Sunlight just barely started peeking over the horizon when the alarm went off. Six o'clock glared in red numbers on the floor to two sole occupants, one who sluggishly reached forward and hit the snooze to stop the noise.
Sesshoumaru gradually exited the warm cocoon of his futon, the chill of morning coming through wide windows. His skin instantly shivered and he mentally cursed the exiting winter weather as he made to fully shut the alarm off. Sucking it up, he pushed thick covers out of the way to make it easier to stand with his juban.
Taking a second to stretch and do a few twists to get the blood going and his muscles woken up, quiet snoring caught his ears. Yellow eyes looked down to find his brother very much dead to the world, his winter blanket practically kicked off during the night. Wisps of raven curled around Inuyasha's pillow from the braid, not doing enough of a job to keep it where he wanted it. Hands clutched against himself to ward off some of the cold getting to exposed skin on his arms and ankles.
His younger brother looked innocent and it was hard to picture - even for a moment - the sarcastic, semi anti-social relative he had. The expressionless face made Inuyasha seem younger than his twenty-seven years...more like a young teenager really.
Yellow eyes rolled when the young nuisance shifted a little, pressing closer to himself for heat, and stepped over his futon. A hand swooped down to haphazardly drape the blanket back over his brother. The last thing he wanted was Inuyasha catching a cold and giving it to him. He didn't like missing work at all costs, but couldn't afford to get everyone else at work sick just because he wanted to work through it.
Sesshoumaru quietly padded for the bedroom door, leaving his futon where it was. Hashutsufu-san was the only one who did any real cleaning and straightening around here.(1) Although they paid her to come in daily to help them, as they lacked any female presence - not to mention parental, she'd be upset if he tried to take her job away from her in any way.
The elderly woman was older than him by at least a decade, but she was very adept at doing anything that required bending, twisting, and turning. She worked with them for so many months Sesshoumaru lost count. But it didn't matter anymore; they'd formed a nice little arrangement and it was so routine that he didn't know what would happen if something happened to the woman or she decided to quit.
They weren't taxing her that much from what he considered or knew of. She cooked them the meals necessary to live on and came in to clean when she deemed it necessary. He and Inuyasha weren't hurting for money and she was happy to help - not to mention have a job so close. Her children were mostly grown and her husband had passed away eight years ago. She lived with her parents down the hall, partially taking care of them when possible and doing this to earn something of a paycheck.(2)
Just after the door opened, hands went to tuck his juban a little tighter around himself as a sliver of light immediately invaded. He quietly padded the few steps to the edge of the kitchen, finding the object of his thoughts with her back to him. Sesshoumaru let her be and turned for the toilet room. He would get ready and speak with her when he was more awake and was not so indecent.
Not even fifteen minutes later, a use of the western-style toilet, a quick splash of water over his face, a run-through with his toothbrush, and stop to the bedroom to get dressed, Sesshoumaru exited the sleeping area a second time in another western-style suit. Fingers were in the process of adjusting his tie as he again stopped in sight of the kitchen. Yellow eyes were content to watch their housekeeper putter around as he finished fixing himself to his liking.
Hashutsufu-san turned with a pot for the stove and jumped in surprise, nearly dropping their breakfast. "Oh!" She gasped, taking a breath. "Jouryuu-san, you scared me. Ohayou gozaimasu."
"Ohayou gozaimasu." He quietly repeated, heading for his zabuton. "I didn't mean to scare you. I apologize."
Taking a quick second to click the gas stove on, Hashutsufu-san whipped to the water heater and turned it on. She pulled out Sesshoumaru's usual teacup and added some powder green tea. In no time at all, she had a steaming mug set before him with a smile, turning back to continue working. "It's alright Jouryuu-san; no harm done."
All was quiet for a while, the sounds of stirring and metal tapping against metal floating to Sesshoumaru's ears. He cradled the cup for a bit to take its warmth, wishing his zabuton wasn't next to the balcony shouji. If it wasn't for the view when the weather was warm enough to have the doors open, he'd be sitting in Inuyasha's spot, regardless of the fact that the refrigerator was centimeters away. The noise was a small give to have the heat it generated and more walls around to stunt surrounding airflow.
Hashutsufu-san soon turned her attention to the cupboards, pulling out bowls, plates, chopsticks, and their holders. She had the small table set as perfect as always, trying to move around her host with as much respect as possible, as not to bother him while busy with his tea.
Enticing smells floated his way from Hashutsufu-san making tracks around the kitchen and Sesshoumaru subtly inhaled. "What is it this morning Hashutsufu-san?"
The woman smiled and turned the stove on low to keep the soup heated, but not cooking. "Misoshiru; oyako donburi; a few omusubi; and some flavored eggs if the donburi is not to your liking or doesn't sound quite like what you'd want today."
It sounded like a small feast, especially not what he'd be able to eat so soon after getting up, but he would eat as much as possible. Wasting food was bad enough without refusing to eat Hashutsufu-san's cooking, simply because she made a lot, as she tended to do. The woman was a very good cook and he'd be disrespectful if he didn't try to fill his stomach.
The woman finished arranging the setting exactly as she liked it, aged brown eyes subtly eyeing her host for reaction before pulling arms away and leaning back on her heels.(3) "I think everything should be in order Jouryuu-san." Hashutsufu-san suddenly took in the empty zabuton by the wall and set place ready to be used. "Jouryuu-san...I see Inuyasha-san(4) hasn't woken up yet."
Sesshoumaru knew a hint when he heard one. He wasn't against eating without Inuyasha present, the pair did it quite often with their drastically random schedules, but breakfast was one of the few meals they did eat together sometimes. Hashutsufu-san normally made enough for the two of them, not just him, so even though Inuyasha got a little more sleep than he did, the boy was going to be woken up one way or another. But there was something tickling his brain from last night, so Sesshoumaru gave Inuyasha this one grace before Hashutsufu-san started in on him. "Give him another moment Hashutsufu-san and please sit with me. I hear there is something you wish to discuss."
