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-I'm quitting! Misaki yelled vehemently while pacing around the room.
- No, you can't quit. Leo answered slightly amused.
- Yes Iam!
It was Saturday night, Misaki had been having a hard time dealing with the Walker news she had received a few days ago. She was desperately trying to find a way out of the insanity that had taken over her life. She was stressed, depressed, even work had become a source of desperation. After seeing her in disarray Leo invited her over to his place to talk.
- Come on now! It's not so bad!
- My ex's family is being signed as a client!
- So?
- What if Anthony's mom was a client?
- Well, I don't see how, since she's not exactly rich…
- You know what I mean. She answered with a stern voice.
- I'd love nothing more. This way I can tell her all the ways she raised her son wrong and what a stupid, inconsiderate moth-
- Leo! Come on! She interrupted.
- No. You come on! You're acting like this is the end of the world.
- It is.
- it's not that bad.
- You don't know these people. Even Takumi tried to escape from them, and they still got to him. They sucked the life out of him.
- You're not part of the clan, you have nothing to worry about. They hold nothing over you.
- My sister married into their family. They can hold her and my parents…
- You mean your bitch sister who screwed your ex, and literally tricked you into attending her wedding? Baby girl, I haven't spoken to my brother since he borrowed and ripped my jeans back in 9th grade. I mean sure, the homophobia didn't help his case, but your sister isn't worth it. Neither is your mom or your deadbeat dad.
- I get what you are saying... It's my family, I can't turn off the part of my brain that wants to protect them.
- Misaki, at the end of day, you have a job to do. So, go do it. Be good at it. Hopefully you'll get a promotion. What's the worst that could happen?
- He could show up. I could see them together. That'd be… devastating.
- I get it. You're scared it's a ploy to get you back into his life with a first-row seat to their happiness.
- I know I'm pathetic. She sighed, then proceeded to sit down on the ground burying her head between her hands.
- Nah I get it. I'd be scared to shit if Anthony showed up.
- I- I still love him. If he were to reappear, I don't know… I'd lose it. It would reignite all those feelings I've tried to burry. Unsuccessfully so.
- I mean you literally saw him get married to your own sister, it doesn't get worse than that.
- I saw them flirt right next to me, I saw them joke about spending the night together, I've seen them kiss. And every time I think about that, I want to hurl… and cry. It's coming right now… She said as tears started formed in the corner of her eyes.
- Ok stop it. He said firmly; Get up!
She stood up as he helped her up.
-Now repeat after me: I'm a boss ass, bitch ass, strong woman.
- Come on Leo.
- I'll slap the taste out of your mouth if you don't.
- I'm a boss ass bitch ass strong woman. She said unconvincingly.
- LOUDER!
- I'm a boss ass, bitch ass, strong woman, she said with more confidence.
- LOUDER!
- I'M A BOSS ASS, BITCH ASS, STRONG WOMAN!
- WHO ARE YOU?
- I'M A BOSS ASS, BITCH ASS, STRONG WOMAN!
- AND WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO ON MONDAY?
- I'M GONNA KICK SOME ASS!
- YES, YOU ARE!
- Now go grab me a bottle of wine so we can get wasted while I tell you about my heartbreaks.
- You got it chief.
The next day Misaki woke up with an awful headache. She hadn't been to her therapist since she had called her mom and she fell back into her old habits, her apartment was messy, she stopped meeting with people outside of work. She was feeling depressed and stressed, the loneliness only added to all of that. To add insult to injury she had to prepare for the Walker meeting that was happening tomorrow in the morning. As soon as she woke up she felt the need to throw up, she ran to the bathroom and started vomiting. As she stood up to wash her face she noticed patches of redness on her skin.
- Fuck...
Doctor's office:
- Well, it looks like an allergic reaction. I'm not sure how it happened. I checked webmd and I don't get it. I haven't changed anything to my routine: no new detergent or…
- I see…when did the redness appear? The doctor asked while examining the skin on her neck.
- This morning.
- Where is it located?
- Neck, arms. It's very itchy. I…
- What did you say your job was?
- Iam a lawyer.
- It's a very demanding job.
- I guess so.
- Have you experienced a lot of stress recently?
- You could say that.
- Okay, so. Try to not be stressed and it will go away.
- That's your… medical advice.
- Yes.
