Yuki sat up in is chair and cradled the phone closer to his ear. Sara was troubled. He dismissed his secretary with a brisk nod. Kaoru had called and quickly told him Sara might need his help, that if he had a moment he should call her. Though he had no doubt Kaoru knew what she was talking about, Sara sounded worse than he envisaged.

"I am afraid I will not be able to finish this project." She sounded diffident and drained.

"Sarua, why would you not be able to finish? What has happened? Maybe I can help you."

A heavy sigh commenced a very long explanation. In essence, he understood that Motoyama was trying to help her competitors make a mockery of her. It was all disguised amidst card stock and order prices, but that was the gist of it. The quick assessment could be ascribed to his thorough acumen in business; a credit to his abilities. His gradual escalation in anger, much less to his credit, owed to the fact that he took the events as a personal affront.

"Kamir says I should either pay them what they ask for and work hard to complete it in time or go with someone else and...work hard to complete it. I suppose he is right. What do you think I should do Yuki?" His heart pounded rapidly at the tone with which she said his name.

"I do not wish to disrespect Kamir's advice Sarua, however allow me to tell you what I think."

"Please Yuki."

"Yes, I think there is an agreement between W__ , S__ and Motoyama. It is not unusual for stronger companies to oppress fledglings. Kamir is right, you should find another paper company, but not until after they deliver the paper you have ordered at the agreed time."

"How am I going to make them do that? You think I should go to their office?"

"No, you will waste valuable time in going. Prepare your clinic for the shipment of paper. Begin work on another aspect of the project. I will see that your card stock is delivered." Yuki sent a message to his secretary to ready the car and tell their lawyer to drop whatever he was working on and meet him at the door. He also told her to bring him information on the relationship between Umezawa Group's and Motoyama Industries as well as any inside information they possessed about the company.

"They could not possibly deliver it today Yuki..."

"They will deliver the shipment."

"How will you accomplish this?"

"Do you trust me Sarua?"

"Yes, Yuki, I trust you."

"Then take courage and begin preparations. I will do everything I can to help you."

There was a pause.

"I will be ready." He her usual determined voice. She was calm. He smiled.

"Do not hesitate to call me at any time for anything."

"I will be fine. I will be ready."

"Excellent." Yuki hung up the phone as his secretary entered his office with a folder in hand. "Inform my father that I will be in his office in three minutes." 

"Yes, Manager."

Yuki took the folder as he left his office. 

Umezawa Kenji sat in his rather large office with his hands laced and resting against his lips. His son's secretary had called to inform him Yuki would be to see him in three minutes. Number one, usually Yuki asked permission first. Not in a cowering way, but to make sure he was not occupied. Apparently this time it did not matter. He wondered what could be the problem. Furthermore, Yuki himself would call and fill him in on the issue. Again, a mystery. Even so, Kenji liked this side of his son.

Yuki strode confidently through the door and Kenji looked at his watch, three minutes had passed.

"President."

Kenji sat back in his chair, "Manager."

It was business, was it? Yuki stood with resolve and if Kenji was not mistaken, rather pissed off.

"I will only take up a few minutes of your time." Yuki began without sitting. "When I leave this office, I am taking our lawyer to Motoyama. I fully intend on pressuring them, using any means necessary, to fulfill an agreement they have made. I only want to inform you so that you will not be surprised if there is any retaliation."

Kenji lifted his brows in surprise. He knew his son to be capable, but to be so open about such sordid intentions. Usually, Yuki tried to negotiate. What was this about?

"Manager, I take it they have reneged on an agreement with us."

"No, an agreement with Sarua."

"Sarua?" Kenji narrowed his eyes.

"Yes, it will greatly affect an important project she is working on."

"The marriage?"

"Yes."

"I see. I wish to accompany you."

"It is not necessary to accompany me." 

"Of course not, I am only interested in getting a look at how Motoyama has come along. Afterwards, you will buy me a coffee at my favorite cafe." Kenji responded as if it were obvious. Yuki only turned to leave.

In the car, Yuki and the Lawyer huddled over the open folder while Kenji watched the pedestrians walk on the sidewalk. Some chatted on their phones, some rapidly hammered out text messages, everyone walking with a purpose somewhere. Motoyama was it? It would be interesting to see first hand how he had fared. He was always doing stupid things like this, which is why Umezawa had done better. That is to say, while neither of their business practices could be described as pristine, it is all in who one lies in bed with. Some chose their companions carefully, while others hop into bed indiscriminately with any filthy prostitute.

