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 Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2011 6:05 pm
What a shock, it was so surprising,
You looked so small and frail------------------------------------------------}:-  Izzy Lucky
At times life can be so enlightening .uoy no nrut nac ti tuB
"Well, mm...alright." He still wasn't to sure of that idea but Izzy decided that he didn't want to push too far. He had to wonder if Akihiko could tolerate listening to him sing on that other song even if he had it all laid out upon his arrival. But he just try to think that Akihiko would be professional about it all when he arrived. Even though inside, he probably was going to dislike it deeply.
He smiled a little as his forehead was touched making it hard for him to focus on anything else but those blue eyes, "I know you want to help but...well...Ok...so we will call. Do you want to tour MeKA studio while we're working the first song out or do something else?"
But then Izzy remembered something else... and his head pulled away, "I think I'll have the driver drop off that...mm...contract to Takagi-san because I won't have time."
Right now, Izzy preferred staying miles away from Yuuji. Not only did he feel discomfort about the man, he wondered if he was just like Koyasu Aki. Well, in some ways, Izzy was sure that Yuuji was...because of all the secretive stuff he did for the man. Needless to say, Izzy knew his next phone, computer, and any other electronic device he kept on his person would be one he bought himself. He also wondered if he should have his apartment swept for bugs when he got home. Strangely, he just didn't feel...safe anymore.
"Shou-san...are you alright?" he said as he looked over at the man who had fallen asleep with his head on the table. "Oh my. He must have had a really rough night. I hope he really can perform today."
-:{------------------------------------------------I didn't know what to do
I grabbed the tiger by the tail!
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Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2011 6:12 pm
"He'll be fine. I think..." Akihiko replied, watching Shou and resisting the urge to poke him. "As for the contract, I could take it to Yuuji then meet you at the studio. I mean, I need to check in anyway... and make sure Michi isn't giving him too much trouble."
Of course in the back of Narcissus' mind, he was thinking that to take it to Yuuji... well... he really wanted a few words with the man.
And maybe more.
Obviously, as much as he wanted to, he couldn't beat the man within an inch of his life... they had to fly home soon. PLUS he was supposed to prove himself to Crystal, and if Yuuji suddenly got hospitalized in the US... well... suspicion would definitely fall on him.
Gently, Akihiko placed a kiss on Izzy's forehead. "I'm a professional, Ruki... don't worry about it. Besides, it's my song. This time my brain won't be at war saying that you shouldn't be singing it." he said with a smile.
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Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2011 6:25 pm
What a shock, it was so surprising,
You looked so small and frail------------------------------------------------}:- Izzy Lucky
At times life can be so enlightening .uoy no nrut nac ti tuB
"Mm..Are you sure?" he said and then smiled, "I know you're a professional but...still...I love you." He leaned in and kissed Akihiko with lips that tasted like sweet maple syrup.
Soon though, he was glancing back over at Shou. "I'd love to let him sleep all day but I need him to at least make it to the limo after he's dressed, It will take an hour or so to get to MeKA at this time of day. So he'll be able to sleep in the car."
With that he stood up and walked over to carefully nudge Shou, who woke slowly with squinting eyes. He was almost impossible to move until he had a few more bites of waffle.
Izzy eventually dragged Shou back upstairs so he could get ready and before long they were both making their way to a bmw limo parked outside. Both men looked highly fashionable as they left considering Crystal had supplied a generous wardrobe.
But before leaving, Izzy would wave back to Akihiko and Crystal before getting in the car and taking off.
-:{------------------------------------------------I didn't know what to do
I grabbed the tiger by the tail!
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Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 1:12 pm
As Izzy and Shou pulled away in the limo, Crystal turned and looked at Koyasu-san. "Come on back in the house. Now that Ruki is gone I can show you something you might enjoy." she smiled and walked back inside towards a small sitting room where she pulled a wide but thinner photo album off the shelf.
"He'd never ever let me show these to you when we are all together. But they are adorable." She opened the book and showed Akihiko pictures of Ruki as a younger boy just like a proud mother. "See how cute he was then!" The pictures were of a younger Ruki running around the yard with a kite. And an several of a birthday party with cake all over his face. He seemed just a little on the small side but full of mischief.
She smiled broadly and flipped the page. "Look and here he is with his first car in America. We taught him how to drive one summer because you just cannot take the train like in Tokyo." She pointed to Ruki as a young teen. Rather thin and with a stubborn look in his eyes as he's leaning back in a white t-shirt and blue jeans against a very small silver 1966 MGB GT sport coupe. "I told Rukuro that he shouldn't have given the boy such a tiny car but Ruki ended up being quite a good driver for his age. But such a rebellious boy at least until he decided on a path in life even if his father couldn't agree."