Having brought up the topic, it wasn't hard to figure out what her host was trying to say. Hashutsufu-san managed a longer kneeling position and looked to the food, worry about it going cold. "Ah, yes Jouryuu-san. I told Inuyasha-san that I would need finances for shopping soon. I am glad that he alerted you for me while I was not around to speak with you myself."
Sesshoumaru absently nodded, the smells still drifting to his nose. The longer he sat and stared at Hashutsufu-san's cooking, the way it looked just so in its placing and in their individual dishes, the hungrier he was getting. His mind was quickly starting to turn from their conversation and getting Inuyasha out of bed to appease Hashutsufu-san and attending to his own needs. "Take time soon to check the kitchen for what you need and give me an estimate of what you'll be taking with."
Hashutsufu-san nodded, the irony of the situation not lost on her. It was funny to think of her asking for money for household chores from a man, since the home was a woman's domain and anything regarding it was the woman's responsibility and realm.(5) It was hard to request money when normally it would be the other way around, but she was the employee and as odd as it was, this apartment was her workspace.
"I will be sure to do that Jouryuu-san. If you don't mind, I will go wake Inuyasha-san for you while you eat. I wouldn't want you to be late for work."
Sesshoumaru gave a brief grunt in acquiesce, finally going for his chopsticks. "Itadakimasu."
Hashutsufu-san stood and straightened her skirt. She gave the kitchen a final once-over for now and headed to the back. The bedroom door was closed and a tender smile tipped her lips as she gingerly turned the handle and pulled the western-style door open. Sesshoumaru-san seemed like such a distant man, but the fact that he left the bedroom door closed for Inuyasha-san so no noise or light reached through spoke more of his brotherly concern than he probably knew.
The smile inched higher at seeing the almost angelic picture of the man a short distance away. Inuyasha was bunched in his futon, hand cupping his face against the pillow. He was so adorable that Hashutsufu-san stood a second to stare unabashed, not caring that he was in his juban and she in their bedroom. Normally she wouldn't dare step in here while either was asleep to give them their privacy, but she really did want Sesshoumaru-san to have his breakfast.
That in mind, not wanting her daily masterpiece to get cold, she walked over the empty futon with a mental note to put it away later. Hashutsufu-san kneeled far enough away to give Inuyasha his space and pressed a hand against a shoulder. "Jouryuu-san...Jouryuu-san, it's time to wake up. Please, breakfast is set up and waiting for you to eat."
There was a groan, which told Hashutsufu-san more shaking was required. Thankfully, Inuyasha-san was not one to lash out if startled awake. Hazel eyes fluttered opened and squeezed shut, before he rolled over and was still.
Hashutsufu-san's lips pressed together in displeasure, wondering if a light would help. The sun hadn't risen that much, nor had it reached the right angle to stream over the tatami yet. She figured another try was in order before taking drastic measures. "Jouryuu-san!" She whispered, shaking again. "Please wake up, your breakfast is getting cold."
Inuyasha's eyes slitted open, words coming to his ears. A hand scrubbed over his face, another groan coming. It turned to a yawn seconds later as he rolled to his back and sat up, absently staring at plain, white walls of his bedroom. A second more was needed to pick some of his brain up to the land of the living before hazel eyes turned and landed on the other occupant. He blinked, brow furrowing a little. "Hashutsufu-san?" He mumbled.
The woman smiled and nodded. "Yes Jouryuu-san. I'm sorry to be in here to wake you, but I agreed to take the task instead of Sesshoumaru-san so he could get ready for work. I have breakfast all laid out and ready for you to get to."
Another groan came as Inuyasha resisted the urge to flop back and bury the blanket over his head. Hashutsufu-san was a nice woman, but he didn't get shit for sleep and she woke him for THAT? He would've preferred having leftovers, or making something himself - though that would most likely end up being ramen, as usual - to catch more shuteye before having to get to that webpage...but Hashutsufu-san took the time every morning to get up hours before them to make breakfast, not to mention take time out of making sure Sesshoumaru had everything he needed, to wake him up so he should comply. It was only polite.
"I'm up; I'm up Hashutsufu-san." He mumbled, a smile tipping his face to show he was kidding. He met the woman's eyes for a moment before a hand took the end out of his braid and finger-combed it straight, allowing him to give his scalp a good scratching.
Hashutsufu-san stood, seeing as how the youth wouldn't go back to sleep because he wasn't fully awake to consider getting up. She nodded and headed for the door. "I'll leave you to get ready then Jouryuu-san. I'll be in the kitchen waiting for you."
Which was the nice way of saying 'get your ass out there'. He smirked a little and waited until the door clicked shut before exposing himself - much to the discomfort of having cold air blast his legs. He bit back a whine and sighed, standing for a good stretch. It seemed to help warm and wake him, so he grabbed a wataire hantento cover up with and headed for the toilet room.
Moments later, after a quick splash of water over his face and a toothbrush to wake his mouth up, Inuyasha let his nose lead him to the kitchen. He disregarded the hair since it normally looked disheveled, being as it was so thick.
Hashutsufu-san heard him coming, Inuyasha-san being less refined than his elder brother in that respect, and turned to greet him. "Ohayou gozaimasu Jouyruu-san."
"Ohayou." Inuyasha returned, pasting on a small grin. His head bowed a little in embarrassment at having been woken up by Hashutsufu-san as he padded past to his spot, eyes lighting on the mini-feast Sesshoumaru was currently working on. "Looks good." He gave an audible sniff, manners put aside for compliments. "Smells even better. You out due yourself every day, you know that?"
Hashutsufu-san managed a sheepish grin, face heating a faint degree. "Really Inuyasha-san, flattery will get you nowhere."
Inuyasha sent the elderly woman a grin while reaching for chopsticks. "No, but it doesn't hurt to help." He kidded, piling a bowl almost full of oyako donburi. A few flavored eggs and omusubi finished everything off and he gave a sudden hope that his eyes weren't bigger than his stomach before setting in. "Itadakimasu."
The pair ate in silence, most noise coming from slurping hot tea and the soup-like donburi. The rest Hashutsufu-san created by running water and getting empty pots washed to dry.
