[FIC] Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? (pt 7)
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 9:48 pm
Kaname sat at the front window, one leg up on the window box, a diaphanous inner curtain covering her like a wedding veil or a shroud. She could have been auditioning for the role of house cat, her gaze watching everyone and everything that walked down the sidewalk and moved towards the yard.
She had been sitting that way ever since she heard from Sousuke. Unmoving. Silent. Vigilant.
“Miss Kaname, are you certain you do not want to move it on over to the living room? I can tell you those stories that you liked on your last trip.” Mr. Smith took a pull from his imported beer.
“No thank you.”
“Well, you know, in my vast experience, I have found that sitting by a window is a good way to be seen.” The hefty bodyguard spoke with an authoritarian tone.
“I see. How embarrassing. I never realized that growing up. You may wish to go take that up with my father.” Kaname didn’t remove her gaze from the area outside the house.
“Yes. Of course. In the mean time, these may help.” Mr. Smith handed Kaname a pair of dark sunglasses. “These always served well on stake outs. If your father has a rope mop, I can make you a wig.”
“Thank you. I believe I may be allergic to rope. Did father ever serve that pie for dessert?” Kaname just wanted to be left alone.
There was no answer. Mr. Smith was gone. He had left his beer on the window box. Damn. That would mean he’d be back. No. It would be easier to open a new one.
“Hey, Kaaa-naaa-maaaay....” It was Ayame. “Want to teach me some more things about putting on make up?”
“No. Not right now. Maybe later. Why are you so eager, anyway? Got a crush on a boy at school?”
“Uh uhhhhhh...” Ayame smiled. She had her camera ready this time. “Sousuke’s coming, right?”
Kaname turned around quickly, a shocked look on her face. Did that little trouble maker have a crush on her boyfriend?!!
The flash went off, blinding Kaname momentarily.
“OK, how about we do each other’s nails. That would be fun.” Ayame had those big puppy dog eyes she got when she had a chance to pal around with her big sister.
“How about after dinner, OK squirt?” Kaname rubbed her eyes and looked back out the window.
“But we already ate!!!” Aayame was beginning to get perturbed. This should be sister time.
“I didn’t.” Kaname sighed.
“Then how about we go in the kitchen. You can have dinner, and I can have dessert. I can tell you all about school. Pleeeaaassseee...” Ayame had already gotten around to the ‘Pleeeaaassseee’ part.
“Ummm...” Kaname
“Kaaaa-naaaa-maaaay....”
“Later, Sis.”
Ayame’s face did a good imitation of a thundercloud. If big sister wasn’t going to be nice, little sister had a good excuse.
“There you are, Miss Ayame....” It was Mr. Smith. He had another bottle of beer. He was wiping his mouth with a napkin. Will wonders never cease. “You never ate your dessert. If you don’t want it, do you mind if I have it?”
Ayame looked at Mr. Smith She looked back at Kaname. She looked at the bodyguard again. She took off like a shot, making a beeline for the kitchen.
Mr. Smith looked at the bottle sitting on the window box. “You know, Miss Kaname, a girl your age shouldn’t be drinking beer. Don’t worry, I won’t tell your father. But, you really don’t want to add too many more pounds, like one of my daughters did.” He took the other bottle and walked away.
Kaname wished that Sousuke had left at least one weapon behind.
Sousuke.
What was taking him so long, the big jerk?!!
Kaname had a fleeting image of Sousuke in a loin cloth surrounded by women with dyed hair, long painted nails, and way too much silicone. She shook it off. Ridiculous!
“Probably stopped off at some gun shop or a book store. Just wait until he gets here....”
A car stopped in front of the house. Kaname fell off the window box, trying to stand up too fast. Her heart fell when she saw a boy get out, put something in the mailbox for the house next door, then get back in the car.
Did that stupid head know how to get back to the house? Maybe she should call and find out! Kaname began to reach for the communicator.
“Kaname. Are you still there? Don’t you wish to eat any dinner? I’ll leave it out if you do. I can even spice it up some more and warm it again.” Shunya stood in the doorway, drying off his hands on a large long apron. There was an embroidered representation of Mt. Fuji on the front.
“That is extremely kind of you, Father. Please, do not inconvenience yourself. If it is possible, could you leave the food out for later. Sousuke may be hungry. I might get my appetite back when he arrives.” Kaname was overly formal, and was still calling Shunya ‘Father’ instead of ‘Daddy.’ The comment about her appetite was also a subtle sign of her discontent.
She should be more polite. After all, her father had given in finally. But, she was still in a snit. Mr. Smith hadn’t helped matters.
Kaname continued to stare out the window. What did a girl need to do to get a little peace?
“Oh... yes... of course.” Shunya’s face was a study in mixed emotions. He clenched his fists, but soon relaxed them. He took a couple of deep breaths. “If there is anything Sousuke particularly likes, let me know. There...well...I might have enough time to whip something more up...”
Kaname turned and stared at her father for a minute. He was making a peace offering. She smiled. Standing, she walked over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you, Daddy. Sousuke is not particular. I’m teaching him to enjoy good food. Maybe I can even convince him to take up cooking himself.”
Shunya left with a contemplative look on his face. Kaname sighed. Maybe her father would come around, after all. Lord knows, it had been difficult getting him to recant and allow Sousuke back into the house.
“Kaaaaa-naaaaa-maaaaay... change your mind, yet?” Ayame was back, her shirt front covered with crumbs. Her face was mischievous, not hopeful.
“Uh uh. And brush your shirt off! Geez...” Kaname shook her head.
