Puppet

CHAPTER 35:


“So…” Officer Wakehiko shuts his door behind him, and moves over to sit in his chair, “Where shall we begin?”

Kiyoshi and Luke sat on the opposite side of Officer Wakehiko’s desk. Each looked nervous, and unsure of what to say.

Gazing his eyes over his desk, Officer Wakehiko lifts a bowl filled with a multitude of colored candies from his desk and leaned it towards the two men, “Mint?”

“No thank you.” Both Kiyoshi and Luke spoke in a jinx. Each was thinking of what to say, but Officer Wakehiko spoke for them.

“So this is quite a surprise,” Officer Wakehiko says while leaning back in his seat, “When, if you don’t me asking, did this all happen?”

“Sir,” Kiyoshi almost whispers, “Please don’t fire Luke for this. He is a good guy, and…”

“Fire,” Officer Wakehiko chuckles, “I don’t think I mentioned firing one of you.” Officer Wakehiko sighs deeply, and scratches at the gray hairs on his head. “Of course this is shocking news. I do dislike the thought of you two sneaking about here unseen.”

“I’m sorry Sir,” Kiyoshi said, “It was only this one time, I swear. We’ve been hard at work every other day.”

“What happened in the back room,” Luke suddenly speaks, but lowly, “Was my fault. I apologize for my actions. I don’t know what came over me.”

--

With their ears perked up against Officer Wakehiko’s door, both Topper and Akina strained to hear what was going on. Well, Akina wishing to know more then Topper.

Topper lets out a tiny groan. “I can’t hear anything…” With a muffled ‘oomph,’ Topper glares at Akina’s hand, which now rested over his mouth.

“Shush,” Akina whispers, “They’ll hear you.”

--

“Well Luke I must say,” Officer Wakehiko pauses for a moment, and then continues on, “I must say I’m shocked. I never imagined this ever happening. I’ve never had this happen before.”

Kiyoshi lets out a tiny groan, and slithers down the back cushion of his chair. “You’re mad…”

“Kiyoshi,” Officer Wakehiko sighs, “I am not mad. It’s just—I do not understand why you couldn’t come to me and talk about this. Were you scared I’d not agree with this? Were you scared I’d hate you for this? You know that I’m always here, and you can
come to me for anything.”

“I know that,” Kiyoshi says, “You’re like a dad to me, but I guess you’re right. I admit it, I was scared.”

“Homosexuality,” Luke speaks again, “Though it’s been years and years, is still frowned upon in our world. Kiyoshi and I were both scared, sir.”

“Understandable,” Officer Wakehiko nearly laughs, which frightens Kiyoshi, “I’m sorry. I find it amusing the way I figured you two out. I know, I shouldn’t laugh. Do tell me, though, when—when did you two realize…”

“That,” Luke says with crossed arms, “Is a very simple answer.”

Officer Wakehiko and Kiyoshi give him pondering stares. “It is?” Kiyoshi nearly blushed saying that out loud with Officer Wakehiko.

Luke gives the two a smile. “Well of course. When I first came here, I didn’t know anybody. I had just come from America. However, as I got to know Topper, we’ve become like close friends. As I became friendlier with Kiyoshi, we became something more. My father left when I was a child, my mom would always go away and get drunk, and I’d be left alone. I never had any real friends until I met Topper and Kiyoshi.”

--

“Whoa…” Topper smiles, “That was deep.”

Akina gives off a small moan. “Shush!”

--

“Well,” Officer Wakehiko smiles, “Kiyoshi is definitely a great guy. I’m—I guess I’m glad you came into our lives, Luke. Without you, I think this place would be more boring then my mom’s salad surprise.”

Kiyoshi was too stunned to speak. He kept his eyes on Luke, and knew Luke felt his eyes on him. Kiyoshi’s cheeks turned red once Luke turned to smile at him. “…Luke…” Kiyoshi shook his head, just glad to hear what Luke spoke. Whether who knew if Luke meant what he said, Kiyoshi believed every word.

“Kiyoshi,” Officer Wakehiko speaks, “Did you hear what I just said?”

Snapping out of his ‘Luke’ trance, Kiyoshi redirected his attention on Officer Wakehiko. “I’m sorry…”

“That’s alright,” Officer Wakehiko smiles, “I just would like to say congratulations, and that I do support you. I love you Kiyoshi, you do know that right? I’m always here in case you need me.”

