Angel opened slowly opened her eyes, still feeling a little dazed with sleep. She was shocked to see Soryu's face inches away from her nose. She gasped and sat bolt upright, before she remembered the events of the previous night. Of course... He'd held her to protect against the nightmares.
'God knows what had gotten into me to allow that happen.' She thought distractedly, staring at him as he began to stir.
He'd looked so peaceful in the moment she'd opened her eyes. His face was relaxed and free of the coldness or tension that usually clouded it. He looked so vulnerable and young like that. However, her abrupt jerk as she got up woke him up and he frowned in annoyance at her sudden disturbance. Angel watched him warily, eyes huge and round with surprise and suspicion.
'What happened?' He asked, annoyed.
'N-nothing. Sorry. I just- I forgot about you falling asleep next to me and I was a bit surprised to wake up to someone besides me. That doesn't happen often.' She admitted sheepishly.
'Looking like that? I'm not surprised.' He said grumpily, getting up out of bed. 'Right. Well, I'm going to take a shower and then I have to go back to the hotel because Eisuke wanted to talk to me about some business deal and I need to see Mei Ling.' He said briefly as he made his way over to the cupboard to grab a towel.
'Actually, Soryu, I was wondering if I could catch a ride? I'm feeling fine and I was thinking about getting back to work now. I really can't afford to stay away from my job at the hotel for so long.'
'What! Don't be ridiculous. You're not completely healed yet and I don't need you making things worse because then I'm stuck looking after you.' He spun around in surprise.
'You don't need to look after me. I'm perfectly capable of managing by myself thank you.' She snapped, annoyed at his tone.
She never asked him to look after her- that was his own choice. Now, he was acting like it was some huge favour he'd bestowed on her and she wasn't going to stand for his patronising attitude.
'Besides,' she continued brusquely, 'I wasn't asking for your permission to go back. If you can't give me a ride then I'll get the bus. Sorry for asking.'
'Do whatever you want!' He slammed the closet door angrily and disappeared into the bathroom. Angel sighed, her tight self control returning as her temper subsided almost as quickly as it rose. She straightened out the bed and went to the other bathroom to get dressed.
Soryu walked out of the bathroom, dressed in a navy blue shirt and his usual dark blue suit on top. His hair hung messily down, dripping water onto his shoulders. Coming into the living room he saw Angel, dressed again in that awful uniform of hers, holding two mugs of coffee in her manicured hands.
'Here: a peace offering.' She said softly, handing him the steaming hot mug.
'Thank you.' He said, sipping the hot, steaming liquid.
He winced a bit as he swallowed. It was a bit too sweet and white for his liking.
'You don't like it?' She asked with a disappointed pout.
'No it's fine. You drink it like Eisuke does: sweet and milky.' He replied with a chuckle.
'Sorry about earlier- I'm not really used to feeling so incapacitated.' She said, looking at the ground.
'Hmm…' Soryu finished his coffee in one quick gulp. 'Let's go, woman.' He swept out of the room, an inexplicable smile on his face.
'Angel! Where have you been? Mr Kenzaki said you weren't well. What happened?' The moment Angel stepped into the hotel, her friends swept her up, bombarding her with worried questions.
'I'm fine! I'm fine. Really!' She tried to assure them. 'I had a run in with a mugger and came off worse for it, but I'm fine now. Just a small knife scratch. I'm good to work.'
She managed a smile at their touching concern. All day they swamped her with excessive care and concern, making sure she wasn't straining herself and helping her with even the most menial tasks. Even Erika laid off her a bit, allowing Chisato and Sakiko to help Angel with the chores. Her shift ended before lunch today so she wandered up to the penthouse to find the others.
As she stood in the elevator, her mind wandered back to the phone call she'd made to her office, earlier that week.
'Hello, this is Agent Angel. Code 237423. Clearance level 1. Director Fukushiwa please.' Angel said clearly into the mobile phone, the voice sensor on the other side recording and matching her voice frequency with her identity profile.
'Agent. Been a while since I heard from you last.' Angel bit her lip at the displeasure in his voice.
'Sorry. I'm afraid there was an incident. Not a big deal- I just got knifed but I haven't had a chance to report back or inform my team since then. Security is pretty tight around here and we wouldn't want anyone getting any doubts, now would we?' She replied coolly back, the authority in her tone balanced by just the right amount of humbleness and humility.
She knew how to handle people extremely well and was used to using her charm to get out of sticky situations. Fukushiwa, as she had predicted, fell for it and his voice softened.
'Oh. I'm so sorry Angel. I didn't realise you had been injured. I just wanted to inform you that since the end of the IVC we have confiscated the majority of the contraband items and apprehended the leaders of most of the criminal cases we got leads on. Don't worry, none of it can be traced back to Tres Spades so your cover won't be compromised. I just wanted to congratulate you on a job well done and inform you that, for the time being, Project Mad Hatter's Tea party will be suspended until the next auctions and I hope to see you soon to discuss any further course of action.'
Angel was speechless. She knew that since the IVC had ended, there was very little she could do now, but she realised with surprise, the thought of leaving Tres Spades caused her heart to sink a little. Could it be she was actually beginning to enjoy the company of Soryu and the other bidders?
