[FIC] Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? (pt 5)
Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 2:18 am
The limousine pulled up in front of Kaname’s father’s house. The trunk opened automatically. Doors opened soon thereafter. Sousuke stepped out of the seat next to the driver. It had been a hard fought compromise. Shunya had considered leaving him at the airport or stuffing him next to the spare tire. Kaname suggested he ride up front.
Sousuke had no idea what the Chiori family had talked about on the way over, but it didn’t take much imagination to guess. Partitioned away from them, he had to listen to the driver’s lurid tales of some of the diplomats he drove around. Shutting out the endless claims of who did what to whom, the young Mithril operative took stock of his current endeavor. He was failing badly.
But why? Was he really fit for civilized company? What could he do to prevent any further errors?
He refused to be something he was not. He had spent too many years being nothing when he was really something. He owed it to himself to be honest. He was learning to accept who he was. If other people could not do the same, it would be their fault, not his.
Kaname hurried to Sousuke’s side, worried about him. The conversation with her father had not gone well. Mainly, because there had been no conversation. Shunya refused to utter a single word after he fastened his seatbelt.
The blue-haired girl had been serenaded by Mr. Smith’s sonorous snoring all the way home.
Before she could speak, her father stepped up to Sousuke and held out his hand. His face was hard. His eyes were cold.
“Young man, your weapon please.”
“Sir?” Sousuke was worried that something like this would happen, even before he had left Tokyo. After the incident with Mr. Smith, he wondered what tact Kaname’s father might take.
“With few exceptions, I do not choose to allow weapons within my home. Mr. Smith is hired to provide a service. A young woman from Mithril did not show the violent tendencies you have. I am hesitant to even invite you in without any weapons. That gun will go into a locked strong box. I will return it when you leave.”
Shunya had been convinced by Oichi and Kaname to give Sousuke a chance. As far as he was concerned, he had done that. Regardless of the circumstances, the incident in the parking garage was a red flag.
During the elsder Chidori's years in the military, the services were limited in their actions by Japanese law. Nevertheless, men were trained in deadly force, while being shaped and molded by strict and necessary discipline. Some men never learned their place. They became a danger to others. None should ever have been entrusted with even a single human life.
Sousuke Sagara seemed to fit that mold.
“But Father, Stacy pulled a gun on Mr. Smith. True, she didn’t attack him, but she had not been surprised by him in a threatening fashion.” Kaname tried to make an excuse for Sousuke.
Shunya ignored Kaname entirely.
“Yes. The boy is like a wild dog in a cage. He could rip out all of our throats without warning, if we open the door.” Mr. Smith couldn’t be happier if he never had to lay eyes on Sousuke again. No doubt Shunya would be grateful for a bit of his insight.
Kaname growled deep in her throat. She was NOT in the mood to deal with Mr. Smith. He was a nice enough man when he was focused on his job. But, he was a terror when he started running off at the mouth.
“I am sorry. I will not relinquish my weapons. It is not meant as disrespect to you, Sir. This is your home. Your word is sacred here." Sousuke bowed after he spoke. Looking directly into the older man's eyes, he continued.
"However, to me, Kaname’s safety trumps that. I was hoping the two things could coexist. If not, I will find some other place to stay.” He looked over at Mr. Smith and wrinkled his nose. He thought about saying something, but held his tongue. He shook his head.
Shunya followed Sousukes gaze. He had no difficulty interpreting his look. Again, despite the situation, he had to admit to some grudging admiration for the boy. He was capable of some discretion. He also took Kaname’s safety very seriously.
The question still remained. Was Sousuke Sagara more of a threat to his daughter than he was a deterrent to more nebulous dangers?
The reports he had been given by the Jindai High School Principal and Miss Kagurazaka were frightening. He had initially thought that they had been exaggerating. Now, he was not so sure.
“Young man, arrogance is not an attractive trait. I have lived a good many more years than you, and I have spent a number of years in the military. You are not the only person capable of protecting Kaname. You are not the one who knows what is best for her. You are certainly not the only one who cares for her.” Shunya felt he was being generous, allowing Sousuke the opportunity to change his mind without losing face.
