CHAPTER 3: Hunting
Checking his watch again, Hiroki frowned.
5:42.
He was early, he could have stayed at the library for a couple more minutes. Could have but should not. Who knew what Haruhiko might do for being a few minutes late? Rubbing his arms for warmth, Hiroki shuddered. He knew he should have grabbed a jacket before he left today. The professor buried himself into his long scarf so that only his eyes and unruly cinnamon mop peeked out of the blue scarf. Hiroki checked his watch again.
5:45.
Damn that bastard and his punctuality. Knowing the man's irritating exactness, Hiroki knew that the corporate heir would show up at 6 on the dot- not a moment sooner nor later. Looking at the students and faculty milling about (most too intimidated of The Demon to give him more of a greeting than a nod and quick "hello"), he only hoped that Haruhiko would enter in an inconspicuous manner, something the man's late brother had never understood.
Akihiko...
... Hiroki stared at his hands, stained crimson with the blood of his closest friend and dearly beloved. Brown eyes, wide with fear, wavered back and forth from his hands to the pale corpse draped over his legs.
"No...no, no, no!" He screamed. "What did I do? No! Akihiko! I'm sorry! I'm sorry," he sobbed into the cold chest of the dead man...
-HONK, HONK-
The sound of the car horn brought the professor out of his flashback. Hiroki looked up and felt his blood run cold when he saw a car. No, not simply any car- a bright red sports car.
"Hiroki, Hiroki!" Akihiko stopped his running as he caught up to his friend. He used Hiroki's shoulder as a support as he caught his breath.
"What?" Hiroki snapped. That goddamn asshole just disappeared for a week without a single word, completely breaking his promise to go see Hiroki's kendo match. He had to ask Tanaka to even know where Akihiko had gone.
Akihiko grinned, a mischievous gleam in his eye, completely unaware of the way he was making his dear friend's heart skip a few beats. "Come on, I have something to show you!"
"No," the brunette turned away, prepared to continue his journey to school. "I'm mad at you." Now that he was back, he assumed Hiroki would forgive him so easily? Not likely! Too many times he had let the spoiled Usami get away with being selfish. Well, too bad, not this time!
Too easily, Akihiko sidled up to him again. Damn his and his long legs. How did the boy grow so fast? Hiroki could swear they were the same height a couple months ago. "You are? Why?"
Hiroki used the Kamijou-glare on him, already gaining infamy in their high school. Probably the best feature he had inherited from his father. "If you don't know, then don't expect me to forgive you."
Mentally, the brunette patted himself on the back. Nice job, Hiroki, nice job, indeed.
"Come on, Hiroki," the aspiring writer slipped his arm into Hiroki's, the two now thoroughly entangled. "You're not making me beg, are you?"
"Screw you," Hiroki pulled his arm back and sped up a little to gain some distance.
Akihiko grabbed his hand and stared back at him with those big, sad purple eyes like some sort of abandoned puppy.
And just like that, Hiroki could feel his resolve crumbling.
Hiroki knew he should put up a fight. He really should. But how could he, when the chill of his friend's hand was miraculously warming his heart? He sighed, long-suffering and forever destined to give into the silver haired man-boy's whims. "Forget it. What do you want?"
"You know how I've been in England this past week?"
"No," he snapped. "I did not know. I had to ask Tanaka-san of all people, because some selfish people do not have the sense or consideration to tell their friends when they can or cannot keep a promise!"
"Oh, come off it," Akihiko said with a roll of those irritatingly beautiful eyes. "Are you going to let me finish my story or what?"
"Hmph."
"Anyhow, I was away visiting my grandfather and I brought home a little gift he gave me."
Hiroki looked around them. They didn't usually go down this road. "Where are you leading me?"
A chuckle ruffled the hair on the nape of the brunette's neck. Two large icicle hands covered his eyes and there was the warmth of breathing on his ears. "I should have known that you would start figuring it out. You'll know when we get there."
Hiroki hoped his friend didn't notice how the words and the feel of that voice rolling off his skin made him shudder.
Suddenly the two reached a stop.
"Are you ready?"
Hiroki scoffed. "Just take your hands off of me already." Don't. Don't ever let go.
Strips of color and light entered the brunette's vision as the hands lifted.
"This-" Hiroki gasped, "Oh my god!"
"Tada!" Akihiko grinned, almost blindingly beautiful in his boyish joy. "My very first car!"
Akihiko's bright red sportscar.
Nearby, a few students and teachers ogled the flashy car.
"Damn, hot ride. Wish I could afford one like that."
"Whose car is that? Must be loaded."
"What's a guy with a car like that doing here?"
A window rolled down and Haruhiko looked at the brunette with cynical amusement. "Are you coming or not?"
Oh god. It felt like the air was getting thinner. Hiroki inhaled and swallowed the thumping heart rising to his throat. He pulled the car door open with clammy hands and seated himself.
Haruhiko nodded at the seatbelt. "I don't care much if you aren't in the habit of using a seatbelt but I would rather you not die on me any time soon."
