Cross the Floor by Taketo
Disclaimer: I don't own Weiss Kreuz and this story is 1005 fiction, written for fun.
Chapter 8
The girl sitting at Manx's desk bestowed an alluring at Aya and flipped a blond lock from her forehead. "Would you like some tea or coffee, Fujimiya-san?"
Aya blinked. He wasn't sure if he was dreaming or not. But when that girl flipped her hair, he thought he saw light blue highlights in her hair! Pushing the thoughts aside, Aya asked in a cold tone. The girl's smile and the jingling of her bracelets were starting to annoy him. "How long will Manx be gone?"
"Aya!" It was Leo.
"Manx's gone on leave?" Aya asked not bothering to wish Leo a good morning.
Leo just smiled, he was getting used to Aya's brusqueness. "Yes, her mother is ill."
"How long will she be gone?" Aya frowned. He hoped Manx wouldn't be away for too long or was this one of Leo's ploys?
"A week she said. Adachi will take over for the time being." Leo glanced at the Rolex that adorned his wrist. "Please excuse me, Aya. Gotta go."
"Aaa…" Aya turned his attention to his temporary secretary. Surely there were other clerks, secretaries. Why did they have to pick this particular girl?
He looked at Ken and the same question mirrored in his eyes. "Adachi…?"
"Hai!" Adachi Numie, flashed another dazzling smile.
"What's my schedule for today?" As Numie turned to grab the folder with the schedule, unintentionally, Aya found himself studying the girl. She was wearing one of those knit outfits. It seems to be a size smaller but it hugged her curves wonderfully. It was unlike what he saw the other secretaries wore and Aya wondered if this was appropriate office wear.
"Here's the schedule!" Numie pulled out a sheet of paper triumphantly from the folder.
"Fine, read it. You took long enough as it is!" Aya scowled.
Unfazed, Numie smiled again and began reading Aya's schedule for the day.
"Officiating the Kimisawa hospital at 10:00am, 11:30am, an appointment with Hamada-san…." When Numie finally got to the bottom of the list, Aya nodded.
"Fine. Anything else for me?"
"Yes, these letters. I'll bring it in for you." Still smiling, Numie gathered the letters followed Aya into his office.
"Oh Hidaka?" Aya stopped suddenly. "Ask Kuryu to bring the car to the front at quarter past nine. I don't want to be caught in traffic and be late for the opening."
"Hai…" Ken nodded and sat down at his usual place.
RINGGGGGGG! Leo picked up his mobile and frowned when he read the name displayed. Damn it! What does she want?! "What do you want?"
The voice on the other end laughed. "Be nice Leo. I just wanted to know how things are going."
"He just arrived, so far so good. He didn't reject Adachi and accepted the story about your mother being ill."
"Good, so far all that your schemes have yet to really work. You should have used Adachi from the beginning like I suggested. Remember Leo, I do have a share in all this." Manx said.
Gripping his mobile tighter, Leo replied with barely disguised sarcasm. "How can I forget dear Manx, if you keep reminding me? Now if you don't mind I've work to do and don't call me again!"
Kimisawa Hospital - after officiating ceremony.
Horiuchi-san, chairman of the Kimisawa Hospital was beaming. He had managed to get the young CEO of Fujimiya Inc. to officiate the hospital's new wing! Plus the red haired Chief Exec. Officer donated a hefty sum to the children's wing.This will made him look good in the eyes of the other board members!
"Fujimiya -san, thank you so much for coming. It really means a lot and your contribution…" the chairman gushed.
Aya just waved away his comments. "It was nothing. I'm just glad I could help."
Ken sighed inwardly. So far, everything was smooth, no hitches or glitches.
Now, if only he could get the chairman to shut up and Aya into the car!
They were at the hospital main entrance and open places like this always, always made Ken nervous. He signaled to Kuryu who was behind the wheel to get ready. They were almost at the car….
Suddenly out of no where, a man came bursting through and threw himself at Aya. Aya never saw the man coming for he was listening to what the chairman was saying but Ken saw and immediately pushed Aya out of harm's way. As a result, the punch that was meant for Aya landed on Ken's jaw instead.
