Re: Learning the blues (HisaoxOC route) Scene 3 up!
Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2014 6:05 pm
The end of act 1 folks! There is small nekkid scene in the bath between Fuji and Ayane but it's tame. No update tomorrow as It's open evening at school. 4.5k words. Enjoy!
Act 1
Scene 4
If we could live like every day was Sunday.
(She wonders if she'll ever find him, wonders if she'll ever fall in love. Maybe she's right there behind him now)
I’m not sure what time Fujiko and I drifted off to sleep. Most of the night is a fuzzy memory of whispered conversation, comforting mumbles and assurance.
Someone pounding on my door wakes me from my dreamless sleep. Heads are going to roll. I still feel groggy and sleep deprived and I realise my bed is empty. Fujiko must’ve left at some point.
As the hamster wheel in my brain squeaks into gear, I realise why. Fujiko is helping set the stall up, so…
More knocking. My head hurts and the knocking doesn’t help my mood. Whoever is behind that door is getting both barrels.
I stomp over to the door and yank it open a growl armed and ready, which rapidly turns into a squeak as I realise who was knocking.
It’s Hisao. He is trying to look anywhere but me. I can feel a flush creeping over my skin. I’m still in my sleepwear, which is just a pair of light panties and thin, rather short ratty t-shirt of mine. I must look a sight, sweaty and flushed.
Why haven’t I shut my door yet?
Not sure.
Hisao smiles and then says “Nice… t-shirt” he chuckles and rubs the back of his head awkwardly and looks at the floor.
Smoooooth Hisao, real smooth. It’s enough for my brain to re-engage though and for me to move the door over so I’m hid mostly behind it’s comforting wood. “Why are you knocking on my door Hisao?” I ask, voice still groggy and my throat a little rough.
“Your brother sent me to get you. It’s quarter to eleven Ayane, stall shift starts in fifteen minutes,” Hisao gently reminds me a small smile tugging at his lips.
Oh.
Oh.
Oh.
OH SHIT. My brain lurches into high gear. I dart into my room, grab some yen and my toiletries and almost throw the coins at Hisao. “Grab me a coffee! I’ll be down to the stall in five!” I ask as I rush past him with a towel and wash stuff. It only registers when I’m standing under the shower thirty seconds later that Hisao must’ve had a wonderful view of my panty clad behind when I went running past him.
I hope he enjoyed the free show. Honestly what was my brother thinking sending Hisao up to my room? Normally he’d do it himself, he has a key for pities sake! Maybe he’s just busy with the stall I think as I towel my hair dry. He’s probably getting some of the ingredients prepared.
I head back into my room, the corridor being Hisao free and rapidly get dressed into some casual wear. If I’m managing the food on the stall along with brother dearest then some light casual clothes I don’t mind smelling of various food odours are the way to go. I grab my medication from the side and pop them in my pocket. I’ll down them with the coffee that hopefully Hisao has got for me at the stall.
As I turn to leave my room I catch myself in the mirror. I look a mess. Bags under my eyes, my good eye is incredibly bloodshot, hair a mess and I look… drawn out, a little ragged around the edges. Eye patch. Mustn’t forget my eye patch. In a red mood today, so I pick my red one up and slip the eye patch over my bad eye. Set… kind of.
Now I can face the day, feeling semi human.
As I bounce down the stairs to the school grounds my mind wanders back to this morning with Hisao at my door. He was trying not to look I realise. He wanted to look but he was a gentleman about it. Part of my brain thinks this is a good thing, shows he can be chivalrous about it, whilst another part, the darker part of my brain fires at me but shouldn’t you be flattered that he did want to look?
I’m still slightly pink by the time I get to the stall. Stupid brain. Stupid, stupid mental images. Did I want Hisao to enjoy looking at me? General consensus was fifty/fifty.
My internal monologue died a swift death as I approached the stall through the morning bustle of the crowds at the festival. It’s always a fairly busy festival with plenty of traffic from the town below but the real hustle and bustle begins after twelve.
The stalls easy to spot and I wind my way behind it, Arashi spotting me and throwing an apron in my face. I splutter and pull it off of my face and tie it round my waist. [You made it with two minutes to spare] Arashi signs, whilst Hisao stirs a pot of what smells like miso soup.
“ I know, I know” I say tone apologetic “Had a shitty nights sleep thanks to a bad nightmare. I think I woke most of the dorms” Ah damn it, I should probably watch what I say in front of Hisao as he seems concerned. “Keep stirring the soup Hisao”
[You ok?] Arashi signs, placing his knife down so he can sign at me.
I switch over to sign myself, as I want this conversation slightly private. Sorry Hisao. [It was a dream about the day Dad died] I confess, my hands trembling as I sign.
Arashis eyebrows shoot up into his hairline [You mean… like a flashback or a dream?]
[Bit of both. There was a stage and…] I let out a breathe and my hands go slack. I owe this to Arashi, Akiho and Akihiro. I owe them all an apology I realise. I’ve been a stubborn bitch over the last two years and it’s only now I realise what stress I’ve caused my family and myself. [He was in the audience of an empty playhouse] I sign finally.
[Dead?] The sign is very final, very swift but I can sense that Arashi is reluctant to ask it. I nod in response my throat feeling tight all of a sudden. Arashi simply nods back and gives me a hug, patting my back, before releasing me and going back to preparing vegetables.
I turn to Hisao, who promptly hands me a can of coffee. I blink and then it registers what he’s given me. “Thank you Hisao” The nod I receive is a serious one in turn and he knows I’m not just thanking him for the coffee, I’m thanking him for the privacy.
I pop the tab on the coffee and retrieve my tablets from my pocket. I swallow them down with the coffee, the sweet nectar of the gods and I see Hisao, trying and failing not to be curious about the medication I just had. “I know that feeling,” He says eventually, after serving a couple “I take a lot of pills too” He says with a soft smile.
“How many?” I ask softly.
A shrug and he answers “About seventeen different types, some twice daily others once” His tone is slightly bitter as I digest that information. Seventeen? That must merit a serious condition. Part of me wonders what’s wrong with Hisao as we begin to work the stall. It’s early still before the rush and I have time to ponder. It’s definitely an internal problem. Heart? Liver? Cancer or some autoimmune problem?
Could be any number of things and I should respect the unwritten rule of Yamaku. People tell you, you don’t ask. My train of thought about Hisaos condition is shunted to one side as I lose myself in the routine of running the stall.
It’s soothing in a way, reminds me of the days when Arashi and me worked with Akihiro in one of Dads restaurants at weekends. The lulling rhythm of the knife and the sizzle of the woks and pans are very therapeutic. I’m running on instinct, almost on automatic as Hisao calls out orders and Arashi and me carry them out.
We work like a well-oiled machine, perfectly in tune as vague flashes of memories play across my brain. Dad teaching me how to handle a knife, cut an onion, how to use a wok, making pastry with him in the house kitchen. A small smile flickers across my face as I fry some noodles.
Good memories of Dad. I have many of those but that fateful evening and the events afterwards tend to dominate my memories of Dad. It shouldn’t. I had fifteen years with Dad. I can remember the good times I had with him but I struggle. The memory of that evening is like a blight, a thundercloud hovering in my head and I’m never sure when it’s going to strike.
I can see Arashi out of the corner of my good eye and he’s smiling, silently laughing as he tosses his wok, fulfilling another order. I need to get past what happened. I need to try, for my brothers and sister.
For Arashi.
For Akiho.
For Akihiro.
The lunch rush then hits us like a freight train and all extraneous thoughts are banished from my mind as we fall into the hot sweaty work of running my class’s stall.
The two-hour shift flies by in the routine of sweat, food and orders. As our relief comes in and takes over, I notice Hisaos face it drawn and tight. He’s pale too and sweating. Well I’m sweating too but he seems to be really sweating, almost drowning. I guide him to a bench nearby and I see Arashi move off into the crowd, presumably to find some water.
I sit Hisao down and wrap an arm over his shoulder. I’m the same height as him so it’s fairly easy to do. “You ok?” I ask softly “You look like shit, no offense”
A strained grin and soft chuckle that turns into a cough is my response. “Really out of shape” Hisao wheezes, “Didn’t think managing the till would affect me so much” he admits.
“Maybe you should keep up the running with me then!” A sweet chipper voice cuts into the conversation and the effect is like driving an ice pick through my brain.
Ibarazaki Emi. I can feel my jaw clenching. One of my many flaws and certainly my biggest flaw is my ability to hold a grudge and I definitely have a grudge against the ‘fastest thing on no legs’. She’s only just registered who’s sitting next to Hisao and I feel a savage, toothy grin spread wide on my face. Yeah it’s me Ibarazaki remember what you did?
She pales slightly at the sight of me next to Hisao and I do feel a small amount of vindictive glee at her expression. “Ah Tsukino” she says with a sweet saccharine smile “Didn’t see you there” she says, still eyeing me warily.
I nudge Hisao gently “Didn’t realise you were Ibarazakis running partner Hisao”
He glances at me. His breathing is better now and his face looks better. “I was. Sent myself to the nurse after pushing myself too hard” He admits.
I sweep my gaze to Ibarazaki. “Sent him self to nurse hmmm?” I say “Guess someone didn’t know when to tell him enough was enough” My voice is oozing with vicious barbed sarcasm and Ibarazaki flinches. I could say more but I hold my tongue. Hisao is probably friends with the pint-sized runner.
My history with Ibarazaki is about a boy. During my first year I began to date one of the track and field members. His name is banished from my memory banks now, the scum-sucking prick doesn’t even deserve to be remembered properly in my headspace. First year was when Dad died and I was a mess afterwards. I was a mess but instead of even trying to support me, the little prick started flirting with Ms Ibarazaki. She did nothing to stop his advances, even though she knew I was dating him and he then dumped me for her.
The runner then dumped him.
Prick deserved it.
Yes, I’m still a little bitter about it.
So sue me I’m only human.
Thing is Ibarazaki knows I still hold her partially responsible and as a result our interactions are always a little… chilly.
Fortunately my brother arrives with ice-cold water and breaks up the unpleasant atmosphere. We all guzzle down the cold water and I see Hisao returning to almost normalcy. As we drink Ibarazaki takes her leave, trying to bug Hisao into running with her tomorrow morning. That girl really doesn’t know when enough is enough. “You going to run with her?” I ask Hisao as he finishes off a second bottle of water.
I get a shrug from him in response and I can see my brother smirking. We sit there in the sun for a good fifteen minutes simply sitting in companionable silence. It’s a good feeling.
Hisao breaks the silence first “Thank you for today” He says. “I wasn’t going to do anything today, probably just sit and read in my room” His smile is a little bitter, a little wistful in equal measures “You’ve got me out here and for the first time since my… incident” And the word ‘incident’ is phrased very deliberately. “I guess what I’m trying to say is… thank you for befriending me. Friends are something I’ve had in short supply for some months now”
I can tell that took a lot for Hisao to say, so all I do is smile, my ass of a brother takes a bow and I say “It’s what friends do Hisao but the day isn’t over yet. You’ve got to deal with Shizunes tender mercies first” The face Hisao makes is priceless. I think he’s had enough of Shizune over the past few days.
And speak of the devil and they shall appear. Shizune and her shadow loom over my brother who grins and engages Shizune in conversation hands flashing rapidly back and forth. “I think you’d best have a shower before you tangle with Shizune. Your shirt looks a little drenched” Hisao gives me a wan smile and stands. I tune the conversation he has with Misha out as I suddenly feel as though someone’s pulled my batteries out.
I flop back against the bench and watch Hisao and Arashi head to the dorms presumably to shower and change. Shizunes hands moving shock me out of my exhaustion. [Please repeat that] I sign slowly.
Shizune moves her glasses back with a gesture of impatience whilst Misha laughs.
[Fujiko is going to help me. She said it would take a couple of hours] my signing is sloppy and I can feel the disappointment in the air.
Shizune huffs silently then signs [I shall have your brother text you when Hisao is free. Is that acceptable?]
[Sounds good] I sign then perk up as a familiar face appears nearby. [See you later Shizune!] I sign as I move to meet Fujiko [Don’t treat the boys too harshly]
[Who do you think I am?!] is signed back a frown on her face.
I laugh and say aloud “The student council president who likes to try and get her own way!” I see Misha sign what I say to Shizune and I laugh at her facial expression as I grasp Fujiko by the arm and we glide through the crowd to the girls’ dorm.
I only catch half of what Fujiko is saying as she is chattering a mile a minute. I register climbing the stairs, Fujiko barging into my room with me, getting my showering kit, a towel and one of the bags she gave me last evening.
Pushed down the hallway again we end up in the bathroom. It’s when Fujiko starts peeling my clothes off that my brain begins to switch off from autopilot. “What are you doing?” I squawk, flapping my hands.
A cheeky grin lights her face “You’re practically asleep on your feet Ayane” She says, peeling my trousers off.
“I can undress myself thank you!” I say, batting hands away from my bra. Fujiko nods and then shimmies out of her clothes lightning quick. For a moment I admire her form under the bathroom lights. Fujiko is a pretty thing, all porcelain skin, smoothness and slight curves, the lights giving the patches of shadow more depth. She preens under my look and then gestures for me to divest my remaining clothes. I shuck my bra and panties and step under the shower Fujiko has running for me, sitting down on the stool.
Fujikos careful delicate hands lather soap into my hair and a groan escapes my lips.
“Damn Fuji that feels good” I say as somehow she finds knots in my head that I didn’t even know I had. “What’s in the shampoo?”
“My own secret mix” She whispers in my ear. “Mum helps me make my own mixes when I’m at home. Feels good don’t it?”
I stretch under her ministrations and the next fifteen minutes passes in a blur of nakedness, tender touches, perfumed soaps and scents as Fujiko works her magic on my skin and hair. I feel like a goddess!
After the shower and the unexpected head masage, I step into the bath Fujiko had drawn up earlier. I sigh as the water relaxes my tense muscles. Then tense up again as Fujiko slips in opposite me. “Er… Fuji” I say, water rippling around me “Why… why are you doing this? I’m beginning to question your sexuality here”
Fujiko relaxes and a toe touches mine “Does it bother you?”
“Not particularly” I say with a shrug water splashing as I do. “You’re my friend Fujiko just not sure how I’d react to you hitting on me” I say honestly.
“As for why… I did say I’d help you get ready” Nothing else is said and we marinade in the water for the next ten minutes before Fujiko drags me out of the bath and wraps me in warm scented towels. She's really spoiling me.
Fujiko would make an excellent therapist I muse as I’m herded down the corridor into my room festooned in towels. I smell of jasmine and vanilla and I think every muscle in my body is relaxed.
But it’s not over. For the next hour or more, Fujiko primps and preens me; face scrubs and other odd things that I’ve never even considered are applied to me. She then dresses me in my yukuta, ties my obi and fixes my hair with the hairpins my sister had brought for me. I’m allowed to put on my sandals at least.
“One last touch” I hear her murmur. She pins my coloured lock of hair back, exposing my eye and then hands me a colourful box. I open it and nearly drop the box. It’s an eye patch but it’s a beautiful one. It’s in my favourite shade of green and a dragon is embroidered in gold thread spiralling into the centre of the eye patch. “It’s made from silk” Fujiko says, “Dad helped me to make it. I hope you like it. I was going to give it to you for your birthday but I think you could make more use of it now!”
