-Reiji's POV-

Reiji hated airports: too many people, too much noise, no privacy, and no place to smoke no matter what country he's in. For these reasons alone, he always tries to ensure all his business meetings are via satellite conference or face-to-face meetings in Tokyo, Japan. But on the off chance it serves his best interest to attend a meeting overseas, Reiji makes it a point for Kashima to charter him a private jet.

So, it was a wonder that he had the patience at all for the past half hour or so, to stand here with Naoya at his side waiting for Flight 1677 to arrive. He should have known how unreliable air schedules were, but Naoya had insisted they come on time to provide a warm reception to their friends. Reiji didn't have the heart to tell him on that matter though.

His friend had sounded very off on the phone. Reiji expected the usual content, happy-go-lucky Takamiya; instead it was another person entirely. Oh, the voice was the same, except his friend had sounded very upset mixed with a range of other emotions that Reiji just couldn't identify readily. The conversation they had was even stranger. No inane pleasant chatter from Takamiya, just straight to the point that they've missed their flight and will be arriving in three days. Something was seriously wrong. Thus, Reiji was just as anxious as Naoya to see them, although he didn't show it.

When Flight 1677 finally appeared on the large arrival monitor, Reiji immediately signaled his driver to bring the limo around. Ten minutes later, he could see his friend's tall frame meandering through the crowd that was heading towards the baggage claims. He expected to see the familiar lanky dark hair brat of his friend following close behind him, but instead a different man close to Izumi's age with wavy brown shoulder length hair appeared behind Takamiya instead.

Suffice it to say, Reiji was confused. Fortunately, he wasn't the only one. Naoya had raised his arm to wave them over but stop short of doing more then that when he noticed that Izumi wasn't there. Naoya turned to look at Reiji and they both flashed each other the same questioning look. Both silently agreed to wait for the chance to inquire Takamiya in private as the couple approached them.

"Finally made it I see," quipped Reiji dryly, opening up with their usual banter to test the waters.

"Wouldn't want to disappoint you," Takamiya rejoinder with a smile.

Reiji noticed immediately that the smile didn't quite reach his friend's usually mirthful eyes at all. He raised a silent brow to question the other man. Takamiya merely shook his head slightly to communicate, not now. Reiji replied with an imperceptible nod and turned toward his friend's companion.

Takamiya followed his cue and began making introductions. "Aoe, I would like you to meet Kuroda Imai, my assistant editor from the publishing branch in England. Kuroda Imai I would like you to meet my good friend, Aoe Reiji and his companion, Shirakawa Naoya."

Both Reiji and Naoya bow politely and said, "Nice to meet you."

Kuroda Imai gracefully slid his tan leather messenger bag off his shoulder and bow deeply in return. Upon straightening up, he flashed a beautiful smile and quietly said, "It's a pleasure to meet the two of you as well. Aoe-san, I heard so much about you from sensei."

The man was very graceful and soft-spoken, almost rivaling Blue Boy's ex-host, 'Izumi' in beauty as well. Reiji briefly wondered whether this person is the reason why Takamiya's Izumi isn't here with them. Could the brat be throwing one of his jealous tantrums again? If that was the case, Reiji smirked inwardly, he'll be sure to rub it in the brat's face the next time he sees him. That would also explain why Takamiya would sound so off on the phone as well.

Reiji grinned at his friend knowingly before he directed everyone towards the waiting limo. There will be time for questions later.