“I have your card, Kaname.”
For some reason, she looked all around herself. Glaring at Sousuke, she began waving her hands, trying to send him some signal. What was so important? She put a finger to her mouth and made a “Shhhhhhh” sound.
“Miss Chidori. Mr. Sagara. Is there something you’d like to share with the class?” The teacher spoke with a deep baritone voice. Kaname flinched. Her eyes pleaded with him. What was she trying to tell him?
“Yes.” Sousuke said.
Kaname fell out of her chair.
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Kaname saw the card in Sousuke’s hand.
At that moment, to her mind, he could just as well have had his finger on the trigger of a gun aimed straight at her heart.
She didn’t have time to feel relieved that the errant invitation had turned up.
This was not the place and the time for Sousuke to say anything about the note, not with a class full of rambunctious teenagers listening in.
She knew Sousuke.
There had been plenty of opportunities to learn just what he was capable of.
Kaname’s Shoulder Angel popped into view to the sound of harp music, a cloud of imaginary white smoke ruffling its glittering sequined robe. “Don’t you think that he might realize the importance of the offer? Wouldn’t it be reasonable to expect him to show some discretion under these unique circumstances?”
A puff of hot black smoke heralded the arrival of the Shoulder Devil. A tight-fitting body suit might as well have been painted on. The pint-sized member of Kaname’s conscience just spun her tail like a baton, trying to keep a straight face. It was too difficult a task. Breaking out into laughter, she fell backwards and plummeted to the floor.
“This ought to be REAL good….” a small voice said from far below.
Kaname broke a nail by squeezing the edge of her desk too hard.
“I have your card, Kaname.”
No! He had already done enough. He had said ‘your,’ ‘card,’ and ‘Kaname.’ If anyone had been paying attention….
Her eyes zeroed in on Sousuke’s face. His jaw was set. His eyes were intense. His mouth was opening.
“Have faith, Kaname….” The Shoulder Angel ran her hands across the strings of her harp.
“Better move fast or you can kiss it all good bye….” the Shoulder Devil appeared behind its unsuspecting counterpart. A quick shove sent the other imaginary construct flying towards the tiles.
Gulping, Kaname began waving her arms about, trying to get Sousuke’s attention. There was no time for a better plan. Too late, she realized that the only thing she had accomplished was to get everyone else in the class to look her way. Great!
There was one universal signal that was bound to work. “Shhhhhhhhhh!!!!”
Sousuke closed his mouth.
The Shoulder Devil folded her arms across her chest and said “Hmmmpppfff!”
Kaname began to smile. That had been close. Much to close.
“Miss Chidori. Mr. Sagara. Is there something you’d like to share with the class?” The teacher’s voice caused the entire class to go dead silent. The girls in the class all sat forward in their chairs. The guys looked at each other and grinned.
No one knew what was coming. They didn’t have to. It was bound to be good.
Kaname flinched.
The Shoulder Angel---looking somewhat disheveled--- turned an accusatory glare on the Shoulder Devil.
The horned figure just shrugged and disappeared.
Kaname pleaded with her eyes, hoping that Sousuke would get the point just this once.
“Yes.” Sousukes affirmation carried with it the sound of a tomb door clanging shut.
Immediately thereafter, Kaname found herself on the floor.
“Serves you right!” The Shoulder Angel faded away.
Kaname felt her heart fall like a lead weight.
“Pssst…. the big idiot was looking at YOU when he answered… not the teacher…” The Shoulder Devil had opened a window out of nothingness, spoken, and winked.
Sousuke stood up and offered Kaname a hand, helping her to her feet. His hand was firm and strong. Did it stay on hers for just a moment longer than it had too? Was their an ever so subtle caress there at the end?
Kaname’s eyes went big. Her lips parted slightly. She held her breath. For that brief moment, she didn’t care who was watching.
That ‘Yes’ might have been the answer to her invitation!
She realized that she did not want to rescind her request.
“Well?” The teacher was tapping a long wooden pointer against his leg, looking a little annoyed.
Mouth fully open now, Kaname began to say ‘No.’
“Yes, Teacher. I apologize. I have something to announce.” Sousuke’s voice was no different than usual.
“I’d hit him with the halisen,” the Shoulder Devil said. “He almost sounds cheerful, the jerk. ‘Something to announce,’ he says.”
The Shoulder Angel stayed away.
“Mr. Sagara?” The teacher rested the pointer on one shoulder. The student tasked with keeping the class’ ‘Sagara Journal’ quickly grabbed a piece of paper and a pencil.
Sousuke’s words all seemed to come in fragments rather than cohesive sentences, or that‘s how it seemed to kaname. Parts of her mind were already nailing boards across windows, preparing for the storm to come.
“Halisen….” The Shoulder devil whistled a happy tune.
“This………. morning………. I………. received……….” Sousuke’s voice sounded like a 78rpm record played at 33rpm.