- I have a meeting tomorrow, I can't go like this. Don't you have any cream or lotion that can make it go away faster?
- I could prescribe a variety of drugs or lotions, if you don't fix the root cause of the problem, they won't work. You'll be wasting your money.
- "Well this 500$ consultation feels like a waste of money" she muttered under her breath.
- Just try to relax, it will go away.
Misaki's home:
Just Relax…. Breath in *Misaki takes a long breath*… Breath out *Misaki exhales*.
As soon as she got home Misaki got busy. She cleaned every inch of her apartment, classified her documents, and got ready for the Walker meeting. Once she was done, she threw away all the sweets and emptied all the bottles of alcohol she had. She then went for a two-hour run since it usually helped her relax. By the time she arrived home, it was dark, she felt tired, and… stressed. She couldn't shake off that feeling. The anguish of not knowing, of facing them, of coming face to face with them. She replayed all the memories from high school of Cedric stalking her, of Gerald being in Takumi's apartment. It felt like an elephant was sat on her chest. Breathing was hard. The second she stepped in her apartment she felt overwhelmed. She couldn't even reach for the light switch. She immediately started crying uncontrollably. She collapsed on the floor crying loudly, moaning in pain. She felt pathetic. Tomorrow was going to be tough. She knew it. She had to pick herself up, take a shower and be ready to face the music, but this felt impossible. She was paralyzed. Tears and sweat were streaming down her face. She stayed in the same position for what felt like hours until she could move again. Her tears had dried, but she still felt melancholic. She somehow managed to take a shower before going to bed.
The next morning was less harsh than the previous one. She woke up around 5AM, hours before her actual alarm went off. She went for a run around the block, then had chamomile tea. She had prepared all of her documents beforehand, so she was good to go. She tried keeping the negative emotions out. She arrived at the office an hour prior the meeting. She booked a conference room, prepared the booklets and the presentation. She was ready. "This is purely professional. No need to panic" she kept reminding herself.
The closer the appointment got; the more difficult breathing became. She was fidgeting. Daniel and Diane, another named partner, came into the room.
-You okay Misaki? Daniel asked with a reassuring smile on his face.
- Yes sir. A bit nervous.
- It is a big account. But we trust you completely. Diane said.
- You'll do great don't worry. Daniel said in a soothing voice. He put his hand on her shoulder as to say * it's okay*
- I'll do my best.
- You'll do great, he said with a gentle smile.
- Oh! He's coming. Diane interrupted.
Misaki turned her head. She saw a middle aged slightly overweight man dressed in a grey suit. The man made his way to the conference room as Diane and Daniel rushed to greet him. Misaki stayed still shock. Who was that man? Was he a spy for Gerald, the same way that odd butler was? Misaki was startled by the voice of said stranger when he came to greet her.
- Hi, I'm Arthur Mulligan, I am the one who handles the family's legal affairs. Nice to meet you.
She looked at him for a few second, then let a sigh of relief before shaking his hand. Thank god, she thought, one more day without dealing with the madness of that crazy family.
- Misaki Ayuzawa, Mulligan said. It's a pleasure, I've heard great things.
- Thank you, sir. Please take a seat.
- Shall we start the presentation? Diane asked.
- Before we do, I'd like to make one thing clear, as I've mentioned to you Mr. Pierce, my client wants to work exclusively with Miss Ayuzawa here.
- We understand that. Diane said. Misaki is very talented, however she is only a senior associate, and it is customary for the firm to let big accounts be handled by named partners.
- The family was insistent on having Mss. Ayuzawa as their representative. The information about the Walker estate is confidential, given that Mss. Ayuzawa is part of the family…
- Part of the family? Diane asked in shock.
- My sister married into it.
Diane stared in disbelief.
- Attorney client-privilege protects you from any breach, Daniel said. And of course, Misaki will be as involved as you need her to be.
-However, for due process, we insist that at least one of us remains on this case to supervise our associate. Diane interrupted.
- This is… acceptable. At the condition that Miss Ayuzawa is our main contact with the firm.
- So, shall we start now? Daniel exclaimed.
- Of course.
