I was prompted!
So the other night I was talking to RaeRae (like I do) and she sent me a link.
Saying: "I feel like some version of J should say that to Rei as a pick-up line."
SO I WAS LIKE ... CHALLENGED ACCEPTED!
____________________________________________________________
Title: Fortune Favors The Bold.
Who: R/J
Verse: N/A
Rating: PG? I live in a perpetual state of PG/PG-13.
-----
Just as the dawn was cresting on the horizon, Himura Ryuu rose to greet the day. He had nowhere to be that day, a small reprieve after the years of work to complete his Doctorate work and attain his PhD. Rising from his bed and stretching, he yawned widely and combed his fingers through his hair - a mess of sleep-flattened curls.
Ryuu slid open the panel leading to the living area and yawned again, rubbing his face, stubble tickling his palms. He shook himself, trying to wake up and found his yoga mat propped near the door. He unfurled it in front of the windows and went about his morning routine. The room was bathed in soft, yellow-orange light as the sun rose - the view outside his living room was ablaze with reds and golds and oranges as the world slowly woke.
Lean muscles and long limbs bent, twisted, and flowed through various movements, some basic, others so advanced his arms or legs shook with the effort. Finally, with a fine sheen of sweat coating his skin, Ryuu settled down on the mat, legs crossed in lotus position and closed his eyes. He let his mind wander down familiar paths, let his body relax and his heart rate slow as he sank into mediation.
He had barely started when his phone interrupted him - the beep signaling a new text message. At first he ignored it, then it sounded again. And again. And again, in rapid fire. He heaved a sigh and stood, reaching for the phone just as it started ringing.
Ryuu glanced at the name on the caller ID before putting it to his ear. “Yuuki,” he said in way of greeting.
“Ryuu-kun!” the voice on the other end sounded cheery. Never a good sign. “My best friend in all the world, how long have we known each other?”
“Ten years; we met our first year at University. You know this,” he said as he walked into the kitchen to make tea.
“Right, and I have always been there for you, haven't I? Always been a wonderful, caring, and loyal friend.”
“Stop buttering me up and just tell me what you want, Yuuki.” Ryuu sighed and balanced the phone between his ear and shoulder, filling a kettle with water.
“You know the fundraiser that I've been overseeing, the biggest event of my career!”
“Yes, I believe I know about that.” He started the kettle and held the phone away from his face, speaking directly into the mouth piece. “It's the only thing you've talked about for months!”
“Right, right. So you realize how immensely important it is for me as an Event Coordinator as well as a fundraiser in general because it's for the hospital for a pediatric cancer ward and new research facilities.” All of this was said in one breath, so quickly that Ryuu would've been lost if hadn't already heard it before.
He sighed again, leaning against the counter. “It's early, why are you even awake? You hate mornings.”
“I'm up because my life is falling apart!!” Yuuki sounded so melodramatic that Ryuu could clearly see the frazzled the hair pulling that accompanied the words.
“And you think I can fix it...?”
“I need servers! I've had three - THREE - call in sick since last night. Do you know understand? If we don't have servers how else are we going to bankroll this thing? We need to get them all fat and drunk so they'll hemorrhage money into the hospital!”
“I think it's a good thing you never became a lawyer like your parents wanted; you're like a parasite.”
“I AM DOING GOOD THINGS HERE, RYUU! I AM DOING THIS FOR THE CHILDREN!” Ryuu pulled the phone away from his ear, face pinched. He still had the phone held out as he turned off the pot of boiling water.
“THINK OF THE CHILDREN, YOU HEARTLESS BASTARD, AND HELP ME!”
“By playing waiter?”
“YES! I'll pay you.”
“I'm not a whore.”
“No, you're just cheap and easy.” There was a pause in the conversation while Yuuki laughed at his own joke. “Okay, I shouldn't be mean. Will you please help me, Ryuu?”
“Yeah, I'll help.”
“BLESS YOU MY FRIEND!” Yuuki screamed before hanging up. Ryuu shook his head at the phone and sat it down to finish preparing his green tea.
