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Chapter Text

Joe Heath... not very Japanese huh? You are right !

Joe is of American blood, but born on Japanese soil. A stranger in both cases. His life was punctuated by the difficulties that a dual culture imposed.

Childhood friend of Yasushi who introduced him to what would give birth to Blast. Unfortunately for him, he left to live in Tokyo, subsequently hosting Ren who rose to success.

Consequently, finding himself in the web of Trapnest army.

But it seems that everyone is starting to converge on Tokyo... to see where his adventure going to send him.

Chapter Text

With its arrival in spring, the lily of the valley is the symbol of renewal. It is also the joy of renewal, the hope of better days, the vivacity of youth.

—

‘’ Hey Hachi ? ‘’ softly spoken, her eyes directed at the nocturnal sky decorated with stars as white as the moon. She blew the smoke out of her lungs, as she felt a wave of nostalgia hit.

‘’ Yes Nana ? ‘’ She was cooking, as usual... a real little chief. Intrigued by her friend's call, she turns to look away from the preparation.

''You seemed intrigued yesterday at rehearsal when Yasu complained when Ginjo wasn't there. ''

''Yeah... I never heard that name. '' A little more intrigued, she comes closer to sit in front of the singer. '' Who is it ? '' Which she asked, almost in a whisper. While Nana begins to smile, still looking at the stars.

''Ginjo is Yasu's best friend, they have known each other since kindergarten. He's the one who introduced me to him... Incidentally, he was our repair man when we played concerts with Blast. '' Her smile begins to grow on her lips, while Hachi is captivated. She likes to listen to Nana talk about everything and nothing, hanging on her lips like someone watching the news on television.

'' Why don't we talk much about Ginjo? This is the first time in a few months that I've heard his name. ''

''Meh... it's hard to talk about him actually. He's was the first to leave for Tokyo, and I think he must be pretty busy to not give a sign of life. '' She sighs a little, as she comes to stub out her cigarette in the ashtray. '' Since i don't have a phone, can't call him. I should ask Yasu to call him… Anyways, let's eat. ''

The gears of the other Nana's mind, Hachi, starts running as she serves supper. But the next morning, while going shopping for the Saturday night party, she makes a detour to go see the good Yasushi, at his law office. Catching him during a smoke break.

''So Nana told you about Ginjo... interesting. At the same time, it's been more than three months since they last spoke at least on the phone, six for real contact. ''

''For Nana to want to see him, he's must be a good guy! ''

''Yes. Heart of gold, strong shoulder. Could give his heart to save you. ''

Mouth like an O, half open, Hachi listens. ''Why did he go to Tokyo? It's strange, from what you said at the last rehearsal, it seemed to be integrated well. ''

A puff of smoke later, Yasu speaks again. ''Yes, he just decided to follow his mother who moved to Tokyo for work. It was heartbreaking for him to leave but he came from time to time... even if it's been rare to see him lately.

But i find bold of you, to contact somebody you don't know. '' He finds it deep down interesting and touching, to go to so much trouble.

''Nana is a good friend and you have to please your friends! ''

A small laugh escapes Yasushi's lips.

''I'll see what I can do, I'll get back to you during the day. ''

''O...Okay, thanks! ''That's how a few hours later, Hachi received a strange message from the lawman.

''Prepare lots of food, don't let Nana near the fridge. ''

‘’ Why ? ‘’ she texted back.

‘’ Don’t let her see the bottle of Gin and the tonic i’ll bring.’’ Strange but… okay.

Fast Forward Saturday Night, The first to arrive was Shôji, surprisingly. He had an exceptional leave for the evening, later, Shin, Yasu and Nobuo arrived. The evening can begin, the mood is good. they drink, they eat and above all they laugh loudly, very loudly.

Hachi is for her part, her eyes perched on Yasu who remains calm as usual, curious, envious to know why this message. And as expected, like an obedient dog, Hachi listened and stopped Nana from approaching the fridge once Yasu had placed bottles.

Then while everything was going well, some heavy knocks on the door were heard, causing a blank. It's Hachi, the one most capable of resolving the issue and the less drunk of them all, who comes to open the door, already apologetic, thinking that it's a neighbor who has come to complain about the noise.

