Chapter 8: A Meal To Remember.
Sunday morning saw another scorching start to what was being called the hottest weekend of the year. All across Cherryton students were hurriedly ducking from building to building in the pursuit of cooler air and shade. Yasui was no exception.
Good grief! I feel like I'm melting! I can only imagine how bad animals with long fur feel.
As he had passed the bathroom earlier today, he saw the hyena and coyote from Jack's room desperately shaving their fur off in front of a tiny desk fan. It was shaping up to be the perfect day to find a cool place to hide and focus on not drowning in your own sweat. Yasui adjusted how his shirt was resting on his neck and sighed. It was barely even ten in the morning and he already felt like he was soaked with sweat, especially in his lower regions.
Uuuuugh, today is so gross! Everything is sticky and sweaty! I feel like I need to go air out my pants before it starts raining in them.
With how the intense weather was already upsetting him, Yasui was also still trying to come to a decision about his potential lunch with the admittedly strange leopard he had met on Friday.
I mean, it is kinda weird for a total stranger to invite me to lunch. I know enough about how things work here in the city to get that, but it could also just be her being nice. I mean, it's not exactly likely she's trying to kidnap me or something because she did give me her card. Well, I guess it could be fake. But all that aside, the real question is do I feel brave enough to go for two days of stepping outside of my comfort zone in a row?
Yasui sighed. Why did it seem like his life just had to keep getting more and more complicated. It's not even like he wanted to leave his family's farm, him coming to this city was an unexpected set of weird circumstances. This train of thought stirred back up the lingering feelings of homesickness that he was still barely managing to ignore.
People seem to say that you get over your homesickness in a few days, but it's been a week and I still want to go home. I miss the mountains.
Yasui thought back to his final moments with his family before getting on the bus to start his new life at Cherryton.
[It was shaping up to be an ideal day for the residents of Mishiranu to tend to their fields like usual. However, one family was absent from the normal routine. Down in the town, Yasui and his family were grouped up at the bus stop as they waited. Yasui's mom was sniffling a bit and protectively trying to straighten out his clothes and fur.
"Now be sure to wash your clothes often so they don't stink."
"I will."
"And eat a balanced diet! Not just junk food! If you ever want to grow you need to eat lots of veggies and protein."
"Don't worry, I will."
"And drink lots of milk! It's good for your bones."
"I know."
"And don't go fooling around with girls! Focus on your studies."
"I wi—"
"And don't just mess around all day!"
"Mom."
"And get plenty of sleep so you can—"
Yasui reached out and held her hand in both of his.
"Mom, I'll be fine."
Tears sprung to her eyes as she wrapped her arms around him.
"I know, I just can't help but worry. You've always been more delicate than your siblings."
"Moooom! Don't call me delicate! It's embarrassing!"
She smiled and caressed his cheek.
"I'm so proud of you. You're growing up so fast."
With a rattle and a hiss from the brakes, the bus pulled up beside them. Goodbyes were exchanged with varying amounts of tears before Yasui's father clasped him by the shoulder.
"Yasui. You've got a big opportunity. Make the most of it."
Yasui nodded.
"I will, Dad."
The older fox, content with his farewell that was lengthy by his standards, nodded to his son.
"Go on then."
As Yasui took his seat and watched as the familiar locations of his former life disappear into the distance, he began to deflate. Now that he was truly away from his family for the first time in his life, pangs of sadness set in.
"I'll make you all proud. You'll see."]
Yasui sighed.
I guess... well... what would my parents do if they were in my shoes? Hmmm... I bet... that they would take the chance to go see the city. I mean, it's not like I'll ever be able to come here again once I finish high school. And this way I'll have a fun story to tell them when I get home. Okay, I can do this. I just have to be brave.
Yasui did his best to put on a brave face (which ended up looking more like he was holding back a sneeze) and marched towards the main gates. Fortunately for him the sweltering conditions had caused any students who had considered leaving school to decide to stay in. Even the short walk to the main gates was enough to see Yasui already sporting some impressive sweat shadows. The unfortunate security guard stuck watching the gates was doing his best to stay in the shade while sipping a bottle of water. He saw Yasui and did his best to appear professional as he checked out.
Once he was all set, the guard simply waved him through with a croak of "good luck," jotting his exit down on the clipboard. As he walked down the hill, Yasui tried his hardest to stick to the shade proved by the trees occasionally dotted by the path. However it seemed that Yasui staying cool was not meant to be. Before he even reached the bottom he was sure he had sweat every drop of water out of his body.
So... hot... so... thirsty... I hate the sun!
He staggered through the oven-esc street towards the welcoming door of the yarn shop. As he did, he reflected on the irony that a walk that took him a few minutes yesterday felt like it was taking hours today. After an eternity in the beating sunlight, he stumbled through the door and into the welcomingly cool air of the store. He stood panting as Misuki, the owner, tottered up to him.
"Well hello again there youngin'. Enjoying the weather, eh?"
She chuckled dryly as Yasui gave her a baleful look.
"Has, uh, that Diana lady come here yet?"
The weathered feline shook her head.
"Naaah, she hasn't. Course she will be soon. So, you're taking her up on her offer of lunch?"
Yasui rested his hands on his hips as he hing his head, trying to recover from the energy-sapping heat.
"Yeah... I'm still a little uncertain. But I figured that I should take my Dad's advice and make the most of being here. I mean, who knows if I'll ever get to come to this city again? She seems to know tons about this place and she seems nice so why not?"