Dazed but still mobile, Ken sprang up and tackled the man to the ground. He yelled at the other bodyguards to quickly put Aya into the car. "Takagi, Otake get Fujimiya-san into the car! The rest of you secure the area!"
The man who was pinned to the ground by Ken was struggling. "Let me go you dog! You're an evil man Fujimiya! You'll pay!"
Ken applied more pressure on the man's arms. "What?"
By this time, hospital security had arrived and was about to take the man away when Ken stopped them. "What did you say?"
"Fujimiya, that evil man promised work for my daughter but now instead of working in his office, she's working as a whore!" The man spat on the ground.
"You've mistaken this Fujimiya with another." Ken said.
Struggling again, the man cursed and said. "I may not be from the city but I'm not stupid! I want my daughter back!"
"We better take him away." One of the security men said.
"No, wait." Aya left the car and took a step towards the man.
Ken quickly tried to block his boss. "Aya-san…"
"It's okay." Aya placed a gentle had on Ken's arm. Calmly, he looked straight at the man who attacked him. "What is your name? And your daughter's name?"
Swallowing, the man replied. "Shimada Jurobei. My daughter's name is Akemi."
"Shimada-san, I'm Fujimiya Aya. I'm afraid I don't what you're talking about. I just took over this company but I assure you, I'll have my people look into this. I'm sure we can sort this matter out."
Shimada sneered. "Of course you don't know! The truth is you know! Just because you're rich, you think you can do whatever you like! I tell you…"
"Fujimiya-san, please let security take away this man!" The shocked chairman who was speechless until now, wiped his brow nervously. There's goes his day!
Aya nodded and Ken quickly led him into the car and practically shoved Aya in. "Drive Kuryu!"
Shifting to make himself more comfortable, Ken muttered. "This is why I wanted more men. Open air places invite danger! Luckily that man wasn't carrying a weapon. I wasn't sure… huh?"
Aya gently cupped Ken's chin and titled his head. "Are you alright? Does it hurt?"
"Huh?" Ken just stared dumbly at Aya. The touch of Aya's fingers were short circuiting his brains ability to process sentences.
"Your jaw. That old man hit you square on the jaw."
"Yeah, yeah, it was one helluva punch!"
"Are you alright?" Aya's gaze shifted from Ken's jaw to his face.
Ken grinned, hoping that Aya couldn't hear the frantic beat of his heart.
"I'll live, but what about…"
Slowly, Aya shook his head and mouthed the word 'later'.
Ken nodded. Later, when there was no one listening. Kuryu is a good chauffeur but is he one of Leo's men too?
Aya gave Ken's jaw one last look before releasing it. "Better get some ice for that later."
"If … if you don't mind me saying so Fujimiya-san, you handled the situation superbly." Kuryu offered from the front seat.
"Aaa…" Aya gave his usual reply and cast a glance that said ' see… it wasn't that bad' at his bodyguard.
But Ken just snorted. "You were lucky he wasn't carrying a weapon. That's why…"
"You wanted more men, yes I know but you also know that I won't go around surrounded by bodyguards. One is good enough." Aya paused as if to compose his next sentences carefully. "You did a great job just now, … arigato, Hidaka…and please don't say it's part of your job." Aya punctuated the ending of his sentence with a small smile.
Still mad with what happened, Ken grudgingly returned the smile. Albeit it hardly resembled a smile. "I wasn't going to say that. You…you did a great job yourself too."
This time Aya didn't restrain his smile. "Arigato!"
Ken said nothing and nodded curtly. Whenever Aya smiled, it never failed to cause Ken's heart to skip a beat. Right now he is angry at Aya's stubbornness and what happened and yet his heart was fluttering at the sight of Aya smiling. Disgusted with himself, Ken concentrated on gazing out the window.
Fujimiya Inc.
Aya stepped out of the car and walked into the building. Once they passed reception, Aya said in a low voice to Ken. "Check if there's a Shimada Akemi in one of those mansions. Also run a check on the father as well."
