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 Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 2:11 pm
Ko seemed to do ok for the short term while eating. He was able to keep a conversation and spoke a lot with his new friends. It was fun for the boy. He was really excited when the dessert came and all the kids jumped in to try tastes of all the different ice creams.
As Naoko guessed, the parents enjoyed the manju and ohagi more than indulging in the kids new favorite flavors. There was a lot of talk about differences between American and Japan flavors of Ice cream. So it took a lot of time for Ko, James, Bonnie and Crystal to figure out how to say words like Vanilla, Strawberry and other flavors in each language.
By the end of lunch, the kids had gotten the point across to each other. But this was also the end of a very fun adventure since the family had to be going on their own way. Ko didn't really want to say goodbye but in the end, he waved as they all walked away.
"That was really fun. I like them." He said with a smile. "I wish we could have played all week. I hope they will come back to Japan." He was a little disappointed the day had to end there. Making friends with the Americans had been easy and nothing bad happened either.
The two guards were also still close by keeping their ears and eyes open but nothing would happen to the boy and his Uncle this day. It was normal and quiet as if they could be just another happy family in Tokyo without anyone knowing who they were or even caring for that matter.
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Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 3:15 pm
Yuuji wasn't an idiot and he knew Akihiko well enough to not pry. No... there was something wrong but he wouldn't bring it up because his cousin wasn't broaching the subject.
Instead, he focused his attention on Izzy. "Safe? Oh hai hai, quite safe. This is Koyasu-san's private office so all of the security in here I'm tapped into. There's enough firewalls and other precautions in place that I'd know the second someone tried to hack into my system." the man replied, walking over to a small liquor cabinet and pouring both men a half full glass of whiskey. He brought one over and handed it to Izzy, then set the other in front of Narcissus. A ginger ale was in order for Michi and as soon as the man made himself comfortable, Takagi set one in front of him.
"Really though, you both handled yourselves well. You seemed a bit nervous at first, Michi-kun... but eventually I think you loosened up. As for you, Lucky-san... I think the media may end up asking you more questions about Narcissus than yourself so I'm going to try and make it a point to alert them not to ask you questions about my cousin unless he's present... we need to boost your music, not shamelessly plug his." the man jerked a thumb at Akihiko before sipping his own whiskey.
Akihiko didn't say anything though, just picked up his glass and sipped the alcohol.
Yuuji was right of course... the young tiger knew that and couldn't argue the point.
As Ko seemed sad, waving goodbye to his friends, Naoko grabbed the boy from behind and hefted him onto his shoulders, tickling him a bit in the process. "Well they're going to call later and maybe we can set up a day at the park, ne?" he asked with a smile, looking up at the child on his shoulders. "And don't you frown or pout! Have you forgotten what you're doing tonight? Pancakes for dinner!"
Of course the blond wouldn't say 'Narcissus-san's pancakes'... at least not in the middle of a crowded cafeteria.
That would be suicide... no doubt heads would turn and some people might start putting two and two together.
"Just make sure you don't tell the kids about your uncle, ne? Well neither of your uncles. They don't know who I am and that's a blessing in disguise for you, Ko-kun. Lets you be a kid." the smile on the blond's face felt good.
Yes... Ko was happy.
Everything was right with the world right now...
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Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 6:26 pm
What a shock, it was so surprising,
You looked so small and frail------------------------------------------------}:-  Izzy Lucky
At times life can be so enlightening .uoy no nrut nac ti tuB
Izzy nodded as he tried to get comfortable but it was difficult because a lot was on his mind. "That sounds like a good idea but I have a feeling that it will be tough to completely stop the questions. However, I appreciate it. "
Then he moved on to the topics he wanted to broach. His business mode was coming out just by the way he presented the next thing on his agenda, "Ah..good I wouldn't want others to hear what I had to say. My Uncle deposited 1,575,421,364.04 yen about 20 million into one of my private accounts. He feels that should be enough for now to keep Ohayou stable until things can be shored up. While I didn't offer much as to why I was asking for help, he already had figured out quite a bit from his own contacts here. But you and I have to determine how we are filtering the money in and paying people since Koyasu Aki might throw a fit if he knew. But, my Uncle said in his own words, if Koyasu Aki bears his fangs, then to give him a call. He set the old tiger straight."
He then stood up and walked around to take a look out the window while he sipped on the whiskey. Izzy looked like his business self not the sub that Akihiko liked at home under the covers. "Have you heard any news about Hiroki-san?" he asked he let the flavor of the whiskey hit his palate.
There was really a lot of things to go over even if Izzy wanted to get their practice over so they could meet with Ko and Shou. He wondered if Yuuji would even be watching when they had the company over. In some ways, he hoped that the man would see, but he wondered if Yuuji would recognize Ko...as Hideo. Maybe they were wrong and the child really was Shou's nephew. But...he had his doubts of that. "Narcissus and I are having Shou and Ko-kun over for Pancakes tonight. It should be a fun end to our evening. I hope. But...."
He pause for a brief moment as something else crossed his mind, one particular irritating subject that he had didn't want to forget to address, "...I talked to Nakai and Chiyou yesterday. Nakai wanted to know if I had ditched him." This was something he hadn't even spoke to Narcissus about because while it hadn't slipped his mind other things had been pressing. "I could understand how angry he was. He really thought I had just given him over to Nezumi-san." His brown eyes flicked up at Yuuji and the hint of anger there was expressed in the sharpness. "I don't like it when people pull things behind my back. If his management was moved while I was lost at sea, I could understand it but you did this afterwards without even discussing this with me. While I know that I'm a bit overwhelmed right now, Nakai trusted me and you made me look like an idiot with him."
