Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.
Chapter 7
"Thank you for taking me out," Reese praised as she sipped her coffee. "I know there's a hidden agenda so spill it."
Daisuke chuckled, "There's no getting passed you."
"The creepy phone call at night gave it away."
"It's not like you're trying to sleep or anything. I know you were probably hitting up a club with your friends."
Daisuke rolled his eyes. Daisuke had called her after his encounter with Karin. He had caught Reese drunk last night but that would be the best way to get her to not ask questions. She was the type of person to ask more questions than you could handle.
"Now, what is the situation?" Reese asked.
"Do you remember Karin?" Daisuke awkwardly started. "I'm kind of interested in her. Karin doesn't really want anything to do with me. She likes to play hard to get."
Reese started laughing. "Daisuke, you are such a dork. All of this secrecy for one damn girl. This is rich. What do you need, brother dearest?"
"Kari is starting get involved with this guy, Haru Kubota."
"Haru Kubota!" Reese gasped. "You're in trouble. Haru is a major hunk."
"Eh, I'm better than him," Daisuke groaned. "So, you know how the annual masquerade is in two weeks? I want to see if my dad invited the Kurosaki family. Knowing my dad, he invites people that he is interested in to trap them. If they get invited, Karin is definitely going to bring Haru. I need someone to distract Haru and that happens to be you."
Reese was trying to keep her laughter in. Her full lips crinkled and twisted. Daisuke wasn't amused by the fact that Reese found this hilarious.
"Why should I help you? It sounds like you are trying to sell your sister off. I'm a little insulted that you think I'm that type of woman."
"I'm not selling you off. I just want you to talk to him. The whole night," Daisuke said with a nervous smile.
Reese thought about it and sighed. He was hopeless, that brother of hers. He was such a dork it was painful. Daisuke and their mother were all she had. It was almost impossible for her to say "no". Reese knew that Daisuke would do the same if she wanted him to talk to some girl all night. It wasn't that bad of a guy too. Haru was gorgeous.
Reese pressed her manicured nails on her cheek. Daisuke looked at her with brave eyes, the same eyes she had. Reese snickered and gave him a smile.
"Sheesh, you really know how to make me feel bad," Reese told him. She sipped her coffee nonchalantly. "You're lucky I'm into handsome swimmers. What happened to being a nice guy?"
Daisuke snorted and tapped his fingers against the table in the café. Daisuke was never much of a coffee drinker. It was maybe something he had once in awhile.
"So was that all?" Reese asked.
"Well, no," Daisuke mumbled. "Do you know when Mom will be in town? I haven't seen her in awhile and my dad is driving me crazy. You're lucky you aren't related."
"I don't understand why Mom ever liked your dad," Reese wondered. "Mom said she would be back for the masquerade. Knowing Mom, she's going to be a showstopper. She spent a lot of time in Los Angeles."
Daisuke heartily laughed. "She's going to have the flashiest dress."
"I wish I got to spend more time with you. You're busy with your job, and I'm busy with mine. You have other brothers, but you're my only brother."
"My brothers are interesting characters. Only one of my brothers is maybe normal. Maybe. That's on a good day."
Reese starting cackling, "Ryota is a flirt. Yutaka creeps me out. Keiji is kind of normal. Takeo is painfully awkward. I don't understand why you're not the favorite. It's just so crazy, my God!"
Daisuke wished that he grew up with Reese and his mother. He was allowed to stay a week with them once in awhile. Daisuke lived in a world where he couldn't be what he wanted. He moved all over the place and didn't make many friends. Being rich and famous really wasn't important to Daisuke. He just wanted a loving family.
Noticing the gloomy nature of her brother, Reese stopped cackling like a hyena. It grew silent as he looked at his hands sadly. Reese hated what they did to him. Actually, she hated his father more than anything. Shigeo Nakatani only made problems for her mother and her.
"Hey, tell me about Karin. I didn't really get to talk to her that much," Reese asked kindly.
"Karin is… a whirlwind. She doesn't fall for any bullshit. I like that about her. Not many girls are like that. Karin is very out-spoken. It's kind of funny. She's not over emotional, like many other girls that I meet. She reminds me of Mom. Karin's really pretty, too. And her eyes..." Daisuke gushed.
Reese crinkled her nose at his stupid grin. "You are such a dork. I knew you would like someone like Mom. You were such a Mommy's Boy."
"That is not true. I just liked Mom more than Dad. Mom was more affectionate than Dad," Daisuke mumbled.
