She finally succumbed.

Sher and I spent the evening upstairs in our room, practicing tying the obi into a butterfly bow. I have to admit, my kimono gives me a thrill right down to my sock-covered toes. It’s bright pink and yellow with purple and white mountains along the hem. It reminds me of a sunrise. Kunami had nodded when I mentioned it at the shop and said I had “the correct eye.” I’m still not sure if she was pleased with me or just being polite. Sher agrees with me. The obi sash is blue and green, richly patterned.

“Got it!” Sher stepped back, comparing her work to the instructions on her laptop. I craned my neck.

“Ugh. Can’t see!” I minced my way to the bathroom to check in a mirror. Sher followed, carrying the bag of accessories and her laptop. Rae poked his head out of his room.

“Is it safe now?” He asked. I grinned and Sher rolled her eyes.

“Yes, baka. Come help me,” Rae came out and joined us. Sher delegated the laptop to him, digging in the bag. I turned sideways and studied the bow in the mirror.

“It looks great, Sher! You always were a fast learner.”

“At least it’s you this time,” She said, handing me a fan. I tucked it into my sash. “I can finally have my revenge! Sit!” Sher kicked a stool in my direction. I sat carefully. It’s hard to move in this thing!

“Revenge?” Rae asked, bracing the laptop as Sher pounded on the keys.

“I did her hair for the formal dance,” I told Rae, grinning at him in the mirror.

“Not to mention all the hours I spent as a Barbie for her various costume ideas. Sweet poetic justice is mine at last!” Sher found what she was looking for. “All right now, Miss Geisha.”

“Hey! That’s not nice. I’m not an entertainer,” I protested.

“Hush. Time for your Japanese lesson. Repeat after me. Go-shousei kara makoto ni arigatou gozaimasu.”

“Go-shousei kara makoto ni arigatou gozaimasu. Thank you…”

“’Thank you sincerely for the invitation.’ It’s very formal, appropriate for a cha-no-yu,” Sher began brushing out my hair. “Next. O saki ni.”

“O saki ni.”

“’Excuse me for eating first.’ Used if there are other guests and you’re served before them.”

“I don’t think there will be.” I said, twiddling my fingers nervously. Rae’s eyebrows went up and Sher started twisting my hair into a bun, a wicked smile on her lips.

“Even better! Third. O temae o chodai itashimasu.”

“O temae o chodai itashimasu.”

“’I’ll partake of your tea.’ Say it when Kenji-san hands you the cup. It’ll likely be thick, we’ll practice the proper sipping etiquette later.”

“Sipping etiquette?” I asked nervously. Sher pinned the bun tight against my head and frowned.

“Yes. Different standards for the type of tea served. I’ve been doing research ever since you left. Rae, does this look right to you?” Sher asked, gesturing at my hair.

“Except for the color, it looks fine.”

“Shimatta,” I whispered. Sher slapped my shoulder.

“Manners, Candace. You have to be on your best behavior for this. Keep your mouth shut, be properly humble, bow often, pay strict attention to what Kenji-san does.”

“I am in so much trouble!” I whimpered, staring at the doll in the mirror. A blonde, blue-eyed porcelain doll in a pink kimono. Sher rested her chin on my shoulder, her green eyes twinkling.

“Now you know how I felt,” She murmured.

*

“Hello?”

“Candy-san? Are you all right?”

“Kenji-san! Hai, I’m fine.”

“You sound tired.”

“A little. It’s been a busy day. What’s up?”

“I have made the arrangements. The ceremony will be at 4 o’clock tomorrow afternoon. Will this suit you?”

“Oh, yes. I’m looking forward to it very much. How do I get there?” I asked, grabbing a pen and paper. Writing down the directions, I read them back twice to make absolutely sure they were right.

“Did you find a dress?” Kenji asked as I put the directions on my dresser.

“Yes. My hostess, Susan, was very helpful. She took me to a wonderful shop.” I fiddled with the edge of the obi, hanging neatly over my kimono in my wardrobe. “Um, Kenji-san, I was wondering…” I trailed off.

“What is it, Candy-san?”

“Will there be other guests? I want to make sure I’m doing this right.” There was a slight pause.

“Did you wish for others to come too? Your friends?” He asked hesitantly.

“Ie! No, they’re planning on going out tomorrow night.”

“Then there will be no one else,” Kenji said firmly, sounding faintly relieved. “My hosts have promised us total privacy.”

“Oh. Good!”

“Did you have any other questions?” He asked. I shook my head.

“Ie. I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.”

“As am I. Konbanwa, Candy-san.”

“Konbanwa, Kenji-san.”

