Toons of Theresa

((this thread was started by Rex and can be read in it's entirety at Kori's: A Gala Opening at Meri's site Simple Treasures ))

“There are three possible parts to a date, of which at least two must be offered: entertainment, food, and affection. It is customary to begin a series of dates with a great deal of entertainment, a moderate amount of food, and the merest suggestion of affection. As the amount of affection increases, the entertainment can be reduced proportionately. When the affection IS the entertainment, we no longer call it dating. Under no circumstances can the food be omitted.” – Unknown

The pile of clothes on her bed moved and giggled as she tossed another blouse on the heap. It was then she noticed that Nathan was missing and smiled at the heap of clothing. “Now I wonder where my Nathan-chan is?” The pile giggled again as she continued to dialogue about not being able to find him till finally he sprang up on the bed with a declaration of “Here am Kemi-mama!”

She scooped the soon to be three-year-old up and hugged him tight as she did a complete whirl. “Now why are you hiding under my clothes?” asking as she kisses both cheeks back and forth.

“Not hiding, Kemi-mama threw on me.” She stops and thinks then does remember him sitting on the bed. “Ohmygosh, Nathan-chan, mama sorry. I guess I got so caught up with this being Nix’s and mine first date and going to the opening of Chance-papa’s restaurant… well I am sorry.”

The little boy plays with the feather that hangs from her ear; I gift from Nix that he pulled from his own hair. “Wanna go, Kemi-mama.” he whines, “Wanna go rest-o-ront wif Kemi-mama!” Placing him on her lap as she sits on the bed knowing that this could be a uphill battle if she did not choose her words right.

Any passing the door and seeing them would think they were sister and brother as the fifteen-year-old spoke with him. Never realizing that as far as either on of them were concerned she was his mother and he her son. She lived for the day that she could file adoption papers and make it legal. For now, it was only their hearts that bound them.

“So you see Nathan-chan, a date is like that and private. But I promise momma will get Nix to take us to the Zoo and a picnic, ok?” and for good measure and not above bribing her son. “I can bring you back some desert too, IF you are a good boy, ok?” He nods and smiles, the deal is done and he is, for the moment, satisfied.

“Why so much cophes, Kemi-mama?” asking as he starts to crawl under them again. “Well I have to look pretty and so far…” sighing, “I am not doing a good job of it.”

“Wear dat.” he offers, “Kemi-mama pretty.” and Gale looks down at the bra and panties she is wearing and laughs. “Oh no, silly, this I my under wear.” then turning she looks back into her now empty closet. All her clothes were punk, goth, and she had nothing ‘nice’… well there was the kimonos but that would be so out of place.

“I know, wear dis!” Turning she looks to see her son standing proud holding up a pair of black pants. Marching pants from some high school she had bought at a thrift store to perform in; having replaced the strip down the side of each leaf with her own signature teal and fuchsia. In his other hand he held an old costume Grenadier Jacket with vest; again something she picked up on the cheep for when the band performed.

“You think so, Nathan-chan?” and the little boy nodded enthusiastically. “OK then, you choice can be worse than mine.” A few moments latter, she was looking in the mirror, the Beatle ankle boots matched up perfect and she smiled. “Well it ain’t your typical fancy but it’s me.” She then turned and scooped up the small boy and kissed him, thanking him for his help then the door knocked. “Ohmygosh, the time!”

Opening the door was the sight of Nix wearing a black Asian tux, but the vest was a little longer and the sleeves opened up at the end covering his hands a little. As he leaned against the doorframe greeting her with, “Phoenix, James Phoenix.” in the worst Sean Connery imitation, she ever heard. His long red hair was tied back into a tuck from which five long feathers fell down his back “You ready babe? Hey little bro!” and Nathan’s hair is mussed by Nix. Handing the Nathan over to Nix’s arms, “Yeah just have to put my contacts in.” and then the epic struggle to place them in her eyes began while Nix tried to dodge the little hands reaching for his face metal.

Finally victorious, and blinking like a strobe light, she kisses Nathan and hands him over to Mara to watch videos with; then Nix offers his arm. “Come, my sweet little bird, your chariot awaits.” His voice now all grand and proper is causing her to giggle as he opens the front door. “Well perhaps not a chariot, more like a… metal horse?” as his hand motions to the beat-to-hell motorcycle. Gale slowly turns her head up to face him and he instinctively steps back and places a hand on the back of is neck. “Not liking it, huh? Look I can call a taxi instead or get Monty to pick us up.”