Breathing evenly, Hiroki tried to mask his apprehension. He pulled his seatbelt over his torso, ignoring the way the little 'click' reminded him of locks and chains. "How kind of you to care," the professor muttered.
Smirking, Haruhiko locked the doors. "I know I am not your favorite Usami, but I've always been kind to you, dear Hiroki."
Hiroki chose to ignore that. His red-brown eyes looked out the window, not pleased to see the students outside still milling around. All their eyes were on the car.
"Hey, isn't that...?"
"-It's Demon-Kamijou!"
"-The Usami conglomerate heir. What was his name again?"
"Usami Haruhiko."
"They know each other? Hm, didn't know professor Kamijou had such connections."
The murmurs of rumors faded away as Haruhiko drove the European sportscar away.
Hiroki kept his eyes out the window, fists clenched on top of his lap. "Since when did you start driving cars like these?"
"I usually don't. But you are a rather special guest, so this called for something a bit more- ah, ostentatious, don't you agree?"
Hiroki said nothing, looking out the window. God. Akihiko's car. It still smelled like him. Cigarette smoke, cologne, and coffee. He could almost hear the sound of the pale haired man's pen tapping impatiently behind him.
"I said, 'don't you agree?'"
Hiroki mumbled something in acquiescence as he ran his fingers over the smooth leather seats. It was exactly how he last remembered it. This was Akihiko's baby, of course it was taken care of it. How dare Haruhiko for even touching this car! That was desecration in itself.
"You need not go to all this trouble for me."
"Nonsense. What is a favor or two between two old childhood friends? I mean, it wouldn't be the first favor I have done for you."
Hiroki said nothing.
"Yes, how long has it been since then?" Haruhiko hummed in mock concentration and tapped his fingers along the steering wheel. "Six years, I do believe. If I recall correctly, that was also the last time any one saw my brother dearest-"
"What do you want from me?!"
Haruhiko smiled at him, cold and snakelike. "You would do well to learn not to interrupt, Hiroki. It is most impolite, and I do not take kindly to things not going my way."
Brown eyes narrowed and Hiroki swallowed down the acerbic retort standing ready at the tip of his tongue. He had to learn to keep his temper in check- especially with this man. "I apologize."
Those lifeless brown eyes peered into his own, a silent battle of wills warring within the staredown before Hiroki looked away. Haruhiko smirked, "I forgive you."
The corporate leader opened up the roof of the sportscar and pushed his seat down. "I would get comfortable if I were you; depending on how this conversation goes, this is could be a rather long drive."
Hiroki looked at the man. Was he serious? He really thought that he would be able to relax in his presence? He couldn't have been at ease even if they were in a Zen temple and he was doped up the world's supply of morphine. Drumming his fingers against his lap, Hiroki exhaled slowly through gritted teeth.
"As for your question, my answer is quite simple. I only want one thing from you: the Kamijou corporation."
There was the odd moment where the words sort of drifted around in Hiroki's brain before finally sinking in.
"You want what?!"
Haruhiko sighed, as though his request was really so simple. "I want to create a merger between the Usami conglomerate and Kamijou corporation. To do so, I wish to acquire the rights to the company from you."
"That is just ridiculous! You know the company doesn't belong to me! If you want to talk business, speak with my father," the professor said, crossing his arms.
"And there lies the problem. You see, why would I possibly come to you if your father had agreed?"
"Look, if the old man said no, there's nothing I can do about it. His company, his rules."
"Exactly. That is why you will take the company from him."
Hiroki blanched at that. "Oh, you are kidding me! This conversation is just getting more and more absurd."
"It is just like you said- 'his company, his rules.' What if it wasn't his company anymore?" Haruhiko looked at him pointedly, "Your company, your rules- or to be precise, my rules."
He knew he shouldn't but he couldn't help it. Hiroki laughed. "You really think that my father would just give me the company so easily? It's like you don't even know the man."
"This isn't a request. There is no other answer other than 'yes'."
"Even if I could get the company into my hands, what makes you think that I would hand over the reins to you? I may not be part of the company, but I know how much work my ancestors put into making it as successful as it is today."
"I don't think you are seeing things the way I am. Hiroki, you are in no position to refuse. When I want something, I will get it."
Hiroki ran a hand through his hair. God, this man was persistent. "I can't give you something that I cannot obtain, do you understand?"
"Do you understand that I can and will force my hand if need be?"
"Look, it doesn't matter how you plan to force me into this," Hiroki frowned. "The facts are that my father officially cut me out of the company and any relevant inheritance in exchange for me being able to become a literature professor. It was the deal we made and I don't plan on breaking it."
Haruhiko glared at him as the car slowed to a a look around, Hiroki noticed that he was dropped off right outside of his apartment. "I don't care how you get him to agree, as long as you get him to agree. Otherwise, there will be most unfortunate consequences for you."
Still laughing, Hiroki shook his head. "Sorry, but I cannot help you with that," he said as he stepped out of the car. "You'll just have to think of some other way, Haruhiko."
Haruhiko looked at the man with steely eyes. "If that is your answer, I sincerely hope you won't regret it," he handed Hiroki a business card, "but you will reconsider soon enough. Give me a call when you want to negotiate."
