Chapter 2 - She's the New Model?
Misao couldn't believe she was back at Himura Designs & Co. Misao thought she made it perfectly clear to herself that she was never going to set foot into the building ever again and yet here she was. She sat on one of the sofa and waited to be called just like yesterday. Today she only brought a small bag and this time…no coffee. Why did she feel like this was another interview? Misao began praying to the gods that she wasn't going to run into the man in the grey suit. He'd been so mean, so rude to her…but then hadn't she done the exact same thing? Misao bowed her head trying to cover her embarrassed blush at remembering the other day when she threw that man's cellular phone onto the road and watched a car crush it to smithereens. She hadn't even apologised for her rude behaviour either. Not that she truly had a change to, but was that why she was turned down as a designer?
"Miss Makimachi?" Misao lifted her head, not being able to answer her own thoughts as a short woman with big brown eyes and round glasses was smiling down at her. Misao stood up, their heights being exactly the same.
"My name is Tsubame and I'll show you to Kamatari-san's studio, please follow me." Misao followed the young woman towards the lift and they got in, Yahiko operating it once more.
"Good Morning Tsubame, Ma'am." He spoke a small smile and a light blush crossing his cheeks at addressing Tsubame-chan so formally as though they'd been friends forever.
"Good morning Yahiko-kun, please take us to the 25th floor." Misao watched and listened to the small chitchat Yahiko and Tsubame shared together, something about a movie they both saw and Misao came to her own assumption that they were dating and voiced it out.
"I hope you don't mind me asking, but how long have you two been an item?"
"I-Item?" Misao heard Yahiko stutter his face turning as red as Tsubame's already was. Misao placed her hand to her mouth and spoke softly trying to apologise.
"G-Gomen ne for embarrassing the both of you. I didn't mean…I just thought, the way you spoke to each other and you just looked really nice together and…oh I'm embarrassing you even more, I'm sorry…" Misao spoke bowing lightly. She couldn't believe herself! Again, she'd spoken her mind without thinking properly. Oh why was she such an idiot?
"F-Floor 25." Yahiko squeaked lightly and the doors opened, Tsubame rushing out with Misao jogging to catch up. Once they were out of sight, the lift doors closing, Tsubame turned around smacking Misao on the arm with her folder numerous times.
"Tsubame I'm sorry." Misao spoke trying not to crack up laughing, but was unsuccessful. After several minutes she heard small giggles as Tsubame joined her, her cheeks still flushed a light pink.
"Oh now look what you made me do, we are late." Tsubame spoke hurriedly, completely stopping her laughing and began walking down a long corridor heading for some large double doors.
"D-Did you really mean what you said Miss Makimachi. That Yahiko and I looked nice together?" Tsubame spoke in a soft voice, almost too shy to voice her questions aloud. Misao nodded her head giving her some encouragement.
"You bet I did! You too look so cute together; I'm surprised that you haven't asked him out. Did you see the way he looked at you? Oh and the name is Misao too. I don't like being called Miss Makimachi, its way too formal." Misao beamed a smile at Tsubame trying to lighten her own nervousness at her fast day at trying to be a model. What the hell did she know about modeling? Absolutely nothing! She wasn't one for fashion really. Sure she created designs but actually going out and buying clothes was quite tough for her. She was a short petite young woman and considered herself to have no breasts at all.
"Arigatoo Miss Misao for saying that to me…" Tsubame replied softly, her cheeks darkening a bit once more. Misao couldn't help but laugh a little at the shyness of the woman who was older then her and placed her hand on Tsubame's shoulder stopping them from entering the main doors.
"Ask him when you go back to the elevators. Wait until he's alone okay?"
"Okay…" Tsubame trailed off and Misao gave her a stern look watching as she nodded her head replying again before they entered the studio.
"I promise Miss Misao."
* * * *
"No sweetums, you must move those hips a little bit more…be seductive!"
"Like this sweetums…" A feminine voice spoke as Misao and Tsubame walked further into the studio and watched a man in tight black jeans and a tight purple top strut his stuff on the catwalk showing the fuming woman how the walk went.
