Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ College Reunion, or Correcting a Past Mistake ❯ Part 9 - Dance Away... ( Chapter 9 )

 

 

WARNING: This story is for 18 or older readers! There's foul language, and sexual content. The latter won't be in every chapter, but there will be in a few of them. If you are under 18, PLEASE stop reading right now and turn back!

You have been warned.

 

DISCALIMER: I do NOT, repeat, do NOT own any of the characters in this story! This is FANFICTION, so this is written for fun, not profit! I don't even own the songs or the matching lyrics to said songs used as chapter breaks

 

Previously - TK and Kari continue to rebuild their friendship at a slow pace; however, things seem to be heading for more trouble as Monoma and the pervy trio (Mineta, Sero, and Kaminari) plan to use their secret ally, Kari and Cherise's roommate Ayaka Yukihiro, to try and drive a wedge between TK and Kari. Meanwhile, TK and Kari get an unexpected visit from Kari's father, who assures TK he was only upset that TK and Kari had been secretly intimate before they had broken up, and swore no intention of harming TK at all. At the same time, Kou received a request from Robin to be one of two dancers for an upcoming bi nyte dance performance at the White Cat, and TK's roommate/bandmate Shuichi was now taking dance classes alongside Kari's friend and coworker Mina Ashido…

 

“Once in your life you find her, someone that turns your heart around, and next thing you know you're closing down the town.” Lyrics from “The Best That You Can Do (Arthur's Theme)” by Christopher Cross

 

“Bringing back the bi nyte dance?”

 

Camie nodded as she and Mina and Kari were talking in the few minutes before the White Cat club would open its doors for business. “Only Shino's out on medical leave.”

 

“What happened?”

 

“Kidney stone,” Kari commented matter-of-factly, “I heard it from Kou.”

 

“Yeah, so instead, Kou's going to be the male dancer. Kinda interesting if you ask me.”

 

“Has Robin-san chosen his partner for the dance?”

 

“Not yet.”

 

“Knowing Kou, he'll likely want the final say on whom he'll dance with. When will this happen?”

 

“No clue yet, but Robin-san will likely ask for volunteers for a screening.”

 

Mina shook her head. “Well I'm out.”

 

“Mina, you wouldn't have to strip-.”

 

“I know, but… as much as I like Kou, he's not my type of guy.”

 

“Yeah, I kinda get what you're saying. I'd do it, but I doubt Kou would choose me for his partner.”

 

“Mostly because you're too easy, Camie.”

 

Camie stuck out her tongue playfully. “Guilty as charged.”

 

“Speaking of dancing,” Kari then said as she tried to change the subject, “how as class today, Mina?”

 

Mina grinned. “Oh, it's gotten better… Shuichi Iguchi of the Nostalgia Brothers joined the class.”

“No way!” Camie exclaimed.

 

“Yes way - he's looking to improve his movements for certain songs where he's not restricted to playing guitar. Though he's also worried about his tail getting in the way or hitting something or somebody while he's dancing.”

 

“How does he rate as a dancer?”

 

“Pretty good, actually.” Mina then put a hand to Kari's shoulder. “I was thinking… why don't you and me ask Iguchi and Takaishi for a double date sometime? Like to dinner or a movie. I hear the local cinema is replaying that fourth Avengers movie, or we could check out the live remake of Disney's Aladdin.”

 

“Hmmm, tempting… not a fan of the superhero films, really, but part of me is curious to see how Will Smith does his take on the Genie.”

 

Cami put a finger to her chin. “I dunno - Robin Williams (may he rest in peace) is a very hard act to follow.”

 

“Ladies, ladies!” they heard Robin call out, “Meeting time!” Everyone gathered around Robin who made announcements concerning Shino being out for a while and about the bi nyte dance with Kou. But the biggest announcement of all was that for the upcoming amateur night they had at least five bands or singers apply for the event, including the Nostalgia Brothers.

 

“Now for those who would like to be the female dancer for bi nyte, please come see me; we'll have auditions at a later date with Kou and myself hosting them. Even if you're not a regular performer, you're welcome to audition or see myself or Kou.” With that, Robin dismissed the group and shortly the doors were open and the club was in full swing.

 

“Have you ever done a bi nyte dance?” Kari asked King while they were busy mixing drinks.

 

“Nope - bartending is my calling, not dancing.”

 

“But aren't you a fighter, too?”

“Semi-retired. And yes while fighting and dancing is the same thing in some eyes, I do not feel like getting up on that stage for anything or anybody. ...You thinking about doing it?”

 

“Not really, was only curious,” Kari explained with a small shrug. “Mainly I'm worried about him not having a partner to be in sync with. With Mina opting out, well, he's got limited choices.”

