AN: I know, I know I haven't updated Battle Hymn in two weeks, but aren't you glad I'm bringing you another story?

Dépaysement: The feeling that comes from not being in one's home country - of being a foreigner, or an immigrant, of being somewhat displaced from your home.

I.

Checking his watch, the blond realised with a sigh that he was late. He was supposed to meet his mother for dinner half an hour ago and mentally cringed at the reprimand he knew now couldn't be avoided. The excuses were ready on his tongue – band practice had extended longer than necessary because there were many details to consider before their next concert in a few weeks and his girlfriend, Sora, had decided to drop by and then he'd had to walk her home afterwards. At least she wouldn't fault him for that, he supposed, Natsuko rather liked Sora.

Still, that little stunt had made him late and now he was hurrying through the busy streets of Odaiba, zig-zagging as the city came to life with activity. He took out his phone to call his mother and let her know he was on his way, when his eyes caught someone he hadn't expected to find. The girl had looked up at the exact same time and neither of them could now avoid or deny the fact that they had seen each other. Sheepishly, Yamato approached her.

"Mimi," he said by way of greeting her.

"Ishida-san," she replied, far colder than he had expected. No, not cold. Just flat, he decided. He still wasn't used to her being so controlled and formal around him.

"What are you doing here?"

The girl raised an eyebrow, looking pointedly at the sign behind her. Toho Cinemas Mediage, it read. It was a large American style cinema complex and suddenly he felt foolish for asking.

"I'm watching a film," Mimi replied slowly and he immediately felt his ears grow warm.

"On your own?"

"Of course not."

He was about to ask with whom then, but caught himself at the last minute. He didn't think he really wanted to know and still felt somewhat embarrassed about the whole situation. There was a small awkward silence until a voice calling out to her made them turn towards the street to find the source.

"–Mimi!"

Yamato only raised an eyebrow, but Mimi's lips curled into a wide smile as the handsome young man approached them. He was as tall as Yamato, blond with impossibly blue eyes and a smile that he knew very, very well.

"I'm sorry I made you wait, I was with mum and my brother was running late–," He stopped, suddenly aware of said brother's presence near the petite brunette.

"Yamato."

His name was spoken softly, like the surprise it was.

"Takeru," he said pleasantly, and then, realising what this was and what it looked like for him to be there, he shifted his hands into his pockets. "I was on my way."

After another silence, it was Mimi who spoke. "Well, we don't want to keep Natsuko-san waiting. It was nice seeing you," and with a small smile and a nod she turned from him, gracefully making her way towards the entrance of the building. Takeru gave him a smile and a small wave and left after her, reaching her in a few long strides.

Yamato walked away, unable to erase the image of his brother's arm around her shoulders.

His mother was waiting at a small table near the window, a lukewarm cup of tea between her hands. She looked up with a smile as he approached her, removing his coat before kissing her on the cheek.

"You're late," Natsuko chided gently. "And you made Takeru late for his date. He was really excited, you know." There was a pause and the thought that this was somehow endearing to her made him want to roll his eyes. "You should probably apologise to him."

"I ran into him earlier, he seemed fine." His eyes were fixed on his mother and she gave him another smile, as if she didn't realise what he just said. When she looked up he half-smiled, calling the waiter over to the table. "But I'll make it up to him."

"Good," Natsuko said happily. "I think he really likes Mimi-chan."