Well, we're almost done with Hana's story. You all have made my first time on the site amazing and enjoyable. I hope you enjoy my little bedtime brain wanders.
**************************************************
Kuro stood over the nude body of the young woman wrapped in plastic tarp so carelessly thrown next to a dumpster. Dark bruises tainted her pale tan skin and her face was misshapen with broken bones. She was dumped on the edge of Little Tokyo so the police called the Yakuza first because they paid well enough. He leaned down to ease the teal plastic away from her face with the tip of his pin.
"She one of yours?" The officer asked as he rubbed his arm self consciously. He was a new recruit and not used to being owned by a gang.
"No, but I know who she is." He cursed and gripped his fist.
This couldn't come at a worst time. He'd consented to Hana's new apartment and she'd just got settled in. Now, she could be in danger once more. Though he didn't want to admit it, he knew that his protection was no long enough. He stood slowly and signaled for the young officer to come forward.
"Keep her as a Jane Doe for a week right now. There are some things I need to handle."
The officer nodded and spoke on the radio as Kuro turned and headed back to his car, pulling his cell phone out of his pocket. "Sir, I thought you should know that Lola is dead."
*****
Hana padded across the wood floor of her new place with a smile on her face. The two bedroom apartment was roomy and inviting. The walls were inviting shades of red and her furniture was dark leather and cherry wood.
Kou was stretched out on her sofa as Suki sat on the new floral rug and unpacked a few decorative trinkets her mother's family sent her from Japan. She liked watching her brother and sister to give her parents some time alone. Her former life as an only child made her appreciate her siblings more.
"It sucks you won't be living with us anymore." Suki whined as she used a key to slice open the take on the next box.
"I know but I'll be here and you guys can come over whenever you want." Hana soothed and walked over to pet her head before sitting on the arm of the sofa next to Kou's socked feet.
"Of course you know, as your brother I'm going to have to keep an eye on you." He chuckled and she poked at his calf and he made a little kick at her.
"I'm sure you'll patrol me properly." Hana stuck her tongue out at him and he returned the gesture.
Kou sat up suddenly. "Someone's coming to the door."
There was a knock and she stared at him. He was so good; she'd never be that good.
As if reading her mind, he just smirked at her. "You're a girl; you don't have to do it. Relax. It sounds like the boss's son by the way."
"Do you like him?" Suki looked up as she unwrapped a ceramic woman clad in a kimono.
"Suki, you ask too many questions." Kou laughed as he lay back down and Hana hopped to the door, checking the peephole before opening.
Shouichi stood in her doorway with bags full of take out. He was dressed in slacks and a button down and his inky back waves were loose and framing his face. She had never seen him that casual before but she liked it. "I heard you were babysitting. So... I wanted to make sure you all had a good meal."
"Did you expect me not to cook?" Hana leaned against the doorway and smirked playfully at him. All they had been able to do since the massage was flirt but boy did she love flirting with him.
He narrowed his eyes and grinned. Shouichi had done his best to get to her new place but Kuro always seemed to be around and the first time he wasn't, her siblings were there. However, he couldn't let it stop him from seeing her. He had to get near her as much as possible.
"Maybe I wanted to give you a break...."
"So you think I cook too much?"
"No..."
"So you don't think I cook enough?" She crossed her arms and put on mock dejection.
"I didn't say that." His deep chuckle washed over her like warm bathwater and he leaned into her a little more.
"What are you saying then?" She tilted her chin up, soft lips waiting in anticipation for contact from his.
Hana grunted as she was suddenly eased back and Kou stood between them. "I'll take those." His presence was alarmingly strong despite the fact he only came up to her chin and Shouichi's chest. He grabbed the bags from the boss's son and bowed. "Thank you very much Shouichi Sama. Have you come to see my sister?"
Shouichi stared at the younger version of Kuro blocking his path to Hana. He couldn't help but chuckle and nod. "Yes I have."
"As you know, I can't let you be alone with her until after her introduction." He pushed Hana with his back until he could set the bags on her kitchen table and still remain a barrier between the two adults.
Hana opened her mouth to say something but Shouichi held up his hands. "I completely understand. Am I allowed to come in?"
Kou studied him and nodded. "You are welcome here."
Suki ran from around the corner, holding up a pair of miniature taiko drums. "Nee Chan, where do you want these? Oh, hi Shouichi!!!"
"Shouichi Sama." Kou corrected but she just shrugged before placing the drums down and riffling through the take out bags.
"Cool! Italian! Can we eat now?"
"Uh... sure." Hana shrugged and reached for plates and utensils. It still surprised her how much it felt like years of her life were turned back after becoming a Kuro.
After plating, they sat at the table. An awkward silence permeated the table until Suki looked up to Shouichi and smiled. "Are you going to marry Nee Chan?"