Toons of Theresa

“It is not love that is blind, but jealousy.” - Lawrence Durrell

The soda can bounces with each small kick of her toe along the sidewalk. The noise somehow distracting in its chaotic rhythm, just like her thoughts, ‘Stupid talented girls… all so damn pretty, and sweet and funny and… and…’ She stops, yelling out, “AND WITH BOOBS BIGGER THAN MINE!” She freezes and opens an eye realizing that everyone on the street is now staring at her. The red runs up her face as she nervously smiles and places a hand behind her head before kicking the can once more: “My life sucks.”

Finally, she looks up and sees the sign, ‘Kori’s’, ‘What the… when did I…?’ Shrugging at what her mother would call ‘fate’ she walks inside and looks about hoping that her punk attire doesn’t get her thrown out on her ass when she hears his voice, “Hey, Akemi.” and sees him stand. “Chance-papa!’ and her wave turns into a full run and hug on the young blond man.

“What are you doing out here, Musume? Have you eaten?” Gale puts a finger to her lip as she thinks out loud. “Hmm… does a vendor bag of chips count? You busy?

He smiles with a disapproving look at her dietary choice and turns her; walking her towards the kitchen. “Not at the moment. I was reading the paper. Paz runs this place anyway. I'm just here for show.” Gale looks up to him with her hand in front of her mouth giggling, “Show, so your eye candy?” He laughs; she always loved the way he laughed. It always came from a genuine place in him and seemed to come out of his eyes as much as his mouth. “Oh yeah, that’s me. Come on back and let’s get you something to eat.”

Following him in to the kitchen, she can’t help but notice the bustling of the staff as they prepare for the lunch crowd. Their laughter, remarks to each other and the way they all smile, “Wow, they all seem to like working here Chance-papa.” He stops at the same small booth they all sat at on opening night and motions Gale to sit, “That is the plan.” as he looks around smiling as well. He slides in next to her, “They never tell me what they are making. They just set a plate in front of me so not sure what we you’re in for.” Then he motions with his finger that just Gale will be eating.

“Then does that mean you got a moment to talk?”

“Of course, what’s on your mind, Musume?”

Placing the napkin he offered her in her lap and smoothing it out, she turns her face to him while pushing up her glasses. “Well, I would talk to Kori-mama but right now I need some plain talk and... well you know Kori-mama; as much as I love her and love talking to her I don't need allegories right now. I need some straight advice.” Chance holds a fist to his mouth chuckling, his eyes looking back kindly at her. “Ok. I'll do my best.”


A waitress sets a plate of meat wrapped in a light pastry in front of Gale and the kitchen worker smiles to her as both Gale and Chance thank her. “Ooooohhh” looking at the meat wrap and realizing just how hungry she is picks it up taking a bite. Chewing she explains, “I needed a keyboardist for the band and Nix suggested these two twins... two really talented, pretty and HOT twins that he knew.”

Turning, he placing an arm on the back of the booth’s seat so he can look at her better while she talks, a small grin plays across his lips as he has an idea where this is heading. “OK, hot twins.”

“Yeah, every guy’s fantasy and every girlfriend's bane. Anyway they are coming over later to audition and from what I have heard on their demo they would be perfect for the band but…” She takes another big bite and while chewing, spurts out a few noises, “Mmm.. mif if mood!”

“So what's the issue?” he begins then trying to decipher what she said, “Pardon?” Holding the napkin to her mouth and swallowing she translates that she was saying the meat wrap was really good then continues. “Well me... really I'm the issue. I can tell one of the twins really likes Nix. You know like in likes like and I am feeling... well to be honest, threatened and inadequate.”

“I see. Do you trust Nix and what does he say about all this?”

Putting the meat wrap down Gale takes a breath, “Nix is great... trust… I want to, I think I do… and I don’t know. I haven’t talked to him about it yet as my own feelings are really wacked out. I don't want to be all the jealous girlfriend type I really don’t.”

“It sounds like you have a pretty good idea of your feelings.” Chance offers before picking up her meat wrap and taking a bite for himself. He chews thoughtfully before swallowing. “I've felt that way in relationships, if that helps at all.”

