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Chapter 23
'One more, one more, one more...' Rei thought as she lazily flipped through her modern Japanese culture text. The last of her final exams, she found it difficult to concentrate on it. The adrenaline rush from the fouled up ambush was gone. She knew most the material rather well and could not bring herself to study anymore. The rest of her finals had gone surprisingly well and she estimated that she might actually graduate with honors. Kaitou-san had said that with honors from Tokyo University, she would be able to go to any graduate school in the world.
At this point though, she had no idea what she wanted to do. She had learned all the means of aggressive management which Kaitou-san had shown to her, and felt a guilty longing to continue on that path. But at the same time, she still felt very strongly about her place in the shrine. The sacred fire was hers to keep up and she could not bear leaving it.
And then there were dozens of other things she wanted to do. In occasional flights of fancy, she thought about being a model or a singer. There were too many choices, all of them alluring and wonderful to dream about.
Rei sighed and gazed at the digital clock in the corner of the room. It read 9:15 PM. "So late already?"
There was a gentle knock on the door and her eyebrow rose. "Now who could be calling on me at such an hour."
She gathered her robes around herself and slid the door open. In it's place stood a grinning and somewhat dressed down Ryan Kaitou. Rei was taken aback and then bowed deeply, "Kaitou-san, what a pleasant surprise!"
He smiled nervously, "I came to purchase a good luck charm and your grandfather said you hadn't come out of the room all day. I thought I might come and sneak a peek at what had enthralled you so."
"Enthrall? Hardly," She tossed the book to her side, "I hate the reading about how many social problems Japan has."
"Then my timing is perfect. I was wondering if I could pull you away from your studies for a little bit of relaxation. Perhaps a drink or a late snack."
Rei rubbed her tummy, "Could we make it dinner? I haven't eaten all day."
He inclined his head graciously, "Dinner it is. In fact, why don't you call a couple of your friends? You've told me about them and I've been dying to meet them. Especially this Minako-chan who you have praised so much for helping you in your job search."
Rei nodded happily and disappeared into her inner sanctum to change. It would prove to be an interesting night.
Later that night found us in a loud Thai restaurant filled with revelers who could not wait for the weekend to begin. We were not the first to arrive, the vaunted Sailor Moon and her beau were waiting.
I felt a wide grin crease my face, "Hey, I know this guy!"
Mamoru stood up, grinning too, "It's a pleasure seeing you again, too, Kaitou-san."
Rei and Usagi were very surprised, "Wait you two know each other?"
"Of course, this guy is my football buddy!"
Mamoru laughed, "We met in an American bar in downtown. We have a certain rivalry going on."
I turned to Usagi, "And this must be your lovely fiance, Usagi-san. It is a pleasure finally meeting you."
She allowed me to kiss her hand, "I trust that Mamoru has been completely complimentary about me?"
"Of course. Although, he did say something about Odango Atama.....now I see the resemblance."
Usagi whacked him on the arm, "Do you tell everyone you see? You're so mean to me!"
Rei chuckled, "But it's so easy!"
I clasped my hands together and bowed deeply, "I apologize wholeheartedly. I did not mean to drive a wedge into future marital bliss."
The blonde senshi gazed me in the eye and favored me with a generous smile, "I see why Rei likes so. So polite." She gave Mamoru a lovetap in the ribs, "So unlike this bozo."
Rei suddenly looked over my head and waved to a couple of girls entering the restaurant. "Mako-chan, Ami-chan!"
I turned to see a familiar tuft of blue hair on the head of the diminuative senshi of water and her tall brunette companion.
Mako-chan smiled as she stuck her hand out in greeting, "Ah, the infamous Ryan Kaitou! We have heard much about you from Rei."
I shot an amused glance towards Usagi, "All compliments, I hope?"
"They are many and profuse."
"That warms the heart of an old businessman."
I turned to Mizuno Ami, "And your blue hair gives you away as Ami Mizuno. Pleased to meet you."
She offered her hand to me and I knelt over it, "A pleasure seeing you again Kaitou-san."
I cocked my head slightly, "I am afraid you have me at a disadvantage. Have we met before?"
"Not formally. You were once a speaker for the Caltech Pre-Business society. Angie Darling pointed you out to me when you attended the symphony later that evening."