''Excuse us, we have some friends over, I'm true-'' she was leaning at 45 degrees for the usual Japanese sorry, but the voice, which she had never heard, made her jump.

''Good evening... I think I'm at the seven right ? '' She raises her head, to discover an unusual wake. He was tall, very tall in fact, over six feet tall. Broad shouldered with tanned skin, he looked a bit like a freak, a barbarian from the movie.

His face looked like it had been carved from the worst rock, so hard that it was. She could clearly see that his skin was like leather, as if used to taking hits. The eyes were like his face, earth-colored, brown. This beard was just as unusual, curtain-shaped. He didn't sweat a drop of Japanese, she had a hard time knowing where he came from.

Credits : Picrew @Doshiart

‘’ Hey…You there ? ‘’ His voice was like thunder, resonating inside her guts. She finally regained her composure, looking at him.

‘’ Yes, sorry who…are you ? ‘’ She raised both of her eyebrows. As she could see the man smirking.

‘’ I’m Yasu’s little surprise. ‘’ And that made a click inside of her head,althrought this guy is a walking mountain, so the little surprise was fucking ironic. . ‘’ Ginjo ? ‘’ , he just nodded to answer.

Her surprise was mostly the fact that nobody moved when they heard Ginjo's voice. She made a light move with her head to invite him to enter the apartment,

The noise of the discussions being half covered due to the tinnitus in the right ear, hearing voices lower than normal.

Ginjo is a little lost when he enters, he follows Hachi's directions, before starting to smile and then... Whistling, a tune from Blast, one of their old songs. If at first the whistling goes a little unnoticed, everyone is silent to find out where the whistling is coming from, that's when he enters the main room where they are all seated, like a gust of wind he appears with a big smile perched up to the ears arms raised and open fist clenched, followed by a very delicate.

''Did you miss me ya' wankers? HAHAHAH! '' with a laugh that has all the subtlety of a hammer hitting an anvil.

Yasu can only smile when he sees his friend's appearance. Nobuo is shocked, releasing the bottle he had just taken while Nana opens her eyes wide. For Shin, he wonders what's going on.

''Holy shit! ''Nobuo shouted. ''Holy fucking shit! GINJO! ''

Nana, the strong one in front of everyone, has a tear that falls as discreetly as a drop of rain that falls among a multitude of others. She gets up, knocking the chair backwards, and propels herself into the arms of Ginjo, whose heavy frame jumps.

The broad arms close around the thinner frame, quivering with emotion, while his lips stretch.

''So Kitty...Did you miss me? "

She presses her face a little more against the man's chest, wrapping her arm around him for a bit.

''Shut up Ginjo...''

A long hug then, another from Nobuo, followed by a quick hug from Yasushi. His eyes move quickly when he meets the familiar face of Shôji. ‘’ The fuck you doin’ here Sho’ ? Ya know Nana and the gang ? ‘’

Hachi who was on the side is heard in turn, having remained silent. As Ginjo steps forward to shake Shôji's hand.

''Yes, Shôji is my boyfriend. ''

''Ooooh, that explains a lot now...''

'' How so ? ''

''This idiot is talking to me about ya', girlfriend, who strangely looks a lot like you Hachi... But enough talkin'! my throat is crying out for a drink! ''

That's how everyone found themselves seated at the table, drinking while the only one Joe didin’t know, Shin made his presentation.

'' Good ! To make the presentations for you Shin (by the way, you look like you escaped from college), and Nana. I'm Joe Heath better known as Ginjo, thanks to Kitty and Baldy.''

He doesn't really have time to say anything other than a punch lands on his shoulder. Nana catching his attention like that.

''So we don't give any news...It's a woman, right? '' which she will come to say with a sly look, curious to know.

''Wow ya really think imma leave for a woman ? Nah. Yasu knows a little more since he helped me out. ''A sly smirk forms on Yasushi's lips.

''Yes, you're really not good with papers. '' Answered with an amused tone the designated.

''The fuck happened, did you got to jail ?'' Nana asked, a little worried.

''Nah, I bought a house in Shibuya, I spent the last months or even years repairing it, hence... my long absence.''

Apart from Yasushi, everyone lets out a big “WHAAAAAT”

Which provokes Joe's laughter. ''That why I've been absent, but now... I can host people, you should y'all come. ' ' He puts his words into action, as he grabs his own pack of cigarettes, white and red like the good ol’ Marlboro, pulling one out and lighting it.