Crystal sighed and turned the pages through a number of other special photos from holidays and summer vacations as Ruki grew older. "See, here he is with his friends at Indie in his first real music industry job. I don't know the boys personally but they always made me think they were getting my Ruki into trouble." Ruki was dressed in more fashionable clothes, just like a picture that Akihiko had seen before. One that was probably long gone in the past fire.
Then furthest in the back, she turned the page and there were pictures that were probably much earlier. "Ah...I don't know how old you would have been at the time Koyasu-san. But your grandfather is in this photo. See..." She showed Akihiko a photo of several men. a woman and a few children close by. "It was at another Industry party much more formal than the gathering last night. This man here...is Matsumoto Izo of Smash, several years younger of course. Then, here is Koyasu Aki of Ohayou. He reminds me of you...when I see this photo. Ah..and here is Goshiro Nisho of Go Records, who passed away a couple of years go. Then, this is Rukuro and his best friend, Kuzuma Haro, of Indie. Oh...and these are Kuzuma's two boys. Mm...yes. And this of course is me." she said as she pointed to the only woman in the shot. "We were such a determined lot in that photo."
The men in the picture were indeed younger more handsome version of people Akihiko knew or heard of. The looks on the faces were interesting though, Matsumoto wasn't looking toward the camera but glancing towards Kuzuma Haro's back, while Kuzuma was tossling his oldest son's hair but had a firm grip on the youngest boy's shoulder. The younger boy looked vaguely familiar. Goshiro's head was not turned but his eyes obviously had flicked towards Matsumoto. Rukuro was looking ahead with his hand on Kuzama's shoulder while Crystal was turned a little towards Aki as if they might have been previously engaging in a conversation.
"All of us were vying for the best in the industry even though Rukuro and I were American based with our Label. Mmm...Ruki doesn't know it but we helped him get that first job with Indie years ago too when he ran off in Japan. It was hard to keep track of him then but Haro offered to take him in. Ah...Haro, I wish he were still with us...such misfortune."
She turned the page to several news clippings,
Winner of the New Music Awards - Indie!
Upcoming Indie Manager - Izzy Lucky - What it takes
Indie and Smash negotiation break down - No merger says Indie's Chaiman
Go Records, Smash, Ohayou - Break down of the Big Three
Indie's Chairman lose first born and wife in fatal accident!
Bankrupt - Where did the money go?
Izzy Lucky - Newest Manager in Ohayou's Child Star Division
Kuzuma Haro takes his own life from the18th floor
"I still can't believe it Indie had been doing so well prior...Rukuro was certain it had a fine future. But then, Smash bought out...the rest of Indie's legacy. I doubt that ever set well with Kuzuma's other boy but no one has seen him in years."
It was then she shook her head and closed the book, "Oh my, I must be boring you completely with this ramblings. I'm sure you'd rather be doing other things."
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 3:10 pm
What a shock, it was so surprising,
You looked so small and frail------------------------------------------------}:- Izzy Lucky
At times life can be so enlightening .uoy no nrut nac ti tuB
Izzy sat in the limo with Shou and watched out the window as they drove down the streets away from the mansion towards the studio. He told Shou he had signed a contract with Ohayou and he knew Shou didn't approve but really...what could he do?
He loved Akihiko...and he couldn't break that promise he had made. His heart felt at ease when he had woken in the morning and Akihiko was still there. He hadn't left him. Izzy didn't want to admit that he had been scared that Akihiko would leave.
So in the backseat he pulled out the CD that Akihiko had given him and plugged it into the player. The music filled the car and Izzy leaned back into the leather to listen. It was so strange to hear songs that expressed so much of Akihiko's inner being. There were many things Izzy wanted to say to the man as the words filled his ears and profoundly affected him to the point that he had to wipe his eyes on his coat.
"He really does love me, Shou..." he said softly as the limo took to the highway. Here he could drop they honorifics in private. Both men having been on such a rough road related when alone. It was something that was acceptable when it was just them.
Shou sighed as he pondered what he heard, The words moved him and...well he knew that Narcissus did love Lucky although, he felt that it would be a very hard road if Lucky walked down it. Narcissus wasn't very mature at times, "I suppose he does...even if he is the most troublesome partner I've ever worked the stage with. Ohayou...mmm...From what you tell me the contract is fair. But still, Lucky...I want to let you know that my offer to help you down the road to stardom is still there. You're a good manager...but I think you'd be an excellent vocalist."