Sousuke debated his next course of action.
A number of months ago, he simply would have stated his piece, then remained silent. He would have let the chips fall where they may, making the most of the situation. Now, he had two options. Lay low or speak up. For his own sake, he might stick with the former. But, not for Kaname’s sake.
“Sir, I agree. An arrogant soldier is often a dead one. More often than not, he brings down some of his comrades with him. I am not dead, Sir." he paused to let that obvious fact make his point.
Shunya was not moved. he opened his mouth to reply, but Sousuke spoke first.
"I also know that I am lacking in many kinds of experience. I cannot help my age. However, while I am not the only person who could protect your daughter, I am the one best suited for the task. That is not conceit. It is fact.” Sousuke was not about to back down. He had a lot to learn, true. But, he knew more than most people were willing to give him credit for. He was good at what he did.
“You are the one best suited?” Shunya’s voice went up a couple of octaves. His eyes flashed. He was not about to be spoken to in this fashion on his own doorstep, especially not where it concerned his family. “If THAT is not arrogance, I don’t know what is.”
Sousuke’s rage surfaced, but he held it down. He decided to tap into his anger. He was not a fan of melodramatic actions. But, if something were to serve his purpose, he would make use of it.
“Miss Ayame, could you please look away?” Sousuke should have known better. Saying something like that two a thirteen year old girl meant that the last thing she would do is look away. “Kaname, you too.”
“Sousuke…what….” Kaname looked confused.
“Please, Kaname.” Sousuke’s eyes softened a bit. Kaname wouldn’t refuse him then.
Kaname turned away and put her hands over Ayame’s eyes, despite her cries of disappointment.
Sousuke pulled his shirt out of his pants. Bowing his head a second, he took it off entirely.
“This is where a piece of RK-92 wreckage pierced me in Khanka. Alone, I managed to save Kaname. Few could have done that, wounded or not.” Sousuke hated the sound of his words. He was not bragging. He hoped that it did not seem that way.
“That does not---” Shunya’s disclaimer was cut short.
“The scar here came from missile shrapnel. Kaname had been captured by a terrorist group because of her temper and poor judgment. Nevertheless, I managed to survive and rescue her from the clutches of A21. It was not just good fortune.” Sousuke neglected to say that Kaname had originally been in danger because she came to visit him. He also felt it would weaken his argument if he reported how her Whispered talents had proven crucial against both terrorist groups.
“I fail to see how---” Again, Kaname’s father was again unable to make his point.
“Here… here… here… and here….” Sousuke pointed to a number of areas on his arms and upper torso. “Those parts of my body were injected with experimental medications. You will never know just what I went though as a result of that." Sousuke closed his eyes and clenched his teeth. He tried hard not to remember the things he had gone through.
Kaname's father looked thoughtful for a moment. He knew all too well what danger the world had faced in Korea. He had brought Kaname to the States because of the threat.
He also realized that Sousuke had somehow prevented a catastrophe of unbelievable proportion. But, the mention of experimental medicines did not make him feel sympathetic. It was one more thing to worry him.
"I did it for Kaname, Sir." Sousuke looked over at his girlfriend. "I did it for all of Japan, and more. I succeeded. Ask my superiors who else could have done it. I will make the call for you, if you wish.” Sousuke hoped that Shunya hadn’t heard any word of the improper ways he had acted under the influence of that drastic treatment regimen.
“Yes, but---”
“Sousuke,” Kaname whispered. She wished she could get her father to see what she saw. But, she could also remember how she first reacted to a scruffy haired otaku who turned the entire school upside down.
Mr. Smith looked embarrassed. There was more to the boy than he had assumed.
Ayame sighed. Sousuke was a flesh and blood hero. She tried to sneak a peak, but was held firmly in place by her sister.