“Point made, whoever is on stage needs to not only be able to dance but be in sync with the routine. Plus you'd have to be comfortable with one another to be damn near intimate without crossing the line,” mused King as she slowly wore a thoughtful smirk as she cleaned some glasses. “After all while not naked yer both scantily clad and bumping n' grinding a lot together.”

 

A blush filled Kari's cheeks, she recalled watching the dance from the last Bi Nyte. It was, well... Shino and the dancer Lafter made it look very convincing and sexy. Shaking her head, her thoughts dwelled on the dance show. “Hmmm.”

 

“For someone not interested you seem to be thinking about it a lot.”

 

“...I guess saying I'm not totally interested would be a fib. Part of me has wondered what it's like to be on stage, plus looking at it objectively, Kou and I trust one another not to get lost in the dance, and we can do it without anything super awkward.”

 

King lifted an eyebrow but kept up her work, but was clearly intrigued. “Sounds like you should ask the boss for an audition, it could save everyone a headache going through a bunch of auditions only for either said partner not syncing well or Kou himself vetos due to lack of interest.”

 

“He wouldn't just snub a girl because he didn't like her.” Kari stated in defense of her friend.

 

King merely nodded, “Not saying he'd snub for petty reasons but if he felt the chemistry was crap or the girl might not keep things to herself, he is a handsome guy. However much of a tough guy he is, some of our girls like his physical features at least.”

 

“Be nice if they liked him for more than his looks…” Complained Kari under her breath, wishing her friends' reputation didn't scare off females from giving him a chance. Kou didn't seem bothered by a lack of an active dating life, but Kari knew he harbored loneliness of sorts. One he hid well from most everyone. Pushing those thoughts aside she mulled things over in her head. “I'd need to let him know if I go for it.”

 

“Well kind of a big duh, given you'll be doing a routine together.”

 

“No, no, not Kou, I meant TK. I'd need to tell him so he doesn't just get a big `surprise' I'm on stage pretend snuggling, grinding and semi-smooching my friend I claim to have no dating interest in.”

 

After a brief blink of her eyelashes, King let a chuckle get out. “Well, well, I see your point. Though may I ask why bother?”

 

“Eh?”

“You n' Mr. TK aren't dating, so why worried about what he'd think if he saw you on stage?”

 

“I-I, well, it'd just be polite is all!”

King wasn't convinced but let the matter dropped.

 

In truth, Kari didn't want TK to be surprised and upon seeing the show… end up triggering some bad memories. Maybe she was going overboard with being as transparent as she was with her interactions, but she felt she owed TK to be in the know if just to avoid giving him the wrong idea. Especially with how well everything had been going as of late. Kari was truly starting to feel like God or some divinity was rolling out the red carpet of forgiveness.

 

“Well, screw it, might as well talk to Robin-san and Kou about it. Would save us the trouble of a long audition period if they agree, and Kou and I have danced before for the private employee talent night and the times Cherise and Kazuma hauled us to Karaoke or dance club with them.” She ran a hand through her hair thinking on those nights. They were fun, especially once she got Cherise to stop trying to hook Kou and her up back in the day. That was how Kari let it slip a little about her past, and what led Kou and Cherise to get the full story.

 

“Hey, can you handle the guy that just came up, Kari?”

“Oh, sure-.” But soon as Kari turned, she stopped… and smiled.

 

“Guess who,” TK said in his best Woody Woodpecker imitation, giving a short wave.

 

“Hello, good sir. Came to wet your whistle?”

 

“Only if you have something a sissy like me can handle, miss.”

 

Faking a “Let's see” look, Kari moved a bit down the bar and opened a mini-fridge before she produced a bottle of fuzzy navel she brought over to TK. “Will this do?”

 

“What's the damage?”

 

“You'll have to take it up with management on that one; we were told about you by her.”

 

TK sighed while shaking his head. “That woman… you at least take tips?”

 

“I already know I shouldn't eat lead.”

 

With a serious look, TK took out some money and slipped a few bills to Kari in exchange. “I like my barkeep to have a little sass as well as class.”

 

“Why thank you, sir.” ~For that, though, you'll be joining me for ice cream when we get out. ...Come to think of it, that might be good to soften the blow when I tell him about bi nyte.~

 

TK, with Kari having opened his bottle for him before she left, took a sip while watching a new dancer come out and begin her routine. However, after at least fifteen or twenty seconds, he returned his attention to Kari, who was busy serving and mixing more drinks. A smile crossed his lips watching her enjoying her work and being friendly to the customers. Then, as he was taking another sip, he felt someone tap his shoulder almost roughly.

 

“You're in my seat.”

