[To say that Sho feels sheepish doesn't even begin to cover it. Angry, guilty, embarrassed, humiliated - all of these feelings wash over him as he's forced to sit back and let Jim take control, although their clients would be completely unaware of it. Because despite his failure, Sho can still remember enough from his father's email to back up Jim's presentation, offering confirmation of figures and predicted sales targets with an appropriate smile and a nod at exactly the right moment; and when the time comes for him to promote the Sakurai Zaibatsu he's right on point, spinning a tale about the company being family-owned for three generations and having its ts roots firmly mired in tradition, which the clients seem to lap right up. Then he's bowing and handing out business cards like candy, his charm cranked all the way up to eleven.]
[ Jim's happy to hang back once Sakurai really starts working his magic, having done his part more than adequately, he likes to think. And he's proven right when the heads of the company all seem to want a piece of the action; Jim smiles and quietly takes his call.
Reporting the status to Sakurai's father's secretary, he tells her to relay the fact that the whole thing was a success. It's short and to the point, Jim graciously choosing not to say that Sakurai failed to create a presentation, and when it's over, he hangs back and waits for Sakurai to finish shaking everyone's hands.
When they're all tidied up and have left the room, Jim casually says, ] You did good in there.
[But Sho takes it as a slight anyway, casting one of his signature glares at Jim before turning his face away, not even able to look at him. Where did the man learn to pronounce Japanese inflections with such subtlety? It's his mastery of his native tongue which angers Sho as much as his obvious talent in sales. He's fucked up big time and Jim hasn't just pulled his sorry ass out of the fire, he's extinguished the flames and readied a huge tub of cream to salve the burns as well.]
[ Jim doesn't need gratitude, anyway. The success in the sale is good enough. ]
Sure. [ He checks his watch as they go down in the elevator, both brows lifting slightly. Then it goes back into his pocket. ] Where'd you want to go?
[ Sakurai's reservation must not be valid any more. Jim would take them to Matsuya--their beef bowls are the tastiest, budget and all--but he's sure cheap meals aren't Sakurai's style. ]
like i'd want to get any part of me dirty by getting it near that stupid face
[Because Sho certainly didn't. The last thing he wants right now is to try and force down a meal with Jim's smug face gurning at him across the table. Not that Jim is being smug in any whatsoever, but that's how Sho sees it.]
You're going to drop me off two blocks away from the office and I'll make my own way back. You can pick up a sandwich or something.
[He doesn't elaborate, still not looking Jim in the eye as they reach the ground floor and start to walk through reception. His demeanour changes again once they're in public, bowing and nodding at the other salarymen as they walk past, flashing a winning smile at the young female receptionist before they reach the door.]
He dips his head just a bit, voice low so no-one else can hear. ] Trust me, if I were pitying you, you'd know. [ He does take the keys out of his pocket, though, holding them out to the man that walks at his side. ]
Just take the car, Sakurai. I got another call to go on, anyway.
i wouldn't need to close them if you were behind me---
[Of course he does. He does, because he's actually that good. Even Sho has never had two meetings back-to-back like this. He frowns and takes the keys, accepting that much generosity at least.]
........
[He huffs slightly, storming towards the car with purpose and flinging open the driver's door.].
I was actually going to take the train. [ Jim shrugs. ] I got a Suica.
[ It could be his instincts telling him to make sure Sakurai makes it to the car safely. He's not sure why else he wouldn't split paths with him early on. ]
Didn't you have that lunch reservation? Maybe you can still make it.
Oh, no--no, I'm coming back to the office. [ A shrug. ] Call won't take more than an hour, so.
[ Nodding his head, Jim takes a few steps back. ] Drive safe, Sakurai. [ And with that, he turns on his heel and heads towards the subway station. Whether Sakurai eats cheap food or not doesn't matter any more, Jim decides--he'll buy him one anyway on the way back.
