Disclaimer I don't own any of the HYD characters nor the original plotline of HYD, but I certainly own this particular plot and all the characters I created for it...
Thanks : az09 and Juliana for the reviews on chapter 12. Glad you liked the nightmare – it is a piece of the Akira puzzle. And I'll give them progressively through my story. I really want to address the origin of Akira's character : people unable of serious affective attachment had a trauma once in their lives, I'm quite sure of it... So that's what I think could have happened to Akira.
A lighter chapter – hope you enjoy !
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13-You can always learn useful information while eavesdropping
Akira walked through the long hallway towards the more traditional Japanese part of the Nishikado family mansion, where the Nishikado family indulged in their taste for the finery of traditional Tea Ceremony, in the true rules of the art. It was a nice and sunny saturday afternoon – and Soujiro's regular day of attendance there. The summer break would offically begin but in three days, leaving them officially free to do whatever they wanted with their time for two whole months, just after the results of this year's final exams.
As Akira drew nearer to the room where he knew his friend had to be, he heard a female voice talking very animately. He smiled to himself.
"Just like Soujiro. Wonder who it is this week and what is the length of the skirt she's wearing."
As an unspoken rule between fellow playboys, you never interrupted one another during seduction time – so Akira slowed down and tried to determine what exactly was going on in the room – and the thin papers walls greatly helped with this. It was always hard to be discreet in this part of the house. That was why it was all the more strange Soujiro would bring a girl at home, and especially there. But, well, Soujiro was not known to be afraid of anything in the domain of womanizing.
"Please, Soujiro. I really need you on this.
- I told you, I can't. I'm really sorry, but Saturday nights are not good for me. Especially not tonight.
- Well, we are not going to have this talk again, I guess. You really are the carnivorous flower of the four.
- No, we are not discussing this again. I am not amending my life style. I like it this way. Maybe, one day, in the future, I will. But not now...
- I can't understand you, Soujiro. You're a pretty decent guy when you want to be one – I know it, I've seen it. So why do you do this to yourself and to those girls ?
- Well, first – and I know this is completely beside the point – I do this to myself and to them because it's extremely pleasurable. Of course, you wouldn't know, since you're still a virgin... But someday – I hope for you – you'll get my meaning, he added with a knowing smile.
- Come on, you know that's not what I meant, she said, throwing her notebook at him.
- You really are the French equivalent of Tsukushi. Enough violence already, woman ! You know, I think all this tension building up inside of you because of your sexual frustration might actually be at the stem of all this violence management issue of yours.
- I only feel the need to be violent when you feel the need to be a pig-head.
- Whatever, Sophie. Bottom line : I'm very sorry, but I can't do that, even for you. Why didn't you ask Rui anyway ? I'm sure you could manage to confuse him enough through your famous unquenchable flow of words for him to accept to do anything you'd want him to.
- You're so mean, I wonder why I even try to put up with you. Besides, are you kidding me ? Rui ? Salsa dancing ? So not happening.
- And why is that, please ?
- He's too clumsy in own body. It makes him extra cute, but not great dance partner material. Plus anyway, since I'm desperate on this, I already asked him.
- And he actually said 'no' to you ? Waow, I never saw that coming, Soujiro said, raising an eyebrow. Maybe that guy is finally becoming a man !
- Do you want that book to follow the notebook ?
- I really need to teach you more of Tea Ceremony.
- Okay, since I don't think my understanding of Japanese is in question here... I really can't see your point, Soujiro...
- Well, it's the only thing – besides the activities you frown upon so much – that ever calms me down a bit. Maybe it could work on you...
- I won't ask which one of those you meant. Besides, where I come from, they say the caffeine of the tea leaves actually aggravates natural over-excitation...
- That's because they don't make the tea properly.
- Because there are unproper ways, she asked with disbelief.
- Of course, there are. That's why Tea is an art. You never drink the first brew : all the caffeine is in it. You drink the second and the third : that's when the aromas and other chemicals are released. And it's much better to taste. There, try this cup.
- Thanks... It's hot !
- Of course it's hot, silly ! It's tea...
- I won't dignify this remark with an answer...
- Then it will be one of those very rare moments when you choose not to speak. I should go ahead and make the best of it."
And the book joined its fellow notebook in its fate.
"You really have to channel this extra energy... I could help you...
- Yeah, right. Do you really have to wear that kimono for the tea to be okay ?
- Stop with sarcasm already, or I'll have Fuuko lend you one of hers to prove my point. It's just... It goes with it. You would never think of eating a steak with a pair of chopsticks, would you ?
- That might actually be entertaining – though not a very clean solution. But I see your point, it would not be adequate.
- Precisely."
She shifted her weight – sitting on her feet was beginning to make her legs numb.
"So what shoud I do with my problem ?
- I am not a problem solver, but if Rui said no, and that asking Tsukasa is out of question...
- Completely out of question... Do you see me and cactus head as a dance couple ?
- Please no..."
Sophie raised her eyebrow at this.
"This is way too vehement not to imply something actually mean about me...
- Really ? I think you're just being paranoid, Soujiro concluded with a smile. Well, anyhow, I can't be your dance partner.
- Well, that ends the problem, in a way. I'll just tell mom that I was unable to find myself a partner for the salsa class. She'll be disappointed – she really wanted me to learn.
- Why is that ? I can't imagine why your mother would want that... You actually know that latin dancing is... at 'close range' ?
- Soujiro, I like how gentlemanly you're trying to put this, Sophie said with a smile. Yes, I know. That's how she met my dad – salsa dancing, during their years of college. She tells me it's even better than your tea ceremony to unwind, that it's one of the best feelings in the world.
- It certainly is, commented the young man with a doubtful smirk. But, well... Enrolling you in a class that requires you to attend with a partner...
- They want even numbers – plus apparently the persons who attend are mostly couples. It kind of makes sense, especially when you know they make routine demonstrations at the end of the classes..."
Her voice got quieter as she pictured the thrill she thought could lie in a dancing demonstration : she could well picture herself starring in Dirty Dancing with Patrick Swayze. But then, she snapped out of her daydreaming, and looked at the time.
"Well, I'm going home, and I'll tell mom she will have cancel my attendance at the class that begins in an hour.
- You really waited till the last moment to ask me... You know, I feel somewhat offended !
- I thought you might have pity on me at being totally partner-less and all, and would readily come to my rescue as a knight in shining armor... Or would it be as a samurai ? Obviously, I was wrong !
- Pity on you ? I don't think that's possible, Sophie. You're not defenseless enough to be pity-able.
- I don't know why... But I think that's mean. Again. It's a shame I don't feel like throwing my cellphone at you."
Akira retreated silently, making every effort to be unheard. This was definitely the opportunity he had been waiting for during all those weeks. He smiled to himself thinking of the plan. Of course, he was going to make her a big favor – even if she didn't know it, and would probably react violently about it. But he had to try anyway. It felt like it was going to be worth it.
Of course, he had to be swift enough. A good thing he drove a car and she did not. Ah, being spoiled by your parents certainly had its good sides...
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To be continued... The plan is in motion. ;o)