"Now do it again Ame darling." Misao watched the flawless and very beautiful woman walk down the cat walk, giving the audience a seductive stare, even though there wasn't one and turned around swaying her hips that little bit more. Her right hand was placed on her right hip, a seductive smile crossing her ruby lips. Her hair was placed up in a bun nothing fancy as it was just practice for today, her face had light makeup on and she was wearing a business suit, made of complete silk, her breasts bouncing lightly under the bright red coat, she not having a top underneath…or a bra for that matter. The high heels she wore were like six inches high! Misao began to sweat…
"Yes! That's it Ame darling, sway those luscious hips seductively at me." Misao turned to face Tsubame and opened her mouth ready to ask a question but Tsubame answered already knowing what she was going to ask.
"Yes he is Miss Misao. Kamatari-san is 100%… Oh good morning Kamatari-san, Miss Ame. I've brought…"
"Oh look at this goddess before me!" Kamatari spoke and walk down the three steps of the catwalk and made his way over towards Misao and Tsubame, his hands moving to his cheeks in awe as he stared at Misao. Misao's eyes widened in surprise as he moved closer, cupping her face and kissing each of her cheeks twice.
"Oh what beauty you have Miss Makimachi." He complimented her once more and began circling her like some sort of vulture. Misao began to fidget slightly, but Kamatari slapped her hands down to her sides.
"Don't fidget, it makes you look terrible. I see why Aoshi sweetums picked you to be our newest and hottest model, you are quite something too look at. You almost hurt my eye's darling. You must have caught his attention; all the beautiful women catch my Aoshi darling's beautiful eyes. Hmm, we'll need to look at this hair, oh and fix up the fingernails, maybe brighten your eyes a bit…oh we will have so much fun darling. May I call you Misao darling?" He questioned Misao again snapping her out of the trance he was making in her mind.
"Umm, sure." Misao turned to stare slightly frightened at Tsubame who was backing away, ready to leave her with this 'vulture'.
"I'll let you take Miss Misao from here Kamatari-san, take good care of her alright?"
"Of course Tsubame, I care for all my girls." He spoke passionately while taking Misao's hand in his and walking her towards the woman standing on the catwalk with her hands on her hips. Her coat had parted open showing Misao some of her large breasts, she not even caring at all.
"Ame darling, meet Misao. She's going to be working with you from now on. She's taking over from Miss Megumi." Misao placed on a smile trying to be friendly but watched as the other model stared down at her and then walked off the catwalk obviously heading for the change rooms.
"She's the new model? She's not that special…" Misao frowned at the rudeness of the woman and stepped forward ready to voice her own opinion but a hand clamped over her mouth, Kamatari not wanting a "cat fight" to start between the two of them. Misao pulled away from him, brushing strips of hair from her face and tucking them behind her ear.
"I don't need you to hold my hand."
"Oh such a feisty one too, you and Kaoru will be quite good friends I can see it now." Kamatari spoke while ushering Misao to follow him. She placed her hands in her trouser pockets and walked silently behind him, her eyebrow rising as his hips swayed. Misao blanched knowing he'd be better on stage then she would. She was never good at things like this and just the horror of tripping over on stage was frightening her to run away right at this very moment. That however was not possible as Kamatari opened the door and walked into the change rooms, letting Misao stare into green-grey eyes.
"Aoshi darling you're here!" Kamatari spoke in a sing song voice at the other man. Misao eyed Kamatari and then turned them back to Aoshi, who's face expression looked different as though not impressed he was being called 'darling' by Kamatari.
He was surrounded by the models, they flocking to his side and he not minding it at all, in fact he seemed to enjoy basking in the attention of the six beauties. One of the models had her hand resting on his thigh while another one actually playing with the strands of his jet-black hair!
"Miss Makimachi this is Aoshi Shinomori, head of our company along with Kenshin Himura who officially came up with the business in its early days. He is your boss and if you have any problems you must speak with him okay?" Kamatari spoke introducing the two of them. They both said nothing, Misao crossing her arms as she stared around the room at the other models who seemed to glare angrily at her.
"If any of you have a problem with me I suggest you voice it now because I won't put up with any of your shit." Misao declared confidently and watched Kamatari's eyes widen at the choice of words she used. There was a small laugh, Misao turning her head to stare at a woman with long black hair and blue eyes. She walked over placing her hands on Misao's shoulders and replied to her small statement.
"My name's Kaoru and we are going to get on just fine Misao. Oh I'll have to take you around the building. Have you met Megumi or even Kenshin yet? Such wonderful people they are." Misao stared quizzically at the happy woman in front of her, slightly stunned at being welcomed by her so easily.
