Christmas at the Hakamichis - Chapter 4

(This is part of a multi-chapter story, if you haven't read the first one, go to https://pastebin.com/PzrjVgR8, or click my name 'MREN' on the top left to continue where you're at in the story!)

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I wake up and look at the clock. Eleven. It takes me a second to even realize we're 11 AM, not late at night; I slept over twelve hours? Yesterday had been even harder than I thought, with all the walking around and log splitting. When I get to the kitchen, everyone is already there, eating. Guessing they let me sleep. They're almost done too, so I just sit and grab a bite, after a simple 'Good morning' to the group, and a nod to Shizune. I find that I'm not very hungry. I didn't want to eat too much anyway, best leave some room for supper; There should be plenty to eat, as is usually the case for Christmas. Plus some chocolate, and other sweets.

The afternoon is uneventful; It looks like everyone is trying to preserve their energy for the day ahead of us, though I'm not sure it'll be all that much. Supper, gift exchange... what else? I doubt Jigoro will be all about singing Christmas carols, though this is amusing to picture him like that, and I try my best not to laugh about it. At some point Akira decides to put some movie on, and we all gather around. Subtitles are on for Shizune, but it doesn't look like she really cares either way. She's barely looking at the screen to even read them. Lilly doesn't seem too interested in the movie either, but she doesn't seem to like watching - or rather, listening to - movies in general. Neither does the rest of the group, really. Looks like most of us are only using the movie as an excuse to sit on the couch and do nothing all day long. Jigoro leaves every other scene to do some work around the house. I feel bad about not doing anything, and with anyone else I'd probably offer to help, but with Jigoro it's probably a bad idea, so I don't bother. Hideaki seems restless too. I suppose I should've expected this. Despite everything else he may be, he's also a kid on Christmas. He's certainly gonna get some gifts from his family, on top of the gift exchange, and he's visibly excited. I hope no one gives him the same games I got him. But I know Shizune won't, and I don't think his father would buy him video games.

After the movie, we still have some time to kill, so I retreat to my room, to finish a book I've started a few days ago, some fantasy story, in a 'choose your own adventure' format. I turn page after page mindlessly, waiting for time to pass. Reading has become so natural to me, that I feel like I have to focus less when reading a book, than I have to when watching a movie.

Eventually I turn the last page - one of the possible last pages anyway. I think I've made a mistake somewhere along the way. Picked the wrong option, and the hero died. Ah well. I look at the clock again. Almost five. I can smell something cooking in the oven, so I should probably start getting ready. I grab some clothes, my toothbrush, and head to the bathroom. Someone's in there. I turn back to go to the second bathroom - Not a mansion, Shizune, I know - but the door opens, only a few inches;

Lilly: 'Hello?'

I can see her, standing there holding the handle, only half her body behind the door; She's only wearing a white towel around her, and water is slowly dripping from her long, blonde hair, and it doesn't look like her arms and legs are dry either. I do my best to avoid looking at anything but her eyes, but it's difficult; The towel is quite short, barely covering half her thighs, and not much more above her breasts either, her shoulders bare. I feel like such a pervert. I always feel a bit guilty about looking at her like that, even when she's fully dressed up, given that she can't see me doing it. But it's hard not to watch; She's quite a sight, wearing only that towel, with her hair and skin just slightly wet. I should probably stop staring and reply something...

Hisao: 'Oh... Hi Lilly! You done here? I was about to go upstairs.'

The way she reacts, moving a bit further behind the door, I'm guessing she only heard someone coming in her direction, and didn't think it was me; My room is next to Shizune, she probably thought it was her cousin. Well, this is awkward. She takes a second coming up with something to say.

Lilly: 'Hisao? I'm afraid I still need some time here.'

