All new from me : Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about anything else I'm working on (see A/N at bottom). I don't own anything but the idea, please don't sue
Colors of Love
Chapter one: The Starving Artist
A moderately paced tapping was heard echoing through the large lobby of an incredibly large office building. Ise Nanao, one of the founders and current CEO of the Zans Communications Company, walked across the black marble floor toward the elevator so she could get to her office on the seventy-fifth floor…it was going to be another long ride. "I really don't care when it happened. We just lost a five million dollar contract and I want to know WHY they dropped us, not WHEN. Get in touch with them immediately. I'll be in the office in a few minutes and I better have someone that knows what's going on waiting on line one." She ordered before snapping her small black cell phone shut.
Nanao had just had a house built and was busy moving in. She'd intended on taking the week off to get as much settled as she could at once, but after being informed that a multi-million dollar account had been terminated at the last second she knew she would have to handle this personally. The company of course had a top notch contract recruitment team, but as the saying goes, "if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself."
After she had gotten her Masters Degree in Business, Nanao had started a small communications company with a few of her fellow graduates. There was Ukitake Juushirou, the former CEO that had stepped down due to health complications; Urahara Kisuke, head of the technological developments department; and, the child prodigy himself, Hitsugaya Toushirou who was in charge of marketing. They'd done very well in their first few years and had steadily grown into the international company they were with their headquarters stationed in Japan.
Nanao had turned out to be extremely shrewd when it came to contract negotiations. She'd yet to have a contract completely drop under her watch and she wasn't about to let today end her perfect score. She stepped out of the large, mirrored elevator and walked through a small waiting room talking to her personal secretary and assistant as she went to unlock her office doors. "Nemu, who did you get on the phone?"
"Mr. Takaya, ma'am." The quiet girl answered.
"Wonderful, I'll have this contract back before lunch. Oh and I'm sorry about yelling over the phone earlier. You're doing a wonderful job so far. Hold all calls until I'm through with this."
"Yes ma'am."
It had taken two hours of talking about benefits, profit possibilities, and renegotiating certain parts of the previous contract, but she'd done it. Nanao's perfect run remained intact. Pulling out a phone book, Nanao let her long and slender fingers flip through the pages until she came across the name she was searching for. She quickly jotted down the name and number on a Post-It and stood up from her large steel and glass desk. She exited
the large office, brief case in hand, and stopped by Nemu's desk before leaving for the day. "I want you to contact this man. He's a local artist and I want to commission him to do a portrait for me. Do not give him my name, only tell him about the commission and that I will only meet with him sometime this week for an early supper to discuss the portrait and payment. I'm leaving for the day. Be sure to call me immediately after you contact him to tell me when and where we'll meet."
"Yes ma'am." Nemu confirmed as she watched the elevator doors shut and take her boss away. Kurotsuchi Nemu had started working in the mail room of the building a couple of years prior and had steadily worked her way up to the position she now held. Dialing the number she'd been handed she listened to one ring…two ring…three ring…and then the phone was picked up and a deep voice answered,
"Yea?"
"Hello, I'm calling on behalf of my employer who wishes to have a painting commissioned. May I speak with a Mister…Kyouraku Shunsui?"
"Speaking."
Nanao had just finished placing her last book on one of the many shelves of her home office when the phone clipped to her side began to ring. "Nanao speaking…" she answered.
"Ms. Ise, I spoke with the Mr. Kyouraku you asked me to contact and he said that if you could only meet with him this week, he could only meet with you tonight at six o'clock. Should I tell you where or call back and cancel?"
"No, no, I can be ready by six. Where am I meeting him?"
A few hours later Nanao stood in her black high heels, black pencil skirt, and white blouse as she waited for her next appointment to show up. Glancing down at her watch for the third time since arriving and said "He's late." It was already 6:30 when a blue motor-bike pulled into the small parking lot and a man stepped off and grabbed a large black folder strapped to the back to replace it with his helmet. He was tall and wearing a pair of blue jeans and a black t-shirt with a white, collared button-down that wasn't buttoned or tucked in. "I see you've let your hair grow." Nanao said in an annoyed voice.