“OK. Just thought I’d give you one last chance.” The younger girl scampered off, leaving Kaname to wonder what that was all about.
Kaname thought back to what she had said to her father after Sousuke walked off down the road. She didn’t shout. She didn’t cry. She didn’t make any threats. She didn’t beg, plead, or grovel. She simply asked him a number of questions.
‘Father, are you trying to drive me away?’
That question had bordered on theater, but it expressed a way she actually felt at the moment. Her father had been taken aback, but turned things around and asked if she wanted to leave. She had merely stared at him. Her eyes clearly said that she was considering it.
‘Do you really think so poorly of my judgment?’
No theater there. It was something she really wanted to know. She was afraid to hear her father’s answer. His approval meant a good deal to her. He honestly answered that he wasn’t certain. It was one thing he was hoping to find out through her actions. The stories he had heard about Sousuke obviously worried him. Her role in those incidents did not inspire a lot of confidence. He was hoping to hear that the Jindai teachers were embellishing the truth.
‘If Grandmother and Grandfather had learned of the things you did when you were younger, would they have kicked you out?’
Her father had looked guilty for a moment, even sheepish. But, his face had changed when he said that the past was the past, and that his actions since that time had made his parents very proud. He said that he hoped his daughters felt the same way. Kaname said ‘yes,’ and went on to say that she was glad that people had a right to rise above their past. Her father did not miss the point she wanted to make.
‘There is a difference between shooting a cat and blowing up a visitor to the school!’ Shunya had felt a need to counter.
‘Yes, father. The explosion was an accident...’ The answer bordered on insolence, but Sousuke wasn’t there to defend himself. ‘He has never stolen anything...’ Her father had looked away for a moment. ‘And, he does not peek in on bathing girls...’
‘Ha! What normal boy wouldn’t? It’s part of becoming a man...’ Even a U.N. diplomat can misspeak. He had answered as a man, not as a parent.
‘So. It’s OK if Sousuke peeks at me?” Kaname had raised an eyebrow. Her father would be damned by whatever way he answered. He chose not to reply. His face went through an entire spectrum of colors.
Kaname had been walking a fine line up to that point. She would do anything for Sousuke. The next questions hit even closer to home.
‘What would Mother have said, if she saw the way you treated Sousuke?’ That had been followed by ‘What would Oichi think?’
Her father never answered either question. His face went blank, and then his anger built back up again to new heights. He went on to admonished her, saying that she needed to work on her manners. He wondered out loud if living on her own was having a bad effect on her.
They didn’t say another word to one another for a while after that. Kaname had been expecting the worst. She was glad that she had made the effort for Sousuke, but hoped that she didn’t drive a wedge between herself and her father. He and Ayame were the only family she had left. She barely knew her uncles or cousins.
As it turned out, her words added to Sousuke’s must have given her father something to think about. Just before dinner, he had approached her and said that he would go out on a limb and give Sousuke one more chance.
Then again, Kaname realized that she might owe thanks to Mr. Smith. He had interrupted their conversation to say that Shunya had done the right thing, kicking Sousuke out.
‘You and me, we’re a lot alike, Mr. C.” He had slapped Shunya on the back. “It’s not easy being a good father. You can bet that I never would have let the daughters bring a guy like that into my house! Good judgment is a gift!”
Both Kaname and Shunya remembered the bodyguard’s comments about his daughters at Christmas Dinner. He was hardly a role model.
In any case, her father’s decision was a start.
It was more than she should have hoped for.
Everything wasn’t peaches and cream, however. She was still worried. Sousuke was Sousuke, after all.
“Sousuke....”
Where was that idiot? He still wasn’t there!!!
A large white van screeched to a halt in front of the house. Kaname was caught by surprise. Tires squealing, it pulled away a few seconds later. There was someone left standing there, two large black bags at his feet.
It was Sousuke.
Kaname took off running, no thought of dignity remotely present anywhere in her mind. Turning the corner, she easily jumped over her sister’s extended leg. Tragedy was avoided when her father stepped quickly back out of the hallway. Without reducing speed, she stepped on the oval knit rug in the foyer. Legs moving in place, she scrunched up the carpet as it slid across the polished teak floor.
She stopped behind the closed door. She smoother her clothes, then fiddled with her hair. The doorbell rang. She looked down at her watch. It was time to let Sousuke wait. One minute ought to do it.
“Kaname, aren’t you going to answer the door?” Shunya turned an eagle’s eyes on his daughter.
“SHHHHHH---“ Kaname gulped when she realized who she just shushed.
Shunya just shook his head and headed into the parlor. It was time to steel himself.
Ayame snuck up on tiptoes behind her sister.
When the second hand hit the twelve, Kaname opened the door. “Oh, Sousuke… it’s you…” Kaname put on a nonchalant air.
“Yea… she’s been watching out the window ever since you called… and, she was standing behind the door for a minute, making you wait.” Ayame stuck her tongue out at Kaname.
Mr. Smith walked into the foyer to see who it was. Seeing Sousuke, he turned and left without a single remark.
Kaname stepped out of the door and closed it behind her. She held strong onto the handle, keeping her sister from following.
“Kaname, what are you doing?” Sousuke looked perplexed.
“Sousuke, what did I tell you before? A kiss first, then questions. OK? Kiss……first……….. questions…… second. Got that ?’’
“Yes, Kaname. How long a kiss?” Sousuke kept a straight face. Another question.
“SOUSUKE!!!”
Sousuke put his hands on Kaname waist and gave her a short kiss. A flash of light went off. Ayame had snuck out the back door with her camera.
