After Gerald had left his brother's apartment, a thought occurred to him. Today it was by pure chance that he happened to stop by his brother's school right after Takumi had done something which could have caused a human injury. What would have happen if he hadn't stopped by? If a nurse had shown up, or if the students had rushed his younger brother off to the hospital, would the health care professionals that examined Takumi be able to tell that his human body was not exactly the same as those generated organically here on planet Earth? Could Takumi, or any of the crew members, so easily and inadvertently compromise the whole mission?
It seemed that Takumi's circumstances were unique. Unlike other crew members, Takumi lived all by himself. Further, his assignment did not require frequent interactions with the other members of the crew left behind in Japan. This of course was not a problem if Takumi was really hurt. If that happened, or if the disease he'd contracted finally did destroy his heart, the various monitors that reported on each crew member's vital signs would alert members at mission headquarters. But Gerald needed to make sure that someone contacted him directly if his brother had any perceived injuries - things that would not trigger the monitors but would cause the humans around him to become concerned. If Gerald was contacted at such times, he could intervene before his brother was examined by a human medical professional. Gerald asked Ralph to return to his brother's apartment. He needed to discuss this matter with Takumi.
When Gerald arrived, he noticed a girl about Takumi's age leaving the elevator in a huff. She was carrying a package of pork buns that looked surprisingly like the one's Gerald had seen in Takumi's refrigerator earlier that evening. Perhaps Gerald had found a solution even without Takumi. Gerald decided to investigate.
"Excuse me," he said approaching the girl. She looked up and nearly dropped the pork buns when she saw his face. She looked surprised and a little scared. Then a wave of understanding swept over her face and her expression returned to one of anger.
"Is this another one of your magic tricks Takumi Usui!" the girl barked at Gerald.
"What?" Gerald looked puzzled. Then he remembered they were wearing the same bodies. "Oh no. I understand your confusion, but my name is Gerald. I'm Takumi's older brother. I am wondering, how do you know my brother?"
Misaki was surprised. Erika had mentioned his brother could be Takumi's twin. Boy, she wasn't kidding. "I am the Student Council President at Seika High. As it is my responsibility to look out for each and every student at the school, I know your brother and stopped by to check up on that," she paused. The words 'annoying jerk' were on the tip of her tongue but perhaps she should rethink her choice of words. "…student," she finished.
Ah ha! Gerald may have just found the perfect patsy. "Yes," Gerald said, "My brother can be quite impulsive. It was sheer luck I happened to stop by his school today after he foolishly pulled that stunt. I often have to work out of town, so I worry terribly about my little brother. If only I knew someone reliable and responsible that could keep an eye out for him and give me a call if he were ever injured or hurt," he sighed for affect. "That would make me feel so much more comfortable with him being here in this big city by himself so much of the time."
Reliable? Responsible? Misaki was so the person for this job! "As Student Council President, I am happy to take on the responsibility of keeping you informed of your brother's health!" she said standing as if at attention.
Gerald smiled at her enthusiasm and commended her for her thoroughness in overseeing her official duties. Misaki lapped up the praise like a puppy dog that is being rewarded for retrieving a stick. Gerald gave her his phone number and left the hotel. Misaki looked at the slip of paper with the phone number written on it. She smiled. The next time she needed to negotiate a favor from Erika, she knew exactly what she had to offer as an exchange and she knew how much it was worth.
The next morning, Takumi opted to stay home from school. Officially, his decision was to give the appearance of needing time to "recover" from his injuries. It was thus that Misaki found herself unencumbered, lacking her accompanying stalker during her morning rounds. As Misaki was strolling the grounds, keeping the students of Seika High in line, a few words floated through the hallways and stopped her in her tracks. "So Tiki, when are you going to corner Takumi and confess your feelings?"
Misaki couldn't believe it. Her life was already stressful enough. She had such a big secret she had to keep from the world. She had to hide an aspect of her life from everyone she encountered. Yet Takumi, this guy who didn't have a care in the world, kept adding to her stress. Now she would need to make a note to schedule in time tomorrow to console Tiki for a broken heart. And that would take hours. This job could become truly tiresome.
