A customer? [ He glances at Sakurai out of the corner of his eye, then backs out of the parking space and goes on. ] That's someone who receives service in exchange for money.
[ He does pass by the new place Sakurai mentioned, though, as they drive along. It says something about a special first lunch, but Jim doesn't really understand the importance of it. ]
[There's a look from Sho at Jim's smart-ass comment, but he decides not to give the man the pleasure of a response. Instead he just stares at the restaurant as they pass and gives an indignant snort of irritation.]
[ Jim is pretty sure restaurants don't just stay open for one meal, but he doesn't tell Sakurai this and tries not to laugh about it instead.
His need to keep up pretences is beyond Jim's realm of comprehension, but he supposes that's what happens when you're the spoiled heir to a giant business.
They get caught in traffic a little past the halfway point to their destination, and Jim lets out a little sigh as he leans back in his seat and absently taps at the steering wheel. ]
jim don't give a shit but his player might 8D IT MAKES ME FEEL BETTER OKAY
[Sho's arms are folded across his chest again and he lets out a sigh of his own, wishing he'd just got a taxi instead of having to be stuck in a car with a man he can't stand. He feels no need to start up a conversation, but he does lean over and turn on the radio, hoping for something to ease his boredom.]
ONE DAY JIM WILL ENJOY SHO'S FACE LIKE THE REST OF US (i do give many shits)
[ Having predicted such an action the moment he knew he'd be riding a car with the boss' son, Jim easily programmed the radio to play nothing but channels dedicated to niche, ambient music, and one news channel for Arabian speakers.
Of course, he shows no sign of it being a pre-meditated thing. He just starts to drive once the traffic starts moving again, enjoying whatever sound Sakurai decides to settle on. ]
[But he can't settle on anything, and that's the problem. None of the music is to his taste, and not speaking Arabic he can't understand a word of the news channel, so he cycles through every single one once, twice, three times...]
Is this thing broken?
[And he starts to fiddle with the dials and buttons]
the day jim says "you look cute today sakurai" sho's going to think he's high
[ The corner of his mouth twitches a little, but Jim masks that with a fake yawn, one hand off the wheel to cover it before he drives with both hands again. ]
And the channel switches when you press the button. Are you sure you've used a radio before?
[That comment definitely earns Jim a look of utter distaste, Sho actually bothering to turn and glare before delivering a response in the most patronising of tones.]
Are you sure you've ever used a brain cell before? What kind of radio stations do you think we have in Tokyo? This sounds like somebody slowly drowning a cat.
[Another few moments of pointless dial-twiddling.]
...I wish you came with a 'mute' button.
ah, drunk jim... saying something life-changing before passing the hell out because of low tolerance
[ Somehow things are falling into some plan Jim didn't know he had until Sakurai opened his damn mouth. Jim makes some gesture towards the off button of the radio, turning his head for a brief moment to offer Sakurai a smile. ]
Shuts me up right on through. Give it a try.
and drunk sho, probably making even more of an ass of himself, and/or hugging everyone
[...is Jim hitting on him? It's arrogance which makes him think that, of course; in his head, Sho gets hit on by a lot of people, although in reality they're probably just being nice so he'll go away. The thing which bothers Sho the most right now though is that Jim may have found out his appetite for men as well as women, and if that gets back to his father there might really be trouble.]
[ That... is so out of nowhere Jim literally almost laughs right then and there. Unlike Sakurai, Jim's perfectly fine with some ambiguous, fluid sexuality, and what gets him isn't Sakurai's sex as much as it is the fact that the guy in his passenger's seat is the last person Jim would ever want to do anything with.
Well, so far, anyway. ]
No? [ He puts on his best disappointed tone, mouth turning into a frown as he gives a little cock of his head. Jim was planning on shutting up if Sakurai did flick the radio off, and then staying shut up all throughout their business meeting, but this seems an interesting enough topic that he's glad he doesn't have to. ] Huh. What is your type, then?