We watched a ‘Coupling’ sketch, a ‘Black Adder’ sketch and another poetry reading. Finally, my name was called. I wove through the tables and took the microphone. The second one was missing; I presumed they had moved it for the poet. Leaning into the mike, I began singing, focusing on making my voice intense. When the refrain started, another voice joined me. I turned my head and saw Kenji standing just off the stage with the second mike, staring at me. My god! His glasses were gone! I barely managed to keep the focus as amber eyes pinned my blue ones. I found myself singing directly to him, turning myself during the second verse. At the refrain, he joined me on stage, standing just out of reach. Our voices melded beautifully. During the bridge, I extended my hand. He looked at it, then reached out and grabbed my wrist as we started the last refrain. My hand closed around his wrist and we finished the song as I leaned back, trusting him to hold me up. He did. We got as much applause as the “Dead Parrot” scene. I stared at him, breathing heavily. His mouth moved from twitching to a faint smile and he kissed my hand. I wandered off the stage in a daze. Amber eyes. Dragon eyes.

I don’t remember the rest of the night, or the walk home. I think Sher made a bunch of snarky comments about me finally getting my own back, but I’m not sure.

*
( Friday )

Oooooooooo.

A week passed and we settled into a cozy routine. The touristy stuff, like the Tower and Buckingham Palace, we saw in the first three days. Stonehenge was on the weekend and I got great pictures of Sher and Rae framed in one of the standing sets.

Tuesday I demanded shopping. I needed British clothes! Sher and Rae agreed after I promised them lunch at an Indian restaurant. We took a bus to the closest Underground stop and took the train the rest of the way. Rae got into the spirit of things at the first shop we hit after he saw a yellow sundress in the window. Sher tried it on under protest.

“RahXephon!” I cried when she came out. Rae whistled and nodded.

“You think so?” Sher asked, studying herself in the mirrors.

“Oh, totally! All you need is the scarf.” I said, fighting back a twinge. The Soul of RahXephon was something I had wanted to do. Sher caught my eye and shook her head.

“No thank you. I’d rather be Haruka, the adult. See any red jackets?” She headed into the room to change. Rae blinked, looked me over.

“Go find one in your size.” He said abruptly. I blinked at him.

“Say what?”

“The sundress. Go find one. I want to see.” I nodded slowly and walked over to the rack. Sher came out, handed the dress to the attendant and asked about a red jacket. The attendant shook her head and suggested a different shop. I found one in my British size and tried it on. When I came out, everyone applauded.

“You think so? Really?” I asked, looking myself over critically.

“You’re the one with the voice, Candy.” Sher said. The attendant came over with a long, narrow yellow scarf. I tied it in a bow around my neck and studied the effect. It looked PERFECT!!! I squealed in delight and bought the outfit. Finally, a Soul of RahXaphon costume! Sure, it was more then I normally pay, but to actually find the right look off the rack is nigh on impossible! Thank you Great Britain!

It took three more shops before we found a red jacket that worked. By that time Sher was grumbling about being hungry, so we went hunting for an Indian place. I swung my bag, making big plans for the next con and begging Rae to be Ayato.

“I really don’t think that’s a good idea, Candy.” He said. “I can’t pass as a teenager.”

“I’m too curvy to be the Soul.” I pointed out, turning to walk backwards. “But that’s not stopping me. Come on! You don’t have to be in the mech uniform, although I’m sure Sher would just looooove seeing you in something that snug.”

“It is looser then the Evangelion uniforms.” Sher pointed out, making Rae blush. I laughed. “Candy!”

“Wha…Ooof!” I walked right into something warm and hard, knocking both of us off balance. A brief swaying dance happened while bags went everywhere. I managed to regain my feet and turned.

“I am so sorry!” I exclaimed, dropping to gather up the scattered foil-wrapped items.

“It’s all right.” A baritone voice said. I looked up.

“Carnegie-san!” I cried, nearly crushing the handful of chocolate in my hand. He looked at me and his lips twitched.

“You’re wearing it.” He said. I blinked, looked down. Chocolate smeared my fingers and oozed from the broken wrappers.

“Oh! Gomen nasai, gomen nasai. I’ll replace it.” I said, tossing the ruined chocolate into a candy bag full of squashed goodies.

“No, that won’t be necessary.” He said, picking up his second bag. I stood, digging some tissues out of my pocket to wipe my fingers.

“No, I insist. I ruined your candy, I’ll replace it. It’s only fair.” The tissues shredded in my hands and I muttered under my breath. Kenji made a strange noise and I looked up, alarmed. His lips were twitching.

“It’s okay, Carson-san.”

“Carnegie-san!” I barked. He gave me an odd look. I put my fists on my hips and glared. “It is only right I replace your candy.”

“Sweets.”

“What? Oh, right. Sweets.” I waved my messy hand airily. “Where’s the shop?”

“Over there.” He pointed behind him. I saw the striped sign two shops down and nodded.

