Title: You're Harder to Crack Than a Speak-Easy

Author: Sun

Rating: Mature

Genre: AU, Angst, Drama, Smut

Prompt: Crunchy 5: Sweat It Out

Word Count: 300

Summary: Such a gorgeous specimen, as always… And to think I didn't want to partner up with you in the beginning

A/N: Mood inspired by a medley of Cowboy of Bebop and "I Miss You" by Blink 182. ^_^ Title credited to lj user="lovers_rhapsody"; she doesn't always makes sense, but what she says normally makes for awesome fic titles. 33

What an arrogant son of a bitch you've become, Naraku mused, watching every one of Sesshomaru's tiniest movements. Such a gorgeous specimen, as always… And to think I didn't want to partner up with you in the beginning

He stepped back, dropping his hand, still clenching his gun, to his side, and he let himself freefall into memories:

Brown eyes watched him closely as he entered the oyabun's private room; only the most trusted of the yakuza were allowed here, so close to the boss. Naraku took great pride in his seat at Satoru-sama's right hand, as his wakagashira. As the Swooping Spider came forward slowly, his crimson eyes remained on the youth bowing respectfully before Satoru-sama.

"Ah," Satoru said, remaining seated; he smiled at Naraku as the yakuza bowed at the waist before standing straight once more, throwing another heated look at the newcomer's direction. "You have arrived. Naraku, this is Taisho Sesshomaru – my new shateigashira. Sesshomaru, this is Onigumo Naraku, my wakagashira. The two of you will be working quite closely together."

Sesshomaru sat up straight, giving Naraku a cool once-over; the older man sneered in his direction. "No disrespect meant, boss," he said to Satoru, "but where'd you find the pup?"

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed, and, with a nod of permission from Satoru-sama, he rose swiftly and smoothly to his feet; the motion vaguely reminded Naraku of a geisha. Smirking, he couldn't help his next thought, he's as pretty as one too, eh?

He knew that it was only a matter of time before the kid gave up; yakuza life was tough if you weren't absolutely dedicated to it and the family. Sesshomaru would give up real soon – all the spider needed to do was wait it out.

How was he to know it'd be so damn difficult?