'' But enough... I've heard, Blast is reforming. ''He will glance at Nana, Nobuo, Shin and Yasu.

''Yeah! we recruited Shin, we're going to start the concerts again as soon as we refine a few songs.'' Said Nobuo.

But it’s Shin, a little more serious, who will come and ask. ''So, you're the famous repair man? ''

''Yep. ''

''Come with us again, we always need a guy who knows how to use his ten fingers'' Nobuo again who doesn't know how to contain his joyful feelings.

''Yeah definitely! '' adds Nana.

''I wouldn't mind. '' says Yasu, the wisest of them.

'' Eh.. Why not, just warn me. But eh... Now, LETS DRINK! ''

A general cheer which leads to a hell of a hangover the next day.

Chapter Text

“Is something bothering Ren? '' while Takumi gaze falls on the man with the short hair.

''M'yeah. I wish we had hired muscle with us. The last time, even with the organization, there were not enough to prevent excesses. ''

'' It's true. The guy who tried to tear off a piece of Reira's dress. '' he said, sighing smoke dwelling on this little incident which happened some times ago.

''Do you have any idea who we can hire for tonight? ''

A mischievous smile forms on Ren's lips. “Yup. ''

Red alert in Takumi's brain. If Ren has an idea, it's not necessarily a good idea that he thought of at first. ''Who are you thinking of? ''

''Joe. ''

Eyebrows raising, as Takumi nods. ''You're not that stupid. Plus if something breaks on stage, he can fix it. ''

''DID SOMEBODY SAY JOE?! ''Reira approaches the two men, a big smile on her lips.

'' Yes. Ren offered to take Joe as an extra arm this evening. ''

''YASSSSSS! ''Reira quickly grabs her phone to dial Joe's number but is stopped by Ren.

''Reeeen what you're doing! ''

''I like you Reira... But I prefer to talk with him, especially when it's business. Not that you're not good... You just don't know how to talk to him in this kind of case. Waving a wad of cash isn't going to work. Especially not with him. '' At Ren's words, Reira starts to pout like a child who has been punished, puffing out her cheeks. ''Meeeeeh''

Ren comes to ruffle her hair as he gets up, to leave the room dialing Joe's number.

''Hey Joe? Want to eat with me ? Don't worry, I'll pay.'' That was the last thing the members of Trapnest could hear before the door closed with a heavy crash, leaving Ren to his talents as a businessman.

A few hours later, Ginza district, a yakitori restaurant.

Ren is already seated, pint of beer in hand while he takes a few sips, having sat down without making a fuss among the people present.

His eyes watching for his friend, a person walks through the door quickly. Dressed like a worker, cap, a sweater with the name of the company: Mr.Maeda Repair shop. Joe being in all his glorious blue collar splendor.

His tired eyes search for Ren, who raises his hand to attract the attention of the American, who sees him and quickly walks towards him.

'' Hi. '' says with a low voice, as Ren smiles, raising his fist to bump Joe's, who settles down.

''How are you? '' asks the musician. ''Tired, fourth day starting at 4am. And you ? ''

'' I'm doing well. ''

''Nice. '' small silence that settles as Joe takes off his cap and rolls up his sleeves. ''What do you want? '' asks Joe.

''Eeeeh... You almost got a call from Reira, for work. ''

An eyebrow raises on Joe's side, who starts laughing, transforming his tired features into happy ones. ''Yeah? Tell me more? ''

Ren raises his hand to attract the waitress' attention, to ask for a pint of beer.

''Yeah, we're full tonight. Last time the organization didn't have enough hands, there was a guy who tried to tear off a piece of Reira's dress. We would like you to come and serve as a big arm. I'll pay you your month's salary. ''

What did he say earlier? Ah yes... waving a wad of money won't do any the trick... It's wrong, it's the direct way that works with Joe, telling Reira that Ren was going to take care of the case was a way to get out of the hotel to chill with a friend.

''I don't know... Work beats my ass. ''Generally, it's from 4 a.m. to at least 8 p.m. Inflicting double punishment on yourself by working evenings for Trapnest is not really a good plan.

