As the soft sound of a lonely saxophone filled the air, she nestled a warm cup of tea between her hands, watching the slow moving traffic below with weary eyes. The steady beat of the rain mixed in soothingly with the longing sax, and she felt content for the moment, wanting nothing more than to sleep. Resting her head against the cool glass, she let her gaze sweep lazily over the pedestrians, amused at how they huddled together on the sidewalk and crossings as they tried escaped the downpour. The looming storm had turned the sky dark as dusk, invoking the city to come alive lights and colour, refracting in the rain speckled window beside her. Slowly bring the cup to her lips, she inhaled the pleasant peppermint infused steam through her nose, allowing it to calm her frazzled mind. Rolling her left shoulder casually as she leaned back in her seat, she grimaced as her muscles pinched, scolding her for her decision to sleep in the armchair the night before. Trying to ignore, it much like everything else the day had thrown at her, she relaxed, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, her focus slipping as she watched the rain.
It had been a long day so far. Long phone calls to complaining customers, boring water cooler talks and mountains of paperwork forever hovering in the corner of her vision had her running out the office doors as soon as she could. She knew there would be a lot of work coming her way in the next few months, especially with her training, but she felt as if she was shackled with commitments and deadlines. Especially those printed in still drying blue ink. Running a finger around the edge of her cup absently, her brow furrowed in mild annoyance as she thought over the morning's meeting. There had been talks of a merger on the horizon, and as much as she'd love to see her father's company expanding and exploring new business outlets, she couldn't help the feeling that it'd all be left to her to work the kinks out of. And the companies that had popped up in conversation weren't exactly what she'd call, game/electronic empire 'friendly'.
Sighing, she sipped at her cooling tea, watching as two raindrops streaked down the windowpane, silently egging on the losing one. She continued this for a while with a soft smile, remembering simpler times. Times where long car rides could be easily passed with a bit of imagination and a good view. Where travelling was just for fun or family holidays, not paid by the hour journeys to meet with boring officials and snappish remarks. A small breeze was brought to her table by a passer-by, rustling the scattered paperwork on it in a vexing reminder. Scowling at it, she tapped the side of the teacup frustration, wishing that her glare would cause it to combust. After a moment filled with nothing but rain, scattered chatter and smooth jazz, she sighed heavily before putting down her drink and reaching out to gather the papers. She knew she should have finished it all earlier, but distracting matters had arisen. Plus, she thought with a small smile, txting Raimundo had been incredibly fun.
"I would love to comment about how weirdly that smile and paperwork are connected, but I can't think of anything witty."
Surprised, Kimiko looked up from her task to see a bedraggled Keiko slipping into the seat opposite her, smiling knowingly. Her own smile widening in greeting she finished collecting her work and shoved it on to the seat beside her before fully giving her attention to her friend.
"Hello to you too."
Keiko just hummed in response, eyes already scanning the menu as she scrunched her nose thoughtfully. Undeterred, Kimiko picked up her tea again, only to find it had gone cold during her meandering. Signalling an attendant over, she order a fresh pot and a cake, feeling the need for a sugary pick-me up. Ignoring the telling glance Keiko sent her as she placed her own order, she settled back in her seat, resuming her people watching. Once the lady had left, she turned towards the younger Japanese girl, a frown appearing on her face.
"What's wrong?"
Kimiko shrugged, not bothering to turn around to see Keiko's deepening scowl.
"You ordered sugar. You know it's too late in the day for that." She continued slowly, watching Kimiko's reaction. Sure enough, it was her turn to frown slightly, but she still didn't reply. Sighing in momentary defeat, Keiko reached over the table for the paperwork, shuffling through it.
"Bills, bills, orders, transfer requests, more bills. Oohhh, what's this?" she murmured, coming across notes from the morning meeting. Reading through it quickly, she felt an eyebrow quirk in interest before glancing over top the paper at her friend.
"More business trips?"
Still not moving, Kimiko fixed her with a look that confirmed it tiredly, before returning her gaze back to the rain. Clicking her tongue in sympathy, Keiko turned back to the notes, leaning back slightly as the lady returned with their orders. Giving a short word of thanks, the two women turned their attention to their meals, both pondering over different matters. Keiko watched Kimiko as she ate, noticing the dark shadows under her eyes, and how they seemed to be a dull grey instead of their normal blue. Her petite frame was slumped at an odd angle as well, as if her back was giving her trouble. Her blazer and skirt were crinkled slightly and her hair looked as if it hadn't been brushed all day. She knew her own appearance wasn't fantastic either, but Kimiko's just screamed 'long day. Sleep.' Setting down her chop sticks, she titled her head to the side enquiringly, wondering what she could do to help her.
"So, where's this new trip?"
It took a moment, but Kimiko finally heaved a drained sigh before turning towards her. "America."
"Oh cool. Do you know where?"
Kimiko just shook her head, running her thumb across the teacup's rim again, a small frown on her face. "Not yet. Dunno know if it's even going to happen. There was also talk of going to Kyoto again to settle some disputes, but I was so tired I didn't really pay much attention after that."
