Hands as Words [Chapter 3]
Title: Hands as words
Author:su_ede
Length: About 565 words
Pairing: Matsumoto Jun x OC
Rating: G
Genre: AU - Romance
Disclaimer: I don't own Arashi...or maybe I do, who knows?
Summary: Shizuka is deaf. Jun's strongest point is his ability to talk.
She starts working in his building, just when he was thinking about giving up in the romance field.
The important thing is that they are both curious about each other. There is time to learn how to communicate.
CHAPTER 3
That morning Shizuka had a pleasant surprise.
When she met Jun at the subway station, he greeted her with his hands making the signal of the sun rising from the horizon - Good morning - Shizuka could imagine the wide smile spreading on her face - How are you? - He continued, moving his hands slow but with elegance. Shizuka followed him and answered, moving her hands slower than normal - Very well, and you? - Jun closed his eyes, concentrating with an adorable frown and answered putting the tip of his right fingers together - Very good - Shizuka clapped at him and took off her notepad. [ Ninomiya-san borrowed you his book? ] Jun read the notepad and took his time to answer, Shizuka waited expectant, something in Jun’s face told her that his answer wouldn’t be the honest truth [ I bought my own ] Shizuka was happy to read that, but still, she felt like he was hiding something. [It’s very nice from you Matsumoto-san, If you have any doubt you can ask me ok?]
[ I’ll like you to help me practice ] Jun looked away when Shizuka smiled at him, she didn’t know him that well, but she could bet he was acting shy [It will be my pleasure] She said, with the idea of make him feel a bit less shy. She liked to see his face, it helped her understand what he was saying, thinking, and obviously it was a treat to the eye. It worked, and after some exchanges of the notepad, Jun was finally calm, smiling and looking at her. Curious, attentive, a gentleman. He asked her about Sho. He was curious about her friend. Shizuka told him all she could about him, and put special care in making clear that it was a friend, a brother. A very married brother.
Just in case.
Jun read her story with a smile on his face, especially when she told him how overprotective was Sho when she was a girl, and how horrible he got when she was an adolescent [ I wanted to start going out by myself, face the world without the help of my mom, my dad or him, but he wouldn’t let me, one time, he followed me around Harajuku, of course, I saw him as soon as I leaved my house, you can imagine that my senses are very well developed, well, except my hearing, of course ] Jun laughed with her and asked her directly “ Can I ask you something?” Shizuka nodded energetically, curious. Jun changed the page of her notepad and wrote carefully. His face was full of hesitation when he handed her the notepad, Shizuka had to remove it from his hands [How is it?] Shizuka preferred to directly ask him “Being deaf?” Jun nodded, still doubtful, cautious. Shizuka smiled at him and divided her attention between answer him and enjoy how close Jun was to her since the subway was getting surprisingly packed. [I don’t know another life, so is not like I miss sounds, sure is weird, people move their mouths but I can’t listen a thing, Is just silence, and I like it, so to answer your question, his quite normal, for me] Jun read her answer and wanted to make a comment, but she decided to add something more, so she took the notepad back. She was writing, not holding to anything, when the train came to a sudden halt, some of the salary man’s riding the train landed gracefully against each other, some bags flied and Shizuka, instead of landing in some stranger’s lap, found herself being hold by Jun, strongly attached to his chest. It took the train a couple of seconds to be back in motion. Sadly, because she felt quite comfortable against his hard chest. But the movement of the train took Jun out of his daze and his arms slide from her frame too fast "Sorry" He said, looking shy and cautious again "Thank you" She stared at him for a while, a bit shy, but trying to convey that she was actually grateful for his protective and fast hold. She went back to her writing, hiding her blushing. She could feel Jun’s hand close to her, ready to hold her if it was necessary. She finished writing, finally. Jun grabbed the pad with his right hand and leaved his other hand close to her [But the sounds are still there of course, sometimes I imagine them, based on their vibrations. For example, if I do this…] Jun looked at her, enquiring. Shizuka took a bold move and posed her left hand in Jun’s neck. She felt him jolt in surprise, his pupils dilating and his breath stuck half way his throat "Speak" She commanded in her nasal voice. Jun spoke, a normal greeting, and she smiled. She took her time, with her hand still resting in Matsumoto’s neck, and once she was ready, she grabbed the notepad again and wrote down [I imagine your voice is deep, slightly nasal, definitely, very harmonic ] She imagined it was very sexy too, but kept it for herself.
