-
Chaper 28
The wedding day dawned bright and sunny. 'As if it would rain on Endymion and Serenity's wedding day. They bring new meaning to the word, charmed life'
I smiled and gazed at myself in the mirror. I was dressed in something called, "Traditional morning wear.' Instead of my well used three button tuxedo, I wore a classic stroller style, for some reason preferred for morning events. To be honest, I looked rather weird in it. For someone used to easy to throw on business suits or the occasional foray into tuxedo land, the vest and very weird cut of jacket seemed to be overburdening.
It wasn't even black, but some strange color called charcoal. Pinstriped gray pants and patent leather shoes finished the ensemble, making for a elegantly overstated costume.
Although technically not part of the wedding party, I would be damned if I showed up to the wedding of my prince underdressed. The ceremony would be held an hour away, by a remote seashore, and I got off to an early start. Mamoru had requested I be there a little early, if only for moral support. I was more than happy to oblige him.
The wedding was set for one o'clock and with luck I would be there about two hours before the ceremony started.
I adjusted my tie once more in the rearview mirror and pulled out of the space to embark on the long drive.
In a way, I was grateful for the time alone to think. Dana's word had rung true to me, so I had taken the liberty of having fresh flowers placed in Rei's office every morning. After only a simple gesture like that, she immediately began to perk up, working much like she had in the past.
With a certain measure of dark humor, he mused that the productivity gains might justify fresh flowers in every office.
Rei had declined to ride with me, as she had to be there even earlier to help tie up any last minute loose ends. At least they had secured me a front row seat on the Groom's side. I pondered lighting up a cigarette and then decided to save them for the groom. He might need them to calm his nerves.
Even doctor might take a smoke when faced with the prospect of marriage. Not that I was worried for them, of course. But I expected the prospect of taking vows might be a little daunting for anyone. Even those who had fought evils beyond human conception to achieve love.
I smirked into the mirror and depressed the gas pedal even more, gaining speed.
My cellphone trilled softly and I flipped it open with one hand, "Kaitou here."
"It's Rei. Just wondering when you were getting here. We may have a crisis on our hands."
"I'm on the road right now. What's up?"
She sounded almost embarassed, "We can't find the groom right now. We were wondering if you had any idea where he might be hiding out."
"Isn't that a job for the best man?"
"Motoki doesn't have a clue either."
Reassuringly, "Now, the wedding isn't for two and a half hours. I am certain that he'll show up sooner or later. You've got plenty of time. In fact, he's probably taking some alone time right now. People often do that before weddings. And you know how Mamoru is."
"Alright, alright." she laughed, "You always have a way to make me feel better. I'll see you in a bit."
I flipped the phone closed and tossed it onto the seat next to me. It proved to be a bad move as it rang not three minutes later. I looked at the road apprehensively, to make sure that no one was around me and then I stretched to grab it. I only swerved a little bit, and you can't even see the scratches after the detailing job.
I straightened out quickly and answered the call, "Hello?"
"Ryan?"
"Mamoru, I almost died answering this call, it better be good. How can I help you?"
"When you get here, go down to the shore before you head in. Park a couple of blocks away so they don't see you."
The phone abruptly cut off and I stared at it curiously before speeding up again.
I trotted down to the shore by the church. The pebbles crunched under my feet and I fretted about the abuse which my shoes were taking. Nevertheless, I forged onward until I saw a figure appear, dressed in a black jacket and grey pinstriped pants. It was a similar design to mine, but Endymion wore it infinitely better. He was a man accustomed to such things, and exuded a natural elegance that I knew I could never match.
But from his posture, he was also in deep thought. The furrow of his brow underneath ebony locks betrayed a worry of the future, untempered by what was to be the happiest day of his life.
"Jadeite."
He invoked a tone of authority.
Automatically, I bowed at the waist, "Endymion-sama. How may I be of service?"
He looked at me, a faint world weariness creasing his eyes, "Once, long ago, I was given a wonderful, tantalizing glimpse of the future. One thousand years into the future, I am to reign over a New Tokyo, in the midst of a cultural renaissance unparalleled in human history, at the side of a beautiful queen, greatly beloved by her people."
"Sounds pretty good to me. I would like to see that some day."