I inclined my head, "I do remember that. The best student orchestra I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. How is Angie doing? I still get Christmas cards from her every so often."
"Just fine. Working at Bell Labs right now."
I chuckled, "A waste of a brilliant business acumen. Though I see that you have followed her career steps?"
She smiled, "At least until I can get into a joint MD/PhD program."
"Research?"
"I did my thesis on stem cell research for cancer cures."
I pulled out my wallet and pulled out a business card, "Look, I have a few connections among Biotech companies and research labs. If you ever feel the need, please don't hesitate to call me. Any friend of Rei's is a friend of mine."
Ami smiled, "Thank you Kaitou-san. I hope I can avail myself of your services some time."
"I try to be helpful. Occasionally I'm even successful at it."
The assembled laughed and I wiped away a trace of cold sweat. Rei touched my shoulder encouragingly. I smiled confidently and spoke under my breath, "How am I doing?"
"Beautifully. Why are you so worried?"
"I often have a tough time meeting new people."
"Liar." Rei looked over my shoulder again and waved to a newcomer. "And our final guest is here. Ryan, meet Minako Aino."
Minako looked me up and down appraisingly, "Pleased to meet you."
I raised one eyebrow, but decided to pass it over with a charming smile, "Rei tells me you were the one who led her to my company. I am in your debt."
She giggled softly, "Your debt is to my father. He highly recommends you as a businessman and a mentor."
"I should have guessed. Of course I know your father. Aino-san at Barclays, I believe? Unfortunately, we do not cross paths nearly as much as I would like." I stared intently into her eyes, "Therefore, I feel it my obligation to discharge my debt to his daughter."
Minako met the gaze confidently, showing all of the leadership prowess which separated her from many of the other senshi. She was the dangerous one, capable of taking initiative, acting quickly and decisively to make something happen. As evidenced by earlier that day, she was a capable planner, if forgiveably overconfident.
But most dangerously of all, Minako Aino posessed a deep, animal shrewdness that transcended mere magical awareness. That made her a unique threat. I could not fight her, but I might be able to outmanuever her. It was a long shot, but the only one I had.
I favored everyone with a gracious smile, "I guess everyone is here. So shall we sit down to order?"
Rei marveled as her boss politely disarmed the defensive mechanisms of each of her friends and soon was chatting with them as if he had known each of them for years. As the appetizers came, he switched tacks to become a gracious host, encouraging each person to eat before he did.
That was probably a mistake, as Usagi's appetite had not diminished since high school. Soon, Ryan was left looking at a table full of empty dishes. He raised an eyebrow in his characteristic display of surprise then summoned a waiter with more.
Dryly, "You must have an enviable metabolism."
Mamoru snorted, "That's the understatement of the day. Would you believe that she's eaten like this since high school?"
Usagi pretended to be shocked and elbowed Mamoru in the stomach, "Mamo-chan, that's not very nice."
He rubbed his stomach gingerly, then half grimaced, "She's hit me like that since high school too."
The rest of the table broke out into a fit of giggles and Ryan looked carefully puzzled, but chose to drop the subject. Rei decided to speak up, "They were not always the greatest of friends."
"Ah, a little antagonistic love? I am told that is the best sort."
Mamoru smiled briefly, "No personal experience, Kaitou-san?"
"Me? In love? That is something I have yet to experience."
Minako grinned, "Come on, a well traveled, well spoken man like you has never found anyone he could truly spend his life with?"
Ryan's face turned amusingly glum, "It is the sad truth. Depressing, ne?"
The usually quiet Ami added in, "Even recently? Certainly there are some possibilities..."
When he turned his attention toward the blue haired girl, Rei shot a death glare at her. She responded with an innocent smile.
"Well, Ami-san, I have not been paying attention lately. My life has been a complete mess in the past few months. I just moved here you know."
Makoto could not resist but add her own two bits, "Ah, but that is precisely why you need a woman in your life. To bring order." Her smile turned faintly evil, "Unless of course you prefer other alternatives."
Rei would have never thought her boss easy to embarrass. But before her eyes, he turned a little red, before coughing and returning to his normal hues. Smoothly, "No, Makoto-san, I am quite traditional in all respects."