Edited (EDITS REPEATEDLY LIKE A MANIAC) 2017-04-02 15:35 (UTC)
[ That Sakurai has to specify 'women' says so many things. Of course, Japan isn't quite as liberal about these things as America is, so Jim shouldn't be surprised.
But it doesn't make Sakurai's insistence any less fascinating. ]
No better way to figure out chemistry than by total silence, right?
[He sounds irritated that he should even say it; but nonetheless he manages to pronounce it with such finality; Jim isn't a girl, therefore he isn't interested whatsoever. Which may be the case, although it's more likely to do with the fact that Jim irritates the shit out of him.]
And you're no different from any of the other annoying interns I've been landed with. I want a PA, not a babysitter. I've no idea where my father keeps finding you.
I don't know about everyone else, but I'm the top salesman in one of your company's biggest assets. [ Giving one last turn, Jim checks the street sign--they're close to the company they've got dealings with, thank God. ] And after your dad asked for my transfer, now I'm the top salesman in your main building.
[ That is to say: Jim's main focus isn't keeping Sakurai happy, but to sell products belonging to the zaibatsu's territories. He's really just taking him along on today's call to build experience, even though the man beside him is older than him a good couple of years. ]
I don't do babysitting, kiddo. [ Jim adds the pleasantry on purpose. ] But I do listen to my boss, and that isn't you.
[The thing which pisses Sho off the most is that Jim is right. Sho knows full well that the man answers to his father, not him. Okay, do maybe he doesn't know as much about Jim's credentials as he should, but it's obvious that his father wouldn't have picked him if he werejust some entry-level graduate. Not that Sho will ever admit that, and he gets a cruel kick of his own from belittling the man.]
Don't call me kiddo.
[So he seizes on the only thing he can, the insulting and informal way in which Jim addresses him.]
It's 'Sakurai-san'.
*slams fist on desk rhythmically* I! WANT! SOFT! SHO
Sakurai-san is your father. [ Or so Jim says as he parks the car, kills the engine, and steps out.
He doesn't go to open Sho's door, instead fixing the collar of his coat and shirt and straightening his tie. Jim grabs his briefcase from the back and stretches his arms up over his head. ]
[Jim gets out of the car more quickly than Sho can come up with a response, so he unfastens his seatbelt, then just sits there and waits for him to walk around and open the door. And sits. And waits. And when he realises that Jim has no intention of opening it for him, he scowls and flings it open with such force that it bounces back again and smashes into his legs as he's getting out.]
Fu---
[But he bites his lip, refusing to give Jim the satisfaction of hearing him swear.]
[ The sound of the slamming door is what gets Jim flinching and turning to look where Sakurai is still sitting. He opens his mouth, then closes it again with a little smile. What a hopeless guy.
Walking over, Jim sets his briefcase down. ] You want a piggyback ride? [ For once, he isn't even joking about it. ]
well okay but they're splitting the bill, he's a colleague, not a sugar-daddy
[He winces, rubbing at his leg, taking what might be Jim's genuine concern as mockery. Yeah, it hurts, but there's no lasting damage, although there will be one hell of a bruise. The worst thing about it is the way it's made him appear him weak. That, and the scuff mark on his trousers.
He stands, carefully closing the door behind him and picking up his own bag.]
Let's just go.
...they should just pay for their own stuff because jim doesn't trust paying half of what sho wants
[ Both Jim's brows raise, but he doesn't argue. He just shakes his head and walks on, his briefcase back in his hand. ]
So, what we're trying to do is get this business to use the printers from the tech company that's about to merge with the zaibatsu. We want to be their main provider, understand? [ They enter the building and Jim takes Sakurai to the elevator, tapping the button to the floor where management resides. ] I'm counting on you to charm these people. [ Because as much as Jim hates to admit it, Sakurai's pretty good at that when he wants to be--and while it isn't his preferred method of going about this, he doesn't want Sakurai to sit there doing nothing, either.