No sooner had they entered the Motoyama building than whispering began. It moved faster than they could through the halls and by the time they made it to reception, Kenji was sure Motoyama already knew they were there. They were of course quickly packed into an elevator and deposited on the executive floor. Motoyama's personal secretary greeted them and ushered them to his office. It was that of the eldest son. 

"Umezawa Kenji-san, Umezawa Yukimoto-san. I am pleased to welcome you to Motoyama Industries." Bowing ensued before they were guided to seats.

"I understand that you have been expanding lately." Yuki began adjusting his attire and striking a comfortable pose.

"That is true. We have completed a pharmaceutical take over and directed more advertising towards our new medical devises. Both have been advantageous." Motoyama smile proudly.

"There was more I thought." Yuki feigned contemplation.

"Ah, there was a small yet prosperous paper company. We forced them to sell. It was really nothing. Hardly even worth mentioning." He waived it away.

"I wonder that you devoted the time and man power to it at all."

"It is important to keep our partners happy. Sometimes these things are necessary. I am sure you understand." Yuki was rewarded with a conspiring look.

"Young Motoyama, Umezawa Group has never a day in its entire existence wasted man power." Kenji huffed.

"Still, you must own that partnerships are important."

"I believe we have partnered on a few important ventures." Yuki continued.

"Yes, and they have been very lucrative. Are you here to propose something of the kind?" Motoyama's eyes began to shine with the promise of yen.

"Rather to discuss this paper company you just took over."

Motoyama blinked, "Paper company? What about it interests you?"

"Its inability to fulfill contracts. It is a dishonor and embarrassment to merchants throughout Japan."

"Really? What has it done?" Motoyama sat forward in concern.

"Excuse me," Yuki touched his finger tips to his forehead and then lifted his head, "no, that would be Motoyama."

"I do not follow."

"You needlessly took over a reputable paper company under the urgings of your partners in time to impede their competitor at a crucial moment." Yuki wiped lent off his suit.

Motoyama sat back unconcerned, "I don't know what you are talking about."

"Of course you do, I can see it in the flat look of your eyes and hollow now sculpting your cheeks. Come now Motoyama, we are men of the same world. Ridiculous antics do not work on one of your own kind." The energy emitting from the two men clashed amidst the expanse above them in the room.

The doors to the office burst open igniting a spark that blazed across the room. A very round older gentleman walked stiffly into the room.

"Umezawa-san, when I heard you were here I made it my aim to come and meet you." He turned and nodded toward Yuki who had risen in his presence.

"Motoyama the elder! It is good to see you again." There were bows and gradually Motoyama seemed to finally pick up on the atmosphere.

"We are discussing something important?" He turned toward his son but Kenji clasped his shoulder.

"Oh, the young people are showing their business prowess, strutting like male cranes around a lone female. Let us leave them to it. I am interested in seeing your improvements." With that, he guided a confused Motoyama to the office doors.

"Yes, of course, come this way. I think you will be impressed Umezawa at what we have been accomplishing." The idea of boasting took over and he strutted from the room with a sly looking Kenji at his side.

"Shall we continue?" Yuki cooly took his seat again and peered at his companion.

***

Sara whistled as she prepared ink for the stamp machine and opened a new bottle of oil for the embosser. She had arranged the steps that would following stamping the paper across her clinic table including the relief cutouts for the lotus blossoms to be glued to each paper. She was ready for when the paper arrived. All of this had taken her a bit of time and she looked around at her work and then at her watch. Two and a half hours had passed. 

She would have to pick up Shouda before long. Her phone rang.

"Sara Richards speaking, how may I assist you?"

"Sarua, how is everything in the clinic?" Yuki's calm yet commanding voice made her smile.

"I am ready."

"Good. Oh, and I hope it is okay with you, I have arranged for a car to take your parents to pick up Shouda."

"I was just thinking about that." 

"Please do not worry. I will see to everything." Sara bit her bottom lip. "Do you have something you can work on until the paper arrives?" 

"Yes."

"I will contact you later, okay?"

"Okay Yuki."

Sara hung up the phone with a slight burning in her belly or maybe it was a little lower. She refused to think about it, yet could do nothing to hinder the toothy grin the spread from one ear to the other. Why was she getting so silly over this? While she was at it, why could she not feel this same silliness over Kamir? She pressed her hands to her glowering cheeks before taking a deep dismissive breath and getting to work.

