They hate me... Kick was taken aback, unprepared for the immediate hostility that was directed towards him the moment Keokolo and his brothers entered and seemed to surround him. They were all quite large and tattooed, looking like a gang. “Kick... Kick Masters. I'm here to speak with Mano, not his children.” It took a moment to gather his confidence but when he did, his words came out smoothly and he lifted his chin so that he could meet the gaze of Keokolo. The sight of Keoni coming up behind the three brothers, massive arms crossing over his chest, made him take a step back and he truly began to fear that they were going to jump him. Noa's eyes darted from Daniel for a moment to Kick, her lips curving into a smirk.
“... I'll let them handle you.” She nodded towards her brothers and Keoni for emphasis before giving Daniel's hand a squeeze. “Oh... so you're Daniel.” She lifted a brow some bit as she looked up to him. Literally; He was at least a foot taller than her. She didn't give him too much regard other than a polite smile. She had heard her father on the phone with him last night while they were all out drinking and she was curious as to why Daniel was here.
She could already take a guess. Rich haole with the last name "Hilton" here looking for Akamu... Gee. I wonder what he wants. She was immediately suspicious of him, though she didn't let it show. Kick was being both creepy and an asshole so she doubted her father would mind if the boys roughed him up. Daniel seemed to have been invited and he managed to be polite. She would show him that same courtesy, motioning towards the indoors. “You look tired -- How about I make you some kope? I'm sure my father's had a fresh shipment of Kona Kope in.” Considering that Daniel was, in fact, a guest of her father's, she figured that Mano wouldn't mind if she fixed him a cup of their more expensive coffee. Her head turned to see her brothers and Keoni, avoiding looking directly at Keokolo as if to say "this smile isn't for you".
Keokolo gave a slight nod at Noa's remark. His eyes never left Kick's gaze who seemed to be feeling a tad bit intimidated. If only Kick knew how wrong it was to show weakness around Keokolo. At this point, Keo was also crossing his arms just as his brothers. He was standing uncomfortably close to Kick while slightly cocking his head up.
"Not speak with his children?" Keokolo almost burst into laughter. "What you say to Mano, you say to all of us."
At this Kamehameha decided to chime in, "That's the Kealoha way."
"Kick, huh? What kind of stupid name is that?" Keo bellowed. Shots were being fired. Kamehameha and Kahiau were now snickering in the background. "Laho kole." Keo muttered something in their language that made the triplets laugh even more.
Keoni was suddenly standing beside Keo and the two now aggressively hovered over Kick as though their glare alone would tear right through the poor guy. If anyone was more vicious than Keo, it would be his cousin Keoni. It would take an idiot not to know better than to anger both of them. "Hûpô, what's your business here?"
The four of them were absolutely grilling this stranger. Keo decided to follow Keoni's lead on this because he too wanted to know why this haole was in here hitting on his sister and demanding to speak to his father. Though Keokolo could not help but notice how Noa would look at everyone but him. It began to irk him, though first he would deal with this unwelcome guest.
Daniel could already see how uninterested Noa was in his small talk. In fact, the way she spoke his name made him frown a bit. She must have already been suspicious of him. Though she continued to smile and act in a polite mannerism. He did not let this bother him though, she was not the one he was here to see. "Yes, some kope would be great actually. Thank you," Daniel replied calmly as they walked inside. Though his eyes darted over to the brothers and Kick where things seemed to be heating up rather quickly. As Daniel passed, he noticed Keokolo shooting him a glare. Daniel supposed Keo did not notice him before. He wondered if he'd fall victim next and simply sighed. Mornings were meant to be peaceful.
"Are they always like this?" Daniel asked with somewhat of surprise as he watched the brothers gang up on Kick. Though Kick was already rubbing him the wrong way, so he was somewhat enjoying the sight.
“It's an acronym,” he muttered to himself as the beefy boys before him belittled and teased him. He stood his ground and lifted his chin, doing his best to keep a cool air. “Well, I suppose I should apologize. I'm a bit more accustomed to dealing with professionals who know how to conduct a business.” He retained his smirk, leaning his body to the side some as subtly as he could, blue eyes keen on Noa's rear end as she walked away with Daniel. Can't decide whether he's lucky or doomed, he mused within his thoughts. He was brought back to attention by Keoni stepping in the way of his view with a scowl.
“I asked what your business was here. It'd be better if you cut the entitled haole routine and give an answer -- If you know who we are then you know what we can and will do.”
