Chapter 2
"Stop fidgeting Hotaru or you are going to get raccoon eyes when I'm done with you,"Kanae scolded Hotaru. Hotaru appeared to be suffering under Kanae's watch. Why was Kanae torturing her? Had she known that being a girl involved so much stress she would gladly stick to being 'the boy' everyone mistook her for. But she had grown tired of people's questioning gazes every-time she entered the ladies bathroom. And not getting offered free food that most girls received whenever they went out with their 'friends' for an organized meet. That's when she decided to become a girl with the resolve of obtaining free food. But Kanae was now shaking her resolve by using the comb she used to brush her eye lashes. What was it called again? "Kanae tell Tachibana something. That device you've been poking Tachibana's eyes with. What is it called again?"Hotaru asked. Kanae couldn't help rolling her eyes. "Hotaru it's called mascara and it is essential for grooming your eye lashes. When you've been running around with boys as long as you have I'm glad that you haven't had extreme damage to your skin. After all you need to get married one day and I want to see that day. Hotaru I'll help you with the basics. Eye liner , mascara ,blush , concealer and lip gloss. These are the essentials to attract more attention to yourself," Kanae explained to Hotaru. Hotaru was staring at Kanae unblinking . "Hotaru, are you listening?Hotaru?"Kanae called.
"I'm sorry Kanae but you lost Tachibana there.I'll pay more attention this time. But Kanae explain something to Tachibana. You said the purpose of wearing make up is to attract attention but Tachibana does not want to fight evil doers constantly even though Tachibana loves the thrill of a good fight. It gets tiresome" Hotaru said. Kanae sighed tugging on her checkered scarf. "This is why I don't like you hanging around those men Hotaru. They keep on diminishing your feminimity which was already at a critical level. Woman are creatures of elegance and grace. Besides why do I need to raise my hand when there's a man to protect me." Kanae commented twirling with the end of Hotaru's hair. Hotaru discovered that she had never really had a man protecting her because she was self sufficient. Did she want to be protected?
"But why are you making Tachibana wear mascara now. She is only going to meet Haruki-san for supper and shooting practice at Friendly Fire," Hotaru said not understanding what Kanae was going on about. "Just trust your best friend Kanae." she said glossing up Hotaru's lips with some pink lip gloss. Basically Kanae had just done a feat worthy of a noble prize. Getting Hotaru to wear a plaid skirt( not just any skirt, a skirt that was mid-thigh), a black loose button up blouse , a chunky necklace and some red sneakers. " You look gorgeous Hotaru" Kanae said turning Hotaru to face the mirror. "You are right Kanae. You made Tachibana look like something worth looking at. Thank you Kanae. Now to get Goemon-san before Haruki yells Tachibana's head off for not respecting their schedule." Hotaru said taking her gun and strapping it onto her back. "Good bye Kanae!" "Goodbye Hotaru" Kanae said.
Hotaru had been staying at Kanae's house until she found a place to stay on her own. So far she hadn't found a place that was worth residing in but that didn't stop her from looking. After all she didn't want to impose on the Yajima's.
Haruki spotted the blonde way before she saw him and he inwardly sighed. He had assumed that she would dress the way she normally did making it easier to compose himself and tell her what had been on his mind. But seeing her like this only complicated things further. How was he supposed to tell this beautiful girl what was on his mind ?
"Haruki-san ! " Tachibana yelled waving at him. Males all around him were stealing glances at her and it made his blood boil. How dare they?But then again she wasn't technically his. Not yet.
"Hey Hotaru-chan. You're late. Maybe next time I shouldn't treat you" Haruki said mock glaring at her with his golden eyes.
"Tachibana apologises. But Tachibana couldn't escape Kanae's death grip. It was like having a 100 men holding her down. Tachibana will have to investigate whether Kanae is serving as a test subject for experimental drugs."Hotaru said absent mindedly. Haruki grabbed her hand and entered Friendly Fire. The bells chimed and they were greeted at the door by Akemi-chan. " Welcome to ... Eeeeeeeh ! Haruki-san has a girlfriend" she said looking at the pair in-front of her. Although the girl's face looked familiar had they met before?. At the mention of the word girlfriend Haruki's face grew hot. Damn Akemi and her big mouth. Hotaru seemed to find it hilarious worsening his embarrassment. What if she ridiculed the idea of them ever being together?"Are my ears deceiving me? Congratulations Haruki on your catch. She's a fine looking lady at that. Give us her name please?" Isami encouraged.