 

Turning, TK lost his smile as he was now face to face with Monoma. “As I recall they don't have assigned or reserved seats here.”

 

“Regardless, this is my seat. Move.”

 

“Are you really going to start a fight here and now, in front of all these people?”

 

“For the last time, Takaishi - move! Or-.”

 

“Gentlemen, and I use the term loosely for one of you, is there a problem here?” Both looked to see Kou, arms crossed and a serious look on his face, directed squarely at Monoma.

 

TK smiled a little. “Ah, maybe this good sir can help settle this for us. Excuse me, but is there reserved or assigned seating at the bar?”

 

“There is not.”

 

“He seems inclined to argue otherwise,” TK added, thumbing at Monoma.

 

“With good reason,” Monoma began, “I-.”

 

“Sir, as far as seating goes anywhere in this establishment, it's `first come, first served.' If you prefer this particular seat here at the bar, you'll have to wait until it's unoccupied. Until then, kindly don't harass the other customers and wait your turn, or else find another spot.” Kou nodded in the direction of further down the bar, away from Kari's assigned section. “I think I see an opening or two down there.”

 

Without a word, Monoma glared hard at Kou, but especially at TK as if to say “This isn't over” before he stormed off.

 

“Your timing is excellent.”

 

“I had the front men call me soon as the jerk stepped into the club. He get physical with you?”

 

“Only a rude tapping of my shoulder,” TK replied before he took several more sips of his drink. “Thanks, I'd have hated to start a fight here.”

 

“Out of curiosity, how good are you in a fight?”

 

“Can't say, really… all I will say is I have… anger management issues I've worked hard to keep in check over the years. Even from before Kari and I split. The family says it's from my folks divorcing.”

 

“Know any self-defense?”

 

“Just… well I dunno if you would even call it street-fighting. Our mutual friend Kazuma gave me some pointers and a lesson or three, but that's it.”

 

Kou thought about it, and then he said, “I can give you a few lessons if you want. I'm primarily a brawler and street-fighter, but I do know a few MMA techniques that are easy to get down. Might come in handy.”

 

“What would that cost, though?”

 

“Oh, we can discuss payment another time. ...Especially now that I see another fight might be starting. Excuse me.” And Kou left quickly towards one of the tables where two men were starting to raise their voices and looked ready to pounce on one another. TK watched Kou skillfully step in between the two men and speak to them, though TK couldn't hear as Kou wasn't as loud as the two had been. Suddenly the two men appeared to have calmed down and they went off separately under Kou's watchful glare while he took out a CB radio and spoke into it, likely alerting the rest of security to keep an eye on the two.

 

“Those two were at it again, I see,” TK heard a man comment next to him.

 

“They've been here before and pulled stunts like that?” TK asked.

 

“Oh yeah - they both got the hots for a particular performer, and they argue a lot over which one would likely have a chance with her. Unlucky for them, they also have seen Uramecha there at his finest so they know better than to risk him getting rough and throwing them out bodily. Even worse is the girl they like has a boyfriend.”

 

“Would that be you by any chance?”

 

The man laughed. “Hell no, I'm gay and already spoken for. But the dancer is a friend of mine and my boyfriend's. ...Don't recall seeing you here before.”

 

“Only recently started coming here. I know a few people who work here and they asked me to come by, see if I like it.” Feeling at ease with the man, TK held out his hand. “TK Takaishi.”

 

The man shook with a friendly smile. “Yamagi Gilmerton. Say… you wouldn't be the same Takaishi who wrote a piece about the club here, wouldn't you? Read it this morning, you did a great job.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

“You want to be a full-time writer someday?”

“Either that or make video games. Basically, I see myself as a storyteller.”

 

“Ah, so you're like Nicholas Meyer, the director of the 2nd and 6th Star Trek movies. He said the same thing in his DVD commentary for The Wrath of Khan.”

 

“Not much of a Star Trek fan.”

 

“Then you'd be a Star Wars one?”

 

“Nah, not a hardcore one. I liked the prequels, and the Ewoks; most hardcore SW fans hate them both.”

 

Yamagi smirked. “You only like something or someone if you can take the good and the bad, not just the good; that's my philosophy.”

 

“Sounds like good advice.”

 

“How's your drink?”

 

Kari's voice brought TK's attention to her. He noticed his bottle was only half-full now. “Just savoring it while enjoying the club.”

 

“Excuse-. Oh, Takaishi!”

 

TK turned. “Hey, Ashido. What's wrong?'

 

Mina was frowning a bit. “Mineta of the perv patrol goosed me while I was passing his and his buddies' table. You and Kari do me a favor and check my backside.” She turned and leaned forward away from TK to give him and Kari a good look at her behind - she was wearing a light-colored miniskirt as part of her uniform. “See anything?”