It'd be easier to tell his father what he did if he actually did do something. ] I'll be running the sales pitch after you've got them warmed up to us, so don't worry about the logistics of it.
You're the face of the company, so look alive.
half of what sho wants is probably twice what jim would pay
Yeah, I know what we're here for. I read the email.
[That much is true. Sho genuinely has read over the details in the email which is father sent him - twice, in fact - and although it may not look like it, he is already running over the numbers in his head as they walk towards the building, strolling inside - and he changes.
Gone is his stubborn, inflexible attitude, his sullen scowl instantly being replaced with a warm, relaxed grin which shows confidence without arrogance, shows that he is in control without being overbearing.
He's smiling at the woman on reception even the elevator doors open and he steps inside next to Jim, the two of them standing awkwardly side-by-side.]
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[Still, he climbs into the passenger seat and buckles up his belt.]
You probably don't even know what that is.
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[ He does pass by the new place Sakurai mentioned, though, as they drive along. It says something about a special first lunch, but Jim doesn't really understand the importance of it. ]
have some lame-ass icons, woo~
Huh. Maybe they'll still be open on the way back.
y...you're giving the wrong guy eye candy
His need to keep up pretences is beyond Jim's realm of comprehension, but he supposes that's what happens when you're the spoiled heir to a giant business.
They get caught in traffic a little past the halfway point to their destination, and Jim lets out a little sigh as he leans back in his seat and absently taps at the steering wheel. ]
jim don't give a shit but his player might 8D IT MAKES ME FEEL BETTER OKAY
ONE DAY JIM WILL ENJOY SHO'S FACE LIKE THE REST OF US (i do give many shits)
Of course, he shows no sign of it being a pre-meditated thing. He just starts to drive once the traffic starts moving again, enjoying whatever sound Sakurai decides to settle on. ]
THE POOR FOOL
Is this thing broken?
[And he starts to fiddle with the dials and buttons]
the day jim says "you look cute today sakurai" sho's going to think he's high
[ The corner of his mouth twitches a little, but Jim masks that with a fake yawn, one hand off the wheel to cover it before he drives with both hands again. ]
And the channel switches when you press the button. Are you sure you've used a radio before?
do it when he's drunk for maximum lols
Are you sure you've ever used a brain cell before? What kind of radio stations do you think we have in Tokyo? This sounds like somebody slowly drowning a cat.
[Another few moments of pointless dial-twiddling.]
...I wish you came with a 'mute' button.
ah, drunk jim... saying something life-changing before passing the hell out because of low tolerance
[ Somehow things are falling into some plan Jim didn't know he had until Sakurai opened his damn mouth. Jim makes some gesture towards the off button of the radio, turning his head for a brief moment to offer Sakurai a smile. ]
Shuts me up right on through. Give it a try.
and drunk sho, probably making even more of an ass of himself, and/or hugging everyone
You're not my type.
[He snaps back quickly. Probably too quickly.]
SOFT SHO
Well, so far, anyway. ]
No? [ He puts on his best disappointed tone, mouth turning into a frown as he gives a little cock of his head. Jim was planning on shutting up if Sakurai did flick the radio off, and then staying shut up all throughout their business meeting, but this seems an interesting enough topic that he's glad he doesn't have to. ] Huh. What is your type, then?
LIKE A POUTY MARSHMALLOW~
[He frowns and corrects himself]
Women. I like women who know when to shut up and stay quiet. So you're right out of the equation.
(EDITS? I SAW NOTHING, CARRY ON~)
i imagined drunk!sho being called a marshmallow and then giggling
[ That Sakurai has to specify 'women' says so many things. Of course, Japan isn't quite as liberal about these things as America is, so Jim shouldn't be surprised.
But it doesn't make Sakurai's insistence any less fascinating. ]
No better way to figure out chemistry than by total silence, right?
...he'd love it :|
[He drums his own fingers impatiently on the dashboard, and then adds - totally unneccessarily]
...unlike you.
CRIES I WANT HIM IN JIMS LIFE
[ Jim's fingers fidget over the wheel. ]
It's like you're saying I'm different from all the other girls...
