Sousuke grunted.
It was hot. Too hot for an average Spring day, or so he had been told. The sun bore down upon him. An intermittent wind tossed up pieces of trash and gritty particulate matter. The asphalt of the tarmac was uneven and pitted. Sweat began to collect at his collar.
“Is that too heavy for you Sousuke?” Kaname asked the same question for the umpteenth time. She placed her heavy purse on the cart Sousuke was pushing. “I can help.”
“It’s………. fine………. Kaname……….” Sousuke had thought he was clever borrowing the large cart from the baggage handlers. One of the wheels was squared off. It tended to skid into every available hole.
“Good. Beautiful day, isn’t it?” Kaname fanned herself with the halisen. Sousuke was glad to see that the item actually had another use.
“Yes……… just………. wonderful……..” Sousuke felt like cursing. He knew all too well what would happen if he did.
“You sure it’s not too heavy?”
“No.”
“Glad to hear it.” Kaname climbed up on the cart and kicked off her shoe, rubbing her foot. “I don’t want to be all sweaty when we meet Daddy.”
Sousuke did curse… under his breath.
“Hey Sousuke, what’s in this big bag? I don’t remember you putting this in the cab.” Kaname leaned over to unzip Sousuke’s weapons bag. He hadn’t put it in the cab. Couriers had placed it onboard the plane for him.
Uh oh! Sousuke purposefully pushed the cart into a large but shallow pothole. Kaname was forced to sit up straight to remain on the cart.
“Better stay still, Kaname. We don’t want you to show up all battered and bruised. Your father might think I was abusive.” Sousuke grinned. That ought to do it!
Kaname jumped off of the cart and resumed walking.
When they entered a long tunnel of brick and concrete, Sousuke sighed. There was no glare. The air was moist and clean. It was cooler. Soon, they found a way inside the airport terminal proper.
With each gate they walked past, Kaname began moving faster. Sousuke had to strain to keep up. When she started running ahead of him, he knew she must have caught sight of her family. He swallowed. He repeated some of the things that his girlfriend had told him. First impressions were very important. He would make a good one. Definitely!
Pushing the cart through a parting crowd of people, he saw Kaname hugging a sturdy looking man of average build and medium height. He wore an impeccable suit and had on a rather plain pair of glasses. Dancing around them both like an excitable puppy was a young girl with short brown hair.
Sousuke pulled the cart up next to Kaname. Kaname’s father spoke before he could. “Oh, thank you young man. That looks heavy. Here, a little something for your trouble.” Shunya Chidori pressed a folded ten dollar bill into the startled young soldier’s hand. He turned to look at his eldest daughter.
“So, Kaname. Where is this Sousuke you mentioned? I hope he didn’t decide top remain in Tokyo.” The older man’s look suggested otherwise. “Is this an example of his punctuality and reliability?”
Kaname opened her mouth to speak.
Sousuke said “Uh… I…”
“We won’t be too much longer, young man. I will show you where our car is in a moment.” Shunya began tapping one shoe.
“Daddy! That IS Sousuke.” Kaname looked miffed.
Ayame ran off behind a large pylon. Muffled laughter was still be easily made out.
Shunya and Sousuke stared at one another. Sousuke kept from wincing. So much for first impressions. It was an auspicious start, wasn’t it?
“My apologies, Sousuke. I am am Shunya Chidori. You should have spoken up. I don’t bite.” The two men shook hands. Sousuke noted that Kaname’s father had a strong grip. Shunya saw that Sousike’s palm was callused, with more than its fair share of scars.
“I am Sousuke Sagara.” Sousuke forced himself to omit the rank and appellations. “I am pleased to meet you.” That went well. “We all make mistakes some time.”
Kaname’s mouth fell open. Ayame put her hand over her own mouth. Sousuke cursed silently. He should make it a point to go back to his quieter self.
Shunya never missed a beat. He kept smiling like a good political official. But, the look in his eyes was unmistakable. He knew a mistake when he saw one… and when he heard one. It looked like the appraisal he had solicited about the young man might hold true.