At this, Kick took a step back with a look of indignation. “You wouldn't.” However, the look from the Kealoha males simply said Try us and he really didn't want to. Fearful that their aggression might shift from verbal into physical, he held his hands up in truce. “I just want to talk with Mano about a potential business prospect,” he confessed. At this, Keoni scoffed before glancing at Keokolo. “You won't get very far. Especially if you keep looking at my cousin like she's a walking pair of tits.” Keoni took a step forward and was now even closer to him than Keo was, his muscular chest pushing against the much smaller male as he asserted his dominance. He took on a mocking Urban American timbre as he sneered down at Kick. “You feel me?” Noa might not be his sister, but she and her siblings were like the siblings he never got.
"Hey my cousin here is right," Keokolo growled, his gaze not shifting from Kick. "Ain't no way I'm letting a haole touch my sister. Especially one like you."
Keoni would not step down. He simply muffled a sound in agreement with Keo's statement. For a brief moment it was awkwardly silent and the situation was very tense. "Hele pêlâ. Do you need Keokolo here to show you the door? Or all three of these brothers? They'd be more than glad to 'escort' you out."
Kamehameha and Kahiau then stepped beside Keo with mischievous grins on their faces. It was probably best not to pick a fight before their father even got there, but if this haole was not careful Keo would not even hesitate to punch him in the face. These haole thought they could just take whatever they want and act however they pleased. These brothers had another thing in mind for Kick.
Behind the ruckus, Noa had set out to help Kimo with opening while also finding that Kimo had already set on a pot of the desired coffee. “Kimo, ku`u lei! You're a life saver.” She offered the younger man a wink, causing his tan cheeks to flush bright red as he laughed hesitantly before disappearing into the kitchen. She gave a gentle smile to nobody and nothing in particular as she made a single cup of coffee and directed Daniel to a seat at the bar, setting his cup down in front of him and pushing some sugar and cream to him. For herself, she dug into her backpack and fished out her container of cherries and an apple. She decided that the whiskey could come later when she had met up with her friends at the beach.
At Daniel's question, she gave a soft laugh and popped a cherry into her mouth. Chewing and swallowing, she gave a breath and leaned her head back. “My family are the descendants of Queen Lili`uokalani,” she began. Her eyes found their way back to Daniel and she tilted her head to the side as if to study him. “You know what her credo was? `Onipa`a. It means stand firm. And that is what we do. In this culture, family is everything and everyone is family. We defend our own from any and every threat to the deepest of our abilities. Kick dug his own grave when he entered and spoke as though he were our social better and he carved his own headstone and disrespected my family when he looked upon me as a sexual object.” She gave a light shrug as she more or less confirmed that her brothers proved to be obstacles to many.
Daniel sat comfortably on a stool with both a respectful yet easy going appearance. His posture was almost perfect, though there was an easiness to him even now as he sat. His eyes lit up as Noa passed him a cup of coffee and he emptied the contents of one sugar packet into his coffee along with just enough cream to obtain a golden brown color. Lightly stirring he sipped his cup and smiled at how great the taste was. It was one of the best cups he had in awhile. Daniel listened intently as Noa explained her family's origins. He nodded with approval, "That's very admirable."
Though he could not help but feel his conscious somewhat weigh on him as he thought about why he was actually there in the first place. Heaving a sigh, he took another sip of his coffee before setting it back down on the counter. However, those thoughts were irrelevant. Daniel had set out a task for himself and he'd make sure his father would feel proud. Then, Daniel glanced over at Kick who was becoming flustered with the antagonizing Kealoha brothers. His brow furrowed as he observed Kick Masters. Who was this guy anyway? Daniel figured he should look into this. Apparently he was not the only who had set his eye out for business.
"Do you know anything about that man? Daniel asked distastefully. Any sort of competition was something he had not anticipated.
“I wouldn't really say it's admirable. It's the human thing to do.” She offered a light shrug and pushed some hair from her face as she popped a few more cherries into her mouth. “It's how our community thrives. Aloha is more than just "hello" and "goodbye". It's a feeling and a way of life.” Noa was no stranger to explaining the Hawaiian culture to haole and it was something she was always proud to do, evident by the tone of her voice and the happy twinkle in her eyes. However, that twinkle was gone as the conversation moved towards Kick. She turned her head the other way to see him being ganged up on, fear hiding beneath his gaze. “ʻAʻole au i ʻike,” she commented.
It took her a moment to realize that he likely didn't understand what she'd said. “I don't know. This is my first summer spent at home in five years...” Her nose crinkled some as she continued to intensely watch the scene fold out in front of her. “It doesn't look like they know him either. If they don't know him, he's a fresh face. Besides -- If he was a Lahaina frequent tourist, he'd know better than to act this way. Unless he's pupule...” There was a light hint of a smile as she assumed the man to be insane. Her eyes followed Kick as he quickly scrambled past her brothers and cousin, her smile growing wider. The procession of Kealoha males behind him became the focus of her gaze soon enough and she gave a soft laugh. “One down, fifty to go.”