She runs her right hand through her hair as if to illustrate a point; I guess these takes time to dry, and she needs to dress up after that, she's probably in for a while. I excuse myself, and leave for the other bathroom, as she closes the door. This second bathroom is a bit smaller, though it easily dwarves the bathroom at my parent's house. My parent's house? It's weird to say it like that. It's probably the first time I've called it anything other than 'my house'. With graduation coming in, I'm getting closer and closer to the point where I'll need a house of my own. Or at least an apartment. Well, I suppose I'll need a job first. And to finish university. In the meantime, I should probably focus on taking a shower and getting ready for Christmas. Still, I wonder where these new thoughts came from.

Having a shower to myself feels nice, after Yamaku. Here, Kenji is less likely to come out of nowhere and ask me for money, though I don't entirely put it past him. I stay under the warm water for a time, then hop off the shower, and dry myself up. I wasn't really sure what kind of clothes I should wear for Christmas... Is it very formal here? Or a light, very friendly meeting? I probably should've asked Shizune, but in any case, I don't have that many options, with the clothes I brought here. I put on my best suit, but keep it unbuttoned. No tie either, though I keep one in my pocket, just in case it is that formal. I'm a bit nervous about coming to the table and seeing them all wearing jeans and t-shirts. Not that it would be terrible to be dressed properly, but I know they'd tease me about it all night long. It certainly would be worse if they're all dressed for the event, and I'm the only one wearing casual clothes, I suppose. In any case, I expect Lilly to be well dressed; She always is, when she's not in Yamaku's uniform; And even that, she wears with more class than most, with the bow in her hair, and her natural elegance.

I take a good look in the mirror, making sure I'm presentable. Ah, should be good enough. I open the door, and find Shizune on the other side. Not sure if she was waiting for me, or just walking by; She's dressed in a Christmas theme, with a plaid skirt, red tights - no shoes on - and a green shirt adorned with a cartoonish reindeer. That's so very like her; Doing the proper thing, in her own childish way. It definitely suits her, anyway; She's adorable. I think about signing that to her, but I know how much she'd hate that. Then again, this makes me want to sign it even more. So we stay there a bit, me wondering what to say, if anything, and Shizune looking at me, and smiling.

Shizune: [You look great!]

Hisao: [Thanks. You look great too! I should've brought Christmas clothes.]

Shizune: [No, you're perfect. Let's go!]

She grabs my arm and drags me to the kitchen, smiling all the way. She's visibly excited. When we get there, I see that three of them are there already. Guess it explains why Shizune was waiting for me at the door, we're almost ready. I'm pleased to see that I'm not the only one not dressed in Christmas clothes, that would've been awkward. Hideaki is dressed a bit like me, maybe just a bit more casual, but not anything like his usual style. It's funny that he's usually wearing very girly clothes, but now, for a festive holiday reunion, he's more err should I say, normal? He even has his hair cut a bit shorter. His father is in his normal clothes. I don't think he bothered changing at all, and he still got his sword with him.

Lilly, like Shizune, went with the red and green; Only, her pants are a dark green, and with a red blouse, the contrast with Shizune is apparent. Not only with the colors being switched around, but with the style; Light, childish for Shizune, and serious, mature for Lilly. I don't know how Lilly could've known about Shizune's colors, so I'm only gonna assume some laws of the universe are making sure Shizune and Lilly are always opposed in everything. Unless, of course, these laws of the universe were enforced by Akira's helping hand; She probably helped Lilly find something Christmassy... Did she think it'd be funny to have her dress that way, to contrast Shizune? Speaking of the devil...

Akira walks into the kitchen, and I'm stunned. She's not in her business suit, for starters. Even if I've grown used to her not wearing it much this week, I still expected her to have it on today, but that's not what surprised me; She's wearing a dress. Of the three girls, she's definitely the one I least expected to show up in a dress. After the business suit at Yamaku, the casual clothes here, and then the metal band shirt, I thought nothing could surprise me anymore, but if she came in wearing a space suit, I'm not sure it would've been more shocking than this. A long black dress, strapped on the front. Might not look very Christmas, but her elegance makes up for it. Fully aware to be at the center of attention, she does a little dance, and turn around so we can see the dress better; The straps go around her neck, leaving her shoulders and the top of her back bare for us to see; A small rose is pinned to one of the straps. And when I look at Akira dancing around, I can see that she's even wearing heels! She's always been a bit of an "all-or-nothing" kind of girl, but I never expected to see her like that. Not that I mind, of course; She's gorgeous.

