Let's go out to eat.

You walked Akiko out. The weather was as bad as you recalled it being when you first left the hotel. It was also busier. But, not with people...It was mostly RTE personnel and Deadwood’s “police” units. You didn’t ask what was happening since you figured it had something to do with Kenji’s engagement. The only upside to being outside was that you were finally away from that blasted theater, where the atmosphere was heavy and invasive.

At first, you were walking around aimlessly, talking to Akiko the best you could about some of the smaller aspects of your life, when she finally got tired of that and asked where you were planning on taking her for a meal. Her question was blunt, there no more delays in your leading. Luckily, it seemed you had burned just enough time to accidentally stumble over the more “tourist” side of town. There were people here, not just RTE or guards either, but actual men and women with their children. The air was joined by a welcoming cinnamon scent too, which indicated definite food.

“Ah, this is where I was trying to get to,” you lied. She asked where you heard about this first, but you were quick, “The booklet in my hotel room mentioned that this where they focused their catering efforts.”

Akiko looks at you suspiciously. She probably had a booklet in her hotel room too and probably didn’t see your so-called discovery in her search. However, once she inhaled, she perked up, no doubt smelling the sweet foods and savory/greasy options too. The look of distrust is soon replaced with one that is more willing and playful. “So, what else did you read in that booklet of yours?”

You could play it off from here. You could see with a single glance that this would be pretty easy to freehand, so that's what you started to do. “We can just see what kind of stands there are. Pick and choose which ones look the best.”

She hugged herself as a strong breeze suddenly whipped around you both. She closed herself and snuggled closer. “I’m not going to be picky right now. You pick and I’ll follow.”

“That’s a lot of trust for a guy like me, Akiko.” You tell her, continuing your walk towards the stores and outlets. “I don’t even know what your preferred pallet is.”

“Anything savory. Uhm, salty and warm.” She thinks for a moment. “I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure of having ramen or any kind of fresh meat since leaving California. It’s all been frozen, packed, or instant.” She says, sounding somewhat depressed.

“I’ll see what I can do for you, but no promises.” You tell her, feeling the grip of your pistol. The quarters were getting a little tight now.

You both swiftly manage the crowd and check a few stores that have big windows for you to look into. There are a lot of pastry options to pick from, but you aren’t really sure if that’s what you want. Breakfast at the hotel usually consisted of coffee and some of toast, so you were aiming for something more...filling and meal-worthy.

“This weather is crazy!” Akiko finally snaps. “Let’s go here and find a seat.” The tip of her nose was red with her cheeks. You figured she was bundled up enough for the weather, but you guess not.

The person at the entrance of the door looks like he’s about to fall asleep, but as soon as he sees the color of the tie and the person you are with, he perks up and works himself into a bright and welcoming smile. “Hello! How is everyone doing today?”

“Cold,” Akiko murmurs under her breath.

“We’re fine, Just trying to find a place to eat.” You tell him.

“Just for 2?” he asks, reaching for the menus.

You and Akiko both nod. He swipes 2 menus and tells you to follow him. You pass a few tables and are eventually led upstairs, a more secluded part of the restaurant as it looms above all the others. This seemed to be reserved for special guests. “Alright, I’ll give you a few moments to decide on what you want to eat, but in the meantime would you like anything to drink?”

“Water,” Akiko answers.

“Ah, yes...I’ll have water too.”

“Great!” The man snaps with a smile. “I will be right back with your waters and I can take your order!”

As soon as he leaves, Akiko groans. “Finally. I’ll get some decent food. Thank you, Warren.”

“It’s my pleasure.” You tell her, which makes her smile somewhat. “I protect better what I know.” For some reason, that makes her smile fade. She clears her throat and looks somewhere else, now looking incredibly uninterested.

You fidget and do what she’s doing as you rack your thoughts together. What should you ask now? Akiko isn’t like any other girls you’ve spoken to. She’s more...civilized and what you imagined people were like before the nuclear conflict.

“So,” you begin, bringing her attention back to you. “What’s Japan like?”

She perks a little bit, looking a little patriotic. “It’s clean. In order. And very bright. It’s nothing like it is here, which is dirty, in disarray, and let’s be honest...Dark in more ways than one.”

“Yeah? What examples do you have?”

She squints, missing the sarcastic tone of your question at the first pass, then she smiles again. She then shrugs. “Listen, I didn’t really spend a lot of time on the mainland. I’m fortunate to be in the position where I get to not just leave Okinawa, but also see the rest of the world.”

“What’s wrong in Okinawa?” You show interest, but she shows none.

“It’s a little less fortunate, let’s just leave at that for now.” Akiko becomes flustered - you didn’t expect that to deject her so much, so you quickly close it off.