Michi in the mean time, took his ginger ale and said "Thank you." he then kept his mouth shut as Izzy brought up business. This side of Izzy was the side that Michi wasn't sure what to think of at times. Meeting this side of Ishi-san, Michi would never guess that Izzy was a uke.
-:{------------------------------------------------I didn't know what to do
I grabbed the tiger by the tail!
"Really? I'll be able to see them again?" Ko asked as he was told the news. Then he was reminded about the best part ever. "YAY Pancakes! I can't wait!" The boy smiled a little brighter as he was sat on Naoko's shoulders again. "Whee! We're having chocolate chip whipped cream pancakes and some blueberries I think."
"Umm...I won't talk about Uncle...mmm...Uncles...I mean You and Uncle...." he clarified because he knew from several talks with them that he had to keep the star information hidden much like Shou and Sai. "It's sometimes hard though...because what should I call you instead when they ask your name?" He frowned just a little trying figure out what to do.
He tucked his ipad back into his bag so he could hold on to Naoko's shoulder as he was carried along. "I really had fun." he yawned and then said, "Maybe...I should get a little nap before we meet up with Uncle."
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Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 6:51 pm
Yuuji didn't act surprised, but the man sat down at the desk, nodding. "That will certainly help matters. Aki won't learn of it, least not from me because he'd skin me alive... but... hmm... I think if we can distribute it through various channels and then have those channels pay out what we need, we should be fine. Trusted managers will need to get money and they can use that specifically for their stars... each department head will be given some to then use to pay staff... certainly we need to allocate a large portion of funds to security because I can't play bodyguard to you boys anymore, much as I'd like to." downing the rest of the glass, Takagi's gaze fell on Izzy as the man stood and walked to the window.
"Hiroki-san is still MIA. I'm beginning to actually worry about that too but... well... he has another week, week and a half at least of leave so I can't do too much until after the New Year... it isn't like I can personally fly down to Okinawa right now, much as I'd like to. He's more suited for the tie than I am." the man spoke, actually loosening the tie he wore as they talked. "I've got feelers out though... so I'm hoping..."
Suddenly, Akihiko spoke up. "I was given a packet for a new clothes line from one of Asato's friends... a friend who claimed to have met me in Okinawa. Obviously I haven't met him so..."
Yuuji nodded, "I'll look into it. In fact, I'll put a call in myself, just text me the numbers later." his attention went back to Izzy, though he did notice Akihiko place his free hand, a hand now no longer holding a cigarette since he'd finished it, lay across his lap and waist... but he said nothing for now. "I'll have security beefed up a bit then, Lucky-san. Shou-san's a dangerous person to be around right now... though I won't tell you how I know that because I don't know how much the man's told you. Anyone on SMASH's payroll is dangerous, for multiple reasons, and I'd rather not have to deal with another crisis right now. But..."
Oh here it came.
Takagi knew this would happen... knew Izzy wouldn't be happy... but...
Holding up a hand, Yuuji's gaze steeled itself. "You can't handle Nakai-san right now. Nakai-san is crucial to Chiyou-kun as well at the moment as well. I know Nezumi-san isn't your favorite man in the world, but what other choice do I have? I can't stick them both with an inexperienced manager or an intern... the latter because I had to fire them all today. We didn't have anyone else to spare except Nezumi-san. YES Nezumi-san is managing Michi-kun with everything that's happened lately, but Michi-kun's got you and Akihiko to fall back on if he needs help. Nakai-san and Chiyou-kun HAD TO HAVE A MANAGER." at this, Yuuji was adamant. "They're in the studio, or were yesterday, working hard. Nezumi-san can easily manage both men because both men are inseparable anyway so it's easier to just give them both to one manager instead of trying to split them up and then having to pay extra transportation costs, etc. Chiyou-kun's condition, while horrible, has the potential to drain funds from his work... so I figured to save the company money by letting Nakai-san continue to be a part of Chiyou-kun's entourage instead of having to hire someone to help the poor boy get around." sighing, Yuuji shook his head, leaning on the desk, hands folded before him. "I didn't do this to undermine you, Lucky-san. You're popular right now with the media and the public... I can't have you managing someone at this time. You can continue to manage Akihiko but in all seriousness, you're going to get very damn busy soon. I'm sure you know that. To keep you from crashing and then my cousin beating my head in... again..." dark eyes flicked over to Akihiko who just shrugged. "For letting you overwork yourself... this is my only option. Plus it keeps Nezumi-san from asking about Hiroki-san every five minutes..."
"Mmmm... just call me Oumori. It's the name I gave their parents. Not many people know my real name anyway... and if you have to, call your other Uncle, Sai if anyone asks." Naoko replied, leading the way out of the aquarium before remembering he promised the boy a trip to the gift shop first.
SO it was time to stop in there and he pulled the child from his shoulders. "Pick out what you want and then you can get some sleep in the car on the way home."
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Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 9:36 pm
What a shock, it was so surprising,
You looked so small and frail------------------------------------------------}:- Izzy Lucky
At times life can be so enlightening .uoy no nrut nac ti tuB
"So basically we need to go through the finance department and set up something." Izzy said with a nod. Fortunately, the account was a business account so he had some flexibility with how funds were used. "Alright, that sounds good. Mm...I agree about the bodyguards" Even though Izzy didn't want to deal with bodyguards after the conversation with Shou he knew that a protection detail might be necessary.