I wonder if I should say something. Lilly can't see, and Shizune can't speak, or at least not directly, and I don't expect Hideaki to say anything about her. Same with Jigoro. I'm not sure if a compliment would be appropriate, so I settle for a simple greeting. Safer.

Hisao: 'Hey Akira!'

She walks to me and punches me on the shoulder. I should consider wearing spaulders... It's dangerous to hang around this girl.

Hisao: 'What's that for now?'

Akira: 'That's for staring at me, you big perv!'

I know she's just teasing me, but I still feel the need to defend myself.

Hisao: 'I wasn't staring! I was just surprised.'

She just laughs at this and takes her seat at the table, not replying anything. Not knowing what else to say, I sit as well, followed by the rest of the group but Jigoro, who I assume is in charge of the food. When I see how much there is, I think to myself that it could probably feed three times as many people. There's so much, of everything too. I wonder if some of it comes from his hunts. We've barely eaten anything, when Akira stands up, shakes her feet a bit, then, with a kicking motion, send her heels flying toward the door, one at a time, where they fall amongst other shoes and boots. Looking at us and realizing how weird that was, she explains;

Akira: 'That's about how much I can take.'

Well, she did keep them on for about five minutes. Even wearing heels and a dress, Akira will always be Akira, I suppose. The rest of the supper goes on quietly, and when everyone's done, Hideaki's the first one to speak up about the gifts; Jigoro grumbles a little, but stand up nonetheless, and invites us over in the next room, where we placed all our gifts, under a large Christmas tree. We all sit around, on the couch, and some chairs. I take a chair for myself, same as Jigoro, and the three girls sit on the couch, with Hideaki. Shizune takes a red hat from a bag, and a long fake beard, then look at the group. Hideaki speaks up before she has to sign it;

Hideaki: 'Who is gonna be Santa?'

Oh. I guess this is a tradition here. A few faces turn toward Jigoro, as if it was the natural thing for the oldest one to do it. But he turns to the side and looks away. Either he's just ignoring us, or he's trying to show his disgust at the idea of being Santa. Or he wanted to make sure we could all see that he's still carrying his sword, and is willing to use it. I'm not sure which it is, but it's best not to ask him.

Akira: 'Oh! I almost forgot the most important thing!'

She says that, stand up and walk back to the kitchen before anyone says anything. Somehow I think that 'the most important thing' is making sure someone else is named the day's Santa while she isn't in the room. I'm debating going with her, 'to help', but she comes back quickly, her hands full. Alcohol. Of course. She fills three glasses with wine, and hand two over to Shizune and Lilly. She gives Jigoro a large bottle that looks like beer, and hand me the same; No label. Either it's poison, he's finally getting rid of me... Or it's homemade beer. I'm not sure which is more terrifying. I take a sip; Strong. I try not to show Jigoro my reaction. Not only to avoid him calling me something derogatory again, but also to avoid insulting his beer. It's fine. I'll just drink it slowly. She gives Hideaki something that looks like fruit punch, and he looks a bit disappointed not to get his first alcoholic drink, but he doesn't say anything. I don't suspect he'll get anything like that for a few more years. Not from his family, anyway. When everyone's settled, we continue where we left off.

Akira: 'So, we found someone yet? How about you Shortie?'

Hideaki thinks about it for a bit, then acquiesces. He puts on the hat and beard, and walk to the Christmas tree, to pick a gift. Hideaki being a kid, I expected him to open his own gift first, but instead, he picks an average sized box, wrapped in blue, and brings it to his father.

Hideaki: 'From me!'

