Chapter 2
Notes: Thanks to my kind reviewers! I love you all! Honto ni!
In response to Jenken, yes Yohji did know about Yuriko but not what Ken told her. Hopefully all will be explained by this chapter! And yes Koyasu does not look like he should be holding a katana at all! But he's still damn cute! *drools*
Big hugs to Windy who cheered me up this past week! No Yohji-Omi yet – but I hope to work it in soon!
And as always to my ne-chan Moonraven – you are the best cyber ne-chan any girl could ever have!
As always, R&R is appreciated by the author.
Ken looked at himself in the mirror at the bottom of the stairway. He grimaced as he pulled at his necktie. Damn Manx for making them wear suits for the introductions to the Kawasaki family. Yes he understood that they needed to make a good impression and the family was old and respected. But she didn't have to wear a tie which was cutting off her circulation.
Yohji nudged him in the shoulder. "Kenken, you need a hand with that?"
The blonde was helping him before he could even nod. "Just loosen the knot a bit, and don't do up the top button on your shirt if it's too tight. The tie will keep the shirt in place and you'll be able to breathe easier."
"The shirt is fine," Ken mumbled, "I just hate wearing suits. Why couldn't we just wear casual clothes to meet them?"
Yohji laughed. "Aa, but you can't wear jeans and t-shirts all the time. Just think of it as practice for a hot date." He winked at Ken's bemused expression.
"Are you all ready yet?" Aya's deep voice asked from behind them.
Ken jumped guiltily, as he imagined the picture he and Yohji made. Yohji was standing right in front of him, fixing his tie. "Hai. Yohji was just helping me with my tie."
Yohji pulled away and put his arm around Ken's shoulders, turning him to face Aya. "Doesn't my boy look nice now?"
Was that a slight frown Ken saw on Aya's face at Yohji's careless words? Nah, he must be imagining it.
"Hn. Where is Omi?" Aya was already turning away to gather up the documentation and equipment that they needed for the day.
"The chibi's in the basement consolidating his search results from last night. He said to call him when Manx gets here."
There was a knock on the back door.
"And the lovely lady has arrived. OMI! MANX'S HERE! I better go let her in." Yohji sauntered off without a backward glance.
Ken glanced at Aya. "Do you want a hand with that Aya?"
"No." That was Aya, blunt and to the point with a monosyllabic answer.
Ken sighed to himself and walked over to put his shoes on so he would be ready to go. He wondered why he had ever thought Aya might be warming to him or to Weiss.
Manx was driving Persia's car today so everyone could fit in the one vehicle. Yohji made a move to get into the front seat, but Manx stopped him. "Bombay, please sit in the front and navigate."
After some moaning, groaning and rude comments about toy boys, Yohji opened the back door and sat next to the left window. Ken reached the car next, and Aya motioned him to enter first as the redhead placed his bag in the car boot.
The backseat was large enough, but Ken still felt there wasn't enough room between himself, Aya and Yohji. Yohji wasn't helping either by draping his arm along the backseat and sitting at an angle so he could look at Manx while she was driving. Ken sighed in annoyance. Yohji was impinging on his space again.
"Move over Yohji. You're all over me." Ken gave Yohji's leg a push.
"Ah Kenken, there's plenty of space next to Aya. Just move over. Since I got denied the best seat in the house, I'm making do with what I have." Yohji was immovable. He'd positioned himself to try to get the best view of Manx's short skirt riding up.
"Baka."
"Whinger."
Aya spoke up. "You can move over if you want. Kudou is being an idiot."
Ken almost gaped in astonishment. But he remembered to leave his mouth closed and took the offered invitation, sliding over into Aya's space.
"I'm not an idiot", protested Yohji, "Besides, Kenken doesn't mind right?"
Ken shook his head. He wasn't quite capable of words at the moment.
"See," crowed Yohji. Aya gave him a look, but didn't say anything more.
Ken closed his eyes. He was so close to Aya that he could feel the heat radiating from the redhead. Aya was wearing a black suit and he looked so good, like a model from one of those fancy Italian labels. Aya's pale hand was resting on his knee, the other propping his head against the window. Ken was thinking 'It's so close to mine. If I just stretched out just a bit, our hands would touch.'
"So Kenken, you didn't get enough sleep last night? Probably reliving your past encounters with Yuriko huh? He he! Well there's another one gone, but don't worry there's plenty more fish in the sea."