Sesshoumaru took an extra minute, given that he had it, to enjoy a final cup of tea. Yellow eyes stared at the table for the most part, giving consideration to muted rays coming through shouji paper. It would've been better if the balcony doorway was glass instead of opaque paper for the view, but they were surrounded by other buildings, all the way across the street - even five stories up - so the creators were good in thinking of some privacy. Their apartment building was somewhat massive and new, as showed in the mix of carpet and windows, of separated toilet room and swinging doors.
Hashutsufu-san stopped in mid-collection of empty ramen dishes on Inuyasha's desk and looked at the clock against the wall as it chimed. "Goodness, is it that time already? Sesshoumaru-san, you should be going now."
Yellow eyes looked over his teacup as Sesshoumaru turned to give Hashutsufu-san his attention. He spied the clock over her head and found he had maybe five minutes to get outside and start heading for the subway if he wanted to beat a little of the rush. Being pushed around in the car was an annoyance and if he got out of here earlier than the time most office workers normally left, he could bypass that.(6)
"You're quite right it seems." Sesshoumaru nodded and finished off the small remainder of his tea, setting the cup down. "Gochisousan." He let Hashutsufu-san cross the area before going to the genkan to slip into his shoes. Yellow eyes showed a little irritation at finding the briefcase still in the same spot as he left it, despite the note to move it from the doorway. He was agitated at not picking up after himself, but didn't have to take his shoes off to go get it now, so ignored it and grasped the handle. "Ittekimasu." He announced, buttoning up his winter coat and padding himself to make sure the apartment keys were in possession.
"Itterashai." Hashutsufu-san called out.
"Itterashai." Inuyasha idly mumbled around an egg.
The door clicked shut and silence returned, leaving Inuyasha with Hashutsufu-san. He watched the woman make another trip with more empty containers for the trash bin from his desk. She didn't say one word as she grabbed a damp cloth to clean any dried spills from its surface. That was more than he asked for, but he shoved part of an omusubi in his mouth and kept quiet. This WAS what they were paying her for so he wasn't going to order her around; Hashutsufu-san was free to clean what she deemed necessary and he was going to sit here and stay out of the way.
Regardless of that thought, Hashutsufu-san still came up and filled his teacup for him before taking some of Sesshoumaru's dishes to the sink. She started more water and set about getting those cleaned.
Not a word was spoken between the pair. Inuyasha was too busy eating good food and Hashutsufu-san was busy doing her job. Small talk could've been made by either if they offered and the other would've answered, but it wasn't normally made at the breakfast table. When Inuyasha finished eating, if not finishing breakfast, Hashutsufu-san would make an effort to speak with him if she wanted. Until then, she had a bedroom to straighten, a toilet room to scrub, and a furo room to wipe down.
Muted puttering around above and below of neighbors came to Inuyasha's ears in the quiet. He listened with half an ear, contentedly munching on some donburi in the process. Being a somewhat slow eater, at least for being woken up from so little sleep and so early in the morning, it seemed to take forever until his stomach was appeased. Inuyasha put chopsticks over his bowl in sign that he was done and sipped some of his tea. He stared at the blank, black screen of his monitor, cupping the porcelain and letting its heat warm him for a while. Though not really awake, the job started coming into his head, processes that needed to be done today and codes that had to be or not to be added. He resolved to get the three-day-long job finished, maybe straighten up some, and step out to meet with the owners of the business webpage.
Inuyasha never went outside near as much as Sesshoumaru did for his job, but did when a meeting with whatever employer he was with at the time called for it. It was imperative that his bosses liked the final project, or he was doomed to start over from the beginning. That or lose the job and not get paid. He made that mistake only once in the beginning of not meeting with an employer in thought of what he finished was fine and ended up creating a big issue for a month or two. Yes, a meeting - despite the displeasure of having to go out in the cold - was definitely in order.
Inuyasha's arms carefully stretched against the confines of his spot, a yawn coming from him. What he wouldn't give for a few more hours of sleep, but the sun peeked more while he ate and now it would most likely be shining into his bedroom soon, making sleep impossible. Being a somewhat light sleeper sucked in situations like this.
Not to mention Hashutsufu-san would have his futon put away by now.
The woman suddenly entered from the hallway and he stopped mid-yawn. "You're done already Jouryuu-san? I apologize for not being out here." Before he could reassure he was fine where he was at - hell, at least could get up to refill his cup if he wanted more tea - Hashutsufu-san grabbed the pot and was already refilling his glass. She gave a congenial look before standing.
He nodded in thanks and pulled his hands out of the way so she could clear his spot easier. He didn't take time like Sesshoumaru to enjoy his last glass, instead drank it as fast as possible without burning tongue and throat, and left it on the table for Hashutsufu-san to clean. "Gochisousan." He stood and straightened his outfit, pausing in the hall to find where Hashutsufu-san was so he knew whether or not to change.
Thankfully she was in the furo puttering around so he shut the bedroom door and went about picking out somewhat warm clothes for later. Provided he could get done on time - and most of his mind told him he COULD be done today - he didn't want to change and get the first pair dirty because he didn't think ahead.
Smoothing a dark blue sweater out and pulling his mane from the confines, he quickly zipped and buttoned blue jeans before exiting and heading straight for his workspace. Feeling renewed and definitely more awake, Inuyasha plopped in his western-style office chair, cracked his fingers, and clicked the monitor on.
Hashutsufu-san left him to his job as she used that to finish working without stopping. She went from furo to put away the cleaning supplied in the storage closet and made sure the bedroom wasn't mussed while Inuyasha was in there. She took stock of the clothesbasket and made note to get them washed before dinner tonight. For now, everything was done; unless Inuyasha-san wanted lunch made for later and required her assistance again.(7) All that was left was a grocery list and she was done.
Inuyasha suddenly stopped when a presence made itself known behind his chair. He spun around and met aged brown eyes in curiosity. Hashutsufu-san smiled. "I seem to be done cleaning for today Jouryuu-san. Is there anything else I can get or do for you while I'm still here?"
Inuyasha thought, but all he needed was to get back to work. "I'm good Hashutsufu-san. Thanks for your hard work."
The woman waved him off and headed for the kitchen. "I just have one more thing to do and I'll get out of your way. I promise I won't be long, nor will I be too loud and make you lose concentration by bothering you."