Knowing Haruhiko's issue with power and control, Hiroki took the card even though he had no intentions of ever seeing the man again.
The red sports car sped away with the quiet pur so characteristic of luxury cars.
Brown eyes watched the car as it vanished out of sight and Hiroki exhaled a breath of relief.
Amidst the mini-fortress of papers to be graded that also protected him Miyagi's presence, Hiroki looked at the calendar on his desk. Frowning, he swiveled his chair over. "Miyagi. What day is it today?"
"Miyagi Appreciation Day. You may display your appreciation in any form of PDA that you like."
"I'm being serious."
"So am I." The taller professor grinned at him from across the room. "You have been more catankerous and hostile lately than usual. Do you need a hug?" He held out his arms invitingly and wiggled his eyebrows.
Rolling his eyes, Hiroki swiveled back to his mountain of papers. "Do you need a castration?"
Miyagi chuckled and loped his way over to his colleague. "I didn't realize you wanted to get your hands on me so badly, Kamijou." He leaned over Hiroki, mere inches to his face. "That doctor of yours not giving you enough loving?"
"Get any closer and I will get Nowaki to teach your brat how to properly remove your balls."
The dark haired professor winced but he did back away. "No thank you, I am sure both Shinobu and I prefer me the way I am."
"Hn."
Miyagi watched Hiroki filter through the paper, red pen wielded as his weapon of choice. "But in all seriousness, what's up with you? You have been on edge since last week."
Last week, meaning ever since Haruhiko made his ridiculous visit. "Nothing, I'm just stressing over something personal."
It was ridiculous, but Hiroki knew Haruhiko and he knew he was a stubborn man who got what he wanted. Yet he hadn't contacted Hiroki since then. It was foolish but Hiroki had already begun to hope that Haruhiko would leave him alone now.
"Personal?" A wicked grin stretched across Miyagi's face. "With you, that word could only pertain to one person." The professor grabbed Hiroki's calendar off of his desk. "Aw, pandas. I knew you were a softie under all that scowling-"
"Shut up," Hiroki growled through his blush, "It was a present from Nowaki."
"Aha! Here it is, right here: the source of all my sweet honey's stress," Miyagi pointed at the circle date. This Friday. "What's that circle for? Birthday? Anniversary?"
Frowning Hiroki looked closely at the calendar, double checking the month and the day. "Anniversary. The first time we met." He couldn't believe it had slipped his mind. He mentally noted that he would need to get a present after work.
"Awwwww!" Miyagi gushed on, hugging Hiroki tightly. "Why don't we have a first-time-we-met anniversary, Kamijou, honey?"
"Miyagi," Hiroki warned.
"I mean, after all the lovely times we shared, you would think we would have a special day, just for us."
"I'm warning you, let go."
"Ah, I see your point, Kamijou. With us, every day is a special day! Yes, that is the nature of our beautiful relationship."
"Is that what it is?" Shinobu asked flatly from the doorway. His arms were crossed over his chest and he looked like a bristling cat, timing the exact moment to attack.
Hiroki had long ago stopped wondering how the blonde managed to have the most impeccable timing, and the most stealthy of entrances. Perhaps he really was a ninja...
Miyagi quickly released him to console his blonde boy toy and futilely attempt to dig himself out of the hole he plunged himself into.
"Shinobu-chin, I was just-
"Joking?" Shinobu snorted. "Yeah, I've heard that one before."
Shaking his head, Hiroki picked up his books and bag, calling out to his colleague. "I'll see you tomorrow."
As he made his way out, Hiroki thought about Haruhiko's odd behavior. Haruhiko was a cold, exact man- truly the son of his father. He could be expected to plan and calculate, that much Hiroki understood, which was exactly why something felt so off about the man's leniency regarding his refusal. As much as he wished it was true, the brunette knew not to place his hopes too high. It had only been a week since their last meeting: this wasn't over yet.
If anything, this was the calm before the storm.
His cellphone's vibrations brought him out of his ominous musings. The professor pulled his phone out curiously and a blinking new text message peeped back at him.
Nowaki: Hi, Hiro-san. You're probably on your way home now, right? Sorry, but it doesn't look like I will be home for dinner. It's a busy night. *sigh* I miss you! Do you miss me too? Okay, I have to go now. Love you! XOXOXO
'That idiot,' Hiroki brushed his thumb over the words fondly. His fingers moved quickly to send his reply.
Hiroki: Yeah, I'm heading home now. Got it, the food will be in the fridge when you come home.
Hesitating for a moment, the professor pressed a few more buttons and "send" before he could change his mind.
Hiroki: Miss you too.
Sighing, the professor decided to push the matter of Haruhiko out of his mind for cheerier thoughts. 'Now, what should I get that giant idiot for our anniversary?'
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Sorry I have been slow with updates lately, it is a really busy time right now. Between my social life, academic stuff, all my old projects and new projects (I am now obsessed with the Morgan/Reid fandom of Criminal Minds, and I have started an orginal story in livejournal under the username "RemnantsCarnate" with a friend), I probably won't be able to update much (for any of my stories) until January.