Misuki snickered.
"Also helps you're sweet on her."
Yasui frowned.
"I'm... what?"
"Y'know, sweet on her! Uh... what's the slang you kids nowadays use? Uh... something about squash? Or squish? Aha! Crush! You's got some sorta crush on her!"
Yasui spluttered and stepped back.
"What!? No, I do no have a 'crush' on her. I mean, I freely admit that she's pretty and all, but that doesn't mean anything! I think flowers are pretty! And mountains! She's like, older than me and all."
The elderly feline rolled her eyes.
"Sheesh, kid. No need to get yer tighty-whiteys in a twist. I didn't mean no harm in it. Besides, loads of kids your age end up having a bit of a crush on an older woman they know. You just happened to get one on a gal way out of your league."
Before Yasui could respond, the door swung open and the same leopard from Friday sauntered in. As she did, she waved a fan to cool her face.
"For heaven's sake, it is absolutely roasting out there! I feel like I'm boiling! Oh! Hello again, Yasui. I was wondering if I'd see you here."
Once again, Yasui's tongue became scared of his jaw and decided to cling to the roof of his mouth for safety. As he useless worked his jaw, he couldn't help but blush a bit.
Wow, she remembered my name! Nobody ever rememberers my name on the first try!
This unexpected recollection of his identity left him feeling giddy as she approached. Today she was wearing a fashionable white sundress that left her arms bare... along with a sizable portion of her chest. Yasui immediately averted his gaze, feeling embarrassed heat radiating from his face that could rival the sun outside. For her part, Diana didn't seem to notice his little peek. Instead, she leaned over slightly to be at his level.
"Oh you poor thing. You look as if you've sweat buckets walking down from school. And you're face is so flush! I think you need to sit down and have some water."
Yasui tensed a bit and made sure to look her dead in the eyes.
"Y-yeah. That would be nice."
"So by your being here, I'm assuming that you decided to take me up on my lunch offer?"
This was it, the moment of no return. Was he really about to go running around a strange place with a strange woman he didn't know? He steeled himself.
I really hope I don't regret this. I know how stupid this is, but... gaaaaaaaah!
"W-well... I don't know if I should."
Diana smiled in understanding.
"I can understand why you're being cautious. Times are different than when I was a little girl. You know, 'don't get in cars with strangers' and all. So how about this. If I don't deliver you back here by... how about three? Yes, that will work. If I don't have you back here by three, Misuki can call the police. I highly doubt that I'll be able to evade the authorities in these shoes."
She gave him a warm smile and Yasui looked over to the feline. The old woman just shrugged.
"I know you don't know me neither, but as far as it's worth I say you can trust Miss Diana."
Yasui sighed and rubbed his shoulder.
"I dunno. I guess it's just because you always get told not to go off with strangers."
Diana stood back up and smoothed a crease out of her dress.
"I understand completely, and I wouldn't want to pressure you into thinking you had to join me. This is purely if you want to. Also bear in mind that it won't be just the two of us. My driver will accompany us as well, if that sets your mind at ease."
There it is again, if I want to. Honestly I don't know if I want to! I feel all confused and jittery inside.
Diana followed Misuki to the counter to complete her order before heading towards the door carrying a bag of yarn. Yasui watched her go before sighing, finally making up his mind.
I did come all this way, so I guess...
"Wait for me!"
Yasui ran out the door to see Diana getting into the back of a fancy black car. She looked up and smiled.
"I'm so glad you decided to take a chance. I promise you'll enjoy seeing what this city has to offer."
Yasui swallowed his unease and ducked into the car.
I really hope I don't regret this.
As he sat on the comfortable seat, a booming voice resounded from the front of the car.
"Are you ready, Miss Diana?"
Sitting in the driver's seat was a hulking figure, a truly mountainous male gorilla dressed in a three piece suit. Diana stayed silent as she fixed her makeup in a handheld mirror before replying.
"Yes, I believe I am. Oh, by the way. Yasui, this is my driver, Charles. Charles, this is the student I told you about, Yasui."
The gorilla looked him in the eyes from the rearview mirror and nodded, his face impassive.
"Please to make your acquaintance. Shall I start heading towards the restaurant or do we need to stop anywhere first?"
Diana pursed her lips and said.
"Actually, head towards Sasayaku's shop first. No offense, Yasui, but you really are not dressed for lunch."
Yasui glanced down at his clothes.
"What's wrong with my clothes? My Mom made them for me."
"Well, credit to where it's due, your clothes are marvelously well crafted, but they are a bit... out if touch with the modern world. We'll just swing by somewhere and grab you something more... fashionable to wear. On me of course, heaven knows I can afford it more than you can. And it is all my idea, so no need to fret."
Yasui returned his gaze to his clothes as the car's engine roared to life. Pleasantly cool air flowed from vents around the vehicle as Diana opened a small door and fished around inside.
"Would you care for a drink? I have water, eau gazeuse, or sparkling cider."
Yasui blinked.
"Uh... you have what?"
"Water, eau gazeuse, or sparkling cider."
"What... what was that second one?"
Diana chuckled.
"I'm sorry, that must have sounded pretentious. It's French for fizzy water."
"Oh... uh... the juice I guess. I like juice."
Shw smiled and handed him a square bottle full of amber liquid. As he opened it, bubbles rose to the top.