"I still wonder about that. There's only one person I know of that even remotely looks like you, Akihiko. And if it's even remotely possible that Hiroki-san met up with Azriel-san. I'm not sure what to think of it." Izzy said as he turned and leaned against the glass.
"Shou has told me quite a bit as a matter of fact so I know about the situation from his angle of course." Izzy's eyes were on Yuuji so he didn't notice the arm go around the waist of Akihiko.
However, while he didn't notice, Michi sure did. And right then he wouldn't say anything, later, Michi would have a talk with his friend. For now, Michi remained silent because he was way to green to this part of the business to give any sort of good insight.
Izzy's foot tapped on the floor in the rhythm of this conversation. He understood some of Yuuji's position but he also pointed out, "The reason they were in the studio yesterday is because I asked them to go and to work hard while I figured out what the heck happened. It was embarrassing to me to find out this way. And having my star yelling at me on the phone was not a good experience to say the least. Especially when I didn't have a good answer to any of it. You should have asked me first."
There was a moment that he took a sip from his whiskey mulling a few of the other words that Yuuji had to say. Some of them were true. He knew he was going to be overwhelmed with work that didn't relate to managing stars at all but his own stardom. If it really came to pass. But it needed to happen didn't it. For himself, and Ohayou...but wait...he wasn't even signed on as a Ohayou star. He didn't have a contract to anyone! Of course, his Uncle told him to keep that card close. In case something were to happen. Rukuro had even faxed him a contract to MeKA just in case. And he knew that his own Uncle would not screw him over. But the one piece that held him off from signing that contract was Akihiko. He wanted to have time to discuss the matter with him but Shou's incident had got in the way.
"Nezumi-san is incompetent. Half of Chiyou's problems with his fall from the charts can be correlated with that man's incompetent streak. I can see he's done better with Tanaka-kun and maybe he's learned his lesson but it's going to take a long time for me to trust that man. I'd almost rather be overworked than have any star suffer another one of his failures" Izzy said with a curse as he gripped the glass. Izzy did not like Nezumi at all. There was very little that could be said that could change his opinion. Even if he admitted the man seemed to be doing ok with Michi it was only because Izzy thought that Nezumi was to afraid of Narcissus to mess it up.
"Yes, I can understand but Nakai-san isn't a nanny. It would be like making Akihiko babysit a child rather than doing his own music full time. And yes, I know there's more to the relationship than that. But Nakai's dream of becoming a star shouldn't be suffocated under Chiyou-kun's blindness. As soon as Nakai-san thinks his career is getting nowhere, he'll bale and try to go somewhere else. I'd rather not have that happen. And besides, Chiyou-kun needs a dose of reality, so he'll get out there and deal with his issue. Babying him isn't going to help him get back on his feet." Izzy said firmly because he had handled Chiyou in the past and he knew the kid would do so many things to get what he wanted. Even if Izzy loved he boy like a father, he still wanted Chiyou to become an adult and take responsibility for himself.
"Since I've brought this money to the table I think that some can be spared to make sure that we don't lose Nakai-san. And Chiyou-kun gets proper help. I've told Chiyou-kun that he needs to look into those matters so he can become independent." Izzy said with a slight tilt of his head, "I do understand that from your perspective you weren't trying to undermine me. And...I know that I'm..."
He sighed as he looked into his whiskey realizing a few of the words Yuuji said were very true. He could just Imagine the next few weeks and well he didn't want Akihiko beating on his cousin either, "Kami-sama...Goodness. I'm still a manager in my heart it seems...But I suppose you're right in many ways. I can't do both at once...Even if my heart tells me I should. And I want my stars to be the best...and shine brightly. But I also want to do that too...It's difficult. I'm not able to be in two places at once. And it would be unfair to Nakai-san and Chiyou-kun."
Izzy was trying to figure out his own place in the world. It was still hard to divorce himself from daily manager work now that he was back in Japan. Maybe things would have been easier had he stayed in the US but...he wanted to be with Akihiko.
Michi looked up and smiled finally having something to say, "Hey, Ishi-san, I'm new to the business but I won't let Nezumi-san slack off. He's really not too bad of guy. Just a little intense about...Hiroki-san." Like maybe down right crazy for the man. That part was a wee bit scary for Michi. Anyone that intent on a relationship like that surely wanted more than an occasional night in the sack.
"Why is he asking about Hiroki-san?" Izzy asked completely out of the loop as to what that relationship could even be.
-:{------------------------------------------------I didn't know what to do
I grabbed the tiger by the tail!
"Ok I can do that." Ko said as he tried to put that in a corner of his brain where he would remember. It was tough though because it was a lot for him to try to remember. Sai for Shou and Oumori for Naoko.
When they got into the gift shop, Ko sought out the sharks first! "YOU shark!" he squealed as he picked out a giant great white with a big toothy grin. "What do you think? Would he like this? I see a Hammer head shark! That's for Yamada-san And there is a JellyFish!! Uncle....Sh...Sai needs that!" He searched around the gift shop for more plushies and looked over at Naoko, "I think you should have a plushy too! Maybe a...umm....mmm...Clown fish like Nemo!" He pulled out a plushy Nemo and held it up for Naoko to see. He hadn't picked out anything for himself but seemed to want to get everyone else a gift.
