M&M's
Chapter Ten: An Interested Client
Thoughts
The next morning Mako woke up in her bed, still in her chef's uniform. She rolled over and realized it was five in the evening. She was right about to roll over and go back to sleep when she felt four very distinct presences in her room. "Hey Sets, Ruka, Michi, Taru." She mumbled without even opening her eyes.
"Hey Mako-hime!" Hotaru exclaimed happily, "Sets-mama said we could come and visit you today!" she jumped on the bed, as Haruka proceeded to sit on the sleeping brunette, who yelped,
"Alright! Alright! I'm up! I'm UP!" she rolled over, causing Haruka to fall off the bed. Michi and Taru burst into a fit of giggles while even Setsuna cracked a smile. "Make yourselves at home, while I shower and change, then I'll take you guys around the city."
While Mako was in the shower, the outers made themselves at home in her spacious living room. They had just settled into a nice conversation of how well Mako was doing here in Paris when there was a knock on the door. After a muffled yell from Mako to answer it, Hotaru opened the door.
Standing there was a deliveryman holding a huge bouquet of red roses, pink gerber daisies and white lilies. "A delivery for Ms. Kino."
Hotaru was momentarily stunned at the size and beauty of the arrangement. Geez, it must have cost a fortune… Lilies aren't even in season! She thought as she signed for the delivery.
"Who's at the door Taru?" Makoto asked as she emerged from the bathroom, fully dressed, and a towel on her head.
"A delivery for you." Hotaru walked into the living room, struggling to carry the huge floral arrangement.
The sight of the bouquet made the older women turn to Mako, "Is there something you want to tell us about Mako?" Michi asked teasingly.
"Or rather someone?" Haruka added slyly.
Mako's face flushed, "I have no idea what you're talking about, or who they're from." She picked the card out as she stopped to smell a rose. Before she even had a chance to read it, Haruka grabbed it out of her hands and began to read it aloud,
Dear Mako,
Thanks so much for the wonderful meal; it was such a joy to get a taste of home. You're culinary talents are far beyond compare. I don't know what it is about you that draws me to you, but I'd like to find out. Please join me for dinner at Le Café de la Rue tonight at 8, I'll be waiting.
With hope,
Aoshi Shinimori
"Ooohh! Mako's got an admirer!" Taru teased, causing Mako to turn an even deeper shade of red.
"Who is this Aoshi Shinimori?" Haruka questioned as she handed Mako back the card.
"He's the owner and CEO of the architectural firm I catered the party for last night."
"Mako's got herself a sugar daddy!" Taru burst out into even more giggles.
"Isn't he a little old for you?" Setsuna questioned.
Ruka's eyes flared, "Some old pervert is hitting on you?"
Mako sighed, shaking her head, "No, he's actually only a few years older than me… he's 29 I believe." She handed them a French copy of Forbes, to which Aoshi was gracing the cover.
"Oh my God, Mako! He looks just like Mamoru!" Hotaru exclaimed.
Mako groaned, "I know, that's why I won't go out with him."
"Mako it's not fair that you won't even give him a chance simply because he looks like Mamo."
"I know, but until I can look at him and not see Mamo, I can't."
"So are you going to meet him?" Michi asked softly, "It wouldn't be nice to stand him up, especially after he sent you these wonderful flowers."
"I guess I should go and meet him to at least say thank you." She flopped onto the couch, "What am I going to wear? La Café de la Rue is kind of ritzy." Setsuna smiled at her princess and waved her hand, a pale blue dress appeared, Mako looked at the guardian of time, "Thanks Sets."
"Don't mention it kiddo." She looked at the other three girls, "And we'll be at the café too, just in case you need an out."
Mako smiled once more, "Thanks guys."
Mako got dressed slowly, not really sure how she felt about a date with Aoshi Shinimori. Sure he was sweet, charming and oh so gorgeous, but so was Mamoru, and look at how well that turned out. Mako, it's not fair to you or Aoshi if you go into this thinking he's Mamo.
Haruka knocked on the door, "Koto, are you ready? It's almost eight."
Mako opened the door and Haruka smiled, "Oh la la." She teased.
"Shut up." Mako playfully shoved the blonde, "Come on guys, the café's only a few blocks from here." Mako grabbed a light jacket and slipped on some low pumps. She plucked a lily from the floral arrangement and tucked it behind her ear. She was ready.
Aoshi sat at the best table in the café, the one that overlooked the Louvre Museum. It was twenty past eight and he was beginning to think she wasn't going to come. The little hairs on the back of his neck began to stand up, he looked up for the cause and was stunned speechless. There standing in the doorway was a vision in powder blue. Her hair had been pulled partially up, the rest flowing down in soft auburn waves. Her dress was modestly cut, fitting her lithe form to her hips where if flowed down to her knees. It was a simple dress that she had managed to make utterly irresistible. He realized he was staring when her exotic emerald eyes locked with his. She gave him a shy smile as she headed towards him.
Aoshi couldn't help but be drawn to the rhythmic movement of her hips. The skirt of her dress swished back and forth with her every step.
All male eyes were on her, yet she seemed completely unaware of the effect she had on the men around her.