"Whooooo, this is super fancy!"
Diana smiled.
"Oh, you haven't seen anything yet."
It wasn't long before they were stopping in front of a store the likes of which Yasui had never seen before. Massive windows allowed you to see inside and look at the various sizes and styles of fine clothing on display. There were fancy suits and lavish dresses on manakins of all species and sizes. Yasui gawked.
"Wow... I've never seen a store like this before."
"Then this should be an interesting experience for you! Let's hurry, I'm starting to get hungry."
They opened the door and found themselves in a massive space with even more clothes on display. A male cheetah sauntered out and bowed to them.
"Welcome."
Diana gave him a polite smile.
"Sasayaku, it's so nice to see you again."
The cheetah returned the smile and purred in his nasally voice.
"Ah, Diana. It's been ages since I saw you last. How are you?"
"Quite well. I'm actually here to get something for my young acquaintance here to wear."
He cast an appraising eye over Yasui and slowly stalked around him. As he did, Yasui took the opportunity to size the shopkeeper up himself. He was a rather tall and lanky individual with thin, rectangular glasses. He was dressed in what Yasui assumed was a stylish manner with a shirt and suit jacket combo but with no tie. Also, his pants were short enough to expose his ankles which Yasui found odd. I mean, he seemed rich enough to afford clothes that fit. The cheetah appeared to finish his inspection of Yasui and crossed his arms.
"You've really given me an unusual canvas this time, Diana. This kid's a bit strange. I'll have to get creative."
Diana adjusted her purse and widened her smile.
"I have the utmost confidence in your abilities."
He let out a long breath through his nose and tilted his head.
"Hmmmm... that rust red color limits the possible color choices to primarily dark colors. Definitely a winter."
He paced around him again and clicked his tongue.
"He has unusually long limbs for a fox, and his snout is much longer. I'll have to be careful how tailored a fit I give him so he doesn't look like a bobblehead."
Yasui whistled.
"Wow... you're good."
The stranger adjusted his glasses with his thin, manicured fingers and gave a deadpan "I know" in response. Diana tittered a bit and adjusted her purse.
"Well, I'll let you get started while I go look for some accessories."
The cheetah nodded.
"M'kay, pick out some black loafers while you're at it. I'm guessing... size six?"
Yasui nodded.
"That sounds about right."
The cheetah nodded and began steering Yasui towards the back of the store. He finally stopped at a small workbench where he gathered up some supplies and began using a tape measure to get all of Yasui's measurements. As he did, he muttered to himself.
"Let's see... primarily a deep red color with a hint of brown... Light grey throat and chest... Black patches on the ears and snout... I'm thinking a charcoal coat and pants with a black shirt. Something to accentuate your fur color without looking too much like a tux. And maybe a red tie... or orange."
He hummed as he paced around him again. Yasui was afraid to move from his current position.
"Uh... sounds good?"
The cheetah ignored that comment and began slowly working on Yasui's clothes. As he did, he finally addressed Yasui.
"So, what's your name, kid?"
"Uh, Yasui."
"Ayasui? That's a bit strange."
"No, just Yasui."
"Well that makes slightly more sense. Although why would your parents call you that? It means 'fragile' so, I dunno, it seems a bit weird. Like naming your kid 'weak' or 'stupid' or 'poorly-endowed.'"
Yasui frowned.
"You know... I never thought about it like that. I guess it's because I've always been a bit runty?"
"You're not that short, and you seem relatively sound of body."
"I'm sixteen."
"Well screw what I said, you're practically a dwarf. You have some sort of condition or something?"
"Not that I know of?"
The odd tailor shrugged and moved on to another section of Yasui's body.
"So, how do you know Miss Diana? You her secret love child or something?"
"W-what!? No! Why would you think that?!"
"Because she never acts this... smiley. It would also explain why she vanished for almost a year. Heck, I half thought she died until she waltzed in here today."
Yasui was extremely confused by pretty much everything the man said.
"Wait, so what do you mean by... everything you just said?"
"Which parts? The thing about her acting weird or vanishing?"
"Uh... both."
The cheetah slowly breathed out through his nose and pushed his glasses up his face.
"Let's see... every time I met her or someone else who met her, one thing we all knew about her was that she was always strictly business. I mean, she was a total workaholic. I don't think anyone ever saw her smile. Heck, she even was nicknamed the 'Frozen Cannibal Queen' for her icy demeanor and ruthless business tactics. So pardon my surprise when she suddenly is trying to act like some housewife."
Yasui frowned. It was hard to imagine that the charming lady he met could be cold and calculating. The cheetah continued.
"And as for the other part, almost a year ago the business world was rocked when she suddenly moved from her typical active roles in her company to a passive one. And then she just... vanished! Nobody saw or heard from her for a solid year! Literally nobody knows what happened."
Yasui gave him an alarmed look.
"Wait, she's a business owner?"
"Sheesh kid! Do you seriously not know who that is?"
"Uhhhh..."
"Diana... the owner of the Supotto Conglomerate."
Yasui just stared blankly at him.
"The largest real estate company in the country!"
Yasui shook his head.
"No, I've never heard of any of this stuff."
The felid rolled his eyes.
"Sheesh, you live under a rock or something?"
"No, on a mountain."
"Huh, how about that... So, how exactly did you meet Diana?"
Yasui wanted to scratch his head but the man was still flitting from limb to limb as he worked, so he settled with a little hand twitch.
