Hi guys!
It's me again ^_^
First up I really wanted to sincerely apologize for updating really, really, really late for this story. I had to put it off for a little while because work was driving me crazy, and when I got my momentum to write, I just realized that I put it off longer than I intended. Hontoni Gomen! (bows)
But still I wanted to thank you all, for taking the time to read, review and favourite my story.
I feel really bad not being able to update soon, I just hope that this chapter won't disappoint you.
Anyways enough with my ranting ^_^
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Viewfinder characters; they are the wonderful creations of Ayano Yamane-sensei. The added characters here are simply made up; any resemblance with any fictions is purely coincidental.
On with the story…
*v*
Chapter 3
Saizo stared at the car as it drove away. The look on Akihito's face during the phone call replayed in his mind, he never thought he'd see that expression. And when the young man saw the black car, there was sense of calmness despite the fact that the whole situation was suspicious to the point that it was dangerous.
All this time he wanted to spend every moment with Akihito, but with that one call everything stopped. He remembered the name in the call log in Akihito's phone, he tried ignore the name, but it kept on popping up in his head. Fingers clenched into a fist; silently blaming the man who took Akihito away. The moment Akihito turned his back; Saizo felt a wave of loneliness washed over him. He felt abandoned. Akihito, has your heart forgotten? He softly asked himself.
The car turned into a corner, disappearing completely from Saizo's line of vision. The sky darkened, soft splatter of rain fell, a flash of lightning ripped across the sky followed by the roll of thunder. The forming chaos was exactly what Saizo was feeling the moment he realized that everything was going to end. He pulled the sliver chain he was wearing and clutched on the silver ring that hang as a pendant. I'm not going to give up, I gave you up once, I won't let you go, not this time. He rode his car and drove to the opposite direction.
*v*
Akihito sat silently in the car, he stared at the darkening sky, the flash of lightning startled him a little. Without taking his eyes off the passing scenery, Akihito broke the silence in the car. "How long have you been tailing me?" His voice was laced with annoyance. Kaito looked at his passenger from the rear view mirror and answered "All day, Takaba sama"
Possessive bastard! Akihito let out an exasperated sigh, "So what were your orders?"
"To take you back to the penthouse," Kaito answered keeping his eyes on the road.
A slight frown formed on Akihito's forehead. "I could have gone home by myself" he muttered. He crossed his arms, letting his mind spew out profanities against the older man.
His attention was momentarily interrupted when his phone rang; he was surprised to see the name on the caller id. Nakamura-san? he stared at his phone wondering as to why the other man was calling him. He contemplated if he should answer or not when the call ended I guess he dialled the wrong number he said to himself.
Not a moment too soon they had arrived, without waiting for Kaito to open the door; Akihito rushed out and went into the building. The elevator ride was uneventful; he did receive an email regarding his next job to which Akihito was so eager to accept.
Akihito opened the door, before he entered he noticed the pair of shoes Asami usually wore for work. He looked at his watch, Isn't he supposed to be at work after noticing what time it was. I wonder what's up. He can't help but think of the reason the older man was home. He took off his shoes before entering.
"I'm home" came the usual greeting. Noticing no response from the other occupant; Akihito proceeded to check on the living room. True enough the older man was standing in front of the clear glass window, staring at the chaos brought about by the rain. The scent of Dunhill invaded Akihito's senses; he can't help but be mesmerized by the man in front of him. Although Asami's back was turned against Akihito, there is no denying that the man exudes power and pure male dominance.
Akihito can't help but ogle at the man in front of him, he felt warm inside. He was reminded of event that happened the previous night and how he writhed underneath Asami; This is no time to be caught up in your stupid fantasies. He mentally kicked himself for having perverted thoughts; he shook his head to rid of those thoughts. Focus Akihito remember he had Kaito following you after he agreed that he won't. Having found his resolved, with a braved voice he broke the silence.
"Why did you have Kaito tailing me? You told me you'll trust me and pull out any of your men from tailing me." Akihito's displeasure was evident in his tone.
Asami turned around and stared at Akihito, anger and warning reflected in those golden eyes. Akihito was somewhat surprised to see the angry look, but instead of backing down he stood his ground and kept his brave face.
"Well it seemed that I was right in keeping Kaito watch," Asami's tone was cool as ice, but there was no doubt that he was displeased. "I wonder how things would have progressed if I hadn't?"
Akihito stared at Asami in disbelief. "What things? What progress? I have no idea what you are talking about."
"What things Akihito? You really are asking me that?"