"But it is just that. I know not what it entails, what that future holds, or even if it is a real future. What if I made some mistake, did something wrong along the way? What happens if that future no longer exists? What happens if something I do today, destroys that future, so that it will never happen? I do not believe in fate...Jadeite, I am terrified by what the future might bring."
I kicked at a rock then lifted my eyes to meet his. "Do you love her?"
"Yes, of course."
"Can you think of any reason, whatsoever, to not be with her in body, mind, and spirit?"
"No, not really-"
"Then what are you worried about? About some ephemeral future that might or might not be? Take it from a guy who has been around for longer than anyone has any right to be. The future is cloudy, true. But that does not justify inaction in the present." I grabbed his up and arm and pointed up to the far away church, "Up there is the most beautiful woman in the world. She has waited her entire life for you and you have waited your entire life for her. Whatever the future may hold, one thing is for certain. You will spend the rest of your lives together."
Mamoru looked at me blankly for a second, but a slow smile crept across his handsome features, "When did you become a romance counselor?"
I shot him a charming grin in return, "Force of habit. Come on, Mamoru, you've got a wedding to go to."
"Alright, already. How do I look?"
I adjusted his tie slightly and made sure that the boutineer fit snugly into his lapel. "Perfect."
"You found him!" Rei launched herself into Ryan's arms and he staggered back a couple of steps from the charge.
"Yes, I found him. Like I said, he showed up. Now, could you let go of me?"
Rei laughed, "Fine. But I owe you one."
"You'll find a way to pay me back later." He stretched slightly and smiled rakishly.
In Rei's eyes, he looked remarkably handsome. His hair was a little tousled and his outfit a little crinkled from the drive down. He ran a shaky hand through his hair, betraying a little bit of nervous energy. He wrung his hands together once more then strode outside only to return in less than a minute with a newspaper under his arm.
He promptly sat down in one of the pews and began to read. His light blue eyes took on a certain vacancy, which hid an amazingly active mind. His eyes flitted from sentence to sentence, absorbing the information quickly and efficiently. That gaze of focus dissolved for a moment as his cold eyes danced with humor at a particularly amusing bit of news. His mouth never creased into a smile, but his eyes betrayed his true amusement. They wandered again, this time focusing on a particularly worrisome piece and his eyes narrowed ever so slightly, to slits of aqua blue.
Surprise, warmth, anger, joy, and even the slightest traces of hatred ran through those mesmerizing eyes. She barely noticed as those eyes turned their penetrating eyes onto hers, noting nothing but amusement within those infinite depths. "Hey lady, what are you staring at?"
She jerked out of her reverie for a moment, "Oh, sorry Kaitou-san. Just thinking."
"Is there something on my face? A sudden zit? A complexion crisis?" His voice was easy, almost mocking.
"Shut up." Rei pursed her lips and attempted to glare at him. He glared back but lost the contest by looking away.
"You look nice today. The bridesmaid dress suits you very well."
She blushed noticeably, taken completely off guard. The strapless red dress flowed down past her ankles, brushing the floor like an evening gown. She was undeniably lovely, with the simple dress merely accentuating her great natural beauty.
And just for a moment, I felt my breath catch. Her violet eyes locked with mine and she grew a little red with embarassment. Her raven black hair had been pulled back behind her tan shoulders, with nary a bikini mark in sight. I found myself wondering how exactly she had accomplished that feat before berating myself on my dirty thoughts.
"I take that back." Her eyes looked a bit worried and a teasing smile touched my lips, "You are absolutely gorgeous. Who's your date tonight?"
"No date, wedding party remember?"
"Oh good, that means I won't be putting anyone out when I steal you away for a dance or two."
A mischevious smile crossed her face, "Shall we practice now?"
I opened up my arms, "But we have no music here."
"Never stopped me before."
"True enough." I took two steps and offered her my hand. When she took it, I drew her close to my body, "You know I've managed to get in a few dance lessons lately."
"Really? What sort?"
"Argentine tango. Scandalous, sexual and fun."
"Ooh sounds like my kind of dance. You'll have to give me lessons some time."
"I'd be happy to oblige. Sometime after the wedding perhaps?"
"You've got a date." I smiled lopsidedly and we stood there for a moment, just soaking up each other's presence.
