Learning the blues. Act 3: Scene 2 revives from the grave

[TheTealeaf]

Part 2 of 'Through the fire and flames'

Akiho is waiting for us at the bus stop. I wasn’t expecting that. She’s in what I dub her ‘bike gear’. Black jeans, black button shirt, leather gloves and her frameless glasses. All she’s missing is the tie and suit jacket and she will look like Saber. She spots the group and she gives us a bright wave. “Is that?” Hisao asks in a whisper.

“That’s my older sister Akiho,” I confirm and I see Hisao straighten himself and try and fail to smooth his errant hair down. Akiho strides forward, sweeps me into a hug before I can utter a greeting. She gives me a squeeze then moves onto Arashi, gathering him in a hug, even though he’s taller than her. Akiho then moves onto Fujiko, gives Misha a glance then sweeps her into a hug as well, earning a surprised squeak from the pink haired girl.

The look Shizune gives Akiho is priceless. It’s a look that screams ‘hug me and die’. Akiho does not hug Shizune. She then steps back and gives Hisao a long measuring look, made all the more fearsome by her glasses. She sees something she approves of as she gives him a nod and then offers him her hand in greeting. Hisao shakes it as she says “Tsukino Akiho but I’m assuming you already knew that”

“Nakai Hisao” He says in response.

“Mmm the mysterious Mr. Nakai” Akiho teases lightly. “I trust you're treating my little sister well?”

“Of course” Hisao says, with a firm nod.

“Leave him alone big sis Saber” I butt in “He’s got to deal with Akihiro later, leave him alone”

She narrows her green eyes at me in reproof. “You know how I feel about that cursed nickname” Fujiko giggles, whilst Misha appears confused at the byplay. Arashi is translating for Shizune and there is an amused glint in her eyes at the interaction between my sister and I.

“Well give Hisao some breathing room and the nickname vanishes for today” I grin at Akiho and she sighs in defeat.

“I was simply doing my sisterly duty” She says primly, adjusting her glasses “But I shall cease and desist as it is nearly lunchtime and I shall guide you to the eldest male Tsukino and his domain”

Wow sis way to make it sound ominous. Shizune makes a sign for [Food!] and proceeds to frog march my brother along, following my sister. Hisao and I follow more sedately behind, exchanging idle conversation with Fujiko and Misha. Misha seems to adore my sisters’ blonde hair and begins debating the merits of having her hair dyed blond. That mental image is weird. Misha with blonde hair? That image does not compute.

We walk in the heat for roughly three blocks. Hisao seems a little out of breath but ok as we spot Akihiros restaurant. I take it in for a minute. I think the title is rather tacky to be honest. The front looks good, wide windows, looks appealing, inviting and it uses the buildings old fashioned décor brilliantly.

The name however… leaves much to desire.

‘The Dragons shadow’

I thought I was the one that read too much tacky manga. I think most of us have had the same reaction. Akiho simply shakes her head and opens the door and strides in.

A nervous looking waiter approaches our group and is beginning to mutter an apology when my sister cuts him off “We have a booking under the name Tsukino”

The simpering attitude vanishes quickly. The waiter checks the reservation book, vanishes quickly into the kitchen and then strides back moments later. “Chef extends his welcome to you and offers you the chefs table”

As we are lead into the restaurant, Misha whispers in my ear “Uh Ayachan? What’s the chefs table?”

“I think it’s a table that’s in the kitchen. It’s a recent thing I think. We get to watch the chefs work up close pretty much”

“Isn’t that going to be really warm?” Misha asks thoughtfully.

I shrug “I think my brother will have something up his sleeve”. We’re lead into a small door at the back of the richly decorated restaurant. Glimpses of curtained off tables and couples dining privately are seen as we are ushered past. The small door leads into a large, long room. A large circular table is in the middle of the room, a chandelier above. The room apart from the wall where the door we came in from is made from clear glass. We can see clearly into the hustle and bustle of the kitchen, the chefs striding by and the heat haze from the stoves and grills. The room is fairly plain but seeing the inside view of the kitchen well I can see the appeal of the chefs table.

The waiter ushers us to our places, Hisao pulling my chair out for me, Arashi doing the same for Shizune and Fujiko pulls out Mishas chair. I give her a confused glance and Fujiko smiles a mysterious smile at me. We are all sat and the waiter bows to us and says “Chef Tsukino will be with you shortly and will take your orders personally. Would you like anything to drink?”