"Nanao-chan? Is that you?? It's been years! What are you doing here?" Shunsui asked.
"I'm your potential client. I hope you have some impressive samples to show me. But really, McDonalds?" she asked as she watched another group of children run past her. "You could have picked anywhere in the city and you pick McDonalds of all places??"
"Am I paying for myself?" he questioned.
"No. I asked you to meet me so it's only polite that I pay."
"Then is it too late to change my choice?" he asked with a laugh and child-like smile.
"Not as long as you agree to actually tuck in and button your shirt. Let's go, I'll drive."
They arrived at one of the cities nicer restaurants a few minutes later after a tense and silent car ride. Upon being seated Shunsui looked around and said "Wow Nanao-chan, you must really be doing well for yourself to come here for just a small meeting."
"I suppose so. I heard that you'd decided to become a starving artist instead of putting that expensive education of yours to work. Honestly Shunsui, how can you afford to meet potential clients at McDonalds? You didn't know it was me so I can only assume you would show up to an actual business engagement like that."
He only let out a light chuckle and said, "So that's why you called me out here? To just tell me that I'm wasting my life? I thought you stopped playing my mother when you walked out the door that night."
"Don't bring that up," she said as she adjusted her glasses and ordered a glass of wine. "And that's not why I contacted you. I really do want to commission a piece of art and Juushirou said that you were actually very good with your art. I just had a house built and would like a portrait of the land that it sits on."
"I wouldn't mind painting for you. I'll even cut the price in half…for old time's sake, Nanao-chan." He offered with a grin.
"First, I will pay the full price just as any other client would. Second, it's not "Nanao-chan". You are being far too informal."
"Fine, fine; Ise-san then?" he conceded as he held up his hands in defense.
"That's better. I would like to see some of your work though. As I recall you were very abstract when you started painting and that's not what I'm looking for."
Without a word Shunsui handed her the black folder that contained several prints of various pieces of art. They were all finely detailed and of a very professional quality. "These are quite beautiful. Yes, I think you would be perfect for this job. It looks like we're just about finished but would you like anything to eat?"
"No thank you. I really should get back so I can finish up a few other projects before
starting on yours. Just have your assistant call me again when you're ready for me to come see this house of yours. Good evening, Ise-san."
"Wait, you're not going to walk are you?"
"Why not? It's a nice evening and I'll get some exercise. Good evening." He said as he bowed his head and walked out the door.
A shocked Nanao laid down the money to pay for her drink and ran out the door after him. "Wait! Who are you? What happened to you?? The Kyouraku Shunsui I used to know would have at least had a few drinks and been begging me to drive him home."
"It's been years since we've seen each other or even spoken, Nanao-chan. A lot can happen in that much time. I can see that you've changed some. Am I not allowed to do the same, Nanao-chan?"
"No, you're not! You're supposed to be the same lazy, drinking, procrastinator that you've always been! You can be so infuriating." She vented as she ran her fingers through her hair. "Why do you always change just when I think I know you?"
"Someone has to keep you on your toes, Nanao-chan. I'll see you later!" He answered calmly as he walked away and waved. He'd expected a lecture and as always his Nanao-chan didn't disappoint.
A week passed by and Nanao was still fuming about how her meeting had gone. She would occasionally pace and glare at the phone. "I don't need him to paint anything for me. There are plenty of other artists in this city." But she sighed and put a hand to her forehead. "Then again, Juushiro did ask me to hire him as a favor…but how could he be so unprofessional to ask to meet at McDonalds and the show up in jeans?! He can't be making enough money that he can afford to make that kind of first impression. Ugh! How can he be so careless?!"
Nanao wasn't sure why this one brief meeting had allowed him under her skin in a way that she thought to have ended long ago, but she didn't like it. She picked up the handset of her desk phone, pushed one of the speed-dial numbers, and then placed the handset back down after activating the speakerphone feature.
