"I've been trying to reach you, but you've been offline. Your secretary informed me you'd been preoccupied enough not to charge your phone."
"Busy day," Ari replied, pushing his swivel chair back to stand up. Unlike last time, he hadn't expected to meet Ned today; however, he was a guest he couldn't turn down. "How have you been, really? Despite exchanging greetings with automated responses, I'd say you look frail from the last time I saw you. Busy much?"
"The usual. But you are not entirely wrong; travelling back and forth is overwhelming. Nevertheless, what put me in my current state is rather a fault of your own."
"Pardon?"
"Ari, you packed out of our apartment as if someone was chasing you. This morning, I got the urge to reminisce on our romance only to find the little left of your belongings nonexistent. Even a lingering fragrance of your scent was gone." Strolling towards Ari, he added, "You could have at least left me something to remember you by."
'Stil as flirty as ever.' "I tried to reach you several times to inform you, but my messages were left unanswered." Seeling to make a point, Ari added, "I figured you were preoccupied, as you've confirmed."
"I informed my secretaries to reject any contact from you lest I find myself on the first flight back." Closing the gap between them, Ned's voice was heavy as he spoke. "I needed to heal, and I did enough to get me a new catch, but I fear seeing you now again has put my efforts to nought."
Taking a step back, Ari offered an apology. A part of him still sympathised with how things ended between him and Ned; however, after Rey acted so calmly over the mishappenings of the past between him and Ned, he didn't want to encourage the flirting o go on. Besides, they were in Ari's office, and Ari felt the need to emphasise cordiality.
"I must be a fool. Even your apology soothes my broken heart. I can never get mad at you, Ari." Ned raised his hand to touch Ari's cheek affectionately. "But I understand how you feel and why it has to be Rey."
"I would love to meet your lover, Mr Todo, was it?"
"I call him Tod. A fine man he is. Just my type but a bit spoiled, which I find thrilling." Moving away from an instead stiffened Ari; Ned added, "As you know, I love spoiling my lovers. I finally have someone who loves my money."
"I fear you are on your way to another heartache."
"He is far more influenced than me." Ned took a seat just opposite Ari. "In actuality, he reminds me a lot of you. Meticulous in nature at work, kind, a bit on the shy side..."
"I'm not shy..."
Ned chuckled. "Of course, you're not, my dear. My mistake. You've always known what you want and go for it. I say this without malice."
'Why does it feel like he's being sarcastic?' Ari wondered. He returned to his seat and leaned forward, placing his elbows on his desk. "Tell me more about him."
"He is tall and quite muscular for my taste. I'd never been with anyone taller than me except by a few inches. We met on one of my trips. He doesn't linger after a meeting but was kind enough to remain behind upon my request."
"I thought he was the one who approached you?"
"As I informed you, he is quite shy. I noticed he was distracted, staring with longing at his very pleasant apprentice and in an instant, I realised he was just like me, longing to have what he can not have." Ned let out a cheeky smile. "You know me well enough never to miss an opportunity. Afterwards, one conversation led to another, and within a few days, he agreed to give us a try."
"How did he agree so fast if he is as timid as you claim?"
"Tod is not timid at all. When I called him out on his unrequited affection towards his apprentice, he only smiled but didn't deny it. I've met them both on multiple occasions, his apprentice always by his side until a quite obnoxious creature I used to know as a toddler showed up. The three appeared to have a somewhat unique relationship, his apprentice and his partner also had a daughter together, but my Todo was stuck in the middle, yet he didn't seem to mind it. In fact, Todo mentioned he loved it."
"That sounds complicated."
"Yes. Indeed it does. Perhaps I have a knack for attracting complicated love triangles." Ned laughed. "But this time, I believe I'm not fighting a losing battle since Todo finds ourselves in the same predicament. Come to think of it, you are well acquainted. Perhaps you've met him before?"
"Tod is a rare name, and if it's the Todo I know, then I wouldn't say he is after your finances, a conglomerate such as yourself."
Ned grouched, shrugging his shoulders. "Well, his mother is a frightening woman."
"It is a known fact the country's security and part of the military is controlled behind the scenes by her and her family."
"Then we know the same Todo."
Ari snickered. "Isn't he a Top?"
"If you're trying to pry, Todo is not an obvious bottom. As a matter of fact, he was open about his preference from the very start."
Ari smiled. "Then I think you two will get along just fine."
"We do. My Todo is one large fierce puma by night. By day...." Ned tapped his chin as if contemplating something. "He is as fierce as his mother regarding his work. However, on the inside, he is quite a gentle soul."
Ari felt a sudden relief as if a heavy burden had been lifted off his shoulders. "You must like him then."
"I adore him. I enjoy his company too. He doesn't talk much, but he chooses his words carefully when he does. I fear I've met a better negotiator than myself."
"I hope I can meet him someday. I attended a formal brunch years ago to network and almost brushed shoulders with him. There have been rumours that to meet him; they must at least pass through ten or more people to get to him."
"He does run the largest security company. Therefore, that is to be expected. Even Lia's fiance felt intimidated. His company can't compare to my Todo."
Ari laughed. "What a snobby little brat you've become."
"Indeed I am. I've been feeling happier by the day after our last meeting here. I must thank you for granting me a desperate wish. That day, I was not in the right frame of mind. Even so, I didn't come here to speak of my lover, but I appreciate you allowing me to boast a little."
"That wasn't a little."
"Put a sock in it!" Ned guffawed.
"What a snobby person you've become."
The two shared a moment of laughter. It felt like old times, or perhaps it created an illusion that they would have healed. Despite the remaining scars, it felt good to still have excellent communication despite the hurt each of them endured.
"My dear Ari, I am glad we are in a good place. However, as you were concerned that my love might abuse my finances, allow me to meddle in your affairs further equally." Standing up, Ned declared, "I will not allow your beloved's mishaps to harm you. Therefore, have him know that he must get in touch with me. I specifically came here to inform you that I shall be having a meeting with him from time to time to set up a payment plan."
"Emm..." Ari appeared confused. "Didn't you already inform me last time?"
"Due to recent meddling from his side, I fear I must act quickly before he endangers your safety."
"Do not fret, my dear. This is between Rey and me. When you inform him to contact me, he will understand what needs to be done. My interest will be hefty, of course. He caused me a lot of pain, but I'm known to play fair, so do not fear. I will keep your lover and bring him to you daily in one piece."
"Ned, what are you two up to?"
"His debtors are under investigation as we speak. I understand Rey was attacked. My Todo has taken an interest in the matter, and I know he will find a lot of illegal dealings with those debtors. Rey's ex-girlfriend's death might come to light. Therefore, you will have an uncomfortable lover from time to time."
Seeing that Ari was disturbed by the matter, Ned sought to assure him. "I'm only doing this for you, my dear Ari, nothing more. I wish to ease this burden from you. As you are already aware, you will always be important to me, and as uncomfortable as it makes me, I have to be concerned about protecting the things that you cherish too."
"Even so, Rey's debt has nothing to do with you. Rey mentioned everything was under control."
"He was never going to clear that sum of money with his pocket change salary. He has to work at least ten more years before he can earn the interest alone, and from what you are saying, I don't think you know how much money is involved.
Ari, I down want his mistakes to affect you in any way. I'd hate it if someone were to find out you are involved with loansharks begging for Rey's life. Do you realise what I'm saying, Ari? I am doing this for you."