“This mark is due to a shallow gash I took from a fence while protecting your daughter’s honor. A fellow soldier and two of my classmates would have succeeded in peeping on her and a number of other girls if it was not for my actions. I never looked myself, even though….” Sousuke coughed. “They had video cameras ready too. Who knows just how many people could have seen them…. completely naked.”
Sousuke was having a hard time controlling his anger. He had done so much for Kaname, never asking for any kind of reward or recognition. Instead, he stood here being treated like he was a criminal or some dangerous sociopath.
Kaname turned to look at Sousuke. He had never told her about the Kurz and the others at the Onken. Big idiot! Blushing, she looked away. Sousuke had begun to undo his belt.
“That is commendable, yet---” Shunya was growing increasingly angry too. He was not used to being interrupted, especially not by a minor.
Sousuke’s pants fell to the ground at his feet. The sound of screeching brakes soon followed. One woman almost rear-ended the car in front of her. A woman walking her dog bounced hard off of a telephone pole.
“Do not think that I am an exhibitionist. I am very much embarrassed now.” Sousuke tried to maintain eye contact with Shunya. He cursed himself mentally, knowing that he was turning red in the face.
“Some of the scars I have on both legs have come from various battles against evil men, psychopaths of the type I hope you have never met... or will never meet in the future." The way Sousuke said it suggested that it was a distinct possibility, no matter how slim. "My apologies to Mr. Smith, but he and men like him would not have stood a snowball’s chance in Hell.”
Sousuke pulled his pants back up and put on his shirt.
“I take it you are familiar with the saying ‘send a thief to catch a thief?’ There are similar truisms in other cultures.” Shunya spoke quietly, trying to read Sousuke’s face, if not his soul.
Sousuke nodded.
“I have heard stories about you, Mr. Sagara. Stories from those who teach you and those who run your school. I am NOT one who normally rushes to judgment. I cannot afford to make any mistakes where my daughter’s life is concerned. From what I hear, you may well be cut from the same cloth as those men you fought.”
Sousuke jerked, as if he had been hit with a large jolt of electricity.
“Father!” Kaname practically shouted, not believing what she had just heard. She composed herself as best she could. “Do you really doubt my judgment so much that---” She stopped when her father raised his hand, palm in her direction.
“Frightful scars and unproven stories will not close my eyes. Don’t think that they will. I have not gotten where I have today without being a good judge of character. You frighten me. The fact that some organization places weapons in your hands scares me even more." Shunya paused, wanting that point to sink in.
"But Father, I'm not frightened of Sousuke. I---" Kaname's following words were drowned out by her father's louder and deeper voice.
"Exploding lockers. Destructive bacteria. Capturing women in cages. Associating with known gangsters. Grenades in the classroom.” Shunya wiped his hand across his forehead. “Grenades….. in….. the….. classroom…..”
Shunya turned to face his daughter. “I’ve been more than patient, Kaname. I do not think that it is wise for you to see this young man any longer. He does not belong around you. I might even question whether he has any role in civilized society.” Kaname’s father did not say those words lightly.
He was not ignorant of the debt he owed Sousuke for his success in keeping Kaname alive. The past was the past. He was concerned about the present and the future.
“You sound like you don’t think he is worthy of me, Father.” Kaname’s voice was flat, but her eyes were filled with pain. “You couldn’t be more wrong.”
Ayame stared into her sister's face. Kaname sounded so grown up.
“I don’t think so, Kaname. How often am I wrong in that way? I think you could do better. Much better.” Shunya was opinionated, not conceited. He had grown used to the fact that his opinions were usually dead on target.
Sousuke had heard more than enough. He might well regret his came next, but what did he have to lose as it now stood? He hoped that Kaname would understand.
“Excuse me, Mr. Chidori, but I hardly think you are the person to judge me in that fashion. Where were you when your daughter sat inside of a glass enclosure, the subject of medical experiments? Here. Safe. In America. Where were all of those better men?"
Sousuke's pride was stung. It took a lot to do that. He was still not a very prideful person.
He looked down at his wrist and touched the watch that Kaname had given him. The two of them had put a lot of effort towards making this visit as pleasant as possible. That was water under the bridge.