But even as Shou wanted to continued, it was then that he received a call on his shiny new phone, "Moshi Moshi! AH! Hamu-kun! Uh.....what do you mean where did I leave...Ishihara-san?" He looked up at the ceiling like a child being caught in some incredible mischief! "Oh...that! Well...oh I am sure that he is happy where ever his hotel is. I've got stuff to do...today...and mm...tomorrow...maybe for the next week. I'm feeling INSPIRED!" Shou paused again as an earful of Hamu's words came through the phone, "Well you know he's just not you. You'd have followed me home...and pestered Ishi-san until she let you stay. "
Izzy couldn't help but turn his head back to the window and chuckled to himself as Shou's more eccentric side miffed his assistant.
"Ah but Hamu-kun! You know if he cannot keep up it isn't my problem. I'm really not one to babysit. Although I do...want him to make his marvelous mac and cheese! I'll talk to you soon. Tell the rest of the band I look forward to seeing them. Bye bye!" Shou hung up the phone even as Hamu tried to get another word in edgewise. Shou kind of wondered if Hamu was psychic or something, "Mmm...Now how did my...Hamu know that?" His thoughtful face peered at the phone and then he laughed, "Yamada-san says I should call Ishihara-san but I think that Ishihara-san would just love a few days vacation don't you?"
Izzy laughed and shook his head, "Oh Shou, you're going to drive that poor PR guy crazy aren't you?"
-:{------------------------------------------------I didn't know what to do
I grabbed the tiger by the tail!
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Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 7:22 pm
Akihiko's blue eyes closed as he tasted the man's lips. When Izzy pulled back, the musician smirked devilishly. "I know." he replied with a tease before turning his gaze to the sleeping man at the table. With a sigh, Narcissus shook his head. "Shou-san's going to be a zombie I think... Oi! Shou-san! Daijoubu ka?"
Of course by then, Izzy had gotten the man awake and both retired upstairs to get dressed. Left by himself, the young Koyasu drank his coffee but didn't really stir. He needed to take the contract to Yuuji, if for no other reason than to buy time. He knew his cousin... knew the man would figure out some way to whisk him off to Japan on the deadline set by Aki.
Reaching one hand out, Narcissus picked up the packet of papers that had made their way to the kitchen table.
It was a curse and a blessing all wrapped into one that lay in his hand... a ridiculous agreement that would be the only thing strong enough to keep Akihiko and Izzy Lucky together and still weather the storm of the media.
'The old b*****d's dying and he forces Ishi into this... it's ridiculous. Why should he even give a damn anymore? He'll be dead. So what if Ohayou falls? His legacy ended with him... because I sure as hell won't make the mistakes he did... and I know Hiroki won't either. Ohayou won't be HIS anymore... not the second he takes his final breath.'
Of course it occurred to Akihiko that Asato may not know the darker nature of his grandfather at all... Yuuji knew... oh that b*****d knew all too well. Aki was having to pay him an exorbitant amount of money, no doubt...
His trust in Yuuji was an oddity. On the one hand they were family and family didn't betray one another, but on the other, his cousin DID work off of Aki's direct orders, and pocketbook. Akihiko trusted Takagi not to betray him, and yet did so under the direction realization that Yuuji didn't always have his best interests at heart.
Somehow, Narcissus knew such a relationship probably wasn't healthy... and was, no doubt in some part to blame for his own personal issues in regards to trust.
A part of Akihiko, as he sat there looking at the contract, wanted to burn it to a cinder and no involve Izzy any further in this entire mess. Ruki had a chance for a good career with MeKa... a chance to move on with his life... and here Narcissus was, pulling his lover back into the nightmare all over again because he was too selfish to just let go.
If the contract never made it to Yuuji...
It was at that point when both Izzy and Shou emerged from upstairs, both looking fabulous. Akihiko bid them farewell, waving back with a slight smile as they headed out in the car.
He was startled however to hear the sudden voice behind him, and his blue eyes focused in on Crystal. Akihiko followed, having nothing better to do. Once inside, the young man felt obligated, oddly enough, to actually indulge his host and look at the photos.
Even if, on his mind right now, were not memories of the past but the preservation of the future...
A soft smile came to Akihiko's lips, "Kawaii..." he whispered, unable to tear his blue gaze away from the photos that Ishi-san was showing him.