“Ohhh Daaaa-deeeee….” The young girl ran back the way she came.
“I am going to KILL her!” Kaname’s face was bright red.
“Kaname. Fair is fair. What did I tell you before?” Sousuke looked very stern.
“Sousuke?” For a second, Kaname looked worried.
“A kiss first, then killing.” Kaname’s look went from shock to anger to longing.
The two of them leaned close for another kiss. The door swung in, a breathless Ayame pointing outside. “See? What did I tell you….”
Sousuke looked at Kaname and nodded his head. “The kiss can wait, Kaname….”
Kaname ran in after a retreating Ayame. Sousuke picked up his luggage and made his way into the house. He stopped briefly to look at pictures of Kaname and her family. Some were copies of those she had in Tokyo.
Hearing the sounds of a sibling scuffle taking place off in a side room, Sousuke made his way into the parlor and walked over to where Shunya was standing. He reached into his pocket… removed his Glock 26… put on the safety…and held it out, handle first, for Kaname’s father.
The too men stood staring at each other for a few moments, neither saying a word. Both simply nodded their heads at nearly the same moment. There would be no spoken apologies. Things would begin anew.
“Here, let me see that.” Mr. Smith took hold of the pistol before Shunya could. “Damn, the thing feels just like a toy. If it’s all plastic, how can it keep from breaking?” He held it up and sighted along the barrel. He flipped off the safety, wanting to feel the trigger motion.
“The casing is plastic. The internal mechanism is steel.” Sousuke fought to keep from sneering. Any previous member of the NYC police force shouldn’t have been spreading the old ‘plastic gun’ nonsense. “Be careful, the clip---“
BANG!!!
Mr. Smith had squeezed the trigger. A hole appeared in the kitchen wall, just next to an expensive parquet splashboard.
“Hey…I…well… who would have thought that anyone would be stupid enough to bring a loaded gun into the house?” Mr. Smith made it a point not to look at Shunya.
The two girls came running into the room. Kaname was afraid to find out what Souske had done. She mumbled a curse when she saw the gun in the hand of Mr. Smith. Frowning, she stepped forward. She grabbed the gun, then ejected the clip. She handed both to her irate father.
Shunya was still staring at the large-bodied ex-cop. He was standing now, the veins in his temples throbbing. It looked like he was in a state of total disbelief. That was changing. He turned to look at Sousuke, wondering who he should blame first and how many people he should throw out of the house.
“Sir.” Sousuke’s swallowed hard. It weas not the best time, but he had to continue with his disarmarment. He had thought long and hard about it. Honesty was the best policy here. he would have to live with professional discomfort. “There is more.”
Shunya raised his eyebrow. His smile would have frightened anything short of a Grizzly bear or Great White Shark.
“Clip of rubber bullets.” Souske put that on the chair near Kaname’s father, pulling his hand back quickly.
“Piffle.” Mr. Smith snorted. “A child’s toy.”
Kaname scowled.
“Taser.” The item joined the others.
“Useless.” Mr. Smith chuckled.
Sousuke blinked repeatedly, but didn't break eye contact with Shunya.
“Combat knife.” That and its sheath were added to the growing pile.
“Too damn big. Must be compensating for something.” Mr. Smith held his fingers an inch apart.
“Really?” Ayame asked. She started at Sousuke until Kaname cuffed the back of her head.
Shunya's glance pinned Ayame as if she were a butterfly in an insect collection.
“Sling and titanium bullets.” They too sat on the chair.
Mr. Smith put his hand over his mouth to stifle a laugh.
"Co-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-l...." Ayame cooed.
Kaname flicked her sister's ear.
“Wait a second.” Mr. Smith held up his hand. “Before this gets any sillier, let me show you what you SHOULD be using.” He took his own pistol out of its holster. He slapped it hard into Sousuke’s palm. “It’s a---“
“Smith & Wesson .45 caliber revolver. Limited in its usefulness. The .357 magnum would have been a better choice. Line cutting ability is better in the .45, but power is better in the .357. Also, the adage is true… the .45 is good at scaring people… the .357 is better at stopping people.” Sousuke spun the chamber, gun up at his ear.
“What…” Mr. Smith looked baffled.
“There is a rubbing sound. This gun is not calibrated properly. It is in need of alignment. Probably bending and filing too.”
“But…”
Sousuke checked all chambers. The gun was empty. He pulled the trigger a couple of times. “The timing is off. The hammer drops too soon. Yes, the cylinder spacing is off as well. This gun will shave lead in a terrible fashion.” Reaching inside his pocket, Sousuke took out a small file. He used it to push something out of one chamber. It was a piece of lint-covered cloth… a part of Mr. Smith’s pocket liner.
“Well, at least it’s not plastic.” Mr. Smith frowned when Sousuke held the gun out. "And, it's not loaded."
Sousuke stared at Mr. Smith and opened his mouth to say something. He held his tongue.
“My apologies, Mr. Chidori. I should resume.” Sousuke reached into his own pocket again. He saw Kaname’s father raise an eyebrow again. That look clearly said ‘There’s more? How could there possibly be more’
Sousuke held out a small concussion grenade. Shunya took it and looked at it curiously. “Been a while since I’ve held one of these. They keep getting smaller, I see.”
“What’s that?” Mr. Smith reached out, getting his watch band caught on the pin. When Kaname’s father pulled the grenade back by reflex, the pin pulled out.