“Honto… you?” she says, her surprise and disbelief apparent on her face, “But you are all good looking and with that blonde hair and smile... not to mention your butt, what would you have to worry about?”

“Oh, sure. My girlfriend in high school always had boys sniffing around, ex-boyfriends, kids with powers.”

“Yeah... and you felt threatened?”

“I got jealous, and worried… sure and inadequate and…”

His face twists as his mind registers what she said just a moment before. He frowns. “Please tell me you do not check out my ass.” Gale nearly loses it, pulling her napkin up in front of her mouth to keep from spitting out her mouthful. She swallows and giggles behind the napkin, “I heard Kori-momma talk. Anyway what did you do about it then?” pushing up her glasses once more, “About your feelings, how did you handle them?”

Chance furrows his brow and grins, “Oh no, you're on the hook now.” Gale responses eloquently with an ‘Er?’ and Chance leans forward a bit, “or should I just forget I heard that thing about my butt? So what did you hear Kori talking about?”

“OH!” Once more Gale busts up laughing, “I over heard her talking to Diana... and your...” she laughs harder, “butt was mentioned along with the words great, tight and some other words.” She lifts her glasses to wipe her eyes from laughing so hard while Chances sits back blushing and chuckling, “I shouldn't have asked.”

“To answer your question, I made Reg breakfast…” and Gale double takes wondering how breakfast equates to dealing with her feelings. “…and told her that I didn't lay any claims on her. We had a small base my old team in Chicago used. I ran into her by chance that morning and we used the kitchen there.” As he talks, she can see him looking back into his memory. “A veggie omelet.”

“WHAT?” then lowering her voice as the kitchen staff stop a moment to look at her before going back to work, “You broke up with her?”

“Yeah…” then coming back from his thoughts, “No, no, no. I just assured her that I wanted her to be happy and if it wasn't with me…” he shrugs his shoulders, “She told me flat out that I was her boyfriend, not a second place prize.”

Chewing, “Maph mat... mmm.” holding a finger up and swallowing, “…and that made it all better?”

“No, not right away. It took time to really build trust. Eventually we did break up, but I still think of her fondly.” His smile to her is warm but she can see the tinge of sadness in the bittersweet memory.

“One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters.” - George Herbert

“Did you really mean it... that you wanted her to be happy more than to be with you?” Her face shows confusion as she wondered how can you love someone and want them to be with someone else.

“I think that's want love is, a part of it, anyway.” He begins and sets down the meat wrap listening. “I could never possess her. I don't want to be with someone who doesn't want to be with me.” He sees her face and shakes his head. “Sorry if I'm not making any sense. I mean, that's what happened with Dani.”

“Wow... her tone low as she reflects on what he said, “... I guess I am... am I being selfish? Dani? What do you mean with Dani?”

“Dani didn't want to be with me anymore.” He states flatly and Gale looks down remembering, then back up at him seeing that in his eyes there was a place that still hurt over that and leans sideways against him. She takes his hand as he speaks. “I wanted her to want me, Akemi. I though we were good together but…” his words trailing off. She looks up at him with eyes trying to say 'it’s ok' or something to reassure him. As he looks at her, his eyes come back to now and his smile grows. “So, I think loving someone is supporting them as they get what they want and I get the impression that Nix's, well… I think he wants to spend more time with you. Has he told you he's interested in anyone else?” he says then sips his coffee.

“But... why does love have to be such hard work? I mean everyone says you should love and junk and yet it seems so hard to really do. I mean I still think of Alex... and I had to accept that the only closure I am going to get there is going to have to be on my end.”

Setting his coffee back down and looking back to her, “Everything worth having is worth working for, I think, Musume.” He pauses a moment as he watches her face, seeing the wheels turn in her head. “That's not very easy to do, accept like that.”

“No, it’s not... but he doesn’t remember any of it... nada... and I realized my wanting him to remember was me being selfish. I am the one that wanted the closure, to have it be all right... but I was not thinking about what was best for him. I realized that. It’s still hard to let go of but... he deserves to be happy... don't ya think?”