He shook his head, "I have known you all for thirty minutes and you are already advising me on my lovelife, or lack thereof."
Rei tapped him on the arm, "But of course. You are a young, very eligible bachelor. I think we are all surprised that you are still single in Tokyo."
"I prefer to think of myself as one of those people who will never get married by choice. You know, a great fish across the mantle, a garage with expensive foreign sports cars and fuel guzzling sports utility vehicles, a bathroom filled with Playboy Magazines. Reading the newspaper and drinking whiskey in the morning. You know, the bachelor's dream."
The assembled laughed again and I smiled along with them. I loved entertaining guests. It warded off any lingering feelings of loneliness while allowing me to get to know people a little better. In spite of my suspicions, I genuinely liked the senshi. They were good, fun loving people and I could respect them for being honest, upright, and forward with their thoughts and feelings.
At times, I felt that Minako was interrogating me a little bit, but even she began to have fun as dinner then drinks and desert arrived. We limited ourself to glasses of champagne, given that Rei, Minako, and Usagi had final exams the next day.
We smiled and made small talk until eleven, when they began to trickle out for sleep. Minako was the second to last to leave. She gave me a big, genuine smile and stuck out her hand. I took it gladly, "I trust that we shall be seeing each other soon?"
"In the business world? You can count on it."
She grinned, "We'll cross the paths of mutual profit soon enough."
As she exited, I waved and stuck my hands in my pockets. I turned and winked at Rei. "How did I do?"
"Beautifully." Rei siddled up next to me and put an arm around my waist. "I'm really glad that you got along with my friends."
"Hey, I get along with everyone."
She rested her head against my side, "Still. You made a special effort. That counts for something more, right?"
"Certainly, it does." I felt a little warm around the cheeks, "Can I give you a ride back?"
"No, that's okay. I feel like walking tonight." She absentmindly stood on her toes and gave me a kiss on the cheek and a hug. "Thanks, Ryan. It really meant a lot to me."
She smiled at me once more and then disappeared out the door. It took me a minute before I realized what she had done. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks and turned to see a lone waiter giving me a slightly dirty look. I grimaced slightly, paid the bill, and exited the building.
Chapter 23
'One more, one more, one more...' Rei thought as she lazily flipped through her modern Japanese culture text. The last of her final exams, she found it difficult to concentrate on it. The adrenaline rush from the fouled up ambush was gone. She knew most the material rather well and could not bring herself to study anymore. The rest of her finals had gone surprisingly well and she estimated that she might actually graduate with honors. Kaitou-san had said that with honors from Tokyo University, she would be able to go to any graduate school in the world.
At this point though, she had no idea what she wanted to do. She had learned all the means of aggressive management which Kaitou-san had shown to her, and felt a guilty longing to continue on that path. But at the same time, she still felt very strongly about her place in the shrine. The sacred fire was hers to keep up and she could not bear leaving it.
And then there were dozens of other things she wanted to do. In occasional flights of fancy, she thought about being a model or a singer. There were too many choices, all of them alluring and wonderful to dream about.
Rei sighed and gazed at the digital clock in the corner of the room. It read 9:15 PM. "So late already?"
There was a gentle knock on the door and her eyebrow rose. "Now who could be calling on me at such an hour."
She gathered her robes around herself and slid the door open. In it's place stood a grinning and somewhat dressed down Ryan Kaitou. Rei was taken aback and then bowed deeply, "Kaitou-san, what a pleasant surprise!"
He smiled nervously, "I came to purchase a good luck charm and your grandfather said you hadn't come out of the room all day. I thought I might come and sneak a peek at what had enthralled you so."
"Enthrall? Hardly," She tossed the book to her side, "I hate the reading about how many social problems Japan has."
"Then my timing is perfect. I was wondering if I could pull you away from your studies for a little bit of relaxation. Perhaps a drink or a late snack."
Rei rubbed her tummy, "Could we make it dinner? I haven't eaten all day."
He inclined his head graciously, "Dinner it is. In fact, why don't you call a couple of your friends? You've told me about them and I've been dying to meet them. Especially this Minako-chan who you have praised so much for helping you in your job search."
Rei nodded happily and disappeared into her inner sanctum to change. It would prove to be an interesting night.
