HOWDY Y'All! No, I am _not_ dead. I just feel that way. I'm really sorry
about the unfair wait on this part of the chapter. What you see here is
actually the fourth re-write of this bad boy. I just had horrendous
writer's block. I couldn't figure out what -I- was doing, let alone the
characters and their craziness. But I'm back, I'm better, and this bugger
is now the middle part of a three-parter. I'm really and truly sorry about
the long wait. I'll do better next time, and I thank you for sticking with
me, oh wonderful reviewers.
Speaking of, my response to your reviews (starting with chapter 5a) are down at the bottom.
I hope you enjoy!
Louli~
1/25/03
-----------~
"Joseff, buddy, pal, friend of my cradle days, I need to borrow your cunningly evil mind." Zachary, leaning over his desk, palms flat, was staring intently at the man sitting in the chair in front of him.
"Ooooooh, flattery, is it? You must really, really need help if your ego is willing to dish out compliments." Joseff paused and thought. "How bad is it?"
Zach lowered his head. "Bad."
"How bad? Are we talking stubbing your toe bad, or having to have a limb amputated bad?"
"This is stubbing the toe of the foot that you're going to have amputated the next day bad."
"You're kidding." Joseff leaned on the desk, trying to crane his head at such an angle that he could look into his friend's face. If it was bad enough that Zach, the ego-god of the universe was lowering himself to appeal for help from a lesser being such as he, odds were pretty good something memorable was about to happen. Joseff decided he really wanted to be there when whatever went down went down.
Having reached this conclusion, Joseff spoke. "Ok, man. Tell me what the problem is."
Zach rolled his eyes. Why did he hang out with such a-a, words failed for a second, then, lesser being? "All right, I'll tell you, but you have to promise to keep it down. She could hear you."
"Who?"
"Ami."
Joseff's grin widened astronomically. "This just keeps getting better. All right, buddy, enlighten me."
Zach grimaced, glanced up at the ceiling imagining he could see whatever gods lay up in heaven laughing at him, then glanced at his friend who WAS laughing at him. "Ok. I need you to lend me your evil brain for a plot, Joe..."
------------~
Ami tried her best to remain only slightly disturbed by the evil laughter that had been emanating from the inner office. It wouldn't do to even imagine what the two men were plotting. The nightmares could possibly last for weeks.
She didn't really want to intrude upon her boss' inner sanctum, especially not when it sounded as if he was having so much fun, but Rei had just called to confirm their lunch date and it was her duty as a wonderful employee to inform Zach of her impending absence. Not that he'd remember. She'd told him earlier this week but the last time she'd assumed that twice was enough, she'd come back to find Zach on the phone with the police, trying to convince them she was a missing person. Needless to say, that had not gone over well. She had felt the need to inform him that just because she ever hardly left the office didn't mean that she was incapable of doing so, and that she didn't have other options. She just preferred to stay in usually, and take calls. For someone supposedly sensitive and good with people, he was pretty dense.
She paused and put her ear to the door to hear if it was maybe safe to enter. No cackling. That was a good sign. The low tones of Zach's voice came muffled through the wood. She could just make out what he was saying. Something about a plot and...
Wait. Had she just heard her name?
Choosing to ignore for the moment what others would think if they were to come across her as she was now-- practically laying on the door-- Ami leaned closer and strained to make out what was being said.
------------~
"So, what do you think?"
"It's good, Joe, very good. Better than anything Rudyard and I could come up with last night. We got the basic idea, but..."
"You still talking to that stuffed animal of yours?"
"He has a name, you know."
"Sure, sure. I'll be sure to call him that the next time we talk...ouch. You don't have to hit that hard, you know."
"Baby."
"Who still talks to a stuffed moose?"
"Shut up."
"Sooo, anyway...we hit her at lunch?"
"Yeah. Wait. No, it can't be lunch. I remember that she's got a lunch date with an old friend that she's been looking forward to seeing."
"Think we may have interference?"
"God, I hope not. She's been talking about him coming all week."