“Let’s go. Rae, Sher,” I turned. “I’m…by myself.” They were gone. Vanished. Disappeared. I pouted for a second, then shrugged and turned back to Kenji. “I’ll catch them later.”

“Are you sure? It seems unkind, leaving you like this in a strange city.” Kenji said, frowning over my shoulder. I picked up my dress bag and took his arm with my clean hand.

“Don’t worry. I’ll call her on my cell after we’re done. I’ll track her down.” We walked into the sweetshop and I took a minute to breathe deeply.

“Mmmmm. Chocolate, hazelnut, cinnamon and caramel. How lovely.” Kenji gave me a strange look as I strolled over to the counter. The sweetshop attendant smiled.

“Can I help you, miss?”

“Yes. I need to replace this fine gentleman’s order. Oh and to wash my hands, if you have a w/c available. We bumped outside.” I said cheerfully.

“Do you have your receipt, sir?” Kenji handed it over and the girl read through it.

“It’ll just be a few minutes. The w/c is at the end of the aisle to your left, miss.”

“Don’t go anywhere and do NOT pay for anything.” I ordered Kenji, tapping him on the shoulder. He gave me that lip twitch I’m starting to like and nodded. I ran into the w/c, washed my hands and was back out in record time. I beat Kenji to his wallet by mere seconds.

“Stubborn baka.” I muttered, paying for the sweets. The attendant politely kept her laughter to herself while Kenji gaped at me.

“Baka??” He sputtered. I grinned and handed him his bag.

“When you’re trying to weasel out of a good deed, you’re a baka.”

“You don’t owe me anything.” He said fiercely, glaring. I threw back my shoulders and matched his gaze.

“Who said anything about owing? This is a fair exchange. Now you have your sweets and I have the pleasure of knowing I helped a cute guy get his chocolate fix. Don’t be mean by bringing debt into it, cause it won’t work.” I said. Kenji blinked a few times.

“I’m going to find Sher and Rae now. I hope you have a wonderful working vacation. Maybe we’ll run into each other again.” I bowed slightly, nodded at the attendant and strolled out of the shop. Heading for a nearby bench, I collapsed on it and stared blankly at the shoppers and pigeons mixing it up for bread crumbs. Did I just…? Yes, yes I had. I scolded Kenji Carnegie and made a dramatic exit. What is wrong with me? Oh, right. I’ve stopped looking. Sighing, I dug out my cell and dialed Sher.

“Moshi moshi.”

“Where the heck ARE you?”

“Oh, hey Candy. We’re in this cute book store, about four shops down from that candy store you and whatizface went into.”

“Kenji.”

“Kenji? Good name. Anyway, we’re in here. Come on over, they’ve got tea!”

“Tea?” I bounced to my feet. I have become hopelessly addicted to tea.

London is huge! Yes, I know that sounds obvious, but keep in mind the only big city I’ve been to is Boston. London trumps Boston completely. Rae’s mom’s friends met us at the airport, thank heavens! A charming couple, Gregory and Susan McCormick. Scottish, if you please, happily relocated from the Highlands. I love their accents! Susan hugged all of us, gushed over Rae; “Och, how ye’ve grown, lad!” and nearly drooled on Sher; “A bonniest lassie I’ve never seen. Ye did well for yerself, Raphael.”

I felt rather third-wheel-ish until Gregory offered me his arm and whispered in my ear not to mind Susan, she always treated Rae like a son and welcome to Great Britain. I grinned and thanked him. We meandered through customs, finally claimed our bags and all piled into Gregory’s lorry. I kept looking for Kenji, but after customs I lost him. I crossed my fingers, with little hope. As I said, London is humongous, so really, what are the odds?

Sher and I clung to Rae during the drive, oohing and pointing and generally acting like giggly girl tourists. The McCormicks lived in one of the northern suburbs, in this cute light gray house that was squished into a row of houses. There was no space between the homes! Inside was beautiful; lace curtains, cheerful colors, a variety of rugs, an honest-to-God flagstone kitchen and a postage stamp garden. We clustered in the living room after the quick tour.

“Mrs. McCormick, we all talked about it and we wanted you to know that we are more then willing to pay rent or whatever you feel…” Sher started. Susan blinked at us.

“Didn’t Carol tell ye?” She asked.

“Tell us what?” Rae countered. Susan threw back her head and laughed. Gregory chuckled and shook his head while we young adults looked confused.

“Och, I’m sorry. That Carol. I suppose she said she had made special arrangements for ye.” Susan said, wiping her eyes. We nodded.

“Silly woman. So very French. We are a host family for exchange students. We take in as many as six a year and we enjoy it. Summers tend to be very quiet and we were eager to have young people with us, so when Carol called, we volunteered!” Rae muttered something about stiffing Carol on the wedding party.