“Yes father, we all make mistakes. Nothing to worry about. Why, Sousuke himself is a master of mistakes, so he won’t take…any…… offense…..” It seems like Kaname had been bitten by the same bug that got Sousuke. The two of them looked at each other.
“I see,” Shunya said with a flat voice.
Ayame was rubbing her hands together. She wished that she had remembered to bring her camera. Scanning the nearby shops, she looked to see if anyone was selling the cheap disposable models.
“So father, it was a very nice flight, in case you were wondering….” Kaname tried to fill the void. She smiled.
“Hmmmmm. I don’t see any luggage stickers on you.” Shunya had not been thrilled to hear about Kaname’s manner of travel. He looked her up and down with intense scrutiny, as if he were checking to see if a single thread were out of place. "I take it the two of you did not have any chaperons. Living ones, in any case." He coughed. “And, I hope your sarcasm isn’t an indication that we are going to start off the same way we did last trip.” There was no disguising the disapproval in his voice.
“Sir, the flight arrangements were my doing. I had my reasons for taking that approach. Kaname is a very dutiful daughter. She would never do anything to cause you shame or ill feelings.” Sousuke bowed. “She has been anticipating this trip with great excitement. It has been all that she has spoken about for over a week.”
Shunya looked at Sousuke, a neutral expression on his face. He didn’t miss the look of gratitude on Kaname’s face, or the fact that she started to reach her hand out to him, then pulled it back. He appreciated the younger man’s honesty and willingness to take blame.
“We won’t speak of it any more,” Shunya said. “I’m just glad that you made it in safe. And, in regards to your safety, I should mention that I have once again retained Mr. Smith’s services.”
Kaname almost tripped. She ran right into Sousuke’s back. “F-Father? Mr. Smith? But, Sousuke….”
“My memory remains quite good, Kaname. I have no difficulty remembering the things you have told me about the young man.” Shunya’s voice was razor sharp.
Sousuke felt somewhat sad. He was used to the adults at the school disapproving of his actions. They had every reason to. He had hoped that Kaname’s father would give him a chance.
“B-But….” Kaname found herself wishing that Oichi was with them. This was not going the way she had hoped, and they weren’t even at the car yet. Why was her father acting this way? She thought he had started to accept the idea of her dating.
“There will be no buts, young lady.” Kaname’s father scowled. “I will not rely upon a guest to provide security for my home. It is my duty to provide for each and every visitor to my house.” He looked over to Sousuke to see if he would try to contradict him, surprised to see the younger man nod his head towards Kaname.
Kaname ignored Sousuke’s polite acceptance. Her temper was on the rise. Try as she might, she couldn’t control it.
“Father, we both know that Mr. Smith is not….” She stopped herself before she went too far.
“Kaname Chidori, we will not discuss the qualifications of a man who had given me good service, and who is not here to defend himself.” Shunya was none too pleased by Kaname’s defiance, especially in front of a guest.
“Do not think that I am growing senile in my older age. I am quite aware of Mr. Smith’s limitations. But, there is no danger of explosions around him.” Kaname’s father sighed. He too was having trouble with his temper. Those last words should not have been said.
Kaname dropped her purse. She felt an urge to defend Sousuke, whatever the cost.
Sousuke stopped. He turned to face Shunya and bowed again. “I do not wish to be an imposition, Sir. I especially do not wish to be the cause of friction in your household. I have lived a hazardous life. That much is true. It is not my intent to subject anyone else to that.” Sousuke ran his hand through his hair by reflex, before continuing.
“The cargo aircraft is not due to depart for a number of hours. I should be able to receive permission to ride it, no matter what its destination is. I may also be of service to the people making use of its contents. It will not have been a wasted flight.”
Ayame stared at Sousuke, doe-eyed. At that moment, he seemed heroic and romantic.
Tears came to Kaname’s eyes. She knew that Sousuke would do exactly what he said, if her father asked him to. Damn him and his good heart!
“Sousuke….” Kaname wiped a tear from her eye and walked over to him. She continued in a quiet voice. “If you leave, I will go with you. So, please don’t leave.”
