Jonathan's home was extremely comfortable and suited to accommodate the type of man that he was. He and Cyrus sat across from each other; files strewn across the big oak desk he had gotten as an anniversary present from his wife many years ago. Cyrus had changed into the clothes his son had given him and now looked less intimidating with his upper torso covered with a plain black tee and a pair of dark grey sweatpants to match. The two glasses of apple wine he had brought with him were next to each of them respectively as they went through different details.
Cyrus was in no way paying attention to the papers in front of him. His mind was on the rain that crashed down outside. It had only been about an hour since he had last seen Sakura, but it was only a few minutes after she had left that the rain had turned into a full-blown thunderstorm. For whatever reason, he worried that she wasn't able to make it back to her cabin in time and something might have happened to her. Then again, the land was privately owned and thanks to her, no one got in or out without someone being aware.
"Do you have anything special you'd like made for you?" his eyes snapped up from the blank words in front of him to Jonathan that sipped his wine "April's sure to want to whip up a special treat since you're staying the night, but I'd prefer she didn't make something that didn't sit well with you."
Heaving a sigh, Cyrus dropped the papers from his hands and picked up his own glass as well, contemplating Jonathan's words as he swirled the sparkling liquid slowly. L
"I've never been a picky eater. I'm fine with anything." He answered, completely honest.
Jonathan smiled and shook his head "This is the first night you're spending with us, Mr Axton. Even though it is a bit gloomy outside, I'd like to make it worth your while."
Cyrus chuckled. Truly, it was the very first time he had been sleeping over at the orchard. He wouldn't have to, if not for the horrible weather and the fact he wasn't ready to risk his and his driver's lives on the road. Even though one of the reasons he had come to the orchard personally was to quench his thirst, seeing Sakura had only made him even more insatiable. He remembered the way she had looked at him just before she had turned to walk away the first time. It was a mix of annoyance and faint repulsion. It had made him curious as to why she did and left him with a guilty feeling at the pit of his stomach.
Why was he so infatuated with her? In his world, he had spent hours in the same room with models, pageant queens and so on. There were even women that had achieved PhD degrees at young ages, all attractive and enticing. Yet, he wondered what exactly it was about Sakura that made him feel the way he did. Although the feeling was foreign, he welcomed it and was trying to decide on how to deal with it.
"I appreciate the hospitality, Jonathan. I'm deeply sorry for imposing this way and causing even more trouble for you."
"Imposing? Not at all, sir. It's an honour to have you dine with us tonight. Although I must warn you, Tyler may not be particularly happy about it."
Cyrus scoffed loudly, a grin sporting his defined face "Is there anything that makes that boy happy?"
"I believe so, just not when it involves you." Jonathan grinned widely, knowing fully well that when Tyler was ready, he would barge into the office in a fit of arrogance and rage
Cyrus smirked knowingly, remembering the hot-headed young man that was a complete contrast to his laid-back older brother. He knew just why Tyler didn't like his presence. To the second son, it was like Cyrus was trying to take over the place his father had spent many years trying to build up. Although Robinson Orchard dated back to previous generations, it was Jonathan that had pushed it to the point of prosperity that guaranteed expansion and recognition. Cyrus had come to know of it only because Jonathan was open with his expansion. Tyler would never see it that way. Simply because he was an over-privileged brat and Cyrus sensed he had a sort of inferiority complex.
The door behind him suddenly creaked loudly, followed by the strong smell of male cologne. He heard his rowdy footsteps before he even saw him. Then Tyler stood before him, next to his father, with an ever-present disgusted look on his face. His curly chocolate brown hair fell over his eyes, giving him the look of an angry toddler.
"Why speak of the devil. We were just talking about you." Cyrus said, greatly amused by the mirth shining in Tyler's eyes "It's nice to see you again."
"I cannot say the same for you, Mr Axton. Forgive me if I don't have the ability to lie." Tyler replied, folding his lean arms over his chest
"Don't start Tyler! Mr Axton is our guest for tonight, so whatever childishness you're getting ready to display, I advise you keep it locked up wherever you've been storing it." Jonathan said. Although he loved his son, he knew just how much damage Tyler's childish character could cause
In response, Tyler mumbled in disdain, before a haughty smirk settled on his face. Cyrus stared back at him with a wide grin.
"I heard about your little stunt with Sakura this morning. It's good to see that she didn't fall over your charms the way women always do." The venom in Tyler's words didn't go over Cyrus' head, but instead of allowing himself to be provoked, he chuckled lightly
"I don't know what you heard boy but I assure you whatever happened is and will never be your business." Cyrus loved the disdain that settled in the young man's eyes as he leaned forward, trying to look more menacing than he was
"Stay away from Sakura, alright? She doesn't need someone like you coming to cramp her style."
Cramp her style? What the hell did Tyler think this was? A high-school drama? Then again, he didn't really expect anything less from Tyler Robinson. He who had been spoilt rotten by his mother and grew up to be an entitled brat.
"Sakura is somewhat my employee as well and I do not expect any of our interactions to concern you unless either of us says so. On the contrary, she and I will be spending much much more time together. Staying away isn't really an option, don't you believe so, Jonathan?"
Jonathan raised his hands and shook his head with a smirk, indicating that he wanted nothing to do with their altercation. It was best to just let Cyrus handle it the way he always did. With no answer from the older man, he faced Tyler with a smug expression.
"That decides it. If you have any issues, feel free to keep them to yourself. A pleasure to see you as always Tyler."
Rising from his chair, Cyrus picked his glass and a few files before leaving the office. As he shut the office door behind him, he heard the distinct complaints of Tyler as he probably began throwing a tantrum. Sipping from his cup once more, Cyrus walked slowly, wheels turning his head as he tried to concoct different ways to keep to his word; that he and Sakura would be spending much more time together.