Ken ignored Yohji's babbling, absorbing every moment of this close encounter with Aya. Who knew when he would ever get to be this close to the redhead again? Aya's unique smell and the warmth of his body, Ken memorised these for his next dreams.
The drive passed quickly and they arrived at the large estate of the Kawasaki family. Manx showed the security guard her identity and the large gates were opened for them. After parking the car and entering the house, they were shown to a large living room. Ken looked around enjoying the beautiful paintings and ornaments on display, but found his gaze constantly returning to the reflection of Aya in the glass cabinet. The man really looked stunning in a suit. Much better than that orange jumper.
"Ah, Manx-san! Good morning." A tall slim black haired man entered the room. "Please take a seat. Yuriko will be joining us in just a moment. She is just organising some tea and refreshments."
"Good morning Kawasaki-san. This is team Weiss who will be providing security for you and Asou-san. Please meet agents Tsukiyono, Kudou, Hidaka and Fujimiya. Weiss, please meet Koichi Kawasaki-san."
Everyone bowed appropriately in greeting.
"Kawasaki-san, it has been organised that agent Fujimiya will be your personal guard. Asou-san and yourself will need to take your personal guards with you when you have activities outside the house."
"That's fine." Koichi nodded in agreement.
There was a knock on the door and a pretty girl with light brown hair opened the door. Ken noted that she hadn't changed much at all and wondered if she would recognise him.
"Manx-san and minna-san, good morning. Tea will be served shortly."
"Ah Yuriko-chan! There you are. Come and meet our new security team."
Yuriko smiled as she approached the sofas but her look changed to astonishment as her gaze stopped on Ken.
"Ken Hidaka! What are you doing here? Wow! You're part of our security team? I thought you worked in a flower shop!" Ken had stood up as she approached and Yuriko bounced up to him and gave him a big hug. "I never thought I'd see you again! This is great!"
"Yuriko-chan, come and sit down before you overwhelm Hidaka-san."
Manx rose from her seat. "Excuse me, I'll leave you to organise your schedules. Kawasaki-san, is your father available at the moment? No. Okay, I'll give him a call later then. Weiss, the Kawasaki family have generously offered transportation for you whenever you require it, so I will leave you now. Omi, I'll be available later this afternoon if you have any additional questions." She nodded at them all and took her leave.
"How do you know Hidaka-san, Yuri-chan?" Koichi looked affectionately at his future wife.
"We met maybe one year ago, was it that long Ken-kun? We were racing each other on the highway and we ended up travelling together for a few days. We had great fun! Do you still have your bike Ken-kun?"
Ken smiled as Yuriko bombarded him with questions. "Yeah I still have my bike. Was it really a year ago already? It's nice to see you again too Yuriko. And Kawasaki-san, please call me Ken."
Aya cleared his throat to interrupt the reunion. Ken remembering his manners, introduced his team to Yuriko, like Manx using surnames only.
"Tsukiyono-san, Kudou-san, Fujimiya-san. Nice to meet you all. But since we're friends already, I can't possibly call you Hidaka-san, Ken-kun!" She winked at Ken.
"So Ken and I will be responsible to be yours and Kawasaki-san's personal guards. Kudou will be checking all security around the house and the wedding location. Tsukiyono will be doing backup." Aya described their duties to the couple, not mentioning that they would also be eliminating Satou.
"Thank you Fujimiya-san. But you all must call me Koichi. I feel like you're talking about my father, instead of me. And Yuriko here, will insist on your all calling her by name also, since you are all friends of a friend."
"Very well Koichi-san. Both of you please call me Aya." Aya nodded graciously at the young man, who was only one year older than him.
"Aya…", Yuriko asked in confusion, "Ken-kun, isn't that the name of your girlfriend?"
Yohji laughed. "Kenken doesn't have a girlfriend. Or are you holding out on us buddy?"
Yuriko continued, "I remember that name from before I left for Australia. I though you mentioned it Ken-kun?"
Ken wanted to die of embarrassment. Firstly Yuriko remembered the name Aya and secondly Yohji had called him by that dumb nickname in front of the couple. And he didn't know what to say in response to Yuriko's question. Ken didn't look in Aya's direction as he fervently hoped for some interruption. Anything would do – a bolt of lightening would be great.