Jun nodded at her and grabbed the notepad [ I don’t quite like my slightly nasal voice, when I try to talk louder it gets quite high pitched] Shizuka was about to denied all he had just said, but they were at their station. And they were just in time for work, so there was no possibility on keep on the conversation with a cup of coffee. They walked with fast steps to their building, no talking anymore. Their last exchange of words was a ‘have a nice day’.
She couldn’t wait for lunch time, even more when Ninomiya-san told her that he would have lunch with Ohno. Now they could have a nice conversation just Jun and her.
At lunch, their keep up with their talk. Jun would ask and she would answer with no objections. He was curious, and she quite liked that. And Jun was particularly careful with his questions, always polite. A gentleman.
She was answering his last question, Jun wanted to know if she tried a treatment before [Right now there is technology that could help me, I tried it and I hated it, too noisy. Of course some people use it, but I felt like I didn’t need it. I already know how to talk despite all this, with earphones or a cochlear implant I would have to learn again somehow, and I was tired of that. I talked with my family and my speech therapist and we decided to stay just like this] Jun didn’t say a word after that. He only nodded, looking happy? Or it was proud? Shizuka couldn’t tell this time. But he understood what she said, that was sure. They ate their desserts, Jun asked her how to say in sign language random object like dessert, chair, building, etc. He looked very serious, focused, and wrote down all the words Shizuka taught him.
Lunch time was over, and Shizuka had to leave but Jun wasn’t moving fast enough. He looked hesitant and she saw his lips moving, but too fast for her to understand “Matsumoto-san, are you alright?” She asked, and Jun looked honestly scared. Jun opened the notebook where he wrote all the words she taught him and looked at something with his eyebrows tightly knocked in the middle. He took a deep breath and looked at her, very nervous. To her surprise, Jun started moving his elegant hands again - Would you like to go out with me tomorrow after work? - He finished, knocking both of his fist together. Shizuka couldn’t believe it. Maybe she misunderstood it, which was sort of impossible, or maybe Jun had mixed the signs. It was too soon to get happy, especially in that kind of interaction. “You want me to go out with you after work?”
“Yes” Was the only answer she needed. Quickly she accepted the invitation, beaming in her high heels, already wishing it was tomorrow after work
Shizuka went back to her office in a rush. In her way she texted Sho [Are you busy? If not, Skype right now] She turned on her computer as soon as she sat in her desk and opened Skype, Sho was already there with his head resting in his right hand - What is it? -
- Matsumoto asked me out - Sho dropped his chin from his palm and move closer to the camera, gesturing with excitement in his moves - Really? Isn’t it great?, dear god, this is like high school! You calling me because a guy ask you out an all that - Shizuka laughed and felt younger - I know...But is not just that, he is learning sign language, he used sign language to ask me out -
- That is quite remarkable, I kind of like him, just a bit -
- We will go out tomorrow after work, and I’m a bit scared, of myself -
- What do you mean? - Shizuka took a deep breath and started gestured carefully - I mean that I feel very... weak around him, as in my good senses go weak, if he...tries something, I’m going to jump on it - Sho stared at her frowning for a while, trying to decode was what she saying. And once the concept was clear in his mind, his frown stayed there - You think he is going to be like that? You think he is going to try something else on the first date? - Shizuka’s brows copied Sho’s frown. She thought about it. And the answer she came out with was ‘no’. Matsumoto wouldn’t try something else in the first date - Anyway, If he tries something you can always use the bad underwear trick, my wife said she used it with me, you wear your worst underwear under your clothes, so you can stop yourself and think, if he takes my clothes off, he will see that horrible grandma bra and panties - That was the first time Shizuka heard about that trick, and it was brilliant - That is a great idea -
- You thinks so, I honestly couldn’t care less about her underwear but apparently is important - Shizuka nodded thoughtful and cut the video call, wishing Sho a good day.