"When your daughter was kidnapped by gangsters in Japan, where were you? Here, in this country. I do not think less of you for that... it was your duty. I have risked my life for her... because it was my duty. I would gladly trade my life for hers because of what she means to me. I do not fight because I enjoy it.”
“None of that---”
“I may make mistakes. I think I have that right, no matter how much responsibility I am forced to carry. I’m not even eighteen yet. What choices were you faced with at my age?"
"This is NOT about me. This---"
Kaname looked torn. This was the last thing on earth she could want. She thought back to things that Shunya had told Oichi about his youth. He hadn't been perfect. far from it. He had made his share of mistakes, but grew up to be a wonderful husband and father. Why couldn't he at least give Sousuke a chance?
"You don’t see me for who I am, or for the changes I have fought hard to make. The only thing that matters to you are the stories you hear second or third hand. I love your daughter. If walking away from her was in her best interest, I would walk away.” Sousuke’s voice continued to rise in volume. Kaname had never seen him filled with righteous wrath before.
He looked over at her as he finisished. “No matter how much it would hurt me.”
The young soldier tried unsuccessfully to smile when Kaname saluted him, a worried look on her face. He let out a long breath. Despite his changes, speeches like these were new to him. He was running out of steam.
It felt like a dam had broken. So many things had built up over the years. Finally, they had begun to spill over, and then the structure collapsed. Sousuke did not necessarily feel good or better, but he did feel different, almost relaxed.
“Sir, I have been a soldier from long before I could shave. I have done what I have had to do. I make it a point to only do what I think is right. I see no justice in being unfairly judged by a man who talks for a living.”
Shunya went stiff, as if he had been hit in the back of the head by a ten pound sledge.
Kaname gasped.
Ayame stared.
Mr. Smith whistled long and low. “I’ll give him that…the boy has balls.”
Ayame looked up at Mr. Smith, a disapproving look on her face.
Shunya spared a scowl for Mr. Smith before glaring at Sousuke again.
“I apologize for my insolence, Sir. It’s certainly a shock when someone shows you little or no respect, isn’t it? You have to deal with it now, maybe for a minute or two more. I have had to live with it my entire life. Few people have looked close enough to see who I am.”
Sousuke looked over at Kaname.
He didn’t know why, but tears came to his eyes. “I could understand things if I were a criminal. But why should this happen when I repeatedly risk my life for the good of people who never even know they owe me their thanks?”
Kaname’s father found it hard to meet Sousuke’s gaze. He opened his mouth to speak, but couldn't find the words to say.
“Sousuke….” Kaname began to walk quickly towards him. It was his turn to raise his hand.
“Do not think that I cannot understand your position, Mr. Chidori. Kaname really is a wonderful girl. She tried hard to tell me all about you, including all that you did for her mother, herself, and her sister. I cannot say for certain what I would do in your place.” Sousuke looked slowly at Shunya… then Mr. Smith… then Ayame… and finally Kaname. He shook his head sadly.
“Faith. Trust. Perhaps I am not worthy of those…. but, Kaname is.”
Sousuke walked over to his bags. He shouldered both with a grunt.
“Kaname, reach into my left front pocket. Take the communicator you find there. If you need me, call. I will arrive as soon as I can.”
“But, Sousuke….” Kaname grabbed hold of his arm. “Please….”
“I am very confused right now, Kaname. I am ashamed to admit that. I do not know what to do. I think I have said more than enough.” Sousuke shivered when Kaname wrapped her arms around him.
“Sousuke, I…” Kaname stopped when Sousuke shook his head.
“I do not wish to make any mistakes with your life, Kaname. I meant what I said earlier. I love you… as much as someone like me is capable of love.” He sighed. “I trust your judgment. I have faith in you. Take some time to think. Whatever you decide is really best for you, I will agree to.”
“Okay.” Kaname stepped back, respecting Sousuke’s wishes. There was so much that she wanted to say. But, it would have to wait. Normally, she might have tried to stop him, but something inside of her told her to stay quiet. She needed to trust him in this. She had some thinking to do.