''I add 10% more. ''Ren could be serious when he wanted to be, his voice becoming much less playful than usual. ''I don't want to hire a stranger. ''

Joe rolls his eyes. ''Okay.. what time would that be? ''

''8:30 to 11. ''

''Yeah... I'll drive quickly to get there on time. However, I don't babysit Naoki. I go to bed afterwards. ''

'' Perfect ! '' said a rather happy Ren.

It is at this moment that the waitress arrives to take orders, around fifteen skewers and a large bowl of rice for the American against five meager skewers for Ren.

Few hours later, concert place,backstage.

8:20. Takumi paces back and forth as everyone prepares to go on stage, grumbling under his breath.

''Damn... where is Joe?! Ren! '' he comes and shouts.

''Don't worry... if he said yes, he will be here. '' Says the bassist as he lights a cigarette, knowing how loyal Joe can be, when he gave his word.

Before a crash is heard, the door is wide open and then slammed violently. A Joe in sweats and still in work clothes who has just arrived, out of breath.

'' Oiii ! '' he says between two breaths of air, coming to shake hands with Naoki, then Takumi. Reira jumped on him while he launched his bag to the ground.

'' JOEEEE! ~ '' She gets caught by the American. ''Hey little one'' he said in a teasing tone. Before releasing her.

‘’ Fuckin’ hell, last time i accept !’’ he comes to grumble between his teeth, still a short breath as he opens his bag, the zipper noises being loud. While his hardened hand takes out his cloth for his second job of the day.

‘’ Relax, you good Joe. Don’t have a heart attack ! ‘’ Ren teased, getting up from his seat taking a puff on his cigarette before approaching Joe, who is now half naked, only dressed in boxers. Under the appreciative gaze of Reira,
her eyes lingering on Joe's form, enjoying the curve of his tribal tattoo, the long black inked lines lowering to his arm, half chest to his hips. She finds it mesmerizing, but Takumi's stern voice makes her come back to reality, stopping her from enjoying the show. And when she looked back, to enjoy a bit more, he was already dressed. A good old black t-shirt, a camo pants and a pair of sturdy boots.

A knock is heard against the door, their producer's head popping out. '' Time to go kids '' he said, impatiently.

And like a well-rehearsed melody, all start to grab their instruments before going to the stage, in a rumbling cheer from the crowd. And for Joe, he moves infront the stage, in the crowd and crosses his arm against his chest, looking bigger than he already is, looking menacingly everybody, scanning the room to prevent from any accident.

Time starts to go, while their music fills the place, louder than the sound of the crowd who sing their lyrics, Reira playing with them by lending the mic to some to make them sing. Joe could recognize their experience and talent, the composition is good. Even if he prefers Blast, but that is not the place to think about it, he thought while his eyes crossed some others.

If everything is going fine, a guy starts to get more active in the crowd, crossing all the way to get closer to the stage, and when he thought he was good to go, he started to jump on the stage, next to Reira... Buuuut, no. Joe sees him coming miles away, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt and tossing him on the ground. Before giving him a back hand right on the cheek to make him learn some manners before dragging him by the ankle to the exit, then that guy is taken care of by the organization while Joe goes back to his previous standing place.

He caught a glimpse of a thankful gaze from Takumi when he came back, before showing back to him. While Reira sang, she started the crouch a bit next to Joe, he could feel her delicate hand stopping on his shoulder, as a thankful gesture too.

A few moments after, the show is finished while being thanked by the band, before getting back to the backstage, with Joe being a watch-dog and stopping some fans to ask for an auto-graph or a picture.

'' Damn that was a good show ! '' said Naoki, sitting and wiping the sweat off with a towel while everybody started to talk, Joe putting his back against a wall and lighting a well-deserved cigarette, letting the nicotine lay on his vocal cords, darkening a bit more his lungs.

'' You alright ? '' a Concerned Reira approached him.

'' Yeah. '' he answered, '' not the first time i took a hit. Skin like leather girl. '' He was only a bit red on the cheek, nothing wrong, not even cut.

Everybody changes themselves while Joe starts to make his way out. But held back by Ren and Naoki who invites him to have a drink with them, since the whole group is going to go drinking. He reluctantly accepts, as tired he can be.