"Hai, I'll get on it now." Ken unhooked his walkie talkie and barked orders into it.
"You're asking Bunjiro to relieve you?" Aya couldn't help but overhear.
"Yes, he is a very married man and won't get distracted by Adachi."
"Aaaa….the bodyguard won't be distracted but about the boss?" Aya asked, his eyes twinkling. Upon seeing the surprised look on Ken's face, Aya chuckled.
"Aya-san…" Ken suddenly remembered Leo. He will sure learn about what happened just now, that is if he hasn't already. "Leo…"
Aya was all serious now. "Don't worry, I'll handle him."
*******************************************
Ken took the lift to the basement and got on his bike. When he was a safe distance from Fujimiya Inc., he parked his bike and made a call.
Ken speed dialed Nagi's number and waited for him to pick up.
"Moshi, moshi Ken!" Nagi greeted him cheerfully.
"Yeah, listen Nagi, I need you to look for someone, a girl to be precise…"
Koneko aka Youji's headquarters.
After he called Nagi, Ken called Youji, saying that he needed info ASAP on Shimada Jurobeii.
"So what do you have for me?" Ken peered at Youji through a huge bouquet of roses he was working on.
"Kenken be realistic will ya? You just called about 15 minutes ago…" Youji said while trimming the thorns of the stalk of rose he was holding.
"Youji,…." Ken began but at the same time, Omi breezed from the back, waving a piece of paper in his hand.
"Ken-kun! I've the info you needed."
Ken glared at Youji but smiled at Omi. "Thanks Omi. What did you find out?"
Omi puffed his cheeks and let the air out. "Nothing extraordinary. Shimada Jurobeii, 59 years old man from Niitsu. Has a small tofu making business. Wife passed away 3 years ago, has 2 children. A boy and girl. The son died in an accident a few months before the wife. All he has now is the girl…."
"Who has left home for the bright lights of Tokyo! Usual story." Youji concluded for his Omi.
"Yeah…" Ken sighed.
"So what makes this one so special?" Omi folded the paper he was holding.
"The father attacked Aya-san when we were at the Kimisawa Hospital. He accused the Fujimiya family of tricking his daughter with a promise of a job but made her into a prostitute instead…"
"What did Fujimiya say to that?" Omi asked.
"He just assured Shimida that he will look into it."
"And Mitsui? Not much escapes that SOB." Youji remarked dryly.
"Yeah, but Aya-san said he can handle him. I just wanted to make sure that Leo didn't send Shimada. I'm…" Ken unhooked his mobile off his belt to check if he missed any calls. He didn't. Nagi still hasn't come through for him yet.
"You're still waiting?" Youji prompted one of his best undercover agents.
"I'm still waiting for info regarding the Shimada girl. Right now, Aya-san knows the truth about Fujimiya Inc. but he doesn't know what to do. I told him to keep cool and see what Leo does but I think we can use this situation to our advantage."
"Hmmm…." Youji rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I see where you're getting at. Think he will agree?"
"If I lay everything out to him, especially about Shimada's rather tragic sad life, I think I can sway him." Ken replied confidently. "Our work will be much simpler too."
Youji pondered over the matter for a while before answering. "Alright, do it but be careful, Ken. Only do it when you're absolutely certain. One wrong move…"
Ken nodded, understanding the graveness of his situation. If he didn't play his cards right, they will end up with nothing at all. "Hai, … and Youji hand me one of those small bags of chocolates?"
Koneko not only sold flowers but chocolates and sweets to go with the flowers. "Are you paying for it?"
"Of course not…my phone's ringing. Yes, Nagi. You're sure? Alright, thanks. I owe you big time!" Ken snapped his mobile shut and grinned.
"I know where she is….! Gotta go, come on Youji! The chocolates!"
******************************************
Earlier on in Aya's office.
"Really Aya! I don't know why you're so stubborn." Leo shook his head in regret.