Omi noticed the look on Ken's face and came to his rescue. "I'm Omi and this is Yohji. We'd be pleased to be addressed as such also. I have schoolwork and other duties at the shop, so I'll be leaving now. Yohji will need to speak with your security chief and I'll let Koichi-san, Yuriko-san, Aya and Ken to sort out your schedules and discuss contact details. Thanks for the great snacks Yuriko-san!"
Yuriko was easily distracted. "Oh, no need for thanks Omi-san! What shop are you talking about?"
"We also operate a flower shop called the Koneko no Sumi ie. Ken wasn't lying when he told you he was a florist."
"The Koneko no Sumi ie… That sounds familiar. Why does it sound familiar Koichi-kun?"
Koichi shrugged as he opened the door for the two departing members of Weiss. Afterwards he came back to sit on the sofa next to Yuriko. He handed a piece of paper to Aya. "Here is Yuriko's and my schedule leading up to the wedding. It seems we are still fairly busy, so I will organise some additional bedrooms for you both on the days we need you until late."
Yuriko put her hand on Koichi's sleeve. "But we don't have much spare room in the house. A lot of relatives are arriving tomorrow to stay for the wedding."
Koichi wrinkled his forehead as he thought. "Well, we'll just have to see what we can do. I'll confirm the arrangements with Sayuki, our housekeeper. We aren't going out today so I'll let you know the situation tomorrow."
"Nothing to do today for once! Fantastic! This wedding is the biggest production in Tokyo!" Yuriko smiled as she stretched out on the sofa.
Aya handed over the relevant contact details. "If you have no need of us today, we'll be back tomorrow at 9am to accompany you both on your first appointments."
Yuriko sat up. "Let's go to visit their shop Koichi-kun! We've nothing to do, and then we can all eat lunch together while I catch up with what Ken-kun's been doing this past year."
Koichi had already agreed with Yuriko's plans, before Ken could say anything. Ken resigned himself to the inevitable. Once Yuriko decided to do something, she usually did it. For example, when she decided to go to Australia, she just up and went. Aya gave him a look, but Ken was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't notice.
A car and driver was organised to take them to the Koneko. Ken noticed that Aya was being very personable to the young couple. Another facet to the redhead that he hadn't seen before. Who would have known that Aya could handle clients so diplomatically?
The four of them entered the shop and Ken was glad that Yohji and Omi were also there to answer questions. He didn't think his mind was working well at the moment. Too much overload from sitting so close to Aya, Yuriko remembering him, Aya being nice to people… And he had to think of an answer to Yuriko's question before she asked him again.
Lunch plans were made and agreed to by all and they arranged to meet at the small café down the street. Aya went to work on a special arrangement and Omi served an older lady. Yohji kept up a steady stream of conversation with Yuriko and Koichi telling funny stories about incidents in the store. Ken laughed as he felt his mood lightening. Yohji was good at that - his big brother. Actually make that his annoying big brother, as Yohji grinned at him before launching into the story of the time Ken had tripped over a pair of shears and dropped a plant over the front of a young scantily clad woman.
"And then he tried to help her clean up her top and she smacked him across the face!"
Everyone was laughing when a young female voice called out, "Ani-san! What are you doing here?"
"Mayumi-chan. These are some of Yuriko's friends. We came to visit their shop and have lunch with them. What are you up to?" Koichi explained to his little sister who had entered the store with a group of friends.
"They're your friends, Yuriko-ane?! Sugoi!" Mayumi was practically dancing with excitement. [1] "Remember I was telling you about them last week?"
Yuriko laughed. "Yes, you told me about the shop you visit everyday with your friends after school which is run by four bishounen."
"Yes! We all come to visit our favourites. When I first started coming over a year ago, my favourite was Aya-san. Now I come to see Yohji-san!" Mayumi's eyes glazed over as she gazed adoringly at the tall blonde. Yohji smiled and winked at the young girl.
"So this is where you waste all your pocket money!" Koichi teased his sister.
But Yuriko was still deep in thought. "Over a year ago… But that's before I met Ken…"
Ken knew Yuriko wasn't dumb and she was fast working out the situation. She looked up and looked first at Ken then at Aya then back to Ken. She had a small smile on her face as she was pulled back into conversation with her soon to be sister about how long she knew the florists and when and how did she meet them.
Ken felt like he was drowning, he'd almost forgotten about that situation. He could feel someone looking at him. Taking a deep breath, he looked at the owner of the piercing gaze.