It felt as if Kaname’s stomach suddenly vanished, allowing gastric acid to fall deep down within her belly.
“Hit him….” The Shoulder Devil sat back doing her dagger like nails.
“….a..……. pleasant………. invitation………. from….”
Kaname’s limbs all went limp. It was just what she had feared would happen. He chest began to tighten up.
“Hard….” The Shoulder Devil practiced a couple of golf swings.
“….a………. tireless………. young………. lady………. who………. wanted………. me………. to….”
Anger began to flare up within the blue-haired girl.
“NOW!!!” The impish red caricature gave Kaname a thumbs up sign. The end of that finger was on fire.
Kaname’s arm began to move in an overhead arc.
“….choose her company’s products for use by the class in next week’s….OOOPPFFF!!!”
The paper fan hit Sousuke square across the back of the head. His face bounced hard off of his desk top.
“Bingo!!!” The Shoulder Devil shouted, now wearing a party hat.
“I can’t believe you would tell everybody! I trusted you. Give me the card BACK!!!” Tears threatened to well up in Kaname’s eyes. Only too late did the actual words that Sousuke said filter into her turbulent thoughts.
‘This morning I received a pleasant invitation from a tireless young lady who wanted me to choose her company’s products for use by the class in next week’s….’
“….Civil Defense demonstration.” Sousuke’s words slurred around swollen lips. “As Deputy Vice President in charge of Security, I judged her company’s items to be adequate for our use.”
“Miss Chidori!!!” Under normal circumstances, the teacher’s voice would have echoed across the room. But, at that moment, too many people were already talking. It seemed that everyone had something to whisper, shout, or laugh.
“Dude, a CARD!!!”
“Chidori gave Sagara a card.”
But, she wants it back.”
“She…. gave…. him…. a…. card….”
“You know what THAT means.”
“Chidori? And Sousuke? Whooooo….”
“It might be something else….”
“No way! Not with Christmas Eve coming up.”
“Baby, baby, baby. Lucky guy.”
“Poor girl!”
“No. Poor guy!”
Wolf whistles filled the classroom.
“She gave HIM a card? Sagara?” That voice was easily recognizable. “Damn you Sagara. You will pay NOW!!!” Tsubaki Issei stood up, tied a sash around his head, and broke a leg off of his desk.
Head still down on his desk, Sousuke raised his Glock and fired. Rubber bullets knocked the irate karate Club leader back against the wall. He slid slowly to the floor.
“Mr. Sagara!!!” The teacher fought valiantly to regain control of his class. To no avail.
If anything, the commotion became louder and louder.
Kaname sat at her desk, looking at her halisen, mouth still open. Why? Why did it always happen to her? Things were supposed to be special. Now they were broken beyond repair.
The Shoulder Angel led the Shoulder Devil away in handcuffs. Stepping out of character for a moment, she materialized a police baton out of nowhere and began beating her adversary.
Face tight and eyes blank, Kaname stood up so abruptly, that she knocked both her chair and her desk over.
The room feel deathly still. Everyone stopped in mid-syllable.
The distraught girl focused her anger, disappointment, and sorrow on an all to easy target. A familiar target. “Sousuke,….. I hate you….” Beginning to cry, she ran out of the class room.
The young soldier looked down at the card. He did not understand. What had he done this time? Why did he suddenly feel like he did when he saw a comrade’s name on the M.I.A. list after a battle?
“Well, Mr. Sagara. What do you have to say for yourself?” The teacher obviously needed to point the finger at someone.
“Sir?”
“I take it you have a card from Miss Chidori, the one which prompted all this nonsense?” The teacher looked somewhat cross.
“Affirmative.”
The class began their discussions again, this time in whispers.
The teacher slammed a book down on his desk, silencing everyone.
“Bring it to me. We do NOT need that kind of thing during class!” The teacher held his hand out.
Sousuke had no doubt that the teacher intended to read the card out loud, just as he did any note he confiscated.
“No. I will not.” Sousuke placed the card inside of his shirt.
The girls in the class began whispering again. Kyouko took a number of pictures.
“Excuse me? I must have heard you incorrectly? Did you refuse me?” The teacher’s face clouded over.
“You hearing is functioning correctly. You request has been denied.”
This time the boys began whispered conversations. One gave Sousuke a ‘V for Victory’ sign.
“It was not a request, Mr. Sagara. It was an order. The card… to me…. immediately.”
“No.”
The teacher stood stunned. The students all looked at Sousuke.
“If you do not give me the card, you will be staying after school for detention, young man!” The teacher took out a Demerit slip.
“It is not a problem.”
Sousuke leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.
Kaname forced herself to sit back down at her desk. Class would be starting in a few moments. Her legs definitely didn’t feel like sitting, though. Nervous energy made her muscles twitch. Her mind kept whispering ‘we have to find that card.’
She’d looked everywhere. Inside things. Under things. Even on top of things.