"Yes I am. I will not admit on something I did not do." Akihito answered in a defiant tone
"You clearly know where your place is, but you dared go behind my back and go out with another guy."
"Are you serious? I did not go out with another guy!"
"And now you're lying to me." Asami growled in anger
Akihito cringed at the tone, but stood his ground. "I did not go out with another guy."
"And how do you describe the scene that Kaito saw when you were with Nakamura?"
Asami stared at Akihito, he knew that there was nothing going on between Akihito and Saizo, but he needed to make sure that there isn't. He remembered the incident the previous night and he can't let go of the fact that there might as well be another man whom Akihito had taken a liking to. Tread carefully Akihito he thought.
Akihito was stilled, he tried to find a very good reason as to what he was doing with Saizo, he let out a soft breath before answering.
"I bumped into him at work and he asked me to have tea with him."
"And you don't call that going out?"
"No it doesn't count. It's more like catching up"
"Catching up Akihito? So both of you are that close that there are things that needed to be catch up on?"
Akihito was getting tired of this pointless banter; he knew that there is no point in arguing but he needed to make the older man see that he did nothing wrong. He let out an exasperated sigh
"Look Asami, Nakamura-san was just being polite since I was the photographer for his shoot and he was pleased with my work." He clearly explained. "I always go out with Kou and Takato, what makes Nakamura san so different"
"The difference is that I know your two best friends and I trust them, but him I don't trust. I'm warning you Akihito, stay away from him."
"You can't tell me who I can be friends with! Bastard you don't own me."
"In fact I do, the moment I took you. I already staked my claim." a smirk grazed Asami's face, yet his eyes was filled with seriousness.
"No you don't." Akihito answered indignantly. "I am my own person. I don't belong to anyone else." Akihito placed emphasis on the last statement
Asami's countenance changed to that with anger and malice.
"Don't test my patience Akihito!" he growled. "I gave you a little freedom and I can very well take it back."
Akihito was taken aback with the statement. He knew very well what those words meant, yet he was too angry to give in or even let it go.
"You wouldn't dare to lock me up." He stared at Asami with disbelief and slight fear.
Asami took a few steps forward, eyes not leaving Akihito. "I will do that just; continue to fight me and you will regret it."
"I will not be caged up!" Akihito answered and looked at Asami, anger filled his eyes.
Asami roughly grabbed Akihito's arms pulling the younger man to himself. "Then you better acquiesce to my wishes. That isn't so hard."
He can very well follow Asami's wishes, but he was too stubborn to comply. He needed his freedom, but there is no way in hell that he will allow himself to be controlled.
Akihito stared into Asami's golden orbs, he tried so hard to be obstinate and defy the other, but the look in Asami's eyes always seem to subdue him; as always he gets drawn into them like a moth onto flame. He knew that there was no escaping the older man, no matter how hard he fight the older man he knew that it was pointless.
The staring competition between the two men was interrupted with a ringing phone. Akihito whipped his head and saw his phone lighting up, before he can reach for it, Asami grabbed his phone.
"Bastard, give it back." Like an impetuous child he tried to reached for the phone, but he was turned around, his back hit Asami's solid chest; the older man's had one arm wrapped around Akihito's torso, caging both of his arms. Akihito tried to pull away but his movements were stilled after Asami licked and nipped on his neck.
Akihito shuddered a little, yet clearly enjoying the sensation. Smirking at the younger man's response, he continued with his pleasurable assault. Asami stared at the caller id; anger and possessive jealousy took over that he bit the younger man's neck a little too hard, which resulted to Akihito spewing series of curses at Asami and trying to pry away from confinement; he tightened his grip on Akihito, which earned a soft gasp from the younger man and as sort of an apology, he kissed and sucked in the marred skin which pacified his angry kitten. Not letting up with the assault on Akihitos' neck, he pressed the answer button.
"Ah Akihito-kun, Saizo here, thank you for answering; I just couldn't shake the feeling that something is wrong. I hope you're ok"
Hearing the worry in Saizo's voice made Asami's blood boil; he spun Akihito around and assaulted his lips. A soft surprised gasp escaped Akihito, he tried to push Asami, but his attempts were futile; not a moment too soon, Akihito found himself responding to the kiss with equal fervency.
Asami although pleased with the response he was getting from Akihito; he was still highly displeased with the fact that another person and a man no less is getting too close to the younger man. Still had the phone pressed on his ear, a wicked thought occurred: Why don't we put on a little show.