She had to come back to work, but the heavy pleasant weight she felt in her tummy each time she recalled Jun’s hands asking her out didn’t leave. And got heavier when they met at the subway in their way home.
Jun was sitting at the benches waiting for her. God knows when he finished work, but he was there, waiting for her, because as soon as he saw her, he got up, with a wide smile. And again, he salute her with his elegant hand gestures.
She felt like graving those hands and kiss the tip of his fingers.
The ride was pretty similar to the one in the morning. They kept exchanging messages, this time with Jun’s notepad. She realized it was the same notepad he always used to talk to her. As if he had it especially for that matter.
[Where are we going tomorrow?] Was her first question after they stopped talking about their days [You like Spanish cuisine?] She held her pinky up and moved it up and down - Yes - Jun understood her and again gave her one of his bright smiles.
They kept talking, this time it was Shizuka’s turn to ask. And Jun answered all her questions, with more detail than her. Again, her attention was divided in between reading Jun’s answers and let herself enjoy Jun’s close body, she could smell his cologne and see part of his chest through three opened buttons of his shirt.
Her senses where working at their maximum potency. And it was intoxicating, good intoxicating.
##
Shizuka packed a change of clothes and finished her work earlier so she could go to the bathroom and get ready.
She didn’t want to look like she was trying too hard, but she did wanted to look nice, get a flattering look from Jun maybe. She changed her striped shirt, black capris and leather Vans sneakers for a silk cream shirt, a pleaded grey skirt and black oxford shoes. She let her red hair fall over her shoulders and painted her lips with a dark red shade.
She went back to her office to leave her clothes there and got really nice comments from her coworkers, especially guys. They arranged to meet in the street in front of the building, she was three minutes late. Jun was already there, so she hurried her steps and reached him, pulling his sleeve, calling his attention. Jun turned around and she felt like taking of picture of him, for future generations. He didn’t only look quite dumbfounded by her presence, but also, he had lose the tie and jacket and the three first buttons were open. Those three buttons were turning in to one of her favorite things. “We have to grab a taxi, no more than 10 minutes” It felt like a long while since the last time she had to read Jun’s lips, and she was missing it. “Alright” Jun stopped a taxi and opened the door for her. Shizuka felt like an adolescent suddenly.
Jun was right, it took them only 10 minutes to arrive at ‘Serrano’. A two floor restaurant with big windows and a wide wood door. Shizuka got inside, following Jun, who apparently was already a regular since the waiter gave him a friendly welcome, as if they were old friends. She followed Jun, who put a hand behind her, but without touching her, and guided her inside. Their table was next to a big beautiful stained glass, the tables were rustic and the chairs where maid of wicker and wood. She went back to that month she spend in Spain. They ordered Pan con tomate to start with and as main dish they ordered some prawns. Shizuka wondered for the nth time how they looked to the other people, moving their hands in the hair and writing down in a notepad. Despite how hard could be to communicate for them, they kept on a steady conversation. Jun told her about his high school times and how he ended up working as an event organizer. Talking about work, they reached the traveling issue, and the notepad moved fast from one side to the table to the other. They both went to Spain, which ended in a 30 minute exchange of notepad commenting how in love they were with that country [ Where else have you been?] Asked Jun, already a bit high on wine, just like her [ Paris, Germany and New York, because of work, Spain was the only trip I did for pure pleasure ] Jun posed his hands in front of his face as if reading a book - Studying-
[Yes, and exposing] Jun read it and his eyes went wide “Exposing?!” Shizuka giggled and wrote again [ Yeah, when I finished university I worked with an Italian firm that has offices here in Tokyo, and we exposed an ecofriendly kind of office in New York, and I did a semester in Paris and then I did a master in Berlin, three years ago, I lived there for a year]
[ You have always work with ecofriendly things?]