Nodding in understanding, Keiko chewed thoughtfully for a moment before pointing her chop sticks at her suddenly. "You know," she swallowed quickly, "if the trip is to America, you should get some time off while you're there."
Curious, Kimiko looked at her questioningly, indicating for her to continue.
"How long would the trip be?"
"Ummm, a month most likely?" Kimiko murmured thoughtfully, trying to calculate everything, "It'll be to go see Papa's business partners and work on strengthening business connections. You know, the usual."
"Then take another month off and take a well-deserved holiday." Keiko advised cheerfully, "you look bone tired and with all this travelling you've done in the last year or so, I think it's about time you got some rest."
"I'd like that."
Grinning, Keiko stuffed another mouthful of Udon past her lips, chewing hungrily. An idea struck and she positively beamed as she slapped her hand against the table, surprising Kimiko. Making sure to swallow before she spoke she gushed, "I just had a great idea! You should go to Texas!"
"What?"
"Go to Texas," she repeated, wiping her mouth on her sleeve quickly, "and go see Clay. He'd love to see you again, I just know it."
"How'd you know that? I haven't seen him in…ages. Let alone talked to him." Kimiko stammered, fidgeting suddenly.
"So? He was telling me just a little while ago how he'd love to catch up with you. Ohhh, and then he can show you around the ranch! You know his Daddy just handed it down to him last year, and he's real proud of what he's done to the place. And-"
"Keiko. Just, shh, for a moment." Kimiko interrupted in amusement, smiling at the twinkle apparent in her friend's eye. "Since when have you and Clay been talking?"
"Since you meet him?" Keiko stated, looking a tad confused.
"You're still talking to him? I thought that died out after a while." Kimiko muttered in bewilderment, before giving an approving look. "I'm glad."
"No, we still talk. Maybe not as often as we all use to, but enough. Anyway, you should ask your father once your trip is confirmed if you can get some leave."
"As tempting as it sounds, I don't know if he'd allow it…"
"Just spin him a little tale about how you can't focus properly on all this new information you're being overloaded with, and need some R&R time so you can sort through it. And what better place to do than America, on Clay's ranch, away from the business world?" Keiko encouraged. Kimiko mulled over it for a moment or two more before nodding slightly in agreement. Punching the air silently, Keiko danced happily in her seat as Kimiko watched her, thoroughly amused. Getting an idea she smiled brightly, regaining her friend's attention.
"You should come with me. I'm sure that Clay would love to meet you at long last. That is, if you two haven't already met behind my back." She teased, watching as Keiko flushed good naturedly.
"Damn, you caught me there." She chuckled before deflating noticeably, "I would love to, but the lawyers have just announced a big case is heading towards the firm, and everyone is needed on board to get through it."
"Even the clerks?"
"Even us lil old clerks. Dunno what the case is about, but it must be important. My department manager was muttering about taxes, air control and important business men." Keiko confirmed, moodily stirring at the remains of her soup. Lifting her gaze for a moment, she frowned slightly, feeling as if something was off. "Hey, is something up? Aside from you being tired?"
Startled, Kimiko looked at her wide eyed. "No. What makes you ask that?"
Shrugging Keiko sat back up, puffing air through her nose thoughtfully. "No reason. Just felt like something was wrong. So tell me, did that mystery txter reply?"
Trying not to fidget, Kimiko shook her head ruefully. "No, which I suppose was for the better. I mean, what I sent back was kinda weird." She added guiltily. Keiko nodded in agreement before moving on to talk about other mundane things. As she listened, Kimiko silently apologised for lying to her friend, uncomfortably aware of her phone in her skirt pocket. She had a bad feeling that if she had be truthful, Keiko would demand her to stop txting Raimundo, before launching into a lecture about her health and well-being, which was not really need right now. Besides, she hadn't made a new friend in years. She had acquaintances, sure, but aside from Keiko and Clay, no one else she considered true friends. If she keyed her in on this blossoming friendship it'd be over before it even started. Besides, she wanted to get to know the Brazilian a little more before telling her about him. Resolving to get to know him a little bit better next time, she joined in on the currently one-sided conversation. Waving the attendant over again, she ordered another pot of tea for them to share, before enquiring about Tokyo's social life, watching as her friend's eyes sparkled. Still tired, but decidedly happier, Kimiko smiled, relaxing as she enjoyed the atmosphere and music, as well as Keiko's animated explanations. Business trips, paper work and friendships could wait. Right now, what was important was the interoffice relationship brewing on the horizon between Okichi and Akahito.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Hey, Raimundo, have you seen my phone?"
Looking up from said phone at Clarice's shout, the young man yelled back a negative, before listening as she huffed in annoyance, resuming her search elsewhere in the house. Chuckling, he turned back to his txt, thumb flying over the keys. He was in good spirits. Only three more days until the end of work and he could already picture those sweet, sweet waves. And the sun warmed sand. Ohhh, and the beach, free of the summer tourism. Sighing wistfully Raimundo looked at the phone vacantly, already transported to his favourite surfing spot.
