Restraint

Rin

DAMN, IT!!! Why, today, of all days, did I have to meet someone Rin knows? Even worse, it's an ex-boyfriend. The coincidences keep piling up. What are the odds that I jump into the body of someone who is the same age, height, sex, and sexual orientation as me? I wonder what else we have in common? I glance over at Anon and Jay. Anon is clearly annoyed, but why is the prince smiling? Sometimes, he creeps me out. What is he thinking? 

"Uh, look, this isn't the best time. I'm working. If you know Parker, why don't you contact him? He will explain everything to you. I am sorry. Bye." I say as I leave the man baffled. 

I don't hesitate to apologize to Prince Jay and Anon. 

"I am so sorry," I say with a bow. 

"Eh, it's all good. Let's go inside." Jay says with a giant grin. 

What is he so fucking happy about? That was so awkward. Plus, I was just outed by my boss! Gah, I never came out to anyone in my own body, and two days in this guy's body, and I am outed. This is a very complicated feeling. Shit, I don't have time to deal with this now. I have to focus. 

We entered the restaurant before the Minister could arrive. I took a walk around the restaurant to check out the layout. After I finished, Jay motioned for me to come to him. 

"I think you should have the lobster. It comes fresh every day." Jay says, pointing to the menu. 

"Excuse me? I'm eating too? That doesn't seem like a good idea. I'm your bodyguard. I need to remain focused. Plus, this is a meeting, not a friendly outing." I state. 

I squeeze his shoulder and stand behind him. We are seated against the back wall, as I requested. It makes it easier to keep watch. For some reason, Jay seems upset. I'm wondering if what he really wants is a friend, not a bodyguard. Anon motions towards the front door, letting me know that the Minister has arrived. I stand up straight and adjust my tie. God, this is nerve-racking. I don't fit into this world at all. 

Anon stands from his chair and shakes the Minister's hand. "Good afternoon, Minister. I hope your commute went well." 

Anon can change his attitude on a dime. It's pretty impressive. 

"It was exhausting. Next time, let's pick a place closer to the council hall. Who picked this place anyway?" The Minister grumbled. 

Anon glances over at Jay. It's obvious Jay was the one who picked this place. 

"I did. The menu looked amazing. I thought it was only right to provide you with the best." Jay says with a highly fake smile. 

I want to laugh so bad right now. It's like when you know you shouldn't laugh, but because of that, you find it even funnier. Jay put him in his place in the most mature way possible.

"You think that is the right choice? Black iron is our most valuable export. I know you are trying to make this work the best you can, but if you try to ignore Kervinis's tariff while making this decision, it could cause serious harm to our economy. It plays a huge factor in our overall national revenue. The best course of action is trade talks. Stop being stubborn." Jay says with confidence. 

"Make your point with less attitude, and I just might listen to your opinion. You have zero respect for your elders and know nothing of international affairs. You still have the training wheels on. I will handle this the way I see fit. Just sit behind your desk and keep crunching your numbers. Leave the important stuff to the adults." The Minister says as he wipes his mouth with his napkin. 

"His highness has made it clear his stance on trade talks with Kervini. I won't allow you to undermine him." The Minister stands to leave. 

"Minister Howe, I suggest you think for yourself. It's naive loyalty that will bring down our country. It's time to move on." Jay says as he holds out his hand. 

The Minister looks at his hand and scoffs. "You know nothing about loyalty. Foolishness." The Minister turns and leaves.

"The amount of restraint I had to have today was a new high. I can't believe that man is the Minister for Foreign Affairs. GAH! I need a drink. It was only an hour and a half, but I am exhausted." Jay says as he plops himself down on his office couch. 

I agree. It was exhausting just standing and listening to it. 

Anon closes the door and pulls out his laptop. "Jay, you have to read over the quarterly report for the Palace budget. It's not going to take long, so get it done. We can have drinks after." 

Man, in times like these, I see how spoiled Jay is. Anon is like his mother. 

"Rin, sit down already. You were standing the whole time we were at the restaurant. Your feet must hurt." Jay says as he pats the couch. 

"Honestly, I'm fine. It's not like I ran a marathon or something." I say as I loosen my tie unconsciously. 

Rin has worked many part-time jobs over the last couple of years. His body seems to be used to standing for long periods. Plus, mentally, I can handle just about any pain. 

"Enough already. I don't care. SIT!" Jay snaps. 

Yikes, it looks like this meeting really made him crabby. 

"Yes, sir!" I say as I salute. 

Jay chuckles. I sit next to him, and he starts looking at Anon's laptop. 

-Buzz- -Buzz- 

Anon's phone starts going off. 

"Excuse me," Anon says as he leaves the room. 

I wouldn't want Anon's job. He is constantly busy. A few minutes pass, and Anon returns. 

"Rin looks like we found the co-worker Greg Lowe. It turns out he was a part of the group that had been trying to attack Jay. After we caught those dickheads, we were able to track down more of them. Greg was one of them. He is being held at the county jail." Anon says with a menacing grin. 

Good, now we are getting somewhere.