I can feel tears in my good eye. “Fuji” I whisper reverently “It’s beautiful” I hold it out to her. “Help me put it on?” I turn and face the mirror and I feel her gather my hair back in a ponytail. She ties my hair up and then slides the eye patch on. It’s gorgeous and the person looking back at me certainly isn’t Tsukino Ayane.
Fujiko nods approvingly “My work here is done. Hisao isn’t going to know what’s hit him!” It’s eerily accurate then when my phone vibrates, skittering across the desk. Fujiko reads the text as I’m still slack jawed at my reflection. “And your date has been freed from the presidents clutches” She says.
“It’s not a date,” I grumble half-heartedly, although with all the preparation Fujiko’s put into me I’m pretty sure that Hisao is going to think this is a date.
Well this might get awkward quickly. Still Fujiko is ushering me out of my room, a clutch (one of hers I notice) is pressed into my hands and in rapidly short order I find myself outside the girls dorm a beaming Fujiko hands me over to a stunned Hisao.
He… cleans up nicely. I think he’s borrowed some of my brothers’ clothes but that sweater vest is certainly his style and it really suits him. He’s dare I say it… cute. “Hi” I say softly and he seems to shake himself out of a stupor.
“Good evening Ayane” Hisao says, a light blush decorating his cheeks. Nice to know I’m not the only one that blushes that particular shade. “You… you look really good” He says in a rush.
Ok he’s just as embarrassed as me. Equal ground here. Good, good. I think I see Shizune spying from the steps with my brother. Yes, she is and I think if my brothers’ jaw went any lower it would hit the ground.
[Wow, you clean up nice. Never would’ve guessed it] He can even sign sarcastically it seems. I give him a universal sign, the middle finger and he laughs it off silently, guiding Shizune by the arm into the lights of the festival. Her expression is unclear. I’m not sure if she’s happy, pissed or smug at something. It’s that bobcat expression again.
Hisao offers his arm to me and I take it and we descend the dorm steps into the festival crowds. He opens his mouth to speak and embarrassingly my stomach rumbles rather audibly. He laughs and the earlier awkwardness shatters like fragile glass “I guess that answers my question then” he says with a smile. “Shall we get something to eat?”
“Onwards my good sir to nutrition!” I jest as we vanish into the festival crowds.
We have a grand time at the stalls, sampling foods and playing the silly games. Hisao tries to not let me spend anything but the allowance my mother gives me is more than enough.
He does win me a small stuffed eastern dragon though. He says it’s because of the eye patch I’m wearing. I’m not normally one for stuffed animals, its more Fujikos or Akiho thing but I’m a sucker for dragons as they are after all, awesome!
We have a good time, laughing and chatting in the crowds. We share a love of reading and I wiggle a promise out of him to exchange books. I learn more about Hisao and in return… I open up a little.
I tell him about my father. How he was a chef, how he taught all of his children.
I tell him about my family. My siblings. Blond teacher Akiho with her love of motorbikes and her no-nonsense attitude. I tell him about my older brother Akihiro, the chef, my gangly, smoky and sweary brother.
He in returns tells me more about his. He’s an only child, career parents, looked after himself for the most part. We spend the festival connecting.
For the first time in a long while, I feel connected to someone else apart from my siblings and Fujiko and it feels… nice. Really nice. We can be good friends I think.
An announcement goes off. It’s time for the fireworks! It’s my favourite part of the festival and I often thank my lucky stars I’m not photosensitive.
“Can I show you something Hisao?” I say, my voice trembling with childlike anticipation and glee.
“Sure” He says immediately, his eyes trusting. I take his warm, soft hand in mine and lead him to the edges of the school grounds. There is a small off the road path and it leads up to a small grove of trees, on a slight hill and it gives a perfect view of the school and the display when it begins.
We settle down on the grass and say nothing. In a few short, breathless moments, the sky erupts into an orgy of lights and sounds. It’s then I realize that my head has found it’s way into Hisaos lap and I’m looking up at the display and Hisao. His dark eyes reflect the display and I find it mesmerizing. His hands are running through my hair and it feels so damn good.
Time slips away and it’s only when the lights from the fireworks fade do I realise we’re staring at each other. I push myself up and Hisao climbs to his feet. We meet each other’s gaze for a moment and I smile as does he. “You should smile more often” I say.
“You and your brother are helping that to happen” He says taking my hand as we head back to school. We stop outside the girl’s dorm and there is a beat of slightly awkward silence “Thank you for this evening Ayane” Hisao says.
“No, thank you” I say with a smile. I draw him into a hug and I feel him stiffen slightly before relaxing.
He surprises me then, drawing back and then taking my hand and pressing a kiss to the back of my hand. I think I might be glowing in the night. “Goodnight Ayane.” Hisao says his voice having a mischievous lilt to it. “Sweet dreams and see you tomorrow”
He begins to walk away to the boy’s dorms. Oh no you don’t Nakai. “Hisao” I call out and he stops, turning around. I swoop in, in a cloud of jasmine and vanilla and place two feather light kisses on him. One on each cheek. Less than a second contact. It’s his turn to look flustered now. He's standing there, hands touching his cheeks, looking as if a herd of elephants has just stampeded parts.
“Sweet dreams” I say, as I saunter to the dorm entrance “See you in the morning!” I say sweetly and I as I look over my shoulder, I see Hisao still resting his hand against his cheeks and a glazed expression on his face. I think he's still in shock the poor boy!