"Can't you see that it's Tachibana. Or maybe Kanae's magic is too strong" she mumbled the last bit out. "Ehh! Hotaru-san is a girl "Isami and Akemi both commented."Tachibana apologises for leading you in the dark before but circumstances did not allow Tachibana to reveal her identity," Hotaru said."Whatever the reason was I know that Hotaru-chan would not lie besides Haruki-san seems desperate to be showing off his girlfriend. But who can blame him. I've never seen a girl who got three feet near him and actually still wanted to stay that close," Akemi said adding fuel to the fire. He was going to strangle Akemi but not before he carved out her tongue. He wanted to test the odds to see if truly her ghost would awaken without the missing appendage. Just the thought seemed to lighten his spoiled mood.
"Hotaru-chan is not my girlfriend!"Haruki yelled drawing everyones eyes to them.' Whatever. Let them know anyways. They were already too nosy to begin with' he concluded.
Akemi rolled her eyes and said,"That figures." Hotaru and Haruki found a table and ordered their meals. "Haruki-san did you finally write the Doctors National Exam ?" Hotaru asked. At the mention of the Doctors National Exam Haruki smirked. "Your's truly passed and is now on the path to becoming a licensed medical practitioner."Haruki said with pride. Hotaru's eyes glowed. "I'm so proud of you. Tachibana will make you some bento. My treat."She said already planning out her special gift to Haruki.
"How about you Hotaru ? What are your plans?"Haruki asked. " Tachibana wants to be an enforcer of justice just like mom. Mom is really strong and always makes sure that justice prevails" Hotaru said in adoration of her mother. Just then a steaming plate donburi and tempura udon was set before them . Hotaru couldn't help the little drool that escaped from the corner of her mouth.
" I simply can't wait, " Hotaru said before adding a prompt "Itadakimasu" . She snapped her chopsticks and dug into the tempura udon . Haruki was shocked at rather how rapidly her food was disappearing. She was done in a record time of 3 minutes." Tachibana has never eaten so much. But then again Tachibana hasn't had donburi in a while. Show some kindness to Tachibana and give me a bit of of your donburi. I haven't had it in a while" She said eyeing Haruki's dish. Haruki who was slowly savoring his food gave her a deathly glare. Hotaru eeped at the scary look Haruki had given her. But she was undeterred. She sneaked a bit of rice from Haruki's bowl using her smooth ninja techniques." What time did you?" He asked quite confused. This girl's reflexes were too good. "Tachibana had to use this method since Haruki-san was being difficult. But give me just a bit more okay?" she coaxed him. Haruki who didn't want to know what else she would resort to pushed his bowl. Hotaru grabbed some more donburi with her chopsticks and moaned in pleasure. Haruki having heard her innocent moan felt his face heat up. He tilted his face and said "You can have it all" . Hotaru being completely oblivious to what had just happened looked at Haruki in a new light of respect and admiration. "Haruki-san is a saint. Offering Tachibana his donburi. I'm indebted to you" She said before setting another world record.
"I'm so full. Thanks to Haruki-san Tachibana has had a wonderful supper," she babbled. "Well I can't say that for the both of us. I happened to lose my appetite after seeing your gluttony on display," he mumbled. Hotaru wasn't swayed by his words. She continued gazing at him in adoration. "Let's go do some target practice. Hopefully your aim isn't as terrible as I remembered it to be," Haruki said. "Tachibana will not be put down by mere words. I will show you that Tachibana has improved immensely, "she said confidently.
