Chapter One
How would one describe Tadashi Demande; Vice-Chairman to one of the largest corporate companies Japan has offered the world? To say he was an exaggeration was itself an overstatement, for Tadashi-san, the 'man' of this new age, is nothing but elegant, meticulous, glamorous.
All new men should follow his lead in his world. The women too. And the children, if anyone dared to think it prudent to bestow theirs into his light.
The Bachelor of Unrequitedness. All may love him (or hate him), just so they're aware the feeling is not mutual at the other spectrum.
…wait…
That doesn't make sense… does it…?
Anyway—
Tadashi Demande: Perfect, clean... what's another word for elegant? "Where is my coffee?" Impatient, rude. No, no Usagi, think positive. Perfect… wait she's used that word already… flawless manicured nails picking up his crustless, gluten free sandwich with European style fillings. Coffee, thankfully correct in all three ratios of ingredients, not a pinch in his permanent state of resting bit-.
"Where are the preliminary reports for this morning?"
"To your right, Sir." He gestures 'place it in my hand'. The cad… won't even look away from his laptop to see that it's right there! Three steps and Usagi can tell he sprayed more cologne; another two and he's tapping his fingers impatiently; the last step, Usagi leans in slightly to retrieve the bound manila folder and slot it into his awaiting hand…
"Tsukino. Saffir is aware?"
"Of course, Sir. The files have been sent to him yesterday."
He opens folder on the first page, his eyes skimming over the contents. "Very good." Looking back at the screen. "You're dismissed."
"Thank you, Sir."
Usagi takes three steps. "Also-," Oh what now? "-take this trash away." A plate slides along his glass desk.
Ugh… what was wrong with it? "Of course." Usagi goes around his desk to retrieve the plate, she notes the sandwich has only been bitten once, and bows. "Anything else, Sir?"
He hums, contemplating, "No, that is all." and brushes her away with a hand.
Dick…
Usagi heads straight to her desk, dropping the plate with a clang. Insufferable arse. She'd love to rub her face in frustration, but her desk faces almost directly opposite Tadashi-san's office, visible through the glass doors… She is grateful for the convenient short back panel of her desk, at least it provides her some privacy to be discrete with rejected sandwich.
What was wrong with it? Is the bread not gluten-free? Was it not 'fresh'? The bread is thinly sliced, the fillings: thinly cut ham, tomato and cheese look adequate… What was wrong with it? She sneaks a sniff.
"Is the help so underpaid that she eats the big boss's leftovers?"
She pulls down each layer: pink ham, red tomato, yellow cheese- "Chutney…" Usagi says in revelation, lifting her head to see Rubeus leaning against the panel.
"What?" Rubeus looks at her oddly.
"There's chutney." She stands suddenly, her chair colliding the wall behind her. "I'm sorry, the Vice-Chairman is not free to see you. Now if you'll excuse me." She brushes past him, plate in hand.
"He looks free to me." Rubeus calls out.
"Be my guest!"
How could they blunder his meal like this? They have serviced them for years.
The kitchenette is thankfully empty as she heads straight for the fridge.
Mistakes normally never happened, no—should not happen! Especially not to a man such as Tadashi Demande!
She removes the lid: a plate with cold meats, white cheeses and a packet of sleek looking crackers – the expensive European stuff, as well as the streak of condiment sitting in the centre of the plate. "Dammit…" Usagi sighs. There's no way she can salvage this, prim-poodle won't even acknowledge it. She pulls out a stack knives and forks, and chopsticks (for the traditional-folk). "Free food in the kitchen!" she calls, sticking her head around towards the office staff. They lift their heads, looking over with speculative gazes. "It's the Lord's food. It won't be up for his palette." Their eyebrows rise, intrigued. She tries again. "Guess it will all have to go into the bin."
They stampede through the kitchen, cutlery clink as the team of eight dig in a taste like vultures. Usagi cuts of the corner bitten by Demande. Rubeus was not far from the truth, nor was he close. Cheese and ham are way out of her budget and there was no way she needs her conscious to work her down on rejected food.
The sandwich is delicious. Fluffy, maybe gluten-free, bread, the ham crumbles with bite, the cheese melts on her tongue and that fine soft tang of a ripe tomato. Divine…
Rubeus is still by her desk when she returns, leaning on the corner of her desk as he stares through the glass windows… He's not going to look over, Rubeus….
She props the phone piece around ear, dialling as she brings up files on her computer.
"Yes, hello, this is Tsukino Usagi of Diamond Nemesis - Yes, I'm well, thank you. I'm calling in regards of the order for Vice-Chairman Tadashi Demande. -"
Rubeus turns his attention to her.
"-Yes, I'm afraid there has been an error in Tadashi-san's order. - Relish and no other condiment of any kind are to be included into the Vice-Chairman's meals. - Yes, both -"
Rubeus leans in with an incredulous look.
"Thank you very much, and all this is without charge? - Lovely, thank you very much. And give my compliments to the cook."
"Really?"
"Really."
Rubeus scoffs, crossing his arms. "Baby hasn't had his breakfast then."
Usagi looks over, he's watching them, with pursed eyes and teacup in hand. It means nothing, but Rubeus follows her gaze, who promptly slides off her desk and fixes his tie. He clears his throat for good measure.
"So... when-" he begins.
Usagi cuts in, "I'd advise not. He's quite unhappy with you." she begins to type earnestly. "Would you like me to recite what he said?"
Rubeus blanches slightly. Oh, good, this means she doesn't need to. "It wasn't my fault." He admonishes.
Usagi hums, tilting down to retrieve a stack of freshly printed paperwork.
"Well, is there a time can I see him today?" he asks.
She hums again, long and uncommitted, tapping the files neatly into a folio. "Nope."
"Don't be difficult—"
"Kotoro-san, I apologise but the Vice-Chairman schedule is booked out for you… until..." She flicks her gaze at Tadashi, he's standing up. It's eight-twenty-five. "I'm happy to book you an appointment—", she peers onto her screen, two mouse clicks and three with the keyboard, "—on the twenty-sixth."
Rubeus pauses. "That's three weeks!"
She flashes him a toothy grin, leaning her chin against her palms. "That's correct."
"Rubeus." Usagi grins as his body seizes. "Why are you not at your desk?"
"I-I wanted to speak with you, Deman—"
"You should be analysing the Nikedo case."
"I am, De— Sir!"
"The final draft needs to be ready in three weeks. Tsukino, book Kotoro-san."
Rubeus's heads jerks towards Usagi, his left eye twitching. She gives him a cocksure grin and wink as she stands with the folio in her grasp. "Already done, Sir."
"Very good." Demande nods before turning to Rubeus, "Well, get to it."
Rubeus flinches. "Of course, Sir!" he bows deep, fixing his already fixed tie as begins staggering back towards the elevators.
"Tsukino, flirting is not permitted during work hours."
Oh geez... "Sir, Kotoro-san was only here to confirm his appointment."
He hums, lifting his wrist to glance at his watch, a foot taps languidly. "Does he not have his own secretary?"
Usagi collects a few black folios and slings her bag over her shoulder. "Of course, Sir. He was just passing by." Demande narrows his eyes but says nothing, turning to follow her as she leads him towards the elevators.
She leads with Tadashi Demande following behind, a couple of long strides away. Usagi struts her heels hard against the wooden floors, something Demande has yet to catch on—it's a signal, 'he's coming'. The pretence of hard at work salarymen (and woman) are exaggerated with flapping papers and over eager key mashing, their backs are straight as a pole when they round the corner.
She should stop smiling, really, it gives the wrong idea. Poor Koan thinks she's having the time of her life working directly under Tadashi Demande. Oh, heaven forbid Tadashi-san gets the wrong idea as well. Usagi quickly bows her head as the elevator opens, if he sees her reflection she'll be grilled all the way down.
They attend one of the larger boardrooms to accommodate the full Board, and then some, for their quarter, with Vice-Chairman Tadashi Demande centre stage. The Board sit in matching dark leather chairs against a long French polished table where Usagi lays out folios in front of Demande.
Tadashi Saffir, the CFO, banks Demande's right, who catches her gaze. 'What's the mood?' Usagi makes a quick glance at the Demande before lifting her right hand and gestures "so-so". The CFO sits back releasing a rush of air as he looks over the rest of the Board. The room feels pensive, everything on thin ice.
Usagi seats with her kind. She's at the front, Petz her second, who gives her a warm smile.
"Exciting morning?" Petz asks with delight.
"The day is young." Usagi huffs quietly starting up her laptop.
"Mmm, omninous."
"And how is your Tadashi?"
"Mmm, marvelous." Petz chuckles softly, catching her lower lip between her teeth.
Ooo... that good?