"You'll have to do so another time Kaoru, I've got to take Miss Makimachi to a meeting and according to my watch we were supposed to be there five minutes ago. Excuse me ladies." Misao scrunched her face up watching as they swooned and giggled like young schoolgirls as he 'detached' himself from them and headed towards the door.
"Once your finished with her Aoshi sweetums don't forget to return my girl to me okay? We have a lot to do before next weeks mini fashion show." Kamatari spoke waving goodbye to the handsome tall man.
"Whatever Kamatari…" Aoshi spoke impassive as ever and left the change rooms Misao hurriedly walking beside him. They headed down the long passageway and Aoshi pressed the button for one of the lifts.
"So how many have you dated?" Misao question bluntly watching the tall man stare down at her emotionless as ever.
"Don't give me that look, I'm not stupid. You've got 'ladies man' written all over your face, so answer my question." Misao spoke once more and watched as her boss pressed the elevator button numerous times hoping to speed it up, but the effort was quite pointless.
"All but one if you must know. Not that it is your business Makimachi."
"And yet they still flock around you like pets even though you've dated and slept with most of them. So who was the lucky one that rejected you?" Misao questioned once more and entered the lift crossing her arms over her chest while leaning against the back wall of the elevator.
"You actually, but only because I haven't asked yet." Aoshi replied instantly and gave Misao a side-glance before muttering the floor level to Yahiko.
"God, can you really be that superficial? Well I'll spare you asking me the question…no way will I date someone at the office and my boss for that matter so save your breath. It'll always be no." The elevator dinged and Misao walked out with determined strides, but turned around noticing her boss was still leaning against the wall, his fingers brushing imaginary dust off his dark green coat.
"Aren't you coming?" Misao spoke, but watched his cool eyes gaze over at her for a mere second and then he replied to her question.
"This is floor twenty-two not twenty Makimachi. We are waiting for someone else to join us." Misao had parted her lips creating a small 'o' and then got back into the elevator and stood in the corner far away from Aoshi, not wanting to be in the same elevator as him. Misao watched an extremely gorgeous woman, with exceptional good looks walk into the lift, she placing one of her creamy hands behind Aoshi's neck, bending his head and kissing his cheek, leaving a red lip print on his cheek.
"How is Aoshi doing?" She spoke in a soft seductive tone, Misao guessing this was obviously his latest girlfriend, but watched him rub off the lipstick with his hand and then pointed in her direction.
"Takani Megumi met Makimachi Misao, the woman who will take over your position. You will need to work with her along with Kamatari." Aoshi spoke watching Megumi turn her deep maroon coloured eyes towards Misao's slightly wider ones.
"It's a pleasure, but a word of warning, don't take any of the crap the other models dish out okay?" Misao smiled at the tall woman watching her flick her hair over her shoulder and smile down at her. She was beginning to like this Megumi woman too. She and Kaoru seemed all right.
"Floor 20." Yahiko spoke up interrupting them. Megumi stepped out with Aoshi and Misao trailed behind watching the body language between the two of them. Clearly it was evident these two shared a relationship together, but what was most amazing was that even though his relationships would have ended, the females still remained 'attached' and friendly to him. What was it that attracted them to him anyway?
"Do walk a little faster Makimachi." Misao snapped out of her thoughts and quickened her pace heading into a large office and closed the door behind her. She turned around watching a leather chair turn around and gentle violet eyes locked with hers.
"Welcome back Miss Makimachi." Kenshin Himura spoke and he stood up walking over towards Megumi and taking her hand in his kissing it lightly then placing one on her cheek as well. Misao was slightly confused. Was this a small custom in the company? She shook the thought away and shook Kenshin's hand almost becoming overwhelmed at being in the same room as him again.
"Please have a seat." He replied and Misao looked over at Megumi and the Aoshi, he nodding his head as though telling her to relax and just sit down. Her boss concerned about her? Yeah right! Misao sat down and looked Kenshin straight in the eye as he leaned back in his leather chair, swaying slightly and finally spoke.
"First of all welcome to our family. We treat everyone with respect around here Miss Makimachi so if you feel like you aren't being treated properly then do let Aoshi know okay?" He watched Misao nod her head in agreement and placed on a small smile and speaking some more.
"A Seta Soujiro has gotten the job of designer and we would like…no we would hope that when you are in his outfits, if there is anything that doesn't seem right about the feel or colour, or maybe even design you will pass on your thoughts to him. It doesn't necessarily mean that he'll take you up on those opinions, but it'll help nonetheless. Is everything clear so far?"