"Well... on Friday I bumped into her at the yarn store. We talked for a bit and she invited me to lunch."
The tailor stared at him expectantly.
"Well... is that it!?"
"Yeah."
"Seriously!? You just happened to bump into one of the richest women in the country at the store and now she's getting you a suit and taking you to lunch?"
"Pretty much?"
The cheetah stayed still for a moment before shaking his head.
"Sheesh you are one lucky bastard then. Probably just trying to look good for the news or whatever. Rich people always are."
... I don't like this guy.
The rather crass cat nodded his head and hurried towards a doorway. As he did, he called out.
"Lose the weird pj's kid. I'll be back with your new clothes."
Yasui grumpily took off his pants and shirt and huffed.
"What a jerk. Calling me a... the b word."
"Oh my, how come every time I see you you're in your underwear."
Yasui shrieked and leapt into the air as Diana suddenly spoke from behind him. Yasui landed, breathing heavily, as she laughed. Yasui wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but her laugh suddenly seemed... forced.
"Sorry to surprise you, but I picked out some shoes for you. What do you think of the clothes so far?"
Yasui scratched his head.
"I don't really feel comfortable with you buying me stuff. My Dad told me to never mooch off people."
Diana frowned.
"It's not you mooching, it's a gift. You never asked me for any of this stuff."
"I guess, but—"
Diana shook her head and "tut-tutted" at him.
"No buts. Just be quiet and accept your gift."
Yasui's ears flattened and he averted his eyes.
"Yes ma'am."
Their conversation was interrupted by the cheetah returning with clothes draped over his arms. There was a whirl of limbs as he dressed Yasui and adjusted the garments as he saw fit before stepping back and dusting off his hands.
"Damn, I am a miracle worker. From bumpkin to gentleman just like that. That settles it, I am a god."
Yasui looked in the mirror and saw a completely unrecognizable person looking back. The fox in the mirror had on perfectly sized clothes of expensive material that seemed to almost soak in the light of the store. He stared as a dark orange tie was put around his neck and a shiny silver tie clip was attached. The awkward runt who looked like a comic book character had been replaced with somebody you'd see at a fashion show. Yasui didn't like it.
Diana clapped her hands.
"You look marvelous! Stupendous even! Oh, here. These shoes are for you."
She followed the cheetah towards the front of the store as Yasui attempted to put on the shiny, fancy new shoes she had picked out for him. All in all, he didn't feel like himself.
I hate this. Honestly I like my actual clothes. They were good enough for everyone else in my family so they're good enough for me.
"Yasui! It's time to go! I have a reservation for lunch so we need to get there soon."
Yasui sighed and headed towards the front of the store.
What that guy said... why is she doing all this? Am I just here to make her look good or something? Am I going to turn on the news and see "Rich and Famous Lady Does Nice Things for Poor Child, She Must be Great!" This is getting a bit... suspicious.
Upon exiting the store and getting back in the car, Yasui couldn't stop thinking about why it was this incredibly rich woman had decided to do all this to a total nobody.
Maybe it is like that jerk said. Maybe she just wants to score some points with her other rich friends.
For her part, Diana didn't seem to notice anything was amiss and was calmly chatting to her driver.
"You know Charles, I think we should get you a new outfit someday. You wear the same suit every day. I mean, black and white is definitely classic, but it does get a little old. What do you think, Yasui? Maybe a blue outfit for him?"
Yasui jerked back to awareness and blinked a few times.
"Uh... sorry. What was that?"
The leopard pursed her lips and gave Yasui a scrutinizing once over.
"Is everything okay? You've been quiet ever since we left the store."
"Oh, I'm fine. It's... nothing."
"Was the suit too much? I really do apologize if I'm being pushy or anything. You can let me know and I'll back off if I need to."
"No it's not that, it's just... uh..."
"Is it the suit itself? I thought it would be comfortable but if it's not we can try somewhere else."
Yasui sighed and decided to rip the bandage off.
"Okay, I'll tell you. I just... why did you want me to go to lunch with you today?"
Diana closed her eyes and smiled.
"Can't a lady just do something nice to a poor student?"
Yasui looked down. He was feeling guilty and conflicted at the same time.
"It's just... that guy back there told me about you. That you're, like, really rich and important."
Diana huffed.
"That cheetah runs his mouth far too much. The only reason why I put up with it is because he does make a really good suit. So what, does it matter that I'm wealthy? I didn't exactly hide it or anything."
"It's not that, it's just... are you... is the reason you're doing this just to look good?"
Yasui cringed a bit as he asked that. He hated how rude he was being, but he couldn't seem to stop himself. Diana stayed silent for a moment before turning to look out the window.
"I'm assuming he told you about my vanishing act from the public eye?"
Yasui nodded, feeling sheepish.
"You see, something... happened about a year ago that made me take a long, hard look at my life. From everyone else's point of view, I was one of the most successful individuals in the country. Heck, the world even! I have it all, money, houses, cars, clothes, boats. Anything I could possibly want, I can have. That sort of thing tends to happen when you spend almost twenty years working eleven hours a day six days a week. I sit on the board of multiple global corporations and own some of the most successful hotels and resorts around. Whenever I go to a party, I am the center of attention."
She turned and looked Yasui dead in the eyes.
