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Chapter 26
I rubbed my forehead free of sweat and resigned myself to staring at the ceiling.
"Is there a problem with the ceiling paint, Kaitou-san?"
I flopped my head back up and mock glared at Makoto Kino, "Yes, you missed a spot. It's wrecking my dining experience."
She chuckled softly, "What can I get you today, Kaitou-san?"
I had become a regular at the restaurant, famous for its careful balancing of fusion and traditional cuisines. Makoto's specialty was Italian food, which she applied the touch of someone who had traveled extensively in tiny villages from Tuscany to Sicily. The brunette sous-chef was a master (mistress?) of all sorts of pasta, which she made by hand.
"There are so many choices, Kino-san."
She nodded, "Then might I suggest a meal for you?"
"As long as it's not too big. You're only feeding one today."
"I noticed. Where's Rei-chan?"
"Doing some wedding stuff. Bridesmaid duties and all. I kinda feel bad though that she didn't get maid of honor."
Makoto nodded, "Well, Ami will do a good job. I would have liked that post myself, but I think the rotational system we've come up with will work out pretty well. I have Minako's wedding."
I smiled, "Then I don't think you'll have to wait too long for that. She seems to attract followers rather easily."
She shrugged easily, "I know. But that has nothing to do with the issue at hand. I suggest starting with the bruschetta. I made it this morning, and if I might say so, it is absolutely wonderful."
"And for the main course?"
She smiled gloriously, "That's a toughie. The papperdelle is good today, but I would hedge my bets. Ravioli stuffed with goose liver and truffles with a wild duck dressing. Magnifique."
I handed over the menu, "I leave it to your capable hands, Mako-chan. It's a late lunch, but I trust it will be a good one." She bowed perfunctorily and exited the situation.
While waiting, I twiddled my thumbs and considered my situation. To my great surprise, Rei seemed to be warming up to me in every way possible. I barely conceive of Rei being attacted to me. In a sense, I still was stuck in narrow mind set of the Dark Kingdom General. The senshi, if not enemies, were still out to get me.
The sort of schizophrenic way I operated my life would be amusing to an outsider. But as the sommelier came to interogate me on my wine choices, I smiled to myself. Life is too boring without danger.
Choosing a plain Tuscan wine to complement the semi-peasant fare I had ordered, I returned to my thoughts, aimlessly wondering about business and various items of interest.
"Kaitou-san, your pasta!"
Closing my eyes, I inhaled the wonderful fumes of Mako's cuisine. "That's wonderful."
Makoto grinned, "It's probably my best yet. Mind if I join you?"
"Not at all." I removed the cork from the bottle of wine and filled her glass. "Are you done for the day?"
"Yeah. I've prepped about as much as I can and, as you can see, we're not too busy at three o'clock."
"Just how I like it." I dissected a ravioli and chewed on it slowly. "Mmm.....my complements."
Makoto raised the glass in a salute, "I thank you. But I feel the need to say that you're an easy customer to please."
I chewed another piece, relishing the taste, "If you would like criticism, I am not too good at it. Aren't you going to eat?"
"In a sec." Mako finished off the glass of wine and poured another before drizziling some olive oil and balsalmic vinegar onto her flatbread before attacking it with gusto.
I washed down another savory mouthful and leaned back, "Wow. You really ought to start your own restaurant. There's no reason to slave away in this place forever."
"Someday, Ryan." Mako sipped her wine. "When I'm a bit more settled down, have a little experience. Someday."
I nodded, "If you ever decide you want to, you have your first investor.....provided I have a table reserved."
"Your wish is my command." She laughed.
I laughed with her. Of all the senshi, I felt the easiest around her. Her very Western upbringing and easy going nature made it very easy for me to get along with her.
Her emerald eyes sparkled with a little judicious malice, "So, Ryan-san. What's this I hear about something going on between you and Rei-chan?"
I coughed and turned red, "Why does everyone ask me that?"
"Because whether you've noticed it or not, something is going on. She latches onto you when she can get away with it. She really admires you too. Perfect situation, I'd think."
"Come on. Rei is a great girl. I really like her a lot. But, there is no way that she would ever want to get together with me."