Misaki started the presentation, Diane regularly interrupted her to make remarks or correct her. She was belligerent but remained calm and poised. Misaki felt the tension building. Having a partner on your back is the last thing you need if you want a future at the company. Especially when it's a named partner. Diane was no ordinary partner. She called the shots around here. Although Daniel and her were equal partners, she was the one who made the executive decisions when it came to the day to day management of the firm. Diane was a classy middle-aged woman in her late fifties. She dressed like a first lady and she exuded power in every room she walked into. She had a lot of influence in social circles. She was very loved, respected and admired by her peers. She had connections with very powerful people: judges, politicians, CEOs etc. She had started her career in the early 80s by working as a prosecutor for nearly 15 years, that experience made her realize the unfairness of the criminal justice system. She championed reforms and advocated for women's rights through her work. She had put in place several programs to help the less fortunate get adequate legal representation. She had also implemented a mentorship program for young female lawyers which allowed Misaki to get hired then promoted quickly. Having her as an enemy was the last thing Misaki needed. She tried her hardest to stay poised and not be phased by the incessant interruptions.
Once the presentation was finished, Diane and Daniel started answering Mulligan's questions. However, since Misaki was the one who had prepared the presentation and had therefore made all of the research, she had to chime in and correct them which only added to Diane's growing exasperation.
- Let me bring the issue on the table. As you have so eloquently put it, the family has not made the smartest investments and we need to liquidate certain assets, you are absolutely right. We need to get our glory back. We have an image problem and a money problem. The new couple is our selling point. We need you to figure out a plan to save our assets: our name and our brand.
- Yes, if you turn to page 34, I have outlined a plan to liquidate the assets in question. I've lined up some very interested investors. As for the issue of investments, you can see in page 39 to 57 all the assets we could invest in. I think this is very…
- What about…
- The contracts you signed with Mr. Dennis are voidable. Misaki interrupted.
- Mr. Dennis? Daniel asked.
- The family had a financial advisor who handled their affairs. He sold a large portion of their assets without their approval. Those assets were acquired by an Australian billionaire Mr. Dennis. But the judge has already refused to hear our case. Mulligan explained.
- Oh… Daniel said.
- So… do you have any more question? Misaki asked confidently.
- I think, you have lived up to your reputation quite nicely.
- Yes, she has. Daniel said with a smile.
- I think it'll be all. We will be in touch shortly; we have some pressing matters to discuss. We will be needing your utmost discretion Miss Ayuzawa.
- Can I see you in my office Misaki in 10 minutes? Diane asked.
- Of course. Misaki replied as she started to pack her things.
Diane's office:
-Good job in there.
- Thanks Diane.
- Next time try to communicate better with us. We are partners at this firm, and you are… just an associate.
- Of course. I'm sorr-
- Here's your next assignment. It's probono. Nothing you can't handle.
- Hum, actually, I already did all my probono hours for the-
- That'll be all, thank you.
Leo's place (2 weeks later):
-So she's only giving you probono work?
- Not just probono work. Bullshit assignments, like filling subpoena, printing documents. I'm basically doing paralegal work slash junior associate work. Or maybe intern work? I don't know.
- That sucks man. I hated doing those when I started out.
- And that's what kills me. I already paid my dues. I did all of that. I busted my ass off during my two first years at the firm.
- I know, that's why you were promoted before everyone else.
- I don't know what that means… Am I persona non grata now? Donna from payroll told me that if I don't bill enough I could get fired. That's what happened to Jim.
- I wouldn't worry about that. You signed a huge client last week. No one's firing you.
- What do I do? She's a named partner! I don't want her on my back.
- Get close to Daniel. He'll probably give you better assignments.
- I can't he hates me too.
- Why do you say that?
- Last week- the Harriet fiasco.
- You solved that case singlehandedly. We got paid big time thanks to you.
- He yelled at me.
- It was just in the moment. He likes you.
- How do I even get close to him?
- Go to his office, ask for help on your BS assignments, and maybe he'll give you better things to do.
- Ok but like how.
- You want me to demonstrate?
- Yes.
- Ok, I will demonstrate, so… *clears his throat* "hiiii Daniel, oh my god you're so strong and powerful, please save meeee"
- Is that supposed to be me?
- It is you.
- I sound nothing like that.
- Yeah you do.
- You sounded like one of those anime characters with really annoying childish voices.
- That's what you sound like.
-Shut up! She yelled as she started hitting him with a pillow.
- Ouch! Calm down, I'm just kidding.
- Well it's not funny!
- Just chill.