***
Wading through the party goers, tray in hand, Ryuu smiled politely, offering drinks and food. Yuuki had - predictably - been in a state of panic when Ryuu had showed up earlier in the day. It was a whirlwind as Yuuki ran down the list of things he needed to know, what he needed to do, and gotten him into the proper attire for the night - crisp white shirt, black slacks, and a thin black tie.
Yuuki had whined about Ryuu's hair, how unkempt it was no matter what was done to it, but finally gave up trying to tame the curls; literally throwing his hands in the air.
“Maybe the bored society wives will think I look dashing?” Ryuu had laughed, bright eyed. Yuuki had only frowned deeper.
The night had actually been rather pleasant, all things considered. It was getting late though, some people well into their cups, others using the dance floor, and others leaving for home. He was clearing a table, watching a young woman seated at another table across the aisle.
It was hard not to notice her, and he had several times throughout the event. Her coal black hair was pulled back into a low bun, the front a gentle wave that framed her face. She had watched the room with keen, thick-lashed eyes lightly lined in kohl. Her full lips were a crimson red to match her dress; a body-hugging number with a sweetheart neckline that exposed a wealth of smooth skin.
That was all at a glance, but watching her as he had been for a while, he could see the tension in her shoulders; her body coiled tightly like she was readying herself for a battle. He saw how the corners of her eyes were pinched, tired.... weary.
She clearly didn't want to be there. He had watched her talking with a few people at her table - a young couple, and a seemly shy young woman. Ryuu saw the couple on the dance floor now, swaying to the music. There was no sign of the other young woman.
During a short break he had glanced at the seating charts in Yuuki's office: Dr. Chiba Mamoru. Mrs. Chiba Usagi. Dr. Mizuno Ami. Hino Rei. He found himself oddly interested in all of them, but it was Hino-san that drew his attention most. Though he wasn't about to do anything. He told himself learning their names to sate his curiosity was the end of it.
He was still cleaning up the table when a man sat down next to Hino-san. She tensed ever so slightly, but he thought it was more out of annoyance rather than being startled. Moving around the table a bit, he was within ear shot.... unable to stop himself.
“.... Kyosuke,” he caught the end of the man introducing himself. He seemed a bit older than Hino-san, who Ryuu guessed to be closer to his age or a few years younger. The Kyosuke fellow wasn't entirely unfortunate looking; he was thin and wiry looking, much like Yuuki, his dark hair combed back from his oval face.
“You're Senator Hino's daughter, aren't you? I was speaking with him earlier-“ Hino-san had been pointedly ignoring Kyosuke up until that point. But she cut him off as she turned toward him, fixing him with a withering gaze.
“Kyosuke-san,” she said slowly; her voice was rich and smooth but with a slight edge, causing the words to flow like black molasses rather than golden honey. “Even if I were in a good mood, which I assure you I am not, I would not be inclined to give you the time of day, let alone engage in flirtatious banter. If my father sent you over with promises and kind words, remember that he is a politician and prone to lying.” She offered up a coquettish smile, batting her eyes mockingly. “I, however, am not: so please begone before I am required to flay you with a serving spoon.”
Kyosuke floundered for a moment, mouth opening and closing like a fish. Finally he got himself under control enough to call her a “bitch” while rising indignantly from his chair, the legs scraping noisily against the wooden floor.
Hino-san seemed unperturbed by his show, and went back to watching her friends on the dance floor. Ryuu bit his cheek to keep from laughing, impressed by her, and finished his task. He took all the empty glasses and things to the kitchen for the washers, and found a fresh tray before goading the chef into making up a sampling of his finest dishes, as well as a bottle of the best sake available.
Making his way back to the main hall, Ryuu went straight to where Hino-san was still seated and gently placed the things on the table. She glanced up at him, eyes narrowed. He bowed. When he straightened he smiled, holding the tray at his side.
“It's not my place to say, but I was very impressed with how you handled that man's attentions; I appreciate people who don't give a damn what anyone thinks. And I don't believe I have ever met anyone who could verbally castrate a man so eloquently.” He bowed again. “I thought such an action deserved commendation, so if I may humbly present this small offering?”
She looked him up and down, eyes narrowed sceptically. “You're bold. Aren't you afraid I might “verbally castrate” you as well?” She quirked one thin brow.
“I was hopeful you would only do so if it was necessary.”
“Well, thank you, I suppose.”
“My pleasure.” He inclined his head and grinned again. “If you require anything else, just let me know.” With that Ryuu swiveled around on his heel and left. When he was on the other side of the room he glanced back toward her table, watching as she tucked into the food with a suppressed delight.
***
It was sometime later when Ryuu's attention was drawn to Hino-san again. This time she was engaged with an older gentleman, his black hair fading into grey at the temples.
They were seated next to each other, bent close together, and Ryuu could practically feel the anger rolling off them both. Their voices were hushed, but full of agitation and growing louder by the second. He debated for a moment before deciding his course of action.
He stole a glass from the tray of another server - a blood red cocktail of some sort with muddled berries pooling in the bottom of the glass. It was a bold move, but he didn't think of himself as a knight, swooping in to rescue the princess, because it was clear Hino-san needed to so help. He felt more like a supporter, giving her back-up, while helping them both to save face at the charity gala.
Ryuu moved close to their table, and found his opportunity made all the easier when a woman at a neighboring table pushed back her to chair to stand. He acted as if he didn't see her until the last second, jumping back and promptly spilling the drink on the man's lap.
The gentleman jumped up with a muttered curse, hands held out in surprise. Ryuu widened his eyes, feigning an apologetic look.
“I am so sorry, sir!” He grabbed one of the cloth napkins from the table, meaning to dab up the mess. He caught Hino-san's eyes, at first she was shocked then she realized it was him and narrowed her eyes briefly, questioning.
“You imbecile!” the man cried, batting Ryuu's hand away. “Who is your supervisor?”
“Oh, sir, please don't say anything. It was an accident, I swear it.”
“Their name,” the other man hissed.
“I-I'm sorry, sir.” Ryuu bowed. “I report to the event coordinator, sir.”
Without a word the man stormed off in search of Yuuki, and Ryuu straightened up, watching him go with gleeful delight.
“Will you lose your job?” Hino-san asked quietly, drawing his attention. He glanced toward her and grinned, then back toward the retreating figure... hoping he might catch the interaction between him and Yuuki. However, he disappeared out of the hall.
Ryuu turned his attention back to Hino-san. “Doesn't matter. I'm friends with the coordinator, Yuuki. I was helping for the night after some people called in sick.”
“So you're not a waiter?”
“Just for the night.” He smiled and, glancing around, took the seat the other man had vacated.
“What do you then?”
“I just finished my doctoral work.”
“A PhD? She seemed surprised by that, her eyebrows lifting a bit. “In what, might I ask?”
“History.” Ryuu relaxed into his chair. “I’m going to work in documentaries; I’l be to be starting as an editor at company in a few days. I hope to direct one day, though. I think it’s very important to study the past, try to learn from it, and also to record the present for the future.”
“You're full of surprises aren't you...?”
“Himura Ryuu.”
“Hino Rei, and that,” she nodded in the direction of the older man. “Was my father.”
“He seems like a lovely person.”
Her lips twitched at that before she caught herself, arranging her face in a more serious expression. “I guess I should thank you. Things are usually... heated between us; this time was no exception. Though it wasn't really necessary to step in.”
“What?” Ryuu batted his eyes innocently. “It was a complete accident.”
“Of course it was.” Her lips twitched again. She nodded toward the bottle of sake still on the table. “Seeing as you're about to get fired from a temporary position, perhaps you would like slack off and join me for a bit of sake? I can't finish the bottle by myself.”
“Thank you, Hino-san. It would be a pleasure.” He picked up the bottle, carefully pouring her a cup and handing it over, their fingers brushing. Then he poured himself some and lifted it in a toast. “To eloquent women who can flay men with serving spoons.”
Now she laughed, soft and melodious, one hand covering her mouth. After a moment she looked up, eyes dancing like candle-flames. “To bold waiters who are fortuitously clumsy.”