That image sends me into the sandman’s embrace with a grin on my face.
If only we could live like everyday was Sunday.
End Scene 4
End Act 1
Act 1
Scene 4
If we could live like every day was Sunday.
(She wonders if she'll ever find him, wonders if she'll ever fall in love. Maybe she's right there behind him now)
I’m not sure what time Fujiko and I drifted off to sleep. Most of the night is a fuzzy memory of whispered conversation, comforting mumbles and assurance.
Someone pounding on my door wakes me from my dreamless sleep. Heads are going to roll. I still feel groggy and sleep deprived and I realise my bed is empty. Fujiko must’ve left at some point.
As the hamster wheel in my brain squeaks into gear, I realise why. Fujiko is helping set the stall up, so…
More knocking. My head hurts and the knocking doesn’t help my mood. Whoever is behind that door is getting both barrels.
I stomp over to the door and yank it open a growl armed and ready, which rapidly turns into a squeak as I realise who was knocking.
It’s Hisao. He is trying to look anywhere but me. I can feel a flush creeping over my skin. I’m still in my sleepwear, which is just a pair of light panties and thin, rather short ratty t-shirt of mine. I must look a sight, sweaty and flushed.
Why haven’t I shut my door yet?
Not sure.
Hisao smiles and then says “Nice… t-shirt” he chuckles and rubs the back of his head awkwardly and looks at the floor.
Smoooooth Hisao, real smooth. It’s enough for my brain to re-engage though and for me to move the door over so I’m hid mostly behind it’s comforting wood. “Why are you knocking on my door Hisao?” I ask, voice still groggy and my throat a little rough.
“Your brother sent me to get you. It’s quarter to eleven Ayane, stall shift starts in fifteen minutes,” Hisao gently reminds me a small smile tugging at his lips.
Oh.
Oh.
Oh.
OH SHIT. My brain lurches into high gear. I dart into my room, grab some yen and my toiletries and almost throw the coins at Hisao. “Grab me a coffee! I’ll be down to the stall in five!” I ask as I rush past him with a towel and wash stuff. It only registers when I’m standing under the shower thirty seconds later that Hisao must’ve had a wonderful view of my panty clad behind when I went running past him.
I hope he enjoyed the free show. Honestly what was my brother thinking sending Hisao up to my room? Normally he’d do it himself, he has a key for pities sake! Maybe he’s just busy with the stall I think as I towel my hair dry. He’s probably getting some of the ingredients prepared.
I head back into my room, the corridor being Hisao free and rapidly get dressed into some casual wear. If I’m managing the food on the stall along with brother dearest then some light casual clothes I don’t mind smelling of various food odours are the way to go. I grab my medication from the side and pop them in my pocket. I’ll down them with the coffee that hopefully Hisao has got for me at the stall.
As I turn to leave my room I catch myself in the mirror. I look a mess. Bags under my eyes, my good eye is incredibly bloodshot, hair a mess and I look… drawn out, a little ragged around the edges. Eye patch. Mustn’t forget my eye patch. In a red mood today, so I pick my red one up and slip the eye patch over my bad eye. Set… kind of.
Now I can face the day, feeling semi human.
As I bounce down the stairs to the school grounds my mind wanders back to this morning with Hisao at my door. He was trying not to look I realise. He wanted to look but he was a gentleman about it. Part of my brain thinks this is a good thing, shows he can be chivalrous about it, whilst another part, the darker part of my brain fires at me but shouldn’t you be flattered that he did want to look?
I’m still slightly pink by the time I get to the stall. Stupid brain. Stupid, stupid mental images. Did I want Hisao to enjoy looking at me? General consensus was fifty/fifty.
My internal monologue died a swift death as I approached the stall through the morning bustle of the crowds at the festival. It’s always a fairly busy festival with plenty of traffic from the town below but the real hustle and bustle begins after twelve.
The stalls easy to spot and I wind my way behind it, Arashi spotting me and throwing an apron in my face. I splutter and pull it off of my face and tie it round my waist. [You made it with two minutes to spare] Arashi signs, whilst Hisao stirs a pot of what smells like miso soup.
“ I know, I know” I say tone apologetic “Had a shitty nights sleep thanks to a bad nightmare. I think I woke most of the dorms” Ah damn it, I should probably watch what I say in front of Hisao as he seems concerned. “Keep stirring the soup Hisao”
[You ok?] Arashi signs, placing his knife down so he can sign at me.
I switch over to sign myself, as I want this conversation slightly private. Sorry Hisao. [It was a dream about the day Dad died] I confess, my hands trembling as I sign.
Arashis eyebrows shoot up into his hairline [You mean… like a flashback or a dream?]
[Bit of both. There was a stage and…] I let out a breathe and my hands go slack. I owe this to Arashi, Akiho and Akihiro. I owe them all an apology I realise. I’ve been a stubborn bitch over the last two years and it’s only now I realise what stress I’ve caused my family and myself. [He was in the audience of an empty playhouse] I sign finally.
[Dead?] The sign is very final, very swift but I can sense that Arashi is reluctant to ask it. I nod in response my throat feeling tight all of a sudden. Arashi simply nods back and gives me a hug, patting my back, before releasing me and going back to preparing vegetables.