Akiho orders a bottle of white wine and seven glasses and a jug of water. The rest of us order an assortment of soft drinks. The waiter reappears a few moments later with the glasses and the jug of water. He then vanishes and nearly two minutes later whilst we all chatter idly, he reappears with the drinks order, along with another waiter. The soft drinks are dispersed and the waiter pours a small amount of wine into Akihos glass. She takes a small sip, nods and the glass is filled. She then indicates the rest of the table and the waiter half fills all our glasses.

Once the waiter leaves Akiho stands and raises her glass “You are all young adults and I trust that you are al mature enough to handle a glass. All I wish to say is to your health and education and that you can endure the rest of the meal” Yeah, sounding ominous again sister dearest. “Cheers” She says taking a small sip. We follow suite and there are mixed reactions. Most enjoy the wine, but Fujiko pulls a face and reaches for her soft drink instead.

“What is this?” I ask, swirling the wine in the light.

“Poulet Fume” My sister answers. “A French wine. Father drank it often and Akihiro adores it, so I knew he would have it in stock. A nice light wine a good starter wine for young palettes”

It is at that precise moment, the door flies open. Akihiro stands proudly in the doorway in his pristine chef whites looking every inch a regal, noble man.

Well that is until he opens his mouth.

“Well if it isn’t my bratty little brother and sister and my wine stealing older sister. How’re you fucking doing?” There is a stunned silence in the room. All we need is tumbleweed to roll past and the scene will be complete.

I can see Arashi translating for Shizune and I’m giggling quietly at the look of horror on Misha, Shizune and Hisaos faces. My brother grins, then bows with a flourish and says “Tsukino Akihiro at your service!”

Misha is the first to speak “Hello?” she asks, not sure what to make of Akihiros entrance.

He beams at her and then I see him spot the hair. No Akihiro, no. Too late. “Wow, pink hair! Haven’t seen that. Curtains match the drapes?”

Chaos erupts. Misha matches the color of her hair; Shizune slams her hand on the table, Fujikos mouth drops open in shock along with Hisao and me and Akiho are on our feet yelling.

Akihiro simply rolls his eyes waits until the commotion dies down with his hands in his pockets. When we’re done he simply huffs and says, “It was just a shitty joke. Relax” If looks could kill, I think Shizune and my sister would’ve dropped a tactical nuke on Akihiro.

“Could you be more tactful brother?” I ask.

“Let me think for a moment…” He pauses and taps his finger on his chin. “Nah. No fun in that.” There is another stunned silence. He grins, shark like and then turns his gaze on Hisao. “And this is Mr. Nakai. A pleasure” There is nothing pleasant in my brothers grin. “I’ll be your chef today” The grin gets wider “I hope you enjoy the food!”

Hisao gulps. “Oh stop it Akihiro” Akiho says. “He’s a good young man, so stop the ‘over protective’ act.”

“Dads not here so someone has to” He retorts, then shrugs and pulls out menus from a sideboard nearby. He hands us all a menu then grins and says, “Take a look and enjoy. I’ll be back in a few moments, I’ve just seen a fuck up I need to correct” He then strides from the room, leaving a stunned silence in the room.

“And that everyone, is my older brother Akihiro” I say dryly. There is some small laughter at that.

“Is he always like that?” Misha asks quietly.

I sigh “Unfortunately, yes” I say. “Being related to him, we’ve become inured to his habits but he is a very crass, blunt and sweary individual.”

Shizune seems very flustered with Akihiro and is signing rapidly at Misha and my brother. “You ok Hisao?” I ask.

“Nervous” is his prompt reply. “I’m worried anything I eat will be laced with poison” That gets a laugh out of everyone and the tension breaks.

The menus get cracked open and we begin to debate over choices. The restaurant is certainly influenced by the time my brother spent in France under an apprenticeship with one of Dads old chefs. Arashi, Akiho and I have to explain several of the dishes to the others.

When Akihiro appears several minutes later we are all ready to make our orders. We place them, Akihiro giving us minimum sarcasm and then vanishing back into the kitchen. [I’m sorry about earlier] I sign at Shizune.

She waves my apology off [Your brother is an incredibly rude individual] She frowns and then continues signing [Nothing like Arashi] she concludes. She huffs silently and the conversation is concluded and she engages Misha in conversation.

The starters arrive several minutes later, brought in by Akihiro and another chef. He’s a red head, rather tall and some rather stunning amber eyes. The dishes are served rather quickly and all of us had plumped for Akihiros fish skewers. It’s the same mix I made the other day for Hisao and Fujiko but professionally done and the difference is astounding. We all hungrily tuck in and there is nothing but the sounds of eating for a few moments.

The door opens again and Akihiro strides in with a glass of white wine and a chair. He joins us at the table and waits until we are done before speaking. “Well the main courses are on the way, the shitty sauce chef Shirou is making them”

“Who?” My sister asks.