"Raimundo! I know you have my phone!"
Aaaand, he was back. Grumbling he finished his txt to Kimiko, warning her not to txt back for a bit before shoving the phone in his work shoes, knowing Clarice would never search there.
"I told ya, I don't have it!" he yelled back, only to hear her storming up the hallway towards him.
"Then where the hell is it? I haven't seen it for days now, and I just know you have it. It's like an itch I just can't scratch." She growled, stretching out the end of her sentence threateningly. Keeping his expression blank, Raimundo stepped aside and invited her into his room with a flourish of his hand.
"Feel free to look around. But I'm warning you, I don't have your stupid phone."
She looked at him carefully before haughtily stepping through the doorway, her eagle eyes looking for a place to start. He settled for leaning in the doorjamb, amused when she started with his work gear first. Like he suspected, she took one sniff of his shoes before withdrawing quickly, readily turning to another hiding spot. As he continued to watch her hunt, his thoughts drifted back to Rio. He needed to resume looking for a proper job while he was there, one that was close to the sea but preferably didn't require him to be gutting fish all day, every day. Maybe there was an equipment hire store that was looking for employees. He could always extend his mentoring business, but that required a lot of effort and starting costs for advertisements, starter surfboards, wax, repair kits; it was a lot to consider in the long run. And then, if he did find a job, there was all the loose ends to tie up here. Quitting his job at the factory wouldn't be hard and he was easily replaceable. Packing shouldn't be too difficult, though it might require some time to move everything. And he could also hire another car or a truck. No, in fact, the move would be easy. The only thing that was really holding him back was-
"Gah, I can't find it. You sold it didn't you, you little brat."
-His family. Narrowing his eyes at his older sister he snorted in disbelief.
"And just why would I do that?"
"I don't know. Because you're greedy and wanted more money? You tell me." She huffed. A little peeved at the old excuse, Raimundo straightened up and gestured for her to get out.
"Piss off."
"Why don't you?"
"You know perfectly why I can't. Now get out of my room." He snarled, moving towards his bed.
"My house, my room. Now, where the hell is my phone?"
"I don't know okay?!" he shouted before flopping back on his bed, "Jeez."
"Someone obviously isn't getting any." Clarice sneered causing him to freeze. That was a low blow, even for her. And she was supposed to be the one sibling he got along with the best. Turning to face her slowly, his glare didn't really match his tone.
"And why do you think that is hmm? Maybe because I work 24/7? Do you even know what it's like to work? Do you even know what a job is?" he hissed, noting with some satisfaction at the wince that flashed across her face.
"Don't you lecture me about a job little boy. You rode on the coattails of life for long enough and now this is you paying it back."
"How? By paying for both our living expenses and sending money across the country to everyone else? They can all go out there get jobs as well. I don't see how it's my responsibility to be their caretaker." He snapped, sitting up again as Clarice smirked slightly.
"You ran away. So, you get to pay."
"I didn't want to continue living in that…circus."
"So you ran to Laguna? What a rebel Rai, what. A. Rebel."
There was a moment of tense silence between the two siblings before Raimundo sighed tiredly, leaning back on his hands as he stared at the ceiling.
"You know why I ran away Clare. I mean, you followed me." He murmured sadly. Clarice's stance softened, a look of guilt washing over her.
"Yeah, but that doesn't change anything Rai. I mean, I already had a job and a home to call my own before I left. You just, vanished."
"And I'd do it again." He said, fixing her with a levelled look. Seeing her arch an eyebrow in disbelief he felt urge to strengthen his resolve to find a new job and leave. "I will! I was sick of everything then, and I'm still sick of it. I just needed my space."
"Why? Ma and Pa always dotted on you. You were the youngest. You got everything you wanted while the rest of us had to work for it." She muttered before looking away sulkily. "I had that once. Then you brats came along and snatched it from me."
"Clare, I-"
"No pity." She snapped before pinching the space between her eyes, "No pity. I didn't mean it that way Rai, it's just, sometimes, I mean, our family…"
He watched her struggle to express how she felt, smiling softly in understanding. "It's too complicated for words."
"Aye," she grinned sadly, "Too complicated." Before he could say anything she reverted back to her original anger and stormed towards the door, warning him over her shoulder that she'd kill him if she found him with her phone. Watching as his door slammed close, Raimundo couldn't help by to grin as well before waiting for her foot steps to fade away. Jumping off his bed, he dived for the hidden phone, pleased to see Kimiko hadn't txt him during the argument. After alerting her that he was back, he got to his feet and headed over to the tiny window, overlooking the street. Watching a group of sour looking teenagers were milling around an over flowing garbage can, which was suspiciously smoking, he pondered over everything that had just happened. It was about time he got serious about leaving. Tubarão may have held a good life for him once upon a time, but now, he felt like he was being called elsewhere. Somewhere with good surf, beaches and warmer weather-
The phone in his hand bleeped pleasantly and he grinned at the welcome back message Kimiko had sent him.
-And, maybe a place with new friends.