This is how he finds himself taken into a bar a little further from the concert venue, in a VIP corner.

After they get their order, they start talking about things which Joe doesn't really care about.

'' Joe ? '' Takumi raises, '' You don't want to work for us, full time ? Would be more paid than your actual job. ''

That stuns Naoki and Ren just laughs, while Reira makes puppy eyes at Joe. The latter just lets escape a thunderous hoarse laugh at Takumi proposition.

'' Maybe well-paid, but too much binding. Always on the road, I don't have the energy to do it. '' He said, rubbing his eyes, fatigue began to weigh on his shoulder. '' Plus, it's not good for my only functional ear, I already have tinnitus. '' That little joke made everybody laugh, even himself.

In the same bar where Trapnest is, three girls are debriefing their concert.

'' Naoki is sooooo cute ! '' said a blond one. While another, a red-head answer. '' Noo ! you looked at Takumi ?! He is soooo hot with his long hairs !!''

And between the two, there is a black haired girl with green eyes, unphased while contemplating the fangirlism of her friends.

'' Saaya... you prefer Naoki or Takumi ?!'' said the blond girl, while the red-head added. '' Nah, i'm sure she is on Ren's team ! ''

A smile curls on her lips. Saaya shaking her head left from right. '' No... they are not my type. ''

'' Eeeeh ?! how can you ?! '' said the two girls at the same time.

'' Tho... did you see one of the body-guard, tall one who beated the shit out the guy ? ''

'' Yeah I see ! He isn't japanese. '' Say the red-head. While the blonde answered at her turn '' He is frightening, I don't want to have him around, I'm pretty sure he would raise his hand on me. ''

Which she comes to say with an air of disgust.

'' I dunno... I found him pretty cute. ''

'' Damn Saaya, your tastes are so strange ! '' says the red-head. A sigh escaped from Saaya lips.

'' Thanks for the gigs girls, but I'mma go ! I have work tomorrow. ''

After a quick hug to say goodbye, Saaya leaves the bar. Starting walks to bus stops, arms around her as the shivering cold bites her skin.

'' Shit... I should have taken a jacket. '' she mumbled to herself.

Indeed, going out only in a tank top, shorts,stockings and shoes wasn't the best idea of the years, Saaya started to wander in these dark alleys, where all the night-life came true. People singing all drunk, eyes sparkling with happiness while some just sleep on the floor, swimming in their vomit. For the less fortunate, some liquid is injected into the arm without a future.

All things mixed, she moves like an alley cat, bus stop in mind she paces faster. Looking down at her feet before she stumbles against somebody.

'' So..Sorry '' she came to say, taking back her stance, raising her emerald eyes to look at a man, he stinks alcohol. Not a little, but a lot, enough to make her nose uncomfy.

'' Eeeeh ! Watch out tramp ! '' Said the man, burping and looking at her with more than just anger. She could feel a chills sent down her spine, as she started to back off slowly, knowing the situation can be more venomous than it already is.

'' You know… you could apologize in another way '' salacious intent between his words, her mind starts to run like oiled gear, trying to find a way to escape this sticky situation.

'' Sooo... Got no words to say ? '' and the guy started to approach hand raising to grip her, Saaya heart started to beat faster, her features changed to indifference to disgust and fear mixed. And as she backs off, she stumbles against something or... Somebody, she thought it was the end of her.

She raised her eyes up, tilting her head to look at the person. Her eyes widened with surprise,when she saw his rocky face. That stranger, gaijin as they call them.

'' Oi, shit-head. Back off or I make every one of your teeth fly out. " His tone was menacing, and for one single second, she could feel his frightening aura, she could see it inside his earth-toned eyes, venom of anger like a bright flame.

The drunk guy growls under his breath, '' get lost Yankee-boy. ''
Joe's massive hand lay on the fragile frame of Saaya, pushing her behind him while he dropped his bag to the ground, quickly gathered by Saaya, who stood back and watched out.

'' Yankee-boy huh ? '' repeated Joe, with a disdainful laugh. '' I've seen sushi more aggressive than ya'. ''

'' Fuckin' foreigner, parasite, go back to your country. '' he whistled between his teeth, before pursuing his road stumbling because of alcohol.