“The lanky red head that was in here with me a few minutes ago” Akihiro says.

“You’re one to talk” I say.

Akihiro snorts and gives me the finger whist taking a sip of wine. It appears the table is becoming inoculated to his antics as the starter is finished and people recline back, finishing drinks and wiping mouths.

Akihiro takes a good long look at Hisao and nods slowly. “So. Taking my sister out tonight?”

“Yes sir” Hisao says nervously.

I elbow Hisao gently “Don’t encourage him” I hiss “You’ll only make it worse for yourself”

Akihiro gives me a glance next and then his eyes slide back towards Hisao. He doesn’t say anything for a long moment then finally says, “Just treat her right, or suffer the consequences, namely me and a cleaver”

“Are we done with the posturing?” I ask with a huff, “Have we sufficiently scared Hisao enough now?”

Arashi shakes his head and I give him my patented one-eyed glare of doom. He smirks and Shizune elbows him and he relents, shaking his head. Honestly, brothers they’re all pains.

The door opens and the red-haired chef from earlier wheels in a trolley. On the trolley is several dozen different varieties of dim sum, fried rice dishes, noodles, vegetables and a huge selection of sauces and side dishes. “Oh Shitty Shirou” My brother greets with a wide grin. “Treating them to the house special?”

The red-head gives a wide grin, and the dishes are placed on the table. I guess this Shirou has known my brother a while if he can tolerate the casual abuse thrown at him, either that or he knows it’s a joke/nickname. As we begin tucking into the literal feast, I notice my sister has become a little flustered. Odd as she never gets flustered. My brother rises after snagging a few treats from the table and says with a bow “Well my part in the feast is coming up next, so get prepared for the best desserts you shall ever taste”

“I want parfait!” Misha says suddenly even as she tucks into the food in front of her.

“Then you shall taste the best fucking parfait you’ve ever had my dear” Akihiro says with a grin.

“That a promise?” Misha pouts.

“Cut it with the cutesy shit” he grimaces, “I’m a dessert specialist, so yes, it will be the best you’ve ever had” He bows to the group, then jerks his thumb at Shirou. “I’ll leave you in this ones hands. If you need anything just ask him”

Shizune signs at Shirou [How do you put up with him?] Once Akihiro leaves the room. Misha translates for Shirou and he laughs and rubs the back of his head.

“I’ve known him for a few years now. The nickname is a sign of affection from him,” The read-head explains with a grin. That answer seems to stun Shizune. He then turns to my sister “I wanted to thank you for the lift you gave me the other day. If you hadn’t, I would’ve been late for work!”

“It was nothing!” Akiho exclaims, waving her hands in front of her. “I would’ve done it for anyone!” I cough into my hand, something that’s sounds suspiciously like ‘Liar!’ and she pins me with her emerald eyes.

“Well” Shirou says, “I still owe you a thank you Ms Tsukino, so I would like to buy you a drink as thanks at some point in the future” You could’ve heard a pin drop in the silence that followed.

“You’ve got guts,” Hisao mutters under his breath and mentally I agree with him. Asking Akiho out in front of her siblings and whose brother is your boss? Yeah… definitely guts or sheer stupidity.

“I – I – I would love to!” Akiho manages to stammer out. That floors me. Akiho rarely dates and she tends to be very, very picky about her men. This is a rather large surprise. Shirou smiles widely and sits next to Akiho and she gives us all a look that clearly tells us to mind our own business.

“Well this day is full of surprises” Fujiko says quietly. “Akihiro being fairly tame for once and your sister going on a date. Is the world about to end anytime soon?” She asks dryly. Misha attempts to laugh at this but her mouth is full and she ends up coughing, Fujiko giving her a thump on the back to release the errant food.

“Fuchan that’s mean!” Misha pouts. “Why is it so surprising she wants to find love?”

I lean over and interject “Its because he’s not normally her kind of man. She likes the business types, the prim and proper ones, you know the type I mean” Misha gives me a hesitant nod. “so, Shirou is not my sisters type, at least not that I’m aware of”

“Unless she wants to sample something different?” Fujiko suggests innocently.

“Well he certainly does look yummy” I admit, Hisao giving a weird cough “But I don’t want to have the mental image of my sister ‘sampling’ the goods” I shiver, then ask, “What do you think Fujiko?”

“I prefer something softer,” She says after a moment.

Softer? “What you mean like someone who looks…” I trail off at the look on Fujikos face.

Oh.

Oh.

OH.

Oh my. “Really?” I ask. Fujiko nods. “Well that’s cool” Fujiko seems to relax. Misha has caught the meaning but Hisao remains oblivious, although he does give me a questioning look. I wave him off.