“That's the best thing about being in love, in any close relationship, having someone support you and I do think everyone deserves to be happy but not everyone chooses to be.”

“Yes everyone does... especially you Chance-papa. You’re happy right, with Kori-mama, hai?”

His smiles grows wide, “Oh yes. It's a lot of work but it's worth it. And you, musume, and Kori-nyan, she seems willing to accept that now. I think… I think you've been good for her, Akemi.”

“Boku?” pointing her nose, “Not sure about that... but I know I have never seen her like I did the other night here at dinner, and she is really happy.”

Grinning, “Yeah, I think she is. So, what about you, you have a plan for Nix?”

Thinking she almost giggles, ‘Yeah but I sure as hell not telling that in Japan I’m going to lose my virginity.’ So with her best face of innocence, “Plans... what do you mean, Chance-papa?”
.
He smiles knowingly, ‘fuck me please tell me he doesn’t know’ and then changes the subject. “Has he even met these girls?”

Relief, “Oh yes he’s met em,” remembering the encounter and how Jewel was all gaga over him, “He most certainly met them.”

“It sounds like you could use some re-assurance from him.”

“Yeah... but I really don't like feeling that I get every time he looks at a pretty girl. I mean when I think about it I get... like crazy stupid. I just feel like… well look at me fifteen, I am short, small boobs and I have a temper.”

“Our partners all do things we don't like, its part of accepting them but, you're the one he LIKES, LIKES, LIKES... you.”

With her head cocked sideways at him and smirking from his over-emphasis, “Yeah, I know... at least I do most the time when I am with him... but when I ain't... my mind like goes all crazy stupid with thoughts.” her hands coming up and shaking on either side of her head to demonstrate. “I am a bit of high maintenance; you might not have realized that.”

“I hear you there.” Chance chuckles then winks, “Just like your mother.”

“I wish. God if only I was like Kori-mama. She is like the ubber coolest. I mean when... Paz was her name? Paz came over that night... I would have lost it if it was Nix but Kori-mama was like ubber nice and understanding.” The thought then hit her and she turns, “Wait... you... you have thoughts like that too?”

“Of course I do, Akemi. Kori is amazing, rich, smart, and beautiful. I'm young, without any powers, kinda poor until now, but we're together because we work at it. And when my mind goes to crazy places, I think of something else and trust her.”

“Wow... but you are like so together and everyone likes you, you make people happy. Look at this place. I mean I don’t have powers either... something else? Like what?”

“Work, play the entirety of Queen's A Night at the Opera in my head, think about how Kori dances. I think about what she tells me.”

“Oh please don’t mention dancing. I have to dance with Kori-mama at Obon in front of everyone!”

“I know. I can't wait.” He grins.

Gale slumps, “Yeah... you can. I look like a cow with weights on my feet. I am Japanese and I can't even dance my own culture, sheesh.”

“Geta just suck, don't they?” Chance laughs, “Nothing says blisters like a pair of wooden flip-flops.”


“Tell me… give me boots and pole to dance with… er never mind.” blushing remembering that week she stayed with Betty, above the strip club, and how the dancers showed her how to dance.

“I have faith in you, Akemi.”

Gale looks up at him remembering all the times they had been through, each a challenge as they got to know each other. How he never gave up on her and was always there for her. Never putting on airs, always honest with her even about himself and his own feelings. She turns pretending to blow her nose but really dabbing her eyes thinking, ‘Yeah... you always do, don't you Chance-papa... even when I don't.’

“Let's face it: a date is a job-interview, that lasts all night. The only difference between a date and a job interview is: not many job-interviews is there a chance you'll end up naked at the end of it.” - Jerry Seinfeld

The kitchen staff moved as a single unit, each person knowing their duties and each moving like a well-rehearsed dance troupe. Takeru smiled widely as he barked orders and then his eyes settle on the two in the booth that was in the far side of the kitchen. Chance, the owner of Kori’s and his employer, sat with Akemi, she the daughter of Kori Arasaka his former employer and namesake of the restaurant and Chance’s fiancé.