"That never seems to work with him," Tiki replied, "I've been watching and I think he responds better to actions than to words." She paused for effect and Misaki felt her chest tighten a little. It was an odd feeling. It was similar to the feeling she had when someone else would get a higher score than her on a test or when the teacher would give another student a compliment but say nothing about her own work. "A nice girl never kisses and tells, but since I'm not a nice girl, let's just say I plan to do a lot more than just kiss." The group of girls giggled and walked to class which was in the opposite direction from where Misaki was concealed. Misaki had to stop this. She told herself it was to protect Tiki. Clearly Takumi was a pervert and Tiki was just going to get hurt unless Misaki stepped in. But if she were to be 100% honest with herself if she could truly read her own heart, Misaki would know that maybe it was her own heart she needed to protect.
Misaki decided that she should appeal to Takumi's brother. Tiki was considering putting herself in a position that could damage both her own and Takumi's reputations. Surely his brother might want to assist in preventing such an unseemly situation. It turned out Misaki was right. Gerald was very grateful for the phone call and told her not to worry at all as he would be sure to take care of the situation this very day so his poor brother would not be bothered once he was well enough to return to school.
Gerald had two motivations to embroil himself in this area of his brother's affairs. First of all, it could compromise the mission or bring unwanted attention in their direction if his brother opted to develop some type of relationship with a human. Gerald wanted to cut off this Tiki before things went very far to avoid any such problems. Second, on Gerald's last birthday, Takumi had thought it would be amusing to play a little prank on him. Gerald had been waiting for an opportunity to repay the favor. Gerald rolled down the glass in the limousine. "Ralph," he asked, "did you put the 'Takumi' kit in the trunk?"
"Of course Sir," Ralph responded. Ralph had been told to make sure it was available and ready at all times. Gerald smiled. He had been waiting and preparing for this moment for months.
When Gerald arrived at the high school, he asked Ralph to retrieve the kit which was being kept in the trunk of the car. He decided it would be better to put on his disguise before exiting the car. That would ensure his identity was not be questioned. Gerald put on the wig and contacts and he was practically indistinguishable from his brother. He pulled out a packet of seaweed and used dental floss to lodge bits of seaweed between his teeth. He took the sweaty gym shirt he'd been storing for months and rubbed it all over his chest before putting on the school uniform. He took a spray bottle and wet the area under his arms to give the appearance of sweat marks. He also wet his hands to give the appearance of having sweaty palms. He opened the door to the car before removing the shoes from the zip lock bags. The shoes each contained a fish, which was of course quickly discarded, leaving behind an atrocious smell. Gerald chugged a bottle of soda. Now he was ready.
Gerald texted Misaki, who told him which classroom Tiki would currently be in. It was nearly lunch time so as soon as the school bell rang student came flooding out of the classes filling the halls and spilling out into the lunch yard. It was crowded but Gerald had strategically picked to stand in a spot that put him in the direct line of sight from the exit for Tiki's classroom. Sure enough, she saw him instantly and came right over. "Hi Takumi," she said smiling. "Can I talk to you for a minute, maybe somewhere a little more private?"
Gerald smiled, exposing the bits of sea weed stuck in his teeth. "Of course Tiki!" He grabbed her hand and led her to an empty table that was in the center of the lunch court. It wasn't at all secluded but Gerald had been planning this for months and he wanted an audience.
Once Gerald had released her hand, Tiki wiped off the moisture on her pants. She tried to be discreet. She leaned in to Gerald and whispered seductively, "I was thinking maybe even more private as in fewer people."
"But Tiki," Gerald whined, "it's just the two of us at this table!"
She resigned herself to having this discussion out here in the open. Before she began, she decided it might be less distracting if Takumi could do something about his teeth. She'd mention it to him. "Um," she whispered awkwardly, "there is something stuck in your teeth."
"Oh my," he said, "this is so embarrassing. Do you have a mirror I can borrow?" Tiki shook her head. She tried to suggest he go use the bathroom mirror but before she could speak, he'd turned to the students sitting at the table behind them. "Do you have a mirror I can borrow," Gerald asked. When they did not, Gerald climbed onto the table and in a loud, clear voice asked the students at large if anyone had a mirror he could borrow. Tiki looked rather embarrassed but her look changed to sheer dread when Gerald found a mirror and very loudly and obviously used his fingers to dig out the various bits of sea weed from his teeth. Gerald's actions were designed to attract maximum attention and he had succeeded. Several students were now watching the pair.
Once his teeth were cleaned, Gerald turned back to Tiki, "so sorry about that. What did you want to talk about?"
Tiki opened her mouth to speak and Gerald began digging in his ear with his pinky finger. "What are you doing?" Tiki asked.