"You mean to tell me she has casual conversation with you?"
"Well, she does work for me. We just learn stuff about each other. It's only natural."
"Riiiight. So, what's the possible damage?"
Zach fought down the odd feeling in his chest. "His name's Ray. It sounds like they're real close friends."
------------------~
Zach was indeed correct.
Reina Marksteade and Ami Mizuno were old friends. They'd met in middle school when Ami and her family had first moved to the U.S., and Reina had immediately befriended the shy little girl--more from a need to protect her from the inevitable bullies than any true desire to be friends with the quiet nerd (the fact that Ami's older brother was really hot didn't hurt). It was only later, after a few months of companionship, that Ami opened up and Reina was able to develop a genuine fondness for her. Underneath the layer of studious efficiency was a fun, friendly (if extremely shy) person with amazing intelligence and a quirky sense of humor. Rei considered herself extremely privileged to be among the few who were able to witness the true Ami.
Somehow, through all the teasing and bullying that Rei could not protect her from, Ami had displayed a quiet strength and dignity that Rei had begun to admire for.
Which is why it came as a bit of a surprise to her when Reina walked into the posh office of a Mr. Zachery Anderson and found her studious, unassuming friend leaning against the door to the main office, listening with rapt attention to what was being said inside.
"Ami?"
Rei raised a brow as her friend squeaked and whirled around, flushing madly. "R-Rei!"
"Honey, what are you doing?"
Ami's face went from day-glo to the kind of deep, deep flush seen only on bruised apples and those named John Hill. (a/n sorry gang. It's a long-running inside joke. I couldn't resist. I know at least one person who's laughing hard now, right A-chan?) "Well, see, there's a really, really good explanation for this. But it's a long story and...well, the bottom line is that I have a feeling those two are plotting against me!" Ami winced internally at that statement. Her credibility was now shot to all hell. Way to go, brainiac.
The other brow joined it mate at Rei's hairline. Either her friend had gone certifiable from living in a house with Serena and Stephanie, or there really were two people located in that office, plotting the doom of her closest friend. In any case, Rei felt that there was an anecdote in here somewhere that would be an amusing way to pass the time. "Indeed? Well, it does sound like it's an interesting story. Maybe you can tell me all about it at lunch?"
"Lunch yes. Lunch is good."
Rei walked forward and hugged her friend. "It's good to see you, Ames."
Ami returned the hug fervently, unmindful of the door opening behind her.
-------------~
The sight that met Joseff's eyes as he walked out of the office was probably one of the most beautiful he had ever seen. Two women in short skirts hugging. Two attractive women in short skirts hugging. Ami "Ice Queen" Mizuno hugging what was probably the hottest thing on two legs. Joseff smiled brightly. Life was looking up.
--------------------~
Well, there it is, gang. I hope you liked it. See? Rei showed up! Aren't you thrilled? Eventually everyone's going to come in to play, but that may take a bit. I'll try to be more prompt on the next part's update, but school is looking evil..damn you AP classes! Damn you!
Peach-chan:
Don't be mean to me~! I'm working hard here! Yeeesh. I don't see -you- updating.
AzianMu:
I'm glad you're enjoying it! I'll try to write faster, I promise!
ElvenFaerie:
Sorry it took so dang long. I'll do better. Really. And I'm so thrilled that you like it! Comments like yours make my day!
wyannick54 :
It makes me so happy to hear that you like my story! But I did make you wait for this guy. I hope it was worth it to ya! Sorry!
Crissy:
Yeah, Joseff's a jerk. It's what he does. I really believe it's his hobby. But with the introduction of Rei into the story...well, who knows? Keep reading, and thanks for the review!
Random:
I'm glad that you enjoy my story. And I'm also very glad you brought up the suicide aspect. In no way did I mean to display suicide as something light and easily recovered from. I have a friend who is suicidal and though I don't really know much about it, I know how serious and painful it can be for everyone involved. My angle with Minako is that she's selfish, spoiled, and willful. She did not try to take her own life out of any real desire to die; it was more of an attempt to gain attention and pity for her plight because Zach "no longer loves her". Basically, she's a child. I'm sorry that I was so unrealistic with my portrayal, and thank you for calling me on it. People like you turn me into a better author. Keep reading and thinking!