A male voice picked up on the other end; "Hello?"
"Juushirou, are you aware that your friend meets his potential clientele in JEANS?! I don't care one way or the other if he's throwing his life away like this, but surely you must. Talk some sense into that man!"
"Well hello to you too, Nanao-san." Ukitake responded with a laugh. "Would you like to
talk about it? How did the meeting go, other than the jeans thing?"
"You were right about his art being good, but if I didn't know him there's no way I would have even taken a look at the folder! Tell him to invest some money in a suit!"
"Oh, but I already have quite a few, Nanao-chan." A new voice spoke up as her office door quietly shut.
The polished elevator doors opened with a 'ding' and a man stepped out as Nemu continued to finish the sentence she was typing for an email to go out to the division heads. With the punctuation in place she looked up to the tall, dark, and handsome man in front of her desk. He had had long, dark hair that waved down his back in a low ponytail. He was well dressed in a tailored black suit with a pressed crimson button-down and black silk tie. "Is Ise-san in? I believe I made an appointment for this time."
Nemu just nodded her head as she couldn't find her words for the moment.
"Wonderful," the man answered with a smile. "I'm an old friend so I'll just let myself in and surprise her." Then he walked past Nemu's desk and she noticed his black polished shoes that completed his look as he disappeared through the door.
Shunsui entered the office just in time to hear Nanao ranting about their meeting and telling someone that he should buy a suit. Looking down at his current attire, he looked back up and said "Oh, but I already have quite a few, Nanao-chan." He watched with amusement as she whipped around to see him standing by her office door.
"Shunsui, is that you? So you did make that appointment. I'm glad to hear it!" Ukitake said through the phone.
"Ukitake! Well this has turned out to just be a fun, if a little odd, reunion." Shunsui answered as he crossed the room to stand on the opposite side of Nanao's desk as she just gave him a heated look.
"Juushirou, Kyouraku, what's going on here? Why are you even here? And where did you get that suit??" Nanao asked as she motioned to his clothes with her hand.
"I told him that he should make an appointment to come see you this week if he hadn't heard from you by last Friday." Ukitake explained.
"Yes, and really Nanao-chan, you should pay more attention to who you have appointments with and when. You apparently never know who will walk into your office." He jokingly chided with a wave of his finger.
Nanao stood in an angry silence as her eye twitched before she said "You," pointing a finger
at Shunsui, "sit. We're going to have a talk. Juushirou, I hope you're feeling well and I will talk with you later." And then she proceeded to hang up and sit in her soft leather chair.
Shunsui was looking around her office noticing some polished steel shelves lining the walls with several books, diplomas, and certificates of different accomplishments. When he turned his attention to the woman in front of him he saw her to be sitting behind a large desk that was also made of polished steel with the exception of the transparent glass surface. She only had her laptop, cell phone, and a few folders lying on top. He had to admit that she looked a little intimidating sitting in the large leather rolling chair with her arms crossed across her chest. "With all of this steel one might get the impression of a cold woman, Nanao-chan." Shunsui observed.
"I told you to stop addressing me as "Nanao-chan". And you'll wear a suit to come see me, but not when you go meet your clients? That's at least like the old Shunsui I used to know…irresponsible."
"While I do like to look nice for you Ise-san, I had a few other important errands to make before coming here today. And this cold office might actually suit you if I'm to go by the icy greeting I've received."
Brushing off the icy comment Nanao continued, "What errands did you have to run that you needed a suit??"
"Have you already eaten lunch?"
"What?" She answered after a brief pause.
"Have you already eaten lunch?" he asked again but much slower.
"No, but what does that matt—"
"Then come have lunch with me." He interrupted.
"Why? I'm busy." She answered.
"I'll make it worth your while, I promise." He said as he raised his right hand.
Thinking it over for a moment, Nanao reached over to press a button on her intercom. "Nemu, I'll be stepping out to lunch shortly. I'm not sure when I'll return so please take messages from all calls." Then she lifted her finger from the button and sighed. "Let me get my coat."