 

“Afraid so,” Kari spoke up, “there's several greasy finger-stains.”

 

“Give it to me straight - where exactly are they?”

 

“Uh, on the-.”

 

“Right cheek,” said Yamagi, answering fully for TK.

 

Growling, Mina turned around after straightening up. “That son of a bitch! He's getting the drycleaning bill so help me! And I'm gonna break every bone in his grubby little fingers!”

 

“You got his table number?”

 

“Oh hell yeah, I got each number and location up here in my brain. Pardon me while I go see the boss.” And Mina walked away while still upset.

 

“He's gonna get a nasty surprise when he gets the tab,” Yamagi remarked.

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“Guys who touch the girls without permission find they get slapped with fines, depending on the severity of the crime. Staining the girls' uniforms earns you the dry-cleaning bill.”

 

“How does the Club get the rule-breaker to pay up?”

 

“Robin-san logs the bill/fine with the police,” Kari pointed out, “and security here keeps tabs on whether the bills get paid or not. And on top of that, until the bill gets paid, that person's banned from the club.”

 

“Rule-breaker's picture is circulated from the security footage to all the bouncers to ensure this, too. Or so Shino's told me. That's my boyfriend, by the way.”

 

“Shino-? Wait, he's the one currently on medical leave?”

 

“Yes, that's him… I've tried to get him to eat and drink healthier but the big lug wouldn't listen.”

 

“He wouldn't even listen to Kou, Yamagi.”

“I know, Hika.” Yamagi then downed the rest of his drink before he handed Kari some money. “Keep the change. Nice talking to you, Takaishi. See ya, Hika.”

 

“...Yeah, I know him, too,” Kari said after Yamagi left.

 

“Nice guy.”

 

“Yes, but he's broken a few hearts around her for his sexual preferences.”

 

“What about his guy Shino?”

 

“He's bi, but he's faithful to Yagami. Pity I didn't meet him years ago, I could have learned a bit from him.”

 

TK finished his bottle before he said, “I need to hit the restroom. See you when I get back?”

 

Checking the time, Kari replied, “Meet me outside; my shift is almost over.”

 

Minutes later, and feeling relieved after “draining the tank,” TK waited patiently in front of the club for Kari to come out and find him. Standing off to the side of the front door, he watched as patrons came in and out. He smiled as Mineta, Sero, and Kaminari came out looking upset, especially Mineta since he was very vocal about the bill, and one of the bouncers loudly reminded them that until the bill was paid in full, Mineta especially was not allowed back.

 

“Next time, keep your hands to yourself, Mineta,” Sero commented aloud, “especially when eating the fries here.”

 

“Quit rubbing it in, Sero!”

 

~That's telling him, Sero,~ TK thought with satisfaction. He felt that somewhere inside the club, Mina was feeling a little better. ~Geez, even I knew better than to cop a feel on Kari in public back when we were intimate… despite the few times she'd later complain to me about how she wanted me to do that stuff.~

 

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Kari said as she came up to him.

 

“Not at all. So, shall we head home?”

 

“Actually, not yet. I'm in the mood for ice cream. There's a nice place for it nearby, though it's out of the way from the way home.”

 

“I have plenty of time, and I think some ice cream sounds good to me. Soft or hard ice cream?”

 

“They serve both.”

 

“Guess I'll need to make up my mind when we get there…” And they walked away from the club. “Any problems with Monoma?”

 

“Nope - Kou kept him in check, thankfully. Though I heard he tried to pick a fight with you.”

 

“He did, but Kou rescued me. Though Kou's offered me some lessons in defending myself.”

 

“Did he now? Are you considering it?”

 

“Might not be a bad idea. Say, did you catch the pervy trio's exit?”

 

Kari grinned. “Ohhhh yeah, right from when they got their bill. Hopefully that will teach them a lesson.”

 

“Sero at least seemed apologetic or so - he made the comment as they left that Mineta should watch his hands.”

 

“Huh… then again, Sero's the least pervy of the three of them. Maybe he's wizening up. I hope so, for his sake at least.”

 

Soon they reached the ice cream shop Kari knew of, and they each got a small cone - Kari got a soft-serve twist of vanilla and chocolate, and TK got hand-dipped chocolate. They walked as they ate, heading back for the apartment building.

 

“So, TK,” Kari began, “I have something to tell you.”

 

“What is it?”

 

“I've been thinking… I'm going to ask to be Kou's partner for the bi nyte dance for the club.”

 

“Oh?”

 

Feeling TK looking at her so intently, Kari turned away, blushing. “I-I just feel Kou might want someone he could fully trust for the act… the girls all respect him, sure, but… given his rep for being a little…”

 

“Rough along the edges?”