"Hey lovebirds! We've got a wedding to run." the loud voice of the wedding coordinator jolted me out of my thoughts. Rei pulled away quickly, but softened it with a smile. Glancing at my watch, I saw that an hour and a half had passed.
'Has it been that long already?' I automatically straightened my tie and looked around for my seat. Makoto, in forest green, came out to make sure that everything was in place. I shot her a thumbs up and she grinned.
Calling out, "You ready?"
"Not yet." I sat down in the front row and leaned back, "Now I'm ready."
As ceremonies went, the two hour affair was fairly standard. But nothing could match the radiant smiles of bride, groom, and assembled company. What made this wedding special was the fact that they both had not only managed to triumph over the usual obstacles of parental disapproval, but also those of extradimensional forces which had conspired to end their love.
I cheered for them in my heart, knowing that they deserved every moment of unadulterated happiness that they could find. Even the slight darkness in my heart could not drag down my soaring spirits.
Behind me, I could hear a couple of muffled sobs. Turning my head slightly, I saw a two girls Mamoru's age, sobbing as if a parent had died.
Admirers then. I snickered softly and was silenced by a menacing glare from Rei next to the altar. Luckily, the ceremony decided to end at that point and I rose up in joyous celebration, clapping and whistling until my hands were sore. The newly minted husband and wife smiled gloriously in my direction and I imagined that they were smiling at me. I whistled a happy tune to myself as the wedding procession marched past. The room filled with flashes, from cameras that had been hidden until the end. I resisted the urge to pull out a cigarette and take a satisfied puff. The church might not look at me favorably, and I would not be one to defile a house of God. I may not be sure of his existence, but I fear Him anyway.
The bridesmaids and groomsmen followed and I turned to shake the hands of everyone around me. Friends, recent acquaintances, total strangers.
I crossed the aisle to shake Kenji and Ikuko's hands, "Congratulations. You have one hell of a son in law."
Ikuko beamed at me while Kenji wept quietly by her side, I assume, in happiness. She smiled apologetically and then tried to make a hasty exit.
"Why hello there!"
I turned to the unfamiliar voices, to see a girl trying to catch up to me. I stopped, curious that anyone besides the immediate family and friends of the wedded would know me. As they drew closer, I recognized her as one of girls that was weeping behind me during the ceremony.
"Hi, can I help you?"
As she drew closer, I was greeted with the smiling visage of a short, brown haired woman dressed in a bright sundress as befitting a summer wedding, "Ryan Kaitou?"
"You've got him. Can I help you?" I repeated.
She stuck her hand out and gave me what I imagined what she believed was a sexy smile, "Fujiko Katsumata. I was in Mamoru's orphanage when we were kids."
"I'm just an old friend of his. We met right out of college."
She hooked her arm through mine, "Really? That's fascinating. It was such a lovely ceremony today too."
I put on my most charming grin, "That it was. I have a small question if its alright with you. How did you know my name?"
"I'm a financial reporter for the Yomiuri Shinbun. I was at a press conference you once gave on your company...."
My mind clicked with recognition, "Ah, the inquisitive young lady who kept on asking me questions about the public offering. Yes, I do remember you."
She beamed, "I was wondering if you could spare time sometime tonight, for a..uh personal interview for my paper."
I struggled to maintain my smile, "Thank you for the offer, but I actually have to attend the reception and dinner tonight."
A naughty smile creased her features, "And why is that?"
"Personal reasons." I looked around and waved down Rei. She gave me a momentarily puzzled look then quickly pushed her way through the crowd, "And there they are."
I pulled away from Fujiko and took Rei by the hand, "Mi'lady. I would like you to meet Fujiko Katsumata, a friend of Mamoru's."
Rei gave her an icily courteous smile, "Pleased to meet you."
Fujiko was taken off guard for a moment then covered with a faltering smile, "The same I'm sure. Well, perhaps some other time Kaitou-san."
I held my breath until she disappeared and then let it out with a huff, "Thank god."
Rei looked at me with a appraisingly, "Did you just do what I thought you did?"
"Used you to escape someone that I really didn't want to be caught with? You might say that. I definitely would."
She shook her head, "You're incorrigible."
"One of my most endearing qualities. I'm assuming that Mamoru and Usagi transported themselves away from here, leaving you a little understaffed in cars. I would be glad to offer my car to get us back to Tokyo."