They went on to the shooting range were Hotaru impressed Haruki by shooting eight out of the ten targets. So she had in fact improved after all. He felt his heart swell with pride. Except the way she was holding her gun was not the correct form." Here Hotaru. You just need to adjust a few things otherwise I'm impressed," he complimented her. Hotaru rubbed her safety glasses just make sure it was the real Haruki and not an impostor. Satisfied that it was him she gave him a bright smile. "Haruki-san rarely compliments Tachibana. I'm grateful. Tachibana wants to be an excellent member for ToyGunGun. Show her how to perfect her form," she said. "Sure ," he said getting behind her and holding up the hand with the gun in it."Hotaru the higher the hand on the grip and the straighter the alignment of the barrel of your gun and your arm, the better a "shock absorber" your hand and arm are. You can simply check to see if you have proper gun grip and straight alignment. " he said into her ear explaining himself. The proximity was becoming uncomfortable for Hotaru who did not understand the heat creeping onto her face. 'What is Haruki-san doing to me?' she questioned herself
"You understand now Hotaru? "he asked her. "Y-Yes Haruki-san" she stuttered. What did he do to her? "Tachibana would like to say thank you for the pleasant time. Now Tachibana has to go home," she said packing her beloved Goemon-san. Haruki packed his gun too. "I'll walk you home. Who know's what attention you'll draw in your current state," he added.
'Does Haruki-san wish to protect me?' she asked herself. She gazed at the brown haired boy for a few seconds before deciding to lead the way . The least she could do was pay for their taxi fare.
They were walking quietly together in a companionable silence when Haruki spoke. "Hotaru-chan I've been meaning to ask you something. Would you be willing to.. What the hell!"
Something had latched itself onto Haruki's leg. Haruki stared down at the little tyrant who dared interrupt him. The child looked no older than four. He had blue hair and he was wearing a bright orange onesie. The boy looked up at Haruki wth his golden eyes tearing up. 'How pitiful' Haruki thought to himself. Hotaru seemed spellbound by the little boy who was tugging at her heart strings. What was he doing all alone ? " Daddy!" the little boy sobbed. Haruki's eyes almost popped out. "I swear he's not mine. I didn't father a child"he tried to make things clear.
Hotaru didn't turn to face him but sat on her haunches. "Sweetheart what's your name?" she asked wiping away some tears from his face.
" I'm A-Akihiko,"he stuttered releasing his death grip on Haruki's leg and rushing to Hotaru's embrace. "I want mommy. Daddy is not holding Aki-chan like he usually does. "
Haruki's face blushed fiercely at being labeled as 'The father' again. Hotaru stood up with Akihiko and carried him in her arms. "We'll find mommy alright whilst 'daddy' figures out how to behave with children. " "But I'm not ... " Hotaru had clapped his mouth shut for him. "Aki-chan where did you last see your mommy?""I was at the playground with mommy but mommy left to get me ice-cream and she never came back. Aki went to find mommy but instead found daddy," he explained no longer crying as loudly as he was before. Haruki swore that his veins were going to pop. How the hell did that kid mistake him for his father?And Hotaru didn't seemed shocked either. Did she think that he was some guy who went around with the ladies frequently. Damn it!
"Haruki-san the playground is not far from here. It'll take twenty minutes max to get there. Probably his mom is worried sick about the little guy,"she said.
"Hand him over. I'll carry him. You'll probably fall over after a couple of minutes. He doesn't seem like a light weight," Haruki added. Hotaru's eyes glowed with warmth. Haruki might not show it but deep down he was a big softy. "Tachibana is relieved to hear you say that. Here you go" she said handing him Aki. Haruki placed Aki on his shoulders.
"Now that Tachibana has a clear view. You and Akihiko do have some resemblances. I have reasons to believe that Haruki-san is deceiving Tachibana," Hotaru joked.
"Daddy what's your friend's name?"Akihiko asked."Why don't you ask her yourself? The little... " Haruki whined.