Without breaking the kiss, Akihito found himself pinned against the glass window. He was so preoccupied with the kiss, that he did not notice that Asami still had the phone on the other hand and the other hand tugged his shirt loose; Asami's cool hand snaked inside Akihito's shirt, gently caressing his flat abdomen, his breath hitch when Asami flicked and tweaked his pert and erect nipples. A pleasurable moan escaped Akihito's lips; unable to control himself he encircled his arms around the older man's neck, he pushed and pressed himself up, his thoughts were going wild; his mind filled with lust; his body burned with uncontrollable desire and the heat that pooled on his lower region is proof of it.
Asami is truly a god in his own right; he is the only man that can make Akihito into a mess with just mere ministrations and kisses. Proud of his handy work, he trailed kisses on Akihito's neck, he sucked in the unblemished skin as he moved up, which earned another series of pleasurable moan from the younger man, with a dangerously husky voice he whispered "Who do you belong to?"
Akihito still high with pleasure; turned his face towards Asami and stared into those mesmerizing golden orbs; his heart was pounding so hard, that it echoed in his ears; deep in his soul he knew who he belongs to, hesitation filled him and for a moment he lost his voice.
Asami displeased with the slight hesitation that clouded Akihito's face, he was about to utter another word, when Akihito cupped his face and gave him a fervent kiss before saying "You"
Asami's famous proud smirk painted his face; not only did he get to hear Akihito admit to whom he belong to, the phone call that made his blood boil had just ended; he heard a soft clatter before the line went dead. He tossed the offending phone onto the table; ravished Akihito's already swollen lips yet again; Akihito's moans were music to Asami's ear that he took no time of taking his lover on the living room sofa and completely made a mess of him into their bedroom.
*v*
Saizo stared at the shattered phone; his black orbs were filled with rage; knuckles turned white and his body trembled in uncontrollable anger. He never expected that to happen, all he wanted was to make sure that Akihito got home safe; but what he heard over the phone caught him off guard.
"Damn it Akihito!" Saizo threw an anger punch on the wall "No one is allowed to touch you!" He repeatedly hit the wall until his knuckles bled. Every time he threw a punch, he remembers the pleasurable moans that escaped Akihito's lips. He needed not see the face to know that it was Akihito. He would know that voice anywhere.
Exhausted with his sudden outburst, he walked towards his room and fell unceremoniously on the bed. He took out the silver ring that hang as a pendant and stared at it.
"This may not be much, but with this ring I promise you my heart."
Still staring at the dangling ring, with a determined voice "And I intend to keep that promise."
Saizo stood up from his bed, opened the small compartment that was just beside his bedside table, took out a folder and started reading thru the documents. A good thirty minutes had passed, and regardless of how many times he reread the documents no new information came up, which irritated him more.
He tossed the folder on the bed "How can you be with him?" He replayed all the information he had read, the man in question was clean, other than a few rumors and speculations; there were no concrete evidence of misconduct or felony. Saizo smirked "No one is that clean" he grunted. "I should know that better than anyone else" He picked up the folder and stored it back. "I intend to get back what doesn't belong to you Asami Ryuichi" An evil smile painted his face and his eyes glistened with sinister intent.
*v*
Lightning whipped across the sky, a thunderous boom followed, soft splatter of rain fell. In the middle of an open field, stood two young men facing each other; none of them were talking, they didn't even care to take cover when the rain fell. Completely drenched, the blond haired young man with his head downcast broke the uncomfortable silence while all the while tried to keep his voice steady;
"So this is the end, isn't it?"
"I'm sorry Akihito, I really am"
"No you're not," a soft grunt escaped Akihito's lips. "Because if you are, you wouldn't be leaving me"
The other remained silent and if Akihito would just look up, he would see the sadness in those eyes.
"You're not sorry, because if you were, you wouldn't have given me empty promises." Akihito looked up and stared angrily at the one who caused him to be vulnerable.
"I knew in my mind that you were too good to be true, but I took the chance and gave my heart free rein, but I guess I was right all along, I was stupid to even believe that someone with your stature would even look at me" His heart clenched with every word that came out of his mouth.
Tears fell from Akihito's eyes, but they were masked by the falling rain. He tore his gaze away from the other, with eyes close he looked up to the sky, feeling the comforting drops of rain on his face.