Yohji was giving him a highly speculative look. "Kenken, come with me while I have a smoke." He made their excuses, promising to return in a few minutes to Mayumi and her friends then dragged Ken out to the back with him.
Sometimes it was easy to forget the older blonde had been a private investigator. Yohji might seem like a charming playboy, but underneath that easygoing exterior was a sharp intelligence. And once he wanted to find something out, he was like a dog with a bone. Ken had already found out that it was easier to just tell Yohji what he wanted to know, because the blonde would find out anyway and make the process more painful for him in the long run.
Yohji lit up a cigarette as they sat on the back step.
"So Kenken, why does Yuriko think you have a girlfriend called Aya?"
Ken blushed as he mumbled, "You remember that mission. She really wanted me to go with her to Australia, but you told me I shouldn't. And I knew that I couldn't leave you guys anyway. You're my family. But at that time I was still so depressed about Kase and it seemed like a whole environment change could be a good thing. But after you talked to me, I knew I couldn't go with her, but she was vulnerable at the time too so I was trying to let her down easy. So I told her that there was someone that I was in love with already, so it wouldn't be fair for her if I went to Australia with her."
"So what's with the name Aya?" Yohji puffed away nonchalantly, but his green eyes were compassionate as he gazed at the downcast brunette.
"She was teasing me and asked for the name of the person that I was supposed to be in love with. The first girl's name that came to mind was Aya."
"So now having worked out her fiancé's sister who is one of the fangirls of this store, she has put two and two together and come up with five."
Ken didn't correct Yohji. He was glad that Yohji hadn't noticed his preoccupation with the redhead.
Yohji continued, "Or maybe she came up with the correct answer after all."
Ken looked up to meet Yohji's gaze. There was an analytical look in the green eyes, which changed quickly to humour.
"So Kenken, how long have you had the hots for our resident icicle huh?"
Ken spluttered, "I don't have the hots for him."
Yohji smirked as he took another drag on his cigarette. "Now that I know, it makes perfect sense now. Why you always volunteer to do the morning shifts with Aya, you started cooking more vegetables for dinner, why you changed your exercise routine…"
Ken shook his head in denial. "I need to coach the kids in the afternoons! And I was a professional athlete remember? Veges are good for you."
"I knew it wasn't for his scintillating conversation, but he does have a pretty hot body," Yoji continued.
Ken scowled fiercely, "He does have a sense of humour. It's very dry. You just have to get to know him better." He ignored the hot body comment – you couldn't argue with someone if you agreed with them.
"No comments on Aya's hot body? And you think you know him better than us Kenken? One year, that's a long time to be in unrequited love with someone."
"It hasn't been a year and I'm not in love with Aya!" Ken practically yelled at Yohji.
Unfortunately at the moment, Aya opened the back door, obviously coming to tell them something.
Yohji turned around with a grin, "Hey Aya. What's up?"
"Ken, can you do a special delivery before lunch? Yuriko and Koichi have agreed to wait for you to return here." Aya sounded grumpy.
Ken remained looking at the back street, leaving his back to Aya. "Sure."
Aya closed the door.
Ken covered his face with his hands as he moaned with embarrassment.
Yohji laughed as he put his arm around Ken's shoulders.
"Right, so we've determined you don't love Aya. And well… he knows it now as well. Methinks someone protests too much. But don't worry, if you have any questions, you can come and ask me."
Ken groaned, "I don't need tips from you Yotan."
"I'm serious Kenken. You need anything, come and ask me. My door is always open."
Ken removed his hands from his face and looked at Yohji's sympathetic eyes.
"Thanks Yotan. I'll remember that."
"Unless my door is closed, then unless you want to join in on the action, you might want to come back at another time…" Yohji's trademark smirk was back.
"You hentai!"
Ken turned within Yohji's one armed embrace and used his body weight to pin the older man to the ground as he attempted to tickle the life out of him.
Then the back door opened again. Aya looking decidedly grumpy said, "The delivery when you have time Ken." The door was slammed closed again.
Yohji laughed at the stricken expression on Ken's face.
Ken punched him in the arm as he got to his feet. "Why do these things happen to me?" he sighed sadly.
~ tbc ~
[1] I made up what I think a younger girl would call her older brother's wife. If someone knows, then I'd be glad to learn what the correct mode of address is!
Additional author note: I really haven't decided all the plot for this fic yet so if you have any suggestions about what you want to happen, then I'd be glad to hear them! Now won't you leave a review please?!