I turn to Hisao, who promptly hands me a can of coffee. I blink and then it registers what he’s given me. “Thank you Hisao” The nod I receive is a serious one in turn and he knows I’m not just thanking him for the coffee, I’m thanking him for the privacy.
I pop the tab on the coffee and retrieve my tablets from my pocket. I swallow them down with the coffee, the sweet nectar of the gods and I see Hisao, trying and failing not to be curious about the medication I just had. “I know that feeling,” He says eventually, after serving a couple “I take a lot of pills too” He says with a soft smile.
“How many?” I ask softly.
A shrug and he answers “About seventeen different types, some twice daily others once” His tone is slightly bitter as I digest that information. Seventeen? That must merit a serious condition. Part of me wonders what’s wrong with Hisao as we begin to work the stall. It’s early still before the rush and I have time to ponder. It’s definitely an internal problem. Heart? Liver? Cancer or some autoimmune problem?
Could be any number of things and I should respect the unwritten rule of Yamaku. People tell you, you don’t ask. My train of thought about Hisaos condition is shunted to one side as I lose myself in the routine of running the stall.
It’s soothing in a way, reminds me of the days when Arashi and me worked with Akihiro in one of Dads restaurants at weekends. The lulling rhythm of the knife and the sizzle of the woks and pans are very therapeutic. I’m running on instinct, almost on automatic as Hisao calls out orders and Arashi and me carry them out.
We work like a well-oiled machine, perfectly in tune as vague flashes of memories play across my brain. Dad teaching me how to handle a knife, cut an onion, how to use a wok, making pastry with him in the house kitchen. A small smile flickers across my face as I fry some noodles.
Good memories of Dad. I have many of those but that fateful evening and the events afterwards tend to dominate my memories of Dad. It shouldn’t. I had fifteen years with Dad. I can remember the good times I had with him but I struggle. The memory of that evening is like a blight, a thundercloud hovering in my head and I’m never sure when it’s going to strike.
I can see Arashi out of the corner of my good eye and he’s smiling, silently laughing as he tosses his wok, fulfilling another order. I need to get past what happened. I need to try, for my brothers and sister.
For Arashi.
For Akiho.
For Akihiro.
The lunch rush then hits us like a freight train and all extraneous thoughts are banished from my mind as we fall into the hot sweaty work of running my class’s stall.
The two-hour shift flies by in the routine of sweat, food and orders. As our relief comes in and takes over, I notice Hisaos face it drawn and tight. He’s pale too and sweating. Well I’m sweating too but he seems to be really sweating, almost drowning. I guide him to a bench nearby and I see Arashi move off into the crowd, presumably to find some water.
I sit Hisao down and wrap an arm over his shoulder. I’m the same height as him so it’s fairly easy to do. “You ok?” I ask softly “You look like shit, no offense”
A strained grin and soft chuckle that turns into a cough is my response. “Really out of shape” Hisao wheezes, “Didn’t think managing the till would affect me so much” he admits.
“Maybe you should keep up the running with me then!” A sweet chipper voice cuts into the conversation and the effect is like driving an ice pick through my brain.
Ibarazaki Emi. I can feel my jaw clenching. One of my many flaws and certainly my biggest flaw is my ability to hold a grudge and I definitely have a grudge against the ‘fastest thing on no legs’. She’s only just registered who’s sitting next to Hisao and I feel a savage, toothy grin spread wide on my face. Yeah it’s me Ibarazaki remember what you did?
She pales slightly at the sight of me next to Hisao and I do feel a small amount of vindictive glee at her expression. “Ah Tsukino” she says with a sweet saccharine smile “Didn’t see you there” she says, still eyeing me warily.
I nudge Hisao gently “Didn’t realise you were Ibarazakis running partner Hisao”
He glances at me. His breathing is better now and his face looks better. “I was. Sent myself to the nurse after pushing myself too hard” He admits.
I sweep my gaze to Ibarazaki. “Sent him self to nurse hmmm?” I say “Guess someone didn’t know when to tell him enough was enough” My voice is oozing with vicious barbed sarcasm and Ibarazaki flinches. I could say more but I hold my tongue. Hisao is probably friends with the pint-sized runner.
My history with Ibarazaki is about a boy. During my first year I began to date one of the track and field members. His name is banished from my memory banks now, the scum-sucking prick doesn’t even deserve to be remembered properly in my headspace. First year was when Dad died and I was a mess afterwards. I was a mess but instead of even trying to support me, the little prick started flirting with Ms Ibarazaki. She did nothing to stop his advances, even though she knew I was dating him and he then dumped me for her.
The runner then dumped him.
Prick deserved it.
Yes, I’m still a little bitter about it.
So sue me I’m only human.
Thing is Ibarazaki knows I still hold her partially responsible and as a result our interactions are always a little… chilly.
Fortunately my brother arrives with ice-cold water and breaks up the unpleasant atmosphere. We all guzzle down the cold water and I see Hisao returning to almost normalcy. As we drink Ibarazaki takes her leave, trying to bug Hisao into running with her tomorrow morning. That girl really doesn’t know when enough is enough. “You going to run with her?” I ask Hisao as he finishes off a second bottle of water.
I get a shrug from him in response and I can see my brother smirking. We sit there in the sun for a good fifteen minutes simply sitting in companionable silence. It’s a good feeling.