 

“Exactly. That sorta intimidates a few of the girls… but mostly it makes Kou feel he's… he feels too dangerous to be around anyone. I think I'm one of the very few who managed to get past that and make him see I'm safe around him, about as safe as-.”

 

“When you're with Tai?”

 

“I was going to say… back when we were together.”

 

“A-ah…”

 

“In fact… it was because I got him to trust me that Cherise tried to get him and me to go out for a good part of last year.”

 

TK said nothing, but waited for Kari to continue if she felt like it. Plus his ice cream was melting faster than he anticipated so he was working on it from dripping all over his hand and fingers.

 

“Finally I told Cherise that as much as I would gladly go out with Kou at least once, I was still holding onto my vow to never date anyone again, for what I did to you. They then pressed me to explain… and after a night to think it over, plus having been told of their past, I told them everything.”

“That explains why he spoke to mom and me on your behalf.”

 

Kari nodded. “Back to the bi nyte thing. Would you… would it upset you if I did it with Kou? I mean, we're just friends now, sure, but if you felt uncomfortable about me dancing in such a way with another guy-.”

 

“Kari, first of all, you trust Kou enough you're willing to give it a try; second, as you said, we're friends and not boyfriend/girlfriend; and finally, I don't own you, I never did - so you don't have to worry about how I feel.”

 

~Damn it, TK, that isn't what I wanted to hear from you… not totally…~ “...Then I want you to come watch it when I do the act.”

 

TK nearly dropped his cone in shock. “You want me to come watch?”

 

“Well, like Kou said before, it's not like-.” Kari paused and rechecked their surroundings before she continued; they were now out of town and almost at the apartment complex. “Like he and I will be having sex for everyone to see. Also, first I need to see if Kou's willing to let me be his partner given I'm a bartender and not one of the showgirls.”

 

“Speaking of which, what about your friend Ashido? After all, she likes dancing.”

 

“Camie and I already asked her, and aside from Kou not being her type she said it's not her thing. She likes to dance just to dance, not to show off her body parts or… you get the idea.”

 

“Yeah, I do.” ~Maybe she thinks if Shuichi found out, he'd think less of her…~

 

“So if I do get picked to be Kou's dance partner… will you come watch me?”

 

“Give me a night to consider it, after you do get the part?”

 

“Deal.” Kari then held up her free hand and showed her pinky was outstretched, signaling she wanted TK to pinky-promise her. Hesitating briefly, TK locked his pinky in hers and they shook on it. “Want some help with your cone?

 

“Nah, I'm good. And no sneaking any licks like that one time.” ~As much as it was a bit of a turn-on back then…~

 

“Oh fine,” Kari pretended to pout.

 

“Just look at these arms, reaching out to you…” Lyrics from “Stranded” by Heart

 

Looking into his computer monitor, Kou Uramecha appeared slightly perplexed. He sat in a swivel chair, wearing only his sleep pants with a towel around his shoulders as he had finished showering off after his post work work-out. Sipping his canned green tea (decaf so he could sleep tho') the young man allowed a mild smile to form on his still questioning expression. “You wanna be my dance partner? I personally don't mind, but what brought this on?”

 

On the other end of the Skype video chat, Kari in her nightgown and sitting on her bed smiled back awkwardly. “I couldn't get it out of my head that... that everything would probably work better if it was the two of us given some of the other dancers may not work out given Mina's outright opted out of the routine.”

 

Making a `mm' sound, Kou took a long sip from the cold, metal can. “Well you got me there. Camie is good but her body flows to her own beat so even if she kept her hands to herself we may misstep.” His expression soured and he looked away as he muttered, “N' the other dancers well, it just wouldn't work frankly. After accepting the offer I started to realize since Mina was out and Lafter left the club once she started dating Akihiro, and I had no real chemistry with the other dancers. They're either newbies or people I just have work-respect going between us, and well…” He let out a long sigh. “Let's face it, some of them outright fear me. They'd probably freeze up holding my hand, much less body rubbing.”

 

Wincing at his words, Kari however couldn't help but nod. “All the more reason I give you a hand, if you're willing. We can't let our dear boss down, and well I don't want my best friend to wind up in a crummy situation and get laughed or booed off the stage.”

 

“Second best friend,” Kou corrected. “Speaking of which, did you run this by TK?”

 

Not surprised by the question, she smiled. “Right after work, he's still mulling over it assuming I got the part. I asked him to watch the dance.”

 

“Hmm, well I honestly don't have an issue with your request.” He smiled and gave a nod. “I'll email Robin-san about this and if she's down with it, then we'll work out a routine. You might want to ask Mina for some lessons, too, for good measure.”