Kick had all but lost his composure as he nearly ran for the door, pulling it wide open only to find a massive man, that was bigger than even Keoni, standing on the other side and looking down at him. His jaw clenched along with his fists as he took a step back. Noa, however, was less frightened. She gave a wave and a bright smile. “Aloha kakahiaka, makuakane!”
Her greeting drew Mano's gaze away from Kick and to his daughter, a smile spreading on his face as he pushed past Kick to sweep her off of the barstool and into a tight hug. “Ay, ho'o kamalani! You ran out this morning. Didn't give me a kiss or anything, you brat.” She squirmed as he assaulted her with kisses like she was still his eight year old little girl. Kick watched on with a perplexed expression, one foot out of the door. How is anyone in this family so successful? They are heathens with no professionalism... He had retreated into his thoughts so much that he hadn't noticed that Mano had turned to him. “I think it's best that you leave, Kick. Just hearing about you has already pissed me off. I don't want to hear anything you've got to say.” And just like that, Kick felt the bitter taste of failure. He hadn't even had the chance to speak with the man yet... And he was being kicked out.
He knew that it would be futile to argue, retreating quietly with a brave face.
Mano turned to Daniel and offered out a hand to shake with a cordial smile. “Mr. Hilton. I know you were expecting to meet with Akamu, but I'll be speaking on business in his behalf.”
Noa debated on whether or not she should stay, straightening out her hair that her father had messed up, a smile still on her face. Curious, she decided that staying would be alright, taking a seat back on her stool and resuming the consumption of her cherries.
Daniel's hand firmly met with Mano's paired with his charming smile. "A pleasure, sir," Daniel greeted. However, Daniel felt somewhat disappointed that he could not speak directly with Akamu. But he would make do. His words had to be careful after seeing how the Kealoha brothers just chased away that Kick character. Surprisingly though, Daniel did not feel intimidated. Perhaps he should have been, but he was confident in his diplomatic approach.
"I was hoping to discuss an offer on the behalf of Hilton Hotels and Resorts," Daniel paused. He was not expecting this conversation to go over that well, but the least he could do was leave a much better impression than Kick Masters. That would be fairly easy. "It would be of greater profit to both parties involved. My company would like to propose a partnership by buying the property of the Kealoha Hotel and Resort while giving Akamu thirty percent of the profits. The name of our hotel business alone already increases the profits by trifold."
"Our uncle sell his hotel?" said a daring Keokolo who decided to intervene. Though he was not quite nearly as aggressive as he was with the other haole. At least this man showed some respect and was not regarding his younger sister as a piece of meat. He glanced down at Daniel's cup of coffee.
"Hey Noa, I wahi kope na‘u," Keo slyly grinned as he practically demanded a cup of coffee from Noa in front of their father. It would most likely piss her off which was the precise reason why he asked in the first place. Turning back to Daniel, Keo decided to speak more on Akamu's behalf. "Get out from under that rock, haole."
Keo leaned up against the counter than eyed Noa with amusement and another stupid grin of satisfaction. Daniel appeared somewhat annoyed, but kept his composure nonetheless. At least Keokole was not trying to beat him senseless. The interruption did not thwart his gaze form Mano though, who was the only person he was really interested in hearing a response from.
Noa was unsurprised by Daniel's purpose in Lahaina. However, she was surprised that he was dumb enough to think that any sort of deal would be successful. Mano quirked a light smirk at his son's response before nodding. “My son is right. Akamu would never sell his hotel or partner with haole.” He offered a shrug with his broad shoulders as if to say "sorry", but there was nothing apologetic about his expression. “Lahaina is the last major city where Hawaiian culture thrives. You can't really think that we'll sellout our heritage, our passion, and our community for money.” Mano's voice was deep and firm but far from hostile. He spoke as a professional, though everything about his demeanor was casual. He wore only a loose white tank top and khaki cargo shorts, seemingly a favored outfit for Kealoha men. His eyes cut from Daniel to Keokolo long enough to glare at his son as he addressed Noa.
Noa turned her gaze to her brother and gave a sweet smile that made Keoni and her other two brothers back away from Keokolo, not wanting to be caught in the crossfire. She opened her mouth as if to say something to him, an insult perhaps. Instead, she turned and gathered her things. For a moment, it seemed as though she were retreating, sliding her arms through the straps of her backpack. But she turned on Daniel and offered a dazzling smile. “Now that it's obvious you no longer have business in Lahaina, you should make the most of your summer here. There's a big luau tonight and I need a date. I don't suppose you'd like to accompany me...” She laid on her charm thick, her smoldering gaze boring into his as she worked her mermaid magic and enhanced the innate magnetism that drew people to her.