[ Yes, I mastered on that, it’s the future] Jun nodded at her answer, and brought up a new issue. Shizuka could see how curious he was. And felt a bit frustrated by the whole thing of not being able to hear or talk. But Jun was cooperative with her, with all in fact. He had patience.
He even started learning sign language!
And he had invited her for dinner, to a beautiful place.
Her arachnid sense was telling her something. Hopefully Matsumoto-san had the same arachnid sense so they could move forward a bit faster.
It was almost midnight when they call off the date. After all they had work to do the next day and they had to hurry up so they could grab the last train.
They rode the taxi in silence, the subway too. They sat next to each other, a bit tired to talk, but Shizuka could feel Jun’s muscular arm touching hers. She concentrated on feel his warmth and went through every word exchanged with Jun.
She wanted to lain on his shoulder so badly. Smell his neck, touch his hair.
This was bad.
Jun walked her home, as if it wasn’t good enough yet. They resume their talking. More like Jun started asking her how you said different things they found in their way. Shizuka was beyond happy doing it. And he showed so much interest and meticulousness in learn them the right way that it made her all fluffy inside.
They reached her house after 15 minutes of walking. She wanted to invite him in, but it was late, and Jun looked a bit sleepy, despite his interest in learning.
Also, it was dangerous. But it was the least she could do after walking her home. “Want to go in for a coffee?” She asked, hopping for a positive answer “Sure” He said, a bit too fast. But good.
Shizuka invited him inside her modest suburban house. She wished she could read his thoughts, mostly because she saw him looking at her things, piling up questions inside his mind, for sure. Shizuka went to prepare the coffees and left Jun walking around her living.
She came back to the living room caring a tray with the two coffees and chocolate drops in a cute bowl she bought in Paris. Jun was staring at her music collection, surprised, boiling with curiosity. She went back to her handbag and took the notepad. Jun was still looking at her music records, so she called his attention by pulling his sleeve [ Surprised? You thought I didn't listen to music?] Jun rolled his eyes and grabbed the notepad [ No dummy, but is a big collection] Shizuka pointed at the speakers in the floor and then wrote [Look, see how the speakers are all in the floor?, In that way I can feel the vibrations produced by the music. It's all about the bass and drums. The more bass, the better. That’s why I go for rock and roll and old school jazz] Jun nodded with an understanding frown, pursing his lips turning on the music system. Bobby Mcferryn was playing, she could recognize the vibrations of his voice. Jun smiled at her and walked to the coffee table, sitting at her vintage couch looking at her with unreadable eyes “I feel like I learn so much about you today Kimoto-san” He said taking the cup of coffee to his lips. Shizuka didn’t answer, only smiled at him. He closed his eyes when the liquid slid inside his mouth and Shizuka wished she was that coffee.
TBC
A/N: New chapter sooner than expected because I'll be busy during the week. Hope you like it.
And a bit about the story. Because of my profession, I have had the chance to work with a lot of people with hearing impairment. And every story is different of course. Cases as Shizuka's are very common, since just recently the government started to provide cochlear implants to every newborn that needs it. But people who born before that, had no chance but to learn how to live being deaf. They are very independent. As long as we gave them the tools, they live a normal life.
The sign language that I use and describe here is the one we use here in Chile. Is different in every single country in this world x.x. Also, I did my best to describe the signs, but is hard! Imagine me taking notes at my sign language classes, it was all very abstract.
AND! I change my header. The last one look like them saying "Hey, let's go play" and now it looks as if they are saying "Hey, let's have a bit of the sex". I like it! It has punch.