As she speaks her face breaks into a big smile, “Not liking it? I love it! So cool!” Her words make him smile as he remembers why he loves her. “Ok hope on!” and he straddles the bike with her right behind him. Kicking the starter, trying to get the engine to start, “Hey, I was thinking about getting a shirt that has some cool writing on the back.” The engine starts and Gale has to yell over it, “Yeah, saying what?” She can’t see him grin as he turns his face and yells, “If you can read this, the bitch fell off.” The slap to the back of his head comes fast as the motorcycle takes off and both scream into the wind.

((posted by Rex))

Chance entered the men's room and tapped the young man on the shoulder. The dark skinned teen smiled and pointed at a stall. "He's in there, jefe," he said quietly. "Thank you, Shawn," Chance whispered. "I'll take it from here." He opened the door for his employee then leaned against a sink and waited.

Yukiko had sent word to the restaurant's owner as soon as one of the reporters asked for some privacy to administer medication. Chance had run the entire staff through a series of scenarios involving the security for this evening. The young restaurateur wanted to quickly establish an air of protection around Kori's. People could come here to escape whatever crowds may follow them. They could eat here in peace and assured the staff would act with complete discretion.

Shawn had followed procedure, perfectly. He never let the reporter out of his sight, all while politely addressing the odd looking journalist's needs. He asked for help when the reporter needed assistance in finding some medication. The young man didn't follow the old man into one of the restroom's two stalls, but stayed close until relieved by his boss.

Chance leaned over to catch a quick glance of a slender ankle sliding into a strappy sandal under the stall door. He smiled, wondering if Shawn's attentiveness would annoy his Shinobi trained fiancée. Arms crossed, Chance hooked one ankle in front of another and waited for the "reporter."

Kori opened the door to the stall and walked out and over to the mirror, pretending not to notice her fiancée. A long, red Versace gown accented her curves. The heels of her Jimmy Choo shoes gave a few extra inches and a sway Chance didn't usually notice. A diamond and ruby necklace glittered against her pale skin, a matched set of jewels dotting each ear. She snapped open her Louis Vuitton clutch to remove a lipstick and began to apply new color to her face.

Eventually, she raised an eyebrow to glance sideways at her lover. "Oh. I'm sorry. Am I in the wrong room?" Chance chuckled, turned to wrap his arm around her from behind, and then kissed her neck. "I like to think not. It is our place, after all." She smiled at his reflection in the mirror.

"How's the press?" She asked.

"I hear one of them had a little heart trouble," Chance laughed. She turned in his arms as he continued. "Positive so far," he assured her. She kissed him, long and lingering. "Busy night, I see," she remarked, wiping some lipstick from his face.

"I missed you Kori." His eyes found hers. "Takeru-sensei has promised something special this evening."

"I'm sure," she told him with a smile. "Since you've stolen him from me my own dishes have been less than extraordinary."

Chance chuckled. "I think I might be paying him more than you did." She chuckled and she maneuvered to take his arm. "Shall we?"

Smiling, Chance led his fiancée from the men's room to their private table.

“A mother is neither cocky, nor proud, because she knows the school principal may call at any minute to report that her child had just driven a motorcycle through the gymnasium” - Mary Kay Blakely

The old motorcycle winds through traffic; cutting off cars and weaving in-and-out at break neck speed. He grins, ‘The second best thing next to flying’ he thinks and pops the clutch and the front wheel comes off the pavement and then lands and he leans the bike into a power turn laughing.

His passenger was not as enamored though, “OH SHIT! Damn it Nix!” she yells over the roar. “I would like to get there in one piece, you baka!” He looks back over his shoulder, grinning, “No worries baby, I was born to ride these things!” and he kicks it in the next gear causing Gale to scream and hangon tighter.

“If you make me pee myself I swear to god I will kick you sooo hard!” He laughs loudly enjoying every moment and the fact that his girl, that she has seen beat down ten grown men at once, can be still have the piss scared out of her. “Don't pee then!” He hollers back. “HHAHAHAAAOOOOooooooo!” Gale holds tighter to him... grumbling yet at the same time enjoying the feel her arms about him as she lays her head on his back.

He rounds the corner and stops the bike; looking down the street is a line of cars all waiting on the valets of Chance’s restaurant, ‘Kori’s’. “Holy shit babe!” and points as they can also see the madness of reports and throng of people watching and cheering as limos deposit the passengers. “Check that out.”

“What the...? Shit!” the press was the last thing she wanted to have to wade through but there wasn’t any other choice. “Ok let’s pull up and give the bike to the valet and just get in as fast as we can.”

