READER'S DISCRETION ADVISED

THIS STORY CONTAINS MAN ON MAN, WOMAN ON WOMAN, GRAPHIC SCENES, RAPE, GORE, SMUT, STRONG LANGUAGE, RACISM, AND USAGE OF DRUGS.

DISCLAIMER

I DO NOT OWN THE FINDER SERIES OR A SOME OF THE CHARACTERS.

ALSO

SOME OF THE SCENES AND PLOT WAS INSPIRED BY Business As Usual by Kadzuki Fuchoin. TO WHICH SHE HAS GIVEN ME HER PERMISSION TO USE.


Sometimes wine is just necessary.

^anonymous


"Have you ever heard of a photographer arriving to work in an S-class Mercedes?" Akihito grumbles in the backseat.

"I thought you'd prefer something inconspicuous," Kobe answers monotonously as he pulls the car to a stop at the red light.

Akihito glares at his bodyguard. "There was nothing inconspicuous in that damn garage! Why does that man have so many cars anyway?"

Kobe doesn't reply, and allows his young boss to sulk as he continues to their destination. As if riding in a Mercedes wasn't embarrassing enough, Kobe just had to stop right in front of the main entrance of the hotel.

"And remember to keep your distance," Akihito orders. "I have a job to do."

"Yes, Takaba-sama." Kobe complies.

When the bellboy opens the door he is surprised to see a photographer in jeans and plaid shirt open over a white tank-top step out of the luxurious car. Akihito tries to console himself as he hurriedly walks inside, ignoring the whispers and stares from the crowd.

"Takaba!"

The photographer looks up, and relief fills him when he sees a familiar face among the crowd.

A man in his early thirties jogs towards Akihito and shakes his hand in gratitude. "Thanks again for coming- you're a lifesaver!"

"Of course Maita-san!" Akihito says with a bright smile. "So what's up?"

"In a few hours a public announcement about the company merger between two law firms will be taking place." Maita says as he guides Akihito into an empty lounging area and takes a seat on a couch. "All my other reporters were busy, so I need you to be my assistant."

"Of course- I'd be more than happy to!" Akihito says. "After all, you helped me a lot back in the day." In fact, Maita was the only one who would hire Akihito when he began to get into photojournalism and taught him everything he knows.

"Excellent, so here's the game plan. You take the pictures, and I'll do the interviews. After the announcement is given, we'll meet up at the press room to work on the story. Can you tweak your photos from there?"

"Piece of cake," Akihito says as he opens his camera bag. "With my baby here, the photos will hardly need any tweaking." He then takes out his most prized possession; a precious Nikon D4. "You'll have your photos before you can even finish typing the headlines."

Maita looks at the camera in awe. "Takaba, I'm amazed! You finally saved enough to get it!"

"Yep," Akihito grins. "I literally worked my ass off and took every job I could. Even went a whole month eating nothing but bread and cheese.

It took Akihito three years to get the 700,000 yen top quality camera. He even traded in some of his old cameras to get it. He rarely used it because he was afraid he might drop or knock it somewhere while on hot pursuit.

"Then I am expecting great pictures from you, Takaba!" Maita pats Akihito's shoulder.


The metallic doors of an elevator slide open and off steps a man.

He looks to be in his late twenties with a lanky frame and dressed casually. He holds a formal attire covered in plastic over his shoulder as he walks down a hallway. When he reaches his door he wastes no time fishing out his keys and unlocking it.

After stepping inside he notices the sound of a TV.

"Babe?" the man calls out as he closes the door behind him and makes for the living room. "I thought you be out longer. Just came back from the clea-"

The man cuts off when he turns the corner and sees the blonde assassin sitting on the couch with her pet marten in her lap.

"T- Tori…" the man says in astonishment. "Er- uh, wh- how you been?"

"Better than you're gonna be, Jean." she responds.

Jean chuckles nervously. "So you must have heard from your boys-"

"That you stupidly skipped town." Tori cuts him off. "Oh yeah you best believe I heard! What the hell!?"

"Look I can explain,"

"I don't want to hear it," Tori says sternly. "The only reason I didn't put your ass under house arrest- like I knew I should have- was because I thought you were smart enough to fucking wait,"

"And I did! For three fucking months!"

