Re: Learning the blues (HisaoxOC route) Act 2 Scene 4 up!
Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 7:12 pm
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
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
unless of course you think they've met before apart from the bike incident!