Chance already introduced Akemi as his daughter to everyone and she in turn called him Chance-papa. He smiled wide remember the first time he had met each of them individually and walked those memories for a moment before turning and barking more orders.

They had been talking now for half an hour, his arm over the back of the booth seat and she up close to his side. “You know, I am lucky when I shut up and think about it.”

“Oh? Tell me about it, how are you lucky?” he asked the question sincere in his wanting to know. But then he always was really interested in what she had to say. That was the difference with him and most other adults Gale knew, he actually listened.

“Yeah, most kids don’t get to choose their parents and their parents really don't get to choose them. Me, I got chosen... I mean you never had to accept me as yours... but you did. So in a way I got picked I guess.” He smile wide as she looks up at him pushing her glasses back up her nose. “Hmm... I feel better, still not sure how to deal with the feelings but I will talk to him about it.”

“Akemi, you and Nix might not last, you may, but you may not.” His fingers turning the coffee mug as he spoke, “I don't mean to sound like a downer.”

“Not helping Chance-papa.”

“Sorry, but its ok, you know.” His face now turned towards her as she asks, ‘Ok?’ out loud. “Dating is practicing, finding out what you like and how to interact with people.”

“Practicing... but it feels so real. I mean you saw how I felt with Alex during that whole mess and to think of Nix leaving me... I would die, just die!”

“Even learning to deal with loss is important, Akemi even though it still sucks.”

“Done that course enough Chance-papa... tired of repeating it. I mean seriously, my whole world would end.

“Akemi, think of it, if I died after Kori disappeared, who would be here for her when she got back?

“Oh I don't mean I would kill myself. I meant inside.”

“That part of your world, I understand that it feels that way now, but there are others in your world that love and accept you.”

Gale blows out through her lips, “Don't want others; I mean like a new boyfriend, I want Nix.” Chance nods as he takes another sip of his coffee listening. “I mean when all the crap with Alex went down... he was there. Nix makes me feel... special, alive, even when he pisses me off… I feel good.” Then she laughs, “And he is such a dork! Why do I fall for dorks?” her eyes rolling in exaggeration as she grins at Chance.

“Dorks are people, too.” Chance chuckles and Gale nudges him in the ribs, “You know what I mean.”

“Hey,” tapping his nose, “I was a teenaged dork.” and nods as she objects not believing him. “Yep, totally! You ever see my Kid Harrier costume? Boy shorts. Need I say more?”

“What you... like as a kid... Kid Harrier... no... seriously?” her mind running through a picture of Chance as a kid in a Robin type outfit and she laughs, thinking about asking if he shaved his legs then she shuts up remembering her first outfit when she ventured out as a hero and how much of a dork she looked like.

“Besides the dance, you looking forward to going back to the castle?” his question pulls her out of her memory of hero nightmare fashion. “Oh yes, so much going on. I mean you know Nathan-chan's birthday is the 17th too. It will be the first he remembers. Poor baby didn’t even know what a birthday was. Well he will certainly remember this one.”

“So far I got him some clothes... he’s growing you know.” He watches her face and sees the pride on her face becoming more pronounced as she speaks about him. “And a few toys but still looking for that one special thing, you know. I want it to be personal and something for him to have always, not out grow. It is our first you know, for him and me, for us.” Her face then lights up with an idea and she turns excitedly to him. “I got it... but will there be time? Ok, ok what do you think about this, a locket with the family Mon with a picture of him and me inside... you think he would like that?”

“It might not be something that has meaning until he grows older but…” his nod reassures her as does his smile, “…in time I think he would come to treasure it. Do you need any dessert?”

“Need? No but...” then shoves the last of the meat wrap in her mouth; then smiles up at him with her cheeks full and puffed out. He laughs and gets up going farther in to the kitchen for a moment, returning with a plate. “Good thing we're Latin inspired. There are very few good Asian desserts but…” setting down a plate with a daifuku, “this is your mother's favorite.”