"But at the end of the day, I am completely alone. Nobody actually cares about me. To all my quote, unquote, 'friends' in the business world, I am simply a means to an end. I'm either a walking checkbook, a way to gain more influence with others, or a piece of meat to be conquered and devoured."
Yasui recoiled at the last part, shocked at the sudden shift.
"Everywhere I go, people stop and stare. All I get are looks of envy or fear. I go home to an empty house and wake up in an empty bed. My life is practically meaningless."
She gave Yasui a wane smile. Her fake cheerful facade having broken when she started. In its place was the face of a tired woman begining to decline.
"As cliche as it may sound, you were different. You had no idea who I was. All you saw was a woman. That feeling, of being seen as nothing more than a female, was so... refreshing. I just... I guess I wanted to have a few moments where I was just treated like a person for once."
Yasui looked down. He was so embarrassed for having insisted on pursuing this. For her part, Diana just chuckled a bit and shook her head.
"My word that was melodramatic. I half expect somebody who looks just like me to come running up claiming to be a long lost sister my parents kept secret like this is some sleazy soap opera or something."
Yasui kept looking at his hands as Diana fell silent. He felt pretty bad about how this had turned out. He had definitely killed the fun she had been having. Suddenly, he had an idea.
"You know... I feel like that all the time."
The leopard glanced over at him.
"Pardon?"
Yasui did his best to smile naturally as he continued.
"I always catch myself being all dramatic like I'm a character in a book. Like when I kept screwing up trying to become friends with this guy at school and had this whole internal pitty party. I thought that was only me though."
Diana gave him an apreciative look.
"I think that means we don't have enough social interaction."
"Maybe. I have noticed that I don't do it as often now that me and Shinrai are friends."
"Was that the guy you were desperately trying to be friends with or somebody else?"
"Actually we became friends completely by accident! And, like, I don't get it. The guy who I was desperately trying to get to like me I barely do anything with, but the guy who I accidentaly started hanging around is now my best friend."
Diana smiled at him.
"Life's funny that way. The harder you try to force a relationship, the less genuine it is."
"Yeah, like my brother always said, 'love is like a fart: if you need to push super hard it's probably crap
Yasui clapped a hand over his mouth in embarrassment.
That was so bad! Why did I say something so nasty in front of a super refined lady!
However, Diana's face began to tremble before she burst out laughing. However, this wasn't the sort of controlled laugh she had done before, this was a roilling, snorting laugh that sent her rocking back in her seat. Yasui just watched in silent confusion until she regained control.
"Ha-ha-snork-haaa. I'm sorry, it's just... your brother sounds like a really character! That is the most... I was not expecting that at all!"
"Uh... isn't it kinda... I dunno... rude? I was about to apologize."
Diana waved him off.
"I honestly don't care about that sort of stuff. Feel free to share as many rude and crass stories from your family as you want!"
Yasui shook his head as the car pulled to a stop. The doors opened and revealed a well-kept storefront that read "La Foglia D'Oro" in large golden letters. The building itself was massive with fancy pillars and statues decorating the walkway. Vines and flowering plants grew on arches and small beds along the way.
"Woooow. Are these all like... real statues?"
Diana gave him a sidelong glance.
"As opposed to... fake statues?"
Yasui flushed and looked down.
"That... sounded dumb."
"Oh please, don't be so self conscious! I'm not going to tease you... too much."
She snickered as she walked through the main doors. The inside was even more impressive than the outside with white marble and gold being the main resources used to decorate. Yasui gawked at the massive chandelier that cast glowing sparks of light across the walls. It was made of large crystals and reminded Yasui of the icicles that sometimes formed on trees during winter, except as big as the roof of his and Yone's bedroom. Diana approached front desk and addressed the well dressed crane that was standing at attention.
"Reservation for two under the name Diana."
"Of course ma'am, we've been expecting you. Follow me, please."
Yasui was so busy gawking he barely noticed the exchange and had to be snapped back to awareness by Diana tapping his shoulder.
"I can understand your interest in the decorum, but I'm absolutely famished. How about we eat first and then we can go on a little tour. They have a garden outside that I think you'd love."
"Yeah... okay."
They followed the server to a small room separated from the rest of the restaurant by a set of double doors. Once opened, they revealed a slightly smaller room with a table for two inside. Looking past the table, the opposite side of the room was compromised of windows that looked out over the city. As they sat and were given menus, Diana gave Yasui a conspiratorial smirk.
"Eating with me comes with some decent perks if I do say so myself. Like the view?"
Yasui nodded and pointed.
"Hey look! It's the school. Waaaaaay over there."
The waiter stood at attention and pulled a notebook from out of his apron.
"May I take your drink orders?"
Diana flipped open her menu and hummed in the back of her throat before gesturing slightly without looking up.
"I'll have a bottle of your finest red wine. Something with a summer flavor."
"Very good, ma'am. And for the young sir?"
Yasui flinched and frantically opened his menu.
"Uhh... sorry. I, um, I don't... Uhhhh, what would you get if you were me?"
The waiter seemed slightly taken aback by this and adjusted his tie.
"Well, I'm assuming you are not the legal drinking age so we have various soft drinks, tea, or juices."
"Okay, I guess whichever of those is your favorite I'll have."
"Whichever... ah, I see. I will select for you. Any appetizers today?"
Diana flipped another page.
"Yes, we'll have an order of your caprese crostini. Was there anything you wanted to try, Yasui?"