"You have so many pictures of him... and you're not even his parents!" the musician teased lightly, though he did know that Lucky and his family had had quite a falling out in the past.
"Pictures of me that little don't exist anymore." Narcissus spoke, lithe fingers tracing over the image of Izzy with cake all over his face.
"Sometimes I forget... I bet sometimes Ruki forgets too..." then he blinked and looked up at Crystal. "Ishi-san, could... could I ask a favor?" he had suddenly had the best idea. "If you could... could you get together images of Ruki and put them in an album? He... I mean all his pictures were destroyed in the fire and I bet it would make quite the special Christmas present if I could..."
In other words, Akihiko wanted to give Izzy the man's memories.
"He helped me regain my memories, Ishi-san... I'd like to be able to do the same, if on a smaller scale." Narcissus spoke, before his eyes were suddenly distracted back to a group photo.
Koyasu Aki...
The fake smile, or was it fake back then? And Matsumoto Izo, right there as well...
Blue eyes narrowed dangerously at seeing that image, but instead of speaking of his own grandfather... Narcissus' ire was directed at the SMASH chairman.
The newspaper clippings only made the man's suspicions more founded...
"I doubt there was ever a real accident." Akihiko whispered, though he didn't look at Crystal. Instead, he remained focused on the album.
"Matsumoto wanted Indie... and no doubt he got what he wanted, one way or another... the ******** b*****d..."
Narcissus was almost shaking in rage at the thought. Of course, he didn't want to discuss internal politics within Ohayou, not with someone who was an overseas competitor... but how could he not where this was concerned?!
"Now his sights are set on Ohayou... and I've experienced first hand the sort of 'accidents' that happen when he wants something... or someone..." Akihiko shook his head, trying to toss his anger aside. But he couldn't help it as he spoke, looking at Crystal now. "Ruki's experienced it too... and that's why I want to give him back something he's lost. He lost so much because of me." his blue gaze was open, asking for the aid that he would need in this endeavor. "All I need are copies of the photos or the negatives."
Thinking about Izzy... thinking about giving him a wonderful Christmas present... helped to temper down the anger and refocus Akihiko on what was important.
At least for now...
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Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 8:25 pm
"Yes! I might not be his mother but long time ago I couldn't help taking as many photos as I could of him. Isn't he adorable!" she squeaked with personal mommy like satisfaction. At times she really was besides herself with joy for Ruki's outcome as a man from these mischievous beginnings. "And trouble...yes. He's not nearly as naughty as back then. The stories I could tell you!"
But then the conversation turned and she got a bit more serious...
"I could see that of Matsumoto Izo, if I were to push his personality to an extreme. He was always ...well mm...friendly enough but his eyes were always hungry. But do you really think he could..would have...murdered Kuzuma Haro? His family?" Crystal seemed as if she was soul searching, looking into her past to recollect...looking for the pieces to see if that could be possible. And the thoughts about what happened to Ruki made her bite her lip because in all honesty if she had proof that it was one of her rivals, she'd probably go after Izo herself.
"Do you have proof it is him? That he...did all this??" she asked with a chilled edge to her voice. Her fingers pressed on the book firmly but then softened when Akihiko asked his request. Crystal understood what Akihiko needed...wanted to do for Ruki and maybe that was the best healing he could give her Nephew. As much as she wanted to protect Ruki, she couldn't do it all alone.
She reached pulled a small envelope from a slot in the cover marked 'Ruki''. "These are all the negative for the photos of Ruki's photos in this book. And in that album up there, if you hand it to me, is a bunch of others. You can pick what you want and take those too. When you're done, just mail them back to me." She said with a smile but then looked thoughtful as she realized something from a conversation earlier.
Crystal looked down at the photos then up at Akihiko, "Ah. I just remembered something...you know...you're wrong, Koyasu-kun." She reopened the book and flipped back a few pages. There in the middle of several old photographs was a couple of Christmas photos. One a close up of Akihiko and his sister playing piano and smiling at each other not far from a lit Christmas tree. Then one of him, his sister, parents and his grandfather all together in front of a large tree.
"Your grandfather sent these to me a long time ago one Christmas. I thought they were so sweet. I had sent him one of Ruki, his parents and us around the fire place the year before. So I suppose he felt obligated to return in kind the next year." she said with a smile and carefully pulled them out of the book.
"I don't have negatives of these but...I think that you should have them. I'm sure that the memories here are worth much more to you."