“No, Kaname. You owe your first allegiance to your father. He is concerned for your well-being. I do not think you would wish for him to care any less than he does.” Sousuke was not trying to be noble. He only spoke the truth as he saw it.
“But…”
“There will be no buts, Kaname.” Sousuke froze. He heard an echo of Shunya’s words in his own. He hoped that the older man would not think that he was making a mockery of him. “I cannot stop you from making your choices, and would not do so if I could. But, I can withhold permission for you to accompany me.”
Ayame sighed. She was developing a big time crush on Sousuke, but didn’t realize it yet.
Shunya found himself impressed, despite his better judgment. The young man was made of strong stuff. He had a good sense of right and wrong. He was not putting on a show---he was quite willing to make sacrifices for someone else’s benefit.
“Please, let’s not talk of leaving. You have just arrived.” Shunya spoke up in a strong generous voice. “I wouldn’t have asked the two of you to visit together, if I didn’t intend the both of you to stay. All that I ask is that the young man remain well-heeled.” He held his hand out to Sousuke again. The two men shook hands.
“Daddy, Sousuke is not a dog!” Kaname stomped her foot, but she was smiling.
“That’s not what you wrote in your last letter….” Ayame put in with an impish grin. “Sit boy! Stay! Speak!”
Kaname blushed.
“Uh…” Sousuke looked over at Kaname, who made it a point not to meet his gaze.
Shunya just shook his head.
Ayame walked over to Sousuke and tapped on his hand with one finger. “Are you paper trained?” She ran off with Kaname close on her tail.
“Daughters….” Shunya said with a sigh.
“Affirmative!” Sousuke said
“Can’t live with them….” Kaname’s father closed his eyes after seeing Ayame and Kaname both hurdle a moving luggage cart.
“And one would not wish to send them on a dangerous mission away from home….” Sousuke clenched his fists. Damn. Kaname had said ‘No otakus allowed.’
Shunya didn’t comment. He just nodded his head.
Ayame made it back first. She stood behind Sousuke, not allowing her sister to reach her.
“Sousuke, you’ll protect me, won’t you?” Ayame grabbed hold of his shirt and burrowed her face in.
“Uh…” Sousuke looked over at a scowling Kaname.
“A-hem!” Shunya looked at Sousuke, who had a ‘Who, me?’ look on his face.
“Do you have a dog biscuit?” Sousuke suddenly asked in a no nonsense voice.
“W-W-W-h-a-t?’ Kaname’s sister asked.
“A dog biscuit. A small edible treat made from cracked wheat, beef broth, bone meal, milk powder, and other nutritious ingredients. They are used to prompt good behavior in canines. They are also suitable as survival food in a pinch.”
Kaname closed her eyes and started to count to ten.
“N-N-N-o-o-o” Ayame answered.
“Then I must regrettable decline.” Sousuke stood to the side quicker than anyone could follow. Kaname stepped up and embraced Ayame in a big bear hug.
“Perhaps you are not as clueless as my daughter once made you out to be.” Shunya looked at Sousuke and rubbed his chin. It was heard to tell if Sousuke being clever was a good thing or a bad thing.
“Father!” Kaname looked on, aghast.
“Perhaps you might behave now, Kaname. Right?” Shunya turned a rather meaningful gaze on his daughter.
Kaname just grumbled.
“Well then. I think we should get the luggage to the car and make our way home. The two of you must be tired.” Both Kaname and Sousuke nodded their heads. “If I may beg your indulgence, I need to use the restroom. Ayame, show Sousuke the way to the parking area. I will join you in a few moments.”
As her father walked away, Ayame grabbed her sister’s hand. “I need to go too! Come on, Sis. Sousuke, the limousine is parked in spots 177 through 185. It’s blue with small U.N. flags. You can’t miss it!”
Sousuke resumed pushing the defective cart. He was already emotionally exhausted. He was supposed to survive three days of this?