“Is there a backdoor to this thing... whao! I'm rethinking the limo idea.” he looks down at his battered bike and after she explains her plan, “You sure?” Gale sees him look at the bike and the look on his face; the feeling of not being good enough. “Hey... I don't need a limo. I got you, and this crappy bike is way better than a limo with you on it.” Smiling to him and giving him a squeeze, “We got nothing to be embarrassed about Nix... fuck em.” and she grins and tosses her head.

“If you say so.” he smiles back nervously but still accelerates and gets in line with the limos and expensive cars until they reach the carpet and whistles at all the cameras snapping and excitement. “Mother F... I should have worn a hoody.”

Off the side a reporter with I microphone is talking to his camera-man when he spots them. “Is that... shit! Get the camera over there...!” he barks and he rushes over and starts yelling to Gale, “Ms Arasaka, Ms Arasaka can we get a few words?”

“Shit Nix!” she exclaims as the reporter and camera come over and she hides her face behind Nix’s back. She can feel him ‘spark’ but he keeps it under control. “It’s ok Babe, this was sure to happen... Let’s just, get inside.” He gets off the bike and throws the keys to a valet then takes Gales hand. The reporter pushes his microphone in Gale's face still persistent. “Ms. Arasaka or Nightingale... how does it feel to be the darling of Millennium City now after the torrid affair that was in all the media?”

‘Were they ever going to let that go?’ she wonders. That whole Takumi affair, the capture of Dantaro, she just wished it would all go away as she lowers her head under Nix’s arm. “Come on, the public has a right to know how you went form whore to Hero.” the reporter steps in front of them, blocking their way as the camera light shines on them.

‘Torrid affair...Whore...!’ Nix’s mind screams. This was his girl the ass was talking about but he keeps it together, “She's good old man. But hum, we're hungry so...” he states through tight lips while pushing his way past the reporter with Gale. ‘Whore... that fucker had said whore... to HIS girl!’ Nix fumes and wonders if putting his head on fire was acceptable but immediately put the thought away. But what about frying his mic and camera?... A small wink, a flash of red in his eyes and small wires fizzle. Unknown to all, the equipment was rendered useless.

As they enter, Yukiko beams at Nix and Gale and as the doors close behind them and gale sees Yukiko the thoughts of reporters fall away. She squeals and rushes her, embracing her tight while Yukiko returns the hug and giggles. “Nix, Nix... come here this is Yukiko... Chance-papa's sister.” Nix looks and gives a small bow, “We met... I think, briefly.” and Nix mentally high-fives Danny, ‘Damn… Danny-boy, you’re hitting that bro? Way to go!’

“Schizophrenia beats dining alone.” - Oscar Levant

“This way.” Yukiko then takes Gale’s hand and leads then into the kitchen. “You look great Yukiko!” She smiles back at Nix noting his look and hoping he doesn't set the guys head on fire. Surprisingly the kitchen seems kind of on the small side considering the size of the restaurant. The crew though is working together and has smiles on their faces as they rush to and fro. Yukiko points to the small booth set in a cubbyhole, in the kitchen, where Kori and Chance already are standing and Kori can be over heard, “I love what you've done with the place, so original.”

“This place is awesome.” Nix comments as the walks to the booth, then stops seeing Chance and Kori, especially Kori. ‘Damn, the girls in this family are fiiiiiine!’, and he almost winks at Chance to share a 'Bro' moment but thinks better of it and just smiles.

“Kori-mama… WOW!” Gale exclaims as she hugs her, “You’re like… WOW!”

“Hello, you two. You look beautiful Akemi and you look very handsome James.” Kori smiles with humor returning the hug. “Don't he? Like a James Bond with red hair” she giggles then Chance gets his turn as Gale hugs him tight and kisses him on the cheek. This was perfect; this was all she ever dreamed, a mother, a father… a family.

“Hum thanks... you as well... Hum... Ms. Arasaka.” Nix stammers as Kori comes up and places a kiss on his cheek. Suddenly he is unsure what to do with his hands. Does he hug, does he put them in his pockets, does he put them on her ass… ‘Only if you’re looking for a slow painful death, stupid!’ then decides to just hold them behind his back as his face turns red. “

“You all look wonderful.” Chance smiles brightly. “Hey Kori-mama! He's mine... you have your own!” Gale teases and giggles and for a moment the young man allows a hormonal fantasy of mother and daughter and him before registering they are talking. Then quickly looks around nervously for Miss Tiphareth, Miss Jess or Ali who could all read thoughts.