Notes: Thanks to my kind reviewers! I love you all! Honto ni!
In response to Jenken, yes Yohji did know about Yuriko but not what Ken told her. Hopefully all will be explained by this chapter! And yes Koyasu does not look like he should be holding a katana at all! But he's still damn cute! *drools*
Big hugs to Windy who cheered me up this past week! No Yohji-Omi yet – but I hope to work it in soon!
And as always to my ne-chan Moonraven – you are the best cyber ne-chan any girl could ever have!
As always, R&R is appreciated by the author.
Ken looked at himself in the mirror at the bottom of the stairway. He grimaced as he pulled at his necktie. Damn Manx for making them wear suits for the introductions to the Kawasaki family. Yes he understood that they needed to make a good impression and the family was old and respected. But she didn't have to wear a tie which was cutting off her circulation.
Yohji nudged him in the shoulder. "Kenken, you need a hand with that?"
The blonde was helping him before he could even nod. "Just loosen the knot a bit, and don't do up the top button on your shirt if it's too tight. The tie will keep the shirt in place and you'll be able to breathe easier."
"The shirt is fine," Ken mumbled, "I just hate wearing suits. Why couldn't we just wear casual clothes to meet them?"
Yohji laughed. "Aa, but you can't wear jeans and t-shirts all the time. Just think of it as practice for a hot date." He winked at Ken's bemused expression.
"Are you all ready yet?" Aya's deep voice asked from behind them.
Ken jumped guiltily, as he imagined the picture he and Yohji made. Yohji was standing right in front of him, fixing his tie. "Hai. Yohji was just helping me with my tie."
Yohji pulled away and put his arm around Ken's shoulders, turning him to face Aya. "Doesn't my boy look nice now?"
Was that a slight frown Ken saw on Aya's face at Yohji's careless words? Nah, he must be imagining it.
"Hn. Where is Omi?" Aya was already turning away to gather up the documentation and equipment that they needed for the day.
"The chibi's in the basement consolidating his search results from last night. He said to call him when Manx gets here."
There was a knock on the back door.
"And the lovely lady has arrived. OMI! MANX'S HERE! I better go let her in." Yohji sauntered off without a backward glance.
Ken glanced at Aya. "Do you want a hand with that Aya?"
"No." That was Aya, blunt and to the point with a monosyllabic answer.
Ken sighed to himself and walked over to put his shoes on so he would be ready to go. He wondered why he had ever thought Aya might be warming to him or to Weiss.
Manx was driving Persia's car today so everyone could fit in the one vehicle. Yohji made a move to get into the front seat, but Manx stopped him. "Bombay, please sit in the front and navigate."
After some moaning, groaning and rude comments about toy boys, Yohji opened the back door and sat next to the left window. Ken reached the car next, and Aya motioned him to enter first as the redhead placed his bag in the car boot.
The backseat was large enough, but Ken still felt there wasn't enough room between himself, Aya and Yohji. Yohji wasn't helping either by draping his arm along the backseat and sitting at an angle so he could look at Manx while she was driving. Ken sighed in annoyance. Yohji was impinging on his space again.
"Move over Yohji. You're all over me." Ken gave Yohji's leg a push.
"Ah Kenken, there's plenty of space next to Aya. Just move over. Since I got denied the best seat in the house, I'm making do with what I have." Yohji was immovable. He'd positioned himself to try to get the best view of Manx's short skirt riding up.
"Baka."
"Whinger."
Aya spoke up. "You can move over if you want. Kudou is being an idiot."
Ken almost gaped in astonishment. But he remembered to leave his mouth closed and took the offered invitation, sliding over into Aya's space.
"I'm not an idiot", protested Yohji, "Besides, Kenken doesn't mind right?"
Ken shook his head. He wasn't quite capable of words at the moment.
"See," crowed Yohji. Aya gave him a look, but didn't say anything more.
Ken closed his eyes. He was so close to Aya that he could feel the heat radiating from the redhead. Aya was wearing a black suit and he looked so good, like a model from one of those fancy Italian labels. Aya's pale hand was resting on his knee, the other propping his head against the window. Ken was thinking 'It's so close to mine. If I just stretched out just a bit, our hands would touch.'
"So Kenken, you didn't get enough sleep last night? Probably reliving your past encounters with Yuriko huh? He he! Well there's another one gone, but don't worry there's plenty more fish in the sea."
