Tokyo Love

by Diana Jean

  Ai looked good in it, but she didn’t look quite as attractive as Yuriko.

  Suddenly Kathleen was beginning to doubt that her cortex scan had made a mistake.

  She quickly put her glass of water down, her fingers tingling and shaking. She took in an even breath. She found Yuriko attractive. Not just in a vague sense, not like looking at a model in a magazine. Kathleen had liked looking at Yuriko.

  Kathleen closed her eyes, her mind and heart racing.

  “Shit,” she whispered and, because that had felt rather good to say, “Fuck.”

  She opened her eyes and Ai was standing closer to her now. “Comparing me to your neighbor?”

  Kathleen frowned. “You knew?”

  “Of course. One of the first tasks of my programming is to be observant.”

  Kathleen rubbed her face with her hands. “Why is this happening?” She’d never had thoughts like these in America. Something had happened to her since she had come to Japan. She had gone a little crazy, between the lack of friends and the culture shock. She’d never looked at a woman the way she was looking at Yuriko. God, did Yuriko notice? She probably thought Kathleen was some dumbass or pervert or something. Or maybe just an idiot. Probably that.

  Ai gave a soft laugh. “I know you know how the cortex scan works. It’s not random. I am designed based on your preferences.” She shrugged. “Though it seems I’ve mostly gotten your subconscious preferences.”

  “Don’t say subconscious!”

  “Then how about repressed?”

  “Shut up! I am not having a queer crisis!” Kathleen shouted, and then immediately regretted it. The walls here weren’t very thick and even though she knew Yuriko was a few doors down and couldn’t possibly hear …

  “There is nothing wrong with being bisexual,” Ai said, a little too soft and kind.

  “I'm not—” Kathleen's voice was rising again. She took in a few ragged breaths, trying to calm herself. “I like the way Yur—you look, I can admit that. There is nothing weird about a straight woman admitting another woman is beautiful.”

  “And there is nothing weird with a bisexual woman admitting it either,” Ai said impishly.

  Kathleen glared. “I told you to shut up about that,” she hissed. “Look, it was a mistake that you were made a female. I know that is for sure. I’ve never been attracted to a woman before.”

  “Before? Does that mean you are attracted now?” Ai smiled coyly at her.

  “Not like that,” Kathleen said firmly. “I'm not blind. You are obviously a very pretty woman.”

  Ai bit her lip. “All right, and what about Yuriko?”

  Kathleen glared. “You and she just happen to look the same.”

  “Because a computer read your mind and knew you would want us to look the same.”

  “That computer misinterpreted. Just because I think you are attractive doesn’t mean I am attracted to you. Or Yuriko,” she added just a little too quickly. “And I’d appreciate it if you’d stop questioning me on the matter.”

  Ai shrugged and went to sit back in front of the TV. “I’ll respect your judgment.” Kathleen could practically hear the only because I’m programmed to.

  Kathleen put her glass in the sink. “I barely know Yuriko. I can’t even say we are friends. More like associates. Neighbors. Peers.”

  “Eh?”

  Kathleen came to stand above her. “I am not interested in women. Yuriko or anyone else. I’m going to bed.”

  Ai looked up. Her eyes were soft, soothing. They were Yuriko’s eyes. But this wasn’t Yuriko. Kathleen was feeling a little messed up.

  chapter TEN

  Yuriko rang the doorbell to Kathleen’s apartment.

  Kathleen answered, barely dressed in a tank top and pajama pants. The tank top strained against Kathleen’s breasts, momentarily distracting Yuriko. Japanese girls just weren’t shaped like Americans.

  Yuriko brain stuttered to a halt. It wasn’t like she hadn't noticed before that Kathleen was well-endowed. But Kathleen just never dressed to show it off. Now, with her low neckline and the tight fabric gripping her in all the right places, Yuriko wondered how she was going to tear her eyes away.

  “Do I have to?” Kathleen groaned, leaning against the doorframe, the posture pushing her breasts just slightly closer together. She was obviously unaware of Yuriko's internal struggle.

  Yuriko crossed her arms, feeling like she needed a way to contain herself. She forced her voice to sound normal, casual. Not like she was forcing air into her lungs. “You asked me to join you.”