No luck. She had even embarrassed herself at one point, sniffing around like a dog, trying to find some trace of perfume. The look on the janitor’s face left no doubt about his unprofessional psychiatric opinion.
“Why me? Why do these things always happen to me?” She felt like tugging on her hair. “Sousuke. He’s why this always happens to me.”
She could get another card. If she didn’t change her mind. That wasn’t the major problem, even though she didn’t know if she could work up this much courage again. No. The problem would not be if the card never turned up. She could live with that. It would be worse if Sousuke found the card, and simply ignored it… blew it up… or didn’t have the common courtesy to respond. She could even live with that…Sousuke might not, but she would.
Kaname was worried that someone other than Sousuke might have found the card. Found it, and opened it. She shivered, biting her lip. What if someone Xeroxed it and plastered it all over school….or all over town? She would just die! Or, if some kind-hearted soul decided to read the card over the intercom? What would Misuki do with it? The music club? The Gundam fans?
She slammed both fists down on the desk top. Her Bonta-Kun eraser flew off, hit the floor, and bounced out of sight.
“Kaname, are you OK?” Ren’s eyes were a calming thing, like a smooth surfaced lake on a balmy day.
“Ren. Hi. It’s not a problem.” Even the brief feeling of relaxation she had felt evaporated. She clenched her hands tight again. ‘It’s not a problem.’ That was Sousuke-speak. “I can’t believe the school turned down our request for a New Year’s party.”
“I see. That was certainly a disappointment, wasn’t it.” Kaname knew that Ren didn’t but that excuse. But, her friend was too considerate to probe any further. “Where’s Sousuke? He’s usually the first one back in class after a break, going through his usual routines. Either that, or he’s not too far from your side.”
Kaname swallowed hard. Sousuke’s name was the last one that she wanted to hear on anyone’s lips at that moment. She knew she must be blushing. Part of her kept insisting that someone could read her mind.
“AH HAH HAH HA HAH… the Principal may have assigned to assist the contractors again. They still haven’t patched up the hole he made in the furnace room. At least the building engineer won’t sneak a TV in there again… or if he does, he won’t be playing any more war movies.”
Ren simply smiled.
Kaname began worrying again. This time it was about Sousuke. The word ‘disappointment’ started off like a snowball rolling down hill… it threatened to turn into an ice boulder or an avalanche. What if Sousuke had found the card, and was disappointed in her aggressiveness or assumptions? What if that military freak had reported his finding to headquarters, and Tessa ordered him back to the submarine for Christmas Eve? Could that be why he wasn’t in class yet? Was he trying to avoid her? Might he have even left for the day?”
She took out her textbook and turned it to the page for the day’s assignment. Sighing, she began to read, attempting to distract herself. It didn’t work. Her eyes froze on one word. ‘Cardinal.’ As in ‘Cardinal Sin.’ That word had ‘card’ in it.
And sin.
She accidentally crumpled one page. She covertly glanced from side to side, wondering if anyone was staring at her. Not too many days ago, Sousuke had shown her the image in a thermal scope. Heat sources stood out like sore thumbs. She felt like that now. Someone must see how hot she was glowing.
“What does it really matter what some otaku does, any way?” She silently asked herself the question in a very nonchalant manner. “I was probably more concerned about his feelings after all. It must be tough growing up in so many countries, never having a place to call home. It was merely a way to show him that he’s not alone. Hmmppff.”
On one shoulder, the figurative Shoulder Angel shook her head, looking over at the Devil perched on Kaname’s other shoulder. “You buy that line?”
“Hell no!”
Kaname jumped. Her conscience was having nothing to do with her lame attempt. It mattered. It mattered more than she wanted to admit sometimes. She had learned that back on March 14, “White Day.” Back on Valentine’s day, she had left chocolates in Sousuke’s locker with a cryptic note. An operative skilled in cryptography should not have any difficulty deciphering it. He should have known that the gift was from her. Even as big idiot and a jerk would have understood the significance.
He didn’t say anything.
Not a single word.
It had hurt, but she was patient. When “White Day” rolled around, the favor was never returned. No chocolate. No flowers. Not even a single heartfelt comment. She had been crushed. Even if the boy doesn’t have the same feelings as the girl who took the risk, it was considered common decency to reciprocate.
She never would have guessed that she would hurt that much.
Of course, she felt much better after she had eventually worked herself into a huff… knocked on Sousuke’s door… and sent him half way across the apartment with her softball bat. When he was able to speak, he told her that he had never read her note. He hadn’t even known there was chocolate. As usual, he had resorted to demolition work.
She almost strangled him.
But, she actually smiled when she left, knowing that he hadn’t simply blown her off.
Kaname actually smiled. She could only imagine how much her actions must confuse Sousuke sometimes. Good. He deserved it, the total moron! She pictured him tied in a knot like a pretzel. But what if that type of behavior actually made her seem overly moody or uncaring? Couldn’t he just see through all that and realize that she was upset because she wanted more from him?
