Hello - sorry! Sorry for disappearing!
So, I have been going through some things and basically was at a total standstill with everything for a long time. Including writing. I'm really sorry to the readers and followers of my stories to not have updated for ages, I intend to fix that over the coming weeks.
I was still in a really weird place when this story suddenly came to me the night before last, I think I've found it easier to write this up in the past couple of days because it's essentially a bit of fun - so I really hope you enjoy it.
Also a big thank you to both Samerys707 and Yamiga. Samerys for the constant encouraging words and patience and Yamiga for taking an interest in my work enough to spend her time drawing up Eiji :D so awesome!
Thanks so much for all the support and reviews/comments and for your continued patience :) sorry for any mistakes and original characters belong to Yamane-sensei.
Warnings: Swearing, yaoi.
}xXx{
"Thank you, have a nice evening!"
Akihito bids farewell to the shop assistant, swinging his backpack over his shoulder and collecting his two grocery bags, leaving the convenience store with an extra little pep in his step as he eagerly checks his watch. Asami had text just a couple of hours ago to say that he would be finishing early today, leaving the photographer to (a little too happily) abandon his stakeout after another long, uneventful day and instead spend way too much money on dinner for the two of them, buying prime Beef, Beer and Vegetables to complete his dish. He won't bother with desert today though, they never do quite get around to eating it. For some reason.
Akihito exits the glass doors and smiles absently to himself, playing with the cute pink dongle hanging from his phone so doesn't quite notice the man in his peripheral vision, the one who is leant against the wall of the store - waiting for him to come out. A hand lands heavily on his shoulder and the boy feels it, spinning around and shackles raising immediately, ready to spit insults at who he assumes is one of Asami's more clueless, clowns. Seriously, the guy is so damn unpredictable!
"Oi! What the hell! Tell Asami that I'll meet him at ho-!"
Oh.
Akihito's confused, where there should be (and normally is) a tall, dark suited man looking down at him with a mild disdain and patronising amusement, stands instead a pastel shirt wearing, moustache sporting, friendly well, normal looking guy. The photographer blinks a few times, groceries going into one hand while he rubs his neck in embarrassment with the other.
"Eh. S-sorry I though you were uh-someone else…"
There's nervous laughter and awkward silence for a few moments while Akihito wonders how he can possibly politely get away without causing more of a scene, the stranger however draws his attention.
"You're Takaba-san, right?"
Well. That was unexpected, so much so that Akihito just blinks in response, his eyes already seeking out escape routes.
"You are Takaba-san right? They said you'd be able to help - please, just listen…"
The man introduces himself then as Tanaka and thanks Akihito for sparing him a couple of minutes of his undoubtedly valuable time and asks to impose upon the journalistic photographer just a little more, he asks Akihito to accompany him to a nearby café to discuss a most distressing and intriguing case. One that's been troubling him for the last couple of weeks.
Leaning across the small table Tanaka explains to Akihito the situation, he has a relative that was placed in an Asylum out of town without his permission or knowledge, a place just outside a rural village that Akihito had never heard of before. A place called Shinsei Chuku. Sacred Hollow. Tanaka says he's concerned that his great uncle, Tanaka-san the elder has apparently left a will that by rumour has left everything to the present Tanaka but, he can't act on it without knowing if the old coot's dead or not.
He had phoned the Asylum but they claimed no patient of that name has ever stayed there but, he needs to confirm the old man's where a bouts. Furthermore, the hospital where Tanaka-san was a resident before just went and signed him over to the Asylum, so why isn't there a record of him from then on? Akihito scowls and taps his coffee cup in irritation throughout the entirety of the milky moustaches speech and tries to hold his tongue, he's a little disgusted to say the least that this guy is just interested in finding his relative for the sake of money but, it still doesn't take away the fact that a person is missing.
"Is there any way the hospital made a mistake? That Tanaka-san was transferred somewhere else?"
"Naa. I don't see how -" the guy says somewhat incredulously, disbelieving just how this young man can even doubt his story. "-They checked the paperwork right there in front of me. Transferred to the morning light Asylum week before last - then, nothing!"
Akihito and him chat a while more and while he would hate to admit it, he's intrigued. By the sounds of it the Asylum could be targeting people they suspect have no family to what, traffic them? Could it be a front for a smuggling operation? Did the old man know too much? He ponders on that while he also doubts the validity of the whole thing - what possible reason could they have for trafficking a 76 year old man anyway?
He goes home that night uneasy, knowing that he probably won't be able to drop this case as after all, there's a person missing. Just as he was all those months ago.
