Double Booking (Mai)

[Mai Adaire]

Aw, Maiella visibly pouted that he had stopped with such visible distance! And here she waited all that time for him, too. It would have been far easier to leave him in the dust given she had quite the lead straight out of the terminal. But no, that wasn't the right game to play here, no matter how jerky he was to her!

“I don’t bite, you confusing little man. Considering you're the veteran AND the one suddenly offering truces after volleying insults, I thought you would have conduct yourself better.”

A hand of hers him off and found a place on her hip, observing him through squinted eyes and pursed lips – ooh, she was judging him so hard!

“Or did you revoke it all when I made my point? These heels-“ See? The brunette lifts her foot to show off the crimson rockabilly heels. “-are cute and fantastic and as you witnessed, don’t slow me down one bit! Underestimating me is not a recommendation.”

Grin.

“Got that, sweetie. Now take back what you said about my talents!”

Well, there had been a few scurrying travelers turning to watch as the woman is rather loud and without sense of shyness no matter who was watching. Even if better words were chosen for the situation, the demand would still be crystal clear to the un-cute jerk.

And dammit, gravity IS a fantastic talent!

[Hatsuharu Kenjutsushi]

Silently, Hatsuharu decided to stand his ground. Her words washed over him in waves, the insults sticking to him as they were fired.

"Your shoes didn't carry you out of there quickly. Your gender did." Hatsu pointed out, shrugging his shoulders at the fact. Honestly, he was impressed that she managed to use what she had to her advantage in such a way, even if it was infuriating to watch. This assignment was turning out to be one of the worst he'd had in a long time, and it was all her fault.

So no, he wasn't going to admit anything. And he wasn't about to take back what he said; not when it rattled her in such a way. "I'd prefer to keep moving, actually. So if you're done I'm going to find a cab."

And with that he turned away with every intention of leaving her behind.

[Mai Adaire]

Her gender? Maiella simply beamed at him - of course silly man! She had her assets and knew very well when to use them. How in the world was that such a bad thing? That and she still maintained she could move quick in heels.

Instead, her opponent decided to keep moving. And without apologizing, that jerk! Mai pouted in his direction, her hand slipping to take out her phone.

"Fine~" She says in a sing-song voice as she dialed an important little number she had looked up waiting for him. She had been very willing to give him a chance too...and that had been her mistake.

And his mistake for not apologizing. She cleared her throat to put on her best sweet, innocent voice just at the moment of pickup.

"Yes, hello? I'm currently at Terminal 3, Concourse K near Gate 10. I'd like to make a small report about a suspicious person. He's about 5'11'', of Asian descent and has an awful blonde dye-job. He seems to be in a bit of a rush at the moment towards baggage level..."

And thus after him she follows, also on her way to catch a taxi. But at least SHE won't have to deal with certain security officials to hold her up. Unlike some certain jerks. <3

[Hatsuharu Kenjutsushi]

Hatsu was a fortunate man, indeed. Fortunate to have a substantially impressive track career under his belt. And of course, fortunate enough to be able to make quick work of a small amount of space. He glanced back once, noticing in the distance that she was, what... On the phone?

Prepping a cab, perhaps? That'd hardly do her any good.

Down the escalator and away from the gates, Hastuharu pushed on when he began to notice that people were talking notice of him. Men in uniform staring at him, whispering together and radioing messages off. And someone even points, following him with their finger.

The blonde haired man disappears into an oncoming crowd, tugging the beanie down onto his head. Don't they know who he is?

Inches from the exit, his arm is snagged by an official and he's pulled to the side.

Worried that this could become a lengthy discussion, Hatsuharu quickly reached for his wallet at their request. They wanted his ID. He gave them his license and - underneath it - his identification as an associate of Hammel. A Recruiter, no less.

By now, Maiella has probably passed him. But for some reason, he's still talking to the cop who's pulled him aside.

[Mai Adaire]

A text message flicks to life on the phone as she passes by the commotion she had caused. No glance, just eyes to her phone: her taxi was ready and waiting! It had been the right move to make her move in this game to call as far back as leaving the plane.

"Ah, perfect timing."

Something in the back of her mind told her to move and move quick. Despite ruby heels, her pace quickens. Call it instinct, call it woman's intuition. Hell, it was probably karma storm coming, she should honestly know better! Her guru would be displeased with her strike.

On the other hand, this was HER assignment! The brunette flutters and weaves through the crowds of travelers, following brightly lit signs throughout the terminal leading to the exit. Maiella passes the threshold and threw her gaze about to find the cab she had called.

Maiella took a deep breath and exhaled cheerfully. Ah,the city air! She had only been to Chicago once and not for any pleasant reason. Maybe this time she will actually get to enjoy it!

After the meeting and conclusion of her assignment, of course.

[Hatsuharu Kenjutsushi]

Hatsuharu's dark eyes briefly left the officer's face and watched the flicker of colour brush past him without a care. She didn't even look at him.

She would think it was smooth sailing, for the most part. She'd probably get in her cab and give the address out with zero sign of the blonde Recruiter who used to be hot on her ruby heels.