“How was California?” You already knew the answer, more or less, but you wanted to hear her take on too.

“Depends,” she answers. “The Calianse are much better off than the natives and the Sunzones feel like an extension of actual Japan. But, I- I dunno! I usually stayed inside or went out with Sachio. I didn’t really want to go around the tame part of the world. Being out here is like being on a safari or something. You never know what you are going to see.”

She starts to fiddle with her fingers before she continues. “California was fine, but I didn’t really care about it. Lots of soldiers, lots of people, lots of trading. Don’t tell me you haven’t seen a place like that.”

“Not when it’s controlled by the Japanese government. The American East is pretty closed out, the expectation being Neo Torch, of course.”

“Haven’t been there, but you’re not the first to say that. How bad is it?”

“It’s not as bad as some other people try to make it to be. Most of old-world Manhattan is under control, along with the Bronx, Brooklyn, and now The New Queen.”

Akiko hadn’t left your eyes. Her interest was gradually increasing the longer you went on. You never expected someone from Japan would be so entertained by American politics. Delilah had once mentioned wanting to visit Neo Torch a few times before, as well as California and the Lone Republic. Knowing she’s hooked, you are about to tell her even more, but your waiter returns to take your meals and to serve you your drinks.

In general silence, you both begin eating your food. A few comments were made about your meal, mainly about the quality, the presentation, and the speed at which it was delivered.

Finally, Akiko sighs and looks up at you. “I used to hang out with someone that hated going out to eat. He was stuck up too and never liked paying for anything.” Her lips curl playfully. “Perhaps now I can finally go out as recent as I desired with you around.”

You knit your brows. “Your boyfriend?”

Her eyes quickly dart to yours. “You can’t be.”

A rush of heat washed over your cheeks. “No, I meant- the person you were talking about; was that your boyfriend?”

She forces a chuckle as she adverts her gaze. “Oh! Right! Sorry! I- I mean, he kinda was, but it was more because I was lonely, and I thought he and I had more in common. I’ve been keeping to myself since I broke up with him.”

You’re glad you didn’t have to awkwardly ask if she was seeing anyone, but at the same time, you wonder if it would be worth the risk to attempt anything with Akiko anyway. She brushes her hair behind her ear and pokes into her food. “It’s because I am so focused on my work. I probably looked like a jerk to him, but honestly, I couldn’t care less now that I’m here.”

She brings the food to her mouth, allowing you some time to chase her. “Some people are just born with that mindset. Not everyone is compatible for a serious relationship.”

She smiles suspiciously. “You don’t need to tell me that. I already figured that out. Thanks, though?”

The rest of the meal feels much more fluid. You both chat through the entirety of the dinner. If it weren’t for the events before coming here, you probably would have attempted to make this a regular thing with her, with or without company. You liked her a lot, and if you didn’t know any better, it seemed like she liked you too!

The waiter eventually returns with the check. You reach for your wallet, prepared to pay for the whole dinner. Akiko’s quick tongue snaps at you. “I’ll pay for myself. Don’t strain yourself with too much here, Visser.”

If she insists…

After paying, you leave, embracing the colder weather outside. The first few steps are met with disgust. “Ugh! Iyana!”

You make it back to the theater in record time. The last few blocks, Akiko practically ran to the building, seeking shelter from the miserable weather. When you pass the threshold of the doors, she’s greeted by several dancers, including Sachio. They take her in as though they had been looking for her. There are few glances in your direction, but you can’t read the expressions. Akiko gives each member of her “family” a light squeeze as they herd around her. You start feeling kind of bad for taking her out.

Kenji comes out, looking more tired than usual. As he walks past the crowd, he gives in a glance before looking at you. He points his chin down, shooting you a wink as soon as he gets within 6 feet of you. “Good job.”

“Likewise.” You snap your fingers and point at him, offering a smile.

“Japanese are taking over for a while. I’ll be taking a break in the meantime. You should probably find a contract in the meantime, keep yourself busy or something productive.”

You join him as he reaches for the door to leave. “You guys still do contracts in this weather?”

“Bad weather makes targets static. Being in Deadwood means there’ll always be a headquarters to retreat to.” Kenji shields himself from the wind before he continues. “You seem diverse in your talents. You helped McKinley save us, know how to protect people, and handled yourself in a gunfight. Not to mention, you can sing pretty while.”

“Oh yeah, singing has saved me more than once,” you remark, entering the hotel. “Listen, if you’re gonna take a break, I might as well too, right?”

Kenji shrugs. “You could, but I recommend you continue work, but I’m not your fucking dad, so I won’t tell you what to do.”