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Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 10:22 pm
"No idea." Yuuji spoke in reply to Izzy's question regarding Nezumi's asking about Asato. But then the man smirked, "Who am I kidding, of course I know but I don't think the private lives of..."
"Just spill it." Akihiko growled, obviously exasperated with the long conversation. He literally threw the now empty glass at Takagi, who caught it and stood to go refill it.
The older man shrugged, "Fine... if Akihiko wants to know so badly... Aki made them break up. Well, they weren't quite an item YET but they were close to it. Apparently the heir to Ohayou can't be a man... who loves another man." dark eyes flickered from Izzy to Akihiko and Narcissus soon had something to say about that.
"Ridiculous! Their gender shouldn't..."
But Yuuji held up a hand, walking back over to give his cousin the newly poured drink. "Think about it, Akihiko. The media scandal alone could bankrupt us right now. Your own personal views aside... Hiroki and Nezumi couldn't form a relationship as a couple because Hiroki runs Ohayou now. If you run it, you won't be able to have a relationship with Izzy either. It's just not the presentable way to do things. Not to mention you wouldn't have an heir..." sighing, the man went back to other more important business topics.
At least important for him. To Narcissus though, the very real possibility of there being no future for himself and Ishi... well it hurt.
It only made his arm tighten a little more over his waist.
"You're right though, Lucky-san... Nakai-san isn't a nanny. But have you TRIED to pull those two apart lately? I mean REALLY tried?" Yuuji shook his head, thinking back to his own surveillance of the boys.
They were quite literally stuck.
"I know you don't appreciate Nakai-san yelling at you and I WILL tell you that I've noticed some... aggression from him lately, but I think he's bored more than anything else so working again should calm that impulse... I want you to just trust me right now on this and let the two be together when they aren't working. I'd rather let something that works like this... well work, then possibly end up breaking one of the two of them in the long run."
"If it isn't broke don't fix it?" Akihiko asked, draining this second glass then putting it down on the coffee table and standing. "Chiyou's a clingy little runt so let him cling to Nakai until we can actually afford to pry him off... I'm going to the restroom." he said, making his way across the room and into the private bath.
Sighing, Yuuji watched his cousin go. "Yare yare... pissed him off... again..." he shrugged. "Hadn't meant to this time. Honest. I've just had too much work lately..." focusing back on Izzy, the man bowed politely. "Gomen nasai, Lucky-san. I should have given you the heads up... I've just been having time management issues. Hell I think in the last two days I've gotten four? Five hours of sleep max? But..." he smiled, "I'm not giving up. I'll discuss the funds with the financial department tomorrow and we can properly allocate them. As for Azriel-san... that's a whole new can of worms."
Naoko could only watch in fascination as Ko went bananas with plush toys. He got the attention of a gift shop employee however and asked her about a Dory alarm clock.
Luckily they actually had some in the back, none on the shelves, and the pianist asked her to have it gift wrapped for him... and that he'd also need everything the child running amok picked out added to the tab.
"A clown fish? I think a sea horse fits me more... especially after carrying you around all day." Naoko teased, grabbing Ko and lifting him onto his shoulders once more. "Okay okay so Great White for Ishihara-san and a Hammerhead for Yamada-san. A Jellyfish for Sai and a Sea Horse for me... but what about for little Ko, ne? I think YOU need the clown fish."
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Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 8:25 am
What a shock, it was so surprising,
You looked so small and frail------------------------------------------------}:- Izzy Lucky
At times life can be so enlightening .uoy no nrut nac ti tuB
"Oh god...seriously?" Izzy almost choked this time on his whiskey. Again this frigging old man had ruined someone's life. Izzy pinched his brow for a moment trying to make sense of the issue. Maybe Akihiko's idea of just killing the old tiger wasn't unreasonable after all. But he couldn't say that out loud. Izzy just had to remember that the b*****d was dying and it wasn't worth it. Once he was gone things would move on and they could be free of this onus.
"I can't believe that man can be so impossible. Hiroki-san is a hard worker. I've doubted he's every had time for a relationship. And if he's interested in a guy he should have been allowed to..." he stopped there because Yuuji agreed obviously but no one was going to get through to the stubborn b*****d that still ran Ohayou even from his death bed.
Of course, the matter of an heir always plagued the back of Izzy's mind. His family in America didn't worry about these things. His Aunt and Uncle hadn't expected to be lucky enough to have him. And while he knew they wanted him to have an heir, they were happy if he would adopt. There were so many children out there that needed good parents. Blood wasn't the important part but chosen family was. Beyond that, if he passed there were several good choices in MeKA that the company could move on to. MeKA wasn't stuck being passed from father to son. Thankfully. But where did that leave Akihiko? They didn't talk much about heirs and issues like that. Ok when they did, Akihiko got touchy.
He looked up when Akihiko spoke and then left the room. It was at this point that Izzy noticed the arm wrapped around Akihiko's waist and he bit his bottom lip. Izzy hoped that he was wrong about what he thought it could be, but he wasn't going to ignore the signs like he had done with Chiyou years ago.
