I can do it better (Matsumiya) (2/3)
Title: I can do it better
Pairing: Matsumiya
For the help_pilipinas auction for lianne29
Chapter 2 or 3 (maybe 4) :Cries:
Nino would never admit it out loud, but he was more than a little intimated by the Marvelous Designs studio. Nino felt rather out of place, at a wedding planning office in Ginza, with an elegant store front, and Marvelous Designs in an ornate English glitter scrawl across the windows. It should be tacky, except that it was not. This was not the kind of place that he would ever frequent, and the thought crossed his mind, for the first time since the engagement was announced. “How the hell were Oh-chan and Mao-chan going to afford Marvelous Designs services. It isn’t like Oh-chan is rolling in cash, and I know we aren’t.” It was a question that he would have to bring up with Mao. Later.
She was joining them in about twenty minutes, but Nino had been curious about their competition. Aiba was stuck in the kitchen, cooking for a wedding the next day, but Nino was not needed until that evening, when they had access to the venue. Having Aiba there would have been better, as Aiba had been dealing with Matsumoto and Sakurai on the phone, and Aiba (now at least) would not hesitate to elbow him in the side mid snark, to preserve business relations. He was not sure what it was about Matsumoto, and Ohno and Aiba had both tried to get him to think about it, but the man set him on edge. Perhaps he felt challenged. Perhaps he felt threatened. Perhaps it was the fact that someone who spent that much time trying to look good, (since he did Nino was sure, and he had to be spending time on it, no one was that naturally pretty,) could be serious about their work. But he did not like Matsumoto Jun. Not in the least. How could anyone like someone that - perfect was not the word that he wanted to use-- but it was hard to come up with the word that he wanted when faced with the glittering sparkling font of Marvelous Designs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jun did not look up at he heard the door to Marvelous Designs open, penning the lastest appointment for the day on the calendar, instead he just called out “Welcome to Marvelous Designs, we will be with you in just a moment.” He did not hear anyone answer back, but that was not unexpected. Often times, despite being famous, the brides who walked into the store looking for a wedding planner were a bit ‘blushing’ to be stereotypical. But when Jun did look up, the person that he saw was definitely not a blushing bride, at all.
“Ah, Ninomiya-san, you are a bit early.” Jun made certain that his voice was pleasant, and he could see the other startle slight in surprise at the tone. Just because Ninomiya had been as ass to him did not mean that Jun would by default, be an ass to him. “If you do not mind, we have a waiting area over here?” Jun walked from around the reception desk towards a side room, and he was pleased to note that Ninomiya looked startled at the hospitality. Off balance was much where he preferred to keep Ninomoya. Ohno had assured him that as long as Nino was unsure of where he stood, he would be a lot easier to deal with, but that he should really give the other man a chance. Jun trusted Ohno, with his life, though it would never ever come to that, and when Ohno had told Jun about his friend, the wedding planner, Jun had been looking forward to meeting him. Jun had thought that Ohno was trying to set them up, from the comments that he was making about Ninomiya’s personality, his appearance, and Jun's personality and how he was sure they would be fast friends, (Jun had only thought this because Ohno had done it once before, with very good results, through he and Sho worked much better as business partners than they ever did as lovers, it was still Ohno’s doing, and so he trusted the other man) but he was wondering if this was perhaps a miss on Ohno’s part. Ninomiya most certainly hated Jun, or at least was threatened by him, and reacting with hostility. Jun could come up with no other reason that the other man had been so unpleasant to him.
“I know, I was in the area, and wanted to see what you were all about. Mao-chan's happiness is at stake here.” Ninomiya’s words were light, but Jun could hear and edge to them, and he was not pleased. This was his store, and it was his best friend’s happiness at stake here, and he was more than capable of giving them both a wedding that they would love on his own. Matsumoto Jun didn’t collaborate on weddings, but it was Ohno, his best friend as long as he could remember, and Ohno’s wedding was the only exception to his rule.