Ken ignored Yohji's babbling, absorbing every moment of this close encounter with Aya. Who knew when he would ever get to be this close to the redhead again? Aya's unique smell and the warmth of his body, Ken memorised these for his next dreams.
The drive passed quickly and they arrived at the large estate of the Kawasaki family. Manx showed the security guard her identity and the large gates were opened for them. After parking the car and entering the house, they were shown to a large living room. Ken looked around enjoying the beautiful paintings and ornaments on display, but found his gaze constantly returning to the reflection of Aya in the glass cabinet. The man really looked stunning in a suit. Much better than that orange jumper.
"Ah, Manx-san! Good morning." A tall slim black haired man entered the room. "Please take a seat. Yuriko will be joining us in just a moment. She is just organising some tea and refreshments."
"Good morning Kawasaki-san. This is team Weiss who will be providing security for you and Asou-san. Please meet agents Tsukiyono, Kudou, Hidaka and Fujimiya. Weiss, please meet Koichi Kawasaki-san."
Everyone bowed appropriately in greeting.
"Kawasaki-san, it has been organised that agent Fujimiya will be your personal guard. Asou-san and yourself will need to take your personal guards with you when you have activities outside the house."
"That's fine." Koichi nodded in agreement.
There was a knock on the door and a pretty girl with light brown hair opened the door. Ken noted that she hadn't changed much at all and wondered if she would recognise him.
"Manx-san and minna-san, good morning. Tea will be served shortly."
"Ah Yuriko-chan! There you are. Come and meet our new security team."
Yuriko smiled as she approached the sofas but her look changed to astonishment as her gaze stopped on Ken.
"Ken Hidaka! What are you doing here? Wow! You're part of our security team? I thought you worked in a flower shop!" Ken had stood up as she approached and Yuriko bounced up to him and gave him a big hug. "I never thought I'd see you again! This is great!"
"Yuriko-chan, come and sit down before you overwhelm Hidaka-san."
Manx rose from her seat. "Excuse me, I'll leave you to organise your schedules. Kawasaki-san, is your father available at the moment? No. Okay, I'll give him a call later then. Weiss, the Kawasaki family have generously offered transportation for you whenever you require it, so I will leave you now. Omi, I'll be available later this afternoon if you have any additional questions." She nodded at them all and took her leave.
"How do you know Hidaka-san, Yuri-chan?" Koichi looked affectionately at his future wife.
"We met maybe one year ago, was it that long Ken-kun? We were racing each other on the highway and we ended up travelling together for a few days. We had great fun! Do you still have your bike Ken-kun?"
Ken smiled as Yuriko bombarded him with questions. "Yeah I still have my bike. Was it really a year ago already? It's nice to see you again too Yuriko. And Kawasaki-san, please call me Ken."
Aya cleared his throat to interrupt the reunion. Ken remembering his manners, introduced his team to Yuriko, like Manx using surnames only.
"Tsukiyono-san, Kudou-san, Fujimiya-san. Nice to meet you all. But since we're friends already, I can't possibly call you Hidaka-san, Ken-kun!" She winked at Ken.
"So Ken and I will be responsible to be yours and Kawasaki-san's personal guards. Kudou will be checking all security around the house and the wedding location. Tsukiyono will be doing backup." Aya described their duties to the couple, not mentioning that they would also be eliminating Satou.
"Thank you Fujimiya-san. But you all must call me Koichi. I feel like you're talking about my father, instead of me. And Yuriko here, will insist on your all calling her by name also, since you are all friends of a friend."
"Very well Koichi-san. Both of you please call me Aya." Aya nodded graciously at the young man, who was only one year older than him.
"Aya…", Yuriko asked in confusion, "Ken-kun, isn't that the name of your girlfriend?"
Yohji laughed. "Kenken doesn't have a girlfriend. Or are you holding out on us buddy?"
Yuriko continued, "I remember that name from before I left for Australia. I though you mentioned it Ken-kun?"
Ken wanted to die of embarrassment. Firstly Yuriko remembered the name Aya and secondly Yohji had called him by that dumb nickname in front of the couple. And he didn't know what to say in response to Yuriko's question. Ken didn't look in Aya's direction as he fervently hoped for some interruption. Anything would do – a bolt of lightening would be great.
