Chapter 14 (Continued)
Golden Age, 50:42
Eden Province, Zorca City
Tulassqus, Lion & Kione's Plane
As Lion exited, he made a beeline for his office. He was still upset and it showed on his face. Everyone carefully avoided his gaze, making sure to stay out of his way. Lion wasn't only upset over Kione, but he doesn't feel ready for this responsibility, no matter how many years he prepared for this.
When Lion arrived to his office hallway, he saw Kione leaning against his office door. Lion groaned in annoyance,
"What do you want?" Lion adjusted his glasses so he could look up to see Kione's face. Kione resembled his father, inheriting nearly all of his handsome features. His brown deep-set eyes were clear as he stared at Lion--his tone not shaking him. Kione stroked his goatee, his expression serious,
"I want to talk to you." Kione's tone was firm, taking Lion by surprise. Lion eyed him for a few seconds before sighing, nudging Kione out of the way,
"If you must."
They entered his office together, taking their seats on Lion's sofas. Lion's office wasn't nearly as grand as his fathers' but it is still big enough to fit a sofa, his desk and a few shelves. Lion crossed his legs, folding his hands on his knee, expectant. Kione eyed him a moment before leaning into the sofa opposite of him. He could read Lion like a book since Lion always wore his heart on his sleeve. Kione knows Lion doesn't like him very much and that he despises him as a business partner, but they can't afford for things like this to get in their way.
Lion crossed his arms, his annoyance deepening with every second that passes them by. Kionehung one arm over the sofa, his tone shifting,
"I'm not happy about suddenly inheriting the company either, Lion. I didn't think they'd retire so soon without giving us a heads up first."
Kione's brows furrowed, his expression shifting to one of clear anger. Lion stared at him, his expression tight until his face softened. His anxiety was creeping, his voice cracking,
"T-this is much too soon. They were also very content, did you notice? Something happened." Lion's leg went restless as his thoughts grew deeper. Kione glanced at his leg bouncing and sighed,
"Lion, I know you fucking hate me, but if we're going to be thrown into succession like this, we have to work together. Shit, can't we be civil at work at the very least?" Kione leaned forward, his elbows leaning onto his knees as his body relaxed from fatigue. Emotional or physical, Lion couldn't tell. Lion stood up, combing his hands through his hair to calm down. He looked away to view a photo on his desk--at a group photo of him and Kione beside their fathers when they first entered the company. Kione was right, he was being childish. He doesn't have to like Kione to be able to do his work so long as shit gets done. Lion took a deep breath and turned back towards Kione,
"Y-you're right....but--," Lion put his finger up at him, trying to make his voice sound commanding, "I expect you to be present at work on days you are not 'working on the field,' as you so often claim."
Kione stood up immediately, struggling not to smile,
"Done. Anything else?"
Lion was taken aback by Kione's quick response as his body towered over him. Kione's expression showed his clear determination, and he could see that Kione was trying to make this work in his own way. Lion sighed, his face turning red,
"And I...I don't hate you. I just don't agree with how you work with our clients." Lion fidgeted with his coat, avoiding Kione's eyes. Kione's eyes widened, surprised by Lion's honesty. He cleared his throat, blushing a bit, feeling tickled to hear that he wasn't truly hated by his childhood friend,
"I see. Then, I'll work on that." Kione proffered his hand to Lion as he said so. Lion looked up at him and sheepishly took his hand in a handshake. His hand was small in Kione's but he did his best to give a firm hand. Even though Lion didn't agree to this partnership completely, he's grateful he doesn't have to endure this alone. He smiled at Kione, reinforcing his sincerity. His smile sent Kione into mental orbit, making him return a dazzling smile back at him. Lion felt his cheeks burn up as Kione let go of his hand and said his goodbyes.
Lion shook his head and returned to his reports, unsure of how to feel about the future. Kione, on the other hand, felt his mood brighten immensely, excited about what the future has in store for them.It's been three days since they've been summoned, leaving both Lion and Kione wondering just how soon Vision's founders planned to announce their retirement. In preparation for the day that is to come, Lion has been conducting reviews of his fellow associates alongside Kione to deduce who is to take over their current positions. There's no one that can compare to Lion or his father's intellect. It has left Lion wondering if his idea of CTO is skewed as he cannot imagine anyone but himself as such. Though he may dislike it, he must appoint the most capable person. Whoever becomes CTO will work closely with them and he doesn't want someone incompetent in such a high position.
Kione has been watching Lion mull over the resumes of a few associates and decided to cut Lion's train of thought,
"You're over-thinking it, Leo."
'Perhaps he is right.' Lion thought, sighing.
"I cannot help it. This person must be someone reliable and someone we trust."
Lion rubbed his face down, wishing this was over. They were going over their preparations in his office, which had become a mess since this began. Kione was tidying up as best he could but there was a lot of paperwork to go over. Lion watched Kione for a moment before going limp on the sofa, moving his eyes towards the ceiling,
"I don't want this."
Kione turned to face him, fatigue coming over him as well,
"I know, me either."
A few more days went by just like that. Together, they were able to ascertain who would replace them and completed their end of the paperwork to smoothly inherit the company. However, they both hadn't heard from either of their fathers since the day they were informed of their succession. Once it hit three weeks, the boys were beginning to wonder how soon their announcement was to be planned. Lion called his father's secretary to find out when his schedule was open for him to come see him but she merely told him she hadn't seen Dr. Grey since he was summoned.
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