“I am certain that I am not the one who’s actions are bringing her happiness into question, as I am not the reason that we are planning separate parts of her wedding. But this way please.” Jun could see Ninomiya twitch at his words, a slight quirk of the eyebrow, and a twitch of his lips, but he did not reply, following Jun into the side room.
“We have coffee, and snacks while you wait. Mao-chan will be here in about twenty minutes, on time for the appointment. But I am sure that you can entertain yourself here.” Jun motioned to one of the chairs, and he was pleased to see that Ninomiya settled down into one. Jun took the opportunity to move closer to Ninomiya, his voice dropping in volume.
“I hope you understand that you are in my shop. Should you make any comments similar to the ones you made in your own shop, or should you in any way insult my clientele, my business, or out abilities here, I will have you escorted out of the shop. Despite what you thought, I am a professional, and I am quite good at my job, and if you do anything that I deem as less that professional or that could effect my clientele, I will have you shown out. Am I clear?”
“Crystal.” Was the only response that Ninomiya gave, though he twitched again, and Jun was pleased (and saddened) to see that the other could show restraint. It would have been fun to throw him out, it really would have, but Mao would be unhappy, he was sure of it. (but who could blame Jun, after the way that he was treated? Other than Sho. Sho could, and would, blame Jun). Jun enjoyed that kind of conflict, and power struggle, and if he was honest, Ohno was right in that Nino was Jun’s type. Jun liked a challenge, and someone that would keep him on his toes. And Nino would be that type, if he had not made it clear that he despised everything about Jun, and that he found him, and his designs, repulsive.
“Wonderful. It will be nice to see if you can actually behave like a reasonable human being. I had my doubts.” Jun snapped back, and while Ninomiya looked suprised that he had bite, what did the other expect? That he would roll over and take it, even in the shop that he owned? There was no way in hell that would happen.
“I am obviously human, MatsuJun.” Nino drawled his name out, using the name that Aiba had come up with, and Jun nodded in reply.
“I am sure that you are human. Whether or not you are a professional is something that I have yet to determine. From what I know of you, professional is not a word I would associate, though Satoshi and Mao-chan seem to think so.” Jun snapped back, stepping towards the door. “I have an appointment, I will see you when Mao-chan is here. But remember what I said. It is in your best interest to remain in Mao-chan’s good side.” Jun made sure that he did not look back at Ninomiya, did not care about his reaction. He was sure that it would piss the other off. Which, at this point, would not be a bad thing in the least.
Jun pushed thoughts of Nino from his mind as he joined Sho, who was finishing negotiations with the newest customer. Sho handled the first meeting, the budget, as well as booking the venue and catering, and Jun did the décor and coordination of flowers, bouquets etc. It worked well for them.
“I am very pleased that you decided to come to Marvelous Designs for your wedding. It is an honor to work with you.” Jun smiled brightly, and he could see the young woman blushing in response. He knew that she was a model, he had seen her in a few things recently, but he could not recall her name off the top of her head.
“Reiko-san would like an indoor wedding, and she decided that she would love to have Ohno-san design the art for her place settings. Other than that, we have not yet figured out where she would like the wedding, she will be coming back next week with some ideas, but I thought you might wish to show her some of his designs, so we can get an idea of what to ask Ohno-san to design.”
“Of course, this way please, Reiko-san.” Jun and Reiko walked back towards the room that Nino was waiting in, and he saw the other shift in surprise.
“I hope you do not mind, but this is the room where we keep all of Ohno-san’s portfolio’s. I thought you would be more comfortable if you were sitting, Reiko-san, but we can do elsewhere, if you would like.”
With a smile Reiko shook her head. “This will make it easier to look through all of the designs and see which one that I would like. It will not be disruptive to your other client though, will it?” She glanced to Nino, who smile and shook his head.
“It will not be a bother. I can leave though, Matsumoto-san, if that would make it easier for you.” Nino offered and Jun shook his head.
“When Mao-chan is here is fine, Ninomiya-san. Unless you wish to leave, the choice is yours.” Jun commented as he pulled two books down off of a shelf, carrying them over to Reiko and settling into a chair next to her.
