Well, you could at least tell her to tidy herself up. Tell her it's company policy.
Lee dodged Kazuya's punch, but only just. He wasn't sure if baiting Kazuya like this was wise, but he had to make his brother lose concentration somehow. It had always been a source of great irritation to Lee that, despite being a formidable fighter himself, he had never beaten Kazuya in a fair fight. What Lee lacked in sheer fighting brilliance, however, he soon made up for with sheer cunning. Kazuya, who generally let his martial skill speak for itself, considered such tactics beneath him - therefore he always underestimated them.
Kazuya had swung too hard with his punch, taking him slightly off-posture as he missed. Lee smirked, and landed three kicks in swift succession to Kazuya's ribs. Kazuya staggered slightly, but recovered quickly, landing an uppercut on Lee's jaw.
Lee spat, tasting blood in his mouth. He staggered slightly; there was an astounding array of multicoloured blurs snaking across his vision. Kazuya looked grimly triumphant.
Time out?
Lee nodded, and steadied himself against the wall. I was just saying, he panted, that she looks-
Will you shut up about Kira! Kazuya snapped, looking as if he was more than ready to resume his attack on his brother. Lee raised his eyebrows.
Kira', now, is it? he smirked. Not Miss Wilson?
Kazuya flushed red, but whether it was from rage or embarrassment only he knew. He glared at Lee, but said nothing. Lee grinned triumphantly, wiping a stray trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth.
I knew it! I knew it! He shook his head. I don't believe it though. You have the most beautiful women throwing themselves at you all the time, and you fall for the fashion-retarded nethead-
I haven't fallen for anything- Kazuya scowled, looking positively murderous, but Lee remained incredulous. Kazuya sighed. Look, I like the fact that she doesn't come to a halt every time she passes a reflective surface. I like the fact that the first time she met me, she had no idea who I was. I like the fact she doesn't giggle inanely, and agree with everything I say. Most of the women I meet are shallow-
Hell, throw some of them my way, I wouldn't mind, Lee laughed.
You get enough, Kazuya said wryly. I only get...flocks of them, because of my position, and my wealth.
Lee asked, clearly not seeing where Kazuya was going with this.
And Kir-Miss Wilson doesn't care. She's seen the way her colleagues defer to me, and she can't keep a straight face. There's no obsequiousness in her at all.
You like her because she's socially retarded?, Lee said, almost laughing. Kazuya frowned.
If that's what you want to call it. But I haven't fallen for her, Kazuya insisted. I just find her behaviour...refreshing.
Refreshing. Right. Lee adjusted his gloves. Of course you do.
They launched back into their fight, but unfortunately for Lee, the conversation hadn't affected Kazuya's concentration at all. A few hours later, they emerged from the family dojo; although Kazuya had a few bruises and a small cut to his lip, Lee was worse off with a black eye, and a pronounced limp. Kazuya, however, didn't gloat; it seemed that he had more important things to think about.
********
Ha. Ha! Ha ha! HA!
Kira span herself in the rotating chair, jabbing her finger at the screen. It had been nearly a month since she had started the attempt to open the mysterious files, but now-
You thought you could beat me, didn't you! You thought that I was finished! Well, it aint over until the fat lady sings, and my mother isn't here! HA!
She sprang out of the chair towards the door, and straight into Kazuya, who had chosen to walk through the door at an unfortunate moment. He staggered, but soon had both of them upright. He looked at her grin, and couldn't help but to return it.
You've done it? he asked, even though he knew the answer.
Every last one of them, she beamed. Once the first few were done, the rest soon followed. She breathed deeply, and cracked her knuckles. What's next?
Kazuya smiled, and sat down at the computer. Kira backed away so that she couldn't see the screen, and once again Kazuya marvelled at her; if he had spent four weeks with practically no sleep trying to open something, he would have at least asked what was inside. He realised that she didn't care - to her, the journey was more important than the destination.
He glanced through the files with a grim smile; they were a mine of information, most of which was decidedly unsavoury. Extortion, illegal projects, forbidden deals...all of the information he needed to flush out those that had been his father's allies. It was particularly amusing to him when he found the contract his father had put on his life.
Kira watched him with mixed feelings. The euphoria she had felt at finally accomplishing her task was now tempered with the certain knowledge that she would be going back to her previous department. She had become accustomed to this room, and, if she was honest with herself, to the company of Kazuya, infrequent as it was, despite it being his office.
She became aware that Kazuya was looking at her. She shuffled uncomfortably, hugging her arms. He smiled.
You've done me - and the entire company - a great service. I like to ensure that those who deserve it are properly rewarded. He tilted his head to one side. So...how would you like to be rewarded?
You're asking me to choose my reward? Kira said incredulously. How do you know I won't ask for something stupid, like a helicopter, or a tank?
Well, I'd expect you to ask for something within reason, Kazuya said. He looked thoughtful. But we do have several defence contracts on the go. We could probably stretch to a tank.
Kira grinned. I would never have to worry about traffic again. She shook her head as Kazuya stifled a laugh. But I feel a bit...well, cheeky, getting a reward for just doing my job.
A job you were blackmailed into doing, Kazuya reminded her. She responded with a nod.
Good point. I did make an unauthorised donation of nine million dollars to charity, though.
Good point, Kazuya chuckled. Are you trying to talk your way out of a reward?
No, I...well- She looked at the ceiling. There is something...
Go on, Kazuya said mildly. The worst I can do is laugh. Or call for security.
Well...I'd like to learn a martial art, she said quickly.
I think we can definitely stretch to that, Kazuya nodded.