Omi noticed the look on Ken's face and came to his rescue. "I'm Omi and this is Yohji. We'd be pleased to be addressed as such also. I have schoolwork and other duties at the shop, so I'll be leaving now. Yohji will need to speak with your security chief and I'll let Koichi-san, Yuriko-san, Aya and Ken to sort out your schedules and discuss contact details. Thanks for the great snacks Yuriko-san!"
Yuriko was easily distracted. "Oh, no need for thanks Omi-san! What shop are you talking about?"
"We also operate a flower shop called the Koneko no Sumi ie. Ken wasn't lying when he told you he was a florist."
"The Koneko no Sumi ie… That sounds familiar. Why does it sound familiar Koichi-kun?"
Koichi shrugged as he opened the door for the two departing members of Weiss. Afterwards he came back to sit on the sofa next to Yuriko. He handed a piece of paper to Aya. "Here is Yuriko's and my schedule leading up to the wedding. It seems we are still fairly busy, so I will organise some additional bedrooms for you both on the days we need you until late."
Yuriko put her hand on Koichi's sleeve. "But we don't have much spare room in the house. A lot of relatives are arriving tomorrow to stay for the wedding."
Koichi wrinkled his forehead as he thought. "Well, we'll just have to see what we can do. I'll confirm the arrangements with Sayuki, our housekeeper. We aren't going out today so I'll let you know the situation tomorrow."
"Nothing to do today for once! Fantastic! This wedding is the biggest production in Tokyo!" Yuriko smiled as she stretched out on the sofa.
Aya handed over the relevant contact details. "If you have no need of us today, we'll be back tomorrow at 9am to accompany you both on your first appointments."
Yuriko sat up. "Let's go to visit their shop Koichi-kun! We've nothing to do, and then we can all eat lunch together while I catch up with what Ken-kun's been doing this past year."
Koichi had already agreed with Yuriko's plans, before Ken could say anything. Ken resigned himself to the inevitable. Once Yuriko decided to do something, she usually did it. For example, when she decided to go to Australia, she just up and went. Aya gave him a look, but Ken was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't notice.
A car and driver was organised to take them to the Koneko. Ken noticed that Aya was being very personable to the young couple. Another facet to the redhead that he hadn't seen before. Who would have known that Aya could handle clients so diplomatically?
The four of them entered the shop and Ken was glad that Yohji and Omi were also there to answer questions. He didn't think his mind was working well at the moment. Too much overload from sitting so close to Aya, Yuriko remembering him, Aya being nice to people… And he had to think of an answer to Yuriko's question before she asked him again.
Lunch plans were made and agreed to by all and they arranged to meet at the small café down the street. Aya went to work on a special arrangement and Omi served an older lady. Yohji kept up a steady stream of conversation with Yuriko and Koichi telling funny stories about incidents in the store. Ken laughed as he felt his mood lightening. Yohji was good at that - his big brother. Actually make that his annoying big brother, as Yohji grinned at him before launching into the story of the time Ken had tripped over a pair of shears and dropped a plant over the front of a young scantily clad woman.
"And then he tried to help her clean up her top and she smacked him across the face!"
Everyone was laughing when a young female voice called out, "Ani-san! What are you doing here?"
"Mayumi-chan. These are some of Yuriko's friends. We came to visit their shop and have lunch with them. What are you up to?" Koichi explained to his little sister who had entered the store with a group of friends.
"They're your friends, Yuriko-ane?! Sugoi!" Mayumi was practically dancing with excitement. [1] "Remember I was telling you about them last week?"
Yuriko laughed. "Yes, you told me about the shop you visit everyday with your friends after school which is run by four bishounen."
"Yes! We all come to visit our favourites. When I first started coming over a year ago, my favourite was Aya-san. Now I come to see Yohji-san!" Mayumi's eyes glazed over as she gazed adoringly at the tall blonde. Yohji smiled and winked at the young girl.
"So this is where you waste all your pocket money!" Koichi teased his sister.
But Yuriko was still deep in thought. "Over a year ago… But that's before I met Ken…"
Ken knew Yuriko wasn't dumb and she was fast working out the situation. She looked up and looked first at Ken then at Aya then back to Ken. She had a small smile on her face as she was pulled back into conversation with her soon to be sister about how long she knew the florists and when and how did she meet them.
Ken felt like he was drowning, he'd almost forgotten about that situation. He could feel someone looking at him. Taking a deep breath, he looked at the owner of the piercing gaze.
