AN: Sorry I took so long for an update. I was finishing up on my long LM fic and had started its sequel. Then I got sidetracked with my Inuyasha/Ranma crossover. So finally, I found my muse again with this fic and am glad to continue. I have absolutely no idea how long this fic will be. It all depends on how each character drives the other I guess. So base on pass votes, Katsuki's POV won out, but base on plotline, his portion will have to be postponed until the next chapter or so. Sorry about that folks. I do appreciate the interaction and would love to have your input again. So thank you for the shout out and feel free to cast your vote for future installation. Enjoy!
09: Reassignment
(A week before)
Takaba Akihito was in deep shit. He knew he was muck deep in it as he exits his room with Shinji escorting him. How else would one explain why his presence was suddenly requested to appear before the big boss himself, Aoe Reiji?
He had yet to meet the man in person, but Takaba knew a bit about him already through his research. Like how he has a very young, barely legal lover to whom everyone calls the 'kitten'. At first, he was quick to judge upon hearing that. Now here was the story he was looking for. A young teenager force to be a pet lover to an older man, the owner of Blue Boy himself. If the owner was this scandalous, there must be more dirt to dig up on the place right? Unfortunately that was not the case; his subtle questionings came up with some puzzling answers. Almost all of the senior hosts always smile fondly when they spoke of the boy and how in love the owner was. Only Izumi-san said something different but more along the line of how the 'kitten' had worm his way to live with the owner. Takaba didn't quite understand what the ex-host meant and decided not to pursue it further since the man grew pensive and refuse to speak any further. Takaba's excitement over having found a story worth his while was shot down immediately.
So it would seem, there were no more stories to pursue since his other thread for a storyline was killed off. He hadn't seen Katsuki since the first day. Takaba was very much afraid that the boy had met his demise and now it was his turn. Why else would he be called to the owner's office?
At least his stay here wasn't entirely wasteful. It took weeks, but he soon piece together Blue Boy's history. Takaba learned how the current owner came to inherit the business from his late father, the notorious and ruthless Aoe Shougo. That name made him shiver in fear despite himself. Even when he was a rookie working at the newspaper, Takaba came across that name several times amongst the senior journalists when they reminisce over their glory days. Aoe Shougo was definitely not a model citizen, let alone a decent human being. The man did things that would make Asami Ryuichi a pillar example of what a ruthless man should do. Takaba hopes the current owner is nothing like his father. As much as he would like a story sensation from a father and son angle, he didn't want to tackle such a legacy.
"Tanaka-san, we're here. Owner is expecting you." Shinji bow low and swept a hand indicating the door before them.
Shit. Fuck. Shit.
That route was faster than he thought. Takaba wasn't prepared for this. It was too late for him to run. There was no where to hide since there are cameras and locked areas everywhere.
He closed his eyes and took a fortifying breath.
This is it.
His heart was pounding a mile a minute, but ironically, Takaba used a trick he learned from his training here at Blue Boy and took in several deep breaths before he was able to clear his raging anxiety. With a firm nod to himself in acknowledging the responsibility of his demise, Takaba reopen his eyes then twists the knob open. The door swung wide and he walks to the center of the room with confident steps that befit his training.
So focus was he in getting to this point, Takaba hadn't really taken a good luck at his surroundings. Thus when he finally straightens from his position, the photographer was taken aback by the owner's appearance. The man was young, possibly, much younger than Asami and Fei Long, but equally as handsome. Owner didn't look menacing either, although he does have stern demeanor judging by the serious cloud looming over him. Somehow, Takaba already expects that to appear on the man's face. It would seem odd for a man of power not to have their game face on. His assistant was pleasant looking enough and even attempted not to smile a few times. The young man was certainly nothing like Asami and his Glasses assistant duo. Taking the easy going cue from the assistant, Takaba felt safe to say the current owner was nothing like Aoe senior. He releases a sigh in relief.
"Tanaka Aki."
Only to suck a breath back in, in surprise. Though the voice who said his voice was not booming in its projection, the simple fact that it came from behind him startled Takaba to a point in which some of his nerves return. He had not expected his mentor, Kuniaki Jinnai to be present.
His mentor's foot steps grew louder as it reached him and stopped. This made Takaba even more nervous.
"Or should I say, Takaba Akihito."
Shit, fuck, shit.
Those whispered words so near his ear doubled his previous anxiety altogether. Guilty in being discovered wash over his continence, confirming his true identity.
This is it. I'm dead. I'm so dead.
So he was right. Takaba didn't know how they found out, but his jig was up. He'd only hope that they would go easy on him. At this moment, he hoped the detective's words weren't a premonition for his own demise. Despite how ridiculous the detective's fanciful story now sounds, Takaba did not want to be ship out to a foreign land and be some pervert's plaything. And he wildly expanded that thought with a silent prayer for causing Katsuki's death, a certainty now that that was what happened to the poor page boy. Takaba had meant well.
With his pride as a journalist still in tact though, Takaba, without thought, again pulled from his training once more and his resolve to have a dignify ending came to the fore. If his life was to end, he'll gladly meet it head on. He raised his chin in defiance to the last.
Takaba felt, rather than saw, his mentor smirk in response. Jinnai pulled away and strolls pass him to sit on the edge of Owner's desk, it earned the man a scowl from Aoe.
Shaking his head at Jinnai, Aoe turn his scowl on Takaba.
"So it is true. You are Takaba Akihito, the photo-journalist from the Mainichi Shinbun?"
It was more of a statement than a question, but Takaba answered it as one regardless.
"Yes sir."
Takaba decided to be honest with his answers. That he felt the people before him were entitled to at least know the truth now that his cover has been blown. To some extent he felt relieved in a way. All the hosts he met, trainers, and staff members treated him very well. They were very professional in their duties. He had no complaints except for his choice in a mentor. Judging by what the man has taught him in just one week, Jinnai was a very perverted and depraved soul. A blush crept on his cheeks upon remembering some of the man's so-called lessons.
It would seem his honest reply was not expected. Owner gave him a peculiar look Takaba couldn't place before the man spoke again.
"You had plenty of chances to take pictures and collect a story, yet you didn't even bring a camera nor did you bring a voice recording device. You only asked what everyone else was curious about Blue Boy. I'm curious, what story are you chasing, Takaba?"
Takaba's brow furrowed and he thought about his answer. He had walked into the place thinking security would be tight and so decided not to take any of those things with him. He'd get caught right away if they bother to check his stuff. So judging by what Aoe said, they did and couldn't find anything. It was a good thing he didn't record anything then. There really wasn't much to report besides some of the famous clienteles of Blue Boy. He'd heard and seen glimpses of some famous writers, actors, and even respectable Diet members. Though this type of story was more gossip column material and entertainment fodder, Takaba wasn't paparazzi and refuses to stoop to that level of journalism. He didn't want to be famous for scandalous news of that sort. Now, if they were being bribed by criminals or making underground dealings though, Takaba will cover these type of stories in a heartbeat.
What they do with their personal life is their own choice I always say.
He figured that if a real story is here, he'll find evidence in some form and get it to the detective. However, the more he thinks about it now, the detective's words seem to be more and more ludicrous. He hadn't seen a single thing to collaborate with what that man said except for Katsuki and the page boy isn't here anymore. He was beginning to think the 'good' detective had set him up and Katsuki was his cohort. Now that he thought about it some more, it seem like the most likely scenario. For if Katsuki was really Jinnai's boyfriend, why hasn't the man mentioned the page boy at all? It didn't make any sense. So what it all comes down to, Takaba had no story to begin with.
He released a defeated sigh and look sincerely at the owner before he replied, "I don't really. A story that is, I wasn't chasing one."
The owner gave him another puzzled look before he scans Takaba's demeanor for the truth. It was another long moment before the Owner spoke again.
"Why are you here, Takaba Akihito?"
Why was he here? Takaba didn't know either. His brows deepen in vain as he ponders on this question. At first, he was quick to blame the detective for coercing him with evidence of his pass exploits to his boss. He hadn't been entirely truthful with his past to his boss at the paper when he was hired. Most of his record was supposedly sealed away in juvenile court. They weren't suppose to be made public. Takaba's father had made sure of it. But the detective has gotten his hands on a copy somehow and manages to convince Takaba that if he does this task for the detective, he could gain a story to return to his boss with and the man will hand the records over to Takaba then.