The young man all but stared at Akihito; he knew that there isn't anything he can say to Akihito to ease the pain he cause. "But you have to believe me when I say I do love you"
Akihito heard the confession, but his heart and mind wouldn't have any of it. "I'm tired, just leave me be"
Both of them rooted on their spots, as if waiting for a go signal to move. Akihito tired of the silence, turned his head and stared at the other person, sensing no movement or reaction; he turned around to leave. His movements were stilled when he was yanked by the arm and was pulled into a tight embrace; he tried to fight it off but the embrace tightened, the warmth that enveloped him was both calming and painful. He dropped his arms on his side in defeat and fresh tears fell from the corner of his eyes, after he heard "I love you, I'm sorry"
*v*
Akihito woke up with tears streaming down his eyes, he tried to wipe them off but the tears won't stop falling. Thankful that darkness greeted him, he really doesn't want to explain himself to Asami. He tried to move to get out of bed, but Asami's arm was draped around his waist confining him. He stared at the older man's sleeping face and he felt himself calmed down a little; the dream had left him unsettled. He pulled himself towards the older man he softly whispered on the other man's chest "If you have any intentions of leaving me, please tell me soon, I don't want to hold onto another empty promise of forever"
Akihito felt the comforting warmth that he soon drifted off to sleep. But what he didn't know was that Asami was completely awake from the moment he woke up; and heard every word Akihito had said. He tightened his embrace around Akihito and said "Didn't I say that we'll descend to the pits of hell together? I'm never going to let you go" Completely out of character Asami kissed Akihito's forehead.
*v*
A few weeks had already passed since the incident in the café; Saizo had tried everything to create an opportunity to get close to Akihito, but the Fates weren't siding with him. He tried calling the other man, but all his calls got routed to voicemail and whenever he thought that he is free his manager would be dragging him to another job.
The sky was dark and ominous; a black haired young woman in a white dress, head downcast, a few tears fell from her eyes, in front of her stood was a man with eyes dark as night.
"Please don't go, you promised to stay by my side" she pleaded with her hand clutching her chest.
"I'm sorry, things have changed; I'm no longer the man you know"
"No! You are still you. I don't care what people say, I love you and that is enough. Please don't leave." She stared into those dark orbs, she pleaded, she threw herself towards the young man and wrapped her arms around his torso, her head rested on his chest, "Please stay"
A sharp pang washed over him when broken sobs escaped her lips. He clenched his fist, he tried to control himself from embracing the young woman; he placed both of his hands on her arms, and slightly pushed her back, with cold eyes and dead tone "If I only I could, I would; but you no longer mean anything to me."
The moment he let her go, the young woman lost the feel of her legs and fell on her knees, sobs wracked her whole body. He stared at the young woman, his eyes filled with regret but it had to be done. "I'm sorry" a soft inaudible whisper escaped his lips. He turned around and walked away.
"OK CUT!" the director's voice broke the tension that filled entire set. "We'll start with the next scene in 10" Everyone then scampered to prepare for the next scene.
"Good job, Nakamura-san, as expected another brilliant portrayal" Misato Shiro his manager said as he handed him a bottle of water. "Although it seems that you're a little distracted, anything wrong?"
I'm fine, Misato-san, just a little tired" He knows that his manager was looking out for him but he cannot simply tell the other person the reason that he was a little distracted.
"Ok if you say so, after this you have a photo shoot—"
Saizo's interest piqued upon hearing the next job, "Who's the photographer?"
Misato was somewhat surprise to hear the change in demeanor of his charge; he pushed his spectacles up before saying "Ichikawa Ren"
Saizo was disappointed when he heard the name, he was half-expecting that he will get to work with Akihito yet again; he sure was disappointed but it did not show in his face. He handed the bottle back to Misato and proceeded back to set when he heard the director called.
Misato stared at his charge can't help but wonder what is going on Saizo's head. True Nakamura Saizo is one of the most professional charge he had ever worked with, he maybe a little too old for one who is making a debut in the acting world, but the other man had proven time and again that his talent is undeniable. He stood and watched his charge as he was being briefed of the next scene. A professional smile was plastered on his charge's face, but he can't shake a feeling that something had somewhat changed.
Another hour had passed…
"Ok that's it for today! Good job everyone!" Everyone on set let out a breath of relief. It had been a long day. Before leaving the director's assistant had given everyone a rundown of what will be done for the next day of shooting.
Saizo and his manager Misato left the set. The car ride was uneventful; Misato briefed him with the details of the shoot, although Saizo was fully aware of what the job is, but he was too tired to contradict his manager.
