Gaijin crap? His territory? Oh please, don’t tell me this man is trying to say I don’t belong here. “I didn’t see any ‘Japanese only’ signs out front,” I reply in a cold voice.

“Pssh, yeah, that’ll change, hopefully. Ugh, speakin’ of which, what do you say we get out of here and head up to my place instead? You know, before the flood of people take over this place? I can show you a way better time there.” He snickers and points at me. “You’ll have to ditch the gaijin getup of course, ’cuz I don’t mess with that. Say, what’s with that getup, anyway?”

I sit there frozen for a moment. “You’re not serious.”

“’Course I am! I ain’t walkin’ around with no gaijin. Besides, this is Jibun Jishin! You’re supposed to do away with all that jazz. You know, you’re awfully uptight for a half-human.”

“A what?!” People passing by our table stop and stare, but I don’t give a shit.

“Well you are.” The man tries to cross his legs under the table and gives up. “What? What am I saying wrong?”

Zaniel looks between Akki and I, bewildered. He probably thinks I’m going to punch this dude, but no. I take a calming breath instead. “Okay. I think you’ve worn out your welcome, sir.”

Akki chuckles. “… what is that, some kinda joke?”

“Zaniel and I were having a conversation and you interrupted us. I’m sure you can find a table elsewhere. It’s a big restaurant.”

Akki’s smile slowly turns from lighthearted to menacing without moving a muscle. “I don’t want another table. I like this one. After all, that’s my friend you’re sittin’ next to. Zaniel hasn’t told you who you’re dealin’ with, has he?”

“He’s mentioned you. But I don’t care. You can’t go around talking to people like that.”

“Hmph. People. Right. Look, you’re obviously new ’round here. If it’s entertainment you’re lookin’ for, don’t bother with the kid. He ain’t gonna know the first thing about what to do with ya. I’m tellin’ ya, my place is more fun.” He looks at me like I would be a fool to turn him down. “Plus, I got swords.”

I look him dead in his eyes. They seem to have caught the reflection of some neon green light from somewhere. “No.”

It’s finally enough to wipe the grin off his freaking face. “Fine! Whatever! Didn’t want to sleep with you, anyway. Don’t fuckin’ flatter yourself, I would’ve been doin’ you the favour. Come on, Zaniel, let’s bounce. This bitch ain’t no fun. Stuck-up, just like all the other fuckers.”

“He doesn’t have to go anywhere,” I blurt out.

“He’s mine,” Akki jerks his girth out of the booth and stands up. “Get your own.”