Chapter 7
...leaned against the counter.
"Hi-ya, Beautiful" he greeted Jun, then nodding at Joe with daggers in his eyes, "Hello, Joe. I mean, Hy."
Joe noticed the extra emphasis on the word Hy.
"Vin.." Joe nodded back in greeting, meeting Ken's stare.
"Hi, Vin." Jun greeted Ken. Was that a sense of remorse Ken heard in her voice?
"You look stunning tonight." Ken continued. Maybe being the character of Vin wouldn't be so bad after all. Ken was already feeling much bolder than usual around Jun. Of course he wouldn't dare tell anyone that his inspiration for this role was Joe.
"Yes, she does." Joe interjected icily and grabbed the Swan's hand a little tighter.
Ken's eyes narrowed. "So when does this party get started?"
"Jin - I mean, Cal, is upstairs getting changed. Al and Dee should be here anytime."
At that moment they heard a yell from upstairs, which was followed by loud footsteps running down the stairs. The door swung open.
"ONECHAN!!!" Jinpei hollered as he stood on the steps - in a French Maid outfit, complete with fishnet stockings.
"Who?" Jinpei sputtered out, as Jun and Joe burst out laughing. Ken tried everything he could to keep his composure, but it was a losing battle.
Finally Jun calmed herself enough to answer. "I guess this is what Hakase meant when he said he would take care of the costumes!"
"Didn't you check the boxes when they were dropped off?" Jinpei asked incredulously.
"Well, uh, no. Actually I didn't." Jun responded between giggles. "But you look so cute Jinpei! Here, come with me, I have something that will make that costume even better!"
Jinpei followed Jun upstairs, leaving Ken and Joe alone.