Chapter 10

Jinpei raced up the stairs to his sister's room. He had planned this party for weeks and wanted it to be special for her. She was unique to him, and even though he liked to tease her and try to get out of work, deep down, he loved his sister greatly for adopting him and giving him a home, a sense of belonging and his brothers.

The life they entered at a young age was dangerous, but somehow, it fitted. Like something you didn't question because it was your purpose,, so you just did it. Being part of the Science Ninja Team was like that for Jinpei. It was his place in the world.

He sometimes wondered what would have happened if she didn't adopt him. Without his older sister, he would have been a nameless orphan with no family to love him and belonged to no one. He knew she was having problems with Aniki, he hadn't been around, and she came home crying the night after the Exhibit,. He questioned her the next day as much as he could get out of her; she confessed to an argument with him but not much more.

But Jinpei knew her well enough to see the pain in her eyes and realized the depth of her feelings, so when he saw the gifts that started arriving, he knew it must have been Ken. Jinpei had known her feeling for Ken for years. Her happiness mattered to him, and he wanted her to be happy. This was his way of showing her; he hoped big brother made amends. He hadn't told her he went out to visit him during the week and had been sworn to silence by him. Well,, tonight will be unique for her,, and he would do his part.

"Onechan are you ready," he asked through the door, not even trying to hold back his excitement. "Yes Jinpei, I'm ready", her voice came from the other side of the door. He opened it and smiled at her. She looked pretty; her hair was down and fell in soft curls. She wore a dress with shoestring straps that were made of soft pink fabric that had a small white print on it, and it was crossed over the front to the side and fell in folds to her knees in an uneven hem. She had on silver strap shoes, and simple silver necklace and drop earrings.

Jinpei just smiled at his sister "I have to put on a blind fold sis" he said as he pulled out of his pocket a pink satin blindfold, she looked at the blindfold and then looked at him"Jin I don't want to ruin my eye make-up and hair and you have to get me down the stairs without my falling down them-"he stopped her then and moved in to put it on anyway. "I won't put it on tight, just trust me for a change, besides I'll guide you down the stairs onechan" he gave her that innocent look of his, and she relented.

Jun felt her way down the stairs; she could hear the music and voices of her friends as her feet left the bottom landing. Jinpei had done well guiding her even though she had lived there long enough to know the lay of the loft and the stairs. He took of the blindfold and she smiled and clasped her hands in excitement at what she saw.

Jinpei had decorated to whole of the Snack J with coloured balloons and steamers on each of the tables. He had set out candles and small flower pink flower decorations on each one. She turned and hugged him and kissed him on the cheek with tears of happiness in her eyes for all the effort that he had gone to. "Awwwwe sis you're embarrassing me" he said as he smiled with false modesty and managed to free himself gently of her embrace.

She looked around at all her friends who had come here to celebrate her birthday. It was not a very big crowd; being a ninja did not really allow for many friendships to form, so the few that were there about twenty meant more to Jun than if there had been a hundred guests at the party.

"Happy Birthday Jun" Joe and Ryu sang out in a chorus together and gave her big smiles and bear hugs. Dr Nambu smiled and quietly wished her a happy birthday, It took her a few moments to realize that Ken was not there but hid her disappointment thinking that maybe he was running late. Jun started to mingle with her friends and took a glass of Semillon that was offered to her. The music played, and everyone danced and ate the nibbles Jun made her way around to her friends, and still there was no Ken.

The door opened, and Jay came in bearing a beautifully wrapped present; for a short moment, she thought it was Ken, but put a smile on her face when she saw Jay. He handed her the present and insisted that she open it.

Jun looked at him and smiled.

She read the card and gave him a quick hug and then opened her present. "ohhhh" She gasped "They are beautiful, ohhh Jay Shhhhooesss!" and she took one out of the box. They were white open-toe with leather heels and a leather knot on the top that was pink stripped and the edges of the shoes had pale pink leather piping. There was a handbag to match. She took off the ones she had on and found they fit perfectly. "Jay how did you know my size?" She asked as she tried them with a mini catwalk step." Darling" he said" I don't work with a stylist for nothing you know" and gave her a coy smile.

Kathy and Jill served out the buffet meal on the table on the far side of the room, and they all sat down to eat…still no Ken. Where could he be? she thought.

After the meal everyone had begun to mingle again; Jay turned to find himself face to face with a man who seemed to have a hard expression on his face and steel-looking eyes. He started to make conversation when the man cut him off. "Look pal, I'm not gay so don't even try it" he said in a low almost growling tone. "Whhhellll" Jay said taken back a bit by him. "Don't you think your just it…..like you think you're my type anyway….to rough for me and besides I already have a partner?" he said looking at him offended.