"Aw, Mommy's Boy!" Reese squealed while clapping her hands on her face.
"Shut up, Reese…" Daisuke grumbled while a faint blush brushed on his cheeks.
Daisuke's phone buzzed in his pocket. Daisuke pulled his phone out of his coat pocket and groaned.
"Well, I've been summoned by my dad. I've got to go now. It's been fun, sis," Daisuke told her while getting up from his seat.
"Duty calls, I guess. See you later."
Daisuke sat in the elevator. The pressure in his ears started to cause discomfort. Of course, his father's office had to be at the very top of the building, the ninety-fourth floor to be exact. The black marble walls must have been recently cleaned because Daisuke's reflection looked right back at him.
Daisuke was dreading this meeting. He would be with all of his brothers and his father. They would be talking about the masquerade. Yes, there was a meeting for the masquerade. The annual masquerade was incredibly important because all of Karakura Town's VIPs were invited. Receiving an invitation was an honor.
The elevator doors opened and Daisuke stepped out. The lobby area was so quiet, Daisuke could only hear his tapping shoes and the dripping of the waterfall pools on either side of the black marble lobby.
The secretary hid behind his novel. He had dark hair with soft dark eyes. He looked like a nerdy shoujo boy. He was small compared to Daisuke. His eyes hid the fear of God in them.
"Looking good, Kei," Daisuke told the guy.
Daisuke could hear him shift awkwardly as he opened to door to his father's office. The room was covered in expensive black marble. The back wall was a giant window with a great view of Karakura.
His father wasn't in his office, but Daisuke's two eldest brothers were. The first one Daisuke noticed was Takeo Nakatani. Takeo was the oldest of the brothers. His bespectacled eyes glanced over at Daisuke. Takeo was socially awkward. It was hard to believe that thirty-three-year-old Takeo would become the next CEO.
"Hey, Takeo. It's been awhile," Daisuke called.
Takeo gave Daisuke half of a smile. That was good enough for Daisuke. Takeo would be handsome if he didn't look like he had the anxiety of a chihuahua. Takeo's black hair and fair skin made him look like a younger version of his father.
The other brother stepped away from the window with a cocky smile and a cigarette in hand. "Hey-o, Daisuke. What's happening, dude?"
Keiji Nakatani was three years younger than his full brother, Takeo. Keiji turned out much better than his brother. His only vice was smoking and perhaps his lazy nature. Keiji had cotton-like, brown hair with fish-like eyes. He kind of looked like a weasel, but his wife didn't mind.
"Ah, Keiji. Not much with me. All is pretty much the same."
"Good. I wish I could talk to you more, but Dad was me swamped with work. It's like he wants to see how fast my hair can turn gray," Keiji joked.
"At least you aren't Dad's punching bag," Daisuke grumbled.
"Gloom doesn't look good on you. You should try a smile."
Daisuke laughed. "That's a little creepy. That's something that I never wanted you to say to me."
"Sorry, bud. I need to get out of father mode."
"It's okay."
"What about the jazz? You're still jazzing it out, right?" Keiji slyly asked.
Daisuke frantically looked around. He pulled Keiji in and whisper-shouted, "Dad doesn't know about my jazz band. He'd kill me if he found out."
"If he found out about what?" asked a familiar voice with a lizard-like face.
"Jeez, Daisuke, you just love punishment, don't you? I know some people who are into whips and such if you want…" Ryota teased.
"If he found out about all your whores, that's what," Keiji fought back.
Yukata's face uncharacteristically twisted in rage and hatred. "How dare you!"
Keiji calmly raised his hands and laughed, "Easy. It's not my fault you're basically running a brothel. As much as I'd love to join your antics, my wife and kid would be pretty upset."
Yukata was about to attack, but Ryota held him back. Their father hadn't even shown up yet, and they were already on the brink of a fight.
"We should relax. It hasn't even been ten minutes," Daisuke nervously begged.
"For the very first time, our sweet boy is actually right," Ryota teased. "Pops would be furious, and I don't know about you, but I'm not in the mood to watch Daisuke get a lashing."
"Ryota, can you be appropriate for once?" Keiji scolded.
That was why Daisuke liked Keiji. Keiji was the only one that stood up for him. Takeo never said a bad word to Daisuke, but Yukata and Ryota were enough to make Daisuke want to rip his hair out.
The door opened again and their father stormed into the office. He looked pissed which wasn't new.