Sousuke walked slowly down the sidewalk, not knowing where he was going.
Sousuke had no idea what the Chiori family had talked about on the way over, but it didn’t take much imagination to guess. Partitioned away from them, he had to listen to the driver’s lurid tales of some of the diplomats he drove around. Shutting out the endless claims of who did what to whom, the young Mithril operative took stock of his current endeavor. He was failing badly.
But why? Was he really fit for civilized company? What could he do to prevent any further errors?
He refused to be something he was not. He had spent too many years being nothing when he was really something. He owed it to himself to be honest. He was learning to accept who he was. If other people could not do the same, it would be their fault, not his.
Kaname hurried to Sousuke’s side, worried about him. The conversation with her father had not gone well. Mainly, because there had been no conversation. Shunya refused to utter a single word after he fastened his seatbelt.
The blue-haired girl had been serenaded by Mr. Smith’s sonorous snoring all the way home.
Before she could speak, her father stepped up to Sousuke and held out his hand. His face was hard. His eyes were cold.
“Young man, your weapon please.”
“Sir?” Sousuke was worried that something like this would happen, even before he had left Tokyo. After the incident with Mr. Smith, he wondered what tact Kaname’s father might take.
“With few exceptions, I do not choose to allow weapons within my home. Mr. Smith is hired to provide a service. A young woman from Mithril did not show the violent tendencies you have. I am hesitant to even invite you in without any weapons. That gun will go into a locked strong box. I will return it when you leave.”
Shunya had been convinced by Oichi and Kaname to give Sousuke a chance. As far as he was concerned, he had done that. Regardless of the circumstances, the incident in the parking garage was a red flag.
During the elsder Chidori's years in the military, the services were limited in their actions by Japanese law. Nevertheless, men were trained in deadly force, while being shaped and molded by strict and necessary discipline. Some men never learned their place. They became a danger to others. None should ever have been entrusted with even a single human life.
Sousuke Sagara seemed to fit that mold.
“But Father, Stacy pulled a gun on Mr. Smith. True, she didn’t attack him, but she had not been surprised by him in a threatening fashion.” Kaname tried to make an excuse for Sousuke.
Shunya ignored Kaname entirely.
“Yes. The boy is like a wild dog in a cage. He could rip out all of our throats without warning, if we open the door.” Mr. Smith couldn’t be happier if he never had to lay eyes on Sousuke again. No doubt Shunya would be grateful for a bit of his insight.
Kaname growled deep in her throat. She was NOT in the mood to deal with Mr. Smith. He was a nice enough man when he was focused on his job. But, he was a terror when he started running off at the mouth.
“I am sorry. I will not relinquish my weapons. It is not meant as disrespect to you, Sir. This is your home. Your word is sacred here." Sousuke bowed after he spoke. Looking directly into the older man's eyes, he continued.
"However, to me, Kaname’s safety trumps that. I was hoping the two things could coexist. If not, I will find some other place to stay.” He looked over at Mr. Smith and wrinkled his nose. He thought about saying something, but held his tongue. He shook his head.
Shunya followed Sousukes gaze. He had no difficulty interpreting his look. Again, despite the situation, he had to admit to some grudging admiration for the boy. He was capable of some discretion. He also took Kaname’s safety very seriously.
The question still remained. Was Sousuke Sagara more of a threat to his daughter than he was a deterrent to more nebulous dangers?
The reports he had been given by the Jindai High School Principal and Miss Kagurazaka were frightening. He had initially thought that they had been exaggerating. Now, he was not so sure.
“Young man, arrogance is not an attractive trait. I have lived a good many more years than you, and I have spent a number of years in the military. You are not the only person capable of protecting Kaname. You are not the one who knows what is best for her. You are certainly not the only one who cares for her.” Shunya felt he was being generous, allowing Sousuke the opportunity to change his mind without losing face.
Sousuke debated his next course of action.