"Yes Mr Himura, but please don't call Miss Makimachi, Misao is fine."
"As Kenshin is fine by me." Misao nodded her head in agreement once more.
"Now since you are one of our precious models you will be well looked after and provided for. This is our gift for you. Don't open it until after 5pm. That is when you will finish work everyday. You will start at 8:30 in the morning sometimes earlier if Aoshi, Miss Megumi, Kamatari or myself ask for you. You are not required to wear our uniforms, but I'd like for you to wear a badge with your name on it. It shall be ready tomorrow; so do come see Mrs Tae, Aoshi's and mine receptionist and she'll have it waiting up here for you. Dress codes are pretty simple to follow. You will present yourself neatly, like everyone else who wears their own clothes and shoes are not the ones you are wearing now Miss Misao, but we'll let that slide for now. Everything will be explained once you open this box later on okay? Now you do have an office of your own on the 22nd floor. The other occupants on this floor are Megumi, Tokio and Kaoru. You need to bound with them as these woman are the one's you will be working closest too. The other women are on floor 23 and it would be nice for you to get to know them as well. Now I'm not rushing through this am I Miss Misao?"
"No Kenshin-san, I'm following along very well."
"Good. You will start your makeover today, but no training on becoming a model until tomorrow. If there is something that you do not want Kamatari to touch, say you hair for instance then tell him. Long hair is quite beautiful on woman and I suggest you get it trimmed and maybe shaped a little but don't chop it off. Once your makeover is completed I wish to see you once more, please have Tae phone me before coming to my office. As I said before Miss Misao, welcome to Himura Designs & Co." Misao beamed a huge smile at him and stood up thanking him a thousand times over. Kenshin couldn't help but return her energetic smile watching her walk backwards towards the door, her eyes sparkling with joy. She truly was like Kaoru. They had so many similarities.
Could Misao possibly get any happier then this? Like hell she would, except maybe if her own boss took some friendly advice and tips from Kenshin at how to be a real gentleman then everything would be okay.
"So it begins." Aoshi spoke in his deep voice, Misao turning to look over at him. He nodded in her direction and left the office never looking back. Misao's pursed her lips in slight confusion but a smiling Megumi blocked her view of Aoshi's retreating form.
"Come on, I'll take you back to Kamatari. Don't be frightened of him either, he's just a big softie underneath."
"I know, I can already tell that Kamatari wouldn't even hurt a fly." Misao stared at Megumi's loud laughter as she began walking off, tugging Misao's hand to follow her as she replied back.
"I know Kamatari wouldn't hurt a fly, but I was referring to Aoshi."
"Mr Shinomori?" Misao spoke in a whisper, her head turning to observe as he leaned over the receptionist desk, his hand clasping a rosy cheeked Tae's one as he spoke something to her.
"I highly doubt that…not in a million years…" Misao muttered under her breath and turned her head when she heard Megumi calling her name.
"Megumi-chan wait for me!" Misao spoke loudly as she raced into the lift making sure it wouldn't leave without her.
Misao hadn't even noticed that a pair of green-grey eyes had been watching her, his little 'flirting' with Tae being an act wanting to know if it would piss her off…and clearly it had.
"You know Aoshi, Miss Makimachi is not going to be so easy like the other woman in this building. She won't fall for your charms like they did. She's quite head strong and it seems your going to have to work harder."
"Is that right Tae? Tell me now, would you fall for them?" Aoshi questioned her wanting to know if he still had what it took to make woman blush and stare in his general direction.
"Mr Shinomori I am a happily married woman!" She spoke in utter astonishment at his flirting behaviour.
"Okay so what if you weren't married and devoted to your husband and family, would you then have fallen for me?" Aoshi questioned again, the smallest hint of a smirk crossing his usually dead pan look.
"I suppose so, but that's if I was never married and didn't have children. Have you got that Mr Shinomori?" Tae spoke passionately making sure he knew it was a hypothetical answer to his stupid question. She watched as he kissed her hand and walked off towards his office.
"Arigatoo Tae and tell Katsu and the children I said hello." She watched him close his office door and she began shaking her head.
"You've so got it bad for her Aoshi…and you don't even know it yet." Tae spoke softly to herself and went back to her typing.
* * * *
To be continued…
* * * *