How much time actually lapsed she did not know. She vaguely registered her assistant telling her she was leaving first before being swallowed by her task again. Now there was a ring from her phone.

"Richard-san, we are here with your paper order."

"Oh!"

She came running from the back to see two men loaded with boxes at the entrance. She unlocked the door and let them in.

"Thank you so much." She guided them to her clinic and instructed them where to place the boxes before escorting them out.

"Please accept our apology for delivering them so late."

"I knew you would come, it is fine. Thank you." She shut the door behind them and looked out at the closed shops before turning back to her clinic.

They were there. They were a few hours later than the agreed upon time, but they were there. She could finally get to work. According to her plan, she had to make a specific degree of advancement this evening to stay on schedule. Shouda was with his grandparents and the only thing that bothered her was the twinge of hunger reminding her she had forgotten to eat lunch. There was no time. 

Yuki had gotten her paper as promised and she needed to get started.

The stamp machine hummed out sheet after sheet of perfectly stamped paper. If one sat and watched, the transition from unadulterated to embellished could mesmerize one for hours on end. Sara, though, was contently bent over a group of cards that were stamped and printed. She was gluing the lotus to them, piece by piece. First the large green leaves then the soft pink blossom and lastly a few thin pedals to add to the 3D effect. 

Her stomach growled ferociously, this didn't phase her. Her cell rang, she jolted up as if she had forgotten where she was. As she reached for her cell, she surveyed her work with twisted lips.

"Mushi mushi."

"Sarua I am outside and have food. Will you let me in?"

"Yuki? O-of course." She quickly placed the card down and hurried to the front door. There Yuki stood on the dimly lit promenade on the covered mall with his cell crunched between his ear and shoulder. A gorged white bag dangled from each hand. He smiled when he saw her. "Yuki, here." She reached for his cell as she held the door open and closed it as he walked by. She locked it behind him and they headed to her clinic.

"I thought you may be hungry. Did you eat already?" She swore Shouda wore that same quasi-wide eyed expression when thought he may have made a mistake.

"No, not since breakfast."

"Ah, good. I mean, you should have eaten lunch, but I have brought dinner. Steaming hot ramen and meat buns and side of seaweed salad with bean sprouts." He placed everything on the accounting desk and began pulling food out of the bags.

"I think I could eat it all. It smells so delicious!"

Yuki handed her the big bowl of ramen and chopsticks.

"Itadakimasu!" They said together before Sara began to devour her ramen.

"I should have had someone bring you lunch."

"It is okay," Sara said with a cheek full of ramen, "I was working and did not even notice."

Yuki looked around at the material around the clinic. She had indeed been working. The hum of the stamp machine stopped and the room became quiet.

"Do you have much work to do this evening?"

"I will probably be here a while yet. There is only one of me." Yuki watched Sara smile then spoon miso into her mouth.

"Can I help you?"

"This is so good."

They spoke simultaneously.

"What?" Sara looked at him wide eyed.

"I am glad you like it." Yuki looked into those surprised pools with satisfaction.

"You want to help me?"

"Yes, I will stay until you are satisfied and then I will drive you home."

"But..."

"I will make arrangements for Shouda and I will call Kaoru. What I will not do is leave you here by yourself." Her eyes dropped and she thought for a few seconds before raising them again.

"I know exactly where I will put you." She took a big bite out of her meat bun.

As they ate and talked and even when they started working, Yuki stole quick glances so as not to stare at Sara. He wondered what she would think about the method he used to get her order delivered. Motoyama had not been happy or easily pressured. In the end he had to threaten cutting ties with them. It would have been hard on the Umezawa Group, but Motoyama would have fared much worse.

It would have lead to an unprecedented upheaval in the tri-cities business world and maybe reverberated throughout Japan, but he would do anything for Sara and her heart. Yes, this business was her heart. It represented years of work and sacrifice. It embodied her perseverance and pride. It was the manifestation of her dream. He would not let anyone take that from her.

He loved her. Loved everything about her. She was the only woman he had ever loved in his life quite possibly. Despite everything, she had not changed, not in essentials. She was still ready to smile and laugh. She still asked his advice and listened. She still challenged his way of thinking. Sara had changed his life back then and although he had lost his way and hurt her in the process, she had helped him find it again.

She was with this Kamir fellow and he was in the midst of his divorce with Kaoru. Would they ever get the timing right? Would he ever get another chance? He shook his head. Had she not said it was over? It pained his heart to think that all those feelings where gone. That he could not get them back. That she felt nothing for him when he was full of feelings and thoughts of her. He stole another quick glance.