“Did you two make it past the press outside?” Kori asks. Gale looks down not wanting to comment on the press and Nix answers for them both. “Sorta, We almost sprinted to be honest.” giving gale a reassuring smile. “The press can be vultures. I’m glad you made it in without losing too much blood.”

‘I'm glad we made it inside without Gale kicking someone in the face and me torching the lot.’ he thinks and then shudders from the visualization of such an event.

Seeing Gale’s down caste look Chance makes a mental note to ask her about it later but for now changes the subject to a lighter topic. “Did you see Defender? I wouldn't have figured him for a Lite Beer drinker.” he laughs and gale’s head comes up. “Defender... seriously, Wow!” Gale perks up. “Defenders here?” Nix asks as well with wide eyes. “Yes, Witchcraft as well. Now lets all sit.” Chance motions to the booth.

As they slid into the booth, the women first, Takeru approaches smiling and bows. “Konbanwa Takeru-sensei, Ogenki desuka?” Kori asks adding, “Samisha katta desu! (I’ve missed you so much!)” then gives a bow.

Bowing again “Ogenki!” and smiling, “Chiyansu now, only English or dyatuchu now.”

“Nan de mo ii, Takerun Sensei.” Chance bowing as well, “It's a special occasion.”

Takuru beams and bows, “A #1 kitchen here.”

Nix bows as well, ‘too many people bowing’ he thinks then is assaulted as Gale yells out Takeru’s name and climbs over him to Hug the chef. Takeru stiffly returns the hug not because he is put off but because of his Japanese upbringing. Nix, holds on to Gale as she wiggles on top of him hugging the chef.

“Akemi you…hmm…what…. bigger than before.” Chance raises an eyebrow at Gale adding, “More mature?”

Seeing Chance’s look, “Oh..er.. sorry.” and sits back and bows to Takuru, “Yurushite (forgive me) Takeru-san.”

Takura waves his hands, saying it is all right and that he has special meal for them tonight adding it is a, “Bery supeshial night.” He then turns with a bow and leaves them.

“This is one of the private tables we have, but.... I'm leaving the door open for tonight.” Chance explains, “The other seats twelve. That's in the wine cellar. We don't start serving the full menu until next week but Takeru sensei has made something special for tonight for us with wine matching.”

“Ooooh, wine...” Nix perks up only to have Chance end that hope. “Sorry, we can't serve you.” Nix slumps “That’s cool.” Gale takes his arm and whispers to him, “You ain't missing much Nix, it really doesn't taste as great as they make it out.”

Kori smiles, “I’m sure there is a delicious non-alcoholic drink the bar can make for you.”

“Yes,” Chance adds. “the bartenders have worked on some 'virgin" drinks for the two of you.”

‘Why did he say THAT word...’ “Sounds good.” He smiles trying to keep his thought off his face while Gale blushes at the word virgin stealing a look at her mother and then down while she squeezes Nix's hand under the table.

"She walks real cool, catches everybody's eye
She's got such good lovin' that they can't say goodbye" - Mitch Ryder

“So James. . . tell us about yourself. . I know so little about you.” Kori’s eye’s narrow with a smile.”

“Yeah Nix...” Gale grins as he is put on the spot, “tell Kori-mama all about you.” She leans back biting her bottom lip to keep from giggling.”

‘Eject – Eject’ “Hum... not much to say Ms. Arasaka... hum...” he fumbles as he looks around a bit nervously and then back at them, “I was an orphan most of my life.” He is rescued by Takeru coming and announces the appetizer as it is set on the table a Lobster Shitake potsticker with lobster coral sauces. “Oh hey food! Guess we should eat!” and Kori nods with a smile allowing Nix a short reprieve.

“Ooohh looks good! But…” and a mischievous grin plays on Gale’s face, “…you can eat and talk Nix. I know you can, seen you do it lots of times.” And as Nix looks at at Gale with the 'why are you doing this to me' look Chance shakes his head chuckling, ‘She's as merciless as her mother.’

A waitress comes pouring glasses of Champaign for Chance and Kori, sparkling something for Nix and Gale. Raising her glass, “A toast?” Kori offers. They all lift their glasses and Kori lowers her glass a bit to allow everyone else’s glass a higher perch. “Something simple.” she smiles, “Kishi Kaisei.” Gale pipes in “Kompei!” and the others repeat except for Nix, who uncertain of what is being said mumbles, “Gambye.”

Kori sees Nix’s expression and explains, “Kishi Kaisei, means we wake from death and return to life.”