Mako regarded me with world weary eyes, "If you insist. But I have seen a lot of relationships and yours is far from impossible."
I shook my head, "Look, nothing is happening. Nothing is going to happen." Wiping my lip, I grinned rakishly, "So what's for dessert?"
Mako shook her head at me, "You're hopeless. But give it some thought, you hear? She deserves at least that."
I had a late dinner with Minako and her father later that evening. Finally able to pay back the debt, I wined and dined the sandy blond haired man and his daughter.
In all truth, I didn't like him very much. He was a typical banker, bland and a little stiff, in contrast to his lively daughter. But I smiled all the same, convinced that he liked me and would be insulted if I left to go to the bathroom for an extended period of time.
"The exchanges are eagerly awaiting your going public."
I smiled, "I hope so. It means more money for my company. God knows we need it."
"When are the depository reciepts coming out on the Nikkei? The sales and trading people have been salivating over it."
"I am not sure. You'll have to consult with Blackstone on that."
Minako rolled her eyes slightly, perhaps sensing my slight discomfort with her father. "Dad, why don't you get us a couple of drinks? I'll have a martini."
He looked down disapprovingly, "Are you sure you should be drinking, young lady?"
"Dad! I'm old enough to drink responsibly."
His eyes flickered towards me for support and I shrugged helplessly. "Sorry, I knew her first."
He grumbled under his breath, something about kids these days.
Minako gave me a look filled with pity, "Gomen for Dad. He's not the most interesting, articulate person ever."
I inclined my head gracefully, "Nonsense. Compared to most, he's actually not that bad. I think its the environment. Which makes me wonder why you want to be an investment banker."
She chirped happily, "It's the salary, of course! Besides, it was a job I got, as opposed to one I wanted."
"We take what we can get, I suppose."
"Yes, well...in a sense, I am almost sorry that I gave Rei-chan the contact to your job. From what I hear, it's stuff I'd like to be doing."
"Come now, Minako-san, it is a poor time for jealousy."
She giggled, "I know, but the grass is greener and all. And think of her perks. Free lunches and possibly dinners. More on the job experience than anyone could ever need. Constant eyecandy."
After I began to understand what she said, I let my jaw drop and my eyes widen, "You can't say that! I'm too old for you anyway."
Her voice turned joking, "Darn. And here I was thinking that I might be able to steal you from Rei."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Minako's smiled turned not a little bit evil, "Precisely as it sounds."
"I know what you're thinking. I know because the same thing has been related to me by Makoto and Mamoru. I'm even willing to bet that you've had something to do with it. You're a sly one."
Her voice cut through the noise of the restaurant, "You do me too much credit, kind sir. I am merely a helpful advocate for you."
"There is nothing going on. Nothing at all! I just want to know why people keep asking me about it?"
She shrugged easily, "Whatever you say, Kaitou-san. Because I certainly didn't bring it up. You did."
"You are an exasperating young lady. If you ever consider a career change, come see me. I could use someone like you."
"I shall keep that in mind. But it would be discourteous for me to change from the subject at hand, you and Rei."
I grimaced as my bribe attempt failed, "As I've said, nothing has happened. I hope nothing ever does."
"And why is that Kaitou-san?"
I hesitated, "I have baggage. Rather cumbersome baggage. Rei deserves far better than me."
"That's not for you to decide. That's her choice."
"I will not permit it, Minako-san." I paused, "I suppose I should have asked you earlier, but can I ask you to keep this conversation private?"
"You have my word, Kaitou-san."
The room was dark and the drink strong, which relieved the headache that had mounted in his head from too many conversations about Ryan and Rei.
No matter how hard he tried, it was there. It was impossible to eradicate, impossible to fight. He knew it remained within him, that tiny spark of fear in his heart. He feared the senshi with every fiber of his being, despite his willingness to interact with them daily. It was difficult. He had not purged himself totally of his nemesis, the weak Dark Kingdom general Jadeite of which he had been born. Until he did, he could not totally give himself over to the light. It was his greatest flaw, a weakness that prevented him from embracing his humanity to it fullest.
Silently, he drank himself into a stupor, passing out from the hard liquor, prefering the jumbled thoughts of an alcoholic to facing the reality of his situation.
'Down this path lies madness.'