Although, in the back of his mind as he watched Akihiko leave the room, he had this odd feeling that given a choice between Ohayou and himself, his partner would be hard pressed on the decision. He knew that even if Akihiko was a progressive man and much more modern than his grandfather, there were still some things that Akihiko was rather old fashion about. For a moment, Izzy stared into his empty glass wondering if there was no future for them. If Ohayou was saved, if Hiroki wasn't able to run it for one reason or another, would Akihiko leave him behind? Uncertainty had a way of rearing it's ugly head and Izzy realized that if he were to plan that far out, he'd always be fighting with the unknown. However, whatever the case may be, he'd survive. With or without Akihiko, life would move on. Just as Shou had promised on the water when he woke up that first night. He'd survive...somehow.
"No I've not tried, I expect Nakai-san will probably do it himself once he feels like its hampering his progress. He can be a bit headstrong and well...he's a bit of a playboy. I just don't want him feeling like we're forcing him into a box with Chiyou-kun within his career. Alright...Alright...I'll trust you. I just want him to succeed. I can say the same thing for Chiyou-kun too but I've had to be less involved in his personal affairs for my own reasons." He didn't want the young man to look at him as more than a father figure. That problem had plagued Izzy up to the Charity Event. And he really wanted to put some of the images that were burned into his brain behind him. Back then, Akihiko's abusive nature surely hadn't helped matters. And well, if Izzy thought to much of those moments, he would have been amaze that the current man he knew was underneath that narcissistic shell.
Izzy pondered these thoughts and then answered Yuuji's words, "He's got a lot on his mind. I don't think you pissed him off. I believe he's just a little overwhelmed like the rest of us. Hopefully tonight will be relaxing. We're cooking pancakes, well...no....I'm not cooking. Akihiko is cooking. I'm going to stand at the door and watch from a distance. Maybe you should try to get some sleep tonight and shutting off your phone. It won't do us any good if you're falling over from exhaustion." he pointed out as he set his glass down on the table. He wanted another drink but knew he hadn't eaten since he had food at Shou's place. The breakfast at home...well that didn't work out. But he could understand that Yuuji was in a bind too. It was a very difficult situation for him dealing with all the things that Akihiko and Hiroki were not. "Shou and Ko-kun probably will be at the house by...mm... between 6-7pm. Ko-kun is a very talented boy. I think you'd like him if you met him."
"A new can of worms?" he asked wanting to know exactly what Yuuji meant by that.
-:{------------------------------------------------I didn't know what to do
I grabbed the tiger by the tail!
Ko carried the armful of plushies looking very pleased with himself for picking out such good choices but then he looked thoughtful when Naoko said the seahorse fit him better. "Oh true! But you didn't carry me in your belly!" he grinned and poked Naoko in the belly with one free finger. Ko inspected each plushie then ran back and exchanged one plushie for one that had better looking eyes. Then he looked at the Hammer head shark and put it back and picked up the cute turtle from Finding Nemo. "I like this better. I think Yamada-san gets a turtle instead. It's cute. And Yamada-san...umm...is kind of stuffy sometimes so he needs this to make him smile!" He set everything on the counter then said, "Umm...Me? Umm... Oh...I didn't think about me. Clown fish?!"
The boy knew that Naoko was teasing him but he seemed Ok with that and grabbed a very handsome Nemo plush and put it on the counter. "It's me!" he said joyfully as he looked at all the plushies. Then he yawned again then smiled at Naoko and gave him another big hug, "Thank you for taking me out today, Uncle...N...Oumori. I had a lot of fun today here. " He didn't mention the first part of the day though. That sucked and he never wanted to do it again.
By the time they had walked out to the car and got all the plushies in to the backseat, Ko was yawning more often. As soon as he got in and his seatbelt on, Ko leaned over and feel asleep against the door. His little mouth partly open as he snoozed. Just like a kid.
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Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 9:44 am
After Akihiko left, Yuuji's attention focused squarely on Izzy again. "I agree with you... but that's just not how some things are done traditionally. Even you are going to find a hard time breaking that thought from Akihiko's head. He might want to spend eternity with you but if he gets Ohayou back in his lap... well..." the man shrugged.
There wasn't much he could do there. Akihiko would stick to traditions, or at least he assumed he would. After all, the young tiger's upbringing had been completely different from Izzy's. Yes Narcissus had changed as the chairman planned after inserting the manager into his grandson's life... but the old man was just as happy to rip Izzy from him if need be when the time came. Hiroki and Nezumi just got pulled apart first...
"I've got a meeting with Aki today so I'll make sure not to mention the funds you've handed over, Lucky-san. And don't worry about Chiyou-kun and Nakai-san. I'm checking on them daily when they're in the studio, just to be on the safe side. Nakai-san's trying to finish an album so he's got a lot to keep him busy for the time being. Least I don't have to worry about the media and his bed hopping right now..." sighing, Takagi walked back over to the desk and sat down behind it, leaning back comfortably.
He wanted to tell the megane-clad man that he didn't think his cousin was overwhelmed... but for once, Yuuji wasn't so sure of that. So many things were changing so fast around Akihiko that, in truth, the new temp chairman was surprised no one had been knocked upside the head yet. Was Izzy tempering that somehow? If he was, Yuuji was damn glad for it. But still...
"Cooking always made him feel more relaxed so that should help... you might want to think about stopping to get some coffee though before you start rehearsals. Akihiko doesn't need to be living off energy drinks with his heart condition. Heaven forbid he crash again..." in Takagi's eyes, his cousin was tired and would need some sort of pick-me-up before the day was through. "Michi-kun, are you joining them for pancakes or do you have something else planned?"