“Oh...Then...Ya, definitely!” Raising his glass higher, “I'll drink to that!” then downs his drink.

“I think we all need a little simplicity in our lives don't you agree?” The alarm bells go off in Nix’s head again. Then Chance dumps the gas on the flames, “So Nix, you were saying?” It doesn’t help that Gale chimes in, “Yes Nix, you were saying?” and snickering at his situation.

“Humm ya ok...” he stalls, remembering to plan revenge on Chance and Gale later. Once more it is Kori that comes to his rescue, “It's a rhetorical question James, don't worry.” Then she decides her daughter needs a bit of the spotlight. “Akemi, what are your plans now, for the future?”

Gale stops cold, ‘What... hey wait this was supposed to be about Nix!’ “Er... well not real sure right yet.” Nix grins seeing Gale subjected to the inquisition, her turn to squirm but then notices a short, dark skinned Latin woman in a dark blue dress, ‘Blue dress, wasn't there a song about her.’

((posted by Rex))

Paz led her boss away from the private kitchen table. Her blue dress swayed around her hips as she strode towards the frame of the door leading to the back alley. It would not do to have customers overhear this conversation. She turned to face Chance, her heels lifting her eyes level with his. "What are you doing, jefe?"

"I'm having dinner with my family, Paz."

"Your family, jefe? Is that your ex, who faked her own death? Is that your teenage stepdaughter, who the media's in a frenzy over?"

Eddie. Chance had told Eddie what he had learned about Kori. The detective had asked Chance about the younger man's "date" for tonight just few moments ago. Eddie would need to learn to keep his mouth shut with the new girlfriend.

"Now, jefe?" Paz continued. "It's our opening. We have all sorts of important people here you should be schmoozing. Fucking Defender is here!" She lowered her voice, not sure if anyone could hear her over the din of the kitchen.

"Paz," Chance replied calmly. "I'm pretty sure Defender isn't fucking anyone. He's very uptight about those things."

The Latina's face compressed then burst out with laughter. Chance smiled and spoke quickly before her mood shifted. "Paz. This is good for us. This is Kori's and," he glanced back at the small booth in the kitchen, "and that is Kori. As people walk by the kitchen and see that table, they see something special, something intimate. They will talk about what they saw, how, before any press released the story, Kori Arasaka returned from the dead to have dinner with her fiancée and daughter. We're still engaged, Paz. It's romantic and tender and people will want to sit in that spot for the special moments in their lives."

Paz's lips curled and twisted, unconvinced. "It will be an hour, Paz," Chance told her, "and then we'll go mingle." The woman placed one dark skinned hand against the younger man's pale cheek. "Jefe," she began softly, "Chance. Be careful. Claro? "

His lips pulled up into a smile as he peeled off her hand. Chance kissed her knuckles as if in greeting. "It's only dinner, Paz. It's not like we're going off to fight Dr. Destroyer. " She smiled, shaking her head, pulling her hand from his. She walked back into the dining area without another word.

"To be happy with a man you must understand him a lot and love him a little. To be happy with a woman you must love her a lot and not try to understand her at all." - Helen Rowland

There was something, weird, off, about Ms. ‘Senrotia Paz Delgado’ that Gale did not like. Probably the way she greeted her mother, Gale could see there was something, animosity maybe directed at her mother when they shook hands. Then she saw her place her hand on Chance-papa’s face she nearly crushed Nix’s hand under the table. Worse when he kissed it and Kori-mama sat there quiet, reserved; if is had been Nix someone would have been through a wall.

When Chance returned and Nix asked where the bathrooms were, Gale practically shoved him from the booths say she had to go to and followed him. “Nix... what the hell?”

“What?” wondering what he did wrong.

“Did you see what she did?”

“Who?”

“Who? The se..nor..rita.. that was pawing my papa and whose hand he kissed.., right in front of Kori-mama, that’s who!” she exclaims. “If that was you, I would have died!”

“Oh... Well, Chance... Died? I think you would have kicked her ass and then mine but hey, your moms a big girl.” he replies as he looks for the restroom.

“Ohmygosh... you don't think her and papa were... ohmygosh!

“Huh!? Omygosh what?”

“You don’t think her and Chance-papa were like... you know.”

“What? WHAT? OH!: realizing what she's saying, “Hum... I don't know... I mean... your mom was dead... well, at least everyone thought... I don't know.”

“I know... and so how am I supposed to feel about this? On one hand I can understand, with chance-papa thinking she was dead… but on the other… oh man this is messed up. This can't happen... I mean everything was going great.”

“I'd say it's not really any of your business.” as he continues to look for the restroom, “The hell is it?” Gale points to the men’s room. “Oh... Thanks, I need to pee babe.” and heads in leaving Gale standing there for the moment until she hollers, “What? We ain't done yet!” following him inside.

A man using the urinal turns his head seeing, "Hey, hey... young lady you can't be in here!" Gale waves him off not caring as he stands closer while relieving himself, “Yeah, yeah don't worry I ain't gonna look you perv.”

“Perv? You are the one in here!” then he shakes, sips and flushes before rushing out the door.

“HEY! Ain't you gonna wash your hands! Jeezzzz!” she yells after him then turns to Nix.

“Seriously, babe I can handle my equipment.” he smirks and heads to a urinal, “Just wait outside.”

“Wait? I can't wait!” she starts pacing, “I mean what the hell do I say to them? Ohmygosh, what if they are fighting? Oh this is terrible, terrible!” She stops long enough to light up a cigarette, then blowing a stream of smoke, “I can't do this Nix. I can't take another fall. If they are like, breaking up… Nix... what the hell do I do?”

“You do nothing! Let them take care of it, it's not your responsibility.” he calmly tells her as he unzips. “If they fight… aw yeah… they fight. Not sure you can smoke in her sweetie.”

“Not caring right now Nix, if I can or not.” speaking between nervous puffs, “So what? We sit there while they fight?”

“We sit and eat and if they do fight, we go dancing.” and he shakes then flushes.

“Shit they deserve to be happy Nix... but fuck... it ain't fair to either of them... they love each other… right? Nix promise me something.”

“Yes they do.” He answers and heads towards the sink, washing his hands. “Sure, what?”

“If you ever want to break up with me just say it, tell me straight up please. Don't go behind my back or shit.”

He closes the water and uses the towel for his hands then turns to Gale "I promise..." comes closer to her and takes the cigarette, tossing it in one of the toilets before holding her tight as she looks up at him real fear in her eyes. “Stop thinking about all this. Chance and your mom are, from what I know, pretty cool older people, they'll figure it out.” It was so weird being the mature one he thought. But he was telling the truth, as far as he knew.

“Sorry Nix... I guess I still have a lot to learn in things. Thanks…” looking up at him, “…for being here and all.”

Laughing gently, "It’s more like your here with me. This is the men's bathroom after all." Taking her hand in his and putting his arm around her begins to lead her out. “Let’s go, brave face, chin up! Besides that was lobster out there, Lobster... and it’s getting cold.”

((posted by Rex))

Chance walked back to the table, one hand scratching the back of his head. "Everything alright?" Kori asked with concern. He nodded, slowly. "Yeah," he assured them. "Sorry about that."

"Uhmmm. Where are the bath... Where are the restrooms?" Chance looked over to Nix at the teen's question. The slight blonde sat in the small booth rubbing his bicep. The young restaurateur cocked his head towards the door. "Just out of the kitchen, Nix," he answered, "to the left."

Gale shoved her boyfriend nearly out of the booth. "Yeah, I gotta pee. Good idea, Nix." The young couple stood up. "Be back in a bit... Not to fast of a bit... er... yeah." Chance watched them walk away, their whispers lost to the noises of the kitchen, then slid into the booth next to Kori.

"I didn't tell her." He swallowed. "I didn't tell her you'd be here, tonight."

"I suppose there were very few people that expected me here, tonight," she replied.

"Just me." He grinned and took her hand.

Kori looked into his eyes. "She's very attractive."

"I hadn't noticed." He tilted his head, noticing the warmth of her smile. "I love you. Would you marry me?"

The redhead's grin widened along with her eyes. "Where did this come from?" She leaned over to plant a tender kiss on his lips. He lifted her hand to kiss her engagement ring.

"Well, with you being back from the dead and all that," Chance said with a wink. Her laugher bubbled over him like a warm brook. "And you think the grave would stop me?" she chided him. She paused for a moment, looking around the room. "Paz cares a lot about you doesn't she?

"I don't think…," His eyes met hers. " I don't think I've ever been loved the way you love me." He smiled covering her hands in his. "And I know, I have never loved someone the way I love you," He tilted his head and took a breath, " and I won't ever again."

Kori reached up to place her fingers on his lips. "Had I really passed away I would have wanted you to find happiness. Above all else Chance, I want you to know this."

"Kori, I couldn't... I mean... no... I wasn't...." She quieted him with a slow exhale.