 

 

Allowing himself a laugh, Kou took another sip of tea while lifting an eyebrow. “So you asked TK to watch? I admit I didn't expect that part, mind cluing me in why?”

 

Now Kari blushed and fidgeted. “O-oh no special reason, none what-so-ever-.”

 

“Hika, my bullshit meter is going off.”

 

 

“I'mma guess then,” He stated with a firm whimsy as he tapped the lip of his can against his chin. His dark purple eyes narrowing in thought, and it wasn't but a few seconds before a stray but plausible thought occurred to Kou. “Hika-chan are you wanting to turn TK on?” He inquired in a rather sly, deeply curious voice; and was not disappointed by her further fidgeting. “Heh, if that's all then say no more.”

 

Slightly mortified she looked down, muttering. “Say no more? Most guys would feel jilted a girl was using them to turn on another man.”

 

“I happily defy what other men would do.” Stated the male with playful bravado as he finished off his can and set it aside on a small table by his computer/work desk. “I wanna help ya' however I can Hika.”

 

Smiling warmly, she toyed with some of her hair. “What'd I do to get a friend like you?”

 

“Being you.” Was his only answer, and it spoke volumes between them.

 

 

Rolling his eyes, Kou put his arms behind his head as he stared into the monitor. “You told me yourself once that everyone deserves forgiveness….” Looking up at the ceiling, he closed his eyes, memories of the past flashed through his mind. “I beat up my abusive Grandfather and left him crippled with a bum leg. Many told me I was horrible for it despite what he did.” His voice then shuddered a bit at his next few words. “... I killed a man, even if it was in self defense, but because of how people in this country view violence, many told me I didn't deserve a spot in heaven when my time came. For the violence I commit against those asking for it, many claim I'm a thug and trash ripe for Hell….”

 

Opening his eyes he stared at the woman on the other end of the screen. “A very good woman convinced me to see myself not as the tainted devil most of society wanted to paint me as and see my own self worth.” Smiling he reached out and touched the screen, as if trying to touch Kari herself. “I'm just passing that kindness back as I whole-heartedly feel you deserve forgiveness and redemption. I want you to let go of your pain and be happy again Hika. I got your back until the end of time.”

 

“Thanks, Kou…”

 

“You're welcome. Now if you'll excuse me, I should email the boss to get the ball rolling. But!” Kou quickly recalled something, a text from Cherise earlier in the day. “Tell me, is it true Ayaka got gussied up just to meet TK today?”

 

“Actually, yes, she did. Even went with her fav perfume and a touch of lipstick.”

 

A bad feeling spoke to Kou from within. “...Might be a good idea to not let her alone with TK. Also, don't let her know about any plans or outings you have with him. Call it overkill but-.”

 

“If your gut's telling you something, I trust it as much as I trust you. Also, I was thinking the same thing. As much as Ayaka's a friend-. No, I'd better stop there.”

 

“Wise move. G'night, Hika.”

 

“Night, Kou.”

 

Kou ended the Skype call, but before he switched to his email account, he took out his cell phone and brought up his text app. ~Good, I still got Tokoyami's number.~ He then quickly wrote a text that read, “Head's up, Kari's roommate Ayaka Yukihiro might be trying to come between Kari and TK. Keep an eye open for me, would you kindly?” Then he put his phone down and opened his email account to begin writing Robin. To his surprise, his phone vibrated and he saw Fumikage had replied:

 

I'm not Jack from Bioshock but since you asked nicely, I can oblige your request.

 

The next morning, Kou got up early and made himself breakfast. However, as he sat down, his doorbell rang and he moved for the door (He had slept shirtless but now sported a shirt) to open it. “Not surprised,” he said when he saw Robin standing outside.

 

“Well I was surprised, both to see your email this morning and that Hikari volunteered to be your dance partner.”

 

Kou let her in. “I got enough breakfast for two if you'd like to join me.”

 

“Already ate, but thank you. You approve of Hikari being your dance partner?”

 

“She knows me and she trusts me, and it's the same for me about her. So in short, yes. And if it helps ease your mind, she approached TK about it and he's given her his approval, though it'll cost him coming to watch us perform.”

 

“I smell a setup here.”

 

“It was Kari's idea - she wants to spark something in TK. Preferably a sexual reaction.”

 

“...I just hope this doesn't backfire. Nevertheless, if Kari's willing and you accept her, then it gets my approval.”

 

“Good. I told Kari to talk to Mina for dancing lessons; if anybody at the club knows dancing of any form better than our best regular performers, it's Mina.”

 

“Glad to see we're on the same page about that. I suppose you want me to keep my mouth shut about the real motive behind Kari's decision from Takeru?”