- This is seriously stressing me out.
- Man, you were stressing the fuck out about the Walker account, and it turned out to be nothing.
- Yeah you're right.
- By the way, what's going on with them?
- No news since they paid their retainer. I have filed a few documents for them but nothing extraordinary.
- What kind of documents.
- Basic stuff.
- Well that's weird. Why would they pay millions in fees just to get you to file documents their legal team could have easily filed themselves.
- Good question.
Misaki was doing better, the rash had almost entirely faded away, but she was feeling anxious. Her shaky relationship with Diane who had greatly increased her workload. Diane would give her silly tasks to perform like running errands for clients, walking her dog, on top of handling her probono cases. Misaki tried talking to her but it only made her harsher. Her sleep was greatly affected by this whole situation. She would stay awake in bed all night until the sun came out, desperately looking for a solution to her problem. She was exhausted both physically and mentally.
- I see, did you try talking to your other manager?
- He's busy. He spent the last few weeks in London.
- But he's here now?
- Yes. But he probably has better things to do than…
- Go see him.
- Other than this issue, how have you been these past few months, you've cancelled all of our appointments.
- I'm sorry, I wasn't feeling well.
- Did you bring your journal feeling?
- I'm sorry doctor. I was going through a rough patch. I haven't written anything since last time.
- Did you drink alcohol?
- I did. It was during a social occasion. A few social occasions with my friend from work, Leo.
- Your mortal enemy?
- He's not that bad after reconsideration.
- I'm glad to hear that you've met someone.
- He's just a friend, we're not dating.
- Ok. What about your panic attacks?
- I haven't had any since last time.
- But?
- I've had a rash appear on my arms and neck.
- Do you take the medication I prescribed?
- I did but since I started drinking again…
- Go back on your medication, you need it. You can't heal from depression and anxiety on your own.
- I've been feeling exhausted lately. I'm not getting much sleep.
- Ok. *scribbles* I'm writing you a prescription for sleeping pills. I realize you have been through a lot of traumatic events lately, and I want you to know that this is a safe space. You need to come when you're struggling. Take your meds. If you drink, drink moderately, do not drink to numb your emotions.
- Thank you, doctor.
Daniel's office: (Next morning)
- Daniel? Misaki asked after knocking.
- Come in Misaki.
- Hi, sir.
- It's fine, you can keep calling me Daniel.
- Yes, I was trying to be respectful.
- What can I do for you?
- Diane has assigned me this probono. It's an eviction lawsuit.
- Diane is having you do probono work?
- Yes.
- Give me that, I'll assign it to one of the junior associates.
- What about-
- I'll handle Diane. You'll help me on the GoogleX merger.
- Oh sure. What do you need me to do?
- Finalize the contracts and supervise the junior associates on the case.
- That's the job of a 5th year associate.
-You are more than qualified to handle this. And I know I haven't said it yet, but you are a real asset to this firm.
- Thanks Daniel.
- Of course.
- Thank you for coming to see me. You should do that more often.
- I will.
The next few weeks Misaki spent most of her time working on Daniel's cases. They worked in closely together. Misaki was eager to learn and Daniel was eager to teach. Daniel had a huge ego. He was certainly considered one of the best lawyers in all of the East Coast, but he was also viewed as cocky and pretentious by his peers and clients. He didn't get along with a lot of people seeing that he often tried to assert dominance over them. He was certainly the envy of all the upper-class men in New York. He had gained fame during his college years by playing basketball. His career was cut short by a nasty injury which he never fully recovered from. Back in his glory days, he lived like king. People were cheering him on, women would throw themselves at him, men would too. Grownups talked about his abilities the way you'd expect religious people to talk about their god. They talked about his potential which seemed limitless and his bright future. Despite that, he felt empty inside. Not that he was ungrateful for his success or that he didn't want to play at a professional level, but he felt empty. He hadn't really taken noticed until the passing of his younger brother. This had left him in such a state of shock that he ended up hurting himself by getting a career ending injury. From then, nothing was ever the same. He fell into a deep depression. He questioned everything from who he was to who he was going to be. Being a basketball player was his lifelong dream. It was what his father had envisioned for him years ago. And now? He had to give up his goal, watch his teammates win championships without him, "the star player". He lost his scholarship, his friends, his housing, and had to go live with his mother. He had nothing left to live for. He then met a young Diane after being arrested for possession of cannabis. She convinced him to turn his life around and helped him enroll into one of the most prestigious law school of the country. His determination allowed him to graduate top of his class and once he was done with school, he joined Diane as she launched her own law firm. Almost twenty years later, he had made a name for himself, he still played basketball for fun every week with his friends which consisted of very influential me and he was one of the most sought-after bachelor in all New York.