Well, I suppose he's the kind of person who'd rather see the reaction to his gift, than open his own. Jigoro hastily tears through the paper and opens the box. A large hunting knife. I don't know much about hunting, but it looks quite nice. Heavy too, but that shouldn't be a problem for him. Somehow I don't think they'd sell such a knife to a kid, so I guess Akira bought it for him. Might have been her idea as well. Or maybe not. Hideaki probably knows his father well enough, and is certainly closer to him, than Akira is, or even Shizune. Jigoro examines the blade a moment, first with his eyes, then by testing the edge with his thumb, drawing a bit of blood, but this only makes him smile approvingly.

Jigoro: 'Sharp! Thank you, son.'

He pulls him into a hug, and I'm not sure which of them looks more awkward. Hideaki Santa's outfit makes the scene look a bit ridiculous, but at least everyone's in a good mood. As soon as they're done, Hideaki walks - almost runs - back to the tree, and pick his own gift. Well, I guess his patience could only last for one gift. "To Hideaki, from Hisao", he reads on the small Christmas themed card I glued on the gift. I've never been one for elaborate holidays wishes, I suppose, and him being Hideaki, I didn't really know what else to write. From the look of it, a few of the gifts don't seem to have a card at all, so I don't think it's that big a deal.

I take another sip of my beer - Yep. Still strong - while he's opening the box. I notice that everyone's drinking at a faster pace, all but Shizune are done with their wine, and herself not that far off. Jigoro is already on his second beer, when I'm not even done with a third of mine. Another sip. I'd never outdrink him, but I can at least try to keep up with him a little better.

Hideaki finally manages to open the box, and takes the video games to have a look at them, a smile on his face.

Hideaki: 'Thanks Hisao! ...Can I go play right now?'

Akira: 'Woah, hold on Santa, there's more than two gifts for you to give!'

Hideaki looks a bit disappointed, but puts them back on a small table nearby, in their box. Well, at least he likes them, I suppose. I wonder if I should give him a hug... probably not? Lilly takes the thought off my mind when she speaks up;

Lilly: 'What was it?'

Oh. Right, she probably feels a bit left out, not knowing what the gifts are. She might think it's just some toys. I look at Hideaki, see if he wants to answer this, but he doesn't seem like he's about to say anything.

Hisao: 'Videogames. Adventure, puzzle games, that kind of thing. Oh, and Jigoro got a hunting knife.'

Soon as the words leave my mouth, I can't help but think... was it right to call him by his first name? Should I have gone with Hakamichi? Mr. Hakamichi? I've spent a week here, but I can't say I've grown much closer to him. I look at him just in time to see his eyes narrow, but he doesn't say anything. I might survive the day.

I drink some more of that beer, getting used to the taste now... Then I realize that someone else might feel left out, and I hurriedly signs the last few bits of conversation we've had, to Shizune. Hideaki goes to the tree again, and hesitates in front of the gifts. He probably doesn't care all that much now that the two gifts that mean anything to him are gone, and I'm not sure we're gonna be able to keep him here much longer. He eventually takes a small envelope and brings it to Akira, who opens it to find a card, and what looks like admission tickets, to... Who knows what. She reads the card first.

Akira: 'Let's see this. "To the lovely Akira, by... my dearest sister".'

Lilly smiles, but says nothing. That's probably not what's on the card, and Akira is just teasing. Come to think of it, Lilly probably had someone write it for her. I wonder who did, unless she simply asked some store's employee. She reads the tickets before announcing, all smiles :

Akira: 'Two tickets to ****** ****'s show!'

I'm not sure I got that. Definitely not a japanese band. Didn't even sound like English, unless I'm even worse than I thought in that language. I look at Shizune, to see if she needs translation, but she's not looking at me, so I guess she doesn't. Or don't really care about what band it is. Not that I could tell her anyway. Akira is sitting on the other end of the couch, so she walks to Lilly.

Akira: 'Give me a hug, will ya!'

Lilly is about to stand up, but Akira simply crashes on the couch next to her, and, after giving her a second to make up what happened, she wraps her in a hug, resting her head against Lilly's. As different as they are, they seem really close as sisters. I think they probably would hang out as friends, even if they were not related.

Akira: 'Thanks Lilly! I like them, can't wait to see them live!'

Lilly: 'My pleasure.'