  Kathleen rubbed her face. “A moment of weakness, I’m sure. Come on, I guess I have to get dressed now.” She stumbled away from the door. Yuriko was almost glad to see her turn away. It gave her back a few brain cells.

  Yuriko stepped inside, eyes immediately seeking out Ai, who was seated in front of the TV. She was dressed and looked ready to leave. “Ohayō gozaimasu. Atsui desu ne?” Ai chimed to her.

  “Sō desu,” Yuriko muttered.

  No matter how many times she interacted with Ai, it was never comfortable. She turned to Kathleen, who was disappearing into her room. Yuriko could just see a flash of skin as she raised the tank top over her head, then the wall separated them. She looked away, trying to clear her throat as quietly as possible. Ai was staring at her. She glared at the PLC and raised her voice to Kathleen.

  “Any updates since last time?” It had been several days since Yuriko had talked to Kathleen over curry. Apart from random moments at the station or outside the apartment, it seemed that Kathleen was rather busy. However she had called Yuriko last night, announcing that she was finally going to take Ai out in public and she could never do it alone.

  Kathleen’s voice was muffled. “Nothing major. Fukusawa hasn't uncovered any obvious malfunctions in the cortex scan system. I also think he’s getting a little distracted.” She stepped from the room, wearing a t-shirt and jeans. “He won’t stop texting me, asking me weird questions about what I’ve tested Ai with.” She grimaced. “I think he secretly wished he had a PLC himself. Though, if I had any choice in this, I would have gladly handed this project over to him.”

  “You wound me.” Ai pouted.

  Kathleen glared at her. “Are you ready?”

  “I’m always ready for a date with you.”

  “This is not a date,” Kathleen growled. She waved a hand to Yuriko. “Besides, Yuriko is coming too.”

  Ai raised an eyebrow at Yuriko. “I’m open for whatever you’re into, Kathleen.”

  Kathleen went red and sputtered, “Let’s just go.” She turned toward the door. Yuriko glared at Ai, who only smiled sweetly at them both.

  They walked to a nearby coffee shop and Yuriko could tell that Kathleen was in a foul mood. Ai, at first, tried to draw her out, but then quickly fell silent. Yuriko was somewhat impressed by her tact. Of course, the PLC had been living with Kathleen for over a week now and was probably rather good at reading her.

  Yuriko walked a little behind them both, not wanting to walk too close to Ai. Ai was wearing shorts and a long flowing shirt, her hair draping over her shoulders. Yuriko was glad she’d decided to tie her hair back, keeping to a pair of jeans and t-shirt. At least a normal passerby wouldn't be able to immediately recognize their similarity. She watched as Kathleen would stiffen every time a stranger passed them. It was humid again, but Kathleen was more red than necessary. Was she so afraid? Yuriko honestly didn’t think Ai would be noticeable at all, given her very realistic design. Kathleen was practically jumping at shadows.

  When they reached the coffee shop, Kathleen motioned for Ai to order. Ai spoke cleanly to the barista with no signs of hesitation or jerking awkwardness that Yuriko had witnessed with earlier prototypes.

  Yuriko left them to go find a table in a secluded corner. From there she could see Kathleen practically hovering over Ai, even though she probably didn’t understand most of the Japanese. As they waited by the counter for their drinks, Ai turned to Kathleen, obviously try
ing to make some sort of joke. Kathleen only gave her a half-hearted smile.

  It reminded Yuriko of something like a mother and daughter. Kathleen as the mother, nervously fretting over inconsequential things. Ai as the daughter, trying to impress and relax the mother at the same time. It wouldn’t be the intended role for a PLC, but Kathleen wasn’t exactly the intended customer for Mashida either. She was a creator, not a consumer.

  Yuriko remembered when she first attended a Japanese school, after years of going to public schools in America. It was an international high school, full of kids like Yuriko who were fluent in English or had grown up abroad. Her mother had been worried sick, accompanying her there for orientation. She thought Yuriko wouldn’t fit in, thought that she wouldn’t be able to handle living in Japan after being in America for so long. Yuriko didn’t know how to tell her that she would be fine. That she would be fine as long as her mother was fine.

  Kathleen and Ai approached the table with a tray of drinks. Yuriko was glad to see they had gotten her a black iced coffee. “Disaster averted?”

