Epilogue
Finally, we have come to the end. Thanks to everyone who has read and/or reviewed this story for your patience and support. Now, enjoy!
Disclaimer: Gatchaman does not belong to me, much as might wish it, but to Tatsunoko Productions and now ADV.
Dusk was just falling as Jinpei pulled his buggy back into the J's garage and Ken parked his bike next to Jun's. The parking lot outside was nearly bare, an unusual phenomenon for a normally busy night of the week. Jinpei killed the engine and hopped out, pulling his backpack from the seat to loop over his shoulder. Turning to Ken, he questioned, "You staying to eat?"
The Eagle grinned at him as he pocketed his keys. "Sure Jinpei. I might even pay you this time. Now, remember what I said."
Jinpei nodded, "I know aniki. I'll apologize, and I'll try not to do it again. Don't you forget your promise either."
Ken ruffled his hair, "I won't Jinpei. Now get inside already before Jun comes out here after us."
The younger boy grinned and raced through the door. Dropping his bag in the doorway, he ran to his sister and threw his arms around her waist, nearly crushing her in a hug, "Oneechan, I'm sorry I was a brat earlier. What do you need my help with?"
Jun hugged him back, the surprise at his exuberant greeting clear on her face, "I forgive you Jin. And it's been really quiet tonight, so I'm all set here. You can head upstairs and watch television for a bit if you want, I'll call you if I need help."
Jinpei grinned at her and hugged her once more before going to grab his bag, "Thanks oneechan, but I still have a little more homework to finish. I'll do that first. Call me if you need me. Hey aniki...behave yourself!"
Ken chuckled, "I'll try Jinpei. See you later."
"Bye!" With all the grace and volume of an adolescent, Jinpei raced up the stairs and shut the door to his room with a bang.
Jun turned to look at Ken, "Ok, who was that and what did you do with my little brother?"
Ken smiled at her, his blue eyes laughing, "It's still our Jinpei. We just had a talk while he was at my place, that's all."
One raven eyebrow rose skeptically, "A talk huh? With what, a two by four?"
Ken smiled innocently as he made himself comfortable on a stool, "Nothing of the sort. Just a man to man talk. You know."
Jun shuddered in mock horror as she got him a drink, a routine as old as the bar itself, "Heaven forbid I trespass in the sacred ground of man to man talk then. You're sure he wasn't any trouble?" She set the drink in front of him then for lack of anything better to do with her hands, began wiping the already clean bar top down with a rag.
Ken took a sip of his drink then reached to still her activity with a gentle hand over hers, "Not at all. If you ever need a break, you can always send him over. I'm sure I can find a project or two to keep him busy."
That brought a smile to her face, "Arrigato for the offer. I'll keep it in mind."
They continued to talk amicably, of his work, the bar, the team and more, just as they usually did when he came to hang around the J. This time however, neither seemed to notice that Ken's hand rested gently on Jun's several times...or the grinning boy who had snuck back down the stairs and was now peeking at them from behind the door.
The End