11: On the Job Training
AN: To answer a frequent question: so where is Takaba? Here's the follow up to that. Please don't take offense to any religious remarks and take it out of context.
(3 days ago)
"This sucks."
Jin chose to refrain from commenting on such an easy opening with a crude comeback. Though, he certainly wouldn't mind anything to plug the boy's mouth from further unnecessary comment. Tanaka Aki, otherwise known as Takaba Akihito, has many natural allurements that many hosts would kill to have but this brat-attitude or brattitude as Jin would call it, was not one of them, even though his other pupil, Rin, certainly made a fine art of it. With some refinement, perhaps Takaba may inherit the title aptly. Thus with plenty of practice, Jin chose to ignore the brat in favor of focusing on the duty at hand.
He stood sentinel to the entranceway and look through the canopy opening at hand, waiting patiently for the signal while his charge relentlessly thither and complain in the background.
Several minutes later, he sees a raised open palm from across the dirt field and responds back with a thumb up gesture. He closes the open flap with a simple tug and turns around to make sure Takaba was ready.
Jin surveyed the boy from head to toe, crossing off a mental checklist with a keen eye. First impression is very important to a host's career. It wouldn't do for Takaba to ruin the transaction before it even started.
He took in Takaba's artfully shaped and colored hair, the glowing skin, bright eyes, slightly glossed lips (that he insisted the other wear with much convincing on his part), and current attire. Everything seems to be in order, now if only the brat would stop fidgeting about nervously.
"…I don't think this is a good idea, Kuniaki-san."
Jin caught the tail end of the last complaint when he heard his name addressed. A groom brow rose to question the sudden change in tune. Takaba chose not to elaborate, instead turn his head away and hid his eyes beneath his bangs.
That was telling enough. Jin was having none of it. There was no place for it with less than five minutes to spare. Second thoughts or not, Takaba has chosen this path and signed the dotted line. The contract was binding.
Jin took the time and enjoyed the brief moment of silence. He went to sit atop the fold out chair provided and casually threw out the following comment.
"Don't tell me, you lied on your resume and subsequent questionnaire too?"
The boy turns to look at him, suspicion clear in hazel depths. With the bait hooked, Jin flashes a warning smirk before he attacks with a verbal jab.
"So you don't know how to ride a motorcycle and you aren't a bisexual who prefers to bottom?"
He was rewarded by a becoming flush of pink crossing the bridge of Takaba's nose.
"Shut up! I do too know how to ride. It's just… this is different."
Jin knew full well the reason why the other chose to ignore his latter comment and left with such a blatant error open. The brat was a contradiction that continuously amuses him. His curiosity was captured the moment he read the boy's titillating answers and saw photos of the brat's flawless athletic body taken secretly in Seichi's final examination room. It continues to delight him in learning that such dichotomy could exist within a person. Takaba has a natural sex appeal and confidence that borders on lewd. His sexual experience clearly illustrates that he enjoys being dominated. Yet, the brat is uncomfortable with intimacy and any talk of homosexual relationships.
Luckily, Jin can easily read between the lines. After reading the extended background check done on Takaba, the King of Pheromones can understand why. He had similar experiences wrought by Aoe-sama after all. Therefore, in such cases as these, he can very well sympathize. He didn't spent two whole weeks day in and day out with the brat for nothing. This doesn't mean he'll relent from teasing the boy though. Such fun weren't meant to keep to oneself.
Though, Jin again chose not to comment on the easy opening and address the other's concern instead.
"How so? A dirt bike isn't any different than a motorcycle."
If looks could skewer, Jin would probably be on a spit by now. The senior host continues to watch with amusement as Takaba resume his pacing with nonsensical complaints.
"Are you kidding? This is the latest Yamaha YZ450F model. It's nothing like my old Kawasaki Ninja. It's like pitting a guppy to a freaking shark!"
Jin couldn't hold back his tongue this time and relent on commenting.
"Then all the better to have it between your legs, no?"
The boy stopped pacing and glare at him in reproof. It was a pity how the other doesn't appreciate his licentious humor. He'd even taken care to be selective in his quips.