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Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 8:44 pm
"Proof..." Akihiko shook his head, "I've nothing but accusations, Ishi-san." he replied sadly, looking to the woman. "Matsumoto offered me a place at SMASH, I turned him down, and not an hour later Ruki's apartment goes up in flames and he's missing." the man's blue eyes burned with anger at the memory. "I was rash... I confronted Izo on the subject... and the next day I was the one missing. Coincidence?"
Narcissus sighed softly, "All this pain over a rejection... I'm the cause of it, even if there's no proof... and I want to right that wrong. I know they're just pictures and he's probably seen them dozens and dozens of times before but..." his words trailed off as Crystal handed him the envelope.
"Arigatou. I'll make sure these are well taken care of. In fact, I'm personally heading up this present project, so no one will even touch these negatives save the photographer... and I'll be using one of Ohayou's best, you can be sure." Akihiko replied with a smile, glad to have something that he could give Izzy that would make the young man smile.
If he hurried... it could be a birthday present instead of a Christmas one!
But when Crystal put those two simple photos into his hands...
Akihiko couldn't speak. For the longest time, he stared at them, each in turn, taking in every single feature.
Then he smiled softly..."I really did look like her..." the musician whispered, lithe fingers tracing over the image of his twin sister. "I can see why okaasan liked my hair pulled back... easier to tell us apart at that age..."
It was taking a damn lot of will power to keep his own emotions in check... "This is the only picture of her that I've seen since the fire, Ishi-san... I... I don't know what to say." he looked at the woman and realized, really and truly realized, that the bond between Crystal Ishi, Rukuro Ishi, and Ruki... was what a family should be.
His own screwed up version was a farce. Nothing more than a production to appease the masses and deflect unwanted attention.
"You care about Izzy so much." Akihiko replied, his gaze focusing back on the album so that he didn't have to think about his own pain. "It's refreshing... to see that love and devotion, Ishi-san. He really is Lucky." the musician teased.
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Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 9:28 pm
Her brow furrowed as she listened. Oh she could definitely see it more and more as she thought about the string of events and the machinations behind the Industry. "No...I'm sure it wasn't coincidence. But it will be hard to catch him at work. And yes, Ohayou has caught his eyes. I really don't want Ruki in the middle of that. But I have a feeling he's not going to stay here." she admitted as she sat there and pondered these terrible events.
"Izo doesn't take rejection well. He's always wanted the shiniest things for Smash but I suppose we all are like that in a way. None of us are innocent but some of us are far worse than others. Mmm...but you know, if worse comes to worse Koyasu-kun. You have a door open here at MeKA. That is the least I can do for my nephew's other half." she said with a gentler smile.
"Thank you. I'm sure you'll take good care of them." She put the photo album back on the shelf letting Akihiko have a moment to view those photos without her eyes on him. "She did look a lot like you. I wihs I had known your family better at the time. But hindsight is always 20/20."
"But of course, I love Ruki very much. I'd have had children of my own years ago but I had a run in with cancer and they had to take my ovaries so he's the closest thing I will have in a son. But, I think that some times fate has a way of giving you your duty in life... We just happened to be there when he needed us. But that's what family does. I can't say anything for his parents. If it were my choice, I'd have yelled at them years ago but its not the Japanese way and Rukuro won't stand for that. But I think maybe some of it is that Rukuro just wanted to be a father too...a little greed but it's done him good." She turned back to Akihiko and crossed her arms. 'Well I can't say its always an easy road with Ruki. He's had his fair share of spankings. And his Luck has almost run out a few times. And then there is You...oh my trouble trouble...a new addition to the family. That means you get to cook on the holidays...your job, young man. Because Ruki has inherited my genes. I can't cook either." She laughed as she teased back.
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Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 9:50 pm
Somehow, Crystal was too much like Izzy... or maybe vice versa. She had a way of putting Akihiko's mind on other things.
A welcome distraction.
If she knew what she was doing, acting on instinct, or that it was pure coincidence, was hard to tell... but it made the young Koyasu feel quite a bit better.
"I don't exactly plan on being trouble, you know." Akihiko replied, still holding onto the photos and envelope, since he wasn't wearing a shirt and Izzy's pajama bottoms didn't have pockets... "But you're lucky I CAN cook. Damn good too." he smiled.
He hadn't known that Crystal was incapable of having children, but hearing that made him realize that sometimes... some people were meant to raise children and sometimes they weren't. What few memories he had of his own parents, told him that they were very much like Rukuro and Crystal... to an extent.
"There are few who can tell me about my parents... you can imagine how angry the media gets when they ask about my childhood and I tell them I honestly don't remember much about it. But... from what I know... I think you would have gotten along well with them. I sense similarities between you and them." Akihiko continued, thinking it over for a few moments.