That was an interesting revelation. At least if I understood it right. We go back to eating the delicious main course and Shirou serves us more drinks. We’ve very nearly finished the main course when Akihiro comes back in. “So dessert time! He announces. “I already know that pinky here wants parfait, but what would the rest of you like?”

I already know what I want. Growing up, Akihiro often used us, his siblings as taste testers. His best dessert, hands down that he learnt from Dad has to be his dark chocolate and whiskey fondant puddings with homemade vanilla ice cream. They are to die for. I order one for both Hisao and me and he frowns “Trust me,” I say with a grin, “you’ll love it!”

My brother does the same and I see Shizune frown. My brother gets a grin on his face and I catch him sign something at Shizune. I don’t catch what he signs but Shizune signs back [This had better be good!]

She then signs [But if I lose?] Oh dear brother don’t lose to her again and wind up with more debt but whatever it is he signs at her makes her turn a lovely shade of pink dusting on her cheeks and she signs back [Acceptable terms but I do not believe that you will win!]

I catch my Arashis attention but he simply grins at me. You’d best be careful brother, last time you challenged Shizune seriously you essentially became her slave! Misha remembers too judging by her laugh and flying hands “Whahahahaha Arachan! Be careful! Remember what happened last time!” She chirps. He gives her a mysterious grin and shakes his head as if to indicate he’s got it in the bag.

Fujiko orders a parfait herself and my brother gets an odd gleam in his eyes. Akiho then orders the fondant pudding as well, which earns a snort and a “Should’ve fucking known” from under his breath. “Alright, desserts shall be ready in a few short minutes!” He vanishes back into the kitchen again and we see him through the class, walk deeper into the depths of the kitchen, gesturing at his ‘minions’ as he terms them and they scuttle off to do his bidding.

“It’s been interesting so far,” Hisao admits to me as we digest our feast. “Is it wrong to say your older brother terrifies me?”

“Not really, he scares a lot of people” I admit “Once you get to know him, he’s not so bad. Still an ass but not as bad. I mean you saw how he greeted us, his siblings.” Hisao nods “If he gives you a nickname like that then you’re golden” I state. “It’s his twisted way of showing affection”

“Oh” The conversation peters out after that and we watch the rapid movement of the kitchen. It’s certainly interesting for those not accustomed to how a kitchen works but I found myself a little bored as I had seen most of this before working for Dad.

The tantalizing aroma of dessert wafting into the room recovers the atmosphere. The dark, rich and heady smell of dark chocolate sets my mouth watering and I can see the others have noticed as well. “That smells good” Hisao remarks.

“It’ll taste just as good, if not better” As I say this, Shirou opens the door and my brother rattles in another trolley. He serves up the dishes and the anticipation is almost electric. The parfait that Misha and Fujiko wanted is served on a single plate between them with two spoons. It looks lovely, swirls of white and pink, with a dark purple glaze of some kind, chocolate shavings and lashings of fancy sliced exotic fruits.

Akihiro steps back as Shirou leaves, bows and simply says, “Enjoy”. The spell is broken and we all dive in. Hisao moans at the first bite. The trick with fondant pudding is to cook it just so. Cook it too long and it becomes a sponge pudding, too little and it’s simply raw. Akihiro has it down perfectly. As we all cut into our puddings, molten chocolate oozes out and the divine smell punches you in the nostrils and taste buds.

There are no words spoken, simply the light tinkling of cutlery moving, as people simply dive in and enjoy this small slice of heaven on earth. I do notice as I bask in this pudding bliss that Fujiko is feeding Misha spoonfuls of the parfait every so often. The pair are giggling quietly and enjoying their dessert.

Akihiro gives off a vibe of intense satisfaction. He’s like Dad in that respect, he gets quite the kick out of seeing people enjoy the food he’s made with his own hands.

As people are finishing up I ask him “Why the name? And why the two different cultures?”

He smiles and nods at my question “The name sister dearest is to represent Dad. He’s the dragon and I am in his shadow. He trained me, sent me on my apprenticeship and the critics still compare me to him. So I named it after him in a way” There is a softness to my brothers tone I rarely here “As for the fusion, well Dad was classically French trained and trained here in Japan, so I thought why not. Shirou is the master at what he does, I’m the master at what I do. It works. Only been opened up two weeks and we’re raking in the money and getting good reviews.”

“Wow, all those words and not a single swear word” I remark.

“Fuck you sister dearest” is the swift reply and we laugh as Akiho and Arashi roll their eyes at our interaction. Shizune seems to be still in shock at the dessert and simply signs [This was… delicious. You win Arashi!]