She removed her fingers and he paused. "I love you. Don't die," he said. "OK?" Kori shook her head.

"Paz really looks up to you," she told him, "and rightly so"

"Nah," Chance took his turn to shake his head. "She's teaching me all sorts of things about the business. I look up to her."

"She seems a very competent person, great choice."

"I... I want this to be a success." He swallowed then looked away. He took a sip of his wine. "I will never," He paused and looked away.

Kori smiled with a sigh. "I'm sure she had a lot to say at my arrival."

"Nah, not really. She's just worried about…" He shook his head to look at his fiancée.

"I know what she's worried about," she told him, "and she has a right to do so, she cares about you and your heart."

"Oh?" He leaned closer. "Tell me."

"I cannot promise what I don't know. I will always be who I am unless you ask me to be something else. But I can promise my love for you won't change."

Chance nodded, slowly. "You will never break my heart, Kori. That's what Paz worries about."

"Friends are often the closest during tragedy," She reflected with a nod. Chance opened his mouth as if speak, and then scooped up her hands to kiss them. He kissed her engagement ring. "I should get you something bigger."

Kori blinked at him, nonplussed. She reached one hand out to touch his heart. "Any bigger and it won't fit inside your chest." Her smile melted Chance where he sat.

"You are," he stammered. "You are the love of my life."

She leaned forward to whisper in his ear. "Then my life is yours." Kori kissed Chance full on the mouth, her lips warm, wanting, loving.

“Dancing is a perpendicular expression of a horizontal desire.” - George Bernard Shaw

Smiling as Nix and Gale return, Chance tells them that Kori needed a minute to freshen up as he notes the smell of cigarette smoke. Gale nods nervously under Nix's arm, then slides into the booth, picking up her glass and starts drinking. Nix plops down and immediately dives back into the lobster appetizers.

“Takeru won't serve the next course until we're all here.” Then taking a sip of his wine he sees Gale set down her glass and place both her hands under the table, looking down, and knowing her well enough is sure she is twisting the ring on her right hand. “Akemi, hmmm, how are you feeling?”

“Me?” pointing to her nose, “Er.. good, good... er... how are ‘you’ feeling Chance-papa?”

Nix then looks from Gale to Chance and then to Gale again, 'Oh god fine, I'll fix this' then turns to Chance while grabbing an appetizer "So Chance... how’s things with you and Kori?” finishing his question with a mouthful of appetizer and grins stupidly, ‘There, solved’.

Gale freezes as Nix drops the 200-pound gorilla and makes a mental note to kill Nix after this night. Chuckling, Chance takes another sip before answer, “We're good, Nix.”

“Good like in we are going to stay friends good or good like everything is ‘good’ and we’re still getting married good?” Gale blathers forth.

Chances face becomes somber and he looks down, “I love your mother, Akemi.” He states and then looks up at her. “I will spend my life with her, I will share in her life as much as I can. We are still getting married. Kori is the great love of my life.”

“So... that means... you both?” and she releases a sigh of relief and slumps. “Ohmygosh, I thought I was gonna die.”

“Why, musume?”

“Oh...” sitting up and picking up her fork, “never mind... that you and Kori-mama are happy is all I care about.” Brightly she smiles and starts to shovel lobster in her mouth before Nix eats them all. Then pausing between bites, “I love you Chance-papa.”

“I love you, musume.” and it shows on his face and grin, as he reaches across the table and touches her ear. “So then, you are happy, right?” He sits back grinning more, “Oh fuck yeah!” and Nix’s eyes go wide and he almost chokes then feels a pat on the back from Kori as she returns. Once sure he is fine, she slips gracefully, back in the booth and up close to Chance.

“Kori-mama! You got to try this lobster for Nix here eats it all.” Kori grins seeing that Gale is speaking the truth, “How is the lobster James?” and Nix responds with a nod and thumbs up as his mouth is full and grinning. She manages to get one just as the glasses and plates are being switched out while Takeru barks orders at the kitchen staff laughing.

Delivering the next course; Takeru proudly announces each dish of tropical hoisin roasted duck, asian micro green salad, platano maduro, papaya salsita, tropical duck jus.

Gale whispers to Nix..."Ok I got duck and roasted out of that... so you try it first.” Nix looks at the duck and nods then takes a bite and chews. His expression becomes one of astonishment, "Oh god... this is like... the best live performance ever!" he chews and moans. Taking her cue, and seeing he is not dead, Gale digs in ‘mming’ as she chews as well, as Chance and Kori exchange glances as they eat.