Joe turned himself to that girl, looking at her up and down. No blood, she just seemed a bit shaked, nothing much. But by standard he asks,in a more relaxed voice than the one he was using earlier. '' Ya alright girl ? ''

She just nodded quickly to answer in a positive way. Quickly his hand goes to his inside pocket of the jacket, taking his cigarette pack.

'' Want a dart ? helps to calm. '' he took one and lit it.

'' Ye...yeah i think i need one. '' he lent it one, and lit it when she pressed her lips around the orange filter.

'' Where ya go ? I'll accompany ya'. ''

She had a light cough at the first puff taken because of her embarrassment. '' No...No don't worry ! I already bothered you ! ''

'' No worries, couldn't sleep either way if i let ya go alone in the dark. Name where ya need to go. ''

'' Eh... Bus station, but that won't make a long way to you ? ''

'' Nah, I need to get to my truck at the parking lot. ''

'' Then, thanks yeah. '' And without words, they started walking to the bus station, letting the smoke trail their path behind them.

'' Should be carefull girl, ya neck is thin. Why a cute chick like ya' up that early ? it's big boy yard at night. '' he looked at her, making her blush.

'' I...was at a Trapnest concert with some friends, but they started to drink... '' He raised his brow.

'' Trapnest concert ? Damn, I worked for 'em. ''

'' I know '' she chuckled lightly. Before himself, find a laugh from his lungs. ‘’ I’ve seen you. ‘’

'' How long till ya' go home ? ''

'' One hour. '' she confessed, to Joe's great surprise.

'' Shit girl, let me give ya a ride. ''

'' Nooo ! I already abused your patience... And my name is Saaya.''

'' Saaya huh ? Nice name. Joe. Don't worry 'bout that ! i don't really leave ya a choice, don't know what can happen. ''

And she tried to protest, just only to be shushed by Joe.

Under the nocturnal skies, enlightened by stars they walk in silence, admiring the night life, the flashy neons and all the night business taking live while so silent during day. In few minutes, they are at the truck, soon after they are on the road.

Joe drives to Saaya appartement, parking his large truck in front of the residency. '' One drive for the lady, have a nice night, it was nice to meet ya'. ''

With a boldness which surprised Joe, Saaya said rather excited '' gimme your number ! ''

She looked at him with puppy eyes, resigned Joe took her phone and typed his number before she said goodbye.

The two parting, Joe drives back to his house. At like, one fucking am, in three hours he need to get up for work... Fucking hell he thought. He pushed his key in the door and opened it, closing behind. Taking off his shoe and throwing his cloth all around to crash in his cold and lonely bed, driving off to sleep quickly.

And as he got used to it, at 4 AM the clock rang a few times to make him get up, take a coffee and a cigarette before showering, then dressing up for work. Going out in his old truck before doing his day.

At 11 am, his phone ring, a message from Saaya saying :

Hey Joe, thanks again for yesterday, I owe you. Hope i can pay you for a drink sometime.

a smirk draws on his tired face, answering.

'' Sure Saaya, i'll tell ya'. ''

What a nice day he thought.

Chapter Text

His lips bent to let out a whistle, one of the tunes that Blast had been able to play throughout their career, while he was alone in the workshop at the moment, screwing back a vice on a mower that he had to dismantle a part to change it. Continuing his little whistle, while behind him, someone approaches.

The permanent tinnitus in his right ear covering the steps.

''Joe? '' said the old man, Mr.Maeda, Joe's boss. An old Japanese man who is still well built in his fifties.

''Joe. '' he says again, before sighing. He had nothing to complain about with Joe, he works well and more than the others, but his tinnitus irritated him a little.

''Joe ! ''The aforementioned does a little jump on himself before turning around to face his boss. ''Ah! Sorry Mr. Maeda, I didn't hear you. ''

Which makes the old man laugh a bit. ''Don't worry, you worked well son. Finish what you do, Gonna take a break. I pay a cigarette and coffee '' Joe didn't have anything to complain about either, Mr. Maeda is a good boss, even if he was skeptical about hiring a foreigner, he didn't regret it.

Joe nods'' sure. '' before the two go back to doing what they have to do, before joining at the table outside the workshop. Before he finishes, test the lawnmower and call the customer to inform the mower is ready to be taken back. The two men find themselves seated at the table outside the workshop, watching the cars passing in the distance.