He was already turned back to the screen and picking up where he left off. "You're not a bother to me Hashutsufu-san." He absently mumbled, fingers pecking here and there.
A tender smile tipped her mouth. Inuyasha-san didn't know how much that meant to hear, despite how much he did or did not mean it. Hashutsufu-san left him to his work without a reply, since none was needed, and soon had everything she needed for tomorrow's big task. One final look of the kitchen and eating area to make sure everything was cleaned to her liking before the woman stuffed the list in her pocket. A note was written to Sesshoumaru-san and stuck on the fridge for him to find with what she needed.
"Jouryuu-san, I'm just interrupting to tell you I'm leaving."
"Hm?" Hazel eyes slowly trekked over the apartment to the kitchen. Hashutsufu-san was hovering at the edge, waiting for him. He nodded and twisted in the chair, getting up and heading for her. "Aa. Good work as always - good food as always."
She smiled and slipped into her shoes. "You flatter me Jouryuu-san. I will see you later for lunch, if you want?"
His head shook in negation. "I might be making a trip out today, so I won't be seeing you until dinner."
Hashutsufu-san nodded, a little surprised at this news. "Until then. Ittekimasu."
"Itterashai." Inuyasha answered, locking the door behind her.
-
Eleven thirty just turned over as he hit the buttons needed to save his work. Inuyasha stared at the screen, a little disbelieving that he got done so fast. Everything was perfected the way he liked it, the way it needed to be written, and looked okay. Now that all was put down just so, he logged onto the internet to upload and make sure all that hard work pulled up and looked as it was supposed to.
As the connection dialed, he got up for a stretch, a quick run to the toilet room, and some tea. He saw new mail awaiting his return, but ignored it with mental note to check it later. The only thing that was important was the light at the end of the tunnel to this project.
It was a breeze to click through links compared to the hard part. There were only two things needed to change that he didn't like, but that was getting off easy compared to the problems he could've had. Inuyasha made a quick stop to get the two pages corrected, reloaded, and then double-checked them. Seeing everything was as he wanted it, and as his employers' initial - and only - thoughts turned out, he slouched in the chair and took a moment to let himself relax.
Shaking himself to motion a minute later, Inuyasha swiveled in his chair and practically hopped from it, nervous excitement lacing his veins. This always happened whenever he got done with creating a webpage for someone new and was preparing to go show it off. Taking a minute to put his glass in the sink and another quick trip to the toilet, Inuyasha grabbed his winter coat. He wished not to have to go out in this, but whining wouldn't get it done any faster and it was only a matter of when he had to leave. The worst part would be the walk to the subway station and after that a mere walk to the office building he was contracted to.
Double-saving the pages on his software, Inuyasha logged off the internet and went for the phone. It wouldn't hurt to give a call to the agency to inform them he was coming so they could call the actual employers of the webpage he was doing. Hanging up soon after, one hand padding his pockets for apartment keys, Inuyasha slipped into a pair of sneakers and locked the door behind him.
He chided himself as he headed down the corridor. This was why he got that nervous energy - he always cut out the middleman of this final process before proclaiming himself fully done and tried to skip past certain steps that were perpetually taken. This was always a problem when being a contractor to an agency that found you work and then hired you to certain companies for your skills. You had to go through them before going to the main people and they took commission from his check for their troubles.
It was nice in a way to have to talk to his immediate employers before going to whoever he was hired to at the moment. It may've been an employment agency, but there were people there who had some of his skills and would be good to spot something he might not've seen - but being egotistical, the odds of that happening were slim to none. He smirked and pulled the collar higher on his wool coat as he pushed glass doors open and a blast of cold air hit him in the face and maneuvered right inside his coat.
'Holy shit that's cold! Why didn't I bring my scarf?'
A hat would've been nice, but being too stubborn and macho to proclaim himself THAT much of a pansy, Inuyasha fought a losing battle against the elements while telling himself it wasn't that bad outside.
The station seemed farther away, mostly because he was walking into the wind and whatever leftover snow was on the ground was half slush and he couldn't avoid it. It was pissing him off and his good mood diminished a smidgen by the time he got to the platform.
It wasn't the best time in the world to leave the apartment, since a lot of the workers who managed to go out for lunch were either heading back or heading out. Not one for crowds and especially not subway crowds, Inuyasha grit his teeth as the masses streamed past sliding doors to the car. He refused to let go of his hold on the dangling hooks meant to help balance those left standing who couldn't find seats as some pushed him a few inches back.
The ride didn't take long once everyone was pushed in and the doors shut. The best part about Tokyo with its monorail systems was you could get almost anywhere in a moderate amount of time...given that you weren't going around the time office workers were heading for work. Literally hoards of business suits and coats crowded the station and it took a lot of stops to transport the masses.
Steeling himself for the way out, Inuyasha moved with the crowd all the way past the entrance doors and the wind which greeted him again. It wasn't so bad being stuck around so many, but he was somewhat taller than a lot of these people, so it was a only small victory that at least kept his torso warm.
He passed the blocks by keeping his head down most of the time and letting bangs take the brunt of cold to keep his face warm. It helped to have thick, long hair at a time like this to keep his ears and scalp heated since it was all he had. There were only two walk lights to wait for, but Inuyasha wasn't known for his patience. It took a lot of foot tapping to keep from saying anything about the fact that the light just didn't want to change fast enough.
If he didn't have the burning need to unload this project and get the damn thing off his conscience, Inuyasha wouldn't have bothered coming outside today. He got paid for his work and if he just said he wasn't able to leave the apartment due to the weather, but was already done, nobody would've blamed him. But having a somewhat low boredom threshold, held off by his interest for codes and design techniques, Inuyasha got done quickly mostly because he got annoyed with having to do the same thing for long periods of time. Thinking up design aspects to create for those who didn't know what they wanted took the longest, but that was the best part. Thankfully, webpages didn't take more than a few days to do, the big and detailed graphics of large company sites two weeks at most.