A number of months ago, he simply would have stated his piece, then remained silent. He would have let the chips fall where they may, making the most of the situation. Now, he had two options. Lay low or speak up. For his own sake, he might stick with the former. But, not for Kaname’s sake.
“Sir, I agree. An arrogant soldier is often a dead one. More often than not, he brings down some of his comrades with him. I am not dead, Sir." he paused to let that obvious fact make his point.
Shunya was not moved. he opened his mouth to reply, but Sousuke spoke first.
"I also know that I am lacking in many kinds of experience. I cannot help my age. However, while I am not the only person who could protect your daughter, I am the one best suited for the task. That is not conceit. It is fact.” Sousuke was not about to back down. He had a lot to learn, true. But, he knew more than most people were willing to give him credit for. He was good at what he did.
“You are the one best suited?” Shunya’s voice went up a couple of octaves. His eyes flashed. He was not about to be spoken to in this fashion on his own doorstep, especially not where it concerned his family. “If THAT is not arrogance, I don’t know what is.”
Sousuke’s rage surfaced, but he held it down. He decided to tap into his anger. He was not a fan of melodramatic actions. But, if something were to serve his purpose, he would make use of it.
“Miss Ayame, could you please look away?” Sousuke should have known better. Saying something like that two a thirteen year old girl meant that the last thing she would do is look away. “Kaname, you too.”
“Sousuke…what….” Kaname looked confused.
“Please, Kaname.” Sousuke’s eyes softened a bit. Kaname wouldn’t refuse him then.
Kaname turned away and put her hands over Ayame’s eyes, despite her cries of disappointment.
Sousuke pulled his shirt out of his pants. Bowing his head a second, he took it off entirely.
“This is where a piece of RK-92 wreckage pierced me in Khanka. Alone, I managed to save Kaname. Few could have done that, wounded or not.” Sousuke hated the sound of his words. He was not bragging. He hoped that it did not seem that way.
“That does not---” Shunya’s disclaimer was cut short.
“The scar here came from missile shrapnel. Kaname had been captured by a terrorist group because of her temper and poor judgment. Nevertheless, I managed to survive and rescue her from the clutches of A21. It was not just good fortune.” Sousuke neglected to say that Kaname had originally been in danger because she came to visit him. He also felt it would weaken his argument if he reported how her Whispered talents had proven crucial against both terrorist groups.
“I fail to see how---” Again, Kaname’s father was again unable to make his point.
“Here… here… here… and here….” Sousuke pointed to a number of areas on his arms and upper torso. “Those parts of my body were injected with experimental medications. You will never know just what I went though as a result of that." Sousuke closed his eyes and clenched his teeth. He tried hard not to remember the things he had gone through.
Kaname's father looked thoughtful for a moment. He knew all too well what danger the world had faced in Korea. He had brought Kaname to the States because of the threat.
He also realized that Sousuke had somehow prevented a catastrophe of unbelievable proportion. But, the mention of experimental medicines did not make him feel sympathetic. It was one more thing to worry him.
"I did it for Kaname, Sir." Sousuke looked over at his girlfriend. "I did it for all of Japan, and more. I succeeded. Ask my superiors who else could have done it. I will make the call for you, if you wish.” Sousuke hoped that Shunya hadn’t heard any word of the improper ways he had acted under the influence of that drastic treatment regimen.
“Yes, but---”
“Sousuke,” Kaname whispered. She wished she could get her father to see what she saw. But, she could also remember how she first reacted to a scruffy haired otaku who turned the entire school upside down.
Mr. Smith looked embarrassed. There was more to the boy than he had assumed.
Ayame sighed. Sousuke was a flesh and blood hero. She tried to sneak a peak, but was held firmly in place by her sister.
“This mark is due to a shallow gash I took from a fence while protecting your daughter’s honor. A fellow soldier and two of my classmates would have succeeded in peeping on her and a number of other girls if it was not for my actions. I never looked myself, even though….” Sousuke coughed. “They had video cameras ready too. Who knows just how many people could have seen them…. completely naked.”