Speaking of, my response to your reviews (starting with chapter 5a) are down at the bottom.
I hope you enjoy!
Louli~
1/25/03
-----------~
"Joseff, buddy, pal, friend of my cradle days, I need to borrow your cunningly evil mind." Zachary, leaning over his desk, palms flat, was staring intently at the man sitting in the chair in front of him.
"Ooooooh, flattery, is it? You must really, really need help if your ego is willing to dish out compliments." Joseff paused and thought. "How bad is it?"
Zach lowered his head. "Bad."
"How bad? Are we talking stubbing your toe bad, or having to have a limb amputated bad?"
"This is stubbing the toe of the foot that you're going to have amputated the next day bad."
"You're kidding." Joseff leaned on the desk, trying to crane his head at such an angle that he could look into his friend's face. If it was bad enough that Zach, the ego-god of the universe was lowering himself to appeal for help from a lesser being such as he, odds were pretty good something memorable was about to happen. Joseff decided he really wanted to be there when whatever went down went down.
Having reached this conclusion, Joseff spoke. "Ok, man. Tell me what the problem is."
Zach rolled his eyes. Why did he hang out with such a-a, words failed for a second, then, lesser being? "All right, I'll tell you, but you have to promise to keep it down. She could hear you."
"Who?"
"Ami."
Joseff's grin widened astronomically. "This just keeps getting better. All right, buddy, enlighten me."
Zach grimaced, glanced up at the ceiling imagining he could see whatever gods lay up in heaven laughing at him, then glanced at his friend who WAS laughing at him. "Ok. I need you to lend me your evil brain for a plot, Joe..."
------------~
Ami tried her best to remain only slightly disturbed by the evil laughter that had been emanating from the inner office. It wouldn't do to even imagine what the two men were plotting. The nightmares could possibly last for weeks.
She didn't really want to intrude upon her boss' inner sanctum, especially not when it sounded as if he was having so much fun, but Rei had just called to confirm their lunch date and it was her duty as a wonderful employee to inform Zach of her impending absence. Not that he'd remember. She'd told him earlier this week but the last time she'd assumed that twice was enough, she'd come back to find Zach on the phone with the police, trying to convince them she was a missing person. Needless to say, that had not gone over well. She had felt the need to inform him that just because she ever hardly left the office didn't mean that she was incapable of doing so, and that she didn't have other options. She just preferred to stay in usually, and take calls. For someone supposedly sensitive and good with people, he was pretty dense.
She paused and put her ear to the door to hear if it was maybe safe to enter. No cackling. That was a good sign. The low tones of Zach's voice came muffled through the wood. She could just make out what he was saying. Something about a plot and...
Wait. Had she just heard her name?
Choosing to ignore for the moment what others would think if they were to come across her as she was now-- practically laying on the door-- Ami leaned closer and strained to make out what was being said.
------------~
"So, what do you think?"
"It's good, Joe, very good. Better than anything Rudyard and I could come up with last night. We got the basic idea, but..."
"You still talking to that stuffed animal of yours?"
"He has a name, you know."
"Sure, sure. I'll be sure to call him that the next time we talk...ouch. You don't have to hit that hard, you know."
"Baby."
"Who still talks to a stuffed moose?"
"Shut up."
"Sooo, anyway...we hit her at lunch?"
"Yeah. Wait. No, it can't be lunch. I remember that she's got a lunch date with an old friend that she's been looking forward to seeing."
"Think we may have interference?"
"God, I hope not. She's been talking about him coming all week."
"You mean to tell me she has casual conversation with you?"
"Well, she does work for me. We just learn stuff about each other. It's only natural."
"Riiiight. So, what's the possible damage?"
Zach fought down the odd feeling in his chest. "His name's Ray. It sounds like they're real close friends."