----
ETA - Moral of the story: send prompts and I will write you R/J.
Saying: "I feel like some version of J should say that to Rei as a pick-up line."
SO I WAS LIKE ... CHALLENGED ACCEPTED!
____________________________________________________________
Title: Fortune Favors The Bold.
Who: R/J
Verse: N/A
Rating: PG? I live in a perpetual state of PG/PG-13.
-----
Just as the dawn was cresting on the horizon, Himura Ryuu rose to greet the day. He had nowhere to be that day, a small reprieve after the years of work to complete his Doctorate work and attain his PhD. Rising from his bed and stretching, he yawned widely and combed his fingers through his hair - a mess of sleep-flattened curls.
Ryuu slid open the panel leading to the living area and yawned again, rubbing his face, stubble tickling his palms. He shook himself, trying to wake up and found his yoga mat propped near the door. He unfurled it in front of the windows and went about his morning routine. The room was bathed in soft, yellow-orange light as the sun rose - the view outside his living room was ablaze with reds and golds and oranges as the world slowly woke.
Lean muscles and long limbs bent, twisted, and flowed through various movements, some basic, others so advanced his arms or legs shook with the effort. Finally, with a fine sheen of sweat coating his skin, Ryuu settled down on the mat, legs crossed in lotus position and closed his eyes. He let his mind wander down familiar paths, let his body relax and his heart rate slow as he sank into mediation.
He had barely started when his phone interrupted him - the beep signaling a new text message. At first he ignored it, then it sounded again. And again. And again, in rapid fire. He heaved a sigh and stood, reaching for the phone just as it started ringing.
Ryuu glanced at the name on the caller ID before putting it to his ear. “Yuuki,” he said in way of greeting.
“Ryuu-kun!” the voice on the other end sounded cheery. Never a good sign. “My best friend in all the world, how long have we known each other?”
“Ten years; we met our first year at University. You know this,” he said as he walked into the kitchen to make tea.
“Right, and I have always been there for you, haven't I? Always been a wonderful, caring, and loyal friend.”
“Stop buttering me up and just tell me what you want, Yuuki.” Ryuu sighed and balanced the phone between his ear and shoulder, filling a kettle with water.
“You know the fundraiser that I've been overseeing, the biggest event of my career!”
“Yes, I believe I know about that.” He started the kettle and held the phone away from his face, speaking directly into the mouth piece. “It's the only thing you've talked about for months!”
“Right, right. So you realize how immensely important it is for me as an Event Coordinator as well as a fundraiser in general because it's for the hospital for a pediatric cancer ward and new research facilities.” All of this was said in one breath, so quickly that Ryuu would've been lost if hadn't already heard it before.
He sighed again, leaning against the counter. “It's early, why are you even awake? You hate mornings.”
“I'm up because my life is falling apart!!” Yuuki sounded so melodramatic that Ryuu could clearly see the frazzled the hair pulling that accompanied the words.
“And you think I can fix it...?”
“I need servers! I've had three - THREE - call in sick since last night. Do you know understand? If we don't have servers how else are we going to bankroll this thing? We need to get them all fat and drunk so they'll hemorrhage money into the hospital!”
“I think it's a good thing you never became a lawyer like your parents wanted; you're like a parasite.”
“I AM DOING GOOD THINGS HERE, RYUU! I AM DOING THIS FOR THE CHILDREN!” Ryuu pulled the phone away from his ear, face pinched. He still had the phone held out as he turned off the pot of boiling water.
“THINK OF THE CHILDREN, YOU HEARTLESS BASTARD, AND HELP ME!”
“By playing waiter?”
“YES! I'll pay you.”
“I'm not a whore.”
“No, you're just cheap and easy.” There was a pause in the conversation while Yuuki laughed at his own joke. “Okay, I shouldn't be mean. Will you please help me, Ryuu?”
“Yeah, I'll help.”
“BLESS YOU MY FRIEND!” Yuuki screamed before hanging up. Ryuu shook his head at the phone and sat it down to finish preparing his green tea.