He switches on the lights, illuminating the pristine penthouse apartment while he toes off his shoes at the door. Asami shouldn't actually be home for a while yet so it'll be enough time to cook dinner and do some research into this new case. It's lucky this came up now really as Akihito's current one is a total bust.
}xXx{
Asami hangs back in the kitchen after dinner, watching Akihito wash up while he smokes a cigarette and grabs them both a drink. Akihito tells him all about the case he had been presented with this evening though perhaps understandably leaving out some of his own more controversial theories - leaving just a vague story about some greedy beneficiary to his lost great uncles will. And Akihito's need to find him, he needs to ensure the old man's safe.
Asami's eyes soften somewhat at that, soften the way that only happens when he looks upon Akihito and he chuckles at the young and caring, sentimental fool. Taking a drag on his Dunhill as Akihito pulls yet another dirtied utensil into the sink.
"Are you even getting paid for this Goose chase?"
Akihito gasps, continuing to scrub the pan but turning his head a little as a goofy, sheepish smile lights up his face. One that says 'ah! - I knew I forgot something.'
"That's a 'no' then."
Asami, still smirking at his naive lover stubs out his cigarette, instead taking a long swig of beer before setting down that too so he can walk over to Akihito, to finally claim the boy he's been thinking of all day and to reaffirm that this is his own exclusive daily ritual. His alone.
Large hands squeeze lightly, rubbing at the small hips that for some reason only known to geneticists (probably) fit so perfectly against his own. Appreciative thumbs sneak under the worn, stripy T-shirt and caress the smooth, pale flesh while the mans lips seek out a pleasure of their own.
Akihito turns his head around awkwardly and up in a way that should be extremely uncomfortable but he only moans softly, Asami's mouth covering his so completely that it simply makes Akihito want to be devoured over and over again. He's so lost in it that he doesn't even realise when Asami's hands start to roam under his shirt, caressing his chest and nipples. He doesn't realise the moment when his hand leaves the soapy dishwater in the sink, water and soap suds running down his fair arm and into his sleeve as he reaches it back to cradle Asami's head. Fingers threading through raven hair, tugging eagerly.
He does notice however, the moment when he hears the unmistakable pop of his Levis being unbuttoned. The slide of his fly being pulled down before a well practiced, greedy hand snakes into his boxers - Ah.
"Nnh…op…stop-!"
Asami blinks, drawing away with a raised eyebrow.
"Not here, at least do it in the bedroom! I'll have to wash up everything again like last time!"
All that earns him is a snort and Asami yanks Akihito over, pulling him flush to his own larger body by a slim wrist to look at the boy in a way that would only be appropriate long after the watershed. It makes Akihito's eyes fly wide and he looks away in a blush tinged huff.
"B-bedroom, in the bedroom or not at all."
Asami laughs now, walking away swiftly and leading a rather embarrassed Akihito by the hand.
}xXx{
Something rustles nearby, a warm body presses itself to his back and a steadying hand lay flat on his chest as he's impaled, the remnants of last nights sex easing the way. He moans breathlessly, still somewhere between asleep and awake, not really ready to commit himself to either state, just yet.
The presence at his back chuckles darkly, making itself known a little more now with moist lips against his neck, close to his ear whispering a husky, 'morning' with a voice dripping with all too tempting sin and arousal. It makes Akihito shudder, and moan again.
His hips move quite of their own accord, ingrained primal programming dictating his pelvis and body's urgent response to the ministrations when Akihito himself is only too happy to merely lay there, just taking in the sensation instead. A shudder rocks Akihito's body as Asami draws out almost all the way, leaving him empty and wanting though just for a second before he's full again, so full. His balls and body taught, hole fluttering against the deep throb, the almost painful ache of being made love to so slowly, attentively. By Asami.
It's not long before (eyes still firmly and most stubbornly closed) Akihito reaches back and grabs at Asami's ass with the hand that isn't currently busy desperately clinging to a pillow. He squeezes the flexing muscles beneath his fingers none to gently, aroused even more to feel just how Asami's thrusting into him. His undulating hips. He breathes heavier, moaning while pushing their bodies closer still, a silent entreaty to speed things the hell up already. This is some kind of sick torture, it must be.
There's another low laugh as Asami pulls out of him all the way leaving him empty, Akihito gasping at the loss though it's short lived because he's soon pulled onto his back, legs lifted and spread before he's entered again in a few short, shallow thrusts. His eyes have no choice but to open now. Lips parting in a long, satisfied breath before he catches the mischievous, knowing glint in his lovers eyes. He smiles tiredly and pulls Asami's head down for a long good morning kiss.