Chapter 26
I rubbed my forehead free of sweat and resigned myself to staring at the ceiling.
"Is there a problem with the ceiling paint, Kaitou-san?"
I flopped my head back up and mock glared at Makoto Kino, "Yes, you missed a spot. It's wrecking my dining experience."
She chuckled softly, "What can I get you today, Kaitou-san?"
I had become a regular at the restaurant, famous for its careful balancing of fusion and traditional cuisines. Makoto's specialty was Italian food, which she applied the touch of someone who had traveled extensively in tiny villages from Tuscany to Sicily. The brunette sous-chef was a master (mistress?) of all sorts of pasta, which she made by hand.
"There are so many choices, Kino-san."
She nodded, "Then might I suggest a meal for you?"
"As long as it's not too big. You're only feeding one today."
"I noticed. Where's Rei-chan?"
"Doing some wedding stuff. Bridesmaid duties and all. I kinda feel bad though that she didn't get maid of honor."
Makoto nodded, "Well, Ami will do a good job. I would have liked that post myself, but I think the rotational system we've come up with will work out pretty well. I have Minako's wedding."
I smiled, "Then I don't think you'll have to wait too long for that. She seems to attract followers rather easily."
She shrugged easily, "I know. But that has nothing to do with the issue at hand. I suggest starting with the bruschetta. I made it this morning, and if I might say so, it is absolutely wonderful."
"And for the main course?"
She smiled gloriously, "That's a toughie. The papperdelle is good today, but I would hedge my bets. Ravioli stuffed with goose liver and truffles with a wild duck dressing. Magnifique."
I handed over the menu, "I leave it to your capable hands, Mako-chan. It's a late lunch, but I trust it will be a good one." She bowed perfunctorily and exited the situation.
While waiting, I twiddled my thumbs and considered my situation. To my great surprise, Rei seemed to be warming up to me in every way possible. I barely conceive of Rei being attacted to me. In a sense, I still was stuck in narrow mind set of the Dark Kingdom General. The senshi, if not enemies, were still out to get me.
The sort of schizophrenic way I operated my life would be amusing to an outsider. But as the sommelier came to interogate me on my wine choices, I smiled to myself. Life is too boring without danger.
Choosing a plain Tuscan wine to complement the semi-peasant fare I had ordered, I returned to my thoughts, aimlessly wondering about business and various items of interest.
"Kaitou-san, your pasta!"
Closing my eyes, I inhaled the wonderful fumes of Mako's cuisine. "That's wonderful."
Makoto grinned, "It's probably my best yet. Mind if I join you?"
"Not at all." I removed the cork from the bottle of wine and filled her glass. "Are you done for the day?"
"Yeah. I've prepped about as much as I can and, as you can see, we're not too busy at three o'clock."
"Just how I like it." I dissected a ravioli and chewed on it slowly. "Mmm.....my complements."
Makoto raised the glass in a salute, "I thank you. But I feel the need to say that you're an easy customer to please."
I chewed another piece, relishing the taste, "If you would like criticism, I am not too good at it. Aren't you going to eat?"
"In a sec." Mako finished off the glass of wine and poured another before drizziling some olive oil and balsalmic vinegar onto her flatbread before attacking it with gusto.
I washed down another savory mouthful and leaned back, "Wow. You really ought to start your own restaurant. There's no reason to slave away in this place forever."
"Someday, Ryan." Mako sipped her wine. "When I'm a bit more settled down, have a little experience. Someday."
I nodded, "If you ever decide you want to, you have your first investor.....provided I have a table reserved."
"Your wish is my command." She laughed.
I laughed with her. Of all the senshi, I felt the easiest around her. Her very Western upbringing and easy going nature made it very easy for me to get along with her.
Her emerald eyes sparkled with a little judicious malice, "So, Ryan-san. What's this I hear about something going on between you and Rei-chan?"
I coughed and turned red, "Why does everyone ask me that?"
"Because whether you've noticed it or not, something is going on. She latches onto you when she can get away with it. She really admires you too. Perfect situation, I'd think."
"Come on. Rei is a great girl. I really like her a lot. But, there is no way that she would ever want to get together with me."