They walked through the concrete parking lot together, but as she started walking toward her car Shunsui reached out to grab her arm and guide her in another direction. "No, no,
no. You drove last time. It's my turn." He said with a smile.
"If you think I'm getting on that bike, you've lost your mind." She protested.
"Then luckily I didn't ride my bike today." He said as he pulled out a set of keys and pressed a button on a small remote. A 'beep beep' echoed through the air and Nanao looked up to see the lights flash on a spotless black car. As they got closer Shunsui started to talk. "That, my dear Nanao, is a black, manual transmission, eight-cylinder, 2003 Ford Mustang GT with a black convertible top, black interior, and leather seats. It's my baby." He chirped with a boyish grin.
"Impressive." Was all she said as she opened the door and sat down. She noticed that there was a single pink, dried flower hanging from his rearview mirror.
Shunsui sat down as well and started the car only to sit there for a moment and listen to the engine. With a content sigh he backed up and pulled out of the parking lot. "So Ise-san, where should we go for lunch?"
"You're the one driving, so you should choose." She stated as she looked out the window at the scenery.
"I know just the place then! It'll be a nice little surprise for you though." He said in a happy tone.
After about thirty minutes of driving, Shunsui parked and they entered a very nice sushi bar. Nanao looked down to the menu after being seated and saw that the prices were nothing to sneeze at. Turning her attention to her companion she asked "You are aware of how expensive this is, right?"
With a confirming "Mhmm" Shunsui waved a waiter over and gave him the order. "Well while we're waiting on our lunch I think it would be a wonderful time to catch up on old times! What have you been up to these past few years?"
"I think it would be more productive to discuss the commission I inquired about. When can you start?"
"You're a joy-kill; I'll tell you what I've been up to then." He said as he heard Nanao sigh. "After deciding to fall into the roll of 'starving artist' I moved out of my old apartment and into a larger flat that doubles as an art studio; it's not much, but it's home. You're turn."
"You really are unbelievable, you know that? That can't be a stable source of income. What happens when your art doesn't sell? Do you have a plan so that you don't end up on the street?" But Nanao stopped there after seeing the hurt feeling pass over his face. "Never mind. For the past few years I've been pretty caught up in my work. I worked with an architect and designed the house that I recently had built and spent last week finishing moving in."
"Are you happy?" Shunsui asked as the waiter returned with a fairly large platter of fresh sushi.
"I'm perfectly content. I have a dream home, dream job, and a steady income. I can't imagine things getting much better." She answered as she popped a piece of salmon in her mouth.
"Well it sounds like things are going pretty well for you. I'm glad." He said in his deep, velvety voice. The rest of the meal went peacefully with small talk between bites. When the check came Nanao reached for it but Shunsui beat her to it saying "Nuh-uh little Nanao. This is my treat." And he slipped a credit card in the small black book. After being given back his card and receipt they got up and left for the car.
Once inside Shunsui turned to Nanao and said "I have something I want to show you. Are you interested?"
Nanao glanced at her watch and decided that going back to the office today wouldn't do much good and said "Sure, just let me call my assistant and inform her that I won't be returning today."
"Excellent."
A short drive later they arrived at a large building. As Nanao stared up at the beautiful architecture of the white building, Shunsui walked around and opened her door for her and extended his hand for her to take. Once she placed her small hand in his much larger one he gently pulled her out of the car and looped her arm around his as they walked through the front glass doors.
"I'm sorry, but we won't have any exhibitions for about another few weeks." A voice called from a back room at hearing the door open and close.
"It's me Kotetsu-san! I've brought a friend for an early peek."
A young woman poked he head around a corner and smiled when she saw them. She had short silvery hair and a shy smile. "I didn't think I would see you again until the opening night, Kyouraku-san. Feel free to walk around. I'll be in the back if you need anything."
"Thanks Isane. Come, Nanao-chan. It's this way."
"Don't call me "Nanao-chan". What's this way? Who was that?" She spouted off.