"Okay, I don't have a lot of time for this. Let's get this going," Shigeo grumbled while sitting in his seat. "Takeo, what did you think of the last masquerade?"
Takeo nervously opened his mouth then shut it. Daisuke could see the sweat forming on his brow. Takeo started to play with his collar and coughed.
Shigeo glared at him and sighed, "Thank you for that, son…"
"I think a number of people we had last year was perfect. More people means more money spent. It's not like we need to be cautious, but it's better to be safe than sorry," Keiji explained.
"I like your thought process, but I'd like to add a few more people. Our new patrons are getting invites," Shigeo explained.
Daisuke's eyes widened. That meant that the Hajime and his grandma would be invited. Daisuke would have never guessed that his dad would be so generous.
"Sir, would you be open to adding a few more people?" Daisuke asked confidently.
"What do you mean?" he responded in his commanding voice.
"I-I was thinking… If we invited some families from small businesses, we could gain their allegiance."
"Usually, I would yell at you for your dumb ideas, but this is a halfway decent idea."
Daisuke fought back a smile. Showing emotions in front of Shigeo Nakatani was a mistake. Daisuke learned that the hard way. He was actually surprised that his father fell for the plan. Daisuke didn't actually care about new patrons. Daisuke knew that his father liked trapping people into being a patron.
"Halfway decent, buddy," Ryota joked while punching Daisuke in the shoulder. "You're evolving."
"Do you have any suggestions for new patrons?" Yutaka asked.
"Actually, I do," I smugly responded.
Karin finished the contents of her water bottle. The soccer game went into overtime, and Karin put all of her energy into the game. The field was wet from the night before, so Karin's legs were covered in mud and grass stains. Her white socks were goners.
"Damn, you're some good player," said a random female voice.
Karin turned around and looked at the older woman. Karin was surprised to see the fashionable woman. She was dark-skinned with voluminous brown hair. Her narrow, yet familiar chocolate eyes peered at Karin. She had plump lips that curved into a smile. She wore big hoop earrings and a red leather jacket. The woman was beautiful.
"Uh, thank you," Karin said softly.
"Oh, sorry. You probably think I'm some weirdo. My name's Nia, Nia Anderson."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Karin Kurosaki."
Nia smiled confidently. "I was just taking a stroll and I saw you playing. I must say, you are amazing. I mean, you kicked their asses. No one came even close," Nia praised.
Karin laughed. "I wouldn't say I kicked their asses. Look at me, I'm filthy."
"Watching you reminded me of my son. He played baseball when he was in high school. He was one hell of a player."
"Baseball is pretty interesting. My family liked to go see baseball games on the weekends."
Nia started to laugh. She seemed so familiar. Karin quite liked her. Nia lightly punched Karin in the shoulder and walked away.
"Sorry, for taking your time. I'm meeting my wonderful daughter for lunch. Hopefully, I'll see you!" Nia called.
"Bye! Have a nice lunch!"
Karin watched Nia cross the street and turn the corner. Karin usually would have been weirded out by that, but Nia seemed very cool.
Haru walked up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. Karin whipped around and almost smacked him, but didn't. Haru smiled at her warmly. His handsomeness turned her head to mush.
"Who was that?" Haru asked.
"I don't know. I just met her."
"Should I be worried about you?" Haru asked with actual concern. His eyes lingered on hers.
"Relax, Haru, my brother's friend Tatsuki taught me some sick karate moves. Don't try anything because I can take you out," Karin mocked while chopping the air.
"I'm worried about you so sue me."
"I'm fine, you softy."
"I'm not soft. Check out these muscles," Haru said while flexing.
Usually, Karin would swoon at that, but she only awkwardly laughed. Karin found herself less interested than she thought she would be.
"So, I'll see you tomorrow at my swim meet, right?" Haru awkwardly asked.
"You'll see me. I'll be front in center."
"Great. I can't want to brag about my almost-girlfriend to my teammates. Wait. Correction," Haru paused and then circled his arms around Karin. "I'm going to brag about my beautiful almost-girlfriend."
Karin was going to make a smart remark, but Haru pressed his lips to hers. Karin wrapped her arms around him tightly. The kiss was everything she hoped it would be.
Haru broke the kiss and jogged off. "See you, almost-girlfriend!"
Hello,
Things are starting to pick up. The masquerade isn't going to be next chapter, but the chapter after it. Masquerades are super cool. I can't wait to write it.
Thank you soooooooo so much to all the people following the story, favoriting, and reviewing. It makes me so so happy to know that people are enjoying my story.
Peace