Later that night found us in a loud Thai restaurant filled with revelers who could not wait for the weekend to begin. We were not the first to arrive, the vaunted Sailor Moon and her beau were waiting.
I felt a wide grin crease my face, "Hey, I know this guy!"
Mamoru stood up, grinning too, "It's a pleasure seeing you again, too, Kaitou-san."
Rei and Usagi were very surprised, "Wait you two know each other?"
"Of course, this guy is my football buddy!"
Mamoru laughed, "We met in an American bar in downtown. We have a certain rivalry going on."
I turned to Usagi, "And this must be your lovely fiance, Usagi-san. It is a pleasure finally meeting you."
She allowed me to kiss her hand, "I trust that Mamoru has been completely complimentary about me?"
"Of course. Although, he did say something about Odango Atama.....now I see the resemblance."
Usagi whacked him on the arm, "Do you tell everyone you see? You're so mean to me!"
Rei chuckled, "But it's so easy!"
I clasped my hands together and bowed deeply, "I apologize wholeheartedly. I did not mean to drive a wedge into future marital bliss."
The blonde senshi gazed me in the eye and favored me with a generous smile, "I see why Rei likes so. So polite." She gave Mamoru a lovetap in the ribs, "So unlike this bozo."
Rei suddenly looked over my head and waved to a couple of girls entering the restaurant. "Mako-chan, Ami-chan!"
I turned to see a familiar tuft of blue hair on the head of the diminuative senshi of water and her tall brunette companion.
Mako-chan smiled as she stuck her hand out in greeting, "Ah, the infamous Ryan Kaitou! We have heard much about you from Rei."
I shot an amused glance towards Usagi, "All compliments, I hope?"
"They are many and profuse."
"That warms the heart of an old businessman."
I turned to Mizuno Ami, "And your blue hair gives you away as Ami Mizuno. Pleased to meet you."
She offered her hand to me and I knelt over it, "A pleasure seeing you again Kaitou-san."
I cocked my head slightly, "I am afraid you have me at a disadvantage. Have we met before?"
"Not formally. You were once a speaker for the Caltech Pre-Business society. Angie Darling pointed you out to me when you attended the symphony later that evening."
I inclined my head, "I do remember that. The best student orchestra I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. How is Angie doing? I still get Christmas cards from her every so often."
"Just fine. Working at Bell Labs right now."
I chuckled, "A waste of a brilliant business acumen. Though I see that you have followed her career steps?"
She smiled, "At least until I can get into a joint MD/PhD program."
"Research?"
"I did my thesis on stem cell research for cancer cures."
I pulled out my wallet and pulled out a business card, "Look, I have a few connections among Biotech companies and research labs. If you ever feel the need, please don't hesitate to call me. Any friend of Rei's is a friend of mine."
Ami smiled, "Thank you Kaitou-san. I hope I can avail myself of your services some time."
"I try to be helpful. Occasionally I'm even successful at it."
The assembled laughed and I wiped away a trace of cold sweat. Rei touched my shoulder encouragingly. I smiled confidently and spoke under my breath, "How am I doing?"
"Beautifully. Why are you so worried?"
"I often have a tough time meeting new people."
"Liar." Rei looked over my shoulder again and waved to a newcomer. "And our final guest is here. Ryan, meet Minako Aino."
Minako looked me up and down appraisingly, "Pleased to meet you."
I raised one eyebrow, but decided to pass it over with a charming smile, "Rei tells me you were the one who led her to my company. I am in your debt."
She giggled softly, "Your debt is to my father. He highly recommends you as a businessman and a mentor."
"I should have guessed. Of course I know your father. Aino-san at Barclays, I believe? Unfortunately, we do not cross paths nearly as much as I would like." I stared intently into her eyes, "Therefore, I feel it my obligation to discharge my debt to his daughter."
Minako met the gaze confidently, showing all of the leadership prowess which separated her from many of the other senshi. She was the dangerous one, capable of taking initiative, acting quickly and decisively to make something happen. As evidenced by earlier that day, she was a capable planner, if forgiveably overconfident.
But most dangerously of all, Minako Aino posessed a deep, animal shrewdness that transcended mere magical awareness. That made her a unique threat. I could not fight her, but I might be able to outmanuever her. It was a long shot, but the only one I had.