But then he realized something...
Crystal had just said he was an addition to the family... hadn't she?
Hadn't Izzy always been there when HE needed him? That fateful night... Izzy had taken him in when no one else would...
Had they become family on that day?
After all, Izzy could have refused to work with him, could have left him out there in the rain...
Wasn't Izzy there for him now?
He'd signed a contract just to remain by Akihiko's side, after all!
"Family... well, I'll try to not cause too much mischief then." Akihiko smirked, "At least less than a young hot-blooded Ruki." he added with a wink.
"On a more serious note though..." Narcissus eventually added, his blue eyes focused on the woman. "Ruki isn't staying here... he's coming with me... but I'll keep him out of harm's way. If Matsumoto tries to come at me through him again, like before, I won't let him lay a finger on Ruki. I promise. And... if I need to, I'll bring him back to the US myself if there's too much trouble during the next two or three months..."
He didn't exactly want to tell Crystal that his grandfather would be dead in about two months time... she was still a rival and all of this could, on a more cynical level, be thought of as a front for gathering information and strengthening alliances... or building them.
But if Ohayou could get the backing of MeKa to fight off SMASH... it would deal Izo a big blow indeed.
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Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 10:39 pm
"Ah that assures me that Ruki won't be eating frozen dinners all the time." she grinned knowing how Ruki learned that habit. She was the one to teach it to him. Although, in Japan the selection of frozen dinners was quite a bit different from the US.
"It would have been nice to get to know them. I'm sure we would have gotten along well. Even back then your grandfather was a bit more personable." But then she smiled and glanced away, " I suppose though things change as we all strive to be the winner of this great game. Well, ok as personal as rivals like we can get. I'm sure he's thought many times about you and my nephew. I know I have." She might not be the Tiger but she surely wasn't a buck like Ruki...more of a lioness of a pride. She had claws and she probably carried scars from other confrontations but these were mostly from her American peers. Being overseas had its advantages.
"You better best behave." she wagged a finger for a second and it was suddenly quite clear where Ruki got that same behavior from.
But then the conversation turned to a more serious note that she could not ignore. "From what I saw of the contract, I had a feeling that is what you'd say." She sighed but didn't say what she was thinking. No, she was very much going to hold her own cards close until she investigated a few things. "Then I suppose I'll just have to call Ruki more often to assure myself that he's doing well. But if things do start appearing like they are going to affect my nephew I want to know. I don't want to be left in the dark. He's had too much happen to him over the coarse of this year and I'm not really too keen on...another string of misfortunes." She made herself as clear as she could because she didn't want to lose her 'son'.
"Mm...but I think we are on the same page for the most part. But..mmm...I know you probably should get cleaned up and dressed. I'm sure you've thing to attend to. There are some clothes for you in the 3 guestroom on the second floor. I had my people leave a few things from yesterday's makeover. So I'm sure you'll be comfortable."
Crystal walked to the door and opened it into the outer hall. "I've got some business to address today so I will be out until later this evening. Ruki said you don't drive much so I'll take a car and my driver will take you where ever you might wish to go. If you need a translator, I'll leave the number to the man sent with you last night. So just give him a call." It was then she left and walked down the hall and into another area of the house leaving Akihiko to his own devices.
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Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 11:37 pm
"I'll call you personally if anything begins to brew." Akihiko promised the woman, sincerely thinking of this as a family matter.
Not as a matter between rivals.
The game couldn't hold a candle to the lives of those he cared about, at least not in Narcissus' eyes. No matter what piece was moved... he would protect those closest to him with everything he could.
And if that included using MeKa, so be it.
Strangely, the young Koyasu bowed to Crystal as she turned to leave. The bow hurt, but he didn't let it show in the slightest.
"You've given me two precious gifts, Ishi-san. I swear to protect them both."
He righted himself, and when the woman had left, Akihiko could only hold up the photo of himself and his sister. For a long time he just stood there, staring...
She was beautiful... and he had loved her so deeply...
For her to be torn away like that...
For Izzy to have nearly been torn away in the same manner...
No.
He'd protect what he truly loved, sacrifice himself for it if he had to...
He'd fought too hard to hold onto what he had this time around.
And Koyasu Akihiko wasn't about to lose someone so precious again...
Not to anything... or anyone...
An hour later, Akihiko was in a car, thankfully not a limo, and the driver was taking him to the hotel which his grandfather and the others were staying at.