“EVERYBODY DOWN!!!” Sousuke knocked Ayame and Kaname to the ground, grabbed the grenade, and ran towards an open window in the kitchen. With a well placed toss, he cleared the window sill and bounced the grenade out into an alley.
There was an explosion. The window rattled. A dog yelped.
Mr. Smith couldn’t think of anything clever to say.
Sousuke walked back, a worried look on his face. Things were not going well.
“You saved us….” Ayame looked up at Sousuke. Her eyes grew large. She brought her hands up to her chest.
“Glad you didn’t bring a fragmentation type. Big idiot!” Kaname blushed when her father stared at her.
“Mr. Smith, would you be so kind as to get me a beer. Feel free to have another yourself, if you like. Take your time.” Shunya’s face was unreadable. The portly man headed off towards the refrigerator, without a care in the world.
“Sir… to be honest… there are these too.” Sousuke unzipped his weapons bag. Part of him had begged to simply hide them under his bed. But, if this was indeed a new beginning, he wanted to show he was trustworthy.
Kaname’s father closed his eyes and put his hand on his forehead.
"Did a little extra packing I see, huh?" Kaname put both hands on her hips. The look she gave Sousuke would have melted an iceberg in under a minute.
“I will remove all the clips.” Sousuke made certain Mr. Smith was nowhere within arms reach. "I suggest you put the detonators and remore control unit in a room separate from the C4."
"W-o-o-o-o-o-o-w-w-w-w-w...." Ayame was staring at Sousuke again.
“Nevermind. I have decided. It’s better that YOU keep everything." Kaname's father couldn't believe what he was doing. But, if anything else happened, he would personally nail Sousuke in a crate and ship him to points unknown!
"I am placing great trust in you. I hope it is not a mistake.” Shunya rubbed his eyes. He had given Kaname his word. It was getting more difficult to be a parent, day by day.
“Any in here too?” Ayame jumped down on the floor and opened Sousuke’s other bag. Laundry spilled out. A number of pairs of undergarments sat on top. The young girl picked up a pair of bikini briefs. “Kaname pick these out for you?” She smiled at her sister's bug-eyed look.
“Of course not!!!” Kaname grabbed for the underwear, missing as Ayame ran out of the room.
"Naughty naughty...." Ayame's voice came bouncing off the hallway walls.
Shunya stared. He worked his jaws.
“They fit the best inside an A.S. suit, Sir.” It was the truth. Sousuke scooped up all his clothing and tucked it all away.
Shunya closed his eyes. Opening them a while later, he spoke in a calm and even voice. “Are you hungry, young man? I believe my daughter has been waiting for your arrival before she would eat.”
“No, Sir. It is OK if she eats alone. I had pizza with the work crew I assisted. Thank you. Owwww….”
Kaname had returned. She kicked Sousuke in the shin, hard. “If I am the only one eating, I still better NOT be alone. Moron! Jerk! Stupid otaku!” She kicked him a few more times for good measure. Realizing she had done it in front of her father, she flinched.
“You may be good with weapons, Sousuke. It appears you have a lot left to learn about women.” Shunya ran his hand through his hair. He stared at his daughter, displeased at her lack of control, but glad to see her spirit returning.
“It is not a problem, Sir. I still have a few unbruised areas left. I think.” Sousuke rubbed his leg.
“Really?” Kaname asked sweetly.
“Hey, Mr. C., you want me to puddy up that bullet hole for you?” Mr. Smith returned with the beers. His bottle was almost empty.
Kaname looked at Sousuke, who looked back at her.
Shunya sighed. Why did he even get out of bed that morning? What next?!!
"Nevermind. I'll go outside and see if the neighbor's dog is dead." Mr. Smith headed outside.
Kaname was very tempted to ask Sousuke what he felt about Mr. Smith. She knew better. Instead, she spent a while finding out what Sousuke had been doing at the safe house.
“Oh Sooouusss-kaaayyy….” Ayame strutted into the room. She had fresh make up on and carried a large photographic album. “I have Kaname’s picture book here. She was an ugly child. Want to see her naked?”
“Uh…”
Kaname ran at Ayame, who slid under her legs, ending up at Sousuke’s feet.
“Guess you already have, hmmpphh!!!” Ayame looked up into Sousuke’s slack-jawed face.
“Uh…”
Kaname put her hand over Ayame’s mouth, getting bitten for her efforts.
“Don’t tell Daddy…oops, you’re still here, Daddy?” Ayame smirked at Kaname. She should have paid her attention earlier.
“Kaname?” Shunya’s voice sounded somewhat like the solid noise of a headsman’s axe hitting oak.
“Father! Of course not!” Kaname was blushing.
“Young man? You’re a man of honor?” Kaname’s father looked at Sousuke, his eyes holding the younger man tighter than any vice.
“Yes, Sir.”
“Have you seen my daughter naked?”
“Uh…”
W-e-l-l-l-l-l….”
“Umm…”
“Yes………. or………. no……….” Shunya bit off each word.
“Yes.” Sousuke went stiff. Kaname stared. Ayame did a little dance.
“Lucky dog.” Mr. Smith said. This time, the large man couldn't help but wilt under the molten stare from Shunya. "I... well... meant the neighbor's dog. It's still alive."
Shunya changed his gaze from the babbling bodyguard to Sousuke again.
“Uh… Sir... it was not her, actually…. it was a mental projection… on the submarine…by means of her…uh…special talents…” Sousuke ran down. Sucking in his breath, he threw back his shoulders and finished what he intended to say. “The details were blurry, Sir.”
“I see………. blurry………. so you looked closely enough to know that……..” Shunya’s cheeks were filled with color.