It was then that Tanaka voiced a very important question and Yuuji couldn't help but laugh. "Yes, can of worms. Azriel came out of left field, seemingly out of nowhere, with a mass backing by SMASH. At first I thought that it was because he looked like Akihiko... but then I realized the man has talent. I've tried to look into him but... I can't find any information on the man. Not even his real name. SMASH sealing up all information on him aside, it's as if he just doesn't exist at all."
Paying for the plushies and the wrapped gift, Naoko finally helped get Ko into the car and they headed back toward Shou's house.
It had been a long day for both and at least now it seemed most of Naoko's day would finally be over. He planned to set the gift on Ko's bed, letting him open it before he and Shou headed to Narcissus' home.
A present for a boy who had done too much... most of it not even something he wanted to do.
The pianist couldn't help but smile as he drove. Ko had had fun. And that made everything so well worth it.
An hour later they were back at Shou's and Naoko was getting out of the car, lifting the sleepy bundle from the backseat and carefully carrying him inside. He'd come back for the toys... well... except the clown fish Nemo that was being clutched by the child in his arms.
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Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 11:26 am
What a shock, it was so surprising,
You looked so small and frail------------------------------------------------}:- Izzy Lucky
At times life can be so enlightening .uoy no nrut nac ti tuB
Izzy eyes met Yuuji's and he calmly,"I'm glad you agree with me but you make it almost sound like our relationship is in vain. Are you suggesting that I back out now while I'm still ahead? Are you suggesting that my family and I being used to get this company back on it's feet and that once Ohayou is in Akihiko's hands he'd discard me for a woman?" Of course, there were a few times he wondered about that very thought. Akihiko didn't seem to like talking about that as if it conflicted with his moral fibers. Izzy had a feeling that this would one day have to be ironed out for their relationship to really progress further. Was he really wasting his time helping Ohayou. If he let it collapse, then Akihiko wouldn't have to worry about this decision at all...would he?
He then sighed and said,"Takagi-san, if Akihiko chooses his own path, then, I'll live with that. I made a promise but if our relationship is only halfhearted on his side...If he chooses Ohayou over me, and it is a choice without interference, then I'll go my own way without looking back...ever."
Then he paused for a second and glanced up focusing on Yuuji with a kindling flame in his brown eyes, "But if Akihiko's grandfather makes another play against me and tries to rip us apart for his screwed up sense of tradition, the wolves will come for him. I'm not a tiger, but I will return the favor ten fold." Izzy was serious. He had already gone one round with the man and saw through that kind grandfather gimmick. That man was more like Matsumoto Izo but with a sugar shell that he coated himself with for the public eye. Izzy wouldn't be fooled by it again.
That's when Michi inserted his comment because he could tell that one step further might make this conversation go a direction that wasn't positive for anyone. "Hey, guys shouldn't we be focusing on the events coming up soon? Um....why don't we pick up that coffee at the Starbucks on the way to the WareHouse. And I've nothing planned, Takagi-san...well I might stay and practice after Ishi-san and Narcissus leave but...other than that, my night is really open. I didn't want to be in the way while Shou and Ko were visiting."
Izzy smiled a little at Michi. Poor guy in over his head. "You're right. We should focus on what's coming up....rather than events that may or may not occur."
Michi nodded in agreement although he absorbed everything. If Akihiko was that kind of idiot and followed his grandfather's footsteps, Michi saw a very bleak outlook on Ishi's and Akihiko's relationship. One day, he promised himself to have another serious conversation with Akihiko. Because it looked like from Michi's end that this conversation needed to start somewhere.
-:{------------------------------------------------I didn't know what to do
I grabbed the tiger by the tail!
Ko didn't wake up as Naoko carried him inside. And it was obvious that Shou still had not arrived home because the house was quiet inside except for the guards that watched it outside. Everything was peaceful as the man walked through the house and put the boy on his bed.
The boy rolled over and snuggled in to his Nemo plush scooting his toes under the covers. His fingers however trembled a little and tapped against the Nemo plush. Eventually they started to settle but it took about 10 minutes. It seemed like at this point the boy was fully asleep.
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Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 11:49 am
Yuuji raised his hands up almost defensively. "Hey, just because I do Aki's bidding doesn't mean I agree with the man. I wouldn't want the two of you to split for anything... mainly because it's caused me more grief than I can express getting you together in the first place." he replied, not wanting Izzy to get mad at him.
He hadn't done anything this time, after all.
"If my cousin doesn't choose you, it'll be because he wants the company more. If he does pick you though... well... he'll still be a star and I suppose you both can fall back on YOU managing MeKA in the future." he pointed to the megane-clad man at that statement. "Ohayou, in that event, will stay Hiroki's and I'll pray to any god who listens that he finds himself a nice woman and just have a life for once. Just because I'm straight doesn't mean I'm oblivious to your own relationships." sighing, Takagi shook his head, glancing at the closed bathroom door. "I understand love."
His attention was diverted however when Michi said he had no plans. "Good. Then after you're finished practicing you're going to get some rest. Lots of it. Right now I don't want you thinking about your physical therapy job and just focus on the music and what you need to do. After the shows... well... I'm booking you for a damn good massage because after dealing with this board of fools who thinks they run this place... I need it." he sighed, looking up at the ceiling. "I feel liked I've aged five years in just five days..."