Mako regarded me with world weary eyes, "If you insist. But I have seen a lot of relationships and yours is far from impossible."
I shook my head, "Look, nothing is happening. Nothing is going to happen." Wiping my lip, I grinned rakishly, "So what's for dessert?"
Mako shook her head at me, "You're hopeless. But give it some thought, you hear? She deserves at least that."
I had a late dinner with Minako and her father later that evening. Finally able to pay back the debt, I wined and dined the sandy blond haired man and his daughter.
In all truth, I didn't like him very much. He was a typical banker, bland and a little stiff, in contrast to his lively daughter. But I smiled all the same, convinced that he liked me and would be insulted if I left to go to the bathroom for an extended period of time.
"The exchanges are eagerly awaiting your going public."
I smiled, "I hope so. It means more money for my company. God knows we need it."
"When are the depository reciepts coming out on the Nikkei? The sales and trading people have been salivating over it."
"I am not sure. You'll have to consult with Blackstone on that."
Minako rolled her eyes slightly, perhaps sensing my slight discomfort with her father. "Dad, why don't you get us a couple of drinks? I'll have a martini."
He looked down disapprovingly, "Are you sure you should be drinking, young lady?"
"Dad! I'm old enough to drink responsibly."
His eyes flickered towards me for support and I shrugged helplessly. "Sorry, I knew her first."
He grumbled under his breath, something about kids these days.
Minako gave me a look filled with pity, "Gomen for Dad. He's not the most interesting, articulate person ever."
I inclined my head gracefully, "Nonsense. Compared to most, he's actually not that bad. I think its the environment. Which makes me wonder why you want to be an investment banker."
She chirped happily, "It's the salary, of course! Besides, it was a job I got, as opposed to one I wanted."
"We take what we can get, I suppose."
"Yes, well...in a sense, I am almost sorry that I gave Rei-chan the contact to your job. From what I hear, it's stuff I'd like to be doing."
"Come now, Minako-san, it is a poor time for jealousy."
She giggled, "I know, but the grass is greener and all. And think of her perks. Free lunches and possibly dinners. More on the job experience than anyone could ever need. Constant eyecandy."
After I began to understand what she said, I let my jaw drop and my eyes widen, "You can't say that! I'm too old for you anyway."
Her voice turned joking, "Darn. And here I was thinking that I might be able to steal you from Rei."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Minako's smiled turned not a little bit evil, "Precisely as it sounds."
"I know what you're thinking. I know because the same thing has been related to me by Makoto and Mamoru. I'm even willing to bet that you've had something to do with it. You're a sly one."
Her voice cut through the noise of the restaurant, "You do me too much credit, kind sir. I am merely a helpful advocate for you."
"There is nothing going on. Nothing at all! I just want to know why people keep asking me about it?"
She shrugged easily, "Whatever you say, Kaitou-san. Because I certainly didn't bring it up. You did."
"You are an exasperating young lady. If you ever consider a career change, come see me. I could use someone like you."
"I shall keep that in mind. But it would be discourteous for me to change from the subject at hand, you and Rei."
I grimaced as my bribe attempt failed, "As I've said, nothing has happened. I hope nothing ever does."
"And why is that Kaitou-san?"
I hesitated, "I have baggage. Rather cumbersome baggage. Rei deserves far better than me."
"That's not for you to decide. That's her choice."
"I will not permit it, Minako-san." I paused, "I suppose I should have asked you earlier, but can I ask you to keep this conversation private?"
"You have my word, Kaitou-san."
The room was dark and the drink strong, which relieved the headache that had mounted in his head from too many conversations about Ryan and Rei.
No matter how hard he tried, it was there. It was impossible to eradicate, impossible to fight. He knew it remained within him, that tiny spark of fear in his heart. He feared the senshi with every fiber of his being, despite his willingness to interact with them daily. It was difficult. He had not purged himself totally of his nemesis, the weak Dark Kingdom general Jadeite of which he had been born. Until he did, he could not totally give himself over to the light. It was his greatest flaw, a weakness that prevented him from embracing his humanity to it fullest.
Silently, he drank himself into a stupor, passing out from the hard liquor, prefering the jumbled thoughts of an alcoholic to facing the reality of his situation.
'Down this path lies madness.'