Dressed quite plainly for once, the young Koyasu stepped out of the car and headed to the front desk.
He carefully asked about the room numbers, and thankfully the staff had been prepared for someone without any English speaking skills because they seemingly understood who he was and that he was permitted to go to the room he indicated.
Takagi Yuuji's room.
Once upstairs, having been given a key by the staff, Akihiko simply walked into the man's room and waited, contract packet sitting on his lap as he made himself comfortable in a chair facing the door.
Of course he didn't know that Michi and Yuuji had gone for breakfast... luckily they'd be back any time now...
(((OOC: This is what Koy's wearing smile ))
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Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2011 11:41 am
Let the Memories of the Evening be...
the first think that you think of------------------------------------------------}:-  Tanaka Michi
Physical Therapist
Fingertips...walking up your spine...a tongue sliding right behind..
The morning with Yuuji really was enjoyable! Breakfast and chatting over nothing important other than the cool things that could be done while they were in town. It really seemed like a vacation with Yuuji as his impromptu 'guide'.
Michi had totally gotten into the spirit of things trying so hard to shove aside his stress from previous weeks. It was rather odd though considering Yuuji had been right there with him but seemed to have recovered at least on the outside fast than he had. But then again. the man was a bodyguard and many more things that Michi could only guess at. However, Michi to be honest didn't want to know that level of detail because he feared it might make him a little jaded and worried. Sometimes ignorance was bliss.
So he sat there and finished the last of his breakfast with a brighter smile upon his lips. "You think we could explore some of the city today? I'm so glad the chairman is allowing me a little time here. I'm already starting to feel human again. We could go to the California Science Center and and see something completely different and...walk along Rodeo drive gawking at all the clothes we can never afford to buy. Ok well...the clothes and things I can't afford to buy."
"You know Takagi-san, for as much as Akihiko grumps about you, you're really good company." he admitted as he finished the last of his OJ and patted his happy tummy. "I hope that Akihiko had a good night for a change. Man's gotta get his life in order some day."
Overall, Yuuji would discover that Michi was really manageable compared to other people. He didn't cause problems, didn't pick fights, try to avoid areas that were possible issues and seemed to easily take Yuuji's suggestions. But he would ask questions and ask for explanation if it was something he didn't quite understand. He just was very easy going and didn't have lots of demands except for things that would help him feel comfortable in his own skin at the moment. Which really wasn't as difficult to handle as others. His needs were kind of like normal people. Seeing sites, having good food even if it was cheap food, hanging out, watching movies. Very opposite of Akihiko and maybe that is why they were good friends. Michi didn't have drama in his life.
So after he was done eating he smirked over at Yuuji and said, "I must be your easiest assignment eh? You want to go back to the room first? I should get my coat if we end up going out."
He'd let Yuuji make the decisions here and lead the way. Today he hoped would be another bright and happy one.
-:{------------------------------------------------when you open up your smile and see me.
...Dark Star.
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Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2011 1:31 pm
Yuuji couldn't help but laugh as he paid the check in the hotel restaurant. "Easy? Well I guess that's a way to put it." the man smiled, standing and putting his napkin down on the table. "You're just not demanding enough... yet." he teased. "Don't worry. Stick around Akihiko long enough and you'll learn how to be a proper diva in no time."
They headed back towards their rooms, mainly because of the fact that Yuuji wanted to grab his coat as well. "Course, I guess you've been around him long enough to know that the media's idea that he's 'just a normal guy in his off time' is greatly exaggerated." he lead the way into the elevator. "As for me being good company... well that's part of my job, isn't it?" he asked with a smirk. "Honestly though, you're a lot more fun to tag along with. Right now you're 'normal' and you don't get normal too often in this business. Plus you kind of helped save my a** back in Hawaii, so that automatically puts you in the friend category moreso than the business one."
Which was true... Yuuji enjoyed spending time with Michi. He didn't have to worry about the physical therapist going off on a tirade or doing something nearly irredeemable in the eyes of the media. Michi was normal. As normal as Yuuji wished he himself was, and yet as normal as he portrayed himself to be.
In fact, the man wouldn't have minded Tanaka getting to know his own family one day.
Oddly enough, he would never have thought that same thing about his own cousin...
Akihiko was too sporadic. Too hard to predict. And too violent when it came to his temper.
How Izzy Lucky had put up with it was still beyond Takagi's understanding, but he had... and from what the chairman had told him prior to his departure, he was probably still going to put up with it.