Yasui took the chance to look at his menu for the first time. However, he was dismayed to find that he could not read a word of it. It was all written in some foreign language he didn't know.
"Uh... what you said sounds good."
The crane bowed his head.
"Very well. I will return with your drinks shortly."
As he left Diana continued to look over the menu. For his part, Yasui began discreetly attempting to decode what was written on the menu by turning it upside down.
Hmmm... aha! This is... I think that one is food? Or... wait... no that might be the restaurant's name cause it's also on the napkins. Unless it means "napkins"? Or...
Yasui's deductive process was interrupted by the waiter returning with the drinks. He set a wine glass in front of Diana before uncorking a bottle and pouring some in. She took the glass and sipped it.
"Ah... grazie, buon signore."
The waiter inclined his head before setting a glass down in front of Yasui. It was filled with a dark, bubbly liquid that was making a light hissing sound. This sound worried Yasui.
"Ah! Thanks for... this."
He simply bowed and walked away. With the waiter gone, Yasui picked up his cup and sniffed the drink. It smelled... unique to say the least, and the bubbles popping tickled his nose a bit. He cautiously took a sip and was immediately floored by the unusual taste.
It's sweet but... also it isn't? And it makes my mouth feel strange!
He took a bigger mouthful and held it. The popping bubbles almost made him spit it out as he spluttered a bit.
"Tha fee o eird!
Diana raised an eyebrow and the corners of her mouth twitched.
"Having fun?"
Yasui smiled bashfully and nodded.
"Sorry, I've just never had something like this before."
"You've never had soda?"
"Nah, too expensive, and it doesn't grow on trees. We mainly had tea, coffee, milk, and sometimes juice. I didn't expect it to be so... tingly!"
"It absolutely baffles me all the things you have never tried. Speaking of, is this your first time having Italian food?"
"Oooooh, so that's what this place is. I was wondering what the deal was with the menu."
Diana frowned looked towards the door.
"Oh dear, I completely forgot to ask for a menu you can read. I always just use their Italian menu because I speak it, so they must have thought you did as well. Well, I can always just translate for you."
"Woah, you speak Italian?"
She nodded.
"As well as English, Mandarin, and Spanish. I used to travel frequently to the various locations where I had hotels or resorts operating. So I figured it would be more cost effective to learn the languages rather than hire a translator every time. It did take a lot of classes though."
"That's so cool! I wish I could speak a ton of languages."
"Well it's not that I speak them all perfectly by any stretch of the imagination. I know some better than others, but I know at least enough to get by with them all."
Yasui shook his head.
"That is so cool. I always have trouble with those language classes in school."
"Well, it comes easier to some than to others. So, do you want me to translate something for you?"
Yasui mulled it over before shrugging.
"Nah, I'll just get whatever it is that you get."
"Well than the pressure is on for me to pick a good dish. Let's see... have you ever had seafood?"
"Uh... like what?"
"You know, shrimp or clams or mussels. The aquatic versions of insects all things considered."
"No. We didn't get seafood in my village."
"Well didn't your family ever take a trip anywhere? To visit some family or just to have a vacation?"
"Not really. Farming is kinda an all year thing for us. The only time it really stops in a meaningful way is during the winter. And even then there are things to do."
"So you never had a day off together? Like to the beach or to go sightseeing?"
"I mean we would have picnics and go to festivals and stuff like that, but typically only stuff around our village. We always have to be careful not to use up too much gas so we can drive the truck to town and sell our crops."
Diana steepled her fingers and scrutinized Yasui for a bit.
"You know, Yasui, I think the thing that fascinates me the most about you is just how different our lives have been. Would it be too much to ask for you to tell me more about your family?"
Yasui grinned.
"Not at all! I love talking about my family! So, there's my Mom and Dad. Uhh... I guess I should try to describe them a bit? So, my Dad is pretty quiet. Like, not in the shy sort of way just like he doesn't talk a whole lot. I mean, one time he accidentally stabbed clear through his hand with a piece of a broken hoe and all he said was "I'll live" before getting it fixed."
Yasui interrupted himself with a snicker before continuing.
"Okay, so he goes to our neighbor who's this old goat called Bolboi who used to be a big city doctor, and Bolboi asks him 'What happened to your hand!?' And Dad just says 'I hurt it.' So Bolboi, who is pretty much like our grandpa because he hangs around with us so much, just goes 'Well what on earth did you hurt it with?!' So my dad just reaches down and yanks the piece out before handing it to him. And all he said was 'This.'"
Diana laughed a bit.
"My word he just pulled it out?!"
"Just popped that sucker right out! Bolboi fixed him up good as new after that."
"Your father must have nerves of steel!"
Yasui wiped a tear from his eye and tried to catch his breath.
"Oh you have no idea. One time we were in town to get some fabric for Mom to make clothes and this huge wolf comes up and starts yelling at my Mom. So, like, apparently my brother had done something to this guys kid or at least the guy said he did so he's all up in my Mom's face about it. So she tried to talk him down but he wouldn't step off! So my Dad who is almost half this guys height just steps between them and says 'Don't. You. Dare. Yell. At. My. Wife.' So all us kids know that this is Dad's version of screaming and we know it's going to get messy. So then this guy decided to punch my Dad."
"No!"
"Yeah!"
"Just in public!? He attacked your Dad in the middle of the street!"
"Oh yeah, so he nails my Dad right on the eye. So then my Dad just rolls his sleeve up and belts him across the jaw! And the huge guy dropped like a sack of potatoes!"
"My word! Remind me not to pick a fight with your old man. Did the police get involved?"
"Yeah, they came and talked to my parents and got in touch with the guys wife. Turns out he was on a lot of pain meds after some sort of tooth surgery and they made him super aggressive or something. I dunno, all I know is that it was pretty cool."
Diana shook her head.
"Sounds more scary than cool to me."
"Oh yeah, it was. And my Dad felt pretty bad about it. He hates fighting of any sort."
The waiter returned with a small platter of toasted bread topped with tomatoes, spinach, cheese, and some dark liquid. He bowed and pulled out his notebook again.
"May I take your entree orders?"
Diana picked her menu back up.
"Yes. I think we will each have the shrimp fra diavolo. Extra shrimp in both."
"An excellent choice. Those will be out shortly. Until then, enjoy the crostini."
Yasui stammered out a quick "thank you" as Diana helped herself to one of the appetizers. Yasui followed suit. He gave it a skeptical once over before taking a bite. The bread was super crunchy, to Yasui's surprise.
"Uh... I think the bread is old. Like, really really old."
"No it's just supposed to be like that. Don't worry."
Yasui frowned and gave it another try. This stuff was... different to say the least. Diana set her crostini down and dabbed at her mouth with a napkin.
"So what do you think?"
Yasui crunched away before saying.
"It's... different."
"Different good or different bad?"
Yasui swallowed and wiped his mouth with the back if his hand.
"Pretty good. It's a bit... I guess... fancy for my taste, but pretty tasty."
Diana rolled her eyes.
"So what food is to your taste? What's your favorite food?"
"Oh definitely soup. I love soup."
"Soup? That's unusual. Most guys are very into rich food you can really sink you teeth into. Why soup?"
Yasui shrugged, looking sheepishly away.
"It just, you know, makes me feel good."
"I sense a story behind this."
"Well... there is. But it's a little embarrassing so you'll have to promise me you won't laugh."
"My lips are sealed."
"Okay, so--."
[Yasui's home, a winter many years ago.]
The sky was the shade of lint grey you only see during a period of extended snowfall. Winter on the mountain tended to be a rather dreary affair as far as the weather went. You were lucky to see the sun for more than a brief window every once in a blue moon. But the beasts that made this region their home were all rugged and somehow managed to keep their spirits high. In their bright, cozy home, Yasui's mother was standing over a large pot on the stove as her current youngest, Mina, tottered around the room. She glanced over at her daughter and called,
"Don't go too far! Stay with Mommy!"
Just then the door opened, letting the bitter, cold wind in.
"That you Ibiki? All done fixing that drafty corner?"
There was a shuffling sound followed by a sniffle.
"No, it's just me."
Through the entryway shuffled Yasui. He was even smaller at this age than he was now, barely able to measure up to his sister Kime who was a full year younger and beginning to grow rapidly bigger than him. His diminutive stature only accentuated his weirdly proportioned body to a painful degree. His mother rushed over and knelt down in front of him.
"What happened? You're completely soaked! You must be freezing!"
Yasui sniffled again, whether from emotion or the cold was unclear.
"Yone and all the other kids were having a snowball fight, but then they all start throwing them only at me."
"Oh honey, I'm sorry. Here, let's dry you off."
She helped him out of his wet clothes and toweled him off, leaving his fur to stick up at weird angles. As she returned to her pot, Yasui sat on one of the chairs nearby, his feet dangling above the floor. He anxiously rubbed his hands together before asking his mother a question.
"Mom... am I a freak."
"What? Why would you ask that?"
"Because all the other kids say I am. They told me that the reason I'm so weird looking is because I was cursed by an evil spirit. They said that I'm bad luck."
His mother's expression softened and she moved to sit beside him.
"Yasui, do you know what I see?"
"What."
"I see a very special little boy who I love very much. You shouldn't let what those kids say make you sad. Do you know why?"
"Why?"
"Because I wouldn't want to be any different than who you are. If you weren't your extra special self, I'd be sad. You wouldn't want me to be sad, would you?"
Yasui shook his head and gave her a teary smile. She beamed and leaned in a bit closer.
"You know, you still look a little cold. Do you know what helps with that?"
"Uh... I dunno?"
A big... warm... HUG!"
She darted forward and wrapped her son in a bear hug, lifting him into the air. All the while Yasui squealed with laughter.
"Mom! Stoooooooop! You're gonna make me barf!"
She squashed her face against his and rubbed her cheek against his as Mina shrieked in delight from the floor.
"Oh you know you love when I give you a big hug! You're my special hugger! So I'm going to give you the biggest hug in the whole world!"
"Okay! Okay! Stop! You're going to burn the food all up!"
She paused and turned around to see that her pot had begun to boil. She rushed over to reduce it down to a simmer and quickly stirred it a few times.
"Whew! Nice catch! That was almost bad."
"Whatcha making for dinner?"
"My famous winter soup with some fresh bread. Tell you what, do you want to be my taste tester?"
Yasui vigorously nodded and stood nearby as his mother dipped a spoon into the pot and drew out some of the hot food.
"Careful, it's hot!"
He blew on it before carefully eating. He chewed a bit before swallowing.
"So, how is it? Does it need more pepper or salt?"
"Nope! It already tastes like sunshine!"]
Yasui cringed as Diana squealed in delight.