Gale grins looking at the daifuku as he slides back in next to her. “Oh I like Harabuto mochi! Old sensei let me have some he did not finish once.” Quickly the daifuku meets Gale’s mouth as she takes a bite and sits back chewing with her eyes closed. “Well this one is all yours.” he chuckle seeing her eat so heartily, “It's a popular item.”

Then her chewing stops as she hears his gretting, “Hola, Paz. Do you remember my daughter? This is Akem.”

“I’m not insecure, but I’m not like, ‘Hi, I’m confident.’” - Nicole Richie

Gale opens her eyes and sees Paz now standing at the table wiping her hands on a towel. “Nice to see you again.” Chance introducing her as his daughter causes her to set the daifuku on the plate and sit up. She bows then seeing Paz’s hand extended, shakes it looking up with strawberry all over her lips. “It’s nice to see you too.”

She shakes and then turns with a serious face to Chance, “Is the food safe? There was talk about hiring a poison tester for special clients.”

“NANI!?!” Gale’s eyes go wide as her mouth drops, “She's joking… right Chance-papa?”

Chance closes his eyes chuckling and holds his fist to his lips before replying as Paz grins, “She's kidding, Akemi.” Seeing their enjoyment at her expense, she sits back, “Hey, not funny considering the types of people you have put in jail Chance-papa.”

Gale then starts to look Paz over, ‘she is pretty.’ Then Paz looks to Chance, “Are we still going out after the lunch rush?” Chance looks over towards Gale for a moment then tells Paz that he wouldn't miss it. ‘Nani.. going out? but… but…’ pulling her self together, “Oh you going somewhere with 'MY' Chance-papa?” her eyebrow raising.

Paz seems to ignore the question, smiling at Chance, “I will let you get back to your family. Buenas tardes.”she says before walking away. Gale wonders, ‘work has to be about work he wouldn't...’ then her eyes narrow following Paz back out to the dining area, ‘but she might... she looks the type.’ Then picking up the daifuku and trying to sound like its no big deal, “You two are going to do some work stuff huh?”

He nods and sets his coffee mug down, “Yeah, some work stuff. Not to sound like your mom, but there are some things I have to keep private.”

“Oh... private huh?” ‘Ok… not good. Private stuff is never good.’ and the daifuku suffers a big bite.

Chance raises an eyebrow watching her bite and chew, feeling her tension. “Is there something I can re-assure you about, Akemi? You seemed upset the other night after Paz came over and right now you seem… stressed.”

Gale takes a deep breath and starts, “Well…” then looks at him for a long moment and her shoulders slump some, “No... no, you are honorable and never gave me any reason ever not to trust you, Chance-papa. So I won't start being a brat now. You’re my Chance-papa and I know you would never do anything to hurt Kori-mama or me.” She smiles back to him, meaning every word, though she is not so sure about Paz and her intentions.

For a moment, Chance just looks at her with a puzzled expression and takes a deep breath, “Do you think Paz and I are sleeping together, Akemi?”

“OH GOSH NO!” she blurts out and then lowers her voice, “I mean, ohmygosh no Chance-papa.” As the kitchen staff momentarily stops to look over, Chance can’t help but to chuckle as Gale starts to turn red from yelling and then continues. “I mean... I think she may… like you though. I saw how she... you know,” lowering her voice even more, “touched your face that night.”

Pulling his ear, “You think? Nah, she was just a bit concerned about me.”

“Well she did touch your face and that look... concerned?”

“She's touchy. It doesn't mean she likes me, well not in that way. However, if it's any help at calming your heart, I didn't even go on a date while Kori was… away. So yeah, work stuff. We're friends, too. I like to think.”

“Good!” Gales says with a little more emphasis then she intended. Chance chuckles amused. “Were you worried your mom and I were fighting?” Gale grins now a strawberry covered mischievous grin, “No… I mean you got nothing broken. I was just... well with Kori-mama having been... away like she was I could like understand if you… you know... were with someone.”