Sousuke, see something that wasn’t written in a military manual or tattooed to his hand? Kaname’s heart sank. All of the uncertainty and self doubt was tying HER into a knot.
Maybe she should just forget about everything. Even if Sousuke had found the card, she could explain to him that she had made a mistake. There was no sense in rushing things. Obviously she still had a lot of things to think through.
Kaname looked over at the Christmas Cake sitting on the teacher’s desk. “You can’t have your cake and eat it too, girl” she mumbled under her breath. Those words came to life for her, whistling for her undivided attention.
‘Right now, even though it’s scary, you’re actually excited about the uncertainty. There’s a chance he’ll say yes. Things might even turn out just how you dreamed. You can’t wait to hear his answer, despite what you tell yourself. The look in his eyes. You want to see the look in his eyes when he gives you his decision. But, to enjoy all that for real, he has to say ‘yes.’ Right?’
Unconsciously, Kaname nodded slightly.
‘But, even if he does say ‘yes,’ things will change. The uncertainty will be gone. Your own feelings won’t be a secret to him any more. And, your friends would likely find out. What would they think? Would it change your special relationship with Kyouko, Ryo, Ren, and Maya? Can you see yourself thought of as ‘Sousuke’s girl.’ Would you have to start wearing camouflage skirts and blouses?’
Kaname shook her head.
She would most definitely draw the line at camouflage.
Unless they were alone. She’d wear camouflage and train herself to salute if it made him pay more attention to her.
“Is she really that desperate?” The Shoulder Angel had her doubts.
The Shoulder Devil smiled impishly and saluted. “Remember the bikini?”
“Touche.” The Shoulder angel turned a bright shade of crimson.
Kaname rubbed her eyes. She really should consider whether she was ready to do anything that might change her neatly ordered life so drastically. She stopped. How could she have even considered using those words? Her life had been one big ball of uncertainty since Sousuke made his way to Jindai.
No. She knew the gist of her point was true enough. Was she really ready to take such a risk? Either way, her world would be different. Her hopes and dreams might be shattered. Or, she might set sail down a raging river of discovery. And THEN her hopes and dreams might be shattered.
“Stop being such a pessimist!” She though peevishly. Things might also turn out better than she had any right to hope for.
“Kaname.”
Her arms shot forward unexpectedly. Her textbook slid half way across the floor. She banged one knee against the bottom of her desk. How could she have been so out of it? How could that otaku move so quietly?
Sousuke was sitting at the desk in front of Kaname.
His face was exceedingly stern, even for him.
The card was in his hand.
*****************
*****************
*****************
Sosuske ran across the back stretch of lawn, keeping low and rolling across any open space longer than his body length. Bushes shuddered and shook as he knifed through them, his shadow having a hard time keeping up with him. Plastering his body flat against the building wall, he ducked down and inched his way under a set of windows.
He did not want to be detected.
At least, not by Kaname.
His mind had not arrived at a final decision yet. In fact, he had not made much headway at all.
Wait. Movement! A momentous leap carried him up to the lower branches of a stately elm tree. Like a gymnast, he swung up and somersaulted, landing on a secure foothold. He would move again as soon as the intruder was identified. The time spent waiting would serve well as more opportunity to consider matters.
Unless the card was a forgery, placed where he could find it by some student with a grudge against him or Kaname… or left by a terrorist or spy hoping to lure him to an isolated location where no one would think to look for him… it was intended for him by Kaname.
Analysis of the situation yielded a rough 99.6 percent probability that Kaname was indeed the perpetrator. It was, after all, her handwriting.
Should he be using the term ‘perpetrator?’
“It is not a problem.”
Sgt, Major Mao may well be correct in her analysis. But, a good operative thinks things through on his own, covering all possibilities. If Kaname did indeed intend to lure him to a Love Hotel, what was her purpose. The likely reason was difficult to fully comprehend at the moment, so he focused on less plausible scenarios.
Should he be using the term ‘lured?’
“Also not a problem.”
Just the last week…. after he had accidentally destroyed Kaname’s meticulous botany project, thinking it was a fertilizer-based explosive device… she had sworn vengeance. Could this be an elaborate set-up… a means to take incriminating photographs or embarrassing videos? Doubtful. Likelihood 1.5 percent.
She had also said that they needed to boost their study sessions. Important exams were approaching. A good meal…with highly nutritious food… could provide good strength for industrious students. A quiet hotel room at an out of the way establishment could provide a much better study environment that either of their apartments. Hmmm. Probability estimated at 15 percent. The cost:benefit considerations were decidedly unfavorable.
Three weeks ago, while hiding in a locker to avoid an irate wood shop instructor---who did not appreciate the boost in power he had engineered into the lathe using Bonta-Kun spare parts---he had overheard Ryo tell Kaname that she should throw Sousuke a surprise party if he every went a whole week without shooting anybody.