For her part, Sara enjoyed his company. He worked diligently at his ‘station' over the embosser. They talked about Shouda and her parents. 

"I was amazed by their strength." Yuki shook his head in wonder. "I do not think I could be so calm meeting...well, me."

Sara laughed. "Yuki, you would have been calm. At least on the surface and with your words. I always admired that about you."

"If I remember correctly, in the beginning you found it condecending." Yuki checked the embossed papers for niches then picked up another stack to be placed in the machine. He quickly aligned the pile and dropped it perfectly centered in the feeder. 

"You are very good at that Yuki." He smiled but did not look up.

They hypothesized about how his and her parents were getting along. 

"I know my mother is at her limit." Sara chewed on her lip.

"I too believe they do not get along so well. My mother can act more like a feral cat than a woman of distinction at times." Yuki sighed to himself.

"Well, I do think the men get along. I think your father is very sly. I like him for it. Though I do not always know how to take him." 

"He likes you. I have many times heard him speak highly of you."

Sara laughed, "Really? I am flattered."

"Yes," Yuki laughed with her, "I would say so. However, it is not as if you do not deserve it Sarua. You are an exceptional woman...I think and always have."

There was a respectful silence in which both Yuki and Sara felt equally embarrassed. Him for actually expressing such intimate emotions and she for being the recipient. 

He told her about how he went to Motoyama with his dad and that he was happy for his father's company. 

"My father and I are not especially close. We never have been. When I was little, he spent much of his time working. When I became an adolescent he spent much of my time having me trained to take over the business. When I became an adult we were already respectful strangers." Sara was at a brief loss as to what she should say. He seemed very sad after admitting thus. She felt for him.

"I know very little of the dynamics between men. I have only the example of my brother and father. At times they had their difficulties." She thought a moment. "For example, I cannot say that it was my father's first, preferred or even appealing choice for Ward to go into modeling. At first father figured it a phase then he became irritated when he saw that Ward was serious about it. He tried to dissuade him, there were arguments. In the end, Ward came to understand Darren and Darren came to understand Ward."

"They get along well now though?"

"They have their moments. Its like that with fathers and sons I guess. That element that testosterone brings and sluggish thyroid gland." She laughed and moved closer.

"Sarua, you just made that last part up I think." He chuckled leaning against his table.

"Never mind that. My point is that no matter how estranged you are or how out of sync you may feel, your father loves you very much."

"He was very helpful today. His presence was fortifying. Afterwards he had me take him for coffee."

"Just you and him?"

"Yes, I cannot remember the last time we did something like that." Yuki's brow furrowed.

"He just wanted to be with you." Sara smile triumphantly.

"Perhaps."

"And why would he not wish to be with his ‘fine' capable son."

"You are making fun of me."

"I am not."

"When you say, ‘fine' this is your American word for handsome?"

"No, ‘hot.'"

"As opposed to cold?"

"Now you are making fun of me."

"English has such strange meanings for common words."

"I suppose ‘kawaii' is not strange?"

Yuki struck a pose, "Kawaii is very appropriate. It means....‘hot.'"

They both laughed.

"Seriously Yuki, you proved your capability beyond a doubt today and I am very grateful to you." Sara bowed very low. Yuki pushed off the table startled.

"Sarua, please." He gently pulled her up.

"Let me show my gratitude to you."

"I do not want gratitude from you Sarua."

Her eyebrows lifted slightly in the middle in question. "What do you want from me Yuki?"

"Happy Sarua. I want you to be happy."

An intense moment passed between them. One neither one seemed quite sure what to do in. Sara's heart was flapping in her mouth threatening to come bursting out and the blood coursing through Yuki's veins burned like lava. Somewhere along the way Yuki managed a smile and let go of Sara's shoulders.

"Speaking of amusement, my father told me something very interesting today."

"Hmm?"

"It seems he stole my mother from no other than Motoyama."

"What?" Sara's eyes grew large.

Of course, he didn't tell her the rest of the story:

No matter what you may think of your mother at this time, she has been invaluable to me over the years. I recognized her worth early, but she was with another man. I had to woo her away from him. Not that it was that hard, he was not the brightest man, but his future looked very good. That man was Motoyama. This will be the second time a Umezawa has stolen a woman from Motoyama clutches. Umezawa men know women of value and when we decide they are ours, we stop at nothing until get them. You do want Sarua-san do you not Yukimoto?