Course the fact that he got done so fast could be attributed to when he started something, Inuyasha was loathed to stop. Getting going on something and finding the 'zone' which allowed him to think and work to his highest potential mostly attributed to the fact that he slept weird hours and didn't get much exercise or food. There was little else to do to keep his attention from his job, which was sad because that said he had no life really. That was his problem and his decision, but to each their own. Time was relative and hard work couldn't be defined by punching a clock.
Pushing twin glass doors open, Inuyasha gave a small bow to the secretary that stood as he entered.(8) Having worked at the same job since he started a few years back and seeing the same woman's face since then, pleasantries and name exchanges weren't necessarily needed. She bowed as he stopped before her in hello and let him pass by without much else. Inuyasha knew the woman would've walked him down to the office cubicle he needed if the phone hadn't rung as he started down the hall.
Talk grew louder as Inuyasha stopped at the waist-high wall unit, so he paused at the entrance to wait it out and be noticed. He took the time to unbutton his jacket and hang it on the nearby coat rack provided for whoever needed it.
"Ah, Jouryuu-san, konnichiha."
Inuyasha turned and immediately bowed in recognition of the bow given to him. He stepped into the cubicle and took a chair on unannounced invite, swiveling it to the handful of men around him. "Kanji-san, konnichiha. Sorry to interrupt whatever it was you were talking about just then."
"Oh no, no problem. Sorry to leave you standing there when I saw you approach."(9)
Inuyasha let the apology go without reply as he eyed one going to their computer. "I just thought I'd go over the page with you and see what you think of it, maybe hear anything you think I could be doing differently before you make the call and send me down."
Kanji-san nodded and everyone turned to the computer already logged up by the tech and gave each other space to get as close as possible. Kanji-san took the seat and mouse, taking charge as head supervisor of their group, pulling up the site Inuyasha dictated and started with the main page.
Inuyasha slouched a little in his chair, nothing left to do but wait with mentally crossed fingers that everyone was happy. He wasn't feeling up to going all the way back home and returning tomorrow to do this whole process again in such weather. There was some rain in the forecast and if the temperatures got down as bad as it did last night, things were going to turn to ice.
Normally, he left all the data on his hard drive until everyone verbally announced their satisfaction and it was communicated to both businesses. After that, he mailed a floppy disk down to the company to get his paycheck. Times like this would've been good to have a copy already handy, but that was presumptuous. The agency always a copy of his work in emergency in case his computer ever crashed - knock on wood that it never happened, for it hadn't yet - and he had a complicated, separate hard drive file system set up for that.
Inuyasha sat in silence as the others peered at absolutely everything. They remarked on the interesting twist of being able to click to a different front page link to get the kana to read either vertically OR horizontally. He mentally gloated at that, glad to take extra time to type out the introduction given to him by the company and thinking that far ahead. Only on the main page though...everything read horizontally after that. As much as Inuyasha liked surprising his superiors with the interesting quirks he was mildly known for, they wouldn't pay him that much for going the full length of making double every page with a lot of kana to read. Not to mention no one really wrote vertically anymore. With the onslaught of so many western ideas, horizontal turned to be the norm anymore, even if kanji and kana hadn't been cast aside.
Though hazel eyes never left the computer screen as the mouse clicked on a random link here or there, fingers pointing to an object on the monitor, or the subtle movements of those next to him, his mind drifted somewhat as ears picked up surrounding noises in the office. Phones rang somewhere on the mildly large room, murmuring voices trying to be quiet and conscious of others around them, clacking of keys on other computers owned by the agency. It wasn't too bad of an area to work in, but Inuyasha wasn't able to think in a place like this, even as quiet as it was. He needed the total quiet of his workspace at home to fully think the way he wanted and think out loud - as he had a tendency to do while working hard - when trying to figure out something intricate.
He was grateful enough to be able to do his work at home, given the trust and respect in knowing he'd do his job and do it well. This was established by month nine with a dozen small projects, plus eight large projects, under his belt by then. Everybody around him were his senpai, Kanji-san having the most tenure of this group, but they all saw him on a respectable level in recognizing his thoughtfulness put into design, also knowledge of codes and how to work them.
Inuyasha jumped and sat taller in his chair when Kanji-san swung to face him, page forgotten as the man leaned on knees to regard him. Hazel eyes turned serious, face smoothing and waiting to hear any bad news as he steeled himself for it. It was hard to take comments in good criticism of what he should do differently considering he put so much time and effort to making it look the way it did. It was like a personal insult to HIM whenever that happened, but he was unable to let them slide whenever the occurrence came about.
"Jouryuu-san..."
He silently gulped. "Ah, yes? How does it look to you Kanji-san? Any problems?"
Kanji-san's face turned from expressionless to congenial at those words. "Looks good to me. Again, you amaze and amuse me with your effort and tactics. The page pulls up and all the necessary words are as they should be. If you will give me about five minutes, I'll go make that call."
Inuyasha nodded, subtly breathing a sigh of relief. The others turned to him and talked about his page as Kanji-san made for a phone and dialed up the company's number. Inuyasha tracked Kanji-san more than the words of his fellow workers, though interacted with them as need be to keep them from thinking he wasn't interested in conversation or was merely being rude. It didn't take long though, to get more engrossed with them than wondering if he could get to the company today and trying to listen in on Kanji-san's conversation.
After a bit, Kanji-san turned back and joined the group. "A manager will give you some time in a few hours." Aged brown eyes spied a clock on the computer. "We were going to be taking lunch in a few minutes after we got done with you Jouyruu-san...would you care to join us before you go to your other meeting?"
Inuyasha wasn't really in the mood to go out to eat just yet, since he was mildly full from breakfast still - regardless of the fact that he ate almost five hours ago - but there was nothing else he could do to fill his time with, other than go home or go look around the general vicinity of his next stop. Might as well kill some time and talk with his co-workers for a while to see how they were doing and keep warm in the process. "I think I will join you all Kanji-san. Where were you planning on heading to?"
Kanji-san stood and the masses joined him, moving to put their chairs back in their respective spots. "Just to a noodle spot a few blocks away. They shouldn't be too busy right now."
