Originally posted January 18, 2010
((There's obviously some big chunks of story missing that occurs before this bit; Dani's decision to return to her parents and break up with Chance. This was the last full length bit I had for Ikkou Yo! and I wanted to post it to wrap up the story without waiting for Camille to return to the game. She had warmed me that the delay might be lengthy.
Chance and Roz spend a night out in Tokyo and he questions her about a clue.))
It started at the airport with quiet goodbyes and one last, long embrace. From there it lead to a train ride back to Tokyo and Indian food in Ginza. "I know I don't look it," Chance teased the waitress, "But my first solid food was Indian. Make the vindaloo as hot as you would for a native."
It continued with vodka drinks and dancing at some Euro style disco in Roppongi they had found open late on a Tuesday. Glasses and glasses of vodka drinks. The dancing died off after a while.
"Take me home, Roz."
She leaned over him as he lay back on a lounge. "What? Back to the hotel."
Chance raised his hand to touch her cheek. She felt his breath on her lips. "Take me home, Roz."
She smiled meeting his carmel eyes. "You're pissed."
He smiled back. "Absolutely gutter."
"Let's go then," she responded. Pulling on her jacket. Chance bolted upright in on the couch. "Really?"
"Aye," Roz answered. "I saw an all night bookstore around the corner. We're going there. When the trains start running again, I'll help you collect your things, and get you on the Shinkansen heading north."
Chance frowned. "You've seen me naked, Roz."
"Chance! I saw you naked when you were six!" Roz laughed.
"Is there something wrong with me? Am I deformed somehow?"
Roz brought her hand to his chin and lifted his head to face her. "There is nothing wrong with you, Chance. She was very fond of you, spoke glowingly of the good man you are."
"It wasn't love."
"No. Chance. It wasn't. I don't think she's quite there yet." Chance exhaled as his eyes sought to focus on some distant thing.
"Books? Maybe soba later?" He asked.
They shopped. She listened to him talk about her and the tokens they shared. He showed Roz the necklace Dani had crafted him for Christmas. They did not talk about his father or his sister. Chance bought a short stack of Japanese authors he had a hard time finding in the State and together they provisioned him for the 10 hour train trip to Hokkaido.
"You're sure you don't want to fly?" Roz asked. She asked over a breakfast of train station tempura soba.
"I've never been that far north before. I'd like to see the scenery. It's not like I'm in any hurry. I already withdrew from university for the semester to focus on my volunteer work, but I don't see myself going back to The Haven anytime soon. I might as well take my time." Roz looked at the amount of beer stashed in his sack, raising an eyebrow. "Thinking about a new career as a football hooligan?"
"Well," Chance answered. "It seems a good time to branch out. The superhero market is getting pretty crowded."
"Give me a call when you get there."
"I will."
She set down her bowl and rested her arms on his shoulders. "Come and see me when you pass back through?"
"Of course," he smiled. "Next night out will be all about you. Promise. Thank you."
Roz chuckled. "Not much to tell. No kids. Still single. Still spooky."
Chance placed his hands on her waist. "No. Thank you, Roz. Thank you for everything. I never would have missed that Yakuza pin on my first walk through," he said calmly. "You had to have planted it after you walked into the room."
"Oh really?" she responded, tilting her head. "Mr. Thomas, violating any personal secrets I was privy to while in the service of your father would be an ethics violation unbefitting a person in service to Her Majesty the Queen!"
"Maybe, maybe," he laughed. "Still. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction."
Her lips curled into a wry smile. "I'm sure I have no idea what your are talking about."
They embraced for a long time before Chance picked up his bags and provisions and trotted to the train platform.
"Be seeing you," Roz called out from behind.
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