The nameless man was about to respond when he was cut off and neutralized by a sweet feminine voice and a hand on his arm; he looked at her as she spoke," Jay, I have not seen you in a while and I almost didn't recognize you. How have you been? I see you're met Joe" Joe didn't know what to do, he wasn't going to start a fight at Jun's birthday party and Madeline knew this guy.

He swallowed his pride and worked hard to find a smile. "Soooo you know each other?" He quizzed her. "Well yes," she smiled sweetly at him"Everyone in creative arts world knows Jay, he worked at the conservatorium of music before going to work for Peta Miller" Her look was one of surprise at him as she engaged in conversation with him leaving the Condor gobsmacked not knowing what to do next.

He made his way over to Ryu and poured himself a beer looked at it for a moment and then filled a shot glass of Drambuie and dropped it into his look at him make the Depth Charger before commenting." Don't you have to drive her home later?" he quizzed him."Yeah" he responded, "This is my third, and I need it to stay calm Ryu don't ask!"Ryu looked again and just continued to sip his drink without a word.

Ryu was not a man of many words nor as thick as people perceived him to be. He had patience and was very observant of his closest friends, and knew when to back off. Not everyone could be the leader, but he was good at what he did, and that was all that mattered to Ryu. He shook his head and went back to his drink and watched what was happening in the room, especially Jill, who he had a crush on.

The time came for the rest of the presents; Jinpei was first; he handed her a large parcel and looked at his brothers" It's from all of us onechan. Me, Joe and Ryu" She looked at him and smiled as she tore off the paper. She gasped as she looked at it. It was a brand-new electric guitar she had wanted but never thought she could afford. It was burgundy in colour and inlaid with mother of pearl. It had a woven strap and an antique ivory fret. Joe walked out from the back with the amplifier. She sat there running her hands over it." Let's plug it in, Jun, and you can give us few songs," Joe said and headed for the PowerPoint. Jun wasn't going to say no, that's for sure.

A while later Dr Nambu walked over to her with a small wrapped present. "It's not much Jun but I though that you would like it" She smiled at him as she tore off the paper of the present. "Doctor I love it" she breathed as she looked at the picture of all five of the team sitting on a bench mucking around with Dr Nambu standing behind them; it had been taken during the first war, a rare picture of all of them together making it more special to her, this was her family. She gave him a kiss on the cheek, and the good Doctor fumbled uncomfortably at the show of affection he was not used to.

The night continued on, and Jun was having a wonderful time; Jinpei really went in a lot of effort. Her birthday cake was beautiful, and Jinpei had turned the lights off when it was bought out lit with candles.

Just one thing was missing…Ken.

Did he still think she was mad at him and didn't want him there? She was tempted to try her communicator but stopped short of doing it. She had asked Joe at one point where he was but he shrugged his shoulders and said he couldn't get in touch with him.

There was a knock at the door and Joe went over to answer it. He looked down to see two children standing there. A young girl holding a package wrapped in fuchsia pink paper and a white satin bow and the young boy was holding a large bouquet of red roses.

He recognized the girl from the other day, and an amused expression crossed his face. "Excuse me sir" the girl began" We are here to see Jun" Joe looked at the two of them. "I bet you are, so where is the fly boy?" he asked as he indicated with his hand for them to come in. Neither of them answered him and walked in the door. "Hi Jun" he said as he gave her his best grin and handed her the roses. Jun looked at them and smiled" Hello mystery boy" his grin grew wider and he simply responded" My names Ben and this is my sister Kimmy." Who held out her parcel to Jun. She put down the flowers and took the parcel from Kimmy. "Thank you Kimmy" She said as looked at the wrapping. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUN" they said in chorus and left the Snack J. Mission accomplished; they walked outside to find Claudia waiting for them to take them home.

Jun opened the present. Inside the box was another flat dark blue velvet box a bit larger than her hand. There had not been any card with this present this time but when she opened the box she gasped, and put her hand to her mouth. There was a beautiful Emerald and diamond pendant set in white Gold on a delicate white gold chain with matching drop emerald and diamond earrings. There was also an old-looking piece of folded paper which she opened, and she knew who it was from when she read it. It could not be anyone else, and tears came as she read it.

Jun put them down and bolted out the door into the street and looked around her." Ken I know you're here, so stop hiding." She walked away from the door a few paces and looked around again. "Ken please come inside; I'm not angry with you, I would really love you to be here with everyone" Still no response, but the usual noise of the street and Jun turned and went back inside.

The party began to break up a while later, and Jill and Kathy cleaned up before leaving. Jinpei had gone to Ryu's for the night, something about fishing in the morning; she hugged him and thanked him again for the party before he left. Jun later got out two wine glasses and a bottle of Shiraz, headed over to her favourite booth, and pulled out the letter again. She felt her chest tighten, and her heart beat fast at the content of it and how personal it was. He was sharing something with her that was so close to his heart.