  Ai grinned. “If I keep this up, maybe Master will give me a treat!”

  Kathleen frowned. “Have your wires fried? Since when have you been this hyper?”

  Ai rolled her eyes. “You know I’m programmed to be multidimensional.” She took a sip of her drink, some sort of latte. “Besides, it’s nice that you finally trust me enough to take me outside your apartment. Being cooped up in there makes me feel like some sort of love slave.”

  Kathleen sputtered. “You are not a love slave.” She looked to Yuriko, eyes pleading. “Why did I program sarcasm?”

  Yuriko grinned. “You have to admit that receiving a very expensive piece of machinery like Ai and just keeping her in your apartment is a bit dodgy.” She shrugged. “But, I am under the impression that most of Mashida’s demographic will probably have the same inclination.”

  Kathleen frowned and pointed an accusing finger at Ai. “You are not allowed to insinuate that you are being used as any sort of sex toy to strangers.”

  Ai pouted. “Yuriko isn’t a stranger.”

  “She’s a confidante, so I’ll let it slide this once. But I’ll never take you out again if you say something like that to other people.”

  “Yes, Master.”

  Kathleen ignored that, turning to Yuriko. “Thanks for putting up with us.”

  Yuriko inclined her head. “I wouldn’t pass up seeing you argue with your robot like an old married couple.”

  Kathleen turned red. “You too?”

  Ai giggled. “See? Too easy.”

  Yuriko started to laugh too, but stopped herself. Was she really so alike to Ai? Would they start saying the same things?

  “Yuriko-san?”

  Yuriko looked up, feeling a little like she had been punched in the gut. “Mi-chan?” Her voice stuttered and she suddenly realized that she probably shouldn’t have said Michiko’s name that way. It had been quite some time, after all.

  Michiko had grown out her hair and she was wearing glasses now. She looked younger, brighter, somehow. “Yuri-chan! Hisashiburi!”

  Yuriko suddenly remembered who she was with. She stood up and switched to English. “Ah, Mi-chan, this is my neighbor Kathleen-san and her … friend, Ai-san.” She found herself standing slightly in front of Ai, so Michiko couldn't directly look at her.

  Ai spoke first. “Hajimemashite.” She looked to Kathleen, as if prompting her, but Kathleen only nodded her head.

  Michiko gave a small bow. “Good to meet you.” Her English sounded practiced, but Yuriko knew that Michiko had never felt confident with it. Her eyes slipped over Ai and Kathleen with little interest. Instead, she quickly turned back to Yuriko, smiling.

  Yuriko turned to Kathleen. “She used to be a coworker of mine at Mashida. We’ll just catch up a bit, okay? It won’t be long.” She didn't really know if she wanted to talk privately with Michiko, but having her join Kathleen and Ai was out of the question.

  Kathleen looked to Michiko, then back to Yuriko. She couldn’t read the expression. “Okay. We’ll probably be here.”

  Yuriko smiled and looked to Michiko. “Are you free?” She switched back to Japanese.

  Michiko relaxed. “Of course.” She turned, walking toward the exit. “I was just leaving when I saw you there. Do Kathleen-san and Ai-san also work at Mashida?”

  Yuriko opened the door for her. “Yes, they are both part of the PLC project. Running the software.”

  “Sounds exciting. I’m guessing that they live in the company housing?”

  The air was stifling, but a small breeze managed to snake its way through the buildings. Yuriko looked back to the coffee shop, hoping Kathleen could handle being alone. “Ah, yes.”

  Michiko smiled. “I do miss that apartment building.”

  “But you have a house now, right?”

  Michiko giggled and looked down. She always seemed so demur. “Yes, though Kenji-kun and I hardly seem to be there. We are both so busy!”

  Yuriko felt something in her chest squeeze. It had been years since she and Michiko last spoke. She shouldn’t be feeling anything at all for her. “So Kenji-san is well?”

  Michiko bit her lip. “Yes, he is doing very well.” She hesitated, standing in the middle of the sidewalk. “I … I never did quite apologize to you, for what happened.”

  Yuriko looked away. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to talk about this. She wasn’t prepared. “There is nothing to apologize for.”