''You were already there at 8 o'clock when I arrived, even though the team only arrived at the same time as me. What time did you come again? ''

Joe furrows his brows, trying to remember. ''6 a.m. Couldn't sleep so I came. ''

A disapproving click of the tongue from Maeda makes Joe smirk. ''Are you going to sleep one of these days? '' in a stern tone, while Joe rolls his eyes, taking a sip of coffee.

''Sunday, when I won't be working. ''

''Tssss. Take your afternoon. You did more than your share today. ''

“Nah. ''

''No but, I don't give you a choice. ‘’ Joe growled at his boss' words, taking a few huff on the cigarette. ‘’ I need to remind you need to get your sister from school ? ‘’ the older man looked at the younger one, with both of his brows raised. Joe's face start to twist in a : oh shit i forgot face.

‘’ Oh shit, yeah. urgh… ‘’ he said, letting a sight escape from his lips.

‘’ Got a problem with your sister ? ‘’ The old man started to be curious. As he knows Joe rarely talks about them.

‘’ Not really my sister.’’ He blurted out with a snort. ‘’ More step sister, if i can say. Mom got together with a new dude, after my dad walked away. ‘’ Another sip of coffee is taken.

‘’ Not a party everyday huh ? ‘’ said the old man, hearing the coldness in Joe’s voice. Before the latter shrug and answer.

‘’ Not really. I mean, dude is nice. But I don't really have much affinity with him or his daughter. ‘’

‘’ I see. Ya got this kid. ‘’ he came to land a friendly nudge. ‘’ Yeah… Thanks Sir. ‘’ a manly handshake exchanged between two blue collar workers before Joe goes to the locker room to take his bag and get into his pickup, driving home to take a well deserved shower.

Step sister side

‘’ Saki ? You look like you're going to a funeral. ‘’ said another girl, with both her eyebrows raised. Looking at her friend with her short raven colored hair, pouting as she walk next to her friends.

‘’ Naaah…not that. My ‘’ step-brother ‘’ come to get me. Dad was worried about the fist-fight at the bus station. ‘’

‘’ Ah yeah… Creepy gaijin* right ? ‘’ her friend said.

‘’ Not really creepy. But he doesn’t talk a lot and when he does, his voice is loud. Guy doesn’t have a life, he only work.What a drag…’’ she pouted and sighed. Before she heads out to the next class.

Joe side

Phone starts to ring, as the American drives to Saki’s school. His large hand grabs his phone, and in a swift motion opens the flip, before putting against his functionable ear. The sweet yet familiar voice of Osaki Nana is heard.

‘’ Oi Ginjo. ‘’

‘’ Yeah Kitten ? ‘’

‘’ With the guys, after finishing the rehearsal we're gonna stop at the apartment to drink a few beers and eat together, want to come ? Plus… We need to talk about the girl you drove back at the Trapnest concert. ‘’ And damn, he could hear her grin through the phone, even if one thing is sure, he could hear all of these bastards in the background laughing.

‘’ OI ! Y’ALL ARE WANKERS I HEAR IT ! ‘’ Said with a hoarse and loud voice. Making them laugh even harder. ‘’ Tho Kitten, got a few things to do before coming. Need to Saki at her school.’’

‘’ Wait what ?!’’ angrily said Nana.

‘’ Yeah, few punks fought at one of her bus stations. His father is worried, so I need to play the driver for her sorry ass. ‘’

‘’ Fuck man ! He doesn’t know what she calls ya’ ?! If I saw that tramp I'm going to beat her ass. ‘’

‘’ Sure sure Kitten, you're gonna break a nail. ‘’ He teasingly said.

‘’ Fuck you ! see ya later ! ‘’ before she ended the call, which made Joe laugh knowing he annoyed her a bit. At least this call made time fly a bit more, parking. Another cigarette lit up as he got out of the car, leaning his back against the truck. Squinting his eyes to see where the fuck she is.

And for a whole ten fucking minute he waited her, seeing her on the last students, chuckling with her group of friends. His features harden with a certain annoyance as he sees her hanging around and taking her sweet fucking time to leave school, before only kissing cheeks to say goodbye to all her friends.Before she even arrives in front of Joe, she gives him a fairly neutral look.