The letter read;

My dearest son,

I'm writing this for you because I know that I do not have long to live;

But I feel that there are something's that you should know; things will not mean much to you at this point in your life. In a way, I don't know where to begin; I wanted to tell you about your father and how much he loved you. But some things are hard to express in words on paper.

When your father and I first met, there was an instant attraction between us; he told me that being with me was like coming home for him. We married six months later, and you came into our lives two years later. Some people warned me about marrying a Japanese fighter pilot and that he would put duty to the UN first over his family. Some asked howd an anEnglish-bornn girl could understand thatd the cultural difference would tear us apart. I didn't listen to them, and I am glad I didn't.

I want to tell you about the little things he used to do, the personal things that no one knows outside of duty to his country and the world. Kentro Washio, the man and husband that I loved. When I was doing my housework I would find things from him, small objects with notes attached telling me how he thought about me that day and how the world always made him think of me; they were always unsigned but it was his way. He was never good at expressing emotion, but I knew him and his heart and the unspoken communication that we had between us. We would spend evenings together over a bottle of wine, talking about anything and everything. Sometimes you would get out of bed and stand sleepily at the door, and your father always liked to put you back in your room and tuck you in to sleep. He never talked much about his work…..

I never regretted marrying your father; he never held back his love from the time we met, and I knew that he is a pilot was dangerous, but life is about risks, and to be with him it was one I was prepared to take. When he was killed, I was devastated. Part of me went with him, but it never felt natural; I still found myself looking at the door expecting him to walk in. But at least I had you, Ken, and that was the best gift he ever gave me.

Sometimes I fear that you will hesitate when it comes to giving your heart to a woman, but you show a dedication to helping others as your father did, and I see your sensitive nature. Don't try to hide it too much through anger, as I sometimes see you do. I am also aware that our closest friend Dr Nambu wants you to take part in a particular project, and even though I have agreed, I do want him to blind you by duty to the point you have nothing else to fight for. I know Dr Nambu well, and he does not know anything outside of his life of science.

One day will come in your life when you realize family is why you fight so hard for freedom and when you find her. The woman who you will love your whole life doesn't hold back your love. Give her my emerald pendant and earrings; these were given to me by your father before he died for my birthday; he looked into my eyes and told me he loved me and would do anything to protect his family. Sometimes I feel he is still here….. But I know he is lost to me.

Ken, my son, please remember this, I am proud of you, I can see the man you will become one day, and I want you to have the same happiness in love that I had with your father.

Remember, Keep a soft heart and thick skin.

I love you, Ken

Always

Querida Washio

Ken had heard Jun when she came outside and thought she looked gorgeous in the dress she had chosen for her birthday. He had been hesitant, not knowing if she was still angry with him, but it was not entirely his reason for not revealing himself to her. It was not part of his plan.

It had been a hectic week for the Eagle, and he still had much to do. He now had a five-year plan for the airfield and had looked at leasing another plane to start a flying school along with the mail run. , He planned to build a house and buy some land outside of Utoland in the hills district. He looked at blocks with ocean views and rolling hills and planned to have a deposit together within a year. Eventually, the shack would become an on-site office. He works employed another instructor when he had enough business.

His plan to win Jun was formulated with Claudia's two foster children, who were excited about participating in his courting of her. Claudia thought it was so romantic of him and it would do Ben good to learn how to treat a girl. So the fun began. Ken collected his objects each morning, picked the kids up,, and drove them home.

He chuckled at some of the memories created.

Jun started to follow Ben at one point and remembered the kid running as fast as his legs could carry him, calling out," start the Engine! Ken she's following me we gotta scram!" He jumped in, put on his seat belt, trying to catch his breath simultaneously, and they drove off as fast as they could.

They had to set up the goldfish just before the kids took them in.

A block away on the footpath, they had put in the pebbles and water, waiting for it all to settle before they could release the goldfish into their new home. Joe drove past at that point, and the two men made brief eye contact as Joe pulled over, wound the window down and called out to him "So who are you and what have you done with Ken?" Ken looked at him as they released the goldfish into their new home. "It's still me….so ahh does she ahh like the presents?" He asked trying to stay casual"Yeah Ken I think your on a winner here, and don't worry I won't give you away." He tilted his sunglasses so he could look over them hair dark caramel hair falling forward, Joe was curious "Goldfish? What is so romantic about goldfish? Next thing you know he'll be writing poetry and trying to do the Romeo and Juliet thing by trying to climb through her bedroom window." Ken chuckled a little at the thought" Giving me ideas Bro"Joe shook his head and drove off. Jinpei and Ryu had just caught him as he was leaving one day at the airfield and he decided that Jin was worried enough to fill him in a little on his plans, Jinpei and Ryu agreed to keep it to themselves.