Author:su_ede
Length: About 565 words
Pairing: Matsumoto Jun x OC
Rating: G
Genre: AU - Romance
Disclaimer: I don't own Arashi...or maybe I do, who knows?
Summary: Shizuka is deaf. Jun's strongest point is his ability to talk.
She starts working in his building, just when he was thinking about giving up in the romance field.
The important thing is that they are both curious about each other. There is time to learn how to communicate.
CHAPTER 3
That morning Shizuka had a pleasant surprise.
When she met Jun at the subway station, he greeted her with his hands making the signal of the sun rising from the horizon - Good morning - Shizuka could imagine the wide smile spreading on her face - How are you? - He continued, moving his hands slow but with elegance. Shizuka followed him and answered, moving her hands slower than normal - Very well, and you? - Jun closed his eyes, concentrating with an adorable frown and answered putting the tip of his right fingers together - Very good - Shizuka clapped at him and took off her notepad. [ Ninomiya-san borrowed you his book? ] Jun read the notepad and took his time to answer, Shizuka waited expectant, something in Jun’s face told her that his answer wouldn’t be the honest truth [ I bought my own ] Shizuka was happy to read that, but still, she felt like he was hiding something. [It’s very nice from you Matsumoto-san, If you have any doubt you can ask me ok?]
[ I’ll like you to help me practice ] Jun looked away when Shizuka smiled at him, she didn’t know him that well, but she could bet he was acting shy [It will be my pleasure] She said, with the idea of make him feel a bit less shy. She liked to see his face, it helped her understand what he was saying, thinking, and obviously it was a treat to the eye. It worked, and after some exchanges of the notepad, Jun was finally calm, smiling and looking at her. Curious, attentive, a gentleman. He asked her about Sho. He was curious about her friend. Shizuka told him all she could about him, and put special care in making clear that it was a friend, a brother. A very married brother.
Just in case.
Jun read her story with a smile on his face, especially when she told him how overprotective was Sho when she was a girl, and how horrible he got when she was an adolescent [ I wanted to start going out by myself, face the world without the help of my mom, my dad or him, but he wouldn’t let me, one time, he followed me around Harajuku, of course, I saw him as soon as I leaved my house, you can imagine that my senses are very well developed, well, except my hearing, of course ] Jun laughed with her and asked her directly “ Can I ask you something?” Shizuka nodded energetically, curious. Jun changed the page of her notepad and wrote carefully. His face was full of hesitation when he handed her the notepad, Shizuka had to remove it from his hands [How is it?] Shizuka preferred to directly ask him “Being deaf?” Jun nodded, still doubtful, cautious. Shizuka smiled at him and divided her attention between answer him and enjoy how close Jun was to her since the subway was getting surprisingly packed. [I don’t know another life, so is not like I miss sounds, sure is weird, people move their mouths but I can’t listen a thing, Is just silence, and I like it, so to answer your question, his quite normal, for me] Jun read her answer and wanted to make a comment, but she decided to add something more, so she took the notepad back. She was writing, not holding to anything, when the train came to a sudden halt, some of the salary man’s riding the train landed gracefully against each other, some bags flied and Shizuka, instead of landing in some stranger’s lap, found herself being hold by Jun, strongly attached to his chest. It took the train a couple of seconds to be back in motion. Sadly, because she felt quite comfortable against his hard chest. But the movement of the train took Jun out of his daze and his arms slide from her frame too fast "Sorry" He said, looking shy and cautious again "Thank you" She stared at him for a while, a bit shy, but trying to convey that she was actually grateful for his protective and fast hold. She went back to her writing, hiding her blushing. She could feel Jun’s hand close to her, ready to hold her if it was necessary. She finished writing, finally. Jun grabbed the pad with his right hand and leaved his other hand close to her [But the sounds are still there of course, sometimes I imagine them, based on their vibrations. For example, if I do this…] Jun looked at her, enquiring. Shizuka took a bold move and posed her left hand in Jun’s neck. She felt him jolt in surprise, his pupils dilating and his breath stuck half way his throat "Speak" She commanded in her nasal voice. Jun spoke, a normal greeting, and she smiled. She took her time, with her hand still resting in Matsumoto’s neck, and once she was ready, she grabbed the notepad again and wrote down [I imagine your voice is deep, slightly nasal, definitely, very harmonic ] She imagined it was very sexy too, but kept it for herself.