Aoshi stood as she approached; she leaned in and kissed his cheeks. It took everything he had not to sweep her into his arms and kiss her senseless. The unique scent of her intoxicated his senses; no woman had ever had this affect on him before. Instead of fearing this fierce passion for the brunette, he felt strangely comfortable with it.
"Thank you so much for the flowers Mr. Shinimori, they were beautiful."
"Please, call me Aoshi, Ms. Kino, and you are most welcome."
She blushed a soft pink that Aoshi found only too adorable. "Then please, call me Mako." Her eyes sparkled brightly.
"God you're beautiful." He whispered his thoughts out loud, causing them both to blush furiously.
"You really are too kind Aoshi."
Just then the waiter arrived, saving them from any further embarrassment. He handed them menus and took their drink orders before leaving the two alone once more.
"So what part of Japan are you from?" Aoshi questioned as she sipped on her water.
"Juuban, but originally Osaka."
"Really? My parent live in Osaka, maybe they know your folks. What part of Osaka?"
Mako looked down at the hands, "My parents died in a plane crash when I was ten, that's when I moved to Juuban."
"Mako, I'm so sorry," he reached across the table taking her hand inn his.
She smiled appreciatively, "Thanks, even after fifteen years, it amazes me how it can sometimes feel like it happened yesterday."
Aoshi smiled back at her, "So, you're 25?" she nodded, "When's your birthday? If you don't mind me asking."
Mako shook her head, "No not at all, I'll be 26 on December 5." She smiled mischievously at him, "How old are you?"
"Twenty-nine, although I'll be 30 on January 15."
"Wow, the big 3-0," she laughed lightly, "Do you have a big bash planned for it?"
"Nothing as of yet, but if I do, I'd be honored if you would come." He winked, eliciting another fit of giggles from her. Her laughter was like the sound of chimes rustling in the breeze. Everything about her, Aoshi realized, was graceful and light.
In a corner obscured from Mako's vision, four pairs of eyes watched the couples every move. "I still can't get over how much he looks like Mamoru." Haruka mumbled.
"I know, if I wasn't sure that Mamo was an only child, I'd swear they were twins." Setsuna agreed.
"All I know is that if he hurts Mako the way that Mamo hurt her, I'll have no problem hurting him." Hotaru voiced her opinion as she looked at her 'parents' who nodded in agreement.
"I'm glad that she agreed to meet him, it's been a while since I've seen her that happy." Michiru observed as Mako giggled at something Aoshi said. "She must feel comfortable around him too."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because he's been holding on to her hand for the last five minutes and she hasn't seemed to mind at all."
They all turned to look at the couple, and sure enough, Aoshi's hand was resting gently over Mako's who didn't mind at all.
"Thank you for dinner Aoshi, it was wonderful." Mako smiled as she stood up, stretching her long slender body, unknowingly making Aoshi want to drool.
"Thank you for meeting me, would you care to join me for a tour of the Louvre?" he asked as the headed out into the Parisian night.
Mako shook her head, "I'd love to but I can't, I have friend in from out of town that I promised I'd show around."
"Oh." Aoshi tried to hide the look of disappointment but failed miserably.
Mako felt something tug at her heart at his crestfallen expression, "But I'd really like it if you walked me home." She smiled as his face brightened up.
He offered his arm to her and after a slight hesitation she took it, "Lead the way."
The walk was slow and lazy. Neither of them saying much, both strangely comfortable with the silence and one another.
"Well this is me." Mako sighed; almost disappointed the walk hadn't been longer. "Thanks for a wonderful evening Aoshi, I haven't had that much fun in a while."
"It was my pleasure Mako." He stepped closer, "Perhaps we can do it again sometime?"
"I don't know Aoshi, I don't know if I'm ready to jump into another relationship just yet."
"Oh." He backed away obviously hurt.
"I'm sorry, it's just that… well it's complicated," she paused, "Thanks for a wonderful evening." She quickly leaned in and left a soft and tender kiss on his cheek before disappearing just as quickly into the building.
The gesture was simple, just a chaste kiss on the cheek, but it was enough to light Aoshi's entire being. If a small peck on the cheek gave him shockwaves. He wondered what kind of damage a kiss on the lips would do.
Aoshi Shinimori sat at his desk thinking about the enchanting brunette he had met with the night before. The evening had been a little too short for his liking, but he was happy to have seen Makoto, even if the time was brief. He smiled as he thought back to how cute she looked when she blushed, thanking him for the flowers, and the way her eyes lit up when he praised her delectable cooking. "Keita," he called his assistant in, "Call the Culinary Institute where Ms. Kino attends and set up an appointment for me. Do not tell her my name, simply tell her an interested client would like her to cater a few dinner events." Keita smiled, knowing his boss had a crush on the emerald eyed beauty. "You can wipe that silly grin off your face Keita."
This only made Keita's smile grow, "Aoshi's got a crush!" the brunet teased, as Aoshi glared playfully.
"Yea, so?" He stuck out his tongue.
Keita chuckled, "I don't blame you, she's hot and really sweet." Aoshi nodded in agreement, "So when did you want me to schedule this meeting?"
"As soon as possible, cancel and reschedule meetings if you have too."
Makoto, had a hard time concentrating in class, the outers had teased her about Aoshi, while Setsuna had told her to go easy on the guy, that Aoshi wasn't Mamo. They had left that morning, and although Mako had a blast with them there, she was glad to have a little peace and quiet. But with all the quiet, she had a chance to think about a certain blue-eyed man that was beginning to plague her thoughts.
After class, Mdm Angelou had called her to her office, thinking she was in trouble; Mako was more than a little shocked when Mdm. Angelou told her she had an appointment with a potential client to attend after class. She had hurried and changed into something a little more presentable than her chefs' uniform and headed down to the conference room. She took a deep breath before opening the door, revealing the man that she had been trying to get off of her mind, Aoshi Shinimori.
Aoshi looked up as the door opened; there she was Makoto Kino. He was amazed at how she managed to look just as beautiful in low-rise-hip huggers and an off-white, wide necked cashmere sweater as she had in the powder blue dress the night before. The sight of her silky smooth skin that was exposed from her shirt, made Aoshi want nothing more than to climb over the table that separated them to and nip at her neck. Shaking himself from his little fantasy, he stood up, "Ms. Kino, we meet again." He smiled charmingly as he motioned for her to sit.
Mako bowed nervously, "Mr. Shinimori"
"I thought I asked you yesterday to call me Aoshi, there are no need for formalities Ms. Kino."
She smiled hesitantly, "The same goes to you Mr.- Aoshi," she corrected herself, "Call me Makoto, or Mako." When he still hadn't said anything she began, "To what do I owe this meeting?"
Aoshi snapped out of yet another little daydream, "Oh yes, I, um, have a series of dinner meetings coming up over the next two months, at least a dinner a week, at the most three." He smiled at her, "I'd like you to cater them. They won't be very big affairs, five people at the most." When he sensed she was going to turn him down, he pressed on, "I'm willing to pay you a thousand dollars a night."
Makoto blinked, "A grand a night? You're willing to pay me up to three grand a week to cook for you and some guest?"
Aoshi frowned, "Is it not enough? I was told it was other chefs charge."
"Yea but I'm not a chef, that's way too much money to be paying a culinary student."
Aoshi reached out and held her hand, "Please Mako, I've never tasted anything as exquisite as your cooking. The business associates that I am going to be dealing with are used to the best."
"Then get them the best." She replied, the feel of his touch sending shockwaves through her body.
"That's what I'm trying to do." He smiled as she blushed, "Please Mako, I promise I won't use it as an excuse to win you over."
She couldn't help but giggle at his last statement. She sighed as she looked at how pathetically charming his expression was. He's quite cute when he pouts. "Alright I'll do it."
Aoshi smiled, "Thanks Mako," he stood up and shook her hand.
She smiled in return, "No problem, when's the first dinner?"
He grinned sheepishly, "Tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" she raised an eyebrow irritated to which he smiled his devastatingly handsome smile at her and shrugged, "Alright, come on." She led him out of the conference room.
"Where are we going?" he questioned as she led him towards the outside, "Not that I'm minding spending more time with you…" he added, causing the faintest pink blush to rise on her cheeks.
"If I am to cook a meal tomorrow, I'll need to know what to cook and I need to go shopping, and since you're here, I nominated you to help me."
Aoshi could only smile at her take charge nature and follow her out the door, like a puppy to its master.
Alrighty then, another chapter for you people! I'm home kicking it with my friends at the beach and enjoying soaking up the sun. Don't know when the next chapter will be out, so savor this one while it's here! (I 'borrowed' the puppy to its master line from Amy-Star)
Thank you's:
Miyumi-Chan: ExBoyfriends can be turds sometimes... most of the time... oh hell all of the time... Thanks for the review, I'm glad you like the story!
Lady-Dragonguardian: I was beginning to wonder if you had stopped writing all together, you were AWOL for a while there... glad to see that you're back!
Clemen: I know aren't they just both disgustingly gorgeous? I don't think I could choose between them either, I'd just have to take them both! Glad you like it so far. Take care!
Cris: Thanks as always, I can't believe how well this story is turning out, so far I am most proud of this one.
Elara2: lol, Lumiere was the best! I haven't really had the chance to watch RK, but I know that I am making Aoshi way OOC, but I can't have him be a samurai badass in the 21 century... or can I? he he he
Thunder-Heart: Here's the next chapter, sorry it took so long... when are you going to update Breakin?
Jupiterhime: Of course I believe in happy endings... but the more crap that Mako goes through now, will make the resolution all the more sweet. Hope you update Love vs. Destiny
Lyssling: Thanks for the review and the compliments. You're so sweet! Although I am curious as to what 'other' couples you were refering too...
Moongoddess86: Thanks abunch for the support! Sorry this chapter took so long!
Reading Recommendation for today: The Boy From Apartment 512...I'm going to rec. myself cause I'm stuck on this story and I need help! So if you would be so kind as to read it and give me any ideas you have on it! Thanks.
One Love,
Athena Kyle
ps... I turn 21 in a week! Seven more days and I'm legal! Does a happy dance