Akira: 'Now I only need to find someone to come with me.'

I thought she would go with her boyfriend, but I suppose he might not like the genre. And Lilly most definitely would not, if it's the kind of band I assume it is, anyway.

Hideaki: 'Next!'

I've rarely seen him that excited, though I wonder how much of that is about the gifts still to come, and not just about leaving to play with his new games. He picks up a pile of red boxes, all wrapped in the same paper, obviously meant for the same person, and takes them to Lilly. Akira, still sitting next to her, interfere, grabbing the top two boxes, and grins;

Akira: 'More gifts coming my way? Lucky me!'

Hideaki places the rest of the boxes in Lilly's hands, and reads the card to Lilly; 'From Shizune'

Lilly: 'Is it fragile?'

I'm about to sign it, but Shizune apparently doesn't need it, signing first;

Shizune: [There's some bottles in there. It's not wrapped much.]

I tell as much to Lilly, and when she's done with the paper, I can see it; The small boxes aren't even closed, and not taped either. For all their little feuds, Shizune still cares enough about her cousin to make it easier for her. I suppose that's a start. And when all boxes are unwrapped, with Akira's help, there doesn't seem to be any books on "Projects management: How to respect deadlines, for dummies", so I'm guessing Shizune was in a good mood. Come to think of it... Where are these larger boxes that Shizune was apparently willing to defend with her life, yesterday in the parking lot? I see different flavors of tea in there, and some beauty stuff, bubble baths, perfumes and what not... But nothing that required these large boxes. Were they really empty, and Shizune was just playing an act? If she was, she deserves an award for her performance; She looked genuinely terrified about me looking inside these ones.

While I'm thinking about this and what that could've been, another thought crosses my mind; There's only two people left for my gift. Akira and... Jigoro. Fifty-Fifty. Do I feel lucky? Akira excuses herself and leaves quickly, so I take her place at Lilly's side, to help her read labels, and when we're done, put everything back into boxes. Akira comes back then, with more beer and wine in hand. She gives me a second bottle and waits there impatiently so I finish my first one real fast. I'm beginning to get, well, a little tipsy. I didn't have much experience with alcohol, and whatever's in these bottles is a bit on the strong side. I've got accustomed to the taste by then, and take a gulp of my new beer, while Akira is walking around, filling everyone's glasses. It's a bit funny to see her walk barefoot like that, wearing such an elegant dress. I don't want to get caught staring at her - again - so to distract myself, I drink some more of my beer. I could get used to that... But I'm not sure if it's a good thing.

When Lilly's done, she thanks Shizune, and I translate for her, though it wasn't necessary. Hideaki then moves to take another gift under the tree, but Akira stops him, pushing him back onto the couch.

Akira: 'Hang in there, Shortie, I got this one!'

He doesn't voice any protest, obviously not caring about any of this anymore, only waiting for it to be over so he can play with his new games. Akira picks up one of the gifts, a medium sized rectangular box, and says cheerily :

Akira: 'And that one's from... Me!'

She walks in my direction... Wait. Shizune's direction. Or right between us. Damn it. She's making sure I can't tell who's the gift for... Which means she knows I'm nervous about getting a gift from Jigoro. I'm not sure what I gave away, but she picked up on it fast. Being a lawyer, it probably helps to be able to read people that easily. Before I can think too much about it, she finally turns just a bit in my direction, and hold the box in front of her, a grin on her face. Saved by Akira, again. Third time, is it? Though I suppose that one was not of her doing, and just the luck of the draw.

I'm about to put my beer away to deal with the gift when Akira takes it from my hand, replace it with the box she was holding, then brings the bottle to her lips and takes a sip.

Hisao: 'Hey! That's my beer!'

Akira: 'Just having a taste, that's all!'

She looks at me and smiles, again. It's like she's teasing me, waiting to see if I'm gonna say or do anything. When she realizes that I won't, she takes another gulp... and another... until she's drank the rest of it without stopping to breathe, or to put the bottle down. I feel like a wimp, having her outdrink me like that.