Arashi simply looks smug and grins signing [So you’ll abide by the terms then?]

She just shoots him a death glare. [Next week sound ok then?] He signs on regardless of the death glare.

[Yes, next weekend is fine] Shizune signs and then slumps back in her seat.

“Take your time to digest the food” Akihiro remarks rising “I have a kitchen to clean. A fucking pleasure meeting all of you” He says. “Oh and Hisao?”

“Yes?”

“Just remember I own a cleaver” And with that threat, he leaves the room. Charming.

Chatter winds down to idle conversation as we digest. We ramble and talk for around half an hour before beginning to leave. Shizune reaches for her wallet but Akihos hand on her arm stops her. “Relax. This is covered by the Tsukinos, you don’t have to pay a single yen” My brother translates and Shizune frowns but backs down at the look my sister gives her. Wow. That ones a first, someone stopping Shizune with a look.

Hisao rises from the table and offers me his arm. I take it and we say our goodbyes to everyone before leaving the restaurant.

End part 2

[TheTealeaf]

Part 3 of 'Through the fire and flames'

The evening air is brisk but nice on the skin as we leave my brothers restaurant. The sun is beginning to slowly sink on the horizon but there is still daylight left.

“So then Mr. Nakai” I tease, “What are your nefarious plans for me?” Hisao simply gives me a small mysterious smile and guides me further into the city. We’re holding hands as we walk and I cant help but smile and give his hand a small squeeze.

There are no words exchanged between us. We don’t seem to need them almost. There are small gestures, small squeezes and eye contact but no spoken words. We don’t seem to need them.

We take our time with the walk, idly skating round the thrum of humanity in the streets. Hisao cuts off down a side street saying, “Stay here” and comes back a moment later with a small bunch of flowers. He gives them to me and presses a kiss to one of my knuckles.

“Thank you” I say softly smelling the flowers. They’re not roses, nor do they look terribly expensive but it’s the thought of it that makes my tummy tingle and swoop. Hisao smiles and again leads off into the city. I wonder where we’re going?

I get my answer a few minutes later. I hear the strains of jazz and blues nearby and the sound gets louder as we approach what appears to be out destination. It’s a very old looking jazz bar and café. I laugh with delight as I realize it’s a live band playing, a saxophone, trumpet and trombone with a small drum kit accompanying.

The music is fresh and lively. It’s also not a genre I’ve ever really listened to with Dad, so it’s not setting anything off. Hisao leads me inside and we find a small table near the edge of the dance floor. Hisao vanishes to the bar to get drinks and I look round in wonder.

It’s a little dingy and dark with low-level lighting but the atmosphere is fantastic. Low chatter, the music flowing around you with its notes and rhythm. I even note with a small laugh that one of the players is wearing one of the stereotypical flat caps and big sunglasses. This place feels nice, really nice. Comfortable.

Wonder how long it took Hisao to come up this one.

He comes back to our table and places a coffee in front of me. “After dinner coffee” I remark as he sets his own down, “Good choice” I take a sniff and it smells gorgeous. They must use good beans here. I take a small slow sip, nearly scalding my tongue but it tastes magical. I think the music helps the flavor. “Take your black as well?” I ask. “Is it ok for you to drink coffee? You were hesitant earlier this week”

Hisao looks at his reflection in the coffee. “I don’t think one is going to kill me” It’s said in a half joking tone but I can tell he’s serious, “But yes I take mine black. Best way too, don’t want milk or sugar effecting the taste”

My foot nudges his and he nearly drops his coffee as I idly play footsie with him under the table. “Serious coffee man then” I say somberly with a nod “Who got you into that?”

“My Dad” is Hisaos short remark. “He gave one to me one morning before leaving for work and it carried on from there. It… grew on me “ He says with a shrug taking another small sip.

We let the music wash over us for a few minutes, savoring our coffee. “How did you know about this place?” I inquire, my curiosity getting the better of me.

“Arashi” Hisao says “He likes his Jazz apparently, you’re more a blues girl according to him but he recommended this place, says he’s been here before”

“I can see why he likes it” I remark, finishing my coffee. I then notice a pool table lurking in the corner of the bar. “Game?” I ask, titling my head in the direction of the table.

“Sure” Hisao agrees.

So we head over, skirting around the dance floor and go over to the table. “Been a while since I’ve played” Hisao says out of the blue.

I make a noise of agreement then state “We have a table at home but I haven’t played it in a while”

“Oh? How come?”