He didn't usually socialize with associates. He never tried to mentor anyone really. But Misaki was different. She put a lot of effort into being a model employee. She never complained or gossiped. She truly was an asset. He saw himself in her. Strong-willed, witty, smart, a solid work ethic. He wanted to help her advance her career. All those late nights of work had gotten them closer. They started to become friendly. They'd dine every now and then outside of work. As time passed by they started forming a strong bond. She felt seen and appreciated, he felt important and interesting. Before long, Daniel and Misaki became friends. They would chat about their time in law school as they both attended the same university. They'd talk about their dreams, their aspirations, their fears. He was the first person she talked to about her anxiety and panic attacks. This prompted him to confess that he had struggled with suicidal thoughts after his career as a basketball player had ended. Things were finally looking up, thanks to that new friendship.
Misaki was finding balance between her personal and professional life. Daniel encouraged her to go home early and take days off. He'd offer her tickets to Broadway shows, and would regularly invite her to networking events. This helped Misaki greatly. Unfortunately, rumors spread about their relationship. Diane didn't see too kind to the fact that these two were getting closer. She felt that Misaki was trying to seduce Daniel for her own personal gain which she found despicable. This all came to blow one day when Diane realized that Misaki had been delegating her tasks to junior associates. She barged in Daniel's office one day while Misaki and he were discussing a case. After dryly scolding Misaki she demanded to talk to Daniel alone. Misaki stood outside the door as they talked.
-What are you doing?
- What am I doing Diane?
- With Misaki?
- I am teaching her-
- Don't give me this crap!
- I am teaching her, which should be your job.
Diane scoffed.
- Where is this coming from? Daniel asked.
- She is entitled. She thinks she runs the place…
- Oh my god! Diane, she is just doing her job. You are such a hypocrite, what happened to female empowerment.
- There's a difference between empowerment and feeling entitled and cocky.
- We are lawyers, we're supposed to be cocky. You're the one who told me that women faced prejudice in the workplace for things a man would be praised for. If she's a woman she's bossy, if he's a man, he's assertive.
- Don't use my words against me! I gave her a job to do, and she dumped it on junior associates, who does she think she is.
- She didn't do it. I did. She came for help about one of those cases…
- Oh my god you're so naïve. She is using you to work on bigger cases.
- You had no business giving her ingrate tasks like you did.
- It was to humble her!
- She's one of the most prolific lawyer we have here. She's hard working and…
- Are you sleeping with her?
- This is crazy talk Diane, you are crazy.
- Every associate is talking about you too. I didn't want to believe this, but it makes sense…
- Oh my god, Diane, this is just… STOP.
- You took her to a hotel room.
- It was for a case. She's my employee, I would never.
- I saw you ogling her during the Walker meeting, praising her.
- I was not ogling, I was following her presentation. And I praised because she did a good job.
- Here's the thing, you've been compromised whether you want it or not. Your employees are talking about your romantic…
- Nothing's happening
-… between you and an associate. This hurts your authority. She's undermining you. Be smart about this, cut this bullshit out.
Diane left the office, as she opened the door she noticed Misaki standing there with a shocked face.
- Well, at least you know. Diane said as she walked away.
Psychiatrist office:
- Well that's it… What do you think?
-So, do you like him?
- He's my boss. There's no way anything…
- Do you like him?
- He is probably taken.
- Do you like him?
- It would be inappropriate.
- Look at me… Breath…. Ok good. Do you like him?
- Nothing happened!
- Do you like him?
- We work together!
- Office romance happens more often than you might think. That's how most relationships are formed… or broken. Do you like him?
- It's just… complicated. He is good looking and smart and charming but he is not… Takumi.
- You are allowed to feel infatuation, you are not betraying Takumi.
- I know that.
- Do you?
