-Naoya's POV-
While that last statement hung in the air, as if with perfect timing, Reiji's ringtone reserved for personal calls chose that moment to declare itself known. Since all family members were present, Naoya knew that it must meant news from Takamiya. Since two days has past, clearly the translator must have met with Izumi by now. He was most anxious to find out how the reunion went and hoped for the best.
His lover picked up on the third ring and to Naoya's great annoyance kept a stoic mask in place as he responded to his friend on the phone. There was no indication whether be it good or bad news. Naoya could only go by the disjointed responses he heard to draw his own conclusions.
"Aoe speaking.
...
I'm sorry to hear that.
...
…And Kuroda?
...
I see.
...
Are you sure that is what you want?
...
No, no trouble at all.
...
Yes, yes of course.
...
I'll do what I can.
...
No need to thank me, old friend.
...
Have a safe flight."
Even though he wasn't able to hear what was said on Takamiya's end, Naoya's face fell upon hearing the little that he did. He had a pretty good idea what was exchanged, but he wanted a confirmation regardless.
"…Takamiya-san is flying back to England… with Kuroda-san isn't he?"
Reiji turned to look at him and nodded in response as he placed the mobile phone back into his suit pocket.
"So that's it?" Naoya said in disbelief. He couldn't believe it. How could this happen to two people who couldn't be ever more dedicated to each other? He knew his friend loves Takamiya dearly and the translator clearly is head over heals for Izumi. How could this be the end? What happened between the two surely was just a long misunderstanding? What could have been exchange between the two for such an outcome to be arranged? He felt disappointed and a little lost.
Naoya couldn't fathom what would cause this irrevocable rift between them. There must be something he could do as his brows furrowed in concentration. Restless, he tore his eyes from Reiji and restarted pacing, thereby missing the silent exchange between the Aoe brothers.
"Naoya-kun, come now. Stop worrying yourself sick," consoled Kiichi upon following his cue. He intercepted Naoya's trek and embraced the young man with a warm hug. "I'm positive given enough time both parties will realize their mistake. However…"
Sensei broke away from their hug and looked him square in the eyes to instill a warning. "However, if this is the decision they both made for the best, you must honor that and accept it. They're both adults and so, give it time, Naoya."
Naoya grimaced in realizing that his thoughts were so transparent and nodded in agreement. He knew Sensei was right. If Takamiya and Izumi couldn't resolve their issues face to face, perhaps time will help them realize how important they are to each other.
Then as in after thought, Naoya decided he'll visit Izumi to see how he's doing in a few days as well as promptly remind himself to call Takamiya and apologize also. He was sure both needed time to clear their heads and their hearts. After all, it must have been painful for them to come to such a conclusion for a seven year long relationship. With his heart deeply unsettled and his thoughts thus occupied, Naoya allowed Kiichi to drag him and Haroumi along for dinner as Sensei's inane chatter accompanied them out of the hotel suite.
-Reiji's POV-
Two days later, despite his deep annoyance in involving himself in such matters, Reiji finally relented and changed his early morning work schedule to make a detour.
The black BMW sedan he was driven in stopped at the entrance of the austere, grey stone building fifteen minutes before nine. The driver exited the vehicle and moved to open the passenger door. Reiji nodded at Kashima and his personal assistant returned the nod and made his exit towards the entrance of the building. There he remained in his seat to peruse a few files, all the while waiting patiently.
It was ten minutes later when Kashima returned with an entourage of several stuffy businessmen adorned in several shades of black suits. They bowed incessantly in welcome as they escort him into the building and situate him in their richly decorated VIP room. Kashima promptly redirected their attention upon another nod from Reiji and shuffle the entourage to another setting entirely, leaving the owner of B&B to wait again.
This time the wait wasn't long as one of the ornate mahogany doors to the room drew open with a loud click and a young man rushed into the room and bowed immediately as he huffed and puffed his apologies for making him wait.
A smirk immediately decorated Reiji's lips as he pulled out a cigarette and lighter from his inner breast pocket and lit a stick up before he made his dry greeting, "I'm shocked. What are you doing here, brat?"
Review Responses (Thank you for commenting)
Slypaw – Thank you for the encouragement. I haven't given up… just been delayed that is all. There is only a few chapters left. So the end is near.
Pombella4 – Yes, it does seem like it'll take a bit of an Aoe influence/miracle to make the two get back together. But if anybody can do it, it's definitely them.
Jarakuheart – Thank for the thoughtful review. No, your comment does not seem rude, just very blunt. It's nothing I haven't heard before. Grammar and tenses will always be my nemesis, but it doesn't mean I stop writing until I get rid of my problem. Yes, with time and perhaps a dozen or so fics later, my writing will improve dramatically. In the mean time, thank you for reading and allowing me to read your response. As for you comments regarding the story so far, I believe that since I'm writing POVs, the characters only flashes back or describes so much, it is up to the reader to decide or infer what is going on.
Momo130x – thank you for reviewing. I'm glad you are enjoying the story so far.