Akira: 'Damn, that's good stuff! You should not let anyone take this away from you!'

Hisao: 'I'll keep that in mind... Thanks.'

I'm not sure what else I could say to save my dignity, so I end up saying nothing, and I focus on the gift box in my hand. No card. I suppose she didn't know what to write, and didn't want to go with something generic like I did for Hideaki. The wrapping's a bit messy, but then again, so was mine. I rip it off, to find a box wrapped in so much scotch tape, and even duct tape, that she obviously did it as a joke, to make me struggle opening it.

Hisao: 'And thanks for that, I guess.'

Akira: 'My pleasure!'

If's funny how both Satou's sisters are saying this, with two vastly different meanings; Lilly uses it as a polite, sincere reply to people thanking her... While Akira is just teasing with it.
While I'm busy cutting at the tape with a pair of scissors, she leaves to get me another beer - guilty over stealing mine? - and one for herself. I thank her again and take a big gulp before, finally, opening the box.

Inside, I find a huge pile of music CDs. I take a look at the first one. Justin Bieber. I don't think I've ever listened to any of his songs, unless they just played them on the radio... But I've heard a bit about him. I think he has a reputation as a terrible singer, in America.

Akira: 'All his albums! You happy?'

When I look at Akira, trying not to have a puzzled look on my face, I understand right away, with her smile, that this one was just a joke. So I take a look at the other ones. Some classical music from all the great composers, some famous bands from the 60's and 70's, and recent stuff as well, some from bands I don't recognize. There's a bit of everything in there; Rock, metal, some genres I can't even put a name on. She probably didn't know what I liked, so she got me a varied collection. There seems to be a lot of bands that should be to her liking, I think I see the one that was on her shirt, the other day, or maybe their logos are just similar.

Akira: 'Told ya I'd show you what real music is like! So, you like them?'

I don't really know much about them, but the look on my face is probably one of curiosity, not of disdain.

Hisao: 'Well I'm gonna have to listen to them I suppose. I don't think I've heard of any of these metal bands before.'

She looks at me like I told her the sky was red, and then goes on a lengthy explanation about how most of these aren't 'metal', some of them being punk, others being industrial or progressive, also apparently there's like a thousand kinds of metal bands. I'm not sure how much I followed. My tastes in music were always simple, either I like, or I don't; Regardless of the label. I might enjoy these, we'll see. I could put one on right now, but this Christmas gift exchange might not be the right time to listen to these metal bands, or industrial, whatever that might be.

Hisao: 'Thanks Akira! Can't wait to listen to them!'

Akira: 'You're welcome... Oh! Almost forgot. You get that too.'

She takes a bag that was resting on the side of the couch, and hand it to me. Looks like clothes. Last minute purchase? I pull a large, black hoodie from the bag, and when I look at it, the logo reminds me of that metal band shirt she had on, a few days ago. Skulls, a scythe, a few guns, a devil. Probably another metal band - or the same. It's either that, or she just recruited me in her criminal gang, and that's our logo.

Hisao: 'Looks comfortable! Thanks! Again.'

Akira: 'You're welcome! Again.'

She has a large smile on her face, not her usual grin, and her voice seems to be a bit higher than usual, though she was always very confident, and usually cheerful. She seems to be in a good mood. I wonder how much of that comes from her gift, and the promise of watching one of her favorite band live, from this time spent with her family, and how much comes from the alcohol she's drinking. She's almost done with her third beer already, and she's had some wine before. Not wanting to be too far behind, I take another gulp of my beer.

Just one gift left. Hideaki moves to get it, but his father stands up and put his beer down.

Jigoro: 'Hang on. I've got something for you before we continue.'

Ah, I'd been thinking about whether he would have something else for his children, on top of this Secret Santa thing. Seems like he does. He leaves the room and come back a minute later with a small box, and hand it to his son. Hideaki opens it fast, surprised and visibly happy to have another gift, after spending so much time with us when he wanted nothing more than leaving to try the video games I gave him. Inside he finds a camera, and while I don't know much more about these than about metal bands or hunting knives, it looks to be high quality. Which means it's probably very expensive. My gift to Hideaki might pale a bit in comparison, but I couldn't expect to rival with Jigoro in spending; Hideaki seemed to like them, and he'll surely have fun with them anyway, that's all that matter I think.