Jun nodded at her and grabbed the notepad [ I don’t quite like my slightly nasal voice, when I try to talk louder it gets quite high pitched] Shizuka was about to denied all he had just said, but they were at their station. And they were just in time for work, so there was no possibility on keep on the conversation with a cup of coffee. They walked with fast steps to their building, no talking anymore. Their last exchange of words was a ‘have a nice day’.
She couldn’t wait for lunch time, even more when Ninomiya-san told her that he would have lunch with Ohno. Now they could have a nice conversation just Jun and her.
At lunch, their keep up with their talk. Jun would ask and she would answer with no objections. He was curious, and she quite liked that. And Jun was particularly careful with his questions, always polite. A gentleman.
She was answering his last question, Jun wanted to know if she tried a treatment before [Right now there is technology that could help me, I tried it and I hated it, too noisy. Of course some people use it, but I felt like I didn’t need it. I already know how to talk despite all this, with earphones or a cochlear implant I would have to learn again somehow, and I was tired of that. I talked with my family and my speech therapist and we decided to stay just like this] Jun didn’t say a word after that. He only nodded, looking happy? Or it was proud? Shizuka couldn’t tell this time. But he understood what she said, that was sure. They ate their desserts, Jun asked her how to say in sign language random object like dessert, chair, building, etc. He looked very serious, focused, and wrote down all the words Shizuka taught him.
Lunch time was over, and Shizuka had to leave but Jun wasn’t moving fast enough. He looked hesitant and she saw his lips moving, but too fast for her to understand “Matsumoto-san, are you alright?” She asked, and Jun looked honestly scared. Jun opened the notebook where he wrote all the words she taught him and looked at something with his eyebrows tightly knocked in the middle. He took a deep breath and looked at her, very nervous. To her surprise, Jun started moving his elegant hands again - Would you like to go out with me tomorrow after work? - He finished, knocking both of his fist together. Shizuka couldn’t believe it. Maybe she misunderstood it, which was sort of impossible, or maybe Jun had mixed the signs. It was too soon to get happy, especially in that kind of interaction. “You want me to go out with you after work?”
“Yes” Was the only answer she needed. Quickly she accepted the invitation, beaming in her high heels, already wishing it was tomorrow after work
Shizuka went back to her office in a rush. In her way she texted Sho [Are you busy? If not, Skype right now] She turned on her computer as soon as she sat in her desk and opened Skype, Sho was already there with his head resting in his right hand - What is it? -
- Matsumoto asked me out - Sho dropped his chin from his palm and move closer to the camera, gesturing with excitement in his moves - Really? Isn’t it great?, dear god, this is like high school! You calling me because a guy ask you out an all that - Shizuka laughed and felt younger - I know...But is not just that, he is learning sign language, he used sign language to ask me out -
- That is quite remarkable, I kind of like him, just a bit -
- We will go out tomorrow after work, and I’m a bit scared, of myself -
- What do you mean? - Shizuka took a deep breath and started gestured carefully - I mean that I feel very... weak around him, as in my good senses go weak, if he...tries something, I’m going to jump on it - Sho stared at her frowning for a while, trying to decode was what she saying. And once the concept was clear in his mind, his frown stayed there - You think he is going to be like that? You think he is going to try something else on the first date? - Shizuka’s brows copied Sho’s frown. She thought about it. And the answer she came out with was ‘no’. Matsumoto wouldn’t try something else in the first date - Anyway, If he tries something you can always use the bad underwear trick, my wife said she used it with me, you wear your worst underwear under your clothes, so you can stop yourself and think, if he takes my clothes off, he will see that horrible grandma bra and panties - That was the first time Shizuka heard about that trick, and it was brilliant - That is a great idea -
- You thinks so, I honestly couldn’t care less about her underwear but apparently is important - Shizuka nodded thoughtful and cut the video call, wishing Sho a good day.
