Ch. 4 Signals

Blip. there will be a 4.5 that i'll publish-whatever-you-say on Wednesday. :)

Enjoy~


Signals

When the light is green you go.
When the light is red you stop.
But what do you do
When the light is blue
With orange and lavender spots?

~Shel Silverstein


At first it was awkward. And not awkward as in we silently started at each other after I moved to sit across from him. Awkward in the sense that there was an inconsistency in our interactions and the way we worded things. As if we both meant one thing but the other heard something entirely different which lead to explanations and deep-rooted thoughts.

"So you're Usami-sensei's younger brother?" he'd inquired earlier.

"No, I'm the oldest." I replied smoothly, although I was baffled as to why he thought otherwise.

"Ehh?! But you, he- his... his hair's already grey."

"Oh, that. Well, him and I are half brothers - his mother being English and mine being Japanese." I could see the way he shifted in his seat and, somehow, felt bad he'd asked something so private. I didn't mind however, thus far he'd been the one doing most of the talking and I'd found out quite a bit about him. Quickly dispelling his uneasiness I added, "His hair has always been like that, although when we were much younger it was more on the blondish side than now."

It was different to see the many emotions that danced over his features when talking about something particularly exciting. Different because, normally, my day consisted of painted masks and cold expressions. And different because I was attracted to this face portraying all these feelings, attracted to a face other than Misaki's.

Yet, it was nice, getting to know each other while talking about the deep things, the sort of serious things and the slightly philosophic things that really interested us.

"...and then it so weird - to say that acting like that would be my last resort, but who knows? We're so accustomed to getting what we want then and there, and using and abusing whatever power we have to get it. It's such a shame that it's just human nature, there's nothing we can do about it, its normal for us to behave that way. I just hope and pray that if the problem ever arises, that I can be level-headed and think about what I'm doing."

"I couldn't agree more, the ending was my favorite part of that episode... 'For civilization to survive, the human race has to remain civilized.' This sounds weird, but Rod Serling's voice just gives me shivers."* I replied, rubbing my arms for emphasis. "By the way, when did you learn english? Or did they finally translate or subtitle the series?"

"Ah, no, my father made my sisters and I attend a private school that emphasized on learning english. There were days where the teachers would only speak english so I understand the language pretty well. I have a pen pal in Florida and he mentioned it once, I asked him about and he ended up sending me the entire series on DVD!"

"Florida, huh? I've only been to New York - it's much warmer down there isn't it? New York is pretty cold, I saw The Twilight Zone when I went during the fall. It was around the time they celebrate something called 'Halloween'... its kind of like our Obon, but they dress up and children go to their neighbor's houses... it's kind of weird..."

Many times did we parch our throats out before taking a pause and refilling out cups to quench a physical thirst. After long sips and relaxing silence, we resumed our conversations, picking different topics and viewpoints with a rekindled and burning fire. Surprisingly we had enough in common to last us hours until we realized we were the only ones still in the store.

The employees were cleaning tables and appliances, taking out trash and going about their nightly routine. Not bothering with us as we didn't cause them any trouble - yet, at least.

I unconsciously looked over at my watch and realized how late it was and grimaced. He caught my expression and turned on his phone to check the time as well.

"Oh crap! Darnit, it's so late. I didn't mean to keep you out so long Usami-san. I've gotta go before I miss the train!"

With haste he stuffed his things into his pockets and while watching him, I found myself saying, "Don't worry, I'll take you home." and he ceased his movements while I still watched him silently hoping he'd agree without too much bustle.

"Thank you for the offer, Usami-san, but that won't be necessary. If I leave now I should make it-"

"No its fine. I'm in no rush, let me drive you home." Standing up to gather my own things and throw away the last of the trash, I walked over to the entrance and motioned for him to join me.

He stood by the booth for a moment before shuffling up beside me and walking out the door with a mumbled, "Thank you." Taking my keys out from my pocket, I pushed the unlock button making the car flash and beep in response. I smiled at the way he shrunk back into his more reserved self. Although I would rather him talking and enthusiastic, I felt smug that I was part of the select few who could know that side of him so early on.

"Usami-san, it's really alright if I take the train. I wouldn't want to mess up your car."

"I said it was fine, please, get in." After he finally got in, I turned the car and pulled away from the fast food place. "Where to?" I asked. He gave me the directions throughout the way while we talking about a few lighter topics like our jobs and the hot weather forecasted for the rest of the week.

Finally arriving to his apartment, he paused before exiting the car. His face was hesitant, but resolute and before he really gave it much thought, he asked, "Could we do this some other time?"

Which floored me, I wasn't really expecting that. I thought he would ask me to wait until he got inside the building for me to leave or some other sort of favor. But to do this again? That was more than I could ask for, but if he wanted to, I'd be all for it. I'd really enjoyed myself and would be looking forward for it to happen again. "Sure," I responded. "How about we exchange numbers?"

And he smiled that enchanting smile, full of happiness and agreed. "I won't be able to call tomorrow, but maybe the day after?" he asked.

"That'd be great," I replied. Already anxious for the next time I'd be able to see him.

After a moment of slightly awkward silence he said, "Well, goodnight Usami-san."

Smiling slightly, I replied, "Goodnight, Todou-kun." and to my surprise, he blushed faintly before scrambling out and running inside. As I drove off, I couldn't help but think, 'I could get used to this.'


Bweeeep. Review?

*This was an actual conversation I had with a friend (she's 40 something, because most teens - i don't think- spend their time watching Twilight Zone), and we were discussing the episode entitled 'The Shelter' it's a real eye opener and I just love it. The Twilight Zone is absolutely amazing and I too agree, Rod Serling's voice. Its amazing, not it a 'Ohh let me kiss you' way, its in a I'm-talking-to-your-soul way. No homo was meant by Haruhiko's comment. I really suggest watching Twilight Zone, I've only seen like 1 epi of the 80's version but it was good. The 50's/60's version 'tho - laaawwwrrrdd it's just so crazy how different things were. In one episode they mentioned someone had an appointment on September 11th and I sat there thinking, wow. They have no idea that 50 years from then... that day will be engraved in history. I have goose bumps and my hands are shaking just from thinking about it.

Obon: I think its like a 3 day festival where the Japanese believe that their ancestors return to their native or birthplace... more details about that to come~

Anyway, enough with my blabbering. Let me know what you think? Maybe if you watch/have seen Twilight Zone tell me what's you fav episode? THANK YOU TO THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE REVIEWED! */O/* TE AMO Y TE MANDO MUCHOS BESOS Y AMOR. ICH HABE LIEBE FüR DICH UND ICH SCHIKE VIELE KüSSE. yeah ...

that german might be wrong...