Sousuke was having a hard time controlling his anger. He had done so much for Kaname, never asking for any kind of reward or recognition. Instead, he stood here being treated like he was a criminal or some dangerous sociopath.
Kaname turned to look at Sousuke. He had never told her about the Kurz and the others at the Onken. Big idiot! Blushing, she looked away. Sousuke had begun to undo his belt.
“That is commendable, yet---” Shunya was growing increasingly angry too. He was not used to being interrupted, especially not by a minor.
Sousuke’s pants fell to the ground at his feet. The sound of screeching brakes soon followed. One woman almost rear-ended the car in front of her. A woman walking her dog bounced hard off of a telephone pole.
“Do not think that I am an exhibitionist. I am very much embarrassed now.” Sousuke tried to maintain eye contact with Shunya. He cursed himself mentally, knowing that he was turning red in the face.
“Some of the scars I have on both legs have come from various battles against evil men, psychopaths of the type I hope you have never met... or will never meet in the future." The way Sousuke said it suggested that it was a distinct possibility, no matter how slim. "My apologies to Mr. Smith, but he and men like him would not have stood a snowball’s chance in Hell.”
Sousuke pulled his pants back up and put on his shirt.
“I take it you are familiar with the saying ‘send a thief to catch a thief?’ There are similar truisms in other cultures.” Shunya spoke quietly, trying to read Sousuke’s face, if not his soul.
Sousuke nodded.
“I have heard stories about you, Mr. Sagara. Stories from those who teach you and those who run your school. I am NOT one who normally rushes to judgment. I cannot afford to make any mistakes where my daughter’s life is concerned. From what I hear, you may well be cut from the same cloth as those men you fought.”
Sousuke jerked, as if he had been hit with a large jolt of electricity.
“Father!” Kaname practically shouted, not believing what she had just heard. She composed herself as best she could. “Do you really doubt my judgment so much that---” She stopped when her father raised his hand, palm in her direction.
“Frightful scars and unproven stories will not close my eyes. Don’t think that they will. I have not gotten where I have today without being a good judge of character. You frighten me. The fact that some organization places weapons in your hands scares me even more." Shunya paused, wanting that point to sink in.
"But Father, I'm not frightened of Sousuke. I---" Kaname's following words were drowned out by her father's louder and deeper voice.
"Exploding lockers. Destructive bacteria. Capturing women in cages. Associating with known gangsters. Grenades in the classroom.” Shunya wiped his hand across his forehead. “Grenades….. in….. the….. classroom…..”
Shunya turned to face his daughter. “I’ve been more than patient, Kaname. I do not think that it is wise for you to see this young man any longer. He does not belong around you. I might even question whether he has any role in civilized society.” Kaname’s father did not say those words lightly.
He was not ignorant of the debt he owed Sousuke for his success in keeping Kaname alive. The past was the past. He was concerned about the present and the future.
“You sound like you don’t think he is worthy of me, Father.” Kaname’s voice was flat, but her eyes were filled with pain. “You couldn’t be more wrong.”
Ayame stared into her sister's face. Kaname sounded so grown up.
“I don’t think so, Kaname. How often am I wrong in that way? I think you could do better. Much better.” Shunya was opinionated, not conceited. He had grown used to the fact that his opinions were usually dead on target.
Sousuke had heard more than enough. He might well regret his came next, but what did he have to lose as it now stood? He hoped that Kaname would understand.
“Excuse me, Mr. Chidori, but I hardly think you are the person to judge me in that fashion. Where were you when your daughter sat inside of a glass enclosure, the subject of medical experiments? Here. Safe. In America. Where were all of those better men?"
Sousuke's pride was stung. It took a lot to do that. He was still not a very prideful person.
He looked down at his wrist and touched the watch that Kaname had given him. The two of them had put a lot of effort towards making this visit as pleasant as possible. That was water under the bridge.
