Part III

Chapter 64

"How many of them are coming, again?"

Minamo looked over at her host as they both sat upon one of the couches, the day's news playing out on the big screen in front of them. "About two or three..."

"Oh, ok. I was expecting more for some reason." Eiko stretched back and yawned, her arms spread over the top of the couch. It had been a fairly lazy Saturday, and she had spent all of it at home with her guest. She and Minamo had talked about old times, watched some movies, and indulged themselves in a variety of foods that Eiko had ordered throughout the day. Now, as the edge of evening approached, they were awaiting the arrival of Minamo's students. "And, they all graduated together with Kagura?"

Her friend nodded with some pride.

Next to Eiko was one of her cats, her fingers scratching its head absentmindedly. "They all know each other as well, then?"

"Yes, they do."

"Do they know why they're coming here?"

Minamo appeared slightly shaken for a moment. She did look much better overall compared to yesterday, and Eiko's nurse friend had confirmed that Minamo's health seemed fine. However, she had informed Eiko that the woman did still display some signs of high anxiety and stress, and that she really should be staying home from work for a few more days or so. "...Kagura told them she was going to meet me and a friend for dinner, and so invited them, too. So, they're all just expecting a dinner and that's it, I guess..."

"I see. So, Kagura hasn't told them you're gay yet?"

"...no. I want to do that myself..."

"Good girl! It will go great, trust me." Eiko slowly stood up then. "Alright...I'm going to take a quick shower before they arrive. You wanted to go somewhere that was somewhat casual, right?"

Minamo nodded. "Yes. It will suit them a lot better...especially Kagura. She doesn't feel like she fits in with anything that's a little too high brow. Do you know what I mean?"

"Well, everyone should experience the good life now and then. I mean, I am buying. Why not pick something that they might not regularly ever go to?"

"I know, I know. But...I think we'll all feel more comfortable in a place that's more relaxed. These girls can get quite noisy, too."

Eiko shrugged. "Suit yourself. I do know a Western restaurant around here that's fairly casual. Would they be fine with that? It's sandwiches and things like that."

"I think that would be fine. I don't think they're very picky."

"Alright, sounds good! I'll call them right now to make sure they have room. They know me."

With that, Eiko did as she said she would, quickly confirming a booth over the phone with just the very mention of her name. She then went to her room and showered quickly. Afterward, she decided to go with some attire that she hadn't worn in a good while: jeans with a loose, long-sleeved, black tunic.

Casual enough, right? And it's not too hot outside today...

She finished up by adorning herself with her usual ruby earrings and necklace, and then went back out to the living room. Minamo was still on the couch, quietly watching the news. Eiko went up behind her and began to mess with her hair, playing around with it like a sibling would. "So, how are you feeling? Are you ready to do this?"

Minamo turned her head slightly backward to look at her host as her hair was played with, her eyes opening wide with some amazement. "Wow..."

"Hmm?"

"...you really do always look good in anything."

Eiko chuckled. "You're just so easily amazed, Minamo."

"Well, I mean...you just always looks so adult."

She laughed loudly. "We are adults, Minamo."

Minamo responded with a strange expression that was in between a smile and a frown. "I know...I just..." She shook her head. "...anyway, to your question: I think I'm ready."

"Alright. So, how are you going to do this? Are you going to tell them before we go out, or afterward?"

"...I was thinking, at first, to tell them after dinner. But...I don't think I could make it if I did that..."

"What do you mean?"

"...you and Kagura already know, so...I don't know. It just wouldn't feel right to keep it a secret at a table where some people know and some didn't. I'd rather everyone be on the same page."

Eiko smiled. "I think that's a good idea. But, I think your students won't care either way, Minamo. Their generation is a lot more relaxed about these sorts of issues."

"...are you going to tell them too, then?"

"Tell them...? Tell them what?"

"That you're attracted to women, too."

She laughed. "How do you want me to introduce that topic? Do you want me to start bragging about it, or what?"

Minamo frowned. "Well...I was just wondering."

Eiko shrugged. "If it happens to come out during a conversation, then, sure. But, I think the focus should be on you tonight, dear."

Her friend digested the comment, staying silent for a bit as she mulled over it. "Ok."

"...what about Yukari, though? What have you decided?"

Minamo paused. "...I don't want to tell them about that."

Eiko stopped playing with her friend's short hair, folding her arms across her chest instead. "They're probably going to ask if Yukari knew too, at least. If you want, I can answer for you if it does come up."