Tori sighs.

"Seriously I thought you were suppose to be the world's topnotch assassin. How is it that you haven't caught that son of a bitch yet?"

"I'm getting close. I tracked him down up north in Akita."

Jeans eyes widened. "Y- you mean Akita in Japan?"

Tori nods. "And his main target is here in Tokyo."

"Oh shit," Jean mutters.

"Do you have any idea the danger you just put Tora in- - again."

Jean exhales and drapes his formal attire over the back of an armchair before plopping down on the couch next to her, leaning his head back. "I knew things would get crazy but this…"

"Hey, I don't really know you but… you seem like a nice guy. I know you were just trying to do right by Tora. Give her the best in life."

"I was I was."

"But this lifestyle isn't the right option. Especially for the kid."

Jean closes his eyes.

"If you didn't get caught, would you have taken Zhong's offer?"

Jean doesn't respond for a long moment. "Most likely. But… I probably would try to back out later on."

"No once you're in there is never an escape." Tori scoffs. "Hell you wouldn't even last a year."

Jean looks at her. "Oh and what does that mean?"

"Do you not remember the way you pissed yourself during the interrogation!" Tori laughs.

Jean scowls at her.

"Lucky for you I got a soft-spot. Or else…" still chuckling she shakes her head.

"Yeah no offense but you are literally messed up,"

Tori looks at him. "Old news man."

The sound of the door opening and closing is heard followed by foot steps. Around the corner emerges who can safely assume to be Tora. A young woman with fiery orange wavy hair and is dressed in a gorgeous designer attire.

Her forest green eyes widen when she sees the two sitting on the couch and drops the two dozen shopping bags on the ground as she squeals with joy. "Chickadee!"

"Hey City Kitty!" Tori says as she gets up and goes over to give her a hug.

"What are you doing here!" Tora asks after the two pull away.

"I was in the neighborhood and decided why not pop in," Tori says. "And congratulations on Tokyo Fashion Week!"

"Thank!"

"And how's my baby doing?" Tori asks as she places her hands on the fashionista's belly.

"Just fine," Tora says. "So glade the morning sickness phase is finally over. But you can't imagine how much it sucks to not be able to drink. Especially with dealing with all these divas and the wedding,"

"Hey now don't be getting too worked up," Tori says. "If my baby comes out messed up I'm gonna kick your ass."

The two share a laugh.


Dozens of chandeliers hang from the ceiling and light the exquisite ballroom with a gentle glow.

An entire string symphony is playing soft music in the corner while caterers balance silver platters of hors d'oeuvres and champagne glasses. Top tier of reporters and newscasters are swarming at the staircase as the guests arrive. Each and every person attending the announcement is wearing ball gowns and tuxedos made from the best designers from all around the world.

Normally Akihito doesn't like events such as these, but tonight is different. His Nikon D4 really lifted his mood as he takes snapshots at unprecedented speed, and the pictures look amazing even before airbrushing. He marvels the uncompromised performance the camera delivers so much that he's forgotten Kobe's presence at the far end, silently observing as his young boss works.

After the announcement is given, Akihito feels immensely proud of his work.

He rushes to get to the press room located on the third floor to meet up with Maita. Zipping through the high-class crowd gathered in the foyer as quickly as possible. In his rush he almost bumps into a woman, he mutters an apology and bows. The woman shrugs it off with a graceful smile. Relieved, Akihito turns to make his way to the elevators- but doesn't notice the waiter carrying a full tray of champagne. He tries to maneuver but still ends up bumping into the waiter, who manages to quickly steady himself but the tray isn't so lucky.

"HEY!" someone shouts.

Akihito looks up and sees Shigeo Arata, the up and rising star looking down at him with an extremely pissed expression. The photographer's gaze then travels down, but finds that there isn't a single spot on the actor's formal attire. His eyes then drift to the side and he finds the snotty model Emi, with a large red stain on the front of her expensive dress.

"I- I'm so sorry!" Akihito bows. "I didn't notice the waiter was nearby! I will pay for the cleaning!"

"Pay?" Emi shouts. "Do you know how much this dress costs?"

"I apologize for my clumsiness," