Thank you for your reviews. I like reading them although I do not usually reply please continue writing your comments.

For your entertainment and mine.

~ Heien Jie

Disclaimer: All familiar characters belong to Yamane Ayano.

"The prettiest smile hide the deepest secrets.

The prettiest eyes have cried the most tears.

And the kindest hearts have felt the most pain."

~ Unknown

~x~

Secret Uncovered Part 1

When Akihito and Cheiko got back to home it was already dusk. Truly it was such an exhausting day for the blond photographer. The trip to the temple was tiring. His condition up to now showed no sign of improvement and he had been away from Asami for a week already.

I hope he's alright. What if he has found someone already? He couldn't help but think of the possibility of Asami sleeping with other people. If this was true it would hurt him so much.

~x~

"Grandma would you like to take a bath before me?" Akihito asked Chieko. His grandma sat on the couch fanning herself.

"No you go ahead," she said. "I'll rest for a bit."

"Okay," Akihito said. He went upstairs and took a shower. He shivered as the cool water landed on skin. He wished that all of what had happened was just a dream. It has to be because for him that was the only acceptable explanation right now. How much longer does he have to suffer from this nightmare? When will he be able to get back to Asami? He closed his eyes and savored the warm water flowing over his skin. He stood under the shower for 5 minutes more before going out.

After changing into new clothes he checked his phone. There were 26 missed calls and a message. Who could have called he thought. When he checked it, all were from Kirishima. He opened the message and what he saw sent shivers down through his spine. Akihito read the message again just to make sure that he read it right, that his eyes weren't playing tricks on him.

Takaba-san, please come back to the penthouse. Asami-sama is in a critical condition.

~x~

Akihito immediately packed his things and went downstairs.

"Aki-kun is there something wrong?" Ayumi asked. She had never seen his son this pale before. It worried her.

"Son where are you going in this late hour?" This time it was Kiyoshi who asked.

Akihito was busy putting on his shoes. When he finished he stood up and spoke in a strained voice. "Mom, Dad, I have to go back to Tokyo. A ... a friend of mine is in a critical condition. I have to go now." His voice wavered while his face betrayed the angst that he felt. His eyes glistened with tears that threatened to fall.

"You should go son. Take care of yourself," Kiyoshi finally said.

"I will Dad. Thank you," Akihito said then dashed through the door.

Ayumi passed a worried look to her husband. Whoever that friend was she was sure that person was important to his son.

"It will be alright," Kiyoshi squeezed his wife's shoulder.

Ayumi turned her head to look at Kiyoshi. "I hope so," she said.

~x~

Akihito took the earliest trip he could get. When he boarded the shinkansen it was already 8 pm. As soon as he took a seat he sent a message to Kirishima.

What happened? How is he? I'm on my way now.

Akihito felt that it was the longest trip in his life. He rested his head on his hand. He fought the tears that threatened to fall but finally after just a minute they fell like a river. He was glad that the seat beside him was empty. The last thing he wanted was to look weak in front of other people.

Asami please be alright. Please, please be alright.

Akihito checked his watch. There was less than thirty minutes left before the train would reach the station. His eyes felt sore and swollen from crying. He closed his eyes in hopes of feeling a little relief. But after a few seconds he felt his phone vibrate.

There was a message from Kirishima. Takaba-san, Suoh will take you to the penthouse. He is waiting for you at the station.

Ok. Thank you. How is he? Akihito replied back.

He seems fine for now, was Kirishima's reply.

~x~

Suoh saw Akihito walk out of the train station. He went to him immediately. "Takaba-san," he called.

"Suoh-san," Akihito stopped to face him.

"Let's go," Suoh said.

Wasting no time the two got into the car. When Akihito was seated inside the feeling of anxiety washed over him. He shivered. He felt as though there was a knot in his stomach. He placed a hand on it.

Suoh noticed this. He couldn't help but feel guilty. This better go well or else … Focus on the road he told himself.

Akihito bolted out of the car when they reached the building's entrance. He went directly to the elevator and punched the button for the top floor. Faster. Come on. When the elevator reached the penthouse he immediately ran to the door. It was unlocked so he let himself in.

"Asami!" He called. His eyes focused on the man seated on the couch. He immediately went to his side and pulled him to his embrace.

"What happened? Where were you hurt?" He asked as the tears fell from his eyes.

Asami was surprised to see the young man who was now on his side. He was perplexed to see his kitten crying. What was Akihito talking about? He passed a glance toward Kirishima. His secretary looked nervous. Immediately he knew something was up. He recalled in his mind the events for the day.

~x~

Kirishima informed him that there were no reports to be signed. There were no business meetings to be attended. He had the night for himself. He didn't want to return to an empty penthouse but Kirishima encouraged him to go home and rest. He wanted to argue but he had to admit that he did feel exhausted from working the entire week. In addition to that he had to constantly worry about his lover. His kitten was a magnet for trouble and now that they were together more people would come after the blond. He missed the boy so much but he couldn't just barge into Akihito's family home. He still had his self-preservation.

~x~

Asami locked his eyes on Kirishima's. He made sure to catch his secretary's attention. After that silent exchange he waved his hand as a gesture of dismissal. Kirishima bowed and quietly left the room.

As much as he was pissed off he had to give his secretary a credit. Akihito was back willingly in his arms. The interrogation will have to wait tomorrow. Right now there was a kitten to be soothed and punished.

~x~

AN: Yay, I've finally finished this chapter. I hope you like it.

Kirishima. He is such a reliable secretary. He's like a fairy godmother (or godfather? well whatever) in this chapter and Suoh he is such a good buddy. Hehe.

There will be no updates for my other fic From the Abyss yet. I couldn't bear to write such a heavy story so for now I am working on this. It is too angsty for me.

How did you find this chapter? Feel free to review. Thanks

~ Heien Jie