"...ok. Thank you."

She patted her friend's head with some reassurance. A few seconds later, the phone in Minamo's pocket played a chime. She took it out and looked at it. "They're in the lobby. I can go lead them up here."

"Sure."

Minamo got up and then made her way to the apartment's door, placing some sandals on as she got there. She then stood there for a moment, frozen. Just as Eiko was about to ask if she was too nervous to go out by herself yet, Minamo took a deep breath and then exited the apartment.

...huh.

Eiko smiled to herself, and then made her way over to her bar. She had prepared some chilled fruit drinks for the arriving guests, plus a few hors d'oeuvres, and began to transport them to the table in her living room. When everything was set nice and perfectly upon the coasters, she settled into one of her plush couches, throwing her arms over the top of it in usual fashion.

Her head relaxed back, and she began to softly chuckle.

When was the last time I just stayed at home all day like this? It feels sort of strange. And now, I'm going to have dinner with some college students who aren't even at the drinking age yet...

Eiko laughed a bit more. She felt her cats jump up beside her on the couch, and allowed them to climb over her lap.

Oh, well. At least Minamo is feeling better. I did enjoy spending the day with her. She's not as dull as she used to be. I suppose she's coming out of her shell in a number of different ways now…

It had been a genuinely good time with her old friend, of whom Eiko sometimes hadn't even recognized as they had talked throughout the day. Minamo had been more open with herself, and far less fearful of the cruder topics that Eiko had brought up. She had been entertaining, funny, a good sport; not at all like the old, dull Minamo who lectured her all the time.

She's changed so much, and within just a single day.

A smile lit her face, her eyes closing.

...so, that means that-

There was a knock at the door, and it caused Eiko to chuckle. "Just come in, Minamo."

The door opened, a sheepish looking Minamo walking inside. Eiko stood up then, her cats remaining on the couch as they inspected the new arrivals. Behind Minamo entered four girls. One was Kagura, looking as full of fire and life as ever, and beside her were two taller girls and a shorter one.

Eiko made a wide welcoming gesture with her arms. "Welcome, ladies. Come in, come in. Hello again, Kagura."

Kagura beamed as her name was spoken, and she appeared to Eiko as if she had just won a bet. The other girls just stared blindly in awe her for a moment, the common reaction that Eiko was quite used to. The tallest girl then wondered at the large apartment around her, before her eyes settled quite concretely on the two cats upon the couch.

"...wow...you really are the Toyota lady...?"

The other tall girl, who had glasses, had spoken, and her question made Eiko laugh. "Is that what Minamo referred to me as?"

Minamo chuckled nervously, shaking her head. "...no, no. Um, let me introduce them to you, Eiko. This is Sakaki, Yomi, and Chihiro. Girls, this is my childhood friend, Eiko."

Eiko nodded warmly. "It's a pleasure to meet you all. Make yourselves at home." She stepped aside, motioning with a hand for them to enter the living room. "Sit down and relax. My cats don't bite."

What an interesting little group.

Eiko and her five guests were situated around the living room, plenty of space on her decadent couches. The tall girl named Sakaki had both cats on her lap, and she appeared to care more about them than the light conversation that everyone was presently engaged in. The other three, Kagura, Yomi, and Chihiro, were listening to their host give a quick background of herself.

"...yes, it's lots of meetings, day-in and day-out. It can get incredibly boring." Eiko sighed as she relaxed on her recliner. "But, it's still an exciting experience overall. And I won't complain about being in charge." She chuckled.

"...that's really amazing. Minamo told us who you were, but..." Yomi looked across to her sensei and gave her a playful smile. "...I mean, no offense, sensei, I just...well, I never figured you were best friends with someone so famous..."

Minamo smiled in return, not looking the least bit offended, but Eiko could tell that she was unsure as to how to respond to the 'best friends' remark. "It's ok. I know it's surprising..."

Yomi gave a wry grin. "Well, I'm glad to know that all of your friends aren't like Yukari."

The teacher seemed at a sudden loss for words at the mention of her love, so Eiko quickly stepped in. "Well, now, you don't know that for sure. I could be a lot worse than her, for all you know." She brandished her sharp grin.

Yomi chuckled. So far, out of the new guests, Eiko liked the girl with the glasses the most. She seemed competent and intelligent; not booksmart by any means, but possessing the sort of deft acuity that Minamo displayed.

I bet Minamo gets along with her great as well.