"That would be greatly appreciated. Much cheaper than taking a limo. I'll gather up the girls and we'll distribute accordingly.
I followed Rei into the back staging area where three excited senshi and various other friends. A tall blonde man looked at me rather suspiciously and I smiled back. "Ryan Kaitou."
"Haruka Te'nou. Nice to meet you." Her tone conveyed that it wasn't quite that, but I suspected that he wasn't a particularly sociable person.
Instead I turned my attention to the lovely ladies beside him.
"Michiru Kaiou. And this is Hotaru." She answered before I had the chance to introduce myself.
The black haired girl reached out and shook my head, "So you're Rei's boss. The American."
Easily, "I see I'm famous." I shot a mock glare at Rei, who merely shrugged innocently, "I am Rei's boss. And I am indeed American."
Hotaru lifted her chin, exuding a sense of calm that made her seem far older than she was. "You speak very well for an American."
"Thank you. I spent a long time practicing."
Haruka broke in, almost rudely, "So, Ryan, what do you do?" "
I am president of an business software company specializing in creating systems to help small and medium sized companies function more efficiently."
"Supply chain management?"
"A little bit of that, plus customized security systems, email servers, enterprise software."
A faint glint of humor sparked through her eyes, "And Oracle hasn't driven you out yet?"
"We're faster than they are. We've got lower costs, and have a competitive advantage in small business. Oracle can't keep up. If you don't mind my asking, are you in the software business yourself?"
"No, I'm actually a race car driver. But Oracle sponsored my car once and I had to sit through one of their publicity events."
I bowed my head in recognition and then turned to Rei, "So what's happening?"
"Well, Minako's car can hold four. Haruka's can hold four. And yours can hold four. We have more than enough room for preferences."
Minako grinned, "Mako, Ami, and I will be heading out together. Haruka, Michiru, and Hotaru I guess will want to stay together. Which leaves you in Ryan's car, Rei."
I shot her a dirty look and she smiled back, satisfied. I sighed, "Alright. Let's get going. We have to get back in time for the reception at five. And Rei, if you don't mind, I actually need to stop by my apartment before we get there."
Chaper 28
The wedding day dawned bright and sunny. 'As if it would rain on Endymion and Serenity's wedding day. They bring new meaning to the word, charmed life'
I smiled and gazed at myself in the mirror. I was dressed in something called, "Traditional morning wear.' Instead of my well used three button tuxedo, I wore a classic stroller style, for some reason preferred for morning events. To be honest, I looked rather weird in it. For someone used to easy to throw on business suits or the occasional foray into tuxedo land, the vest and very weird cut of jacket seemed to be overburdening.
It wasn't even black, but some strange color called charcoal. Pinstriped gray pants and patent leather shoes finished the ensemble, making for a elegantly overstated costume.
Although technically not part of the wedding party, I would be damned if I showed up to the wedding of my prince underdressed. The ceremony would be held an hour away, by a remote seashore, and I got off to an early start. Mamoru had requested I be there a little early, if only for moral support. I was more than happy to oblige him.
The wedding was set for one o'clock and with luck I would be there about two hours before the ceremony started.
I adjusted my tie once more in the rearview mirror and pulled out of the space to embark on the long drive.
In a way, I was grateful for the time alone to think. Dana's word had rung true to me, so I had taken the liberty of having fresh flowers placed in Rei's office every morning. After only a simple gesture like that, she immediately began to perk up, working much like she had in the past.
With a certain measure of dark humor, he mused that the productivity gains might justify fresh flowers in every office.
Rei had declined to ride with me, as she had to be there even earlier to help tie up any last minute loose ends. At least they had secured me a front row seat on the Groom's side. I pondered lighting up a cigarette and then decided to save them for the groom. He might need them to calm his nerves.
Even doctor might take a smoke when faced with the prospect of marriage. Not that I was worried for them, of course. But I expected the prospect of taking vows might be a little daunting for anyone. Even those who had fought evils beyond human conception to achieve love.
I smirked into the mirror and depressed the gas pedal even more, gaining speed.
My cellphone trilled softly and I flipped it open with one hand, "Kaitou here."
"It's Rei. Just wondering when you were getting here. We may have a crisis on our hands."
"I'm on the road right now. What's up?"
She sounded almost embarassed, "We can't find the groom right now. We were wondering if you had any idea where he might be hiding out."
"Isn't that a job for the best man?"
"Motoki doesn't have a clue either."
Reassuringly, "Now, the wedding isn't for two and a half hours. I am certain that he'll show up sooner or later. You've got plenty of time. In fact, he's probably taking some alone time right now. People often do that before weddings. And you know how Mamoru is."
"Alright, alright." she laughed, "You always have a way to make me feel better. I'll see you in a bit."
I flipped the phone closed and tossed it onto the seat next to me. It proved to be a bad move as it rang not three minutes later. I looked at the road apprehensively, to make sure that no one was around me and then I stretched to grab it. I only swerved a little bit, and you can't even see the scratches after the detailing job.
I straightened out quickly and answered the call, "Hello?"
"Ryan?"
"Mamoru, I almost died answering this call, it better be good. How can I help you?"
"When you get here, go down to the shore before you head in. Park a couple of blocks away so they don't see you."
The phone abruptly cut off and I stared at it curiously before speeding up again.
I trotted down to the shore by the church. The pebbles crunched under my feet and I fretted about the abuse which my shoes were taking. Nevertheless, I forged onward until I saw a figure appear, dressed in a black jacket and grey pinstriped pants. It was a similar design to mine, but Endymion wore it infinitely better. He was a man accustomed to such things, and exuded a natural elegance that I knew I could never match.
But from his posture, he was also in deep thought. The furrow of his brow underneath ebony locks betrayed a worry of the future, untempered by what was to be the happiest day of his life.
"Jadeite."
He invoked a tone of authority.
Automatically, I bowed at the waist, "Endymion-sama. How may I be of service?"
He looked at me, a faint world weariness creasing his eyes, "Once, long ago, I was given a wonderful, tantalizing glimpse of the future. One thousand years into the future, I am to reign over a New Tokyo, in the midst of a cultural renaissance unparalleled in human history, at the side of a beautiful queen, greatly beloved by her people."
"Sounds pretty good to me. I would like to see that some day."
"But it is just that. I know not what it entails, what that future holds, or even if it is a real future. What if I made some mistake, did something wrong along the way? What happens if that future no longer exists? What happens if something I do today, destroys that future, so that it will never happen? I do not believe in fate...Jadeite, I am terrified by what the future might bring."
I kicked at a rock then lifted my eyes to meet his. "Do you love her?"
"Yes, of course."
"Can you think of any reason, whatsoever, to not be with her in body, mind, and spirit?"
"No, not really-"
"Then what are you worried about? About some ephemeral future that might or might not be? Take it from a guy who has been around for longer than anyone has any right to be. The future is cloudy, true. But that does not justify inaction in the present." I grabbed his up and arm and pointed up to the far away church, "Up there is the most beautiful woman in the world. She has waited her entire life for you and you have waited your entire life for her. Whatever the future may hold, one thing is for certain. You will spend the rest of your lives together."
Mamoru looked at me blankly for a second, but a slow smile crept across his handsome features, "When did you become a romance counselor?"
I shot him a charming grin in return, "Force of habit. Come on, Mamoru, you've got a wedding to go to."
"Alright, already. How do I look?"
I adjusted his tie slightly and made sure that the boutineer fit snugly into his lapel. "Perfect."
"You found him!" Rei launched herself into Ryan's arms and he staggered back a couple of steps from the charge.
"Yes, I found him. Like I said, he showed up. Now, could you let go of me?"
Rei laughed, "Fine. But I owe you one."
"You'll find a way to pay me back later." He stretched slightly and smiled rakishly.
In Rei's eyes, he looked remarkably handsome. His hair was a little tousled and his outfit a little crinkled from the drive down. He ran a shaky hand through his hair, betraying a little bit of nervous energy. He wrung his hands together once more then strode outside only to return in less than a minute with a newspaper under his arm.
He promptly sat down in one of the pews and began to read. His light blue eyes took on a certain vacancy, which hid an amazingly active mind. His eyes flitted from sentence to sentence, absorbing the information quickly and efficiently. That gaze of focus dissolved for a moment as his cold eyes danced with humor at a particularly amusing bit of news. His mouth never creased into a smile, but his eyes betrayed his true amusement. They wandered again, this time focusing on a particularly worrisome piece and his eyes narrowed ever so slightly, to slits of aqua blue.
