Author's Intro:
This is a small story, inspired by a drabble from Azii's blog at thumbr showing the possible outcome of a really difficult situation after Hirato committed a deal-breaker! (this word is owned by Azii!)^^ There will be some more chapters. As I usually write slowly, I thought of posting it in tiny bits rather than posting nothing at all.
Also, this is the first fanfic I'm posting, the first in English, anyway. English is not my native language, so I'm sorry if it somehow sounds unnatural or if there are many mistakes. Be (not) kind! I'm happy about any comment and always open to criticism, especially if you see language/grammatical errors (your hints would be very valuable to me, for my learning process and also to help me to sound more natural).
I have another Hirakari which I tried publishing first, but got stuck somehow... so I wrote this for a change^^...
The Story So Far:
Thanks to Hirato suggesting a new security protocol to Executive Tower, - which he put forward behind Akari's back - , Akari is confined to his own suite with guards outside his door. He isn't allowed to leave his quarters, or make rounds through Research Tower and even his food is tested for poison.
When the scientist finds out about the plan being Hirato's, he feels more than betrayed and not only treated as a subordinate but also as property by the one person who should know better, the one who has always understood him best and respected his ability to make decisions on his own. This is what he most loved in the other man, after all.
While Hirato only thinks he's protecting his lover, not knowing he's committed a severe deal-breaker, it actually shatters Akari's trust in their relationship to the core. Feeling that he's not the person, the captain can love but rather wants to keep under control stealing the things Akari craves most (and he of all people should have known), he breaks up with Hirato for good and this time nothing can persuade him to forgive. ...
Sadly, sometimes, love isn't enough …
It had been a week.
Seven days since Executive Tower's emergency measures – suggested by Hirato - to protect SSS‑ranked personnel had been taken into effect. A week since the talented researcher had been "under protection" in his own suite. A week… since he ended their relationship for good, just like that (or so Hirato thought). A week since his brain had been a permanent mess between reason, anger and self-hatred.
It was not the first time that his job had come between them. Moreover, as the commander of Circus 2nd Ship, Hirato carried a great deal of responsibility for his subordinates who were like children to him. That being said, he was used to issuing quick, clear-cut orders and going to the offensive to prevent casualties. Life-saving decisions to be made in the blink of an eye were his daily routine. So he didn't even hesitate when stating his recommendations concerning the scientist's personal safety. Was I that wrong? Given that he was drawn into warfare planning and perilous missions just after that and thus wasn't able to watch over and protect Akari personally, his decision was obviously the most reasonable. Arrogance…
It was not only his job to keep him safe, but also would he never have forgiven himself should something happen to his beloved in the course of this war. And that's what it was, the other man just didn't want to see it. They were at war and Akari was right in the middle of it, presenting himself at the front lines! For what? Research Tower had become a vulnerable place and their enemies who happened to have spies everywhere, were after Akari's latest achievements, which in itself posed a personal threat to the doctor. In order to shield his own co-workers and assistants, Akari had ensured that only he knew all of the most significant details of their experiments from the beginning. So, his selflessness (or recklessness) had made him a major target. It should be added that the stubborn scientist even refused to wear a weapon and bullet-proof vest at all times at work. As if mocking me!
He was prepared that Akari would be beside himself with anger. But at that moment, the captain's mind was working perfectly target-oriented, single-minded, more so than ever before, blocking out anything except for the most important factor at hand, which was Akari's life, after all. All conversations with his lover ever since had gone terribly wrong. His newest suit was drenched in coffee as a result of the scientist's most recent berserk raging and his cheek slightly reddened from the resounding slap following his physical attempts to reconcile. He'd never seen him as cold and unapproachable as this before.
After almost 24 incredibly consuming hours without sleep, he sat upright on the couch in his control room, his mind wrecked with tension. His left hand was holding a glass of Scotch while his eyes were peering outside through the large windows at the stunningly beautiful night-sky stretching before him. Considering the major conflicts coming up, it was almost too quiet and peaceful out there. There was no time to regret his acting or to cry about his lost love now, he knew, this wasn't about him. As long as Akari was safe, he'd endure anything.
I have to try talk to him again, he thought and felt his heart weighing heavy in his chest.
In the next Chapter, Hirato will visit Akari! Good Luck to him! Have I told you? I haven't made up my mind yet, if reconciliation really is possible in this case... as I've had time to think everything over again ^^ you know. So let's see...
Thank you so much for your reviews! They are really encouraging me to write on! 3