She had to come back to work, but the heavy pleasant weight she felt in her tummy each time she recalled Jun’s hands asking her out didn’t leave. And got heavier when they met at the subway in their way home.
Jun was sitting at the benches waiting for her. God knows when he finished work, but he was there, waiting for her, because as soon as he saw her, he got up, with a wide smile. And again, he salute her with his elegant hand gestures.
She felt like graving those hands and kiss the tip of his fingers.
The ride was pretty similar to the one in the morning. They kept exchanging messages, this time with Jun’s notepad. She realized it was the same notepad he always used to talk to her. As if he had it especially for that matter.
[Where are we going tomorrow?] Was her first question after they stopped talking about their days [You like Spanish cuisine?] She held her pinky up and moved it up and down - Yes - Jun understood her and again gave her one of his bright smiles.
They kept talking, this time it was Shizuka’s turn to ask. And Jun answered all her questions, with more detail than her. Again, her attention was divided in between reading Jun’s answers and let herself enjoy Jun’s close body, she could smell his cologne and see part of his chest through three opened buttons of his shirt.
Her senses where working at their maximum potency. And it was intoxicating, good intoxicating.
##
Shizuka packed a change of clothes and finished her work earlier so she could go to the bathroom and get ready.
She didn’t want to look like she was trying too hard, but she did wanted to look nice, get a flattering look from Jun maybe. She changed her striped shirt, black capris and leather Vans sneakers for a silk cream shirt, a pleaded grey skirt and black oxford shoes. She let her red hair fall over her shoulders and painted her lips with a dark red shade.
She went back to her office to leave her clothes there and got really nice comments from her coworkers, especially guys. They arranged to meet in the street in front of the building, she was three minutes late. Jun was already there, so she hurried her steps and reached him, pulling his sleeve, calling his attention. Jun turned around and she felt like taking of picture of him, for future generations. He didn’t only look quite dumbfounded by her presence, but also, he had lose the tie and jacket and the three first buttons were open. Those three buttons were turning in to one of her favorite things. “We have to grab a taxi, no more than 10 minutes” It felt like a long while since the last time she had to read Jun’s lips, and she was missing it. “Alright” Jun stopped a taxi and opened the door for her. Shizuka felt like an adolescent suddenly.
Jun was right, it took them only 10 minutes to arrive at ‘Serrano’. A two floor restaurant with big windows and a wide wood door. Shizuka got inside, following Jun, who apparently was already a regular since the waiter gave him a friendly welcome, as if they were old friends. She followed Jun, who put a hand behind her, but without touching her, and guided her inside. Their table was next to a big beautiful stained glass, the tables were rustic and the chairs where maid of wicker and wood. She went back to that month she spend in Spain. They ordered Pan con tomate to start with and as main dish they ordered some prawns. Shizuka wondered for the nth time how they looked to the other people, moving their hands in the hair and writing down in a notepad. Despite how hard could be to communicate for them, they kept on a steady conversation. Jun told her about his high school times and how he ended up working as an event organizer. Talking about work, they reached the traveling issue, and the notepad moved fast from one side to the table to the other. They both went to Spain, which ended in a 30 minute exchange of notepad commenting how in love they were with that country [ Where else have you been?] Asked Jun, already a bit high on wine, just like her [ Paris, Germany and New York, because of work, Spain was the only trip I did for pure pleasure ] Jun posed his hands in front of his face as if reading a book - Studying-
[Yes, and exposing] Jun read it and his eyes went wide “Exposing?!” Shizuka giggled and wrote again [ Yeah, when I finished university I worked with an Italian firm that has offices here in Tokyo, and we exposed an ecofriendly kind of office in New York, and I did a semester in Paris and then I did a master in Berlin, three years ago, I lived there for a year]
[ You have always work with ecofriendly things?]