Keokolo's mouth dropped in protest. First he glared at Noa in disbelief, making a fist and clenching his jaw. Daniel was just as shocked, except there were no signs of anger visible from him. Daniel felt his stomach flutter nervously for some reason. In the back of his mind he knew he should say no, but something about her made him smile and want to say yes.
"Well, uh-" Daniel stammered before being cut off by an enraged Keokolo.
"Absolutely not!" Keo barked. You could almost see his face turning red with anger. "Noa go out with one of your girlfriends. Not this haole."
You would think he was Noa's father the way he spoke. His blood was boiling! How could Noa do such a thing? With a haole! Then Keokolo turned and glared Daniel in the eye, making Daniel feel slightly uncomfortable. Now he felt like he'd suffer the same fate as Kick Masters. Keoni let out another scoff and Kamehameha and Kahiau began to snicker at Keokolo. It was obvious Noa was trying to piss him off, and it definitely worked. Keo was making an angry fist before spewing words through his gritted teeth, "This is not over."
Angrily, Keokolo stomped away seeing as it was almost time to prepare for the morning shift. These haole, always causing them trouble and now they were slowing down the business. "Kokami," Keo muttered underneath his breath. He could not believe Noa did such a thing. He'd get her back for this. Maybe he'd scare the haole into not going with her. For now it'd have to wait especially since Noa was still around.
Daniel blinked in disbelief at what just happened. After Keokolo marched off, Daniel humbly added, "I'd love to go. If that's alright with you, Mano?"
Daniel was a gentleman when it came to dates. So respectfully he figured he'd ask Mano for permission first. Though Daniel received the impression these Kealohas did as they pleased with no one telling them what to do. But it was better safe than sorry.
Mano watched the ordeal with exhaustion written all over his face. “You two will be the death of me,” he sighed forlornly as Keokolo stormed away. Noa only gave an innocent shrug and a smile before returning her attention to Daniel for his answer. Her brows shot up and an expression that seemed to be a mixture of both amusement and disbelief flashed across her face. Mano held his hands up as he walked away behind the bar. “Ay, kāne. That's her decision. You trying to get me murdered?” There was a joking tone to his voice but the gaze that he gave Daniel as he walked by said more than enough. He knew his daughter could take care of herself and wouldn't do anything to put their family or community in danger. Still, he was protective over all of his kids. He was sure that the boys' display towards Kick earlier had given Daniel that message already.
Hiwalani quickly clapped her hands and smiled widely. “Pono! I'll meet you here. Same seat your things are in. Say... Around seven?” Giving a wink, she placed a hand gently against his cheek before turning to head back out to the patio. Maybe the summer spent at home wouldn't be quite as bad as she thought it would. Keokolo could never really say too much against Marcus and Cassidy even though they were haole -- The rest of the family had practically adopted them three years ago. If Keo didn't get it from Noa, someone else would jump his case for harassing them. However, she knew she could piss him off and make him uncomfortable the way he'd been doing to her for five years by spending time with a haole. But not just any haole, Daniel.
Daniel took the few last swigs of his coffee before setting the cup back down on the counter. "I'll see you then. Again it was a pleasure, Mano," He flashed Noa a half smile then a wink before tossing a few dollars on the counter top for the cup of coffee. He had almost entirely forgotten about the luggage he was carrying and heaved a sigh as he headed for the patio. Keokolo was wiping some glasses clean with a rag all the while glaring at Daniel's every movement. Daniel chose to ignore him, it was not worth getting into it with Keokolo. Grabbing his luggage, he waved goodbye to everyone before heading back outside.
Figures. He knew that conversation was not going to work out. It was going to take a lot more effort on his part. Preferably, he'd rather have spoken to Akamu. Daniel then headed for the street waiting for the next taxi that would show. It took a few minutes, but one finally came and the driver helped him load his luggage into the car's trunk. Even though Mano outright refused his offer, he did still land a date. It was strange since he has not dated anyone for a long while. Relationships were not really his thing. In his eyes, it took too much work with little chance at working. But Hiwalani was so pretty, it was hard to resist saying no. As for the deal with Akamu, he thought he should collect his thoughts first and approach the situation at a different angle. He'd have to do some research.
Keokolo angrily dried the glass and silverware he was tasked with. Now that Daniel was gone, every few moments he'd look up and stare down Hiwalani. That Noa. She thinks she can do whatever she wants! She has no idea what she's getting herself into. This is stupid, Keokolo thought as he silently raged. He wasn't even sure how he'd find the haole, but Keo always found a way as long as his mind was set to it. Anyone that knew Keokolo understood how relentless he could be. Sure he was being sarcastic, but not that sarcastic. Dating a haole was an entirely different story than demanding a cup of kope. Besides, he was only joking. Hiwalani was not. Every time he glared at Noa he scowled with disapproval. She was playing with fire now, and Keo would make sure she would get burned.