"What's with this getup anyhow? I thought I was supposed to meet my client today, not enter a Motocross race."
The brat referred to his current attire with a downward sweep of his hand. Jin merely rolled his eyes and inquired, "It's a practice. Did you do your homework?"
"….Yes."
The hesitation spoke much more clearly.
Jin deadpan in response, "I'll take that as a no."
And of course the brat tries to cover his tracks.
"No, no, I did, what I don't get is what's an oil tycoon have to do with dirt bikes?"
Well at least the boy did read the dossier that accompanied his contract.
Jin gave his nod of approval absently before he remarked, "…I see you have more to learn…."
The brat sniffs and crosses his arm protectively as well as he could consider his attire. But despite the uncooperative display, Takaba remain quietly listening.
Amused by such contradicting behavior, Jin's lips twitch to move upwards when he questions the other as if they were doing another one of his lessons, "What does his description means to you?"
It was Takaba's turn to roll his eyes when he responded matter-of-factly, "Filthy rich, spoiled beyond rotten, thinks highly of himself, I'm sure; probably smokes like a chimney, is driven around in fancy cars, orders people around; and of course, who can forget: loves to spend money and talk down to people."
Knowing for a fact the brat must be describing from personal experience, Jin refrain from commenting. He didn't want Takaba's thoughts to veer that route. He'd made the mistake of that before. With just a few minutes left to spare, he had to warm up the boy for his task.
Thus Jin donned on his best lecturing cap and recited the following from memory, "Zabayr Hassan found oil of what was left of his father's legacy. He has beaten off many corrupt officials, greedy family members, and gold diggers all from the tender age of ten. Now, age 30, he's expanded his fortune into an empire beyond oil to hotel chains, casinos, pharmaceuticals, sponsoring races, and who knows what else. His father is Arab descent and his mother was the man's Japanese mistress. He's a devout Muslim but has a taste for fair skin male companions. You get the picture?"
Jin allowed what he said to sink in a bit before he continues. Though what the boy said next made him want to throttle Takaba instead.
"So… that still doesn't explain the get up does it?"
The senior host made direct eye contact before he chastised the other.
"Use that wily photojournalist brain of yours Aki-kun. A man of his accomplishments finds solace in many things. Mainly things that give him pleasure and stimulate his ego."
Takaba unfold his arms and scratches his head as if contemplating what he said.
"So… he finds sponsoring a fair skin male escort on a dirt bike stimulating?"
Jin gave his disciple a pointed look before he shook his head in disgust upon seeing the tale-tell grin from Takaba.
"Your continuance to feign ignorance, real or not, eludes me. Keep your pretty head focus and lure him with your assets."
The brat's grin merely widen upon replying, "It's covered up in armor right now."
Jin chose not to comment.
"After the introduction, if you capture his interest, the second part of your date will begin."
He was expecting another snarky remark but that Takaba again surprises him.
"I'm not ready yet, Kuniaki-san."
The brat had turned his face away once more but Jin was tired of this. The boy's deflated tone requires a delicate touch.
Jin rose from his seat and walks up to Takaba. He takes the boy's chin and guides those piercing hazel orbs to look upwards.
He read confusion and hurt within their depths, but strength of will as well. He decided to address the issue, chancing come what may.
"Stop thinking of your past lover. You chose this path. Find your answers. I'll be there to guide you."
It only took the brat three turns around the track before the signal was sent and Jin had to physically drag Takaba off the course. The darn brat was having too much fun on Blue Boy's expense even though the contract covered the introductory costs entirely. Jin had specifically kept the details of the assignment secret from his young pupil. There was no reason to put such pressure on Takaba.
Throughout the two weeks intensive training regiment he'd conducted with his disciple, Jin had manage to miraculously gain the boy's trust and affection. How he managed to reign in on such a spitfire would remain a trade secret he'll garner for the rest of his life.
It had all worked out for the best. Takaba's natural exuberance, thrill, and gung ho attitude during the race had captured the attention of a very powerful and ruthless man. Whether it is a fortunate trait or not, it would seem Takaba Akihito has a natural tendency to attract men like Asami Ryuichi.