Making his way through the ebb and flow of the crowd around him, he finally felt the cooler and staler air of the parking garage. He ran his eyes along the pylons, trying to find the parking lot numbers. Soon enough, he located the waiting limousine. When he parked the cart near its rear, the driver popped the trunk.
Sousuke grimaced. The man should have asked for identification! Could the driver have a copy of his photograph? Would Kaname have sent one to her father? He doubted it. Should he report the shoddy behavior to Kaname’s father?
As he began loading the bags into the ample trunk, Sousuke heard awkward footsteps behind him. If he judged correctly, it would be a middle-aged man of significant girth.
“OK, let’s move r-e-e-a-a-l-l slow now. Let’s not draw any attention here. Place your hands on the car and you won’t be hurt. This shouldn’t take long.” The voice was confident, if not overly so.
Sousuke blinked. He thought he heard the hammer of a pistol being pulled back. Was he being mugged? He had heard numerous stories about New York City. It couldn’t be a bodyguard or house security officer. Any proficient agent of that sort would have announced himself.
He hoped there was only one man. It would not be good if a second man waited nearby with a taser. It would be worse if he was being targeted through a rifle scope. But, there was no time to waste. Kaname and Ayame would be here in a matter of moments.
If anyone had been paying attention, they would have had a hard time reconciling what they witnessed. Sousuke ducked, swung one leg around fiercely, while raising one hand towards the gun.
“Damn!” Sousuke had placed the web of his hand between the hammer of the gun and the first chambered round. The resultant pinch hurt. It was a minor pain compared to the fate his attacker now faced.
“Ooofff!!!” The heavyset man hit the concrete hard, bruising his rump. Before he knew what hit him, an elbow struck him hard in the jaw, causing him to spit out his gum and bite his tongue. Seeing stars, he froze when he felt the press of a pistol muzzle against the bottom of his throat.
“Up! NOW!!!” Sousuke kept the gun in place and grabbed hold of the wobbling man’s belt, hefting him upward. “Hands behind your back. NO DELAY!!!” He took a pair of restraining cuffs out of his pocket and ran them around a sturdy-looking metal conduit before snapping them in place. “You will wait here for the police. I doubt they will have much sympathy for a robber.”
“B-B-But…”
“Sousuke, what are you doing to Mr. Smith?!!” Kaname ran up with Ayame in tow. Kaname turned pale, trembling ever so slightly. Ayame started to giggle.
“Uh…”
“Miss Kaname, I must apologize. You shouldn’t see me like this. I want you to realize that I was simply doing my job.” Mr. Smith spat out some blood. His jaw was beginning to swell. “I didn’t expect him to attack me.”
“Fool. You should always expect an attack.” Sousuke turned to Kaname. “This is the man you spoke to me of before? I thought you were only joking.” Sousuke looked furious. There were few things he disliked more than professional incompetence. He quickly put his gun away.
“Ah, there you are….” It was Shunya. Right on time. Kaname and Ayame tried to step in front of Mr. Smith. Frantically, Kaname pointed towards the bodyguard’s cuffed hands. Sousuke reached into the pocket. He couldn’t find the key.
Kaname’s father could make out the characteristic tweed coat and frayed hat of Mr. Smith behind the small wall of people. “Mr. Smith, I’d like to introduce you to Sousuke Sagara. He will be staying at my house as a guest. I wish for you to provide the same level of protection for him that you do for the rest of us.”
Walking closer, Shunya frowned. His eyes grew large, then narrowed to mere slits, when he took in the full scene.
“We’ve already met.” Mr. Smith mumbled as best he could.
Kaname and Sousuke both closed their eyes and held their breath.
[FIC] Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? (pt 4)
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cultnirvana
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Andrei Burnside
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Dang. I can only say this. Sousuke must be concealing his vehement dislike of Kaname's father. Insulted, Underestimated, and Exhausted. Sousuke should just tell Kaname's father to stuff it. The old fool deserves it, since he's only got the illusion of his authority to keep Kaname and Ayame in line. But that wouldn't be Sousuke now would it? His character is not that of a complete doormat, yet it seems he's holding his emotions and tongue.