"Oh," Gerald replied, "I'm really hoping to have a girlfriend by Christmas and I want to to be able to make her something really personal and special for a gift. I am planning to make her a candle. I've been collecting ear wax for the last eight months so it will truly be from me." Several of the students that had been watching them looked away in disgust.
Tiki looked perturbed. She wanted to suggest he use q-tips but she didn't want him to again ask everyone if they had some he could use. She also didn't want to give the impression that she thought his idea for a gift was acceptable in the least. While she was deciding what to say, Gerald continued.
"I've also been saving belly button lint for the past 5 years and have been felting it. I have enough to make her one mitten. At this rate, I think I'll need to start asking other students if I can have their lint as well if I want to have enough felt to make her a pair." The students that hadn't yet turned away, did so at this time. Tiki was beginning to rethink her desire to confess.
"Hey, Tiki?" Gerald asked before letting out a large burp, "do you mind if I take off my shoes? I need to air them out because of the fungal infection. Lunch is one of my few opportunities to do so." Before she could respond, Gerald had removed his shoes and Tiki was hit with the worst smell she could remember encountering. Gerald than stuck his feet up on the seat next to Tiki and reclined back a bit with his hands linked behind his head. Tiki noticed the wet spots near his underarms. She also started to notice a new smell. This one was more like body odor.
"You know, Takumi," Tiki started, "I was just wondering about a homework assignment, but I see Mia over there and I'll just get it from her."
Gerald smiled to himself and thought gleefully, 'you're welcome little brother.'
Gerald went back to the limousine and freshen up and changed back into his suit. He texted Misaki to let her know he had met with Tiki who seemed to have mysteriously reconsidered her interest in his brother. Misaki quickly texted back and asked if there was anything she could do to express her thanks. He had, after all, saved her hours of consoling Tiki. Gerald, who had planned to go sight seeing, was interest in picking up a good guide book. He texted Misaki back to let her know that no thanks was necessary but he did ask if she could recommend a bookstore. It was through a series of such texts that Misaki soon found herself in the limousine with Gerald directing Ralph on how to get to a bookstore that was popular with the students. Misaki was glad that she had a free period following lunch.
Coincidentally, Takumi had decided to head to the book store himself. While it was true that Takumi had stayed home to avoid scrutiny related to his recent "accident", there had been more on his mind. Misaki's words from the night before had impacted him. He reflected that she had continuously rebuffed his efforts to physically demonstrate their romantic connection. At first he had passed off her reactions as being coy, but perhaps his approach to courting had been flawed. Thus far, his research had focused primarily on reality television, but as a scientist, he knew he needed to review several sources of information to truly be well informed on his disease as well as his efforts to woo Misaki. His trip to the bookstore was the next step in his efforts to expand his research.
The book clerk nearly chocked on his coffee when a second customer entered his shop. Two customers… in one day?! He pulled out his cell phone to verify that the internet hadn't been sabotaged. Nope. Two sets of people looking for real paper books? These guys must be from another planet or something.
Takumi was standing in the romance section looking through the bargain bin. He had found a book that had made it onto several best sellers lists, had been turn into a major motion picture and seemed to have a number of very favorable reviews. He picked it up and proceeded to the check out counter when he suddenly heard Misaki's voice. He followed the path as if he were a trained bloodhound and her voice was the scent he'd been taught to locate. Once he'd found her, he paused. She was talking to some guy with dark hair. The guy had his back turned on him, but Takumi could see he was wearing an expensive suit.
Takumi's mother had always told him he was a wee bit possessive. She'd first noticed this trait when Gerald had borrowed his favorite toy truck. Gerald forgot to put it back in Takumi's bedroom before Takumi got up from his nap. When Takumi found the toy missing, he went over and cut off Gerald's hand. It took three whole days for the hand to grow back. Ahhh…. Good times. His parents loved to retell that story.
At this moment, Takumi once again felt the green eyed monster tap on his shoulder. Who was that guy talking to his Misaki? Was it time yet again to mark her? She didn't seem all that respective to getting marked and the kiss didn't seem to last very long. Should he try rubbing his scent all over her? Maybe he could make the guy look like a fool? Whatever he decided, he needed get over there to put the actions in motion. He decided it would be better to approach from behind Misaki so he could see the guy's face. Also, if need be, it would be easier to pick her up and carry her off if she didn't see him coming. He walked down the shelves of books parallel to her and came back around her isle so that he was now standing behind her. His mind wasn't functioning, however, because in front of him stood…. Gerald.