 

“You're my boss, so aside from that one night when those two met again, I can't make you do anything.”

 

“...I think I'll keep silent,” Robin then said, surprising Kou. “He's like family to me, but I think maybe a little needling in the right direction wouldn;t hurt.”

“Then you agree with what I sense about him and Kari - that while taking it slowly was the right step, I think they're dragging their feet on purpose because they already know deep down they want each other back 200%.”

 

“200%?”

 

“Yes, these sheep led a double life.”

 

Robin let out a “Pffft” noise before laughing. “Ohhh, my hubby's been a rotten influence on you.”

 

“Dunno how that could be, I only met the guy five times.”

 

“The road I have traveled on is paved with good intentions…” Lyrics from “When She Cries” by Restless Heart

 

“Okay, everybody, that's it for today. Shower up if you want before you leave.”

 

The dancers relaxed and moved to do their own things; some headed for the locker rooms, others grabbed their towels and water bottles, and some just stood and talked amongst themselves.

 

“Whew,” Mina said as she used her towel to wipe her forehead. “Not bad for today, I only sweated a little. How about you, Iguchi?”

 

Shuichi drank from his water bottle before he gave his reply. “Sweating isn't my problem, it's my skin drying up to the point I have to shed. That's the worst part of being born a reptile man - you gotta shed your skin like an actual reptile.”

 

“Oh, really? How is your skin?”

 

“Not bad, really. Though I plan to shower when I get back to the apartment to be safe.”

 

“Can I ask you something?”

 

“Sure thing.”

 

“Well, I pitched the idea to Kari last night before the club opened… if we all have the time, maybe you, me, Kari and Takaishi can go out together for either food or a movie.”

 

“Sounds tempting. Which movie you got in mind?”

 

“Either Avengers: Endgame or Aladdin.”

 

“I'd be down for either; honestly I'm curious about the Aladdin remake. It's one of my favorite Disney animated films, along with Dumbo and Tarzan.”

 

“Oh, I love Dumbo, that little elephant's just too kawaii!”

 

“Ashido, you wanna shower with us?” One of the other girls called to her from across the dance room.

 

“Not today, thanks, I'm good. ...After last night I wanna shower in a more secure place.”

 

“What happened?”

 

“Bah, that little perv Mineta goosed me with greasy fingers at the club. My uniform needs drycleaning because of it.” Mina then smiled evilly. “But then Mineta got hit with the bill for it per management - it's a rule that if you touch the girls without their permission at least, you pay for damages. And we got the police on our side on it, too, plus until the bill's been paid, the rule-breakers are banned from the club.”

 

“Well that's one way to deal with pervs like Mineta. Seriously, that guy should not be allowed out in public.”

 

“Mind if I walk with you on the way back to campus?”

 

Shucihi bowed like a gentleman. “I'd be delighted, milady.”

 

The two changed and then exited the building, but they stopped when Kari approached them. “Kari?” “Hey, Hika.”

 

“Hi. Was wondering when you two got out of dance class, Mina.” Kari then looked at Shuichi. “Hope I'm not interrupting anything.”

 

“No, we're just gonna walk back to campus.”

 

“Mind if I tag along? I need to talk to Mina about something.”

 

Mina and Shuichi looked at each other, but they then shrugged and Mina replied, “Follow us.”

 

“Thanks. ...I talked to Kou last night.”

 

“About-? Wait, are you…?”

 

“Yes - I'll be his dancing partner for the bi nyte skit.”

 

“Bi nyte skit?” Shuichi asked, confused.

 

“It's a dance routine where a male and female dancers perform together, but their dancing is… more intimate.”

 

“Like Dirty Dancing?”

 

“You've never seen that film, have you?”

 

Shuichi blushed with embarrassment. “...Not really, no. I prefer Grease, and The Music Man.”

 

The girls giggled until Mina asked Kari, “Does Takaishi know about your decision?”

 

“Told him last night on the way home, I then called Kou on Skype after I got back to my apartment. TK's alright with it, and Kou agreed as I trust him. However… I'm going to need some help working on my dancing. Care to help with that, coach?”

 

Mina blushed. “Please, you're embarrassing me calling me that!”

 

“Should I leave you two alone then?” This earned Shuichi a playful smack on his arm from Mina.

 

“Kari and I are NOT those kinds of girls, mister! And Kari, we'll need to look at our schedules first to see about my helping you dance. At least we still got two weeks before the skit's performance since it's the weekend before amateur night.”

“Looks like we're all going to be busy then, once TK gives the band the lowdown concerning two possible add-ons to the band.”

 

“Add-ons?”

 

“TK's going to ask his older brother and his brother's girlfriend to help with a song. His brother used to lead a band himself. Speaking of which, TK said he was coming into Odaiba by now if his flight's on time.”