'Yes of course, Sir.' She responded, no emotion betrayed in her voice.
Now, as the doors of the elevator opened up into the luxurious executive lounge she pushed those thoughts out of her mind. She'd deal with them later.
As soon as she entered, Baba rushed up to her and to her surprise pulled her into a fierce hug.
'Umm… Baba?' Angel's voice was muffled by his strangling embrace. 'Can't. Breathe. Baba!'
'I'm sorry. I'm just so glad you're alright. Soryu wouldn't let any of us come visit you and we've all been quite worried.' Baba said, peering at her concernedly as he stepped back.
'Really?' Angel asked, disbelief written across her face.
'Yeah. It was pretty brave of you to stick up to that thug like that.' Ota said, coming over to join them.
'It was nothing, really.' Angel smiled at the expressions of wonder on their faces.
'Seriously, kid. I never thought a little thing like you would be able to stand up to anyone like that. From what I heard, you took him down single handed and taught him a lesson he'll never forget.' Mamoru called, puffing away as usual on a cigarette.
'Really? Now, who told you that?' Angel said dryly, raising an eyebrow at the exaggerated tale.
'Angel! How are you? Are you feeling better now!' Angel turned to see Ryosuke bearing down on her, realising who Mamoru's source was. No doubt Ryosuke had exaggerated and decorated the story when he retold it. Stepping neatly to the side to escape his outstretched arms, she giggled as he barrelled into Mamoru, who had come up behind her, causing him to drop his cigarette.
'Hey! Watch what you're doing!' Mamoru yelled as they collapsed onto the sofa behind.
Angel smiled as they extricated themselves from each other.
'Sorry, Miss Angel. I'm so glad you look better.'
'Aww, thanks Inui. Yeah, Soryu's been taking good care of me.' She smiled at the tall figure that had come up behind her as Mamoru and Inui were untangling themselves.
'Oh yeah- I bet you two spent the whole time in each other's arms. Soryu was just waiting for an opportunity to have you all to himself.' Baba teased.
'Yeah right.' Angel replied sarcastically, 'Wouldn't let me out of his sight for a minute. Honestly, the protectiveness was kinda fetting on my nerves by the end.' Angel replied, joining Baba in his teasing of Soryu.
Soryu scowled at them but Angel just laughed fondly at him, squeezing his arm to let him know she was joking.
'Whatever, woman. I was just about to go out now, so I don't have time for this nonsense.'
'Where are you going?' Angel asked, but before he could reply, another voice called out causing everyone's heads to turn.
'Angel! Oh My God! I'm so glad you're ok! I've been worried sick.' Mei Ling rushed up to her and threw her arms around her before Angel could evade it.
She wasn't really used to so much physical contact and shuffled uncomfortably in the other girl's tight grip.
'Ouch! Careful!' Angel winced as Mei Ling put pressure on her wound.
'Careful!' Soryu intervened immediately, pulling Mei Ling away.
Everyone stared at him.
'Oooh! Looks like Soryu's got a crush!' Ota squealed, reminding Angel of a teenage girl.
She winced as Ota and Baba pounced on the opportunity to begin their teasing.
'Mm-mm Soryu, if I had a woman like that by my side, you wouldn't see me out of my suite at all.'
'Watch it.' Angel said with a roll of her eyes. 'Baba, sweetheart, you'd take anyone to bed if they're willing. The only reason we see have the joy of seeing so much of you, is because no one is willing.' She drawled sarcastically, though humour sparkled in her eyes.
'Look at that. She talks now.' Eisuke remarked, coldly.
He'd come in with Mei Ling and had been watching the whole exchange intently. Angel froze as she realised with panic that she'd totally forgotten the meek, timid character she was supposed to be playing. She'd gotten so comfortable with Soryu, neither of them had realised as she'd begun to act herself.
'Surprising what a brush with death will do to your attitude, isn't it.' She replied smoothly, glossing over her faux pas.
Well at least now she wouldn't have to act so meek and pathetic all the time.
'Whatever. Mei Ling, come on. Let's go.' Soryu said with a bored look on his face.
'Hey Angel, we're just going out for a late lunch, I really wanted to try that restaurant you were telling me about the other day. Do you want to join us?' Mei Ling invited, grabbing her hand.
Angel looked up hesitantly at Soryu. Things had been awkward between them as it was and she didn't really want to spend lunch with him glaring at her the whole time.
'Do whatever you want.' Soryu said with a roll of his eyes, walking out the room.
'Hmmm… Maybe it's best if I- ' Angel began, unsure about how to interpret that reaction.
'It means he wants you to go.' Baba chuckled.
Angel raised an eyebrow, clearly not believing him.
'Oh forget about that old grump! I want you to come with me. I want to thank you for what you did with me and I really enjoy hanging out with you!' Mei Ling said fervently, practically dragging her out with her.
'Ok see you later!' The others called, except Eisuke who was still watching her intently.
She didn't like the calculating look in his eyes but before she could think anymore about it, Mei Ling swept her into the car, chattering excitedly.