But somewhere along the road in the - thankfully - minimal traffic, a wrench is thrown into Maiella's plans.

The signature red and blue lights flashed from a little way down the road, behind the taxi. Cars swerved out of the way as they could and slowly but surely, the police car was in the vicinity of Maiella's cab. And of course, it brushed past. It had to.

Hatsuharu was sitting in the back seat. And when he passed her, he raised both hands in her direction to offer a wave.

No cuffs. No foul.

[Mai Adaire]

Minor traffic, oh that was no good but nothing to worry about. As long as she could meet with the child today, this assignment was as good as hers! In the meantime, the lively woman was engaging her poor cabbie into a conversation of varying topics - nice places to go, attractions, all thing she could certainly just refer to phone. But then what was the point and where was the fun if you cannot engage with locals?

Sirens and flashes of red and blue flickered behind them. The cabbie grumbled something in a language vaguely familiar to her as he attempts to allow the cop car to pass by as easily as possible. Maiella happened to be drawn to commotion and shiny things, and that what she would regret as she sees a familiar face pass her by.

And waving at her, obvious to her he had no cuffs. Mai's jaw dropped.

"OH, THAT--" She shouted in frustration as he passes her, kicking the back of the seat with enough force to stir the annoyed ire of her cabbie. If only she could just use her ability to slow it down, oh, but that would not be proper. Too many witnesses and normals.

"Sorry, sorry! Day just took a turn for the worse." She grumbled an apology. This is why she should never doubt the words of her dear guru. Traffic was picking up again, but now he had a lead.

"Uncute jerk." The girl muttered, blinked and then leaned forward, showing the cabbie the map on her phone. "Any chance you can reach this place quicker? I promise I'll be quiet and pay double~<3"

The cabbie took one brief look at the map on her phone and shot her a flat gaze, hoping she meant it.

[Hatsuharu Kenjutsushi]

There was a hefty sense of satisfaction when Hatsuharu saw her reaction through the window. She was definitely annoyed now - so much for that perfectly bright demeanour. He only wished he could have seen ti for a little longer, but they steadily pulled away. So the side by side vision was lost for them both.

The lights flicked off above the police car and he slowed to a halt. Hatsuharu leaned forward and promptly shook the mans hand - was that an exchange of something between them?

He then hopped out into the street, because it was just way too easy to win that way. And this woman was as intriguing she was infuriating.

Throwing caution to the wind, Hatsuharu took the necessary steps back and swung the door of her cab open, sliding into the vacant seat beside her in a matter of quick seconds and well timed movements. The cab probably didn't even stop.

"Same address, sir. If you would be so kind."

[Mai Adaire]

Traffic was beginning to move, all she could focus on was now that uncute jerk was ahead of her! How dare he! The brunette beamed and batted her eyes as much as she could before the cab driver grunts a positive response. Would it be worth double? Maybe if the woman kept her word.

The cab begins to move at the behest of the green light.
The door next to her opens, both the cabbie and Maiella snapped their gazes to witness the Asian having jumped into the cab! While moving! Maiella's jaw dropped.

"Wha-"

"Same address, sir. If you would be so kind."

The cabbie shrugged, grumbled something about crazy tourists and resumed driving the pair to their destination.

"Are you insane?! You really could've hurt yourself that way if that was mistimed in any way!"

A pause in her thoughts before she averted her gaze, crossing her arms with a pout. A mass of thoughts and wonders crossed her mind - what in the world was this man's angle? He had been so certain that this assignment was his to take up, so why?

"Not that I care! And anyhow, weren't you ahead of this little race we're having? You clearly had the upper hand, so why backtrack?"

[Hatsuharu Kenjutsushi]

Ignoring the cabbie and his grumbling, Hatsuharu shifted about in his seat, clicking the belt around his waist to ensure his safety. It was key, after all.

"But I didn't." He replied simply, rolling his shoulders back a few times.

He stifled a grin when she crossed her arms and pouted her lips. He idly glanced out the window, watching his previous ride turn the latest corner and head in another direction. He couldn't possibly keep the police force from doing their action job for much longer. Or could he? Details, details.

"Love," Hatsu called her, freeing his arm and resting it across the back of the seat - near her shoulders, but he wouldn't dare touch, "We fight. But we come together in the end. I forgive you for calling the authorities on me. So in return, you'll pay full fare. For that, is fair."

Women, he mouthed to the cabbie as he caught his gaze in the reflection mirror.

[Mai Adaire]

So he didn’t but that still had been a crazy move! Again, she refused to really care or dwell further on that, she already had to be stuck with the un-cute jerk in this cab.

Bright blue eyes narrowed at him, not for any of the reasons he had spoken of but something entirely. Why was he speaking about forgiveness, especially since he was the one who insulted her first!

Maiella shifts her gaze out the window, watching the city pass her by. A question of if she had been considering any of his words was left up in the air - for the moment.

“I did warn you, underestimating me is not a recommendation. I could have done worse, having the authorities deal with you for a few minutes was the least harsh route in mind.” A bite of her lip a moment, a proud moment it wasn't but damned if her long buried self from the Academy decided to surface. The woman casts a sidelong glance to him, a smile crossing her face before leaning close to him.