The tall girl, Sakaki, was sitting next to Yomi, apparently overjoyed to have the attention of Eiko's cats. She was beautiful and intimidating at the same time, with a fairly emotionless face, and was also by far the quietest of the group, preferring Eiko's two cats over anything else. Eiko had heard her say a few words as a greeting, but nothing outside of that.

I suppose she's very shy, and not great with conversation too, I bet. Maybe that's why she seems to stick to animals.

Sitting beside her, looking quite lost in the grandeur of the suite she was in, was the shortest guest: Chihiro. Eiko had been amused by the fact that the girl looked uncannily like Minamo did when she was in high school, from both her facial features to the short style of hair she had.

Yomi looked over to Minamo again. "Oh, is Yukari going to come to dinner with us as well?"

Eiko interjected once more. "She had something else going on tonight. She was upset to miss out on a free meal, but I promised I'd make it up to her later." She peeked at Minamo from the corner of her eye, the woman looking relieved to not have had to answer. "What that really means, though, is that the bill will be half of what it could be, right, Minamo?"

Minamo gave a light laugh. "Y-yes..."

"Yeah, that lady sure can pig out. Probably even more than me." Kagura laughed, Eiko glad to see her again. She without-a-doubt had the most energy out of everyone else here, and her strong physique made her easily stand out among them. "But, damn, Eiko..." She looked around the apartment, taking it all in. "Your place is sick! Houses aren't as nice as this...I mean...damn..."

"I'm glad you like it. If you want, I can give you a better tour of it after dinner, once we get back."

"Sure! And, uh...can we check out your car, too?"

Eiko smiled. "Of course."

Kagura grinned widely with anticipation. "Yes!"

The short girl spoke. "...yeah, this is really amazing. I never knew that an apartment could be this big..."

"Now you have something to aim for after college, right?"

Chihiro nodded merrily.

The dialogue then proceeded to the topic of her guest's own lives. Minamo was glad to hear that they were all doing well, becoming embarrassed whenever some due credit was given her way. Soon, though, the introductions were beginning to thin out, and Eiko knew that the time for a certain special topic was coming near.

"Well, we'll head to the restaurant in a few. You all have no problem with something Western?"

"That's fine..."

"Sure!"

"Excellent!" Eiko looked over at Minamo, meeting her eyes. Her friend hesitated for a moment, and then gave a subdued breath of preparation, which acted as a sort of acknowledgment. "Now, before we go...I believe Minamo wanted to talk to you all about something."

"...oh, yes! Um..."

All eyes were suddenly on Minamo, who had begun to shuffle around with some nervousness in her seat. Kagura now had the demeanor of someone who was sitting in an audience, silently hoping that her team would score. "...well, there's something that I, um...just...wanted to let you girls know..."

"Feel free to order whatever else you want, by the way."

All the women in the booth that Eiko had reserved looked at her with sheer gratitude, the first servings of pasta and sandwiches already half finished before them. Minamo was sitting on her left, Kagura to her right, and the other girls filled in the rest of the semi-circle seating.

"Man, thanks so much! You are so freakin' awesome!"

Eiko smiled at Kagura, who was still stuffing her face without let. She observed the girl's friends then, watching them enjoy their meals, and then settled her eyes on Minamo. "How's your sandwich?"

"...it's delicious!" She took a sip from a light beer she had ordered.

"Be careful, there. Don't over do it now."

Everyone chuckled, and Eiko figured that they all somehow knew what a lightweight Minamo was. Minamo herself just gave a funny smile, and proceeded to take another drink.

...my, does she ever look happy.

Under the subtle evening lights provided by the large restaurant, Minamo's bubbly grin could be seen by all. The amount of mirth she was now displaying was almost too much to be contained as she spoke and laughed heartily with her old students.

See? Didn't I tell you things would be fine, Minamo?

It had been a fairly short talk at her apartment, and, in Eiko's opinion, a somewhat anti-climactic one. Minamo had, with some effort, revealed that she had been into women since at least high school, and that she had only just recently obtained the courage to start talking about it with others. The response from her students in return, then, had been somewhat muted. There was some surprise of course, but outside of that, they had been overly accepting of the news and made no real fuss about it.

'Oh! I always wondered why you weren't married.'