'' Hi. '' She said. Planting herself infront of him, with all the energy of an asthmatic oyster.

'' Hey kiddo. Get in the truck. '' she is only 19. So for him, she is a kid. And he could see a vein pop in a sign of annoyance from her part. Before both get in the truck. Joe turns on the ignition and sets off again, in a silence as heavy as lead. Not even music, nothing. She is on her phone while he doesn't take his eyes off the road.He grits his teeth, as he tries to make an effort to start a conversation.

''How's school going? '', she didn't even look up from her phone, to respond to him platonically.

''Good. '' before a sigh escaped his lips. As she fingers tap the phone keypad. She makes a superhuman effort before asking him.

''And you, work? ''

''My boss gave me my afternoon. ''

''Nice.'' she replies, without really any more interest than that.Silence returns, while the rest of the road continues without really being lively. The applicant is at her father's house, a small apartment in an average residence. Once dropped off, he grabs his phone to dial the number of Michi, Saki's father.

The bell rings twice, before an exhausted voice is heard.

'' Hello ? '' slender voice, full of politeness. Fo’ sho’ it’s him.

''Oi, Michi, I dropped Saki off at your house. ''

''Oh Joe! Thank you a thousand times, you really reassure me! ''

''Ya welcome, mate. ''

''Say... do you have half an hour to spare? ''

''it depends.''

''Can I buy you a drink to thank you? There's a bar across the street from work. ''

''Yeah sure. I'll be there in ten. ''

''Nice, see you! '' the two hang up at the same time as Joe begins driving through the crowded streets.Leaving at the address that Michi sent him, getting out of the pick-up before entering what seems to be an izakaya run by the Kiba family, from what Joe can see, he looks around for Michi, finding him easily before leaving. sit down in front of him, giving him a handshake

And compared to Mr. Maeda, he has the impression of jerking off an amorphous octopus.

The two men quickly greet each other, order two pints of beer and Joe offers him a cigarette which he happily accepts. Joe held his zippo for him to light it.Ironically, Joe had doubts about whether Saki is really his daughter, she is so cute and beautiful.

He is built to be the appearance of the word : discreet. Bloke his Mr.everyday. Which made him think that Saki is the postman's daughter. Or she takes everything from her mom, in that case he never saw her so he can’t say.

‘’ How was she ? ‘’ he asked, cautiously while taking a puff on the cigarette. Joe answered after taking a sip from his beer.

‘’ She doesn’t talk much, can’t say. ‘’ he shrugged. ‘’ I don’t care, I'll just drive her to your home. ‘’

‘’ Since I broke up with her mom she has gotten distant. ‘’ He confessed with a sad glance in his eyes. ‘’ Talking about her… next week she got her. ‘’

And shit, Joe thought. He will have to play taxi every other week at Michi's, then at Madame's. What a drag. ‘’ Sure mate, gonna drive her too. ‘’

Michi's face enlightened when Joe told that. ‘’ I’m really sorr-! ‘’

‘’ Calm down dude, I can help since ya are with my mom. ‘’

‘’ Talking about your mom, she is off the last weekend of this month, right ? ‘’

‘’ Yup. Friday night to Monday 6 AM. ‘’ Answered Joe.

‘’ Let’s go to the restaurant together with Saki on Saturday then ‘’ He put so much conviction into his voice that it almost hurt Joe.

‘’ Hey dude, ya know, i’m pretty sure mom is gonna want a date night without Saki or me. ‘’

Michi pouted a bit as he took a few sips of his beer. ‘’ Yeah… you’re right, think you can take care of Saki for the night ? ‘’ And at this moment, Joe almost fell from his chair.

‘’ Wait… What, why ? ‘’ Said a confused Joe.

‘’ She is still a baby, can’t leave her alone. ‘’

Holy shit. Are we at this point of disillusionment on Michi's part? Sounds like a big yup. ‘’ Can’t promise anything. Either I work weekends or I'm going out with my friends. I’ll see what i can do.’’ While he rubs his chin. Before taking down all of his beer.

‘’ Okay mate, need to go. Got friends waiting for me. ‘’

‘’ Alright Joe, thanks again, be safe. ‘’ Another hand shake is exchanged before Joe is off, driving to Nana apartment to join all theses fuckers.