- I didn't talk about any kind of attraction. I told you that people were spreading rumors about he and I at the office and it made my life a living hell. People lost all respect for me. The associates don't respect my authority. Everyone thinks I screwed my way to the top. That's hurtful. Stop asking if I like him. Because even if I did, which I don't, I wouldn't jeaprodise my career and my reputation for a man.
- Can I be blunt?
- Are ever not blunt?
- You are scared. Not for your career, but for your heart. You are scared to fall in love and get your heart broken again. And, I believe that there is a small part of you that still hopes that Takumi will suddenly wake up and realize he loves you. This is the part where I get blunt.
- Ok?
- It's over. He's made his decision. You cannot wait for him anymore. Not when he is married to someone else.
- I don't- I don't believe he'll come back. Even if he came back I wouldn't let him in.
- He's with Suzuna.
- I know that.
- He is with Suzuna.
- I get it.
- He is with Suzuna.
- Stop saying that!
- You need to hear it and keep telling yourself that. He is with Suzuna.
- Yes, he is with Suzuna, so what?
- He is with Suzuna because you pushed him away.
- So, you're just going to throw that in my face after I confided in you? What kind of therapist are you?
- The kind who wants to help you.
- I don't want to talk about that anymore.
- He asked you to marry him last year.
- Then he went on to marry my sister, tough.
- He chose you. You pushed him away.
- I didn't push him away. The timing was off.
- You rejected him!
- He rejected me first! HE REJECTED ME! He is the one who broke things off with me, he's the one who changed high school without notice, disappeared for weeks not telling me where he was, leaving for England twice. He was never fully there. There was always the possibility of him leaving. I was never secure in that relationship, in his love for me.
- So you broke it off?
- I didn't. I needed time and space. I needed to reflect on my life, my career. I needed to get ahead. I needed to get that promotion first.
- Why?
- Because I did!
- Why did you need it? Your job as a junior associate paid well enough didn't it?
- It was not enough.
- Why?
- Because it's never enough. Because I'm never enough unless I do it perfect. I don't get praises for doing the bare minimum. And even if I succeed, it is expected, there's no pat in the back, or "well done Misaki". I have to work twice as hard as those men to be able to sit at a table that was designed for them.
- Which men?
- Takumi, Gerald, Tora Igarashi everyone from the Walker clan and every rich kid from school. How could I be accepted into his family if I was no one. That's why I chose law. That's why I went to an Elite school, worked my ass off everyday of my life.
- You were doing it for him.
- No, I was doing it for me. So, I could walk with my head high. So, I would not doubt my place there. So, I could proudly say that I belonged.
- I see.
- My whole life, I had to live with the fear of not doing enough for my family. I had to work for every penny I earned to keep my family safe. I had nothing. No money, no status, no wealthy benefactor, no father, no name. And then one day he swoops in and takes control of my life? Fixes MY problems? I didn't ask. I just wanted a boyfriend, not charity.
- And what-
- I am heartbroken. He took my heart then tore it into pieces. And now … I can't seem to find the missing pieces. I'm left with an incomplete heart. I'm not ready to love, I'm not ready to let anyone else in because I'm not me anymore. And it hurts. I need… I need to build myself back up from scratches, because I can't be this version of me anymore. It's too much pain.
- Here's the situation, you loved Takumi and you were so afraid he'd leave you that you pushed him away. You can't live your life this way. Waiting for your loved ones to leave you or betray you. You can't use your heartbreak as an excuse to shut down.
- So what? I just start dating again?
- You could. You need to allow yourself to be vulnerable again.
- You're unbelievable. It's like talking to a broken record.
- I understand…
- I told you I didn't want to talk about this, and you insisted then you pull this shit? I'm heartbroken. Ok cool, go date. That's… unbelievable. What kind of shrink gives that kind of advice? I'm done.
Misaki brutally stood up, put on her jacket and headed to the door with an angry look.
- You're fired by the way. She said before loudly closing the door.
- … she'll be back
So this is it for this chapter. I cut part of it because it was too long. So the good new is I already started writing chapter 5. So below the (*spoilers*) are a few characters that will appear.
I mostly centered this chapter on Misaki's job. I wanted to develop her relationships a little bit. I hope you were satisfied. Also, I will not be pairing Misaki with Takumi's grand-father (sorry!).
I'll try to update in December.
*(spoilers)*
After many requests: Gerald will finally make an appearance, so will Takumi and maybe the Duke.