“Akiho is the main player and we don’t have a lot of time at home to play,” I say softly. “Akiho taught me how to play when I was little. She learnt off her mum who was apparently quite the pool shark. Swindled Dad out of a lot of money when he first met her apparently” I give a shrug as I talk.

“Should I be worried?” Hisao jokes lightly.

“We won’t play for money” I remark mysteriously. I think Shizune is contagious as I find myself suggesting “How about whomever wins gets to ask one thing for the evening from the other player?”

“Within limits” is Hisaos first concern.

“Of course” I say tartly “I’m not about to make you go streaking or anything”

“Good” he says with a firm nod.

“You set up” I say, “I’ll get us something to drink. Soft drink ok?” Hisao gives me a nod as he begins to set the table up and I wend and wind my way over to the bar to place the order. It takes a while to get the barman’s attention and he stares at my eye patch when he does but I manage to get and pay for my drinks. Before I leave though I find myself asking “Does the band do slow songs?”

There is a toothy grin and a belly laugh from the barkeep. “Indeed little missy they do. Start in about half hour to forty-five minutes.” I nod, thank him and he laughs and waves me off.

My depth perception is noticeably limited so getting back to the pool table without spilling the drinks takes more time. By the time I do get back, Hisao has set the table up and is dusting a pair of cues for us to use. “Ladies first?” He gestures to one of the cues as he speaks.

“Flip for it” I fire back and he nods withdrawing a coin from his pocket.

“Heads or tails?”

“Heads” I call as he flips it. He catches it and shakes his head “You go first then” I say pointedly and Hisao laughs. He sets the cue ball up and takes his shot. The ball rockets down and with a ‘clack’ sends the balls rolling and I idly note that Hisao isn’t that bad. He hasn’t potted anything so I take my turn next and give him a quick grin.

The games end being best two out of three as I own Hisao in the first game. He finds his groove in the next game, winning it but I make a comeback in the third game and win the match overall. “What is it you wish for?” Hisao asks dryly, expecting something awful no doubt.

I look over at the dance floor. There are some couples there as we’ve been playing for about an hour and the slow music has already begun. I point at the dance floor, take Hisaos hand in mine and ask, “Can you dance?” I don’t give him a proper chance to respond as I drag him on. We slide into position, his hands on my waist, mine around his neck, eyes locked.

We don’t really dance; just sway slowly from side to side in time with the blues. I pull in closer to Hisao as we dance and rest my head at the top of his chest, as he’s a little taller than me. “Thank you for this evening” Hisao says earnestly.

I grin and say cheekily “No thank you Mr. Nakai. Your nefarious plans have been most appreciated,” We continue swaying to the music and I sigh contently.

I pull back a little and we sway and shuffle in our first position, eyes locked. I remember Fujikos advice from a couple of days ago. “If there is a spark, fan the flames before the sparks die out”

I let us dance for a few more moments, then as the music builds to a crescendo I simply think, fuck it. One hand leaves Hisaos neck and curls into his hair and then drags him down to me where our lips meet for the first time.

There are no fireworks or explosions in my brain but Hisaos lips are soft and warm, tasting faintly of coffee and dark chocolate. He’s stunned for a moment, but his arms tighten around my waist and bring me closer, meeting the kiss with a deliberate slow and steady pace.

His smell surrounds me as we kiss, a heady, musky smell and the warmth and the taste sets my head spinning. I kiss slightly harder and Hisao responds in kind.

I suddenly don’t care if this is a whirlwind or too soon. His lips on mine feel so damn right. My troubles melt away under his tender lips and I lose myself in the sensation until we have to break for air. “Wow” Hisao exclaims looking slightly stunned. “That was…” he struggles to find the word, “Intense” He settles on.

I make a noise of contentment and quickly kiss him again to make sure. “Intense” I say with a small laugh “like a good cup of coffee”

Hisao laughs, leans down and steals a small kiss from me.

“Hisao” I ask softly, not wanting to ruin the moment “Are you… ok with this? It’s a little bit of a whirlwind isn’t it?”

“A little” Hisao admits, “and it does worry me somewhat” He then looks me dead in the eye “But then for some reason it feels, very, very right”

“Good.” I say firmly mouth curled in a grin, “I feel the exact same way”

Hisaos face brightens into the biggest and most genuine smile I’ve seen from him since I met him at Yamaku.

The rest of the night passes in a blur of stolen kisses, dances and good coffee.

When we get back to Yamaku and Hisao walks me to the dorms, I laugh to myself as I realize that the smile currently on my face would have to be removed via crowbar or surgery before I lose it.

I haven’t felt this happy in a long while and I fall asleep with what feels like the worlds biggest grin on my face.

End Scene 5.

[CloudGrain]

Stellar.