"Miss what's your name?" Aki asked forgetting his current troubles. " I'm Hotaru, " she said feeling glad that at least his hysterics were over. "You remind Aki-chan of his mommy and you're so pretty. Just like Aki-chan's mom ," he said clearly in adoration. " Hey that gives me a great idea. Matsuoka-san and Yukimura-san haven't seen Haruki-san's son . Why don't we take a picture to show them" Hotaru said taking out her phone not allowing Haruki a chance to argue. They took a few photos although Haruki was annoyed. Viewing the photos was a different matter. Hotaru and Akihiko's smiles brightened up the photos while Haruki's signature scowl had little effect. Though the last photo were he had been tricked into smiling was different. Was this how a family potrait was supposed to look like? He was convinced that that was the real deal. Maybe one day when he'd settled down he'd take photos like this with his wife and kid(s). Provided that one factor stayed constant in his life . He looked intently at Hotaru who seemed to be the only light in his life. What was he doing jumping the gun like that. Marriage!? Come on! They hadn't even started dating yet.
"Tachibana sees that Haruki-san likes the photo's as much as Aki-chan and I" she teased him.
" I do which is weird because I thought I didn't," he replied. "Well Tachibana is glad that you changed your mind " Hotaru said. "Aki-chan? He's sleeping. How cute"
'Yeah cute, ' he thought to himself. When they arrived at the playground there was a woman who looked upset who was talking to two officers. She was clearly emotional and appeared to have been crying. Then she noticed them. The red haired woman ran to them and claimed her missing son. "Aki-chan. Don't ever go running off on your own again. I felt like my world had been turned upside down. He means everything to me and he's all that I have. If I had lost him who knows.. " she said fresh tears appearing on her face as she hugged her son closer."Thank you so much for returning him to me. I had only left for a couple of minutes to get him some ice-cream but when I returned he was gone. Who do I owe this great debt?" She asked them golden eyes looking relieved.
" You don't owe us anything. We did what anyone else in our place would have done. I'm Hotaru Tachibana and this is my friend Haruki Hosokawa. We met him by chance when he mistook Haruki-san for his father," Hotaru said.
"Well that's not surprising. Sorry for not saying this earlier but I'm Kanako Kobayashi. Your friend does have a striking resemblance to his father . No wonder he made that mistake. Thank you so much. I'm eternally grateful," she said solemnly before turning around to talk to the officers. On the way home Hotaru seemed to be deep in thought. "You've been keeping to yourself," Haruki commented. Hotaru faced Haruki with a look etched with elation and understanding. " Haruki-san. You see Tachibana was feeling conflicted about what Kanae was saying to her before. But now I understand that maybe one day I want to have little Tachibana's running around. Seeing Aki-chan and his mom made Tachibana realise that." Hotaru explained to Haruki.
"I can't believe you'd consider unleashing more Hotaru's in this world. After all they will be nothing but destructive and highly unstable,"he joked. "Tachibana does not mind if half the city is destroyed. As long as I have someone to carry out Tachibana's justice when I'm gone, " she said. The taxi dropped her off at the Yajima's and she paid her fee and handed Haruki some cash. "Please wait here" he told the taxi driver. And he too got out walking Hotaru to the door. "I'm grateful for tonight" Hotaru said green eyes gazing at gold. Haruki seemed amused by something Hotaru said. She became confused. "Me too. And make sure to send me a copy of those photo's" he said. " Why should Tachibana. You seemed to dislike the little guy" she teased. "Well at first yes. But he grew on me okay, " he said smiling at her. "In that case I'll give you. Besides it wouldn't be fair of me if Yukimura-san and Matsuoka-san had copies and you did not" she added jokingly elbowing him. " Hotaru I'm going to get you for that," he said. "I have to go inside now. I'm already late," she added whilst knocking on the door. "Um Hotaru. This might sound a bit awkward if I do say so myself. But I'm going to ask you anyway. Do you ...like me?"Haruki asked turning his head to the side. "Eeeeh! What kind of a question is that. Of course I like you" Hotaru said hugging him to reassure him . Haruki hugged her back even though he knew that she had misinterpreted the question. But what the heck .He had plenty of time to clear up the misconceptions. "I like you a lot too Hotaru. A whole lot." he whispered into her ear. Hotaru felt her face burning up. And when the door swung open Kanae caught them in that compromising moment. Kanae was grinning like a Cheshire cat. Hotaru jumped away from Haruki and covered her face with her hands. " Urgh.. It's not what you think Kanae," she tried to explain. " But candid camera says otherwise. Thanks Haruki-san for bringing Hotaru back home safe," Kanae said leaving the pair alone. To give them some space. "Goodnight Hotaru,"Haruki said. "Goodnight Haruki-san. Thanks again ,"she said before closing the door. Haruki smiled to himself. He had moved on further with her today than he'd ever thought he would. Midori Nagamasa was no threat to him. With that in mind he left for his own residence.