"Please spare me, Leo! I've already got it from Hidaka." Aya held up his hands.
"Well at least someone realizes the importance of having more than one bodyguard!"
"Leo…" Aya was getting tired of the subject. He had a lot to do and a good deal of the morning was spent at the hospital but there was something he needed to ask Leo. So he told Leo what Shimada had said about them tricking his daughter.
"Aya! So many young people flock to big cities every day! For all you know, this girl is bored with her life at home and just wants to have fun. The father is worried, doesn't what to do and accuses the first person he sees. Forget about it! But I do wish you would allow me to get more bodyguards for you! Hidaka can't do everything himself!"
"Leo, if there isn't anything else…" Aya sat at his table and stared coldly at his late father's right hand man. He had enough of the bodyguard business and he felt like punching Leo senseless for his flippant answer.
"Okay, okay I'll drop it but I also came to talk to you about Akutagawa-san."
"The CEO for Niphon Jewels?
"The very same. He wants to deal with us." Leo smiled and rubbed his freckled hands together.
Fujimiya Inc. - later…
Ken strode down the hall that led to Aya and Leo's office. He stopped just a few feet from Leo's office. There wasn't anyone in sight. Both Leo and his secretary were no where in sight. Ken checked the time, a little after 1:00pm.
Lunch time! It was so tempting to go inside and check out Leo's computer but at the same time it was risky. Ken knew that Fuse. Leo's secretary always went to lunch at 1:00pm on the dot but Leo? Sometimes he didn't go to lunch at all and this could be one of those days. He could have just stepped out to the gents!
Better not! Ken told himself. There's no point taking risks now where he had this other option in his hand! So Ken continued walking towards Aya's office.
"Is the boss in?" Ken asked Adachi. Apparently she hasn't gone to lunch.
Probably trying to keep her weight down or something. Not like she had much meat on her bones anyway! Ken thought and laughed out loud.
"He is in and what's so funny?" Adachi asked, irritated lacing her sweet voice.
"Nothing…" Ken smirked and was about to head towards Aya's office when Adachi annoying high pitch voice stopped him.
"Wait!"
Not bothering to hide his irritation Ken said. "What now?"
"He is with Mitsui-san."
Letting out a long exasperated sigh, Ken carried on with his journey to Aya's office, leaving a rather incensed secretary behind.
Ken rapped the door with just the right amount of force. He waited for Aya to bid him to enter before turning the knob. "I'm sorry to disturb you, Aya-san, Mitsui-san but I got what you wanted." Ken produced the bag of chocolates he took from Koneko. He needed for Aya to know he was back and had info.
Aya nodded, understanding what Ken meant and reached for the brown bag.
Leo raised his greying, shaggy eyebrows in surprise. "I didn't know you had a sweet tooth."
Aya dug into the bag and said. "Aaaa, will there be anything else?"
"No, but please read the folder about Niphon Construction." Leo placed a clear folder on Aya's desk and let himself out.
Ken waited for the door to click before opening his mouth. "Aya-san, what I've…"
Aya placed a finger onto his lips. "Later, now lets go to lunch. Act like normal, right?" Aya added in a low voice. Aya grabbed his coat and swung his door open. "Let's go to lunch. Adachi, would you care to join us?"
Eyes wide, mouth opened to show she was sooo surprised, Adachi gushed.
"Really, Fujimiya-san?"
Aya nodded solemnly.
"Right, then I'll just pop into the ladies, I won't be long!" Adachi promised and almost ran to the ladies, clutching her bag.
Aya just shook his head in amusement and raise his gaze to Ken's look of disbelief!
Ken wasn't amused. He had all this info! "Aya-san…"
"Leo knows, we'll talk about it later."
"Hai!"
"Okay…" Aya stretched his neck and could see Adachi making her way back from the ladies. "She's coming, think you can handle the extra load, Hidaka?" Twinkling amethyst eyes looked straight into those warm brown eyes.
"No problem…. Fujimiya-san!" Ken flashed a wicked grin, mimicking the way Adachi addressed Aya.
End of Eight.