Change just wasn't in his cousin's vocabulary. Sure, Akihiko might say he was going to change, but those were mere words... and seeing how his cousin was a lyricist... words were a part of the job.
As soon as they were back in Japan, no doubt, Yuuji's job would focus once more on watching Izzy Lucky and his cousin... so enjoying himself right now with Michi was probably the last vacation he'd get for a long while.
Exiting the elevator, Yuuji looked thoughtful as they walked. "How about I buy you something on Rodeo Drive then, hmm?" he asked, glancing at Michi. "Think of it as an early Christmas gift. You can try some stuff on, see what you like, and I'll purchase it for you. Your gift from the company itself, hmm?"
It was good to have that sort of power to wield around when he needed it. Aki was good for any price. It'd just be added to the bill...
"But yes, coats first. LA can have tricky weather if you're not careful." Takagi smiled, unlocking his room, since it was on the way to Michi's and heading inside to get his coat.
He didn't even get both feet in the door before he noticed to figure sitting there.
The fact that his room had been gone into wasn't surprising, considering he'd expected that the moment he'd seen the door itself...
The 'Do Not Disturb' sign was still there, but the handle was in a different position than he'd left it.
So he knew someone had been inside, but he hadn't exactly suspected that someone to still be there.
And judging from the look on Akihiko's face... that mask of pleasant amusement...
This wasn't going to be an easy conversation.
"Ah, Tanaka-san, how about you go ahead and go grab your coat while I talk to Akihiko?" Michi offered before slipping inside and promptly closing the door, leaving Michi in the hallway.
Takagi took note... that his cousin didn't even so much as glance at Michi the entire time...
Those blue eyes were trained on him specifically.
To make matters worse... Yuuji saw both the contract on his cousin's lap... and the cane resting comfortably within reach...
No... this didn't bode well at all...
He just hoped Michi would take his time getting his coat...
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Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2011 2:02 pm
Let the Memories of the Evening be...
the first think that you think of------------------------------------------------}:- Tanaka Michi
Physical Therapist
Fingertips...walking up your spine...a tongue sliding right behind..
"Oh I don't know I'm just not Diva like. You know maybe I could act that way if I learned the ropes but just don't feel the need to over complicate my world." he said with a smile that turned in to a smirk, "I bet you're right. He'd train me quite well in that regard."
"Normal? eh? I'm just me. I guess maybe I'm just used to living like everyone else. Day to day and working hard to get paid." He was thoughtful for a moment but it seemed that it didn't bother Yuuji. In fact, the man seemed to welcome normal.
"Ha! You saved my butt many times back there in Hawaii. I think that we're even." But Yuuji was right, through much of the time that they struggled to stay alive it had been the two of them and a car full of others. What a strange nightmare they both had to wake up from. But he wondered if those things really affected Yuuji that much or if the other man just hide it well. Of course as a bodyguard he couldn't let things just affect him easily so Michi guessed that the job helped.
"Why thanks, I guess I can say you're more in the friend category too." his smiled continued as if nothing could dampen that mood. Just like two friends hanging out...nothing could be better than that on a cool winter day.
"Really??! Are you sure you can...well umm...ok If you think its ok to spend company money like that. I mean I'm not expecting any special bonuses because I've not worked there that long." And of course he didn't think of all the things he had done for Akihiko and such. Even if it had been in the line of work...or maybe more so in the vein of friendship. That's was a part of him...and he didn't expect better than others for that.
Of course, the thought of actually buying something from Rodeo Drive just thrilled his inner child. How many people could say that they did that at his salary level? "But...if it is ok I won't turn you down." It was pretty easy to see that kid like though musing in one ear and out the other.
Michi didn't notice the door knob had moved at all. He was oblivious but once he saw Akihiko, he could only smile brightly not catching any bad mood because his own cheer shielded him, "Hey Akihiko! Did you have a good night? I can't wait to tell you about my evening!" Completely unsuspecting, he blinked when Yuuji asked him to go grab his coat, but of course that was what they intended to do...so sure. It wasn't too difficult to pursue Michi.
"Sure Takagi-san, I might be a few minutes but ask Akihiko while I'm gone if he's got any interest in dinner later." With that Michi waved at Akihiko and then smiled at Yuuji before walking away as Yuuji closed the door. Had he realized what really was up, he'd probably would have done something completely different.
As he headed to his room, he realized he should actually take a bathroom break and make sure that he had his wallet and all. It would take him about 5 minutes but he doubted they would mind. If only he knew.
-:{------------------------------------------------when you open up your smile and see me.
...Dark Star.
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