------------------~
Zach was indeed correct.
Reina Marksteade and Ami Mizuno were old friends. They'd met in middle school when Ami and her family had first moved to the U.S., and Reina had immediately befriended the shy little girl--more from a need to protect her from the inevitable bullies than any true desire to be friends with the quiet nerd (the fact that Ami's older brother was really hot didn't hurt). It was only later, after a few months of companionship, that Ami opened up and Reina was able to develop a genuine fondness for her. Underneath the layer of studious efficiency was a fun, friendly (if extremely shy) person with amazing intelligence and a quirky sense of humor. Rei considered herself extremely privileged to be among the few who were able to witness the true Ami.
Somehow, through all the teasing and bullying that Rei could not protect her from, Ami had displayed a quiet strength and dignity that Rei had begun to admire for.
Which is why it came as a bit of a surprise to her when Reina walked into the posh office of a Mr. Zachery Anderson and found her studious, unassuming friend leaning against the door to the main office, listening with rapt attention to what was being said inside.
"Ami?"
Rei raised a brow as her friend squeaked and whirled around, flushing madly. "R-Rei!"
"Honey, what are you doing?"
Ami's face went from day-glo to the kind of deep, deep flush seen only on bruised apples and those named John Hill. (a/n sorry gang. It's a long-running inside joke. I couldn't resist. I know at least one person who's laughing hard now, right A-chan?) "Well, see, there's a really, really good explanation for this. But it's a long story and...well, the bottom line is that I have a feeling those two are plotting against me!" Ami winced internally at that statement. Her credibility was now shot to all hell. Way to go, brainiac.
The other brow joined it mate at Rei's hairline. Either her friend had gone certifiable from living in a house with Serena and Stephanie, or there really were two people located in that office, plotting the doom of her closest friend. In any case, Rei felt that there was an anecdote in here somewhere that would be an amusing way to pass the time. "Indeed? Well, it does sound like it's an interesting story. Maybe you can tell me all about it at lunch?"
"Lunch yes. Lunch is good."
Rei walked forward and hugged her friend. "It's good to see you, Ames."
Ami returned the hug fervently, unmindful of the door opening behind her.
-------------~
The sight that met Joseff's eyes as he walked out of the office was probably one of the most beautiful he had ever seen. Two women in short skirts hugging. Two attractive women in short skirts hugging. Ami "Ice Queen" Mizuno hugging what was probably the hottest thing on two legs. Joseff smiled brightly. Life was looking up.
--------------------~
Well, there it is, gang. I hope you liked it. See? Rei showed up! Aren't you thrilled? Eventually everyone's going to come in to play, but that may take a bit. I'll try to be more prompt on the next part's update, but school is looking evil..damn you AP classes! Damn you!
Peach-chan:
Don't be mean to me~! I'm working hard here! Yeeesh. I don't see -you- updating.
AzianMu:
I'm glad you're enjoying it! I'll try to write faster, I promise!
ElvenFaerie:
Sorry it took so dang long. I'll do better. Really. And I'm so thrilled that you like it! Comments like yours make my day!
wyannick54 :
It makes me so happy to hear that you like my story! But I did make you wait for this guy. I hope it was worth it to ya! Sorry!
Crissy:
Yeah, Joseff's a jerk. It's what he does. I really believe it's his hobby. But with the introduction of Rei into the story...well, who knows? Keep reading, and thanks for the review!
Random:
I'm glad that you enjoy my story. And I'm also very glad you brought up the suicide aspect. In no way did I mean to display suicide as something light and easily recovered from. I have a friend who is suicidal and though I don't really know much about it, I know how serious and painful it can be for everyone involved. My angle with Minako is that she's selfish, spoiled, and willful. She did not try to take her own life out of any real desire to die; it was more of an attempt to gain attention and pity for her plight because Zach "no longer loves her". Basically, she's a child. I'm sorry that I was so unrealistic with my portrayal, and thank you for calling me on it. People like you turn me into a better author. Keep reading and thinking!