They arrived at the location of the photo shoot, everything was all set, but the photographer Ichikawa Ren was nowhere to be found. Saizo kept his irritation to himself; he walked towards one of the corner of the room, leaned on the wall with arms crossed and stared outside the window. He was deep in thought but not a moment too soon, someone barged into the room, "I'm sorry for being late everyone"
Saizo whipped his head up and true enough, it was indeed Takaba Akihito who came in and broke the uneasy tension in the room. He stared at the photographer who hurriedly and expertly set up his equipment; he can't help but be impressed with how the photographer handled the situation when the staffs inquired about the whereabouts of the initial photographer.
Time to make myself known he thought as he pushed himself off the wall and strode towards the photographer whom he had tried to contact for the past week.
"Takaba-san, good to see you"
Akihito stopped from what he was doing, he looked at the man in front of him; a professional smile plastered on his face "Nakamura-san, good to see you as well. Let's do our best today shall we." Without missing a moment or giving the chance for the conversation to progress, Akihito gave the instructions and started the photo shoot.
Saizo was displeased that Akihito brushed him off, he clenched his fist and reined on his emotion; keeping his face in check he proceeded to do the job he was assigned to do.
Akihito watched as Saizo walked away and prepared for the session. He felt bad brushing the other man off and giving him the cold shoulder but it had to be done. He wanted to avoid another unnecessary conflict with the older man. He remembered how Asami threatened to completely take away his freedom if he doesn't acquiesce to the older man's wishes. He knew all too well when to defy and fight the older man and when to submit; and giving Saizo the cold shoulder or by keeping everything under a professional level between them is but a small price to pay.
The whole shoot proceeded without a hitch, Saizo showed all the expression needed for the shoot and followed every instruction Akihito gave; his face and expressions were perfect but his mind was in turmoil, he tried to figure out what made Akihito give him the cold shoulder.
"Ok that's a wrap! Good job everyone!"
The satisfied smiles on the staffs' faces were proof that working with both Akihito and Saizo was indeed a pleasant one. They proceeded to clear the set while Akihito went to check on all the shots taken, a satisfied smile painted his face, mentally gave himself a pat on the back.
Saizo stared at Akihito, his displeasure towards the young man returned, he wasn't too keen with the fact that he was getting the cold shoulder; when in fact he had every right to be upset with the young man for treating him as if he did not exist.
The smile that painted Akihito's face made Saizo remember the phone incident, anger reflected in his eyes. He thought of approaching Akihito after everyone had left, but he changed his mind. He asked Misato to wait for him at the parking garage; the other man gave him a small nod. He strode towards the photographer.
"Takaba-san may I have a word?"
Akihito looked up from what he was doing, the same professional smile on his face "Of course Nakamura-san, what do you have in mind?"
Irritated with the plastered smile on Akihito's face, in a low voice he asked "What's going on, why are you giving me the cold shoulder?"
"You have ignored all my calls, and had been clearly avoiding me for the past weeks. Is there anything that I needed to know? Are you in trouble?" Saizo asked in a worried tone
"I appreciate the concern Nakamura-san; but I have no reason to explain myself. If you'll excuse me, I have another job to do."
Saizo was about to answer but his voice was cut short when the staffs bid their farewell at two of them. Both of them said their farewell; Akihito turned to leave but Saizo beat him to the door and locked it.
"Nakamura-san what are you doing?" Akihito bemused with the other man's action.
"I told you to call me Saizo, we are friends after all" A dangerous glint reflected in those black orbs that took Akihito off guard This is not the mild mannered actor that he meet a few weeks back.
Akihito kept his brave face but his eyes were filled with worry. Saizo sensing the slight fear from the other man; fueled his desire to get his message across.
"Don't worry Akihito, I'm not going to hurt you, I just need to know why"
"Why? What do you mean why?" Akihito confused with the statement.
"Why are you with him and not with me?" Saizo asked as he held Akihito's gaze.
"I don't understand. I don't know what you mean." A small frown formed after hearing the unusual question.
A small glint of light caught Akihito's attention. He stared at the necklace that hangs on Saizo's neck; the ring pendant glistened when the light reflected on it. "This may not be much, but with this ring I promise you my heart" His heart skipped a beat. A tear rolled down his cheek.
"Who are you?" Akihito stared intensely into Saizo's black orbs; he found himself drawn to them like when he stared deep into Asami's golden orbs.
Saizo smiled when he heard the question and thought to himself Are you starting to remember me?
"Let me show you who I really am." Without breaking eye contact he pulled Akihito to himself and gave him a searing kiss.
*v*
I know that I left it hanging but I promise to complete chapter 4 as soon as I can.
So what do you guys think?
As always comments, reviews and criticisms are welcome.
Thank you for reading. ^_^