Gerald looked up and saw his younger brother. Takumi's mouth was hanging open and he was staring at him. Gerald made a note to have the joint in Takumi's jaw assessed. It was not normal for his mouth to hang open like that. "I thought you were staying home to recover," Gerald commented with a pointed glance thrown to Misaki. Gerald was concerned that if the Student Council President saw Takumi out and about, her suspicions might be raised. Takumi understood his brother's meaning and would have explained that his girlfriend already knew about his secret, but there were store employees around and, frankly, he was more concerned why Gerald was here… with her!
"I thought you were going sightseeing," he shot back. Misaki jumped. She hadn't heard anyone approach behind her. She was simply trying to process Gerald's comment. It had surprised her to hear Takumi's voice, but Takumi's presence did a lot to help explain Gerald's comment.
"Takumi," she said, "you should be lying down!"
"Misaki," he said, "you should be at school!" Takumi's eyes were narrowing. Clearly they were both trying to get rid of him.
Gerald could see his brother was just going to repeat back some altered version of any phrases said to him, like a defective parrot. He was clearly annoyed for some reason. Maybe Takumi was still upset about him pulling Ralph off that research assignment. That's when he saw the book in Takumi's hand. He thought maybe Takumi was here to find research, but he seemed to be holding a book on interior design. "Takumi," Gerald asked, "are you looking to paint your apartment?" Takumi looked confused. Gerald pointed to the book in his hand.
Takumi turned the book over and read the title out loud, "50 Shades of Grey." It's true. It was an odd title for an instruction manual. "Oh no. I got this book because of that DVD you gave me yesterday." There was no need to mention his disease around Misaki. He didn't want to worry her.
Misaki took in the book and the idea that Takumi had watched a DVD that had made him interested in reading erotic fiction. She blushed. This was not appropriate conversation to have so openly.
Both Gerald and a Takumi saw her change colors. Was she part chameleon? They hadn't read about humans doing that. Takumi remembered, she had turned white the evening before when she saw the floating plate. "Misaki, are you okay," he asked, "you keep changing colors."
Misaki blushed deeper. "I knew you were a pervert… but…" she pointed to the book and looked away embarrassed.
Takumi looked at the book again. "What this?" he asked. "I just wanted to learn more about dating rituals. I'm a little inexperienced." He couldn't see why it was making her so uncomfortable. Was it in the bargain bin because it wasn't able to live up to its hype?
Misaki looked surprised. "You're getting dating tips from that?" This explained a lot. No wonder the idiot kept grabbing her and kissing her. Jesus. Her duties at helping the students of Seika High were endless. She was tasked with guiding them in ways she never could have conceived. She took to book out of Takumi's hand, tossed it back in the bargain bin and told him to follow her. She was still wondering what kind of DVD his brother must have given him on the subject of dating, but based on some of the texts her friends had been sending her, it seemed Gerald was a bit of a practical joker. She wasn't sure what he'd said to Tiki, but she suspected Takumi would be paying the price tomorrow. Maybe Gerald was actually responsible for Takumi's perverted ways.
Misaki brought Takumi over to the classics section and pulled out some Jane Austin novels. If you're looking for novels dealing with dating, these ones were a little old fashioned, but what did they say… oldies but goodies? "Here," she said as she put the books in Takumi's hand, "try these. They're classics."
Takumi was grateful. "Thank you," he said, "but why are you here… with Gerald?"
Misaki looked back over toward the travel section. "Oh, that's nothing. I ran into him at the start of lunch and told him I'd help him get to a bookstore. He wants to go sightseeing and is looking for a guide book." Takumi cheered up. Misaki looked back at Takumi, "now that you have your books, you need to go back home and lie down. You need your rest."
Takumi smiled. "Promise you'll stop by after school?" Misaki agreed. If it meant getting more pork b… she meant…getting him rested… she'd stop by. At the checkout, Takumi ran into Gerald again. He offered him a ride back to his apartment, and the trio went their separate ways.
Maybe it's because summer is coming to an end but I am struggling to think of funny things these days – hence the slow update and maybe less than funny chapter.
Thanks Padfoot Starfyre for suggesting the bookstore scene.
Thanks SweetH34R7 and MinnieMiss123 for the reviews each chapter.
I'm dying to know if anyone that was reading this at the beginning are still reading it. I really want to cover Gerald and Takumi's discussion about a Takumi dating Misaki but I think I should wrap this story up soon. Like it's probably run its course.