After they've spent some time looking at different settings, and taking a few pictures, they move on to the last gift, for Shizune. A large but very flat box. Before the camera, I might have guessed something like a small pile of books... But now I'm pretty sure I know what's in there; And when Shizune confirms my thoughts when she opens the box. A brand new laptop. That's quite a gift, even for his daughter. It'll certainly help with her studies, among other things. She's visibly delighted by the gift, and smiles at her father, before giving the laptop a try. She spends a few minutes playing around with settings, some programs already installed on it, before turning it off.

Shizune: [Thank you! I like it.]

I'm not sure this really needs translation, but I have to do my duty I guess.

Hisao: [She says she likes it. She...]

Jigoro: [You're welcome... This... Two things for you.]

My first thought is, instinctively, to translate this for the group.
My second thought is that this was signed terribly; 'Two things' was probably meant to be 'Second gift'. Reminds me of my first few times signing, always trying to find words to use in lieu of the actual ones that I didn't know how to sign.
But my third thought is... Wait, what?
I look around the room, and from the expressions on everyone's faces, no one knew about this, or expected it. Even Lilly seems to know something's happening, though she can't know what exactly;

Shizune: [...what? How?]

It probably took her fifteen seconds just to sign these two simple words. I've never seen her like that. Her, who can sign grand declarations, so fast that Misha can barely follow. Is this sign language's equivalent of being speechless?

Jigoro, perhaps unable to sign his reply properly, just pulls a sheet of paper from his pocket, and hand it over to his Shizune. She takes a quick look at it, smiles and drop it on the floor, before walking over to her father, and giving him a hug; He hugs her back, and turn his head slightly to the side, as if embarrassed that we could see him in a moment like that; Tender, fatherly, and not just yelling people around. Come to think of it, this is probably the most fatherly I've ever seen him.

I grab the sheet of paper from the floor, and read it; Some sign language class. Where did he find the time for that, with his son to raise, his business to run... And his autobiography to write, I suppose. I now realize that, as touching as this moment can be, today isn't the day where Jigoro was a father the most; Not today with this revelation, or any other day this week, when he (barely) tolerated my presence to make Shizune happy... But rather, the days, weeks before that, when he learned sign language not for himself, but for his daughter.

I turn to explain the situation to Lilly, not sure exactly how to explain it, but I see that Akira is already on it, whispering softly into Lilly's ear, apparently trying to avoid doing anything that might disturb this moment in any way. When I turn my attention back to Shizune, she's signing with her father, and while he seems to have a bit of trouble following her, she's slowed down her usual signing pace quite a bit. Part of me wants to offer my help, but I'm not sure that'd be a good idea now. They're having a father/daughter moment, and I doubt they've had many of those in these past few years. Just throwing a glance at them and catching on some of the words, there seems to be some personal stuff in there. I kinda feel guilty about err, eavesdropping, so I turn away and let them at their discussion, and drink some more of my beer. I apparently have a new one in hand, though I'm not sure where it came from exactly. Today has been a lot of fun. Everyone got something he wanted, or at least, could use. I'm also quite excited about trying these CDs. I'm not sure I'll like them, but the intent was there at least.

Eventually, Shizune and her father come back to the group, we clean up the room of all the wrapping paper, bottles of beer and glasses, and, after a few more hugs, thanks, and good wishes, it seems people are ready to go to bed. Well, some of us are, anyway. Hideaki is the first to leave, and as I don't really see him going out to take pictures at this hour, he's probably going on his computer to try his new games. Lilly and Shizune follow next, and then Jigoro. I'm about to leave too, when I feel a hand on my shoulder.

Akira: 'Wait a minute!'


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End of the fourth chapter. (Next chapter: https://pastebin.com/tyfmFydA )