More cold to bear. Inuyasha mentally grumbled as he made for his coat, buttoning it up and adjusting the collar as he waited for everyone else to follow suit. He watched his superiors - men all older than himself - get themselves bundled up and let them pass him in respect before taking the rear and following them to the front door, listening as they chatted and wondered about what sounded good to eat.
-.-.-.-
"Here are the files you needed Jouryuu-san."
Yellow eyes barely glanced up from the page in his hands, not needing to pay too much attention to the voice, as he knew who it was. "Please put it on my desk Enzen." The papers fluttered down atop a small stack Sesshoumaru had going on that needed to be gone through before leaving tonight. The presence didn't go away after a few seconds Sesshoumaru expected it to and yellow eyes looked up in minute irritation at being taken away from the current paragraph, but also curiosity to find out why part of his research team was still standing there. "Was there something else you needed Enzen?"
"Ah...the meeting with Jalco is almost ready to begin. Kyouda-san is in getting them drinks and snacks since he found you hadn't left your office yet."
Sesshoumaru immediately stood and made for a separate bunch of papers off to one side of his western-style desk. He mentally berated himself for forgetting about the client meeting and getting so caught up in his reading. But, that's what he had a secretary for. "Why didn't Kyouda-san come in and inform me ahead of schedule?"
"I think because he was busy on the phone getting some calls made that we requested be done while we looked through files for you."
Sesshoumaru gave a quiet grunt and ignored the playful tone as the pair left his office. Sesshoumaru shut the door behind him before they crossed to a room a few meters down. "Okay everyone, let's get going." Two sets of scuffling sounded as chairs were pulled back and pushed into place. Papers shuffled together and were set aside, some to be taken with and snatched up. The group of four headed for the lower level stairs, no word made about Sesshoumaru's tardiness. Shock was apparent by some, hidden by others except in the mind. Rarely was Sesshoumaru ever late for an appointment with a client - he normally tried to be at least five to ten minutes early at all costs to make a good impression - and no comment was made out of speechlessness.
Sesshoumaru entered the door first, the others following according to rank. A handful of elderly men stood and bowed when they entered, one that was returned all around. Sesshoumaru automatically started reaching for his inside coat pocket. "Gentleman, I am deeply sorry for having kept you waiting. Please forgive me for being rude and not being on time."
A man stepped forward, hand also in his coat pocket. Everyone in the room seemed to be doing the same thing with the same thought of reaching into a pocket of some kind. "You are forgiven sir. Please let me introduce myself, I am Jalco's head, Yasuko Yamakawa-shachou." Two hands extended; a business card in their grasp.(10)
Sesshoumaru took it with both hands, giving a bow to the bow initially given. He gave a quick look to the company name, the title, and then Yasuko's name before carefully putting it in his wallet and putting his own card in his hands the same way. "Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Akamatsu International Law Office's bengodan, Jouryuu Sesshoumaru." The same process was repeated with bowing and exchanging cards, Sesshoumaru's tucked away in the president's pocket soon after.
Sesshoumaru stepped aside, allowing the next in line to go. It might've been a good idea to let Jalco go first with introductions to be polite, but none stepped forward after a second, the others thinking the same he was, so he took initiative. Another business card was held between two hands, a bow already in progress. "Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Akamatsu International Law Office's shushou chousadan, Enzen Miroku." Miroku stepped aside seconds after receiving a card to pocket.
"Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Akamatsu International Law Office's jishou chousadan, Kyoushuu Kouga." Kouga exchanged the proper greeting and took the man's card, pretending to read it while he waited for the final of their party to finish introducing himself. The other side still needed to exchange cards with everyone before they could get down to business and he was impatient to do some actual conversing and use all the knowledge he and the other two immersed themselves in to finding.
"Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Akamatsu International Law Office's sanmi chousadan, Hitonatsukoi Houjou."
Minutes later, everyone had a business card from everyone else and sat in a western-style living room setting, files on a spotless, glass coffee table surrounded by a tray of half-empty glasses and plates. Sesshoumaru patiently listened to the president and more details of the lawsuit than what he read in the initial files gathered by his research team sitting around him.
He listened to the subtle undertones of unfairness and frustration toward an overseas business who bought electrical parts Jalco manufactured. Distribution problems in shipping created impatience from the buyer who gave a measly few weeks for Jalco to get it figured out - assuming it was Jalco's problem - before a lawyer was hired in defense of contract breech. The whole thing was a big misunderstanding with a loose end that needed to be tied up somewhere by either Jalco's production floor or the buyer's end. The buyer was worried about not getting what they paid for - a viable worry - as was stated in any basic contract of monetary-product exchange, but Sesshoumaru figured they jumped the gun on this.
The time needed for contacting everyone responsible and getting the right people in to look at the problem on both sides took up almost a week right there due to time zones and business hours. This was one of the problems of countries that didn't have Japan's system of doing business, but other cultures had different ways of doing things. Sesshoumaru knew this because this was his job - defending his fellow natives to the intolerance of other countries that had little patience. Blaming and pointing fingers wasn't going to solve anything other than fostering bad feelings and losing business, but he didn't expect much from a group of people who were used to instant gratification on a general basis.
An hour into the meeting, the door gradually opened and everyone paused to see who it was. Sesshoumaru's lips twitched down the barest degrees of being interrupted when he was still going over details of what he figured was going on; what his team dug up on the company and the contact they had over the past half month; and what he as the hired bengodan would do to help Jalco keep not only their contract, but also their reputation. But a quick, calculative glance of the president and subordinates told Sesshoumaru a break was in order, so his secretary was saved.
A refill of drinks, plus some for the office staff, and more edibles were deposited on the tray, empty glasses and dishes taken from before the meeting. Sessshoumaru nodded to the elderly man upon eye contact that they had everything necessary and that would be all for now. Sesshoumaru received a receiving nod from his secretary before the man exited.
Small talk ensued between the group, mostly questions about Sesshoumaru and his staff of how long they'd been working for A.I.L.O. and subtle questions of home life.(11) The more talkative filled in some gaps, the less talkative giving the appropriate answers for these kinds of things. Answers that filled most of the question, but didn't give away too much of a personal life they liked to keep mostly to themselves.
Business resumed half an hour or so later, but another mere hour after that, Houjou's stomach growled quite audibly and caused the poor man an embarrassed flush. Thankfully Jalco's president merely smiled and mentioned he was getting a little hungry himself, letting Houjou off the hook. The groups talked about finding somewhere to eat and maybe continue the conversation, since it was already going on five p.m. Sesshoumaru and his team let Jalco pick the place they wanted to go as he get everything put together to take with.(12)
Although he wished things could've continued throughout, there was some progress and a lot was discussed in two hours so Sesshoumaru was happy with that at least. There was still some final contact with the buyer's lawyer before an agreement of a court date or out of court settlement could be figured on. That would be a few more days yet and hopefully never happen so long as Miroku, Kouga, and Houjou turned up those missing parts. If all went well, the only call Sesshoumaru would need to make to the lawyer would concern the location of certain parts and what to do about them.
-.-.-.-
"What do you think of this?"
A pair of brown eyes read the katakana 'Hi-chew' dangled in front of her face and a sardonic grin slowly formed. "Why am I not surprised? Maybe once I see how much we'll have accrued, but until then...put it back Sango-chan."
Sango's lips twitched up, though somewhat disappointed as she went to put the candy back. Boredom set in a few minutes ago; the shelves and aisles of plastic, quick-and-easy containers of different ramen concoctions, their bright and colorful designs loitering practically everywhere, becoming one big blur as the others wandered around. Each had a hand basket slung over an arm to pick up some more needed items to pass the hotel over for the next few days.(13)
Sango wasn't as good a shopper as her friends were, since she definitely wasn't as good a cook as Kagome-chan and Ayame-san were. She had a basic knowledge of quite a number of simple dishes - she wasn't a TOTAL wash as a woman in that expertise - but things taking up to an hour or more were beyond her reach. Making a lot of foods from scratch, especially ones that didn't require a cookbook and used more eye judgment, she was embarrassed to try.
Wandering back to her friend's side, Sango found Kagome-chan not where she last saw and heaved a sigh, shoulder slumping. It was often that Kagome-chan got an idea in her head of something just occurring to her of what they lacked in the cupboards and would immediately head off for it before she forgot entirely.
Long brown hair in a high ponytail swung to and fro, nearly smacking her in the face a few times, as Sango crossed perpendicular through the medium-sized store in search of a familiar raven mop of hair. It almost seemed like Kagome-chan left the store as Sango crossed half of it without success - which wouldn't happen without her friend telling at least one of them where she would be, until shoulder blade-length blurred past an aisle. Sango made a beeline for the sight, not wanting to lose her friend and play hide and seek again - though it did kill a few minutes - and spotted the woman in front of a few wood fruit stands pondering the choices.
Kagome turned just before her friend could touch her shoulder, having heard the quiet tapping of sneakers. "Do you remember what we're out of?" She queried, unable to mentally remember exactly what was in the cupboards.
Sango stopped and blinked, peering around her friend as if staring at the merchandise might revive her memory. "Isn't everything out of season now? Even if we were out, are you sure you want to buy any of this?"
Kagome smiled and gave a side look to the old fruit. "Oh it's not so bad. I'm pretty sure I could make SOMETHING out of any of this." A finger rose as if to make a point. "One just needs to be creative Sango-chan."
"Hai hai." Sango gave everything a second look, knowing her good friend would be able to whip up almost anything with her culinary skills. One of these days, Sango was going to take time out from studying and ask Kagome-chan for some lessons. Problem was, she didn't have a few free months on her hands. "Then why don't you just pick up a few things of everything?" It was a bad idea to suggest, since they were only given ten thousand Yen to spend.(14) The thoughtful look on Kagome-chan's face told Sango she was already pondering what she could change the dozen or so different types into for dinner, breakfast, or snacks.
Sango's basket was almost filled with flimsy plastic bags of fruits, each carefully arranged to keep from squishing the other, as the pair left the produce section with an unannounced stopping point. They repeated Sango's earlier game of searching, a pair of heads facing the opposite direction to catch both sides simultaneously, as they headed up the aisles to the other side. The remaining two of the group were found, thankfully together, in the non-perishable section, quietly cooing over how adorable the store's school supplies were.
"Look at this Rin-chan, isn't that chibi cat the most kawaii thing you've ever seen?"
"I don't know Ayame-san, look at this chicken."
"Ah! Kawaii!"
A hand flapped to get the pair's attention. "Oi you two, didn't you get any shopping done?"
Two pairs of brown eyes swung to the right. "Ah, Kagome-san." Rin held out her basket almost proudly, showing off some good choices. "See? I got some of the things I saw we were out of. I hope I didn't get double of anything you picked out."
Ayame displayed hers as well to show she wasn't dallying either. "We filled our baskets Kagome-chan and were only taking a small break."
Kagome turned to the row of notebooks, folders, pencils, and holders. A discrete, almost nostalgic smile made an appearance. A hand reached out and found an adorable 'Hello, Kitty' folder. "They still make these? I used one in lower-secondary school."(15)
Sango blinked at this sudden information about her best friend. Brown eyes put Kagome-chan on the spotlight as Sango tried to read the look on her friend's face. "Kagome-chan -"
"Were you going to pick any up Ayame-chan? You might need some more notebooks for notes after all." Kagome broke in, purposely cutting Sango off with a mental chide to delving in her old life. Unruly bangs hid her eyes until she managed to stuff everything back into her mind where it couldn't be seen as she put the notebook back.
Ayame turned to the rows, not noticing her friend's changes in disposition. "I don't know. I didn't bring any of my own money in case this came up."
"Well if you do need one, go ahead and get one and just let Kaede-obaasan know. She'll just take it out of your next earnings."
The four soon headed for the checkout area, depositing their baskets for the cashier and soon picking up bags to be hauled home. Everyone bundled up the scarves and mittens stuffed in coat pockets to keep warm and exited past sliding glass doors. Sango gasped at the sudden blast of wind greeting her face and steeled herself with a deep breath to ward off instant shivering for the walk back to the hotel.
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I am a BEGINNER Japanese learner, so if these are not 100 correct, please let me know if you care to do so. I only have a web page and a dictionary to learn from. This spot dedicated to new vocabulary only.