So Ken had watched the party from the window in the shadows. The front door to the Snack J had a sign: " Closed tonight private party, HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY JUN".Jinpei had bought him food out the back; he was not entirely happy that he wasn't joining the party but knew that Ken had a good plan to win his big sister and it was something Jinpei had wanted to see happen for a long time. Ken walked silently in the now dark bar area toward a corner booth that had a candle lit on the table and Jun sitting there holding the box and the letter. He looked at her for a moment before quietly saying. "Happy Birthday Jun"

She looked up at him with tears in her eyes, not fully knowing what to say. She was wearing an Emerald pendant and earrings, which bought out the colour of her eyes. His heart leapt at that; she had accepted his gift, So Ken continued." I…..I have something to tell you…please hear me out for a moment Jun"

Jun stood up and looked at him, and waited. "It take a lot of discipline and training to learn to have total control over your emotions and become a good leader for a special team of people. Your lives were on the line if I made a mistake and I couldn't bear to lose any of you. Even though I lost a brother for a period of time. We all trained together for so long that we became a family. I was told from the beginning to put any thought of a personal life on hold until the job was done. I was only 13 years old then, so at that time it didn't affect me to not have anything outside of training and duty to the ISO and the Science Ninja Team."

He looked in her eyes and they told him to continue." As we grew older I began to feel more than friendship towards you and it scared me. It scared me that I would fall in love with you, only to be incapacitated if something happened while we were out on a mission. We have seen a lot of danger together over the years, and each time I nearly lost you my feelings for you got deeper. The only way to deal with it was keep a distance from you. I wondered how you did it sometimes; you show your feelings for your friends but stay strong. Jun…..I…I have wanted you. The time has come for us to be more than friends I wanted to find a way to make that so but couldn't seem to take that next step. I love you and I'll do what ever it takes to win your love-"She put he hand on his mouth to silence him. "Don't you realize you did that a long time ago? Ken I love you very much, not just as the Eagle but the man who is standing before me. They are all apart of you." He gently ran his fingers through her Ebony black hair and pulled her closer to him. He leaned down, gently parted her lips with his tongue, and didn't disappoint her with the passion of the kiss. When they came up for air Ken got down on one knee and took her hands in his, and looked up at her.

"Jun without you my life is not complete, your only woman in the world that I want to build a life with, and if you'll have me will you be my wife?" Ken looked at her and waited for her answer. Jun stared into his eyes for a moment" Yes" she breathed the words and helped him to his feet before they kissed again, and he produced a ring. "I was walking past a jeweler today, and I saw this and thought of you," He said and smiled as he slipped it on her finger. She let a small happy laugh, and they held each other for a moment. Jun looked up into his eyes, and a warm smile spread across her face. She knew what they both wanted. She took his hands in hers and whispered in his ear. Ken was not going to object to what she was saying to him. Then Jun felt something in his inside pocket. Curiosity took over, and she moved away from him a bit before reaching her hand into his jacket and retrieving the object. She held the tube up to the moonlight and looked at the label.

When she turned back to face him, Ken had a mischievous smile on his face." Massage oil?" she questioned him with one eyebrow raised." If things went well I wanted to be prepared and I thought…..you know, might help create atmosphere ahhhmmm…" All of a sudden he looked hesitant and a little nervous; Ken was not a man with much experience in intimacy with a woman; it had never been a priority in his life. But with the right person, some things came naturally. The last week had given him time for thought on the subject, and if it did happen that night with the woman he loved, he felt he could hide his lack of experience through a massage…

"Mmm" Jun said and looked at him again, ran her tongue over her lips, and turned to head up the stairs to her room; she stopped and gave him a quick kiss on the lips." Just give me five minutes and then come up to my bedroom." She turned and walked a few paces before looking back over her shoulder, then deliberately ran her eyes over his body and gave him a sultry look. He looked gorgeous in those charcoal dress pants, a white shirt that was open at the collar, and dress boots with a casual sports coat. His blue eyes sparked at her in the moonlight, and she longed to run her fingers through his thick dark chocolate brown hair that was always a little too long, but she loved it that way.

There wasn't going to be much sleep for either of them tonight!

Ken waited anxiously for what she needed the time for; he looked at the clock, feeling a little impatient. He looked over at the table and picked up the bottle of wine and two glasses, headed into the kitchen and took a small fruit platter out of the fridge that Jill had left from the party, and then headed upstairs to her bedroom. This time he didn't hesitate at the door and went in….