Surprise, warmth, anger, joy, and even the slightest traces of hatred ran through those mesmerizing eyes. She barely noticed as those eyes turned their penetrating eyes onto hers, noting nothing but amusement within those infinite depths. "Hey lady, what are you staring at?"
She jerked out of her reverie for a moment, "Oh, sorry Kaitou-san. Just thinking."
"Is there something on my face? A sudden zit? A complexion crisis?" His voice was easy, almost mocking.
"Shut up." Rei pursed her lips and attempted to glare at him. He glared back but lost the contest by looking away.
"You look nice today. The bridesmaid dress suits you very well."
She blushed noticeably, taken completely off guard. The strapless red dress flowed down past her ankles, brushing the floor like an evening gown. She was undeniably lovely, with the simple dress merely accentuating her great natural beauty.
And just for a moment, I felt my breath catch. Her violet eyes locked with mine and she grew a little red with embarassment. Her raven black hair had been pulled back behind her tan shoulders, with nary a bikini mark in sight. I found myself wondering how exactly she had accomplished that feat before berating myself on my dirty thoughts.
"I take that back." Her eyes looked a bit worried and a teasing smile touched my lips, "You are absolutely gorgeous. Who's your date tonight?"
"No date, wedding party remember?"
"Oh good, that means I won't be putting anyone out when I steal you away for a dance or two."
A mischevious smile crossed her face, "Shall we practice now?"
I opened up my arms, "But we have no music here."
"Never stopped me before."
"True enough." I took two steps and offered her my hand. When she took it, I drew her close to my body, "You know I've managed to get in a few dance lessons lately."
"Really? What sort?"
"Argentine tango. Scandalous, sexual and fun."
"Ooh sounds like my kind of dance. You'll have to give me lessons some time."
"I'd be happy to oblige. Sometime after the wedding perhaps?"
"You've got a date." I smiled lopsidedly and we stood there for a moment, just soaking up each other's presence.
"Hey lovebirds! We've got a wedding to run." the loud voice of the wedding coordinator jolted me out of my thoughts. Rei pulled away quickly, but softened it with a smile. Glancing at my watch, I saw that an hour and a half had passed.
'Has it been that long already?' I automatically straightened my tie and looked around for my seat. Makoto, in forest green, came out to make sure that everything was in place. I shot her a thumbs up and she grinned.
Calling out, "You ready?"
"Not yet." I sat down in the front row and leaned back, "Now I'm ready."
As ceremonies went, the two hour affair was fairly standard. But nothing could match the radiant smiles of bride, groom, and assembled company. What made this wedding special was the fact that they both had not only managed to triumph over the usual obstacles of parental disapproval, but also those of extradimensional forces which had conspired to end their love.
I cheered for them in my heart, knowing that they deserved every moment of unadulterated happiness that they could find. Even the slight darkness in my heart could not drag down my soaring spirits.
Behind me, I could hear a couple of muffled sobs. Turning my head slightly, I saw a two girls Mamoru's age, sobbing as if a parent had died.
Admirers then. I snickered softly and was silenced by a menacing glare from Rei next to the altar. Luckily, the ceremony decided to end at that point and I rose up in joyous celebration, clapping and whistling until my hands were sore. The newly minted husband and wife smiled gloriously in my direction and I imagined that they were smiling at me. I whistled a happy tune to myself as the wedding procession marched past. The room filled with flashes, from cameras that had been hidden until the end. I resisted the urge to pull out a cigarette and take a satisfied puff. The church might not look at me favorably, and I would not be one to defile a house of God. I may not be sure of his existence, but I fear Him anyway.
The bridesmaids and groomsmen followed and I turned to shake the hands of everyone around me. Friends, recent acquaintances, total strangers.
I crossed the aisle to shake Kenji and Ikuko's hands, "Congratulations. You have one hell of a son in law."
Ikuko beamed at me while Kenji wept quietly by her side, I assume, in happiness. She smiled apologetically and then tried to make a hasty exit.
"Why hello there!"
I turned to the unfamiliar voices, to see a girl trying to catch up to me. I stopped, curious that anyone besides the immediate family and friends of the wedded would know me. As they drew closer, I recognized her as one of girls that was weeping behind me during the ceremony.