Yohji was giving him a highly speculative look. "Kenken, come with me while I have a smoke." He made their excuses, promising to return in a few minutes to Mayumi and her friends then dragged Ken out to the back with him.
Sometimes it was easy to forget the older blonde had been a private investigator. Yohji might seem like a charming playboy, but underneath that easygoing exterior was a sharp intelligence. And once he wanted to find something out, he was like a dog with a bone. Ken had already found out that it was easier to just tell Yohji what he wanted to know, because the blonde would find out anyway and make the process more painful for him in the long run.
Yohji lit up a cigarette as they sat on the back step.
"So Kenken, why does Yuriko think you have a girlfriend called Aya?"
Ken blushed as he mumbled, "You remember that mission. She really wanted me to go with her to Australia, but you told me I shouldn't. And I knew that I couldn't leave you guys anyway. You're my family. But at that time I was still so depressed about Kase and it seemed like a whole environment change could be a good thing. But after you talked to me, I knew I couldn't go with her, but she was vulnerable at the time too so I was trying to let her down easy. So I told her that there was someone that I was in love with already, so it wouldn't be fair for her if I went to Australia with her."
"So what's with the name Aya?" Yohji puffed away nonchalantly, but his green eyes were compassionate as he gazed at the downcast brunette.
"She was teasing me and asked for the name of the person that I was supposed to be in love with. The first girl's name that came to mind was Aya."
"So now having worked out her fiancé's sister who is one of the fangirls of this store, she has put two and two together and come up with five."
Ken didn't correct Yohji. He was glad that Yohji hadn't noticed his preoccupation with the redhead.
Yohji continued, "Or maybe she came up with the correct answer after all."
Ken looked up to meet Yohji's gaze. There was an analytical look in the green eyes, which changed quickly to humour.
"So Kenken, how long have you had the hots for our resident icicle huh?"
Ken spluttered, "I don't have the hots for him."
Yohji smirked as he took another drag on his cigarette. "Now that I know, it makes perfect sense now. Why you always volunteer to do the morning shifts with Aya, you started cooking more vegetables for dinner, why you changed your exercise routine…"
Ken shook his head in denial. "I need to coach the kids in the afternoons! And I was a professional athlete remember? Veges are good for you."
"I knew it wasn't for his scintillating conversation, but he does have a pretty hot body," Yoji continued.
Ken scowled fiercely, "He does have a sense of humour. It's very dry. You just have to get to know him better." He ignored the hot body comment – you couldn't argue with someone if you agreed with them.
"No comments on Aya's hot body? And you think you know him better than us Kenken? One year, that's a long time to be in unrequited love with someone."
"It hasn't been a year and I'm not in love with Aya!" Ken practically yelled at Yohji.
Unfortunately at the moment, Aya opened the back door, obviously coming to tell them something.
Yohji turned around with a grin, "Hey Aya. What's up?"
"Ken, can you do a special delivery before lunch? Yuriko and Koichi have agreed to wait for you to return here." Aya sounded grumpy.
Ken remained looking at the back street, leaving his back to Aya. "Sure."
Aya closed the door.
Ken covered his face with his hands as he moaned with embarrassment.
Yohji laughed as he put his arm around Ken's shoulders.
"Right, so we've determined you don't love Aya. And well… he knows it now as well. Methinks someone protests too much. But don't worry, if you have any questions, you can come and ask me."
Ken groaned, "I don't need tips from you Yotan."
"I'm serious Kenken. You need anything, come and ask me. My door is always open."
Ken removed his hands from his face and looked at Yohji's sympathetic eyes.
"Thanks Yotan. I'll remember that."
"Unless my door is closed, then unless you want to join in on the action, you might want to come back at another time…" Yohji's trademark smirk was back.
"You hentai!"
Ken turned within Yohji's one armed embrace and used his body weight to pin the older man to the ground as he attempted to tickle the life out of him.
Then the back door opened again. Aya looking decidedly grumpy said, "The delivery when you have time Ken." The door was slammed closed again.
Yohji laughed at the stricken expression on Ken's face.
Ken punched him in the arm as he got to his feet. "Why do these things happen to me?" he sighed sadly.
~ tbc ~
[1] I made up what I think a younger girl would call her older brother's wife. If someone knows, then I'd be glad to learn what the correct mode of address is!
Additional author note: I really haven't decided all the plot for this fic yet so if you have any suggestions about what you want to happen, then I'd be glad to hear them! Now won't you leave a review please?!