***
Wading through the party goers, tray in hand, Ryuu smiled politely, offering drinks and food. Yuuki had - predictably - been in a state of panic when Ryuu had showed up earlier in the day. It was a whirlwind as Yuuki ran down the list of things he needed to know, what he needed to do, and gotten him into the proper attire for the night - crisp white shirt, black slacks, and a thin black tie.
Yuuki had whined about Ryuu's hair, how unkempt it was no matter what was done to it, but finally gave up trying to tame the curls; literally throwing his hands in the air.
“Maybe the bored society wives will think I look dashing?” Ryuu had laughed, bright eyed. Yuuki had only frowned deeper.
The night had actually been rather pleasant, all things considered. It was getting late though, some people well into their cups, others using the dance floor, and others leaving for home. He was clearing a table, watching a young woman seated at another table across the aisle.
It was hard not to notice her, and he had several times throughout the event. Her coal black hair was pulled back into a low bun, the front a gentle wave that framed her face. She had watched the room with keen, thick-lashed eyes lightly lined in kohl. Her full lips were a crimson red to match her dress; a body-hugging number with a sweetheart neckline that exposed a wealth of smooth skin.
That was all at a glance, but watching her as he had been for a while, he could see the tension in her shoulders; her body coiled tightly like she was readying herself for a battle. He saw how the corners of her eyes were pinched, tired.... weary.
She clearly didn't want to be there. He had watched her talking with a few people at her table - a young couple, and a seemly shy young woman. Ryuu saw the couple on the dance floor now, swaying to the music. There was no sign of the other young woman.
During a short break he had glanced at the seating charts in Yuuki's office: Dr. Chiba Mamoru. Mrs. Chiba Usagi. Dr. Mizuno Ami. Hino Rei. He found himself oddly interested in all of them, but it was Hino-san that drew his attention most. Though he wasn't about to do anything. He told himself learning their names to sate his curiosity was the end of it.
He was still cleaning up the table when a man sat down next to Hino-san. She tensed ever so slightly, but he thought it was more out of annoyance rather than being startled. Moving around the table a bit, he was within ear shot.... unable to stop himself.
“.... Kyosuke,” he caught the end of the man introducing himself. He seemed a bit older than Hino-san, who Ryuu guessed to be closer to his age or a few years younger. The Kyosuke fellow wasn't entirely unfortunate looking; he was thin and wiry looking, much like Yuuki, his dark hair combed back from his oval face.
“You're Senator Hino's daughter, aren't you? I was speaking with him earlier-“ Hino-san had been pointedly ignoring Kyosuke up until that point. But she cut him off as she turned toward him, fixing him with a withering gaze.
“Kyosuke-san,” she said slowly; her voice was rich and smooth but with a slight edge, causing the words to flow like black molasses rather than golden honey. “Even if I were in a good mood, which I assure you I am not, I would not be inclined to give you the time of day, let alone engage in flirtatious banter. If my father sent you over with promises and kind words, remember that he is a politician and prone to lying.” She offered up a coquettish smile, batting her eyes mockingly. “I, however, am not: so please begone before I am required to flay you with a serving spoon.”
Kyosuke floundered for a moment, mouth opening and closing like a fish. Finally he got himself under control enough to call her a “bitch” while rising indignantly from his chair, the legs scraping noisily against the wooden floor.
Hino-san seemed unperturbed by his show, and went back to watching her friends on the dance floor. Ryuu bit his cheek to keep from laughing, impressed by her, and finished his task. He took all the empty glasses and things to the kitchen for the washers, and found a fresh tray before goading the chef into making up a sampling of his finest dishes, as well as a bottle of the best sake available.
Making his way back to the main hall, Ryuu went straight to where Hino-san was still seated and gently placed the things on the table. She glanced up at him, eyes narrowed. He bowed. When he straightened he smiled, holding the tray at his side.
“It's not my place to say, but I was very impressed with how you handled that man's attentions; I appreciate people who don't give a damn what anyone thinks. And I don't believe I have ever met anyone who could verbally castrate a man so eloquently.” He bowed again. “I thought such an action deserved commendation, so if I may humbly present this small offering?”