Hisao breaks the silence first “Thank you for today” He says. “I wasn’t going to do anything today, probably just sit and read in my room” His smile is a little bitter, a little wistful in equal measures “You’ve got me out here and for the first time since my… incident” And the word ‘incident’ is phrased very deliberately. “I guess what I’m trying to say is… thank you for befriending me. Friends are something I’ve had in short supply for some months now”
I can tell that took a lot for Hisao to say, so all I do is smile, my ass of a brother takes a bow and I say “It’s what friends do Hisao but the day isn’t over yet. You’ve got to deal with Shizunes tender mercies first” The face Hisao makes is priceless. I think he’s had enough of Shizune over the past few days.
And speak of the devil and they shall appear. Shizune and her shadow loom over my brother who grins and engages Shizune in conversation hands flashing rapidly back and forth. “I think you’d best have a shower before you tangle with Shizune. Your shirt looks a little drenched” Hisao gives me a wan smile and stands. I tune the conversation he has with Misha out as I suddenly feel as though someone’s pulled my batteries out.
I flop back against the bench and watch Hisao and Arashi head to the dorms presumably to shower and change. Shizunes hands moving shock me out of my exhaustion. [Please repeat that] I sign slowly.
Shizune moves her glasses back with a gesture of impatience whilst Misha laughs.
[Fujiko is going to help me. She said it would take a couple of hours] my signing is sloppy and I can feel the disappointment in the air.
Shizune huffs silently then signs [I shall have your brother text you when Hisao is free. Is that acceptable?]
[Sounds good] I sign then perk up as a familiar face appears nearby. [See you later Shizune!] I sign as I move to meet Fujiko [Don’t treat the boys too harshly]
[Who do you think I am?!] is signed back a frown on her face.
I laugh and say aloud “The student council president who likes to try and get her own way!” I see Misha sign what I say to Shizune and I laugh at her facial expression as I grasp Fujiko by the arm and we glide through the crowd to the girls’ dorm.
I only catch half of what Fujiko is saying as she is chattering a mile a minute. I register climbing the stairs, Fujiko barging into my room with me, getting my showering kit, a towel and one of the bags she gave me last evening.
Pushed down the hallway again we end up in the bathroom. It’s when Fujiko starts peeling my clothes off that my brain begins to switch off from autopilot. “What are you doing?” I squawk, flapping my hands.
A cheeky grin lights her face “You’re practically asleep on your feet Ayane” She says, peeling my trousers off.
“I can undress myself thank you!” I say, batting hands away from my bra. Fujiko nods and then shimmies out of her clothes lightning quick. For a moment I admire her form under the bathroom lights. Fujiko is a pretty thing, all porcelain skin, smoothness and slight curves, the lights giving the patches of shadow more depth. She preens under my look and then gestures for me to divest my remaining clothes. I shuck my bra and panties and step under the shower Fujiko has running for me, sitting down on the stool.
Fujikos careful delicate hands lather soap into my hair and a groan escapes my lips.
“Damn Fuji that feels good” I say as somehow she finds knots in my head that I didn’t even know I had. “What’s in the shampoo?”
“My own secret mix” She whispers in my ear. “Mum helps me make my own mixes when I’m at home. Feels good don’t it?”
I stretch under her ministrations and the next fifteen minutes passes in a blur of nakedness, tender touches, perfumed soaps and scents as Fujiko works her magic on my skin and hair. I feel like a goddess!
After the shower and the unexpected head masage, I step into the bath Fujiko had drawn up earlier. I sigh as the water relaxes my tense muscles. Then tense up again as Fujiko slips in opposite me. “Er… Fuji” I say, water rippling around me “Why… why are you doing this? I’m beginning to question your sexuality here”
Fujiko relaxes and a toe touches mine “Does it bother you?”
“Not particularly” I say with a shrug water splashing as I do. “You’re my friend Fujiko just not sure how I’d react to you hitting on me” I say honestly.
“As for why… I did say I’d help you get ready” Nothing else is said and we marinade in the water for the next ten minutes before Fujiko drags me out of the bath and wraps me in warm scented towels. She's really spoiling me.
Fujiko would make an excellent therapist I muse as I’m herded down the corridor into my room festooned in towels. I smell of jasmine and vanilla and I think every muscle in my body is relaxed.
But it’s not over. For the next hour or more, Fujiko primps and preens me; face scrubs and other odd things that I’ve never even considered are applied to me. She then dresses me in my yukuta, ties my obi and fixes my hair with the hairpins my sister had brought for me. I’m allowed to put on my sandals at least.
“One last touch” I hear her murmur. She pins my coloured lock of hair back, exposing my eye and then hands me a colourful box. I open it and nearly drop the box. It’s an eye patch but it’s a beautiful one. It’s in my favourite shade of green and a dragon is embroidered in gold thread spiralling into the centre of the eye patch. “It’s made from silk” Fujiko says, “Dad helped me to make it. I hope you like it. I was going to give it to you for your birthday but I think you could make more use of it now!”
I can feel tears in my good eye. “Fuji” I whisper reverently “It’s beautiful” I hold it out to her. “Help me put it on?” I turn and face the mirror and I feel her gather my hair back in a ponytail. She ties my hair up and then slides the eye patch on. It’s gorgeous and the person looking back at me certainly isn’t Tsukino Ayane.