Because skipping meals is unhealthy. Yeah, that should work. ]
[Drive safe, he says, as if Sho is some unprepared child heading off to his first day of school. He dismisses Jim with a limp wave of his hand, settling into the driver's seat and placing his bag on the passenger's side before buckling up his seatbelt. Then the key is in the ignition, he's starting up the engine, and he reaches over to flick the radio on, at least knowing he'll calm down a little with a touch of music---
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
EARN *THIS*, YOU ASSHAT /middle finger
...do you think i want it up my ass
Reporting the status to Sakurai's father's secretary, he tells her to relay the fact that the whole thing was a success. It's short and to the point, Jim graciously choosing not to say that Sakurai failed to create a presentation, and when it's over, he hangs back and waits for Sakurai to finish shaking everyone's hands.
When they're all tidied up and have left the room, Jim casually says, ] You did good in there.
[ No sarcasm whatsoever. ]
you wish, yankee boy
[But Sho takes it as a slight anyway, casting one of his signature glares at Jim before turning his face away, not even able to look at him. Where did the man learn to pronounce Japanese inflections with such subtlety? It's his mastery of his native tongue which angers Sho as much as his obvious talent in sales. He's fucked up big time and Jim hasn't just pulled his sorry ass out of the fire, he's extinguished the flames and readied a huge tub of cream to salve the burns as well.]
Let's just get out of here. I'm hungry.
[There isn't even a 'thank you'.]
you wish that i wish
Sure. [ He checks his watch as they go down in the elevator, both brows lifting slightly. Then it goes back into his pocket. ] Where'd you want to go?
[ Sakurai's reservation must not be valid any more. Jim would take them to Matsuya--their beef bowls are the tastiest, budget and all--but he's sure cheap meals aren't Sakurai's style. ]
like i'd want to get any part of me dirty by getting it near that stupid face
[Because Sho certainly didn't. The last thing he wants right now is to try and force down a meal with Jim's smug face gurning at him across the table. Not that Jim is being smug in any whatsoever, but that's how Sho sees it.]
You're going to drop me off two blocks away from the office and I'll make my own way back. You can pick up a sandwich or something.
awww... you look at my face?
[ And here Jim was being civil. Hm. ]
I could just drop you off here, have you get a taxi to go wherever. Wouldn't that be more convenient?
it's not like i can avoid it
[He doesn't elaborate, still not looking Jim in the eye as they reach the ground floor and start to walk through reception. His demeanour changes again once they're in public, bowing and nodding at the other salarymen as they walk past, flashing a winning smile at the young female receptionist before they reach the door.]
I don't need your pity.
you could always close your eyes, but... ♡
He dips his head just a bit, voice low so no-one else can hear. ] Trust me, if I were pitying you, you'd know. [ He does take the keys out of his pocket, though, holding them out to the man that walks at his side. ]
Just take the car, Sakurai. I got another call to go on, anyway.
i wouldn't need to close them if you were behind me---
[Of course he does. He does, because he's actually that good. Even Sho has never had two meetings back-to-back like this. He frowns and takes the keys, accepting that much generosity at least.]
........
[He huffs slightly, storming towards the car with purpose and flinging open the driver's door.].
....do you want a lift?
........ ;)
[ It could be his instincts telling him to make sure Sakurai makes it to the car safely. He's not sure why else he wouldn't split paths with him early on. ]
Didn't you have that lunch reservation? Maybe you can still make it.
dammit
[It's the truth. At least, not for food.]
My plans have changed. I'll see you back at the office this afternoon, okay? Unless you're going to report back to my father before then.
no subject
[ Nodding his head, Jim takes a few steps back. ] Drive safe, Sakurai. [ And with that, he turns on his heel and heads towards the subway station. Whether Sakurai eats cheap food or not doesn't matter any more, Jim decides--he'll buy him one anyway on the way back.
Because skipping meals is unhealthy. Yeah, that should work. ]
no subject
The car fills with the sound of ambient jazz.]