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Far From The Tree
Chapter 4
HIKARU
Wednesday was a blur of phone calls, emails and meetings as I caught up with everything I'd put on hold the last week. Now that I had a lawyer I could finally get back to arrangements and making decisions within the company. We had computer programs to sell, software to develop; I don't think I got home until near 11 that night.
My driver collected me at 8am Thursday morning, and the moment I stepped into the office, Hinako was there with my usual coffee and a notepad of missed messages as she pitter-pattered behind me in her stiletto heels to my office.
I'd informed her the day before about Miss Fujioka coming in for our first official meeting, but whilst she was with me I made sure to pass on the file Mr Suoh had given me. Really I should have handed Miss Fujioka's phone number over to Hinako that night, but the temptation and urgency to contact her myself seemed far too strong to resist. Even though I was almost positive that had Hinako messaged her instead, Miss Fujioka would have agreed on our meeting date a lot sooner. I couldn't help but feel she'd been deliberately trying to press my buttons that night I'd texted her. Perhaps it was her version of revenge for how I spoke to her when her child had interrupted the meeting.
I only needed to meet face to face with her once or twice a week, but I hoped she didn't make a habit of bringing her child to the office. I wasn't running a damn playgroup.
I was informed when Miss Fujioka arrived at 9.30. Half an hour early for our 10 o'clock meeting, just as I had hoped. Because honestly I couldn't stand it when people showed up late or dead on time. It didn't exactly give a good impression.
My desk phone rang telling me she was outside.
"Send her in" I replied, then hung up before I could hear Hinako's answer, and fixed my gaze on the frosted glass of my office door. Then the slender silhouette of a woman in a blue dress with shoulder length brown hair filled the panel, before the door slowly opened.
I diverted my eyes as she stepped inside, not trusting myself not to stare at her.
"Good morning Mr Hitachiin" her voice echoed in the open space.
I cleared my throat, "Good morning Miss Fujioka"
I risked a glance at her, and immediately wished I hadn't as she sat down in the chair opposite my desk, bending one knee over the other. She wore a knee length fitted dress with capped sleeves in a rich royal blue colour – that was such a contrast against her creamy skin, she practically glowed. Her hair was loose and fell in delicate waves around her natural face, and just as in the meeting, she wore a professional smile that almost made me forget about her outburst just 2 days previous.
I hid my smirk at the memory. To see such a delicate little thing get so angry was almost amusing.
"I see you didn't bring your daughter with you today?" I quirked a brow. I knew it was a risky remark to make, but honestly I couldn't resist. I was far too curious to see how she would react.
Miss Fujioka pursued her lips, her smile becoming more of a grimace, "If you're asking if she's feeling better, then yes she is. Thank you for your concern"
"As long as there are no distractions today" I murmured.
Aside from how you look in that damn tight dress...
"Mr Hitachiin. My goal is to provide you with whatever legal advise you need and to help you with this business contract. Distractions aren't part of my plan for today" she replied coolly. If my comment annoyed her, she didn't let it show.
She remained perfectly professional.
Just like I should be.
I cleared my throat and rose from my seat.
"Would you like a drink? Coffee? Water?" I asked.
"Water, please"
I nodded, and headed over to the mini fridge, pulling out a bottle for her.
"So" I breathed and leaned against my desk, "How much do you know about The Ootori Group?"
She uncapped her water and took a long drink before answering.
"They're a family run company, they own hospitals, clinics, a few fancy medical retreats. They also produce their own high tech medical equipment. And last I heard they employed about...100 or so private police. I'm pretty sure they're up in the top 5 wealthiest families in Japan right now"
"Top 10" I tsked. I knew this because the Hitachiin's were number 6.
Miss Fujioka smirked to herself.
"It seems you've done your homework" I remarked.
"It's in mine and all my client's best interests for me to stay informed" she explained, "It's my job"
"I see" I stepped around my desk, retaking my seat in front of her. I felt her watching me as I moved, "Well that saves me time explaining" I breathed.
I began scrolling through my files on my computer, looking for the contract draft Yabu #5 wrote up before he jumped ship.
"We've been developing a program The Ootori Group are interested in buying from us" I printed the contract and slid it across the desk to her, "My previous lawyer drafted this. I wondered if you had any notes?"
I watched as she looked through it, noticing how her nose would scrunch up a little and how her lips pursed as she read. It was oddly fascinating.
After a few silent minutes she laid the contract back onto the desk and met my eyes with a thoughtful look on her face.
"Well?" I questioned.
HARUHI
Mr Hitachiin listened silently as I went through the contract his previous lawyer had drafted for him. I'd expected him to maybe poke holes in my findings, or roll his eyes, but was pleasantly surprised to see that he was taking in every comment I made and improvements I planned to make.
From the moment I'd stepped into the office he'd seemed to be avoiding my eyes, looking away whenever I made the effort to meet his gaze. At first I thought he was just being rude, but as time went on I realised it was something else. Although what that something else was remained a mystery to me. Now, as I sat in front of him taking him through my findings, he seemed to be meeting my eyes with no problem, deep thoughts evident behind his gaze.