What an odd pair the Tadashi brothers were. Hers sits ridged, cool, unfazed, browsing and rearranging through paperwork. The other turns to look at Petz with puppy eyes.
Oh geez...
What would Demande be like if ever found anyone he remotely liked? Not doting, he's nothing like his younger brother. She'd have to be on the same wavelength as him, in every manner. What a cold relationship it would be...
The meeting begins the moment the Vice-Chairman speaks, and as usual they run smoothly. There are, however, hiccups in the statistics that does not please Vice-Chairman. Together with Deputy CEO and CFO they discuss strategies, outweighing the risks with benefits. But the numbers irritate him, his fist clench, his knuckles crack.
The room shifts immediately.
Tadashi Demande takes a short-winded breath, turning his attention to the sheets in front of him. He slowly slides one aside, then another, picking up the third loose sheet. "Why is there conflicting data, Saffir?"
Saffir tenses by the projector, licking his lips. "I have noted the conflicting numbers. I recalculated and modified the strategy outcome."
"Who is in charge statistical finance?"
"Nakamura Koichi."
Petz and Usagi share a look before Petz tries to interject, "Excuse me Sir, Sato-san-." The Vice-Chairman silences her with a hand. Brows furrowed as he glares at the boardroom. Men shift in their seats, Saffir loosens his tie.
Usagi rises, walking over slowly as she leans down, level with his ear, "Sir, Nakamura-san has absent for over a month, emergency leave; his replacement is an outside source, Sato Botan-san." She watches as he turns the paper, she follows down the lines, and there in-lieu of Nakamura's was Sato Botan's stamped signature.
The Vice-Chairman sighs, as Usagi reverses back into her chair. "Such a small thing, such potential impact." He says almost wistfully, before placing the paper to his right. He plans to keep it?
Petz shifts in her chair. Saffir and her exchange gazes as he walks back to his seat.
"Increase sales by two percent-." and the meeting resumes, and in half the hour he dismisses them: Meeting adjourned. The board rises as he rises, they bow, and Tadashi Demande and her exit.
"Oh!" Demande looks back. "I apologise, Sir, I forgot my bag." He exasperates, lifting his arm to look at his watch. Really now, he's going to time her?
Usagi barges into the board room and the murmurs immediately halt with rising bodies and frightened faces towards the door. "It's only me." She sidles in, taking in these rich and powerful men startled easily by the sight of her. She breaks into a smile. A few settle back once they realise she's come in alone, but their eyes follow her as she retrieves her bag and leaves- a few even bow.
Demande had not moved where she left him. Hands in his pocket trousers, gaze fixed down at the lobby, and as soon as he spots her he moves forward.
Their next meeting isn't till after ten, that gives them over an hour to kill, so she has nothing for him. Typically they'd return to their desks, which would be ideal, Usagi needs to file and make calls. However, he's taken the lead. A rare occurrence. She's not sure where they're going nor had he mentioned anything to her.
Her phone rings then. "Tadashi Demande assistant speaking. - I see. - A reschedule then. - Very well. I will call you back in regards for a new time and date. Thank you."
"Who was that?"
"Elysium. They're has been a delay, engine difficulties."
Demande doesn't falter in his steps. "See that, Tsukino, incompetence. What fool plans no back up?"
Usagi raises a brow behind him, he's the one to talk… "There's only one plane at their current location, Sir. Well, technically a helicopter. I will ensure, Sir-."
"Regardless, someone who does not plan ahead is ill suited for a position of Elysium. Mongrels belong in kennels."
Alrighty then…
Demande struts off, proud as a rooster with a yard full of hens –more like a fox. Workers hasten their steps they pass them, and Usagi spots one shoving a sandwich into a briefcase.
They make their way towards the department of Accounting and Finance, but why are they here?
Usagi spots straight away Kotoro Rubeus, chatting up some cubicle worker. The young woman spots them and immediately stands and bows "Welcome, Sir!". As for Rubeus, he scrambles to the printing machine, scooping every single and rushes to his office.
Demande does not draw anywhere near Rubeus's office, taking a left down the end of the hall instead. A young secretary standing by the printer looks over and stiffens at the sight of them, turning sharply around her desk and into the adjacent office. Usagi can hear her with urgency before Demande barges. "Sato-san, there is someone here to see you."
Oooh, she didn't just say that…
"Not now." Sato Botan, a greying gentleman, sits by desk absorbed in a stack of paperwork.
"Sato-san." He blanches in his seat and promptly stands. "Vice-Chairman!" Bows. "To what do I owe this honour, Sir!"