 

Kari blinked. “Matt's flying back today?”

 

“It was sorta a last-minute thing - his original flight out of Florida got held up so his connecting flight out of Hawaii got changed, but the airline cut it really close with a very short window between the arriving flight and the one leaving for Japan. TK only got the call this morning from his mother so he booked after breakfast to meet her at the train station and from there they went to Odaiba together. It sorta pissed off your roommate Yukihiro, though, Kari - she wanted to see if TK would have lunch with her.”

 

“Did she now?” ~Kou called it.~

 

“What's up with Yukihiro?” Mina asked.

 

“Not sure, but surely TK's told her already he's not into blonde girls.”

 

“Ayaka can be pretty stubborn when she wants something, though,” Kari muttered almost darkly. “I'll have a talk with her on TK's behalf.”

 

“Thanks but check with Cherise first, I think she might have talked to her already.”

When they reached the apartment building, Mina said her goodbyes and walked on for the dorms while Shuichi and Kari walked in and went to their floor. Kari thanked Shuichi and said goodbye to him before she went to her apartment and went inside. “Cherise? Ayaka? I'm back.”

 

“Ayaka's out,” Cherise called from her bedroom before she came out, revealing she wore only a robe. “She went to calm down after my talk to her about how she's taken an interest in your friend TK, plus she was steaming he had left so suddenly this morning.”

 

“His roommate Shuichi Iguchi told me TK got called about his brother…” Kari then took out her phone and texted TK asking about Matt. Seconds later, she got a response that the flight was due any minute now to pull up at the terminal for the passengers to disembark. “Good, the flight arrived without problems.” She then quickly sent him a text to call her later when he was away from his family.

 

“Good to hear.”

 

“By chance did Kou talk to you last night or this morning?”

 

“This morning, yes - he said to watch Ayaka closely, and after this morning I think I know why. And he said to pass on a message since he forgot to text or call you… he spoke to Robin this morning - your `application' for the bi nyte dance as Kou's partner is approved.” Cherise eyes Kari suspiciously “...Why?”

 

“Why what?”

 

“Why dance with Kou in such a hot number?”

 

With a sigh, Kari repleid, “Tell anyone else and I'll murder you despite your boyfriend's profession. ...Aside from being one of the few girls Kou trusts enough to allow to work with him for such a routine, I…. want to get a reaction out of TK.”

 

“A reac-? Wait, you wanna see if he'll get hot & bothered?”

 

“Yep.”

 

“...I thought you two were taking it slowly?”

 

“We are, but I've been thinking about it since Kou brought up the revival of the bi nyte, and maybe… I want to see if I still have any kind of sex appeal on TK.”

 

“I'd think you would-.”

 

“But I have my doubts. Yesterday when I went over to see him to bring him to meet Ayaka, I watched him sleeping in his bed. ...he woke up with a hard-on.”

 

“Whoa! From what?”

 

“He didn't say, just seemed flustered a little that he had one and I saw it.”

 

“Only a little?”

 

“Well, he and I have been naked together and-.”

 

“Yeah, I get you. So you wanna see if, aside from him still holding a torch for you, he gets excited when you're being sexy even with another guy in a skit. When's it going down?”

 

“The Saturday after next, and I got Mina to help me with my dancing.”

 

“Does TK know at least about you-?”

 

“Yes, and I asked him to watch it. All I need now is to tell him I got the green light from Kou and Robin-san. But for now it can wait.”

 

“I'm only human, of flesh and blood I'm made, human, born to make mistakes” Lyrics from “Human” by Human League.

 

 

 

Hello, everyone.

 

We're moving closer and closer to the end of this 13-part story. Starting with the next chapter, TK & Kari are going to-. Whoops! Almost spoiled things, didn't I? Never mind…

 

And yet another IRON-BLOODED ORPHANS character cameos - Yamagi. I added a bit of myself into his and TK's dialogue about STAR WARS. See, unlike most fans, I had no problems with the Prequel Trilogy (aside from certain characters I liked getting killed off), or the Ewoks. And while I didn't mention it in the story, I enjoyed the Sequel Trilogy (though I have to say THE LAST JEDI is my LEAST favorite of ALL the SW films). Therefore, I cannot openly say I myself am a hardcore SW fan, though my philosophy is you cannot really like something if you only take the good from it and not the bad.

 

Thank you for reading this tale. Please read and review (and be kind in said reviews, even if you didn't like it); I really would like some feedback, even critical criticism.

 

Oh, but, please don't start arguments concerning views about the STARWARS films.

 

Part 10 will come soon.

 

Ja ne! -Robster80 (R80)