“There are the most recent portfolio’s of Ohno-san’s work. Pricing varies based on the complexity of the design, as well as if you want an original work, or if you want to use one of the previous designs. Each place setting will be arranged around the tiles. A new piece, for up to three hundred guests will run about 600000 yen, while a existing piece is around 300000.” As he spoke Jun made certain to glance at Nino out of the corner of his eye. Not enough for the other to notice, but enough to see his reaction. It was worth it, as Nino seemed to choke on his coffee at the price, inhaling some of the beverage, if the subsequent coughing fit was any indication.
“Are you alright?” Reiko asked, taking the book from Jun as he offered the book to her and stood, grabbing a bottle of water off of the shelf and moving over to where Nino sat.
“Are you alright, Ninomiya-san?” Jun knelt beside the man, pressing a bottle of water into his hand and Nino just nodded, taking the bottle of water, sipping some slowly, as if testing to see if the coughing fit was done, though the coughing itself was not.
“Just fine.” He managed to choke out, and Jun can see that he is breathing, and the coughing seems to have lessened, so he isn’t dying on him, at least. Jun was amused, however, that Nino was so shocked at how much they were charging. They would charge more, but Ohno had talked them out of that. He made enough to support Mao-chan well, and still do a lot of fishing, and his private gallery shows gave him more than enough to live on as well, though he had not done one in a while. Marvelous Designs gave him the freedom to design what he wanted, as he wanted, and in return he had helped make the shop what it was.
Nino must have thought that Ohno was just another struggling artist, perhaps? He would ask about it, later.
Jun hovered near Nino, making sure the other man was alright, though he spoke to his client. “You don’t have to decide today, Reiko-san, but please let me know when you do decide. I will give you time to look at these, since there are so many of them. It is time for the next appointment now, but we can arrange all the details when you are here next week?” Jun queried and Reiko nodded, flipping through the pages of the portfolio.
“Ninomiya, I think Mao-chan is here.” Jun commented as the door opened again and Mao stepped inside. “Shall we?” Jun looked to Nino, who stood and walked with him back into the main room of the shop.
“You know that Nino is fine.” Nino commented softly, his tone amiable, as they walked to meet Mao, who was already chatting with Sho, and Jun nodded.
“I did not think we were on that close terms.” Jun’s voice was curt, the words sharp and Nino nodded, laughing softly, almost bitterly, but Jun was not sure. He did not know the other man, certainly did not know him well enough to be able to read his tones.
“We are not, but everyone calls me Nino. Just Nino. Friends and enemies alike.”
“You have a lot of enemies? Shocking.” Jun’s tone was dry, and he was pleased when Nino snapped back. “I am shocked you have any friends at all, as charming as you are.” Jun could not, that time, keep the smile from his face.
To both of their credits, they were smiling when they arrived where Sho and Mao stood, through from the look they exchanged, and the glance that she levied on them, she did not for one moment believe in their seemingly new found friendship. Sho just levied an eyebrow, glancing at Jun meaningfully (in the I know what you are playing at and You know that it wont work kind of scolding way) but Jun just spread his hands slightly with a smile, with a shrug, and Sho relaxed again. As much as making Nino realize how much of an idiot he had been, and making him regret, really regret the things that he had said about the shop, it did not wish to destroy the man or his business. That was not the kind of game that he was playing at. When there were clients present, or people who could and would notice the feud between the two, Jun would behave. For the sake of their business as well as Nino and Aiba’s. It was a testament to how long they have been together, and how well they knew each other that Sho could read all that in a gaze, a smile, and a gesture, but Jun was positive that the other could. Besides, Jun liked Aiba, well enough, the phone conversations and random visits from the other man brightened their day, and he and Sho seemed to be becoming fast friends, so Jun did not want to ruin that.
“I am pleased to see you again, Mao-chan. Its been too long already.” Jun was relieved when Mao nodded, though she pouted slightly.