But there is no story and Takaba doesn't seem too worried about his past being expose. So what really brought him here and made him stay for so long?
A pair of amused golden eyes flashes before his vision as if mocking his predicament and Takaba scowls despite the return of his blush.
"I… I don't know."
"Do you really not know?"
That question came from Jinnai. How could he have forgotten his mentor was right there too? There was no helping it. Takaba admit that that was the truth: he really does have no idea what in god's name compel him to take this assignment. Ever since he chose to distant himself from all things related to Asami, he had begun to take less and less criminal news coverage and move towards more of local news for the paper. He even did some commercial and fashion photography for the magazines. It wasn't as thrilling but the pay was good and he actually enjoyed using his creative side with some of the photo shoots. He kept himself busy until the detective came along and presented this adventure.
Upon reflection, Takaba supposes that may have been what compelled him to say yes despite the detective's threat. He could have press charges for blackmail and that would have made a good story too. But that idea didn't occur to him until now. Again a pair of golden eyes taunts his vision, but no amusement shone in their depth. Those eyes were sharp as if challenging him somehow to speak the truth. Takaba felt lost and finally admit a small part of him did miss the ruthless criminal. But that small part was quickly squash. He shouldn't care about what that pervert thinks.
Two minutes has pass and Takaba still couldn't think up an answer that made any sense. And he honestly didn't want to ramble on about what lead him up to applying to Blue Boy. He learned from his training that taking time to reflect on a response was much more appreciated and not to waste words without effort. Odd that. How his mentor's words seem to stick with him despite his initial cavalier attitude in working here to not take the job seriously.
So Takaba decided to again speak the truth, though his reply was very vague. It was another skill he learned from Jinnai.
"I guess… I wanted to escape for a while."
It was funny how such a vague answer brought forth such a serious response from both Owner and Jinnai. Both men's demeanor became thoughtful as they shared a look. Owner then turn back to look Takaba square in the eye, stating clearly this was no laughing matter.
"Normally, you're trespass would be dealt with severe legal ramifications, however, given your circumstances, you have two choices Takaba Akihito. One, you quit of your own free will and sign a legal document stating you will not disclose any information or training you have learned upon being employed by Blue Boy. If you do break the disclosure agreement and violate our statutes, we will press charges and make sure you will no longer be employed by any respectable publisher of any type in the whole of Japan. Essentially, your career will be over."
Takaba gulp down the information with a nervous swallow. He didn't get why they were giving him a choice, but Owner really does mean business. If this was the 'nice' owner, he can only imagine how Aoe senior can be ten times worse. He now felt silly thinking there was actual truth in what the detective eluded to.
When Owner didn't continue, Takaba ventured to ask thinking perhaps they needed a response from him. "…and the second choice is, sir?"
Owner's piercing dark eyes was steady on his for another minute before the deep baritone voice continues in a business like manner as if he hadn't made a serious threat to Takaba's career earlier.
"Two, you quit your job at the paper and accept your first assignment. We have a six month probation contract agreement prepared. You will have one day to peruse the document and reevaluate the conditions stipulated. Upon your satisfactory completion of the terms with the time specified, you may renegotiate your terms or quit Blue Boy entirely. Throughout your employment duration, you will be granted full access to most facilities and amenities Blue Boy has to offer. Sato-san will be your account manager as well as scheduling advisor. While working for Blue Boy, you may continue to utilize the alias you have created. Your anonymity will be respected and your welfare will be protected by Blue Boy."
Takaba took another nervous gulp. Essentially, Owner is giving him a choice to sincerely work for Blue Boy or quietly walk away but will forever have the legal ramification hanging over his head. Of course, if he was to take the latter route, as an honest photo-journalist, he would never renege on his word. So he needn't worry about that, unless he was drunk. Then there would be no holds bar to keep his tongue from wagging. That is a risk he'll have to take if he take that route that is.
It would seem a no brainer for him what choice to take. Yet, Takaba found himself opening his mouth and said in a matter-of-fact tone, "When can I start?"