"When your daughter was kidnapped by gangsters in Japan, where were you? Here, in this country. I do not think less of you for that... it was your duty. I have risked my life for her... because it was my duty. I would gladly trade my life for hers because of what she means to me. I do not fight because I enjoy it.”
“None of that---”
“I may make mistakes. I think I have that right, no matter how much responsibility I am forced to carry. I’m not even eighteen yet. What choices were you faced with at my age?"
"This is NOT about me. This---"
Kaname looked torn. This was the last thing on earth she could want. She thought back to things that Shunya had told Oichi about his youth. He hadn't been perfect. far from it. He had made his share of mistakes, but grew up to be a wonderful husband and father. Why couldn't he at least give Sousuke a chance?
"You don’t see me for who I am, or for the changes I have fought hard to make. The only thing that matters to you are the stories you hear second or third hand. I love your daughter. If walking away from her was in her best interest, I would walk away.” Sousuke’s voice continued to rise in volume. Kaname had never seen him filled with righteous wrath before.
He looked over at her as he finisished. “No matter how much it would hurt me.”
The young soldier tried unsuccessfully to smile when Kaname saluted him, a worried look on her face. He let out a long breath. Despite his changes, speeches like these were new to him. He was running out of steam.
It felt like a dam had broken. So many things had built up over the years. Finally, they had begun to spill over, and then the structure collapsed. Sousuke did not necessarily feel good or better, but he did feel different, almost relaxed.
“Sir, I have been a soldier from long before I could shave. I have done what I have had to do. I make it a point to only do what I think is right. I see no justice in being unfairly judged by a man who talks for a living.”
Shunya went stiff, as if he had been hit in the back of the head by a ten pound sledge.
Kaname gasped.
Ayame stared.
Mr. Smith whistled long and low. “I’ll give him that…the boy has balls.”
Ayame looked up at Mr. Smith, a disapproving look on her face.
Shunya spared a scowl for Mr. Smith before glaring at Sousuke again.
“I apologize for my insolence, Sir. It’s certainly a shock when someone shows you little or no respect, isn’t it? You have to deal with it now, maybe for a minute or two more. I have had to live with it my entire life. Few people have looked close enough to see who I am.”
Sousuke looked over at Kaname.
He didn’t know why, but tears came to his eyes. “I could understand things if I were a criminal. But why should this happen when I repeatedly risk my life for the good of people who never even know they owe me their thanks?”
Kaname’s father found it hard to meet Sousuke’s gaze. He opened his mouth to speak, but couldn't find the words to say.
“Sousuke….” Kaname began to walk quickly towards him. It was his turn to raise his hand.
“Do not think that I cannot understand your position, Mr. Chidori. Kaname really is a wonderful girl. She tried hard to tell me all about you, including all that you did for her mother, herself, and her sister. I cannot say for certain what I would do in your place.” Sousuke looked slowly at Shunya… then Mr. Smith… then Ayame… and finally Kaname. He shook his head sadly.
“Faith. Trust. Perhaps I am not worthy of those…. but, Kaname is.”
Sousuke walked over to his bags. He shouldered both with a grunt.
“Kaname, reach into my left front pocket. Take the communicator you find there. If you need me, call. I will arrive as soon as I can.”
“But, Sousuke….” Kaname grabbed hold of his arm. “Please….”
“I am very confused right now, Kaname. I am ashamed to admit that. I do not know what to do. I think I have said more than enough.” Sousuke shivered when Kaname wrapped her arms around him.
“Sousuke, I…” Kaname stopped when Sousuke shook his head.
“I do not wish to make any mistakes with your life, Kaname. I meant what I said earlier. I love you… as much as someone like me is capable of love.” He sighed. “I trust your judgment. I have faith in you. Take some time to think. Whatever you decide is really best for you, I will agree to.”
“Okay.” Kaname stepped back, respecting Sousuke’s wishes. There was so much that she wanted to say. But, it would have to wait. Normally, she might have tried to stop him, but something inside of her told her to stay quiet. She needed to trust him in this. She had some thinking to do.
Sousuke walked slowly down the sidewalk, not knowing where he was going.