He had gone two weeks. A personal record by nearly a week. It didn’t matter that he had been ordered by Lt. Kalinin to avoid the use of weapons after he shot the famous movie star. How was he supposed to know that the man was simply playing the part of a robber for the demonstration during anti-crime week. He had missed the introductory remarks. It was more important to give First Aid to the girl who had walked into the trap he had set for the person who was stealing school trophies. How was he supposed to know she actually had been taking them away to be polished?
A surprise party in a hotel? Possible, but not probable. 20 percent chance at best. Kaname would know better than to surprise a Specialist.
Sousuke ran through a dozen more possibilities, but nothing had a rating greater than 35 percent. It would appear that Kaname did indeed want to ask him to a romantic establishment for personal reasons. He began to sweat. He face went rigid. No doubt about it. His thoughts were wandering into unknown territory again. His combat knife appeared in his hand. Absent-mindedly, he began cutting at the tree limb in a sawing fashion. From up on his precarious perch, wood chips floated down on the icy air.
He knew nothing of romance.
That was not a secret.
Melissa had given him a romance novel of Tessa’s once, telling him it might save his life some day. He had taken her at her word, much to Kurz’ entertainment later on. Page after page, he struggled to make sense of things. Even the repair manual for the instrument panel of the ARX-7 was more readily comprehensible than that book. To him, it seemed to be written in a foreign language.
He remembered some of the phrases, just the same. Might they be useful when discussing the issue with Kaname?
“What are you doing tonight…. besides me?”
Negative. He remembered Melissa’s explanation for that now. Unfortunately, she had clued it in AFTER he used the line on Captain Testarossa---Kurz had told him that it had to do with performance evaluations. He neglected to ask what type of performance.
“Baby, you must have dynamite in your pants, because your ass is the bomb.”
Negative again. He recalled what had happened to Kurz when he tried that on a nurse. To cover his embarrassment, Sgt. Weber had conned Sousuke into believing the woman did indeed have explosives strapped to her undergarments by a deadly terrorist hiding in the shadows. Rather than disrobe the woman as Kurz had expected, Sousuke turned a high power hose on her. “You are safe now,” he had proudly said. “The explosives should be too moist to ignite.” He was fortunate that the base doctor could reset his nose.
“Do you work for UPS because I swear I saw you checking out my package?”
Once again the logic escaped him. Package? Kurz told him that the line was corny and unlikely to earn a man a smile. Since anything Sgt. Weber suggested was usually wrong, it was probably a keeper. Yes. It would be good to make Kaname smile. As he should also bring her a gift, the line WOULD have some relevance. He would then ask Kaname to explain it to him afterwards.
“Why don’t you come over here, sit on my lap, and we’ll talk about the first thing that pops up.”
It was worth remembering, because it sounds warm and friendly. A girl no doubt likes to know that a man cares about what she wants to say. But, ‘sit on my lap?’ Is that degree of closeness mandatory? Just what will be required of me? Why am I feeling nervous? Certainly my lap would be able to support the weight of a well-proportioned teenage female of medium frame. “You’ll do.”
Hmmm. Short. Affirming. And to the point. He took out a pen to write that one down. No doubt Kaname would appreciate the fact that he found her acceptable.
Found her acceptable?
“Uh…”
He tried to take back that truth, wondering if it was untrustworthy, given the lack of supporting evidence. How could he make such a judgment, if he didn’t even have criteria to apply? He was struck by an epiphany. There were no criteria. There would be no manual. As Melissa had said, he needed to find his own answers.
He had never found someone acceptable before. Then again, he had never really looked. There had been no opportunity. There had been no reason. Kaname had given him both.
“Acceptable is not sufficient. Not for a specialist.” Very true. Very true indeed.
The professional in him was taking over, despite what the Sgt. Major had said. He couldn’t help himself. It was the one thing he knew well enough to take as gospel. Who says that the same type of evaluation he would use with a potential new gun could not be applied to a girl?
In a spontaneous fight, a combatant should settle for any weapon he had opportunity to get his hands on. It was common sense. Do whatever is necessary to survive! But, when one has time to make preparations, one should choose the weapon that is best suited to him, not merely one which is adequate. He should try out as many as is possible, until he is adept at recognizing generalities. Perhaps it might be wise not to explain that to Kaname. Of course, when one finds a weapon that is right for him, he need not look any further.
Sousuke’s eyes widened. Another stupendous realization. He remembered an early instructor’s comment. There are two ways to determine which weapons are truly exceptional. The one way was to study specifications, test their consistency, speak to more seasoned soldiers, read reviews, and reason things out. The right way was simply to get an intuitive feel for them. For some, they never acquired the talent. Others were naturals. Everyone else fell somewhere in between.
Sousuke realized that he was soaked with perspiration.
He also noticed that there were only ten more minutes before the start of class.
The splintering of wood and the hard fall to the ground showed him too late that he had hacked his way through the tree limb.
Wincing with pain, he picked up on his last train of thought. If he wanted to find the right girl, he would need to get a feel for her. How else would he know? It would make sense to accept Kaname’s offer. What better away to find out? For a moment, his confidence soared higher than an eagle. It was so simple!
He had a beautiful view of the ground as he began falling back to earth. Figuratively, he spun his arms around, unable to slow the descent. He pulled the cord on his parka, but he had neglected to pack a chute. He had put the cart before the horse. He had made an armor assault without infantry support.
Plucking an abandoned bird’s nest out of the crook of one arm, he realized that he first needed to answer an even more important question: did he want to find the right girl? No. Did he want to find any girl at all?
Suddenly and unexpectedly, his legs gave out on him. He sat hard on the ground, out in the open, suddenly unconcerned whether or not someone would see him sitting there.
He had radioed for assistance. .. annoyed his squad commander... received useful advice. .. and promptly ignored it. Perhaps he was too reckless, too undisciplined. Maybe he was simply too impulsive, or a slave to his better understood instincts. He watched in amazement as his hands shook. It could simply be that he was afraid.
Afraid?
A Specialist?
A veteran of countless near death experiences?
A man who had faced potential tragedy and brought the world back from the brink of disaster?
Frightened of possible feelings for a member of the opposite sex?
Scared to simply ask himself questions?
“Yes.”
It almost hurt him to admit it. He didn’t know why. It could be because it made him seem so different than other boys his age. It was difficult being different. It was exhausting and demoralizing to be so different for so long. But he could not force the issue. He had found that out numerous times in the past, for many different things.
“A coward is not a man who fears. He is a man who lets his fears rule him.” Sousuke knew the truth of that adage from the battlefield. He also realized the corollary: ‘A hero is a man who carries on despite his fears.’
Indeed. He could only do his best. It was unrealistic to expect more. Another instructor’s advice came to mind. The skill of a true fighter will not necessarily be reflected in the situations he puts himself in. It will be clear from the way he handles those situations. The heart of the warrior will not be judged best when he rushes into a battle easily won. It will show its true meddle when he walks into a situation he stands little chance of winning. A positive attitude, unconditional bravery, and perseverance can serve as catalysts, making good things happen where intellectuals are certain nothing good can come.
“It is not a problem. I can do this for Kaname. I should do this for me.”
As he limped off towards the rear door of the school, he began asking himself the types of questions that Melissa had suggested. The answers were not easy in coming. He was a maestro when it came to suppression, repression, and denial as well. But with each step he took, he became more adept at sensing the truth. With each discovery, he felt the need to find more truths. He had to fight the urge to analyze and completely verify each point.
He was oblivious to everything around him. The major thoroughfare in the school did not register on his senses the way it usually did. It almost seemed two-dimensional, constricted, populated by stick figures instead of people. He walked on slowly, giving himself as much time for reflection as he could.
“Mr. Sagara. Why all the nerve! You are tracking leaves into the school. What are you going to do about it?”
Without conscious thought, Sousuke walked over to one of the janitor’s cubby holes…. took out a broom…. walked over to the Vice Principal…. handed him the broom….and continued on his way.
One hallway over, he was confronted by Tsubaki Issei.
“Sagara. I can wait no longer. The time for our final confrontation will come. There must be a victor.” Without his glasses, the other boy began chanting, gathering up tremendous amount of chi.
Sousuke simply handed him a number of twigs and leaves and continued on his way, deep in thought. He never heard the karate enthusiast’s enraged sputtering.
Following a large number of walking students, the young sergeant shuffled down the last corridor. Shinji waved to him excitedly. He called out in an overly loud voice.
“Sousuke. Hey Sousuke. I just got the newest bound volume of Jane’s ‘All The World’s Arm Slaves.’ You should see the photos. They have a Czech CS-10... a Chinese Xi-2000... A Brazilian Yaguar… an Israeli Gibbor… even shots of a mysterious machine with some kind of glowing force shield… EVERYTHING…”
Sousuke didn’t even acknowledge his friend. His focus was on his desk and his chair. He took the card out of his coat pocket and brushed off a few clinging fragments of tree bark. Each subsequent stride was measured with metronomic precision. There were no extraneous thoughts or movements. His mind briefly flashed back to a previous mission.
He had stolen a Hind Mi-35 helicopter, needing to get a data disc to the designated authorities in a certain amount of time. He had been perilously low on fuel. The weather was terrible and the sea was incredibly choppy. The heaving deck of the cruising aircraft carrier was difficult to see in the heavy downpour. He had sighted his target… said a prayer… tightened his focus… and made the necessary choices.
Obviously, he had walked away from that mission. If fate smiled on him, he would be successful here as well. Saying a prayer, he adjusted his speed, took the best possible path, and sat down squarely on his chair.