That remark from Chihiro had stuck with Eiko since then, granting her much delight. It was a naive comment in a number of different ways, but at the same time, it had actually caused Minamo to laugh, a sign of sorts that Eiko couldn't forget. As was also apparent from her friend's current bubbly behavior at the table, Minamo was now a completely different person. She was no longer even remotely the empty shell she had been the other day, now appearing completely intoxicated with the fact that she could discuss her sexuality with others freely.

Care-free. That's how she's acting. Not reserved at all, like she used to be. All she needed was to see that people would be happy with her regardless if she was gay or not.

There had been, however, one small little hiccup that had occurred during the talk. Both she and Minamo knew that one of her students would ask if Yukari knew about her, and the question did naturally come up. Eiko had simply told them that Minamo hadn't told her yet, and that they themselves shouldn't mention it to her if they do see her.

'Minamo has to tell her herself.'

That line had quelled that part of the discussion, and, thankfully, no further inquiries were made about it. They didn't know what Minamo had done, didn't know that Yukari was furious. Eventually, Eiko figured that they would possibly hear about it if they did happen to see Yukari, but that would be well after the talk she would have with her in order to settle her anger down.

Things should work out for the time being. No one needs to know about their altercation anyway, and Kagura definitely won't mention it.

The girl in question was currently chugging down a glass of soda, slamming it upon the table with a big grin. "Man, this food is so freakin' good! We got to invite the others out here one day, too."

Minamo looked a bit puzzled then. "...oh. Yes, I was wondering where the others where. I had figured that you all usually did things like this together."

"...well, uh..." Kagura noticed Eiko looking at her, following the conversation. "So...I was going to invite a few more people, but, uh...I just didn't think it would be a good idea for tonight." A diffident smile crept onto her face. "Two of them are kind of...I don't think they can keep a secret that well, or take things too seriously. One other was just too young, so...I figured that maybe Minamo could talk to them later, you know?"

The sensei smiled. "...I appreciate that. I definitely will, as well."

"Awesome! That makes me feel less guilty."

"...is that why you didn't want me to invite Kaorin, Kagura? You don't think she'd take this seriously?"

Kagura looked over at Chihiro with a blank expression, then glanced at Sakaki next to her, and then over to Minamo. "Uh...actually, I thought she'd take it too seriously..."

"...anyway. So, sensei:" Yomi pointed a finger at her teacher with a mischievous smirk. "Have you ever been with any woman before, then?"

"Oh, um, no..." Minamo began to turn red. "I've had crushes before, but...well...umm..."

Eiko finished her friend's answer. "It's just been hard for Minamo to express her feelings about herself before. But, now you're much more comfortable with it all, right?

Minamo nodded with some hesitation.

"See? Now you're going to see her with women in her arms all the time."

The group chuckled, and Minamo just shook her head with embarrassment, smiling shyly.

"It could happen, sensei. You're very pretty."

The tall girl, Sakaki, had spoken, one of the few times Eiko had actually heard her tonight. What a lovely voice. "See, Minamo? Even your students think so."

Minamo was still shaking her head back and forth, still flattered from everything that was being said about her. "No, no, no..."

Everyone laughed again.

The evening continued to roll along, all of the women getting fuller on both food and conversation. Minamo had become soused and was beginning to get tired, so Eiko decided that it was time to head home. She paid the tab and smiled as Kagura packed a few boxes with plenty of leftovers, and then the group departed.

"Thanks for the dinner. That was fantastic."

Eiko smiled at Yomi as they walked, holding a somewhat-drunk Minamo against her side as her support. Her apartment was fairly close by, so her friend didn't have to stagger along the sidewalk for too much longer. "You're welcome. I'm glad you all enjoyed it."

Chihiro nodded happily, and then looked at Minamo. "...is she going to be ok? I didn't think she had that much to drink..."

"She'll be fine, dear. We'll put her to bed when we get back. You girls are welcome to stay for as long as you want, by the way. Did you still want to take another spin in my car, Kagura?"

"Oh, heck yeah!"

"Great! I was in the mood for a little night-time drive."

There was light banter between everyone as they continued on, Eiko watching Minamo carefully all the time. She was mumbling something incomprehensible, but Eiko didn't need to understand the words, as the gigantic, beer-fueled grin on her face spoke clearly enough.

It looks like you're experiencing happiness for the first time, Minamo. I'm glad that things are working out for you.

Because, your happiness is my happiness.

My good little sister.

She smiled her devil's smile.

Yes...it really has been a fantastic day for everyone, hasn't it?

Eiko looked over at Kagura and her friends, all of them walking swiftly beside her.

...and the night is still quite young.