“Satoshi has locked himself away in the studio. He doesn’t want me to see the art design for the wedding, though I suppose it is fair, as he wont be seeing my dress.” She paused, her face spreading into a smile “We are going fishing tomorrow however, since we both have a day off.”
“I am glad.” Jun was pleased. Fishing was how Ohno had met Mao, and it was really only a women after his own heart that would be able to keep the attention of Ohno.
“We can take a seat at the table, if you like. I had wanted to discuss dresses, and then photographers.” Jun paused, glancing at his watch, and when Sho caught the gesture he smiled.
“I am going to go check on Reiko-san, as well as out next appointment’s expected arrival.” Jun could see that Sho was trying to hide his amusement, and he could see that Mao was aware that something was going on, though she was not sure what. “I will be back in a moment.”
Once they were settled at the table, Mao looked to Jun, and then to Nino.
“I have a few design styles that I liked, though I am not sure where to go about looking for the dress. Given the way that the budget has worked out for the wedding, I have a bit more than I expected to spend on the dress.” Mao pulled a folder out of her purse, passing it to Jun. He opened it, and he and Nino both looked at the clippings she had collected. Jun could see that Nino was anxious, the way he played with the edge of the pictures and the folder, the way he kept glancing at Mao and then the dress, and the pricing on the dresses, and it was then that Jun realized that Mao must not have told Nino a very important fact. Though, perhaps, it was not her place to tell her cousin of Jun and Sho’s gift to the couple.
“When are we going shopping?” Jun flipped through the pages, pulling out several that he thought were the right cut for Mao, though Nino seemed to be making his own, and a different pile.”
“We are going?” Nino asked, looking from Mao to Jun, and she smiled.
“Jun-kun, Mom, Auntie and I are going to look for dresses, yes. Grandma will as well, if she is feeling up to it.” Mao confirmed with a nod, turning to Sho as he pressed a bottle of water into her hand and thanking him.
“But-I should be there as well.” Nino insisted, and Jun could hear the pouting in the other man’s tone. This, however was not his fight. He glanced to Sho as Mao snapped at Nino that it was her wedding, and her dress, and she would invite whom she wanted shopping with her, and Sho just help up five fingers and smiled.
Five minutes, huh? This day was about to get a lot more interesting.
“Nino, I know that you want to be there, and while I would like you to be there, you have to admit that Jun-kun has much better taste in clothing than you do.” Mao gestured to Jun, who was fairly casual that day in slacks, a designer shirt and vest. Nino on the other hand was wearing a t-shirt, faded at that, jeans and a sweater. If Jun did not know better, he would think that it was an old man sweater.
“That doesn’t mean that he can pick out dresses.”
“No, it doesn’t, but I have don’t it before, with many of my clients. They appreciate my input.” Jun interjected softly, and Mao nodded.
“I trust Jun-kun’s opinion, Nino.” Mao was not quite pleading with her cousin, but it was close,
“And you do not trust mine?” His grumbled and Mao sighed, looking to Jun and Sho, and she hesitated. “You don’t, do you?” Nino asked, incredulous.
“Nino….” She sighed, looking down at her hands. “I just - you are wearing dad’s sweater, which he wants back by the way and I just - it is my wedding dress. I don’t want something frumpy, and when you get your heart set on something for me to wear, there is no talking you out of it and i-“
“You think I would pick something frumpy?”
“Dad’s sweater. You are wearing it. I think that is case enough.” Mao snapped, but fell silent, her mouth hanging open as the door opened, and a voice cheerily called out.
“Yo Jun, Sho. Sorry that I am late. Traffic was a bit bad. I hope it isn’t an issue.”
“Not at all Shun.” Jun called back with a smile as he stood, moving to greet their new guest even as he heard Mao quietly whisper “Oguri Shun.” And Nino’s shocked. “No fucking way.”
Jun could see Shun peering around him, his face breaking into a smile as he mved towards the table. “You must be Inoue-san. Oh-chan talked about you all the time when he was designing the art for my wedding.”