When I was finished, I slid the contract back across the desk to him.
He raised a brow at it, before scrunching it up into a ball and throwing it into the waste-paper basket across the room.
"As good as garbage then" he remarked.
"It was still well constructed. I just know you can get a lot more out of this deal than you realise. If The Ootori Group were able to develop a program like yours then they would do so. You're the one holding all the cards"
"And the other part? Agreement of use or whatever you called it?"
"The Ootori's develop their own medical tech, we need to make sure whatever they buy from you isn't used for the mere purpose of opening it up and using it to further their own products. This software they're purchasing needs to be used for its primary purpose. Nothing else"
"And you can make sure they don't?"
"Of course" I grinned, "That's my job"
A smirk tugged at the corner of Mr Hitachiin's mouth and I felt a blush threatening to heat my cheeks. A reaction I'd been experiencing more and more since I'd stepped into his office. This man was just far too attractive to ignore. It was like a massive, beautiful elephant in the room. Surely this man knew his affect on people?
"Happy to hear you know what you're doing" he commented.
"You seem almost surprised" I scoffed.
"During our first meeting you basically told me to go fuck myself"
I bit back a nervous laugh.
"Oh so that amuses you Miss Fujioka?" he smirked again. His favourite expression it seemed.
"Of course not Mr Hitachiin"
He raised a brow as if silently telling me he didn't believe me.
"So can I trust you with this contract? Are you able to start now?" he said, adjusting his tie.
"I can, once I get back to my office I'll start right away"
"No" he answered quickly, "I need you here in case I have questions. I have an office set up for you"
An office for me? Yikes. This was the first time a client had made arrangements for my own working space within their company building. I still worked for Ouran Legal, I technically never needed to attend my client's offices, only for meetings. Other than that I would spend my week back at my office, corresponding via email and calls whilst I worked. I guess Mr Hitachiin wanted to keep an eye on me. Maybe he didn't think I could do what he was asking.
Well, I'd soon show him.
"Lead the way" I smiled.
I spent the remainder of the day in a small office next door to Mr Hitachiin's. For the most part I spent the day alone, with Mr Hitachiin's PA Hinako stopping in every hour or so to check if I needed a drink or anything. During my time alone, I spent going through purchasing agreements and drafting up the "iron clad" contract Mr Hitachiin wanted. There wasn't a single detail I overlooked. I know, because I made sure of it.
Around 3 I felt my eyes straining, and took a second to close my laptop and sit back in my seat. I glanced out the frosted glass panel on the office door, wondering if one of those shadows walking across the hall was Mr Hitachiin. He wanted to keep me around in case he had questions he'd said. And yet, I hadn't seen him since that morning.
I would have rarthered being back at Ouran Legal. At least there I'd have Renge to keep me company.
I wandered out of the office, with the intention of knocking on his door to ask if he had any further questions before I headed back to Ouran Legal across the city. But I quickly found that I didn't need to, as I saw the familiar turned back of Mr Hitachiin standing beside the water cooler across the corridor.
"Mr Hitachiin?" I spoke loudly.
He turned, brows raised, looking almost surprised by my appearance.
The questions I'd planned to say quickly died on my lips, as my mouth snapped shut when my eyes settled on his handsome face.
Because it was him...but at the same time it wasn't. This man looked just like him, same burnt red hair, same angled jaw, same dark brow, but there was something a little off.
"You look...different" I furrowed my brow.
The familiar stranger smiled brightly, "Do I know you?"
Confusion washed over me as I continued studying his face.
I pursed my lips, "You're...not Hikaru Hitachiin, are you?"
"Nope" he grinned, "Well done Miss, not many people work that out so fast"
I blinked, not sure exactly what made him look so different from his twin. I gestured to my mouth, "You're a little...smiley-er than he is"
He laughed, "That's a new one" his hand extended towards mine, "Kaoru Hitachiin"
"Haruhi Fujioka" I replied, shaking his hand firmly, "I'm Mr Hitachiin's new attorney"
Kaoru's face seemed to light up with recognition, "Ah yes. My Mother told me about you! I heard you gave my brother a good scolding. Bravo"
I felt my cheeks redden, "Not my proudest moment I assure you"
He laughed, "I would have paid good money to have seen that"
"To see what?" another voice spoke up. I turned around quickly, only to see Mr Hitachiin sauntering out of his office, his arms folding over his chest as he stopped at my side.
Now I was standing face to face with the man again I wondered how I'd even mistaken his brother for him. It wasn't necessarily how they looked, but more how his presence seemed to make me feel. The twins were almost indecipherably identical, but for some reason I didn't get those same butterflies when I looked at Kaoru as I did with his brother.
How strange...
"I was just getting acquainted with your new attorney" Kaoru beamed.
"Distracting her you mean?" Mr Hitachiin quirked a brow.
"Actually I was already on my way to find you" I spoke up, "I wondered if you had any questions before I head back to my office? I have resources back at Ouran Legal that I feel will help me"
"You're leaving? Your contract dictates that your working day ends at 5"
"I'm aware of that. But I intend on working my last few hours in my own office"
"And I told you I wanted you here in case I needed to discuss the contract with you"
"You can do that via email"
"I prefer face to face"
"I've been here for 5 hours Mr Hitachiin" I tried to disguise the frustration in my tone, failing miserably, "And I haven't seen you since our initial briefing"
A low whistle interrupted us. We turned to look at Kaoru, who stood staring at us with an amused smirk.
"What's your problem?" Mr Hitachiin scowled.
"Nothing, nothing at all" Kaoru bit back a chuckle, "I can see you're busy. I'll wait for you in your office" He stepped around us, headed for his brother's door, but as he passed me, his mouth lowered to my ear for a brief second. "Don't let him walk all over you" he whispered, then disappeared down the hall.
"Meddling bastard" Mr Hitachiin hissed under his breath, "Fine. You can go back to your office. But I need regular updates on your progress"
"Okay" I shrugged, "Thank you Mr Hitachiin"
He didn't reply, just scoffed a little, as if he wasn't happy with how our conversation had concluded. I could tell that Mr Hitachiin was a man who was very used to getting what he wanted, perhaps he wasn't used to being challenged by someone. In a strange way that sort of made me feel bad for him. He obviously didn't have a lot of social skills.
I shook his hand briefly and wished him a good evening, before heading out of the building and to my car. Ignoring how my hand still tingled with the strangest lingering warmth from his touch.
HIKARU
"I like her" Kaoru grinned as he leaned back on my office couch, "Mom struck gold finding her. Ouran Legal right? I'm starting to see why they're bypassing the other agencies..."
I hummed in agreement.
I probably could have gone on all night about exactly how good I thought Miss Fujioka was, but I knew Kaoru would only find it amusing. The woman had worked all day without complaint, and knew exactly what she was doing. All my previous Yabu's were known to knock on my door almost hourly to ask me to check their work. But not Miss Fujioka. It was nice having an attorney who used their initiative. It meant I could get on with what I needed to do. I actually had several moments where I'd simply watch her door in the hall, debating whether or not I should go inside and talk to her about it. But honestly what would be the use in that? If she needed me she knew where to find me.
"She's a stubborn woman. That's for sure" I murmured, passing a pen between my fingers.
"You need a stubborn woman in your life. Might teach you a thing or two"
"I'll ignore you said that"
"It's true though. At least when it comes to an attorney. Sakyo lasted what? 4 months? Haruhi seems like the kind of woman who won't put up with your attitude. You need someone like that. To give as good as she gets"
"Who the hell is Sakyo?"
Kaoru groaned, "Your last attorney"
"Ah...right"
"That's another thing" Kao pointed an accusing finger at me, "You use Miss Fujioka's name"
"Of course I do. That's the name on her file"
My brother chuckled to himself, "Well. I'm happy for you. You've finally found a lawyer with a bite"
As long as that bite isn't used on me I supposed.
Although, I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy her strong demeanour. Even looking back on the meeting when we'd first met, I couldn't help but find amusement in the situation where at the time I had been struck with anger and shock. Now the thought of that moment almost...excited me. No one ever dared speak to me in such a way. And yet every conversation since I almost wanted to poke the same reaction from her. I enjoyed how she challenged me. It was like our own flirtation. It was addicting almost.
I was no stranger to flirting with beautiful women. But this was nothing like the smooth charm I was used to in the dim light of a downtown bar.
Perhaps that's why I found it so exciting.
"She's pretty too" Kaoru smirked, propping his head up on the arm of the couch.
Pretty? That woman was more than just pretty.
I shrugged, "I hadn't noticed" I lied.
Kaoru gave me a knowing look. I simply rolled my eyes.
It was late when I finally got home that night. The sun had long set, the streets empty, my phone silent. I had a bittersweet love for this time of night.
I considered heading out to my usual bar, perhaps finding a woman to busy my night with. But quickly decided against it. The last thing I wanted was to deceive a woman with my interest, when I already knew I had none, my mind occupied elsewhere. I could be a dick sometimes. But not that much of a dick.
As I changed into some comfortable sweats and laid on my bed, I pulled out my phone for any emails or messages I'd missed on my drive home. There were none. Of course. It was near midnight.
My finger hovered over my last text messages, pausing as I saw Miss Fujioka's name. My last message received being the other night.
I wondered how far she'd gotten with the contract once she arrived back at her office. Was she the kind of worker who stayed late at the office? Or did she watch the clock until dead on 5? I supposed she had a young child, she probably rushed home the second she was allowed to.
I ignored the urge to question why I was so interested in this woman's habits. Perhaps it was the mystery shrouding her. I barely knew the woman, I'd met her twice for barely a few hours. She wore the face of an unobtainable beauty, beauty that seemed to make all the other women I'd encountered look like they were trying too hard, as well as superior intelligence and self confidence that I'd rarely seen in a person.
Perhaps I should have gone to a bar. I could have found a pretty brunette to feed my fantasy.
I scolded myself, and fell asleep without even turning off the light.