“However, there are ground rules, so pay attention.” We all snapped to attention, making Gregory chuckle again. Susan nodded and held up a finger.

“Rule number one. The bath is co-ed, the bedrooms are not. Birds in one room, blokes in another. Now, because Raphael and Cherie are engaged, I will overlook any conjugal visits, but ye MUST change the sheets in the morning.” Sher choked on a gasp, turning bright pink. Rae found the braided rug under our feet fascinating and I fought back laughter. Susan smiled.

“Washing day is Friday, which brings me to rule two.” She added a finger. “We are a family here, so everyone helps. Cooking, cleaning, washing, going to market. I expect yer rooms to be tidy. They don’t have to be pristine. And finally, rule three.” She held up a third finger.

“Any friends ye make are welcome, but they must leave by midnight. This is for our benefit, not yers, as we like our sleep.” I gave in and giggled.

“Similarly, if ye’re going to be out and about, please call and let us know so we won’t try to shoot ye coming in at 3 o’clock. After dawn is fine, we’ll be up by then. Ye’re adults and can take care of yerselves. Staying in a hostel or hotel is fine, but longer then 48 hours without notice and we will be sending the bobbies after ye. Everyone understand?” We nodded.

“Splendid! Cherie, Candace, follow me. Gregory, ye get Raphael.” We all grabbed our bags and trooped up the stairs. Sher and I were roomed to the left, Rae to the right, with a w/c and separate bath between us. A room devoted totally to bathing without a toilet, how fascinating! Our room was simply adorable: more lace curtains, twin beds done up in a flowery comforter. The walls were painted cream with cute ribbon stencils bordering the top in light blue, pink and green. Twin desks, also cream, flanked the door, two freestanding wardrobes and a window seat upholstered in light green with pink and blue pillows completed the room. I squealed happily and claimed the left hand bed.

“Oh, this is beautiful! Thank you Susan!” I cried, hugging our newly adopted mom. She laughed and hugged me back.

“Tea will be ready soon.”

“Yay! Tea!” Susan left, chuckling. Sher simply rolled her eyes and began unpacking.

“This is so…” She said, carrying a load of clothes to the right hand wardrobe.

“Cute? Sweet? British schoolgirl?”

“Schoolgirl. Entirely too young and too girly.”

“So buy some geek posters and put them up.” I said, tossing my head and unzipping my suitcases. “I bet you’ll be able to find some neat ones here that you can’t in the US.”

“Maybe some prints.” Sher mused. We finished unpacking and went knocking on Rae’s door. He opened it with a strange look on his face.

“My mother is NOT outfitting our wedding.” He announced.

“Oh, it can’t be that bad!” I said. Sher’s lips twitched in her special way and pushed past him. I tagged behind and my mouth fell open. Blue. The room was blue with various shades of brown. Twin beds with geometric comforters in tan and blue, graduated blue wallpaper, dark wood wardrobes and desks and a small study area of lighter brown upholstered chairs and matching table. No window seat and the curtains were tan. It screamed “I’m Male!” in a way that’s SO not Rae.

“Ummm.” I said, trying to think of something. Sher just shook her head, took Rae’s hand and dragged him to our room. I heard a shout of Japanese disbelief and dashed after them.

“I agree. Your mom just lost a commission.” Sher said when I walked in. They were hugging, Rae stroking her hair.

“Don’t worry, love. We’ll survive this.”

“Maybe they have different rooms?” I suggested.

Twenty minutes later I was sniffling into a tissue and Sher was bright pink.

“Oh, that’s so romantic! I knew he had it in him!” I crooned, wiping my eyes. Sher shook her head and escaped to her bed. She flopped back on her pillows and held her hand up, studying the ring.

“Yeah. I knew something was up when he insisted on my packing a dress, but I thought it was just a formal dinner.” She laughed, a happy sound I hadn’t heard from her in the eight years I’ve known her. I took a moment to preen over the fact that I helped put that sound there.

“When’s the wedding?” I asked. Sher dropped her hand.
“July after graduation.”

“But that’s over a year away!”

“We want to get the undergrad stuff out of the way first. This way, we can have about a month to get everything settled before we start our post-grad studies. I’ve spoken with the dean of Sciences, she’s assured me the lab job I asked about will be open and my chances are good. A lot of my classmates are heading elsewhere for post-grad studies, they’re glad I’m staying here.” I sighed and shook my head.

“One of THE most romantic things to happen to a woman happened to you yesterday and you’re being practical.”

“I’m always practical, Candy.” Sher turned her head to give me a look. “But if it’s any consolation, I doubt I’ll get much sleep tonight.”

“SLUMBER PARTY!!!” I shrieked, bouncing to my feet. Grabbing my keys, I stuffed my feet into shoes and snagged my purse as I ran for the door. “I’ll be back with supplies!” I yelled over my shoulder, ignoring the groans.