Mao nodded rapidly but she seemed unable to speak, staring at Shun with what Jun was certain were stars in her eyes. It was not every day that one was face to phase with the wedding photographer of the stars, one that Jun had on good authority that Mao adored.
“I had a question for you.” Shun continued, unphased by the lack of response, but he did work a lot with Ohno, and Jun so perhaps he was used to things like this. “I look up to Ohno, and his art and skills, and I would be honored if you would allow me, if you did not have someone already that is, to be the photographer for your wedding to Ohno.” Mao and Nino’s eyes both widened, and Nino’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Oh-chan made Yuu so happy when she found out that he was doing the art for out wedding, and he worked so hard on it, I would like to do something for him in return.” Shun smiled, looking at Mao, then to Jun, who nodded. “On the house, as one professional to another.”
“But-we would never accept something that generous.” Mao stammered and Shun shook his head.
“Your fiancé would not take payment for his art from me, for the wedding. I would not, and can not, charge you. So if you want my services, I am happy to provide them. Just think about it?” Shun asked, pressing a business card into Mao’s hand.
“I am sorry to leave to suddenly, I have a wedding I need to go shoot, but please talk with Oh-chan and consider it. It was a pleasure to meet you, Inoue-san, and I sincerely hope that you will be in contact. I can see why Oh-chan is so fond of you.” And with a wink, and a smile Oguri Shun swept out of the office, the door closing behind him.
Silence settled over the office, Nino still staring after the door, and then at Jun with narrowed eyes, but the smile that Mao leveled on Jun was blinding.
“Jun-kun, how did you know?” She asked, her voice shaking. “I didn’t even tell Satoshi that I would like Oguri Shun to shoot the wedding. I didn’t think it was possible, so I didn’t even bring it up.”
“Oh-chan just knew, and he wants you to be happy. He already talked with Shun about it, and so, if you want it, it is yours.” Jun’s voice was level even as Mao launched herself at him, hugging him tightly. “Jun, I think I love you. Not as much as Satoshi, but-thank you.” He was fairly certain that her voice was wavering, and he was fairly certain that there were tears, but he hugged her back.
“Anything for you, Mao-chan.”
“Hey, back off the PDA. You wouldn’t want Oh-chan to get the wrong idea or anything.” Nino snarked and Mao stepped back laughing.
“I think it is was Jun-kun, he would forgive me.” Her voice wobbled, but Jun could tell that she was happy, from the way that she was staring reverently at the business card in her hands Jun was certain that Ohno would be thanking him the next time they met, for making Mao this happy. And from the scowl on Nino’s face, though he made sure to smile when Mao was looking, Jun knew that Nino was less that happy.
Operation: Prove to Ninomiya that I am by far the better wedding planner and you should think next time before being such an asshole seemed to be going quite well. Now it was just time to sit back and wait for the fall out.
Which was a lot less time than he thought. Mao excused herself, glowing and beaming, to go meet Satoshi for their dinner, and then to get reading for fishing the next day, but she happily waved to Sho, Jun and Nino as she left, calling out at them before she left. “I expect all of you to behave, and thank you again.” Though her gaze was on Nino, and then on Jun, but mostly on Nino.” Sho just chuckled, moving to the reception desk to answer the phone, and Nino was left to glare at Jun.
“I still don’t like that you are the one that is going wedding dress shopping with her.” Nino’s eyes were narrowed and Jun nodded.
“I am sure you will like even less that I am in charge of picking the tuxes for the wedding party. When are you free? And would you prefer to buy or rent.” Jun could see Nino twitch, his eyes narrowing and he processed that.
“Why you?” His arms were crossed over his chest and he stood close to Jun, probably too close, but Jun made no move to step back.
“Best man, remember. Ohno had some ideas, I added my opinion, but we need to go and try them on. So when are you free. And rent or buy.”
“Is Oh-chan paying for it?” Nino asked, his eyes narrowing even further and Jun sighed.