A while later, after a very refreshed Asami is all showered, dressed and has left for work, Akihito considers the case some more. The guy said the police had come up empty, no trace of old Tanaka-san anywhere - even at this so called Morning light Asylum. If that's how it is Akihito figures he may as well go there for a few hours, poke around see if there's any sign of either the old man or some sort of illegal activity. Well, he better work on his back story.
He grabs a pair of prop glasses from his undercover stash, used regularly in cases where he's had to infiltrate companies where (thanks to Asami) his face may most likely be known. He forgoes a wig and just slicks his hair with some gel, placing the glasses carefully on his face and buttons up his plaid shirt all the way. The camera goes onto it's tripod and he stands before the plain wall, setting the timer to give Akihito a chance to pull his most trustworthy, 'you can count on me!' face he can muster.
"Not bad…"
The photo gets uploaded and printed, Akihito overlaying it onto one of his blank drivers licence cards kept around for such an occasion before he switches on the laminator to heat up. His secret laminator. He may have to kill the guy if Asami confiscates anymore of Akihito's 'trouble making apparatus' as he called it when he last took something. The lock picking kit Akihito had used to enter a warehouse belonging to one of Asami's more dangerous business associates - yeah that didn't end well for Akihito when he was caught red handed and the bastards had called Asami. His ass still tingles from the memory.
Akihito carefully places the film over the licence template and smoothly sticks it down using the machine, it's a good enough job to withstand cursory check but, he hopes a countryside psychiatric hospital won't have a reason to look at it too closely anyway.
}xXx{
Shinsei Chuku.
When Akihito had finally stepped off his last bus into this town after a long and hectic journey he was almost shocked to see somewhere so quiet. Like, it's really quiet, no people around and only a few cars parked neatly along the sides of the roads. Hell, the shops and businesses lining the hughstreet seem to be closed even though it's barely afternoon. Well, Akihito thinks - that could be a sign of a high crime area, residents too scared or the town too poor to operate their daily lives unhindered. His curiosity just sparked a little more.
Shit though, that's just great. There's no mobile phone signal.
He crams his phone back in his pocket making a mental note to text Asami to let him know he had arrived safe and Akihito figures he should buy some food supplies in the mean time, it being lunch time and all. That's easier said than done though as there seems to be absolutely nothing around but eventually he spots an elderly man outside of a small shop that seems to at least have the basics. He greets him though the man ignores him in favour of reciting Haiku so he shrugs it off and buys a few dusty bottles of water from who he suspects must be the old mans wife but soon after, on his way out of the shop a croaky voice draws his attention.
"The woods decay, the woods decay and fall…like bodies….Rotting."
Akihito shivers, turning back to look at the old man not quite hearing what was said in that raspy sing song voice. Was the old man talking to him?
"…Clawing at the walls, can not get out. Not for eternity…"
And just like that he stops, his heavy lidded, wrinkled eyes examining him before the man without reason breaks out into a wide, toothless grin. He leans forward over his cane, regarding Akihito with amused eyes, clouded with cataracts. He opens his mouth to speak.
"Boy…don't go near the weeping woman….don't go…stay away…"
It's a nonsensical statement - doesn't mean anything and Akihito really doesn't get it but it still sends a shiver of foreboding down his spine and he finds himself taking an involuntary step backward. Like something's telling him to retreat. He quickly breaks eye contact with the now chuckling old man and hurriedly walks down the street on his way to the Asylum. In and out, in and out Akihito and you can get home.
After walking for some minutes around the outskirts of town he eventually reaches the large ivy covered sign which reads The Morning light Asylum and he regards the huge rusted wrought iron gates with a steadily growing trepidation. He has a bad feeling but, he knows he's never been one to back down when the going gets tough. Just look at his relationship with Asami.
The gates creak ominously as Akihito pushes one open to slip his body through and the gravel crunches beneath his feet. He almost hesitates again when he's finally within reach of the building itself, stepping into the long grey shadow cast by the tall, imposing western style house.
There just isn't anything, not the rustling of the wind through the leaves, nor birdsong or the even normally irritating hum of passing traffic. It's as if this place is far removed from it's surroundings. Like the rest of the world is simply not welcome.
He takes a breath and adjusts the rucksack over his shoulder before setting his sneaker clad foot down on the first step, steadily climbing the worn stone staircase until he reaches the flaking green double doors and gulps. Why is he doing this again? Oh right, missing person, possible law breaking - yeah.