And quite close too, it could have been dangerous.

"No-no-no sweetie, we're going to do it this way."

And she'd withdraw from his side in a heartbeat, still with a radiant smile of hers.

“You take back what you said about my talents. I will let you forgive me for calling the authorities. AND I pay the cab fare without complaint. Sound good?”

[Hatsuharu Kenjutsushi]

"Did I say I underestimated you?" Hatsu asked, looking genuinely shocked at what she might have taken from what he might have said. "Ah yes, because dealing with the authorities worked out so badly for me. If you'll recall recent events, I left them to help you." And really, that should have been obvious by now. It wasn't as if he had to leave the comfort of the police car.

Like a gravitational pull, he found himself much more attentive when she was leaning in close. He had to wonder if that was part of her powers.

It hurt how she pulled away. Just what was her deal?

"Uhh," He paused, dragging the sound out and looking very deep in thought. "No. I don't think you understand what I gave up to get in this cab with you." Certain victory, that's what. She should be more grateful. Leaning forward, he rested his arm against the vacant passenger's seat. "Sir, I apologise. I do hope my wife's overly optimistic attitude hasn't annoyed you too much. But she's offered to pay double the fare for putting up with her. Isn't that nice of her?"

[Mai Adaire]

Maiella openly scoffs in frustration. How hard is it to get an actual apology out of this one?! Not to mention the pompous push that he had made this grand move to help her – why was this one so frustrating to her!? She turns to press her forehead against the window as needed.

No, you’re better than this, Maiella, count to ten and deal with this like an adult.

“That’s another thing, I don’t understand why you, in all of your infinite supposed graciousness, did you even give up a clear lead like that. To HELP me? Like I need help from someone who cannot get a decent dye-job!”

Okay, so maybe settling things like an adult wasn’t her strong point. Maiella crossed her arms and had the briefest pout …and then her eyes widened, slow turn of her head to STARE at the jerk. WIFE!? What IS his deal?!

“WHA-OHHNononono!” She grabbed his shoulder and pushed him back. He may have felt a huge, dense shift in gravity as it was her turn to lean forward. Her distress meant the change in gravity would not have lasted more than a moment!

“We’re not married at all! Don’t listen to this guy, he’s just a lying jerk I met today!”

The cab driver turns to glare daggers at her.
Maiella realized her mistake the second she made it, her hand went to her mouth far too late.

A second later, the cab would screech away from the pair, leaving them on the sidewalk, thankfully about a few blocks from the destination. Maiella sighed before she turned just to glare at him. She had to pay double the fare and they haven't even made it to the right place!

“Nice, thanks a lot.” A raise of her arms to stretch, and then she would slip out of her cute rockabilly shoes and reaching into her purse for a pair of ballet-type flats.

“Least it’s a good day to take a walk...Um...I don’t even know your name, dear husband.” She sticks out her tongue.

[Hatsuharu Kenjutsushi]

Hatsuharu simply ran his hands through his hair. He'd been dying it for a long time, and with good reason. So why he did so wasn't her business. But he knew it looked flawless.

He hit the back seat with an audible thug from his back and an "Oof!" from his mouth. Before he could press forward again, he felt practically frozen under some serious weights. Oh, yeah. Like he didn't know where that was coming from! And before he knew it, she was arguing with his proposed idea; why couldn't she just be calm!

Being practically booted from the cab was no fun sight, but at least Hatsu didn't have to fork over any cash. He dusted himself off. "You did that." He said simply. After all, she did place the straw that broke the camel's back.

"Remind me why I married you? It certainly wasn't for your memory. Or charm, for that matter." Hatsu would have gone on to mention her powers on that list, but it didn't feel fitting to the situation. "Hatsuharu. And you are?"

[Mai Adaire]

"Right~"

Not to say it had not been her fault in the first place, but she could not find the words to admit that to the uncute jerk. Besides, there no more need to fret over it. The pair would just have to walk the rest of the way and that was fine enough.

Mai spun around to pout at him. Her charm? No-no, that aspect of herself was flawless! Everything about her was amazing,lovely and lively who wouldn't want to marry her?!

Ohwait.

Nope! No time to recall unpleasantness, she still had a job to do today! Seriously though, why did the jerk had to make such a joke. She had been pretty certain they were rivaling for this assignment, but somewhere between here and the airport, things had changed. Not that it wasn't a bad thing, but for future assignments?

"I can only wonder."

She's continue walking. Unclear if she was answering her own thoughts or responding to his currently runninbg joke. Knowing her, the musing was probably a well-timed combination of both. Hatsuharu. The uncute jerk now had a name she could go by instead of a silly nickname, but it was an unexpected name.

"Hatsuharu." She repeated. "Hatsu...haru...first spring? It's not a very normal name on its own."

She'd toss a glance over her shoulder at him and beamed the way
she had at the start.

"Maiella. I know, not even a normal name by a longshot. Shame on you though! Not even knowing your wife's name! You're such a strange rival. "