There's really not too much else I can say about it all; there are a very few mistakes here and there, a word or two left out once, an instance where 'all' has accidentally been replaced with 'al', the usual incredibly nitpicky stuff. But for the rate at which you're pumping out TRIPLE POST CHAPTERS, I somehow find it impossible to fault you for such tiny oversights.

It's... For the most part seeming to be continually becoming more and more divergent from the Katawa Shoujo we all know and have played, but it's certainly supposed to be based on the point of view and 'twist' that you've thrown into it. Even as this story and the 'official' Visual Novel begin to show their differences, they both really seem to have much of the same spirit. They're about humanity, human nature, and the emotions that seem to be entailed with being... You guessed it, human. Reading this, you're sitting back and suddenly feel almost shocked somewhere in the back of your mind when you're reminded that one of the students of Yamaku is indeed disabled. That mention of an eyepatch when preparing for an evening out, the mild concern coming to mind over caffeine being a good thing for Hisao's heart, etc. This novelization following the same sort of vein as the Visual Novel makes it even more striking on levels like that. How easily you can judge people based merely upon their actions and personalities rather than the 'other' things, notably health conditions, that so many of us use so often to try and define them.

Once again, bravo, this is stellar.

[AntonSlavik020]

“But yes I take mine black. Best way too, don’t want milk or sugar effecting the taste”

That's funny, because the taste of coffee is the exact reason I flood it with creamer.

Anyways, this chapter did not disappoint. I have a feeling the bet between Shizune and Arashi is him taking her out on a date. Also, I had a feeling that Misha and Fuki liked each other once I saw Misha was coming along. I've suspected she swung that way for a little while now, which is probably why. Looks like everyone is getting some romance.

Finally, the last scene was very sweet. Yeah, their relationship is progressing faster than other stories, but I think it works. Looking forward to more!

[Mirage_GSM]

Pin-striped suit? Are we thinking of the same saber?

the interaction between my sister and I

...my sister and me

Given that her father is a touchy subject, referring to her brother as the oldest male in the family is quite audacious...

Hisao calling out Shirou on trying to date his boss' sister is the pot calling the kettle black, isn't it?

You try to pair off every single one of your characters... Seems a bit forced...

[TheTealeaf]

Pin-striped suit? Are we thinking of the same saber?

the interaction between my sister and I

...my sister and me

Given that her father is a touchy subject, referring to her brother as the oldest male in the family is quite audacious...

Hisao calling out Shirou on trying to date his boss' sister is the pot calling the kettle black, isn't it?

You try to pair off every single one of your characters... Seems a bit forced...

If you're thinking of a certain Arturia then yes we are thinking of the same saber! (Akiho hates the nickname!)

Ah... may go back and retcon that bit about the eldest male.

Yes pot calling kettle, that was the effect I was going for!

The Shirou/Akiho thing I've had planned from the start along with the Shizune/Arashi thing. THe Misha/Fujiko thing I honestly have no idea where that popped up from but as Ayane was dictating the scene to me it just stuck. I wasn't happy with this whole chapter to be honest. I struggle at writing with lots of characters in one scene and I felt I was forgetting and ignoring characters.

But Akihiro/Akiho/Shirou. After another couple of big scenes at the end of Act 2 you won't see them until late Act 4. THey're essentially background characters so they'll be talked about but not be there.

“But yes I take mine black. Best way too, don’t want milk or sugar effecting the taste”

That's funny, because the taste of coffee is the exact reason I flood it with creamer.

Anyways, this chapter did not disappoint. I have a feeling the bet between Shizune and Arashi is him taking her out on a date. Also, I had a feeling that Misha and Fuki liked each other once I saw Misha was coming along. I've suspected she swung that way for a little while now, which is probably why. Looks like everyone is getting some romance.

Finally, the last scene was very sweet. Yeah, their relationship is progressing faster than other stories, but I think it works. Looking forward to more!

You suspected? Was it the bath scene that gave it away? I was trying to be subtle... Ah well! (And it's more like Fuji likes Misha, Misha is still pining over Shizune even in this route, although due to Arashi Misha hasn't been Shizunes only translator so they're not as close as in canon)

The outcome of the bet... well wait and see!

Alas teenage love is often lust disguised as an angel... I jest but well we all know the path of true love is never entirely smooth eh?

Stellar.

There's really not too much else I can say about it all; there are a very few mistakes here and there, a word or two left out once, an instance where 'all' has accidentally been replaced with 'al', the usual incredibly nitpicky stuff. But for the rate at which you're pumping out TRIPLE POST CHAPTERS, I somehow find it impossible to fault you for such tiny oversights.