Sousuke began sweating heavily.
“Want to hear about my school NOW, Kaname?” Ayame asked with an innocent look.
She had been sitting that way ever since she heard from Sousuke. Unmoving. Silent. Vigilant.
“Miss Kaname, are you certain you do not want to move it on over to the living room? I can tell you those stories that you liked on your last trip.” Mr. Smith took a pull from his imported beer.
“No thank you.”
“Well, you know, in my vast experience, I have found that sitting by a window is a good way to be seen.” The hefty bodyguard spoke with an authoritarian tone.
“I see. How embarrassing. I never realized that growing up. You may wish to go take that up with my father.” Kaname didn’t remove her gaze from the area outside the house.
“Yes. Of course. In the mean time, these may help.” Mr. Smith handed Kaname a pair of dark sunglasses. “These always served well on stake outs. If your father has a rope mop, I can make you a wig.”
“Thank you. I believe I may be allergic to rope. Did father ever serve that pie for dessert?” Kaname just wanted to be left alone.
There was no answer. Mr. Smith was gone. He had left his beer on the window box. Damn. That would mean he’d be back. No. It would be easier to open a new one.
“Hey, Kaaa-naaa-maaaay....” It was Ayame. “Want to teach me some more things about putting on make up?”
“No. Not right now. Maybe later. Why are you so eager, anyway? Got a crush on a boy at school?”
“Uh uhhhhhh...” Ayame smiled. She had her camera ready this time. “Sousuke’s coming, right?”
Kaname turned around quickly, a shocked look on her face. Did that little trouble maker have a crush on her boyfriend?!!
The flash went off, blinding Kaname momentarily.
“OK, how about we do each other’s nails. That would be fun.” Ayame had those big puppy dog eyes she got when she had a chance to pal around with her big sister.
“How about after dinner, OK squirt?” Kaname rubbed her eyes and looked back out the window.
“But we already ate!!!” Aayame was beginning to get perturbed. This should be sister time.
“I didn’t.” Kaname sighed.
“Then how about we go in the kitchen. You can have dinner, and I can have dessert. I can tell you all about school. Pleeeaaassseee...” Ayame had already gotten around to the ‘Pleeeaaassseee’ part.
“Ummm...” Kaname
“Kaaaa-naaaa-maaaay....”
“Later, Sis.”
Ayame’s face did a good imitation of a thundercloud. If big sister wasn’t going to be nice, little sister had a good excuse.
“There you are, Miss Ayame....” It was Mr. Smith. He had another bottle of beer. He was wiping his mouth with a napkin. Will wonders never cease. “You never ate your dessert. If you don’t want it, do you mind if I have it?”
Ayame looked at Mr. Smith She looked back at Kaname. She looked at the bodyguard again. She took off like a shot, making a beeline for the kitchen.
Mr. Smith looked at the bottle sitting on the window box. “You know, Miss Kaname, a girl your age shouldn’t be drinking beer. Don’t worry, I won’t tell your father. But, you really don’t want to add too many more pounds, like one of my daughters did.” He took the other bottle and walked away.
Kaname wished that Sousuke had left at least one weapon behind.
Sousuke.
What was taking him so long, the big jerk?!!
Kaname had a fleeting image of Sousuke in a loin cloth surrounded by women with dyed hair, long painted nails, and way too much silicone. She shook it off. Ridiculous!
“Probably stopped off at some gun shop or a book store. Just wait until he gets here....”
A car stopped in front of the house. Kaname fell off the window box, trying to stand up too fast. Her heart fell when she saw a boy get out, put something in the mailbox for the house next door, then get back in the car.
Did that stupid head know how to get back to the house? Maybe she should call and find out! Kaname began to reach for the communicator.
“Kaname. Are you still there? Don’t you wish to eat any dinner? I’ll leave it out if you do. I can even spice it up some more and warm it again.” Shunya stood in the doorway, drying off his hands on a large long apron. There was an embroidered representation of Mt. Fuji on the front.
“That is extremely kind of you, Father. Please, do not inconvenience yourself. If it is possible, could you leave the food out for later. Sousuke may be hungry. I might get my appetite back when he arrives.” Kaname was overly formal, and was still calling Shunya ‘Father’ instead of ‘Daddy.’ The comment about her appetite was also a subtle sign of her discontent.
She should be more polite. After all, her father had given in finally. But, she was still in a snit. Mr. Smith hadn’t helped matters.
Kaname continued to stare out the window. What did a girl need to do to get a little peace?
“Oh... yes... of course.” Shunya’s face was a study in mixed emotions. He clenched his fists, but soon relaxed them. He took a couple of deep breaths. “If there is anything Sousuke particularly likes, let me know. There...well...I might have enough time to whip something more up...”
Kaname turned and stared at her father for a minute. He was making a peace offering. She smiled. Standing, she walked over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you, Daddy. Sousuke is not particular. I’m teaching him to enjoy good food. Maybe I can even convince him to take up cooking himself.”
Shunya left with a contemplative look on his face. Kaname sighed. Maybe her father would come around, after all. Lord knows, it had been difficult getting him to recant and allow Sousuke back into the house.
“Kaaaaa-naaaaa-maaaaay... change your mind, yet?” Ayame was back, her shirt front covered with crumbs. Her face was mischievous, not hopeful.
“Uh uh. And brush your shirt off! Geez...” Kaname shook her head.
“OK. Just thought I’d give you one last chance.” The younger girl scampered off, leaving Kaname to wonder what that was all about.