Fujiko nods approvingly “My work here is done. Hisao isn’t going to know what’s hit him!” It’s eerily accurate then when my phone vibrates, skittering across the desk. Fujiko reads the text as I’m still slack jawed at my reflection. “And your date has been freed from the presidents clutches” She says.
“It’s not a date,” I grumble half-heartedly, although with all the preparation Fujiko’s put into me I’m pretty sure that Hisao is going to think this is a date.
Well this might get awkward quickly. Still Fujiko is ushering me out of my room, a clutch (one of hers I notice) is pressed into my hands and in rapidly short order I find myself outside the girls dorm a beaming Fujiko hands me over to a stunned Hisao.
He… cleans up nicely. I think he’s borrowed some of my brothers’ clothes but that sweater vest is certainly his style and it really suits him. He’s dare I say it… cute. “Hi” I say softly and he seems to shake himself out of a stupor.
“Good evening Ayane” Hisao says, a light blush decorating his cheeks. Nice to know I’m not the only one that blushes that particular shade. “You… you look really good” He says in a rush.
Ok he’s just as embarrassed as me. Equal ground here. Good, good. I think I see Shizune spying from the steps with my brother. Yes, she is and I think if my brothers’ jaw went any lower it would hit the ground.
[Wow, you clean up nice. Never would’ve guessed it] He can even sign sarcastically it seems. I give him a universal sign, the middle finger and he laughs it off silently, guiding Shizune by the arm into the lights of the festival. Her expression is unclear. I’m not sure if she’s happy, pissed or smug at something. It’s that bobcat expression again.
Hisao offers his arm to me and I take it and we descend the dorm steps into the festival crowds. He opens his mouth to speak and embarrassingly my stomach rumbles rather audibly. He laughs and the earlier awkwardness shatters like fragile glass “I guess that answers my question then” he says with a smile. “Shall we get something to eat?”
“Onwards my good sir to nutrition!” I jest as we vanish into the festival crowds.
We have a grand time at the stalls, sampling foods and playing the silly games. Hisao tries to not let me spend anything but the allowance my mother gives me is more than enough.
He does win me a small stuffed eastern dragon though. He says it’s because of the eye patch I’m wearing. I’m not normally one for stuffed animals, its more Fujikos or Akiho thing but I’m a sucker for dragons as they are after all, awesome!
We have a good time, laughing and chatting in the crowds. We share a love of reading and I wiggle a promise out of him to exchange books. I learn more about Hisao and in return… I open up a little.
I tell him about my father. How he was a chef, how he taught all of his children.
I tell him about my family. My siblings. Blond teacher Akiho with her love of motorbikes and her no-nonsense attitude. I tell him about my older brother Akihiro, the chef, my gangly, smoky and sweary brother.
He in returns tells me more about his. He’s an only child, career parents, looked after himself for the most part. We spend the festival connecting.
For the first time in a long while, I feel connected to someone else apart from my siblings and Fujiko and it feels… nice. Really nice. We can be good friends I think.
An announcement goes off. It’s time for the fireworks! It’s my favourite part of the festival and I often thank my lucky stars I’m not photosensitive.
“Can I show you something Hisao?” I say, my voice trembling with childlike anticipation and glee.
“Sure” He says immediately, his eyes trusting. I take his warm, soft hand in mine and lead him to the edges of the school grounds. There is a small off the road path and it leads up to a small grove of trees, on a slight hill and it gives a perfect view of the school and the display when it begins.
We settle down on the grass and say nothing. In a few short, breathless moments, the sky erupts into an orgy of lights and sounds. It’s then I realize that my head has found it’s way into Hisaos lap and I’m looking up at the display and Hisao. His dark eyes reflect the display and I find it mesmerizing. His hands are running through my hair and it feels so damn good.
Time slips away and it’s only when the lights from the fireworks fade do I realise we’re staring at each other. I push myself up and Hisao climbs to his feet. We meet each other’s gaze for a moment and I smile as does he. “You should smile more often” I say.
“You and your brother are helping that to happen” He says taking my hand as we head back to school. We stop outside the girl’s dorm and there is a beat of slightly awkward silence “Thank you for this evening Ayane” Hisao says.
“No, thank you” I say with a smile. I draw him into a hug and I feel him stiffen slightly before relaxing.
He surprises me then, drawing back and then taking my hand and pressing a kiss to the back of my hand. I think I might be glowing in the night. “Goodnight Ayane.” Hisao says his voice having a mischievous lilt to it. “Sweet dreams and see you tomorrow”
He begins to walk away to the boy’s dorms. Oh no you don’t Nakai. “Hisao” I call out and he stops, turning around. I swoop in, in a cloud of jasmine and vanilla and place two feather light kisses on him. One on each cheek. Less than a second contact. It’s his turn to look flustered now. He's standing there, hands touching his cheeks, looking as if a herd of elephants has just stampeded parts.
“Sweet dreams” I say, as I saunter to the dorm entrance “See you in the morning!” I say sweetly and I as I look over my shoulder, I see Hisao still resting his hand against his cheeks and a glazed expression on his face. I think he's still in shock the poor boy!
That image sends me into the sandman’s embrace with a grin on my face.
If only we could live like everyday was Sunday.
End Scene 4
End Act 1