"You look it too." Akihiko replied, coming out of the bathroom. Motioning to Izzy and Michi, the musician smiled. "We should get to the WareHouse. The longer we stall here, the less time we have to get an already packed schedule finished out."
Once Ko was asleep and tucked in, Naoko went into the living room and fell over onto the sofa.
It'd been a long day... and while he needed to work, he didn't want to risk waking the boy.
So instead, the blond closed his eyes and just let his mind drift.
Ryu... Sai... Jun...
He didn't think about any of it.
Rest.
Sweet glorious sleep...
He'd catch a few zzz's before Shou got home.
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Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 1:20 pm
What a shock, it was so surprising,
You looked so small and frail------------------------------------------------}:- Izzy Lucky
At times life can be so enlightening .uoy no nrut nac ti tuB
"I know..." Izzy answered and watched those hands. Yuuji had certainly put them up more than often today. He probably was just too tired to fight for too long about any subject in particular. Izzy crossed his arms and felt uncomfortable. Yes, Akihiko would still be a star but he had a feeling that the man would have regrets one way or the other. Because Izzy knew that Akihiko always felt like he'd eventually run Ohayou. Was that defeat before the relationship even started? Was he a fool to go back to Akihiko knowing this? But he loved Akihiko...he had to try.
"Yes, I guess I should hope for that." Izzy said under his breath while wishing that things would go well. "Yes, I know...and I hope things will get better for you in the future, Takagi-san." That's when he thought about Ko and really hoped that the boy was Yuuji's son. There was a chance for something good even if the chances were slim. "Maybe you should stop by for pancakes, if you have the time. You like you've not eaten recently."
"Ok...Ok...I'll make sure I get some rest. I'll get back to my apartment tonight even if I get home late. I'm going to get a good night's rest." Michi promised then looked up as Akihiko walked out.
"Yeah...lets go." Michi said as he got up and walked over to shake Yuuji's hand. "I've added you to my rounds so you'll get that massage soon enough." he said with a wink that neither Akihiko or Izzy could see.
Once they left, Izzy was a little quiet as they road to the WareHouse. Taking a nap on the door of the limo as it drove them there. He couldn't get the previous thoughts out of his head. But what could he do. He had to get things out of his head and get his butt on to the songs he had to sing.
As soon as they got to the WareHouse, Izzy jumped right in and tried to hit his marks. Yammi was a bit surprised with Izzy's charging need to sing but he and the band whipped up a storm of music and kept up with the vocalist. There was a bit of struggle here and there as band was still working on Shou's composition for the songs.
But Izzy's songs were passionate and driving. As if those flamed stoked feelings had been rekindled in such a way. Certainly, the conversation between he and Yuuji had caused that effect with its wave of uncertainty rippling through Izzy's mind.
However, Michi's song seemed to go easier because the drummer had the beat box and they could wing much of the sound since Michi was able to jive with the lyrics. Yammi played the music loose and even though the band wasn't a pop group by heart they sounded pretty natural at it.
By the time Yammi had a break he was chuckling at Narcissus, "So do we sound like a Jboy band yet? Don't ask me to do back up vocals here, Michi-kun. Or you'll be in trouble."
"Ha...no I don't want your scruffy voice trying to sing as my back up." Michi countered with a laugh. Even though he knew the band didn't like his style of music that much, they did a good job of hiding it in front of his face.
-:{------------------------------------------------I didn't know what to do
I grabbed the tiger by the tail! Do you know what you got into
Can you handle what I’m ’bout to do------------------------------------------------}:-  SHOU
No escaping when I start .traeh ruoy nwo I ni m'I ecnO
Beautiful Dreamer
Shou returned about 2 hours past the time of Naoko's arrival. His hair had no shells in it but the beads were still woven in his tresses. He was wearing a white coat with fur and feathers that almost hit the floor but held away from it by the boots he slowly slipped off and placed in the rack by the door.
Flowing down the hall much like a ghost, he spotted the young Naoko laying out on the sofa. He smiled a little and walked over to pull a blanket over the younger man.
After he took off his coat, he went into the kitchen and made some warm chai with milk and poured it over ice. Locating a straw in the kitchen, he tuck it into the lightly sweet drink.
When he came back into the living room he turned the TV on low and watched the DVR session of Narcissus' interview with the sound turned down low in order not to wake up Naoko.
-:{------------------------------------------------Cause it’s about to get rough for you
I’m here For Your Entertainment
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Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 1:35 pm
Akihiko remained very, almost unnaturally quiet on the trip to the WareHouse. He seemed to be sleeping actually, though the man was just trying to let his body relax.
Let his mind relax, as much as he could.
Even if it were a rehearsal, it was still his music.
Still his to sing and perfect and make absolutely perfect.
Yuuji had never said yes or no to pancakes, so the young tiger hoping his cousin might drop by after a long day of the suit and tie.
Once everyone started working however, Narcissus fell into the routine and became more chatty. He easily helped point out things to both Izzy and Michi that they needed to focus on... a missed note here, an odd blocking movement there. It was like he had turned into a choreographer and vocal coach in one.
But then there was a pause in the sets and he lit a cigarette, handing one and a lighter to Yammi. "Course you don't sound like a boy band. I wouldn't want you to. But you work for Michi-kun's sound and you're almost perfect for Ruki's. I've hired a guitarist for Michi-kun though who I think could probably do backup vocals if need be... course he won't be on staff til after the shows." the musician winked to Yammi with a wicked smirk. "I'd rather not drive you crazy with such genki sound, after all."