Midori stretched his arms and legs before he stood up. He had slept on the couch again for the fourth night in a row . No wonder he felt like he had been to hell and back. With Fujimoto gone to visit his family his schedule had been disrupted. He rubbed his face and went on to take a short shower. Maybe having a wife wasn't such a bad idea come to think of it. He wouldn't have to rely on Fujimon's over-compassionate heart every morning to cook him breakfast in the mornings or clean his house. She would simply be there for him to wake up to every morning, converse with and relate to. Normally he wouldn't entertain such thoughts because most women weren't worth his time romantically. Of course he had his regular intimate encounters to satisfy his needs but he made sure that they understood that it was a no-strings-attached arrangement. As always they saw him as a conquest which was even more annoying. Didn't people read a contract before they signed it these days. Midori switched on his phone checking if there were any new messages or missed important calls. He had a few from Fujimon ,Ichi and Hotaru. He reflexively went to Hotaru's message without even thinking it once over. Midori and Hotaru had talked more ever since she left for the US and she was constantly filling him on her daily activities when possible. Seemed like that habit hadn't died down since she returned.
Evening Midori-san. Tachibana and Haruki-san have been practicing Tachibana's shooting aim and I got an 8/10 of the targets. I know you are proud of Tachibana. After all my aim used to be pathetic. But now Tachibana is more precise. P.s we found Haruki-san's son. [photo X 5
He smiled while reading the message, was that supposed to be some kind of date. Midori frowned a bit but he found consolation in that Hotaru wasn't into those kind things. Because he hadn't taken the time to indulge her properly. But he would soon enough. After all no-one just kissed him and walked away with their wits intact. At that time at the hot springs he hadn't thought that she would go through with the deed but she proved him wrong again. Her lips had met with his when he least expected. A fuse went off in his mind and he just sat there. He hadn't been able to so much as move a muscle. How degrading. He'd been bested by a high school girl who awkwardly surrendered her first kiss to him. And what had he done in that situation. Nothing. Midori sighed as his pride rattled once more. His ego wouldn't allow him to let that pass. Midori scrolled through the photos. "Cute" he said to himself. Who was the blue-haired young boy? Hotaru spoke the truth when she said that the boy looked like Haruki's son. But then again what were the odds. He pocketed his phone in his black tailored pants and left for work.
"Kanae stop treating Tachibana like she's an artifact in a museum. I told you that Haruki-san and Tachibana only went out for supper and practiced shooting," Hotaru explained for the umpteenth time. Kanae grabbed a hold of Hotaru's hand and continued squealing.
"It was a date Hotaru. And he said that he likes you a lot. Isn't that unusual for him," Kanae asked. Hotaru massaged her temples obviously frustrated. Kanae was blowing things out of proportion.
"Haruki-san has always been weird. Not like in the offensive way , I mean he's cool and great but he randomly says some things when you least expect it. But I have to admit that he has opened up more to me. Even taking care of Aki-chan. Argh. Enough already Kanae," Hotaru said. "Don't get me wrong Kanae but I asked you about checking out the places in Roppongi. That's more important than discussing that imaginary date."Kanae rolled her eyes at her clueless friend. So Haruki had a little crush on Hotaru. Who would have guessed. "Ohh Hotaru. You are not going anywhere dressed up like that. Celebrity fashion adviser and makeup artist Kanae Yajima will fix that for you" she said grabbing the hair straightener and snapping it together menacingly. Hotaru took a few steps back. " Tachibana decided to forget about letting you tag along. I will do just fine ,"she said escaping like a bat from hell. She would not let Kanae treat her like a practice dummy or make her wear uncomfortable clothes again. She shivered at the very thought. Hotaru flagged a taxi to Roppongi and told the driver to speed away as quick as humanly possible for an extra fee. With Kanae out of her hair she breathed out a breath she wasn't aware that she was holding. Hotaru desperately needed to live alone or rather find a roommate who was not her best friend.