  Michiko reached out, fingers trailing the sleeve of Yuriko's t-shirt, not quite touching. “I know it wasn't easy … I know that what I did wasn't easy to deal with. At the time, I thought breaking up would be better for both of us. But I was being selfish. I wasn't thinking about you.”

  Yuriko moved away from the touch. “You made the right decision. You are happy now, right?”

  Michiko's eyes were wide, imploring. A smile crept across her lips. “Yes. I am very happy with Kenji-kun.” She lowered her head. “But I still feel guilty for mistreating you.”

  Yuriko sighed. “It wasn't mistreatment. Our situation just didn't work out.” She turned and started to head back to the coffee shop. “You don’t have to apologize.”

  Michiko caught up to her. “But … I know it must seem very late, but I think it took me this long to realize just how much I must have hurt you.”

  The coffee shop was almost in sight. “It was a long time ago, Mi-chan.”

  She reached out, taking Yuriko’s elbow, stopping her. Michiko’s eyes were bright. “I just wanted to let you know, that … that if things had been different, I would have chosen you.” Her hand slid from Yuriko’s elbow to her wrist, gripping it with her small fingers. “I loved you, Yuri-chan,” she whispered.

  “You are supposed to love Kenji-san.”

  Michiko gave a sad smile. “I do love him. More than I ever thought I could.”

  Yuriko twisted her hand away, glad that Michiko didn’t reach out again. “Then I am happy. You don’t owe me anything.”

  Michiko bit her lip, but a true smile started to grow. Yuriko remembered that smile better when her hair had been shorter. “You have always been the mature one, Yuri-chan.”

  She had loved her hair short, the way it tousled and fluffed. But perhaps it was better now. It made her smile seem more demure, more mature. “I’m glad that you have Kenji-san. And I’m glad that we could talk.” She stepped away.

  Michiko took a deep breath and gave a short bow. “I hope we can meet up again.”

  Yuriko suddenly wondered what more they could say. You broke my heart but I think I’m mostly over that. Or Let’s talk about how great your life is now that I’m not in it? Yuriko didn’t like to think of herself as the bitter type. It had been the first time she realized that being in love was harder than stealing a few kisses in the dark. “I'll see you around.”

  Michiko looked like she wanted to say something more. Yuriko turned around. She wondered if she should feel some sort of s
atisfaction for being the one to walk away this time.

  She was ready to escape back into the relative safety of the coffee shop. However Kathleen and Ai were already standing outside. Kathleen gave an awkward little wave and Ai just cocked her head to Yuriko.

  Yuriko knew Kathleen couldn’t have heard what Michiko said. Even if she could, she wouldn’t have been able to understand. Yuriko looked at Ai, whose eyes were following Michiko as she walked away. Perhaps Ai …

  Yuriko wasn’t going to think about it. Instead, she just put on a smile and stepped up to them. “How’s it going?”

  Ai locked eyes with Yuriko. They seemed set and determined, though her voice was light as she spoke. “I wanted to do karaoke, but Kathleen threatened to break me.”

  Kathleen scoffed. “You have been programmed to imitate any voice. I’m not going to get shown up by a robot.” She lowered her voice significantly.

  Ai laughed. “What if your perfect woman can’t carry a tune to save her life? Maybe I was programmed to let you shine.”

  Kathleen rolled her eyes. “If there is such a thing as a perfect woman for me, you certainly wouldn’t be her.” She looked to Yuriko. “Is there a place where I won’t be embarrassed by her?”

  Yuriko smiled and she knew it probably looked a bit strained. She suddenly felt exhausted. “I should probably head back. Do you think you both can take care of yourselves?”

  Kathleen looked a little disappointed, but she was quickly distracted when Ai threaded an arm through hers. “I think we can manage,” Ai said.

  Kathleen shook her off. “Come on, let’s go find a park or something.” She glanced at Yuriko. “I’ll see you around?”

  Yuriko nodded, and quickly returned to the apartment complex. She knew she was probably making Kathleen worried, but she didn’t think she would be good company for the rest of the afternoon. She would apologize later.

  Yuriko leaned against her door as she shut if behind her. She knew she should be embarrassed by what Michiko said, so out in public. Yet she wasn’t, she had never been ashamed of her feelings.