Kaname thought back to what she had said to her father after Sousuke walked off down the road. She didn’t shout. She didn’t cry. She didn’t make any threats. She didn’t beg, plead, or grovel. She simply asked him a number of questions.
‘Father, are you trying to drive me away?’
That question had bordered on theater, but it expressed a way she actually felt at the moment. Her father had been taken aback, but turned things around and asked if she wanted to leave. She had merely stared at him. Her eyes clearly said that she was considering it.
‘Do you really think so poorly of my judgment?’
No theater there. It was something she really wanted to know. She was afraid to hear her father’s answer. His approval meant a good deal to her. He honestly answered that he wasn’t certain. It was one thing he was hoping to find out through her actions. The stories he had heard about Sousuke obviously worried him. Her role in those incidents did not inspire a lot of confidence. He was hoping to hear that the Jindai teachers were embellishing the truth.
‘If Grandmother and Grandfather had learned of the things you did when you were younger, would they have kicked you out?’
Her father had looked guilty for a moment, even sheepish. But, his face had changed when he said that the past was the past, and that his actions since that time had made his parents very proud. He said that he hoped his daughters felt the same way. Kaname said ‘yes,’ and went on to say that she was glad that people had a right to rise above their past. Her father did not miss the point she wanted to make.
‘There is a difference between shooting a cat and blowing up a visitor to the school!’ Shunya had felt a need to counter.
‘Yes, father. The explosion was an accident...’ The answer bordered on insolence, but Sousuke wasn’t there to defend himself. ‘He has never stolen anything...’ Her father had looked away for a moment. ‘And, he does not peek in on bathing girls...’
‘Ha! What normal boy wouldn’t? It’s part of becoming a man...’ Even a U.N. diplomat can misspeak. He had answered as a man, not as a parent.
‘So. It’s OK if Sousuke peeks at me?” Kaname had raised an eyebrow. Her father would be damned by whatever way he answered. He chose not to reply. His face went through an entire spectrum of colors.
Kaname had been walking a fine line up to that point. She would do anything for Sousuke. The next questions hit even closer to home.
‘What would Mother have said, if she saw the way you treated Sousuke?’ That had been followed by ‘What would Oichi think?’
Her father never answered either question. His face went blank, and then his anger built back up again to new heights. He went on to admonished her, saying that she needed to work on her manners. He wondered out loud if living on her own was having a bad effect on her.
They didn’t say another word to one another for a while after that. Kaname had been expecting the worst. She was glad that she had made the effort for Sousuke, but hoped that she didn’t drive a wedge between herself and her father. He and Ayame were the only family she had left. She barely knew her uncles or cousins.
As it turned out, her words added to Sousuke’s must have given her father something to think about. Just before dinner, he had approached her and said that he would go out on a limb and give Sousuke one more chance.
Then again, Kaname realized that she might owe thanks to Mr. Smith. He had interrupted their conversation to say that Shunya had done the right thing, kicking Sousuke out.
‘You and me, we’re a lot alike, Mr. C.” He had slapped Shunya on the back. “It’s not easy being a good father. You can bet that I never would have let the daughters bring a guy like that into my house! Good judgment is a gift!”
Both Kaname and Shunya remembered the bodyguard’s comments about his daughters at Christmas Dinner. He was hardly a role model.
In any case, her father’s decision was a start.
It was more than she should have hoped for.
Everything wasn’t peaches and cream, however. She was still worried. Sousuke was Sousuke, after all.
“Sousuke....”
Where was that idiot? He still wasn’t there!!!
A large white van screeched to a halt in front of the house. Kaname was caught by surprise. Tires squealing, it pulled away a few seconds later. There was someone left standing there, two large black bags at his feet.
It was Sousuke.
Kaname took off running, no thought of dignity remotely present anywhere in her mind. Turning the corner, she easily jumped over her sister’s extended leg. Tragedy was avoided when her father stepped quickly back out of the hallway. Without reducing speed, she stepped on the oval knit rug in the foyer. Legs moving in place, she scrunched up the carpet as it slid across the polished teak floor.
She stopped behind the closed door. She smoother her clothes, then fiddled with her hair. The doorbell rang. She looked down at her watch. It was time to let Sousuke wait. One minute ought to do it.
“Kaname, aren’t you going to answer the door?” Shunya turned an eagle’s eyes on his daughter.
“SHHHHHH---“ Kaname gulped when she realized who she just shushed.
Shunya just shook his head and headed into the parlor. It was time to steel himself.
Ayame snuck up on tiptoes behind her sister.
When the second hand hit the twelve, Kaname opened the door. “Oh, Sousuke… it’s you…” Kaname put on a nonchalant air.
“Yea… she’s been watching out the window ever since you called… and, she was standing behind the door for a minute, making you wait.” Ayame stuck her tongue out at Kaname.
Mr. Smith walked into the foyer to see who it was. Seeing Sousuke, he turned and left without a single remark.
Kaname stepped out of the door and closed it behind her. She held strong onto the handle, keeping her sister from following.
“Kaname, what are you doing?” Sousuke looked perplexed.
“Sousuke, what did I tell you before? A kiss first, then questions. OK? Kiss……first……….. questions…… second. Got that ?’’
“Yes, Kaname. How long a kiss?” Sousuke kept a straight face. Another question.
“SOUSUKE!!!”
Sousuke put his hands on Kaname waist and gave her a short kiss. A flash of light went off. Ayame had snuck out the back door with her camera.
“Ohhh Daaaa-deeeee….” The young girl ran back the way she came.
“I am going to KILL her!” Kaname’s face was bright red.