It's... For the most part seeming to be continually becoming more and more divergent from the Katawa Shoujo we all know and have played, but it's certainly supposed to be based on the point of view and 'twist' that you've thrown into it. Even as this story and the 'official' Visual Novel begin to show their differences, they both really seem to have much of the same spirit. They're about humanity, human nature, and the emotions that seem to be entailed with being... You guessed it, human. Reading this, you're sitting back and suddenly feel almost shocked somewhere in the back of your mind when you're reminded that one of the students of Yamaku is indeed disabled. That mention of an eyepatch when preparing for an evening out, the mild concern coming to mind over caffeine being a good thing for Hisao's heart, etc. This novelization following the same sort of vein as the Visual Novel makes it even more striking on levels like that. How easily you can judge people based merely upon their actions and personalities rather than the 'other' things, notably health conditions, that so many of us use so often to try and define them.

Once again, bravo, this is stellar.

CLoud you seriously flatter me. I think of myself as a very mediocre writer but your posts always give me a damn big grin and more motivation to keep on writing. (Although Ayane would complain and complain and complain until I began writing again if I dropped it)

So seriously thank you for the compliments guy/gal. I shall raise a dram o whiskey to you in thanks tonight!

(P.S I hope you enjoy Scene 6 coming soon!)

Signing off for the day, the tealeaf

[Mirage_GSM]

Hoped to continue my post from earlier but you were too fast...

Two more things to add: One, it's strange that Hisao knows his way around the city enough to choose a bar and second you play pool with a queue.

All that is very much nitpicking, though.

Good job with the chapter!

I don't remember ever seeing sabre in a suit, but I'm not too ardent a fan of that series...

[TheTealeaf]

Hoped to continue my post from earlier but you were too fast...

Two more things to add: One, it's strange that Hisao knows his way around the city enough to choose a bar and second you play pool with a queue.

All that is bery much nitpicking, though.

Good job with the chapter!

I don't remember ever seeing sabre in a suit, but I'm not too ardent a fan of that series...

Queue? Uhm... that means to line up and wait for something, pool cues are the correct terminology!

Saber in a suit is from Fate/Zero: http://dmy-gfx.deviantart.com/art/Saber ... -261407512

Hisao got directions and suggestions from Arashi who drew him a little map. Ayane doesn't see him consulting it!

Thank you for your feedback Mirage, I always do appreciate it!

[Mirage_GSM]

Huh, my mistake then. We use "queue" in German, and I simply assumed English uses the same term...

And that explains why I don't remember Saber in a suit, since I only watched the original series.

[AntonSlavik020]

You suspected? Was it the bath scene that gave it away? I was trying to be subtle... Ah well! (And it's more like Fuji likes Misha, Misha is still pining over Shizune even in this route, although due to Arashi Misha hasn't been Shizunes only translator so they're not as close as in canon)

Don't worry, it wasn't obvious, I just happen to have very sensitive yuri goggles. The slightest thing tends to set them off haha.

[TheTealeaf]

Don't worry, it wasn't obvious, I just happen to have very sensitive yuri goggles. The slightest thing tends to set them off haha.

Ah a connoisseur of the the yuri varieties I see. That explains it XD

Huh, my mistake then. We use "queue" in German, and I simply assumed English uses the same term...

And that explains why I don't remember Saber in a suit, since I only watched the original series.

Yup English is a tricky old beast of a language. I confuse myself with it half the time!

Dude Fate/zero is epic! Written by the Urobutcher, who gave us madoka magica and Psycho-pass! And there's a new remake of fate/stay starting next week on the UBW route. I am so hyped! (Sorry bit of a fate/stay fan here!)

[azumeow]

Dude Fate/zero is epic! Written by the Urobutcher, who gave us madoka magica and Psycho-pass! And there's a new remake of fate/stay starting next week on the UBW route. I am so hyped! (Sorry bit of a fate/stay fan here!)

Obviously you're a fan, you included the two main characters in your story.

And they're dating now, it seems. Don't think I didn't catch that, Mr. leaf. Don't think that for a moment....

[TheTealeaf]

And they're dating now, it seems. Don't think I didn't catch that, Mr. leaf. Don't think that for a moment....

Ah mr/ms meow the question is whom are you referring to?

[azumeow]

And they're dating now, it seems. Don't think I didn't catch that, Mr. leaf. Don't think that for a moment....

Ah mr/ms meow the question is whom are you referring to?

Hahaaa. Shirou and 'Saber', of course!

[TheTealeaf]

Hahaaa. Shirou and 'Saber', of course!

Ah, well he's simply asked her out for a drink unless of course you think they've met before apart from the bike incident!