“That’s irrelevant.” He snapped and Nino shook his head.
“It is not irrelevant. I want to know how much you are overcharging them for all of this. There is no way in hell that this is going to be a cheap wedding, not if Marvelous Designs has a hand in it. While Oh-chan makes more than I thought he did, apparently,” Jun could hear what might be bitterness in the others tone, be he could not be sure “I don’t want them to go broke just because you had to be involved in this entire thing.”
“It isn’t anything you should worry about.” Sho added, coming over, trying to smooth over things Jun was certain. The shop was closed for the day, and he had turned the lights down, and had locked up, so no one could hear the two fight, but he didn’t want to take the risk, though of the way that he was hovering, and sending Jun that look was any indication.
Nino spun, glaring at Sho. “Of course if it my concern. Mao-chan doesn’t have a brother, so it is my job to look out for her, to make sure that people like you aren’t taking advantage of her.”
Jun could see Sho’s eyes widened, and with a sigh Jun stepped forward, close behind Nino, and though his voice was low, he was certain that Sho could hear it as well. Attacking Jun was one thing. But no one attacked Sho, especially not in their work place.
“What kind of cousin charges his family for his services, Ninomiya-kun.” Jun knew that his tone was mocking, but it didn’t matter. “Ohno knew from the beginning that Sho and I were doing this as a gift to him and Mao. So who is taking advantage of whom here, exactly.” Nino spun around glaring at Jun even as the other stepped back.
“It was not anything you needed to worry about, and I don’t think that Satoshi wanted a huge deal made about it. Since it was our gift to him, but since you cant let anything go, and assume the worst of us, there was no helping it.” Jun’s voice was bitter and he could see Nino studying him, trying to read him, but it would not work. The other man knew nothing of Jun, and his moods.
“When you can get over yourself long enough to let me know when you are free for the tux fitting please contact me. I know that you have out contact information. And, it really would make our job easier if you would stop trying to meddle in out business and the wedding planning that we are in charge of. It is your own damned fault that you aren’t a part of this portion of it.”
“Get over myself?” Nino choked out and Jun just hmmmmed his agreement, walking across the shop to pull his keys and cell out of the drawer they were kept in and motioned to the door.
“If you don’t mind, I have other things I need to do, unless you need some help planning the music and the menu as well?”
“No fucking way I am letting you take ALL of the wedding planning away from me.” Nino snapped, storming out the door and down the street for the train station, while Jun and Sho left at a more leisurely pace.
“Jun, be careful, alright?” Sho warned, and Jun nodded.
“I know what I am doing, Sho. And I will be fine. He hates me anyways, so its not as if I am entertaining any hopes.” Jun kept his voice light as he locked the door to the shop, and he could hear Sho sigh.
“You say that every time Jun.”
Jun nodded. “And every time I am fine, aren’t I?” Jun did not look to Sho, his hands stuffed into his pockets.
“Fine is relative, but you manage. Its just-you haven’t dated anyone since we broke up, not seriously at least, and it would be nice if you could be happy.” Jun could not help but smile, shaking his head as they walked.
“I have not wanted to date anyone, despite the fact that it has been years. I wont settle, and no one has really made me happy.” Jun did not add that he thought perhaps Nino would suit him, and the way that Sho took a deep breath, studying Jun hard he knew that the other had the same thought. Sho had also been there when Ohno had been talking about Nino, and from the look that Sho had sent Jun, he knew that Sho was intrigued, and hopeful in the match as well. But that was before they had met Nino. And before he informed Jun that everything about his ideas and is designs, and his person, more of less, was revolting.
“There is nothing that I can do about it, Sho. I wont pursue someone who doesn’t want me, but I will also not hide what I am feeling.”
“I am not sure pushing but buttons like you were doing today is going to go over well.” Sho chuckled and Jun knew better than to ask.
“What other options am I left with?” He wondered, and Sho did not answer, instead opening the door to the shabu shabu place that they went to every Friday after work, allowing Jun to enter first.
What other options indeed?