The young secretary attempts to hide behind Usagi, but stops when she notes her glare, Usagi's eyes pointing where she should stand.
The Vice-Chairman's voice rumbles. "Sato-san. Do you know why I am here?"
She certainly would like to…
"No, Tadashi-san."
Demande glances around the room, "How long have you been with us."
"Roughly four weeks, Vice-Chairman. I have previously consulted for Diamond Nemesis, and it is an honour to finally work for you on this short contract until Nakamura recoveries." He bows deep.
"Is that so."
"Yes. Nakamura-san and I have worked together for many years. I understand I came highly recommended by Nakamura-san himself."
What was Demande looking for?
"Sato-san, then I am sure you are aware of the procedures we follow."
The older gentleman looks confused. "Of course. I have previously mentioned that I have consulted for your firm, even during Chairman Yurei-sama's reign. Allow me to express my deepest sympathies." He bows deep again.
"Very well, carry on."
Wait, was that it?
Aside from Usagi, the two bow as Demande leaves. She and young secretary leave next.
This is not something that the Vice-Chairman has ever done. What prompted this odd venture? Since when has he ever concerned himself over the lesser plebs of this company?
"Oh, before I leave," Usagi turns to the young secretary, she eyes her up and down, "you look new—" she nods, "so let me lay a suggestion: I highly recommend that you learn who your superiors are. First note: never refer Vice-Chairman by his names, only his title."
"Yes ma'am." Her voice shakes.
"My name is Tsukino Usagi, I am the Vice-Chairman's PA. Definitely remember mine." There's a certain gratification the way her eyes bug out, the thrill that rushes up her spine. She smiles. "It is also customary to introduce oneself as well."
"Hana Midori, pleased to meet you!"
Usagi hums as she leaves. "Likewise."
The Vice-Chairman kindly waits for by the department entrance. The staff work at an uptight pace, even Rubeus seems to overly concentrating at a pair of files.
They walk towards the elevators. "What was the purpose of inquiring Sato-san, Sir?"
Demande cocks an eyebrow. "Do you believe I have no interest in the staff that work for me."
Hell no… "Not personally, Sir, no."
He hums, the corner of his lips lift. "There a comes times where one must be accountable for his own mistakes."
What is he on about? "I'm not sure I understand."
"Of course you don't."
Usagi bites her tongue. Her shoulders quake and her upper lip begins to curl. Calm down, Usagi, calm down, it's not worth it.
He doesn't notice anything as they make their way back. He walks in like a prized horse, struts in with a tail high.
Calm, calm, Usagi.
This is after all Tadashi Demande.
Perfect Tadashi-san who rejects the remade afternoon tea she made certain was correct this time.
"A man like me can go without food."
FINE!
Starve then!
She shucks the untouched meal into the bin.
"I'm in the mood for soup this afternoon. Tsukino, organise something."
He eats only a quarter. "Too heavy."
It was miso-fucking-soup!
"Tsukino, change the two-thirty meeting."
This would be the third time she's rescheduled for this particular meeting.
"A small consequence." He says.
Then don't blame her if the deal doesn't go through!
The phone rings. "Vice-Chairman, Tadashi Demande assistant speaking."
"Good afternoon, Takawa Yukio speaking for Butajiru Dashi of Daisu, I apologise for the inconvenience to request a reschedule for the four o'clock."
"Tadashi-san was anticipating this meeting with 'great' enthusiasm."
…shit
"Sir, the four o'clock meeting with Daisu has been rescheduled till tomorrow at ten."
He looks taken aback. "They cancelled?!"
"Yes Sir."
"How dare they." He cancelled not forty-five minutes before his with Kokoro...
She should have finished at five, like everyone else... but she's still…here… because 'his worshipfulness' is still seated at his desk. It's nine when finally able to leave, and she's absolutely exhausted…
"If only the others had work ethics such as us." Demande has the gall to say.
"Yes-", she agrees with a tight… very tight smile. "-if only…"
He leaves in his sleek silver chariot, while Usagi takes a taxi.
She's already removed her heels by the time she's dropped off at home, and trudges up two flights of stairs.
It's past ten when she opens to her studio apartment, and she already dreads tomorrow.
It's nearly eleven when she finally crashes into her bed. Usagi sets her alarm for four-thirty and turns off the bedside lamp.
Too tired for anything else, Usagi breaths "Fucking twit…" before sleep takes her instantly.