She looked him up and down, eyes narrowed sceptically. “You're bold. Aren't you afraid I might “verbally castrate” you as well?” She quirked one thin brow.
“I was hopeful you would only do so if it was necessary.”
“Well, thank you, I suppose.”
“My pleasure.” He inclined his head and grinned again. “If you require anything else, just let me know.” With that Ryuu swiveled around on his heel and left. When he was on the other side of the room he glanced back toward her table, watching as she tucked into the food with a suppressed delight.
***
It was sometime later when Ryuu's attention was drawn to Hino-san again. This time she was engaged with an older gentleman, his black hair fading into grey at the temples.
They were seated next to each other, bent close together, and Ryuu could practically feel the anger rolling off them both. Their voices were hushed, but full of agitation and growing louder by the second. He debated for a moment before deciding his course of action.
He stole a glass from the tray of another server - a blood red cocktail of some sort with muddled berries pooling in the bottom of the glass. It was a bold move, but he didn't think of himself as a knight, swooping in to rescue the princess, because it was clear Hino-san needed to so help. He felt more like a supporter, giving her back-up, while helping them both to save face at the charity gala.
Ryuu moved close to their table, and found his opportunity made all the easier when a woman at a neighboring table pushed back her to chair to stand. He acted as if he didn't see her until the last second, jumping back and promptly spilling the drink on the man's lap.
The gentleman jumped up with a muttered curse, hands held out in surprise. Ryuu widened his eyes, feigning an apologetic look.
“I am so sorry, sir!” He grabbed one of the cloth napkins from the table, meaning to dab up the mess. He caught Hino-san's eyes, at first she was shocked then she realized it was him and narrowed her eyes briefly, questioning.
“You imbecile!” the man cried, batting Ryuu's hand away. “Who is your supervisor?”
“Oh, sir, please don't say anything. It was an accident, I swear it.”
“Their name,” the other man hissed.
“I-I'm sorry, sir.” Ryuu bowed. “I report to the event coordinator, sir.”
Without a word the man stormed off in search of Yuuki, and Ryuu straightened up, watching him go with gleeful delight.
“Will you lose your job?” Hino-san asked quietly, drawing his attention. He glanced toward her and grinned, then back toward the retreating figure... hoping he might catch the interaction between him and Yuuki. However, he disappeared out of the hall.
Ryuu turned his attention back to Hino-san. “Doesn't matter. I'm friends with the coordinator, Yuuki. I was helping for the night after some people called in sick.”
“So you're not a waiter?”
“Just for the night.” He smiled and, glancing around, took the seat the other man had vacated.
“What do you then?”
“I just finished my doctoral work.”
“A PhD? She seemed surprised by that, her eyebrows lifting a bit. “In what, might I ask?”
“History.” Ryuu relaxed into his chair. “I’m going to work in documentaries; I’l be to be starting as an editor at company in a few days. I hope to direct one day, though. I think it’s very important to study the past, try to learn from it, and also to record the present for the future.”
“You're full of surprises aren't you...?”
“Himura Ryuu.”
“Hino Rei, and that,” she nodded in the direction of the older man. “Was my father.”
“He seems like a lovely person.”
Her lips twitched at that before she caught herself, arranging her face in a more serious expression. “I guess I should thank you. Things are usually... heated between us; this time was no exception. Though it wasn't really necessary to step in.”
“What?” Ryuu batted his eyes innocently. “It was a complete accident.”
“Of course it was.” Her lips twitched again. She nodded toward the bottle of sake still on the table. “Seeing as you're about to get fired from a temporary position, perhaps you would like slack off and join me for a bit of sake? I can't finish the bottle by myself.”
“Thank you, Hino-san. It would be a pleasure.” He picked up the bottle, carefully pouring her a cup and handing it over, their fingers brushing. Then he poured himself some and lifted it in a toast. “To eloquent women who can flay men with serving spoons.”
Now she laughed, soft and melodious, one hand covering her mouth. After a moment she looked up, eyes dancing like candle-flames. “To bold waiters who are fortuitously clumsy.”
----
ETA - Moral of the story: send prompts and I will write you R/J.