Blast from the Past- 21
It was now late afternoon, and the sun was getting low in the sky.
Ryu began to think about his stomach. "Hey guys, I'm gonna head back home and grab a bite to eat. Give me a ring if you need me, alright?"
"You all go and have some fun tonight. Celebrate. I need to get back to the lab." Dr. Nambu gave a rare smile and left the room.
Jun smiled, "Sure, Ryu…enjoy! I'm going to go home myself; I've had enough excitement for one day."
"We're all really happy for you, Jun…" Ken patted her on the shoulder as they turned and left Dr. Nambu's house.
"Hey, Jun…" Ken paused.
Jun turned and looked at him. Her green eyes sparkled. "Yes, Ken?"
"Do you…happen to have any leftovers or something I could eat?" He asked sheepishly, his hands in his pockets.
"I suppose I could dig something up." She giggled.
She stopped for a moment, and gazed around Nambu's yard. "Where's Jinpei?"
"Oh, you know Jin; he's probably off pouting somewhere. He'll turn up sooner or later. I think this new brother of yours has been hard on him." Ken answered. He climbed on the back of Jun's motorcycle, and rode back with her to the J.
Jun and Ken ate quietly. The awkward silence made them both nervous. Jun got up and turned on the jukebox.
Once she found the appropriate music, she plopped back down in the booth across from Ken.
"What should I do about Jinpei?" She asked. "I know he's upset about this, but I just don't know what to do."
"It will work its way out. He's just feeling jealous. He'll get over it sooner or later, and he'll learn to love the guy like a brother, too. He just needs reassurance that he's still your brother."
Jun looked deep into Ken's blue eyes. "What do you think of Neil?" She asked.
"Well, to tell you the truth, I didn't like him too much. I didn't trust him." Ken fiddled with the straw from his drink, capturing the liquid inside by sliding his finger over one end, then releasing the liquid back into his glass by taking his finger off the straw.
Jun lowered her eyes and blushed. "You thought we were married!"
"I know." Ken hesitated and gulped. "About the things I said…I was angry, I didn't mean…"
"Didn't mean it? Didn't mean what?" Jun's eyes suddenly flickered with anger.
"I mean, I mean…" Ken shrugged, "I don't know what I meant, Jun, it all happened so fast…"
"You called me your Swan…I think it's unfair to lay claim to someone. I'm not your property, you know!" She interrupted hotly.
"I know! Jun, please hear me out…" Ken sighed heavily, "I have feelings for you, ok? I've always felt something for you. I tried to suppress it, only it just came spilling out when I thought you were married."
Ken lowered his head and continued, "When I thought I had lost you, I was devastated. You are the only woman I've ever loved. The only woman I ever will love…"
There was no response. He looked up to see tears cascading down the Swan's cheeks. "Oh, Ken!"
She scrambled over to Ken's side of the booth, wrapped her arms around him, and leaned in for a sweet, passionate kiss. Then she pushed the table back and sat across the Eagle's lap. Ken was astounded.
It was such a relief to finally have their feelings out in the open. She never imagined it would happen during the war. She was even doubtful it would happen after the war. Ken was so closed off sometimes…
After several minutes of fervent kissing, Jun broke free and gazed into Ken's eyes, "I am your Swan; I always have been, and always will be!"
The couple delighted in their time alone, each one confessing their desire and love for the other, when suddenly, the door to the Snack J opened.
Joe grinned. "Am I interrupting something? Boy, I really have been gone a long time!"