"That was Kotetsu Isane. She's an art dealer that works here at the gallery. Her younger sister is an assistant of Ukitake's and they introduced us. And you'll see what this way is
when we get there, Ise-san." They walked in silence for a while until they came to a hallway. "Go ahead," he said motioning down the hall. "Take a look. Take your time and enjoy yourself."
Nanao walked down the hall and looked at all the paintings and photographs. There were portraits of people, animals, landscapes, and several other things. Once she reached the end of the hall she slowly walked back as she looked at the artwork hanging on the opposite wall. When she once again stood in front of Shunsui she looked at him and asked "What is all this?"
Shunsui put his hands on her shoulders, took a few steps back, and then turned her around to point up at a banner that was hanging above the hallway's entrance. She read the name aloud, "Kyouraku Shunsui." She turned back around to see him smiling brightly and said "All of those were yours?"
"Every last one, but come on. I have one more surprise for the day," he said as he grabbed her hand and pulled her off toward another hallway that was labeled "Dealer's Selections." After passing several paintings they came to stop in front of a large canvas that had a beautiful garden scene and a woman sitting in a chair with a book hiding her face. "What do you think?"
Nanao could only stare at it, taking in every detail of each flower. After several minutes of admiration she answered, "It's beautiful. Yours?"
"I'm glad you think so, and yes. It's another one of mine. Now that you've seen some of my art up close, do you still want me to do a portrait of your home?"
Nanao only nodded as she continued to drink in the picture. "Good. I much prefer for people to see my actual work instead of prints before I do a commission."
"Very admirable of you." She complimented upon turning her attention back to him. "Well since you showed me your art, would you like to see the house you'll be painting?
"Very much, Ise-san." Shunsui said with grin. They walked back out to his car and Nanao gave him the directions and it was a fairly quiet car ride except for the soft sound of the radio. They drove to the outskirts of the city to a much less densely populated area and turned into a long driveway with many trees. It was a large plot of land that was still covered with some forest. A small clearing revealed a beautiful house. It was two stories and sat on posts about a foot off the ground and was made almost entirely of a dark wood with large picture windows serving as a few walls. The living room was clearly visible from outside and if there was a fire lit in the fireplace it would have caused the bottom level of the house to glow. The sunset in the background only added to the beauty of scene.
Shunsui stepped from the car and just stared at what could be considered an artist's dream. "It's perfect. At first I thought having a painting done of a new house was a bit conceited but after seeing this I understand why. This must have cost you a pretty penny, Ise-san."
"Several pretty pennies; but it was all worth it. I intend to live here for the rest of my life and I didn't want to wait and build it when I got old. I've always dreamed of this house."
"I suppose it only makes sense for a beautiful woman to have beautiful dreams," he complimented.
Nanao coughed and tried to hide her blush as she said "Would you like to come in for a glass of wine?"
"No thank you, Ise-san. I should be going. I'll contact you later this week to let you know when I can start your painting. Good evening and pleasant dreams…Nanao-chan." And before she could correct him he got in his car and drove back down the driveway.
'I wonder how much art he actually sells…there was a lot in that gallery.' Nanao thought as she walked up the steps to her front door. It wasn't until she got to her kitchen and was looking in her refrigerator that a thought struck her. "He never took me back to get my car!"
A/N:
okay, so since I have several chapters done on A Past Forgotten and I'm almost through with the fifth chapter of Sing For Me that went MIA, I decided to start this fic. The idea came into my head while the bf and I were discussing my other Bleach fic and I couldn't wait to start this. I just hope that I'm not going to get in over my head here cause this'll put me writing 3 fics that are posted, 1 that isn't, and 2 books haha I need a lot to work on so I can switch around otherwise I get bored and don't finish anything : I should have the next chapter of this up soon if I don't do another double post today. Hope you enjoyed and be sure to tell me what you think! Oh! And on a side note, Shun-kun's car is GORGEOUS. Will's dad has one just like it only the body is Performance Red instead of black. I grew up around cars and I like em Mustang's are probably my fav's though!
TTFNFWA