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Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 2:27 pm
What a shock, it was so surprising,
You looked so small and frail------------------------------------------------}:- Izzy Lucky
At times life can be so enlightening .uoy no nrut nac ti tuB
Izzy appreciated the help from Narcissus because it was much different working with Yammi than Shou. Maybe it was just a little stiff right now because Izzy was still trying to get used to the way the band moved. It wasn't that he hadn't heard them a million times before but this was different. He wasn't watching, he was performing.
Yammi took the cigarette and the lighter, "Thanks." he said before lighting up. "Yeah well Izzy's sound is edgy. And..." he glanced over to the manager who was downing a soda at by the vending machine then back at Narcissus. "...he's really changed a lot. I never imagined him belting out music like that. I mean we used to make fun of him on karaoke nights. I mean he was fun to watch when we all needed to loosen up but...never expected." He took a draw off the stem of the cigarette.
"Glad your putting your Jboy a band together." he smirked as he poked fun at Michi. "Genki? Genki isn't a big enough word for this. It's that sexy pop crap that will get the girls squealing...but not at my band...just him." Yammi pointed a finger at Michi and continued to poke fun at Michi who outwardly didn't mind but inwardly was groaning, Great...he hates my music!
Yammi noticed the slight change in Michi's mood and smirked, "Hey Jboy, it's ok. We'll B Bop for a couple nights but after that...we go back to the bar and put our metal heads back on until Narcissus needs us back at the studio." That pretty much summed up Narcissus band.
As Yammi walked off, Michi put his head on Narcissus' shoulder. "I'm so doomed."
When Izzy finished his soda, Yammi had walked up to him and put his arm about the shorter man. "Hey is everything ok? I mean with Ohayou and all. Seems like things are kind of on edge lately. Just looking at you guys, well I can see a bit of stress here and there."
Izzy glanced up at Yammi and sighed, "It's a lot of things but right now we've got to make it through this. But I appreciate you asking. I think things will smooth out soon though." At least, Izzy knew that the band would be paid and that would make sure that things didn't turn into Indie...God he didn't want to even let Yammi feel like that could happen again.
"Ok...well we well get through the week and then come clubbing with us. We gotta hang out more." Yammi said before sucking in another draw of the cigarette and heading back to his guitar. "Ok boy's break is over, Narcissus, you ready to take a stab at our set?"
-:{------------------------------------------------I didn't know what to do
I grabbed the tiger by the tail!
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Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 3:03 pm
"You're not doomed, baka." Narcissus teased, poking Michi's forehead as he shrugged away from that hand. "You're just... well... stuck. Don't worry though, Yammi-kun enjoys your lyrics... just isn't too happy about the whole giggly sexy feel."
But then the guitarist was back and Akihiko had to snuff out his cigarette. He walked over to the mic and sighed. "If we must..."
The teasing in his blue gaze however... that want to perform, to be the center of attention, to sing his heart and soul out... well... it was unmistakable.
And so they worked on Narcissus' set until the man had to call a break himself, falling backward onto his a** in exhaustion and just sitting there for a moment, hands splayed behind him to keep the young tiger from laying down instead.
"s**t... I still have two songs, ne?" his chest was rising and falling visibly as Akihiko drew in each breath. "I need a break guys... give me ten or... yeah ten..."
God he was tired... and hot... and sweating... and... IT BUGGED HIM!!!
Narcissus knew he shouldn't be feeling tired yet! It wasn't a full concert after all... but he hadn't taken a break in his set.
The actual show would give him a break, so Akihiko looked forward to that.
"God I'm glad you two are playing in the middle of my set... I don't think I could get through a whole concert right now." Narcissus admitted, motioning for Izzy and Michi to take five too, but for them to come over onto the stage while he himself rested.
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Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 3:23 pm
What a shock, it was so surprising,
You looked so small and frail------------------------------------------------}:- Izzy Lucky
At times life can be so enlightening .uoy no nrut nac ti tuB
Izzy walked over and sat down with Narcissus, "You think you'll be alright? My song is in the middle but Tanaka-kun is opening. Do you need him singing in the middle now to give you more time?"
Michi walked over too and looked Narcissus over. "Hey, I'm Ok with moving it if it needs to happen. Just might be better if it's up front though since the style is so different from everyone else." he added then squatted down with a concerned look on his face. "Do we need to cut down your set? Your health comes first. You haven't told anyone how many songs your doing so why not leave out a couple on the first night, and put them back in on the second night. Choose different ones to take out for that night. If you fall over on stage that won't look good for anyone."
Yammi set down his guitar and talked to the rest of the band while the other 3 were chatting. This time he didn't light up a cigarette but was going through the sheets of choreography and looking at what they were doing. "May we just need to tone down your performance in a few spots." Yammi called back to Narcissus. "Lets moving here and there. The stage is large enough to move on but we could move more while you move less." The guitarist could tell that Narcissus was struggling a little and that wouldn't do on stage so he had to help figure out a more productive way of helping his vocalist make it through a set.
"Also, here..." Yammi pointed to a sheet and then walked over, "I can add a small solo or we can do some drums so you can get a quick drink or towel off moment. Heck its a club so people are going to want to have a moment to get a fresh beer so we can add something here to give them a chance to do that."
-:{------------------------------------------------I didn't know what to do
I grabbed the tiger by the tail!
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