"That was so cute! I bet you were an adorable child!"
"No, I was just super weird. And pretty much everything I said was that level of embarrassing."
"That was adorable and you know it!"
"It might sound like it from me just telling you, but it was definitely more stupid in person. Ugh, and I used to say all sorts of weird stuff like that. I swear I used to sound like a cheesy teen romance novel."
"Oh please, I'm sure you're just being too hard on yourself. Besides, girls like a guy who can be poetic at times. Nothing wrong with sounding a bit cheesy at times."
Aha! I knew she thought it sounded cheesy!
The sound of an approaching waiter caused them to turn towards the door. The same crane from before strode in with a large tray balanced on his shoulder. He carefully put two plates filled with noodles and some strange crescent shaped things on the table and bowed.
"Feel free to call for me if you need anything at all."
Yasui followed Diana's lead and picked up the rolled up napkin that was sitting beside his plate. Upon opening it he found that it had a fork and knife in it. However he also noticed there were no chopsticks.
"If you're looking for chopsticks, there aren't any in there. Italians eat pasta with a fork and knife."
"Oh... that's... weird. Uh... do you just scoop it or..."
"No you twirl it around your fork, like this."
She placed her fork in the middle of the plate and spun it until it was loaded with noodles. She then stabbed one of the crescent things and ate it. Once she swallowed she hummed her satisfaction.
"Mmm! The food here is exquisite. Well go on, try some!"
Yasui clumsily spun his fork around and managed to get crescent after a few tries.
"So what are these curly things?"
"Shrimp."
"Oh, so that's what it looks like. It's a lot bigger than I expected."
"It is isn't it. That's what makes seafood so good. It's nutritious and gives you something to bite into. Such a shame how hard it is to come by."
Yasui paused with a noodle hanging out of his mouth.
"Hmm? Hard fo come ie?"
"Well there are a lot of regulations as to what you can legally catch and eat. Shellfish and crustaceans being the two main ones, and you can only catch a limited amount. It makes seafood rather pricey. Which is a shame as it could help curb the more... deviant appetites of carnivores."
"Mmmm."
She continued eating her meal while asking him questions between bites.
"So, how has school been treating you so far? I know I asked a bit about it before, but that was all so hurried that we didn't really get to talk about anything substantial."
"Oh, it's going pretty well I guess. I've made two friends which is nice. My classes are a lot harder than the ones back home but it's manageable."
"That's good! Now, forgive me if I asked before, but did you say that you were in a club? It's completely slipped my mind."
"Well, I'm in the cooking club, but I'm the only member so I haven't actually cooked anything yet."
"Oh that's too bad. Do you have money for groceries?"
"Not yet, but I'm going to talk to this friend of that yarn store lady about working at his coffee shop. Then I'll be able to get some."
"Well if that doesn't work out I'm more than happy to lend a hand. I believe it is up to us adults to ensure you young people have what you need to learn. And, if you ask Charles nicely he might give you some lessons. He is a fabulous cook."
"Really? That would be great! The only things I know how to cook are eggs and toast."
"Well, the offer stands then. Whenever you want you can swing by my place for a cooking lesson. Do be sure to call me first though, I'd rather you not just appear on my doorstep without advanced notice."
"Oh, okay. I'll use my friends phone if I decide to."
"Oh, you don't have one? That must make things difficult if you ever want to call home."
Yasui shrugged.
"Yeah, but what can I do? I'm flat broke!"
All too quickly the meal was finished and Yasui was getting back into Diana's car. As they drove back to school, Diana pointed out some of the notable buildings around town. Upon arriving at Cherryton, Diana smiled as Charles opened the door.
"Well, this goodbye then. I do appreciate you indulging a strange old lady like this."
"No problem, it was fun! Even if wearing these clothes is a bit... weird."
"Well be sure to store them somewhere safe. You might need them for a hot date later."
Yasui smiled as he rubbed his shoulder.
"Yeah... probably not."
"Never say never! Well, I'm off. Don't be a stranger, and don't lose my card."
Yasui waved.
"Okay! Thanks! And thanks for driving me, Charles!"
The massive gorilla inclined his head before driving away. Yasui watched them go before sighing.
"Sheesh, I need to get out of these stuffy clothes! It's still really dang hot out!"
Meanwhile, back in the car, Charles glanced back at his employer and said.
"You looked like you were having fun."
Diana smiled as she looked out the window.
"I did actually. Funny, I haven't enjoyed talking to somebody in ages. I do hope he didn't find me creepy or pushy. I really do want to do that again."
"I have a feeling he will. He seemed like the sort who's not fond of being alone. Unlike a certain somebody I know."
Diana crossed her arms and smirked.
"Careful you. I am the one who signs your paycheck after all."
[Later that day, school roof.]
Shinrai trudged towards his friends groaned in discomfort as he flopped onto a shady spot.
"It's sooo hooooooot!"
Don twitched his rabbit ears and sighed.
"I know... it sucks."
Kashi seemed especially uncomfortable due to his thick alpaca wool. He was holding a bottle of cold water against his neck as he fanned his face.
"Hang in there, it's supposed to cool off tomorrow."
Shinrai sighed and squinted at the setting sun.
"Anyway, how's the plan coming for the you know what?"
Don perked up a bit.
"Oh, you'll see. Thursday we have our official pre-heist briefing, and then Friday we get that game! There isn't a thing on Earth than can stop us!"