Translations: Jouryuu-Upper class-san on the end makes it a name - Ohayou gozaimasu-Good morning (polite way of saying) - Shouji-Paper sliding door with wood frame
Misoshiru-Soup made with seaweed, tofu, miso paste, broth - Oyako donburi-Chicken and egg on rice - Omusubi-Rice ball - Itadakimasu-Expression of gratitude before meals
Wataire hanten-Bed jacket worn in the winter and filled with cotton lining - Gochisousan-Opposite of Itadakimasu, said after eating - Ittekimasu-I'm off/See you later
Itterashai-Take care/have a nice day - Aa-Show of understanding, somewhat like hai, used by men - Konnichiha-Hello/good day/good afternoon (another way to say this)
Kanji-Manager/supervisor-san on the end makes it a name - Kana-Japanese syllables - Senpai-Senior (at work or school)/superior/elder
Enzen-Charming-san on the end makes it a name - Kyouda-Cowardice-san on the end makes it a name - Yasuko Yamakawa-Actual name of Jalco (copyright, blaa blaa blaa) president
Shachou-Company president/manager/director - Bengodan-Defense lawyer (A.I.L.O's copyright, blaa blaa blaa) - Shushou-Commander-in-chief
Chousadan-Inquiry commission/research group (put together, Miroku is saying he's in charge of the research team) - Jishou-Second in command
Kyoushuu-Charming and coy-san on the end makes it a name - Sanmi-The third rank (this basically puts Houjou on the bottom of the totem pole)
Hitonatsukoi-Friendly/affable/amiable/sociable-san on the end makes it a name - Katakana-More angled, straight lines of kana, used mostly for foreign words - Hai-Yes/okay/etc
Chibi-General reference to something small - Kawaii-Pretty/cute/lovely/charming/dear/darling - Oi-Hey - Obaasan-Grandmother
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Having done much research, this story will be highly Japanese orientated and probably confusing at points. Numbers at the end of sentences will describe the whole sentence, while numbers next to a word will describe only that. If any of these are wrong, please correct me.
1:Hashutsufu-san was the only one who did any real cleaning and straightening around here.: In Japan, women still tend to the household chores while men work. Despite the fact that the woman is paid, she is seen as a mother of the two in this aspect. The wife/mother of the family does the cleaning, children normally do not help.
2:She lived with her parents down the hall, partially taking care of them when possible and doing this to earn something of a paycheck.: In connect with above statement, women don't really have time to work, but since Hashutsufu-san is taking care of her elderly parents, she has no real choice.
3:The woman finished arranging the setting exactly as she liked it, aged brown eyes subtly eyeing her host for reaction before pulling arms away and leaning back on her heels.: Presentation in Japanese cooking is as important as the taste itself. For a woman who makes a living trying to please her employers by cooking and cleaning, it's somewhat of a personal matter to make sure everything looks and tastes good.
4:Inuyasha-san: Hashutsufu-san calls the brothers by their last name (despite having worked together for a while) when addressing the individual to be polite, but when both are in the room, she uses first names to avoid confusion in a somewhat less formal method...though she tacks on -san which is still somewhat polite.
5:It was funny to think of her asking for money for household chores from a man, since the home was a woman's domain and anything regarding it was the woman's responsibility and realm.: Japan still holds the whole women-stay-home-while-the-man-works routine, but there is a twist to it. Even though women don't work out of the home that much, everything dealing with the house is their realm. So when a man gets paid, he hands over the money to the wife to pay the bills with...also asks for money if he wants to buy something.
6:Being pushed around in the car was an annoyance and if he got out of here earlier than the time most office workers normally left, he could bypass that.: Subway cars are literally crammed with as many people as they hold due to the overwhelming use and number of people each morning. In a documentary I watched, an attendant was actually pushing someone past the sliding doors to make sure he would fit and catch the ride.
7:For now, everything was done; unless Inuyasha-san wanted lunch made for later and required her assistance again.: Most meals in Japan are made from scratch and since women do most of the cooking, they start very early to get things prepared. This goes for breakfast, when the cooker will wake long before everyone else.
8:Pushing twin glass doors open, Inuyasha gave a small bow to the secretary that stood as he entered.: Japanese bow a lot and it has a lot of implications in it. The length of time in a bow, the angle, and the reason for it all mean something. In this case, Inuyasha is saying hello, and the return bow is hello back.
9:"Oh no, no problem. Sorry to leave you standing there when I saw you approach.": Japanese apologize for a lot of things, even when there seems nothing to apologize for. One reason for this is comfort for the other person and thinking about them above oneself. Since this's such an important aspect to the culture, such a thing is going to be seen a lot more in this story.
10:Two hands extended; a business card in their grasp.: Exchanging of business cards in Japan is an etiquette to itself and important regarding first impressions. I explain the process of introduction and how a card looks. This is actually a serious transaction, stemming from how one holds a card, how long they read it, to it's put away, etc.
11:Small talk ensued between the group, mostly questions about Sesshoumaru and his staff of how long they'd been working for A.I.L.O. and subtle questions of home life.: Normally when a group of businessmen get down to business, refreshments are brought in at some point. At this time, everyone normally takes a break and socializes. Getting acquainted strengthens bonds and lets others know you as a person - personalizing business this way makes it harder for someone to stop business because they know you personally.
12:Sesshoumaru and his team let Jalco pick the place they wanted to go as he get everything put together to take with.: Since Japanese don't hold normal office hours, businesses go very much out of their way to do something for clients. Most often go out to eat for the fun of it, or in business meetings, and spend off-hours together. This has the same implications as #11.
13:Each had a hand basket slung over an arm to pick up some more needed items to pass the hotel over for the next few days.: Because Japanese walk almost everywhere, they don't buy a lot of groceries at one time, mostly getting enough to carry home. Also, due to generally small living conditions, fridges aren't economy size.
14:It was a bad idea to suggest, since they were only given ten thousand Yen to spend.: Using English dollars in comparison, Japanese currency is around 103-104 in exchange rate. So Y10,000 is around 96-97 American.
15:I used one in lower-secondary school.: Grades 7-9 with ages being around 12-15.