[ Yes, I mastered on that, it’s the future] Jun nodded at her answer, and brought up a new issue. Shizuka could see how curious he was. And felt a bit frustrated by the whole thing of not being able to hear or talk. But Jun was cooperative with her, with all in fact. He had patience.
He even started learning sign language!
And he had invited her for dinner, to a beautiful place.
Her arachnid sense was telling her something. Hopefully Matsumoto-san had the same arachnid sense so they could move forward a bit faster.
It was almost midnight when they call off the date. After all they had work to do the next day and they had to hurry up so they could grab the last train.
They rode the taxi in silence, the subway too. They sat next to each other, a bit tired to talk, but Shizuka could feel Jun’s muscular arm touching hers. She concentrated on feel his warmth and went through every word exchanged with Jun.
She wanted to lain on his shoulder so badly. Smell his neck, touch his hair.
This was bad.
Jun walked her home, as if it wasn’t good enough yet. They resume their talking. More like Jun started asking her how you said different things they found in their way. Shizuka was beyond happy doing it. And he showed so much interest and meticulousness in learn them the right way that it made her all fluffy inside.
They reached her house after 15 minutes of walking. She wanted to invite him in, but it was late, and Jun looked a bit sleepy, despite his interest in learning.
Also, it was dangerous. But it was the least she could do after walking her home. “Want to go in for a coffee?” She asked, hopping for a positive answer “Sure” He said, a bit too fast. But good.
Shizuka invited him inside her modest suburban house. She wished she could read his thoughts, mostly because she saw him looking at her things, piling up questions inside his mind, for sure. Shizuka went to prepare the coffees and left Jun walking around her living.
She came back to the living room caring a tray with the two coffees and chocolate drops in a cute bowl she bought in Paris. Jun was staring at her music collection, surprised, boiling with curiosity. She went back to her handbag and took the notepad. Jun was still looking at her music records, so she called his attention by pulling his sleeve [ Surprised? You thought I didn't listen to music?] Jun rolled his eyes and grabbed the notepad [ No dummy, but is a big collection] Shizuka pointed at the speakers in the floor and then wrote [Look, see how the speakers are all in the floor?, In that way I can feel the vibrations produced by the music. It's all about the bass and drums. The more bass, the better. That’s why I go for rock and roll and old school jazz] Jun nodded with an understanding frown, pursing his lips turning on the music system. Bobby Mcferryn was playing, she could recognize the vibrations of his voice. Jun smiled at her and walked to the coffee table, sitting at her vintage couch looking at her with unreadable eyes “I feel like I learn so much about you today Kimoto-san” He said taking the cup of coffee to his lips. Shizuka didn’t answer, only smiled at him. He closed his eyes when the liquid slid inside his mouth and Shizuka wished she was that coffee.
TBC
A/N: New chapter sooner than expected because I'll be busy during the week. Hope you like it.
And a bit about the story. Because of my profession, I have had the chance to work with a lot of people with hearing impairment. And every story is different of course. Cases as Shizuka's are very common, since just recently the government started to provide cochlear implants to every newborn that needs it. But people who born before that, had no chance but to learn how to live being deaf. They are very independent. As long as we gave them the tools, they live a normal life.
The sign language that I use and describe here is the one we use here in Chile. Is different in every single country in this world x.x. Also, I did my best to describe the signs, but is hard! Imagine me taking notes at my sign language classes, it was all very abstract.
AND! I change my header. The last one look like them saying "Hey, let's go play" and now it looks as if they are saying "Hey, let's have a bit of the sex". I like it! It has punch.