Kaname looked up at him as if awakening suddenly from a deep sleep. She knocked her book upon the floor with an unexpected spasm. Her eyes widened. She held her breath
“I have your card, Kaname.”
For some reason, she looked all around herself. Glaring at Sousuke, she began waving her hands, trying to send him some signal. What was so important? She put a finger to her mouth and made a “Shhhhhhh” sound.
“Miss Chidori. Mr. Sagara. Is there something you’d like to share with the class?” The teacher spoke with a deep baritone voice. Kaname flinched. Her eyes pleaded with him. What was she trying to tell him?
“Yes.” Sousuke said.
Kaname fell out of her chair.
******************
******************
******************
Kaname saw the card in Sousuke’s hand.
At that moment, to her mind, he could just as well have had his finger on the trigger of a gun aimed straight at her heart.
She didn’t have time to feel relieved that the errant invitation had turned up.
This was not the place and the time for Sousuke to say anything about the note, not with a class full of rambunctious teenagers listening in.
She knew Sousuke.
There had been plenty of opportunities to learn just what he was capable of.
Kaname’s Shoulder Angel popped into view to the sound of harp music, a cloud of imaginary white smoke ruffling its glittering sequined robe. “Don’t you think that he might realize the importance of the offer? Wouldn’t it be reasonable to expect him to show some discretion under these unique circumstances?”
A puff of hot black smoke heralded the arrival of the Shoulder Devil. A tight-fitting body suit might as well have been painted on. The pint-sized member of Kaname’s conscience just spun her tail like a baton, trying to keep a straight face. It was too difficult a task. Breaking out into laughter, she fell backwards and plummeted to the floor.
“This ought to be REAL good….” a small voice said from far below.
Kaname broke a nail by squeezing the edge of her desk too hard.
“I have your card, Kaname.”
No! He had already done enough. He had said ‘your,’ ‘card,’ and ‘Kaname.’ If anyone had been paying attention….
Her eyes zeroed in on Sousuke’s face. His jaw was set. His eyes were intense. His mouth was opening.
“Have faith, Kaname….” The Shoulder Angel ran her hands across the strings of her harp.
“Better move fast or you can kiss it all good bye….” the Shoulder Devil appeared behind its unsuspecting counterpart. A quick shove sent the other imaginary construct flying towards the tiles.
Gulping, Kaname began waving her arms about, trying to get Sousuke’s attention. There was no time for a better plan. Too late, she realized that the only thing she had accomplished was to get everyone else in the class to look her way. Great!
There was one universal signal that was bound to work. “Shhhhhhhhhh!!!!”
Sousuke closed his mouth.
The Shoulder Devil folded her arms across her chest and said “Hmmmpppfff!”
Kaname began to smile. That had been close. Much to close.
“Miss Chidori. Mr. Sagara. Is there something you’d like to share with the class?” The teacher’s voice caused the entire class to go dead silent. The girls in the class all sat forward in their chairs. The guys looked at each other and grinned.
No one knew what was coming. They didn’t have to. It was bound to be good.
Kaname flinched.
The Shoulder Angel---looking somewhat disheveled--- turned an accusatory glare on the Shoulder Devil.
The horned figure just shrugged and disappeared.
Kaname pleaded with her eyes, hoping that Sousuke would get the point just this once.
“Yes.” Sousukes affirmation carried with it the sound of a tomb door clanging shut.
Immediately thereafter, Kaname found herself on the floor.
“Serves you right!” The Shoulder Angel faded away.
Kaname felt her heart fall like a lead weight.
“Pssst…. the big idiot was looking at YOU when he answered… not the teacher…” The Shoulder Devil had opened a window out of nothingness, spoken, and winked.
Sousuke stood up and offered Kaname a hand, helping her to her feet. His hand was firm and strong. Did it stay on hers for just a moment longer than it had too? Was their an ever so subtle caress there at the end?
Kaname’s eyes went big. Her lips parted slightly. She held her breath. For that brief moment, she didn’t care who was watching.
That ‘Yes’ might have been the answer to her invitation!
She realized that she did not want to rescind her request.
“Well?” The teacher was tapping a long wooden pointer against his leg, looking a little annoyed.
Mouth fully open now, Kaname began to say ‘No.’
“Yes, Teacher. I apologize. I have something to announce.” Sousuke’s voice was no different than usual.
“I’d hit him with the halisen,” the Shoulder Devil said. “He almost sounds cheerful, the jerk. ‘Something to announce,’ he says.”
The Shoulder Angel stayed away.
“Mr. Sagara?” The teacher rested the pointer on one shoulder. The student tasked with keeping the class’ ‘Sagara Journal’ quickly grabbed a piece of paper and a pencil.
Sousuke’s words all seemed to come in fragments rather than cohesive sentences, or that‘s how it seemed to kaname. Parts of her mind were already nailing boards across windows, preparing for the storm to come.