“Kaname. Fair is fair. What did I tell you before?” Sousuke looked very stern.
“Sousuke?” For a second, Kaname looked worried.
“A kiss first, then killing.” Kaname’s look went from shock to anger to longing.
The two of them leaned close for another kiss. The door swung in, a breathless Ayame pointing outside. “See? What did I tell you….”
Sousuke looked at Kaname and nodded his head. “The kiss can wait, Kaname….”
Kaname ran in after a retreating Ayame. Sousuke picked up his luggage and made his way into the house. He stopped briefly to look at pictures of Kaname and her family. Some were copies of those she had in Tokyo.
Hearing the sounds of a sibling scuffle taking place off in a side room, Sousuke made his way into the parlor and walked over to where Shunya was standing. He reached into his pocket… removed his Glock 26… put on the safety…and held it out, handle first, for Kaname’s father.
The too men stood staring at each other for a few moments, neither saying a word. Both simply nodded their heads at nearly the same moment. There would be no spoken apologies. Things would begin anew.
“Here, let me see that.” Mr. Smith took hold of the pistol before Shunya could. “Damn, the thing feels just like a toy. If it’s all plastic, how can it keep from breaking?” He held it up and sighted along the barrel. He flipped off the safety, wanting to feel the trigger motion.
“The casing is plastic. The internal mechanism is steel.” Sousuke fought to keep from sneering. Any previous member of the NYC police force shouldn’t have been spreading the old ‘plastic gun’ nonsense. “Be careful, the clip---“
BANG!!!
Mr. Smith had squeezed the trigger. A hole appeared in the kitchen wall, just next to an expensive parquet splashboard.
“Hey…I…well… who would have thought that anyone would be stupid enough to bring a loaded gun into the house?” Mr. Smith made it a point not to look at Shunya.
The two girls came running into the room. Kaname was afraid to find out what Souske had done. She mumbled a curse when she saw the gun in the hand of Mr. Smith. Frowning, she stepped forward. She grabbed the gun, then ejected the clip. She handed both to her irate father.
Shunya was still staring at the large-bodied ex-cop. He was standing now, the veins in his temples throbbing. It looked like he was in a state of total disbelief. That was changing. He turned to look at Sousuke, wondering who he should blame first and how many people he should throw out of the house.
“Sir.” Sousuke’s swallowed hard. It weas not the best time, but he had to continue with his disarmarment. He had thought long and hard about it. Honesty was the best policy here. he would have to live with professional discomfort. “There is more.”
Shunya raised his eyebrow. His smile would have frightened anything short of a Grizzly bear or Great White Shark.
“Clip of rubber bullets.” Souske put that on the chair near Kaname’s father, pulling his hand back quickly.
“Piffle.” Mr. Smith snorted. “A child’s toy.”
Kaname scowled.
“Taser.” The item joined the others.
“Useless.” Mr. Smith chuckled.
Sousuke blinked repeatedly, but didn't break eye contact with Shunya.
“Combat knife.” That and its sheath were added to the growing pile.
“Too damn big. Must be compensating for something.” Mr. Smith held his fingers an inch apart.
“Really?” Ayame asked. She started at Sousuke until Kaname cuffed the back of her head.
Shunya's glance pinned Ayame as if she were a butterfly in an insect collection.
“Sling and titanium bullets.” They too sat on the chair.
Mr. Smith put his hand over his mouth to stifle a laugh.
"Co-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-l...." Ayame cooed.
Kaname flicked her sister's ear.
“Wait a second.” Mr. Smith held up his hand. “Before this gets any sillier, let me show you what you SHOULD be using.” He took his own pistol out of its holster. He slapped it hard into Sousuke’s palm. “It’s a---“
“Smith & Wesson .45 caliber revolver. Limited in its usefulness. The .357 magnum would have been a better choice. Line cutting ability is better in the .45, but power is better in the .357. Also, the adage is true… the .45 is good at scaring people… the .357 is better at stopping people.” Sousuke spun the chamber, gun up at his ear.
“What…” Mr. Smith looked baffled.
“There is a rubbing sound. This gun is not calibrated properly. It is in need of alignment. Probably bending and filing too.”
“But…”
Sousuke checked all chambers. The gun was empty. He pulled the trigger a couple of times. “The timing is off. The hammer drops too soon. Yes, the cylinder spacing is off as well. This gun will shave lead in a terrible fashion.” Reaching inside his pocket, Sousuke took out a small file. He used it to push something out of one chamber. It was a piece of lint-covered cloth… a part of Mr. Smith’s pocket liner.
“Well, at least it’s not plastic.” Mr. Smith frowned when Sousuke held the gun out. "And, it's not loaded."
Sousuke stared at Mr. Smith and opened his mouth to say something. He held his tongue.
“My apologies, Mr. Chidori. I should resume.” Sousuke reached into his own pocket again. He saw Kaname’s father raise an eyebrow again. That look clearly said ‘There’s more? How could there possibly be more’
Sousuke held out a small concussion grenade. Shunya took it and looked at it curiously. “Been a while since I’ve held one of these. They keep getting smaller, I see.”
“What’s that?” Mr. Smith reached out, getting his watch band caught on the pin. When Kaname’s father pulled the grenade back by reflex, the pin pulled out.
“EVERYBODY DOWN!!!” Sousuke knocked Ayame and Kaname to the ground, grabbed the grenade, and ran towards an open window in the kitchen. With a well placed toss, he cleared the window sill and bounced the grenade out into an alley.
There was an explosion. The window rattled. A dog yelped.