“How expensive is this going to be once the place opens?” Nix asks between bites.
“Expensive.” Chance answers. “However Paz and I are working out a sliding scale arrangement. People pay into a suggested rate, but actually give money to what they can afford.”

“But family eats, like free... right?” Gale asked from behind her hand, as her mouth was full. “Yes, family eats free.” Chanced laughed while Kori chuckled at her daughter’s question. Nix wonders if he is family and figuring he probably wasn’t takes another big portion of everything figuring he better stuff as much as he can now.

Underneath the table, Kori’s hand is found by Chance’s and for a moment, the two look on each other; their eyes speaking in a silent language. Then slowly as if their conversation done for now, Kori turns to Nix and asks if he will be accompanying them to Japan and celebrate Obon and their family home.

“Hum...” swallowing and then answering, “If that's ok with you Ms. Arasaka.”

“You are more than welcome.” Kori’s answers causing Gale to squeal and then hug on Nix’s arm. Then Chance asks if Nix can dance salsa and he answers he doesn’t think so. Gale starts to giggle adding on, “Not sure if Nix has ever danced before.” then bites her bottom lip and steals a glance at her mother, remembering the talk they both had the other day about sex and Kori equating it with dancing.

Then not able to help her self, “So Chance-papa, will you and Kori-mama be…” and she nearly loses it, “…be dancing tonight?”

“Paz has shown me a few steps, if you would like to dance, Kori.” Kori swallows and dabs her lips with her napking before replying, “I would love to, although I have to admit, I am not that great a dancer.” Gale quickly pulls her napkin over her mouth, pressing hard to keep from laughing while her face turns red. Giving her a ‘what the hell’ look, Nix then shakes his head muttering, “Girls... all weird.” Not knowing what his daughter is finding so amusing, Chance sits with a look of confusion as Kori looks at Gale with an eyebrow raised and knowing smirk.

“Palomillo of marinated lamb pan seared with sofrito of stir-fried peppers, onions and Japanese eggplant, watercress salad with orange oil!” Takeru announces as once more glasses and plates are swapped out causing Nix to exclaim, “Oh hell… there’s more!”

Chance explains it's a tasting menu and that Takeru sensei will continue to bring out dishes until they beg him not to. “That is… AWESOME! You know I burn food like wood in here so I could be here for hours!” smiling, he piles his plate and tries the new stuff. “My god, never thought food could be so tasty!”

“Well, thank Takeru sensei, he trained the kitchen staff.” and for a while that is the extent of the dinner conversation as the sounds of satisfying dining are heard. Till finally they sit back stuff, all except Nix who continues to eat just as ravenously as when he first sat down. “Well, that was delicious. Nix, if you want to dance…” Gale snorts suppressing a laugh, “… go ahead, there will be more food for you when you want it.” Gale looks over to Nix, not daring to ask him to dance for fear she will bust out laughing. “I think you two should go, seems the bottomless pit here is still eating.” She manages to get and out and motions with a tilt of her head to the Nix, who is eating with a vengeance.

Chances then turns to Kori, “This might seem a stupid question, do you salsa? Would you salsa with me?” Kori giggles then looks up at him, “I’m probably an amateur in comparison, but if you bear with me, of course.”

“You are way too fucking Japanese.” He grins, standing and takes her hand as she slips out gracefully. Gale watches as they both head off to the roof; seeing the way the look at each other, the way there hands fit together and how her mother leans on his arm and sighs. Then she looks at Nix and his endless shoveling of food and rolls her eyes.

((posted by Rex))

Whatever memories he had of dancing they had done before fled his mind. This, this was different.

Her step began to match the rhythm of Mambo 911 Orchestra as soon as they could hear the sound of salsa on the stairway to the roof. Kori twirled onto the dance floor following his lead, the spins and bends, with passion and grace.

From the small cigar patio above the dance floor, Paz watched them. The Cuban woman watched the redhead's hips sway with a distinct Brazilian flavor. As the song closed, she spied Kori lean forward to slip her hand onto the nap of Chance's neck and press his cheek against hers. The dancer's eyes flicked down for a moment, then up to her fiancée's. The blonde young man seemed to find some promise in those deep violet pools. From her distant vantage point, Paz only saw more heartbreak and pain.

She turned her back as the two lovers on the dance floor kissed with passion; a kiss that asked for forgiveness and trust in one long, lingering press of the lips. Paz settled into a chair, smiling for her guests and pulling slowly from her cigar.

Kori and Chance spent the night on the dance floor, rocking their bodies to the beat of Latin rhythms, moving together as one.