I favored everyone with a gracious smile, "I guess everyone is here. So shall we sit down to order?"
Rei marveled as her boss politely disarmed the defensive mechanisms of each of her friends and soon was chatting with them as if he had known each of them for years. As the appetizers came, he switched tacks to become a gracious host, encouraging each person to eat before he did.
That was probably a mistake, as Usagi's appetite had not diminished since high school. Soon, Ryan was left looking at a table full of empty dishes. He raised an eyebrow in his characteristic display of surprise then summoned a waiter with more.
Dryly, "You must have an enviable metabolism."
Mamoru snorted, "That's the understatement of the day. Would you believe that she's eaten like this since high school?"
Usagi pretended to be shocked and elbowed Mamoru in the stomach, "Mamo-chan, that's not very nice."
He rubbed his stomach gingerly, then half grimaced, "She's hit me like that since high school too."
The rest of the table broke out into a fit of giggles and Ryan looked carefully puzzled, but chose to drop the subject. Rei decided to speak up, "They were not always the greatest of friends."
"Ah, a little antagonistic love? I am told that is the best sort."
Mamoru smiled briefly, "No personal experience, Kaitou-san?"
"Me? In love? That is something I have yet to experience."
Minako grinned, "Come on, a well traveled, well spoken man like you has never found anyone he could truly spend his life with?"
Ryan's face turned amusingly glum, "It is the sad truth. Depressing, ne?"
The usually quiet Ami added in, "Even recently? Certainly there are some possibilities..."
When he turned his attention toward the blue haired girl, Rei shot a death glare at her. She responded with an innocent smile.
"Well, Ami-san, I have not been paying attention lately. My life has been a complete mess in the past few months. I just moved here you know."
Makoto could not resist but add her own two bits, "Ah, but that is precisely why you need a woman in your life. To bring order." Her smile turned faintly evil, "Unless of course you prefer other alternatives."
Rei would have never thought her boss easy to embarrass. But before her eyes, he turned a little red, before coughing and returning to his normal hues. Smoothly, "No, Makoto-san, I am quite traditional in all respects."
He shook his head, "I have known you all for thirty minutes and you are already advising me on my lovelife, or lack thereof."
Rei tapped him on the arm, "But of course. You are a young, very eligible bachelor. I think we are all surprised that you are still single in Tokyo."
"I prefer to think of myself as one of those people who will never get married by choice. You know, a great fish across the mantle, a garage with expensive foreign sports cars and fuel guzzling sports utility vehicles, a bathroom filled with Playboy Magazines. Reading the newspaper and drinking whiskey in the morning. You know, the bachelor's dream."
The assembled laughed again and I smiled along with them. I loved entertaining guests. It warded off any lingering feelings of loneliness while allowing me to get to know people a little better. In spite of my suspicions, I genuinely liked the senshi. They were good, fun loving people and I could respect them for being honest, upright, and forward with their thoughts and feelings.
At times, I felt that Minako was interrogating me a little bit, but even she began to have fun as dinner then drinks and desert arrived. We limited ourself to glasses of champagne, given that Rei, Minako, and Usagi had final exams the next day.
We smiled and made small talk until eleven, when they began to trickle out for sleep. Minako was the second to last to leave. She gave me a big, genuine smile and stuck out her hand. I took it gladly, "I trust that we shall be seeing each other soon?"
"In the business world? You can count on it."
She grinned, "We'll cross the paths of mutual profit soon enough."
As she exited, I waved and stuck my hands in my pockets. I turned and winked at Rei. "How did I do?"
"Beautifully." Rei siddled up next to me and put an arm around my waist. "I'm really glad that you got along with my friends."
"Hey, I get along with everyone."
She rested her head against my side, "Still. You made a special effort. That counts for something more, right?"
"Certainly, it does." I felt a little warm around the cheeks, "Can I give you a ride back?"
"No, that's okay. I feel like walking tonight." She absentmindly stood on her toes and gave me a kiss on the cheek and a hug. "Thanks, Ryan. It really meant a lot to me."
She smiled at me once more and then disappeared out the door. It took me a minute before I realized what she had done. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks and turned to see a lone waiter giving me a slightly dirty look. I grimaced slightly, paid the bill, and exited the building.