He knocks three times before entering, looking around with a quiet 'sorry to intrude…' and closing the door behind him. He makes his way up the quiet corridor and comes upon wide reception desk.
"Ano…Chotto-"
"AH-Argh!"
Akihito whips around at the almighty crash and loud shout behind him, feeling a cold, wet something splatter over the back of his legs. A large pair of spectacles slide to a stop at his toes which he bends down to pick up. Reaching forward to hand them to the young woman currently patting the floor.
"Oh goodness not again, second time today - Yuri-sensei is going to kill me! - Ah-oh-my-my glasses-!"
She slips the thick framed glasses on her nose and spots Akihito's coffee covered feet, gasping and looking up quickly to apologise. Though nothing comes out. The girl blinks up at the good samaritan for some time, a deep blush immediately dusting her fair cheeks as she stares at Akihito's face in sheer, unabashed wonder. The girl is young, early 20's if Akihito had to guess, with wavey brown hair tied in a neat bun and a cute button nose. She's dressed in a smart dress with a name badge reading Sakio Mei. Good. She must work here.
"Are you ok?"
She gasps, realising she's spent too long staring at the gorgeous young man in front of her. Mei stutters out a 'ah-daijobou' and starts to hurriedly gather up all of the scattered shards of china and biscuits onto the lacquer tray, managing to slice her finger in the process -
"Ow!"
Akihito takes her hand in his and helps her to her feet, handing her an 'AR' monogrammed handkerchief to wipe up the small cut. The handkerchief is one that Asami had given Akihito after he had complained about the state Asami left him in after a uh, trip in the limo. Asami didn't want to clean Akihito up, said he wanted to mark him. Keep their come smeared over Akhitio's body as proof of just whom the boy belongs to. Akihito told him to fuck the fuck off.
"Oh thank you, I'm sorry about that I've been meaning to get new glasses and uh - oh!"
She turns back to him suddenly, hands on his chest after almost loosing her balance again as she pushes her glasses up her nose.
"You're here for the interview! Oh gosh I'm so sorry, right this way sir - what was you name again? Taka-Takayama? Ah, you're early - that's good."
Akihito nods noncommittally and thanks his lucky stars for this turn of events, he didn't need to present his bogus inspector story and he's even wearing his trusty secret camera. Even if the real Takayama turns up Takaba will be able to easily concoct a story that will get him off the proverbial hook by pleading ignorance.
"So…it's really quiet here. Where are the patients and all the other staff?"
"Oh that, we treat the patients mostly in the other wing because we like to keep it separate from what the relatives see. As for the staff…Unfortunately we're having trouble finding reliable people. But you seem to be a nice guy. Takayama..."
She gives him a sideways smile, blushing again as Akihito swallows - feeling guilty that he's already planning his escape after he captures his scoop. He'll stay until this Takayama person turns up this afternoon but until then, have a look around and try to make it to wherever the records are held and hopefully find the evidence he needs to track down Tanaka-san.
They walk for a while, Akihito being lead to an office on the third floor where, beyond the door a tall and broad, fair haired gentleman is sat behind his desk wearing a white coat, regarding some papers with a deep interest. He hears Mei's soft knock on the door and slips the papers back in their folder before peering over his glasses and getting up to greet his visitors.
"…Ah, you must be Takayama-san?"
"Oh yeah uh, that's me." - Akihito says bowing, thinking on his feet. He's glad he was prompted as to what his fake name is. he'll have to remember that.
"Thank you for coming, please take a seat."
He does, casting a somewhat nervous glance over the many shelves lining the walls between the large windows, looking with a morbid kind of interest at the preserved body parts and animal foetuses suspended in time, floating in a blueish brown solution. Hundreds of them. Punctuated with worn volumes of books on biology and the human anatomy.
"Beautiful aren't they? The specimens..."
Akihito didn't realise the man had settled himself in front of the desk, leaning with his arms folded and regarding Akihito with a mild interest until he turns and jumps a little, startled that the doctor had gotten so close without Akihito even noticing. There is something weirdly familiar about the man, a strong, chiselled jaw, heavy set brow and he's clearly Russian judging from his accent but Akihito fights down the growing unease with logic. Just because he's Russian doesn't, doesn't mean -
"Yuri."
Akihito's heart stops. Like. Literally stops.
"...W…what?"
"My name, you can call me Yuri."
"Ah, oh - sure. Call me Aki-Akira."
To his surprise Yuri smiles, nodding swiftly before sweeping around to his desk and taking up a set of keys and a folded white lab coat. Setting them down in Akihito's lap.
"You're hired. But please be careful, some of them bite."