Hotaru lost herself in thought. How was she going to support herself in Japan? Sure her mom was sending her money but it was only enough for an apartment , food and other necessities. But she needed to modify her Goemon-san and buy a new wardrobe of clothes. All her clothes had recently gotten a bit tighter and she wasn't about to accept the fact that she was becoming a bit of a cow. What to do?
"Miss we're here," the taxi driver said. Hotaru snapped back to reality. "Thank you," she said handing him the fare and getting out of the vehicle. Once on the sidewalk she straightened her back and shook off the fatigue from her legs. How long had she been riding that taxi?Hotaru stuffed her hand in her pocket and withdrew a small paper which had the addresses of the apartments she had to visit. Unfolding the list and witnessing the twenty addresses yet again confirmed how long the day was going to be.
V11 night club wasn't as terrible nor was it as filthy as most night clubs he had seen before. Though there were a few teenagers sporting fake ID's who had managed to sneak into the club they weren't causing trouble. The doctor had become a regular at the club especially on days like these. " Bartender give me a scotch on the rocks" Midori said running his fingers through his hair. Today the work at the hospital had been exhausting. Kids were having their regular shots and as usual his office had a lengthy queue. God did it hurt to be attractive. He sipped a bit of his scotch savoring the velvety smoothness. That hit the spot. Midori felt tingling sensation flowing through his veins. It definitely wasn't the alcohol. A hand ran up and down his thigh in a sensual manor intending to reel him in. Did it feel great , hell yeah. Problem was the object of his desire wasn't the one stirring those feelings. So he had to 'kindly' decline the offer. Midori turned to his side to face the perpetrator.' Not bad ' he thought as he looked at the busty raven haired woman. She looked too professional to be one of he club's escorts .
"Ardbeg right? You're not like the other men I've encountered before. You keep your standards high. I find that appealing" she said her voice getting husky. "The name is Gina Watanabe. " " Gina Watanabe what is a fine young woman like you doing picking up a man at a bar? Didn't your parents teach you to be wary of strangers?" Midori asked.
"They taught me well enough. But that doesn't mean I'll pass up a good chance when I see one, " she said. Midori turned back to his scotch convinced that she wasn't worth his time. Besides he was put off by the fact that she lacked the innocence he enjoyed crushing. Seeing that she was being ignored Gina was appalled. No man had dared ignore her before. Who did he think he was?"I can show you a good time," Gina said said rubbing his thigh again. Couldn't this woman take a hint?
Midori gripped her hand rendering her immobile. He squeezed her hand a bit just to make her scream. Satisfied with the pain he had inflicted he gave her a bored stare. "Don't make any promises you can't keep. The past five minutes we've spent were unpleasant enough and it's time that I can't recover. Leave. Unless you prefer leaving this night club in a body-bag," he said almost giving into his sadistic side. Gina snatched away her hand and scrambled to her feet. "Psycho !" she yelled. The doctor chuckled at the flimsy insult. He'd been called worser names before. Midori finished the rest of his scotch in a gulp. He paid his tab and left V11. Maybe coming to the club was a bad idea if he couldn't have his drink in peace. Midori pulled down his sleeve to read the time on his watch. "10 p.m. I must have wasted more time on her than I thought ," he murmured to himself. Roppongi was more alive at night than it was during the day. Neon lights flashed brightly at almost every turn attracting by passers. Roppongi was a place were the lions threw a feast for the lambs before they slaughtered them. That was the most practical way to put it. He himself was not a huge fan of the night life but working late at the hospital sometimes took a toll on him. Midori needed a place to let out the steam. Midori continued walking down the street planning to catch a taxi.
" Don't come any closer !" a voice yelled. He stopped dead in his tracks. 'Hotaru?' or had he conjured up her voice in his head. He was losing it. "Tachibana will not spare evil doers!" she yelled. He heard the rumbling of male voices.' What is she doing out this late at night? Don't move Hotaru. I'm coming to save you' he said running to were the vile male voices were coming from.
end of chapter 2*