“I wasn't, with anyone, if that helps at all, Akemi.” He offers and Gale holds up her hands, “Hey, hey... not my business but... thanks. Besides you should be friends with the ones you work with me, Shin, Neal and Brian are getting tighter all the time, great guys.”

“Does Nix worry about you and the guys?”

Shrugging her shoulders and swallowing another bite, “I don't think he does, if so he hasn't said anything.” Nodding he continues, “Hmm, you think he trusts you then?”

“Boku?" pointing to her nose then waving her hand at him, “Oh he doesn't have to worry about...” stops and remembers the whole media fiasco, “I hope... wow.” and set down her half eaten daifuku.

“Yes?” Chance prods and Gale hangs her head wiping her mouth and hands with the napkin. “I've been a terrible girlfriend haven’t I?”

“Any man can be a father, but it takes a special person to be a dad” - Unknown

“What makes you say that, Akemi?” his arm moving down to around her shoulders. “Well look... that whole Takima media bull... then Alex, Kameko...” leaning into him, “…seems I keep thinking about me and not others. Seems I am kinda inconsistent. I try... I really do, but then...”

“It seems like Nix had your back through a lot of that.” Chance interrupts and Gale nods in agreement. “Yeah, it was hard on him, Chance-papa... real hard. Yes, I was being drugged and manipulated but still... he deserves better.” She stars lightly kicking her heels against the base of the booth seat.

Rubbing her arm and pulling her closer into his side, “Akemi, Nix knows what he's in for, what he signed up for, and it seems like he's still here.” His words low, earnest and the sound of his voice comforting as he holds her.

A deep breath and her hand begins to stroke the feather hanging off her ear ring. “Yeah, he's a great guy.”

“Then make sure you let him know that. We like that, guys, I mean.” Her face turns up, “Yeah? So you guys need reassurance too? I mean it seems the way guys act, you wouldn't think so. Wow, and here I thought it was just us girls that did. Ok this was great stuff to know. Why isn't there a manual or something?”

“Oh no, we need it all the time.” grinning as he explains, “For instance, I like it when Kori complements me, holds my hand in public.” Gale holds her hand up giggling, “You’re blushing.”

She sat there looking at the blond young man whose arm was about her and holding her tight. He was a good-looking guy and she could see why Kori-mama fell for him. “You know she really loves you and is really happy.”

“I do, Akemi, I do and I think so too.” he smiles to her, “I think we all are, even with all our insecurities.”

“Wow... you know I am really glad you two have insecurities. Ok that came out wrong. I mean... what I mean is that I don't feel like I am the only one. Does that make sense?”

“It does. Even Kori has insecurities, musume.”

“So I am not like... you know a freak or something?”

“No, despite all your attempts to dress like one to the contrary.” He says and then sticks his tongue out at her. She sticks hers out back at him giggling. Then she sighs, “I saw her cry at the picnic. I have to confess I was spying when I went off to use the bathroom. Never saw Kori-mama scared before that day.”

“She was scared?” He asks, his face turning to consideration and questioning.

“Yeah, I understand that now. I mean think about it, the way she looked, the way she cried… she was scared she lost you. Couldn't you tell?”

“I love your mother very much.” He replied, nodding thoughtfully then looking at her smiling, “I love you very much.” He starts tickling her. “HEY! Iiay, no fair! AHH you’re gonna make me pee myself!”

“Shhh, we can't get thrown out of my own place.” He stops looking at his watch. “I need to get going, Musume. The lunch crowd is due and I have to schoomze as Paz tells me.” He slips out of the booth and offers a hand for Gale.

She slips out, herself. “I know... you big time restaurant owner and celebrity now. I should go too.” She then hugs him tight then rises up on her tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek, “Thanks… for everything Chance-papa, I love you.”

“I love you too, Musume,” he answers, kissing back and watching her walk out of the kitchen. He starts to turn when she sticks her head back in yelling, “Oh and by the way…”

“Yes?”

“You really do have a cute butt!” she yells and then laughs running out leaving the kitchen staff stopped and looking at Chance who just shakes his head grinning, “Brat.”