Kiyoshi’s face brightened. He was glad Officer Wakehiko supported his homosexuality, and even showed his appreciation. Leaping out of his chair, Kiyoshi moved around the desk until he was able to give Officer Wakehiko a grand bear hug. “Thank you,” Kiyoshi says, “I’m glad to hear you’ll be here for me.”

“Since the day I met you,” Officer Wakehiko pushes back Kiyoshi’s hair, “But please try not to push work aside for Luke. During the days is work time. I don’t give a damn what you two do once you throw on your jackets and push open those doors.”

Kiyoshi blushed even redder as Luke gave out a little chuckle. “Do not worry,” Luke smiles, “I promise that will happen from now on.” Kiyoshi nearly fainted. He couldn’t believe this! He gave Luke his best glare, but this only made Luke think of Kiyoshi as cuter.

--

Soon Kiyoshi, Luke, and Officer Wakehiko immerged back into OOP’s main room. All officers had their eyes to the door, but immediately went back to what they were doing.

Officer Wakehiko gave out a grumble, but it almost seemed like a snicker. “My, news sure does travel fast.” Officer Wakehiko laughs and turns to Kiyoshi. “Today’s been so dramatic and it’s almost 6:00. Why don’t you and Luke break early today?” Officer Wakehiko turns his head, “Oh and Akina, Topper, how about you two take the remaining half hour off as well.”

“But sir,” Akina gasps, “My desk…”

“I’ll take care of it.”

“But,” Akina frowns. She turns her eyes to Kiyoshi, and he gives her a smiling nod. She feels her cheeks growing hot so she turns her eyes to her lap, “Okay.”

--

“Wow that sounds delicious,” Topper eyed the menu with drool leaving his mouth, “Oh but so does the soup. Akina, what are you getting?”

“Uh,” Akina looks over her own menu, realizing she’s barely even glanced at it, “I’m not sure.”

“Well that’s okay,” Topper goes back to looking at his own menu, “Take your time.”

Akina’s mind was traveling. She looked over at Topper. His head was covered by the menu, but she could see a tip of his brown hair. Akina shook her head. What was she thinking? She was out with a very nice guy. Perhaps she could learn to like Topper. She could get to know him better. She gave one final thought on Kiyoshi, and sighed. Now that she knew his true feelings, his true self, there was no hope for her now, and she was planning to move forward. “I think,” Akina spoke, “That I’ll have the egg soup.”

Topper glanced over his menu, and gave a smile. “That sounds good, too.”

--

Chen stared quietly at the back of her master. It’s been hours since he’s spoken to her. She just sits there, keeping her attention on him, but she’d turn her head away whenever he’d turn to face her. She only watched him when she was spoken too.

“So,” Ra gave a smile at his reflection in the mirror, “How do I look, Chen?”

Chen watched her master turn to face her. She looked upon the clothes he wore. She has never seen Ra wear jeans before. He’s always worn black comfortable pants; nothing more. She had to admit to her self that he looked good. She gave him a nod. “You look great,” Chen lowers her head, “But might I ask why you’re dressed like that?”

“Well certainly,” Ra snickers and pats Chen’s head, “I’ve finally decided the arrangements.”

Chen’s eyes widen. She turns her gaze back up at Ra. “You mean it’s time?”

“You sound worried,” Ra’s face shadows over Chen, “Tell me what you’re thinking, dear Chen.”

“Nothing,” Chen shook her head, “Nothing at all…”

“Good,” Ra turns his back to Chen once again, and attempts to fix his blue tie, “Now since I’ve been spying on darling Kiyoshi, I’ve come across something rather enjoyable to talk about. It would seem that he works as an OOP officer, same as that man who Kiyoshi once knew as dear old daddy.” Ra turns to Chen, who is giving him a blank stare. “Hmm, I also found out another interesting detail. Luke, that bastard, appears to have taken a job there as well. He’s disguised himself as a mortal just to be closer to Kiyoshi!”

Chen knew this, but she knew if Ra figured that out she may get it good. She stared with her mouth wide open, acting shocked. Ra kneels before her and takes her chin. He slowly begins to rub it, and Chen couldn’t withstand the tiny sigh escaping her lips.

“So my dear Chen,” Ra smirks, “My plan is very simple, really.”

“What,” Chen stutters, “What—is your plan?”

“Why I’m going to visit them personally,” Ra chuckles manically as Chen’s eyes widen, “And ruin Kiyoshi once and for all!”

*End of Chapter 35*