IT'S OKAY HE'S HERE
[He sounds irritated that he should even say it; but nonetheless he manages to pronounce it with such finality; Jim isn't a girl, therefore he isn't interested whatsoever. Which may be the case, although it's more likely to do with the fact that Jim irritates the shit out of him.]
And you're no different from any of the other annoying interns I've been landed with. I want a PA, not a babysitter. I've no idea where my father keeps finding you.
no this is dickbag sho i want soft sho :'(
[ That is to say: Jim's main focus isn't keeping Sakurai happy, but to sell products belonging to the zaibatsu's territories. He's really just taking him along on today's call to build experience, even though the man beside him is older than him a good couple of years. ]
I don't do babysitting, kiddo. [ Jim adds the pleasantry on purpose. ] But I do listen to my boss, and that isn't you.
hey, who says that's never gonna happen :')
Don't call me kiddo.
[So he seizes on the only thing he can, the insulting and informal way in which Jim addresses him.]
It's 'Sakurai-san'.
*slams fist on desk rhythmically* I! WANT! SOFT! SHO
He doesn't go to open Sho's door, instead fixing the collar of his coat and shirt and straightening his tie. Jim grabs his briefcase from the back and stretches his arms up over his head. ]
...sure you don't want hard Sho? 8D
Fu---
[But he bites his lip, refusing to give Jim the satisfaction of hearing him swear.]
wine and dine jim first 8(
Walking over, Jim sets his briefcase down. ] You want a piggyback ride? [ For once, he isn't even joking about it. ]
well okay but they're splitting the bill, he's a colleague, not a sugar-daddy
[He winces, rubbing at his leg, taking what might be Jim's genuine concern as mockery. Yeah, it hurts, but there's no lasting damage, although there will be one hell of a bruise. The worst thing about it is the way it's made him appear him weak. That, and the scuff mark on his trousers.
He stands, carefully closing the door behind him and picking up his own bag.]
Let's just go.
...they should just pay for their own stuff because jim doesn't trust paying half of what sho wants
So, what we're trying to do is get this business to use the printers from the tech company that's about to merge with the zaibatsu. We want to be their main provider, understand? [ They enter the building and Jim takes Sakurai to the elevator, tapping the button to the floor where management resides. ] I'm counting on you to charm these people. [ Because as much as Jim hates to admit it, Sakurai's pretty good at that when he wants to be--and while it isn't his preferred method of going about this, he doesn't want Sakurai to sit there doing nothing, either.
It'd be easier to tell his father what he did if he actually did do something. ] I'll be running the sales pitch after you've got them warmed up to us, so don't worry about the logistics of it.
You're the face of the company, so look alive.
half of what sho wants is probably twice what jim would pay
[That much is true. Sho genuinely has read over the details in the email which is father sent him - twice, in fact - and although it may not look like it, he is already running over the numbers in his head as they walk towards the building, strolling inside - and he changes.
Gone is his stubborn, inflexible attitude, his sullen scowl instantly being replaced with a warm, relaxed grin which shows confidence without arrogance, shows that he is in control without being overbearing.
He's smiling at the woman on reception even the elevator doors open and he steps inside next to Jim, the two of them standing awkwardly side-by-side.]
Leave it to me, okay? I've got this.
... yeah, let's just eat crappy fried eggs
we're having wagyu beef or we're having nothing
you're the most pretentious little--
do i look like a burger-and-fries kind of guy?
yes, actually :)
how rude
coming from you? :D
respect your superiors, jimbob >:|
he will once sakurai EARNS IT
EARN *THIS*, YOU ASSHAT /middle finger
...do you think i want it up my ass
you wish, yankee boy
you wish that i wish
like i'd want to get any part of me dirty by getting it near that stupid face
awww... you look at my face?
it's not like i can avoid it
you could always close your eyes, but... ♡
i wouldn't need to close them if you were behind me---
........ ;)
dammit
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