"Hi, can I help you?"
As she drew closer, I was greeted with the smiling visage of a short, brown haired woman dressed in a bright sundress as befitting a summer wedding, "Ryan Kaitou?"
"You've got him. Can I help you?" I repeated.
She stuck her hand out and gave me what I imagined what she believed was a sexy smile, "Fujiko Katsumata. I was in Mamoru's orphanage when we were kids."
"I'm just an old friend of his. We met right out of college."
She hooked her arm through mine, "Really? That's fascinating. It was such a lovely ceremony today too."
I put on my most charming grin, "That it was. I have a small question if its alright with you. How did you know my name?"
"I'm a financial reporter for the Yomiuri Shinbun. I was at a press conference you once gave on your company...."
My mind clicked with recognition, "Ah, the inquisitive young lady who kept on asking me questions about the public offering. Yes, I do remember you."
She beamed, "I was wondering if you could spare time sometime tonight, for a..uh personal interview for my paper."
I struggled to maintain my smile, "Thank you for the offer, but I actually have to attend the reception and dinner tonight."
A naughty smile creased her features, "And why is that?"
"Personal reasons." I looked around and waved down Rei. She gave me a momentarily puzzled look then quickly pushed her way through the crowd, "And there they are."
I pulled away from Fujiko and took Rei by the hand, "Mi'lady. I would like you to meet Fujiko Katsumata, a friend of Mamoru's."
Rei gave her an icily courteous smile, "Pleased to meet you."
Fujiko was taken off guard for a moment then covered with a faltering smile, "The same I'm sure. Well, perhaps some other time Kaitou-san."
I held my breath until she disappeared and then let it out with a huff, "Thank god."
Rei looked at me with a appraisingly, "Did you just do what I thought you did?"
"Used you to escape someone that I really didn't want to be caught with? You might say that. I definitely would."
She shook her head, "You're incorrigible."
"One of my most endearing qualities. I'm assuming that Mamoru and Usagi transported themselves away from here, leaving you a little understaffed in cars. I would be glad to offer my car to get us back to Tokyo."
"That would be greatly appreciated. Much cheaper than taking a limo. I'll gather up the girls and we'll distribute accordingly.
I followed Rei into the back staging area where three excited senshi and various other friends. A tall blonde man looked at me rather suspiciously and I smiled back. "Ryan Kaitou."
"Haruka Te'nou. Nice to meet you." Her tone conveyed that it wasn't quite that, but I suspected that he wasn't a particularly sociable person.
Instead I turned my attention to the lovely ladies beside him.
"Michiru Kaiou. And this is Hotaru." She answered before I had the chance to introduce myself.
The black haired girl reached out and shook my head, "So you're Rei's boss. The American."
Easily, "I see I'm famous." I shot a mock glare at Rei, who merely shrugged innocently, "I am Rei's boss. And I am indeed American."
Hotaru lifted her chin, exuding a sense of calm that made her seem far older than she was. "You speak very well for an American."
"Thank you. I spent a long time practicing."
Haruka broke in, almost rudely, "So, Ryan, what do you do?" "
I am president of an business software company specializing in creating systems to help small and medium sized companies function more efficiently."
"Supply chain management?"
"A little bit of that, plus customized security systems, email servers, enterprise software."
A faint glint of humor sparked through her eyes, "And Oracle hasn't driven you out yet?"
"We're faster than they are. We've got lower costs, and have a competitive advantage in small business. Oracle can't keep up. If you don't mind my asking, are you in the software business yourself?"
"No, I'm actually a race car driver. But Oracle sponsored my car once and I had to sit through one of their publicity events."
I bowed my head in recognition and then turned to Rei, "So what's happening?"
"Well, Minako's car can hold four. Haruka's can hold four. And yours can hold four. We have more than enough room for preferences."
Minako grinned, "Mako, Ami, and I will be heading out together. Haruka, Michiru, and Hotaru I guess will want to stay together. Which leaves you in Ryan's car, Rei."
I shot her a dirty look and she smiled back, satisfied. I sighed, "Alright. Let's get going. We have to get back in time for the reception at five. And Rei, if you don't mind, I actually need to stop by my apartment before we get there."