“Halisen….” The Shoulder devil whistled a happy tune.
“This………. morning………. I………. received……….” Sousuke’s voice sounded like a 78rpm record played at 33rpm.
It felt as if Kaname’s stomach suddenly vanished, allowing gastric acid to fall deep down within her belly.
“Hit him….” The Shoulder Devil sat back doing her dagger like nails.
“….a..……. pleasant………. invitation………. from….”
Kaname’s limbs all went limp. It was just what she had feared would happen. He chest began to tighten up.
“Hard….” The Shoulder Devil practiced a couple of golf swings.
“….a………. tireless………. young………. lady………. who………. wanted………. me………. to….”
Anger began to flare up within the blue-haired girl.
“NOW!!!” The impish red caricature gave Kaname a thumbs up sign. The end of that finger was on fire.
Kaname’s arm began to move in an overhead arc.
“….choose her company’s products for use by the class in next week’s….OOOPPFFF!!!”
The paper fan hit Sousuke square across the back of the head. His face bounced hard off of his desk top.
“Bingo!!!” The Shoulder Devil shouted, now wearing a party hat.
“I can’t believe you would tell everybody! I trusted you. Give me the card BACK!!!” Tears threatened to well up in Kaname’s eyes. Only too late did the actual words that Sousuke said filter into her turbulent thoughts.
‘This morning I received a pleasant invitation from a tireless young lady who wanted me to choose her company’s products for use by the class in next week’s….’
“….Civil Defense demonstration.” Sousuke’s words slurred around swollen lips. “As Deputy Vice President in charge of Security, I judged her company’s items to be adequate for our use.”
“Miss Chidori!!!” Under normal circumstances, the teacher’s voice would have echoed across the room. But, at that moment, too many people were already talking. It seemed that everyone had something to whisper, shout, or laugh.
“Dude, a CARD!!!”
“Chidori gave Sagara a card.”
But, she wants it back.”
“She…. gave…. him…. a…. card….”
“You know what THAT means.”
“Chidori? And Sousuke? Whooooo….”
“It might be something else….”
“No way! Not with Christmas Eve coming up.”
“Baby, baby, baby. Lucky guy.”
“Poor girl!”
“No. Poor guy!”
Wolf whistles filled the classroom.
“She gave HIM a card? Sagara?” That voice was easily recognizable. “Damn you Sagara. You will pay NOW!!!” Tsubaki Issei stood up, tied a sash around his head, and broke a leg off of his desk.
Head still down on his desk, Sousuke raised his Glock and fired. Rubber bullets knocked the irate karate Club leader back against the wall. He slid slowly to the floor.
“Mr. Sagara!!!” The teacher fought valiantly to regain control of his class. To no avail.
If anything, the commotion became louder and louder.
Kaname sat at her desk, looking at her halisen, mouth still open. Why? Why did it always happen to her? Things were supposed to be special. Now they were broken beyond repair.
The Shoulder Angel led the Shoulder Devil away in handcuffs. Stepping out of character for a moment, she materialized a police baton out of nowhere and began beating her adversary.
Face tight and eyes blank, Kaname stood up so abruptly, that she knocked both her chair and her desk over.
The room feel deathly still. Everyone stopped in mid-syllable.
The distraught girl focused her anger, disappointment, and sorrow on an all to easy target. A familiar target. “Sousuke,….. I hate you….” Beginning to cry, she ran out of the class room.
The young soldier looked down at the card. He did not understand. What had he done this time? Why did he suddenly feel like he did when he saw a comrade’s name on the M.I.A. list after a battle?
“Well, Mr. Sagara. What do you have to say for yourself?” The teacher obviously needed to point the finger at someone.
“Sir?”
“I take it you have a card from Miss Chidori, the one which prompted all this nonsense?” The teacher looked somewhat cross.
“Affirmative.”
The class began their discussions again, this time in whispers.
The teacher slammed a book down on his desk, silencing everyone.
“Bring it to me. We do NOT need that kind of thing during class!” The teacher held his hand out.
Sousuke had no doubt that the teacher intended to read the card out loud, just as he did any note he confiscated.
“No. I will not.” Sousuke placed the card inside of his shirt.
The girls in the class began whispering again. Kyouko took a number of pictures.
“Excuse me? I must have heard you incorrectly? Did you refuse me?” The teacher’s face clouded over.
“You hearing is functioning correctly. You request has been denied.”
This time the boys began whispered conversations. One gave Sousuke a ‘V for Victory’ sign.
“It was not a request, Mr. Sagara. It was an order. The card… to me…. immediately.”
“No.”
The teacher stood stunned. The students all looked at Sousuke.
“If you do not give me the card, you will be staying after school for detention, young man!” The teacher took out a Demerit slip.
“It is not a problem.”
Sousuke leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.
me still wonders if dd was hinting at a bit of lemon in this fic...