Control (Aphorism Fanfic) COMPLETED

Chapter 18

Surprisingly, although she was half-forced into her job, Misaki got used to it quickly, and she grew to like it even faster.

Maybe it was because her job was more challenging than it was before, and because she had to make use of her linguistic skills when it came to accounts with foreign annotations.

"Oh," Sanjuurou said with a beam while looking at her neat translation of an English inventory. "You translated it for us."

He shot a smirk at Uruma's direction. "And it's in simple Japanese, easily understandable."

(Uruma only scoffed.)

... and maybe it was because Sanjuurou was there.

Her proximity to the three field agent's workstations made them interact daily. She did not mind Haku – he was a bit too warm for her liking, but he reminded her of a male Eko (the thought of her Naraka – old Naraka friends – and her throat tightened). Even Uruma was tolerable – other than giving her work to do and speaking to her occasionally regarding work-related things, he kept out of her way, and when she thought of how he helped bring down Sanjuurou's sister, her anger towards him faded.

Then there was Sanjuurou. They continued interacting like normal, him teasing her at times, asking her to do questionable things ("Can you tweak the accounts a bit, so they'll raise the budget for our division?" "... Despicable.") ... but there always seemed to be a distance between them, and an elephant in the room they fail to address – not keeping in touch at all for the last six years after Naraka.

Just as Misaki began to settle into her new routine, Uruma decided to change things up by asking her to join in on a mission with them one day.

"A tycoon from Germany stole files from the government. We have to go undercover and steal it back."

She blinked at him. "Why can't we just ask for it back, or use the law to do so?"

Uruma scoffed, muttering something along the lines of a sheltered rich girl.

"Because we have no evidence that he stole it," Sanjuurou cut in. "And this tycoon is the relative of a German official, we can't risk offending their government."

"That's why we are getting Hinata to meet him undercover, acting as a potential investor. However, because he can't speak English fluently – " Uruma rolled his eyes, " – I think we should get you to join in the mission, Kanade."

"Wait," Sanjuurou interrupted. "That was not part of the plan."

Uruma rolled his eyes again. "Why do you think we are taking time to explain this to her then? For her to cheer us on?"

"There's no need to involve Misaki. You or Haku could go with me."

"He's seen my face before; he knows I'm with the government. Shirokawa is needed for behind the scenes. Target doesn't know about you or Kanade girl, which makes her perfect for this mission."

"No she's not. As team leader, I don't allow – "

"As team leader," Uruma said condescending. "You should stop bringing your personal emotions into this, useless Hinata."

Misaki flared up. "Watch your words, Uruma."

He scoffed. "And you're only proving my point, Kanade girl."

She glared at him.

"We can always get another agent from another division – " Sanjuurou argued.

"Or!" Haku, who had been silent up till then. "I can crossdress and pretend to be your secretary!"

He lowered his spectacles in (what he thought was) a sultry manner, winking at Sanjuurou.