Mr. Smith couldn’t think of anything clever to say.
Sousuke walked back, a worried look on his face. Things were not going well.
“You saved us….” Ayame looked up at Sousuke. Her eyes grew large. She brought her hands up to her chest.
“Glad you didn’t bring a fragmentation type. Big idiot!” Kaname blushed when her father stared at her.
“Mr. Smith, would you be so kind as to get me a beer. Feel free to have another yourself, if you like. Take your time.” Shunya’s face was unreadable. The portly man headed off towards the refrigerator, without a care in the world.
“Sir… to be honest… there are these too.” Sousuke unzipped his weapons bag. Part of him had begged to simply hide them under his bed. But, if this was indeed a new beginning, he wanted to show he was trustworthy.
Kaname’s father closed his eyes and put his hand on his forehead.
"Did a little extra packing I see, huh?" Kaname put both hands on her hips. The look she gave Sousuke would have melted an iceberg in under a minute.
“I will remove all the clips.” Sousuke made certain Mr. Smith was nowhere within arms reach. "I suggest you put the detonators and remore control unit in a room separate from the C4."
"W-o-o-o-o-o-o-w-w-w-w-w...." Ayame was staring at Sousuke again.
“Nevermind. I have decided. It’s better that YOU keep everything." Kaname's father couldn't believe what he was doing. But, if anything else happened, he would personally nail Sousuke in a crate and ship him to points unknown!
"I am placing great trust in you. I hope it is not a mistake.” Shunya rubbed his eyes. He had given Kaname his word. It was getting more difficult to be a parent, day by day.
“Any in here too?” Ayame jumped down on the floor and opened Sousuke’s other bag. Laundry spilled out. A number of pairs of undergarments sat on top. The young girl picked up a pair of bikini briefs. “Kaname pick these out for you?” She smiled at her sister's bug-eyed look.
“Of course not!!!” Kaname grabbed for the underwear, missing as Ayame ran out of the room.
"Naughty naughty...." Ayame's voice came bouncing off the hallway walls.
Shunya stared. He worked his jaws.
“They fit the best inside an A.S. suit, Sir.” It was the truth. Sousuke scooped up all his clothing and tucked it all away.
Shunya closed his eyes. Opening them a while later, he spoke in a calm and even voice. “Are you hungry, young man? I believe my daughter has been waiting for your arrival before she would eat.”
“No, Sir. It is OK if she eats alone. I had pizza with the work crew I assisted. Thank you. Owwww….”
Kaname had returned. She kicked Sousuke in the shin, hard. “If I am the only one eating, I still better NOT be alone. Moron! Jerk! Stupid otaku!” She kicked him a few more times for good measure. Realizing she had done it in front of her father, she flinched.
“You may be good with weapons, Sousuke. It appears you have a lot left to learn about women.” Shunya ran his hand through his hair. He stared at his daughter, displeased at her lack of control, but glad to see her spirit returning.
“It is not a problem, Sir. I still have a few unbruised areas left. I think.” Sousuke rubbed his leg.
“Really?” Kaname asked sweetly.
“Hey, Mr. C., you want me to puddy up that bullet hole for you?” Mr. Smith returned with the beers. His bottle was almost empty.
Kaname looked at Sousuke, who looked back at her.
Shunya sighed. Why did he even get out of bed that morning? What next?!!
"Nevermind. I'll go outside and see if the neighbor's dog is dead." Mr. Smith headed outside.
Kaname was very tempted to ask Sousuke what he felt about Mr. Smith. She knew better. Instead, she spent a while finding out what Sousuke had been doing at the safe house.
“Oh Sooouusss-kaaayyy….” Ayame strutted into the room. She had fresh make up on and carried a large photographic album. “I have Kaname’s picture book here. She was an ugly child. Want to see her naked?”
“Uh…”
Kaname ran at Ayame, who slid under her legs, ending up at Sousuke’s feet.
“Guess you already have, hmmpphh!!!” Ayame looked up into Sousuke’s slack-jawed face.
“Uh…”
Kaname put her hand over Ayame’s mouth, getting bitten for her efforts.
“Don’t tell Daddy…oops, you’re still here, Daddy?” Ayame smirked at Kaname. She should have paid her attention earlier.
“Kaname?” Shunya’s voice sounded somewhat like the solid noise of a headsman’s axe hitting oak.
“Father! Of course not!” Kaname was blushing.
“Young man? You’re a man of honor?” Kaname’s father looked at Sousuke, his eyes holding the younger man tighter than any vice.
“Yes, Sir.”
“Have you seen my daughter naked?”
“Uh…”
W-e-l-l-l-l-l….”
“Umm…”
“Yes………. or………. no……….” Shunya bit off each word.
“Yes.” Sousuke went stiff. Kaname stared. Ayame did a little dance.
“Lucky dog.” Mr. Smith said. This time, the large man couldn't help but wilt under the molten stare from Shunya. "I... well... meant the neighbor's dog. It's still alive."
Shunya changed his gaze from the babbling bodyguard to Sousuke again.
“Uh… Sir... it was not her, actually…. it was a mental projection… on the submarine…by means of her…uh…special talents…” Sousuke ran down. Sucking in his breath, he threw back his shoulders and finished what he intended to say. “The details were blurry, Sir.”
“I see………. blurry………. so you looked closely enough to know that……..” Shunya’s cheeks were filled with color.
Sousuke began sweating heavily.
“Want to hear about my school NOW, Kaname?” Ayame asked with an innocent look.
Why does Shunya bother with Mr. Smith? oy...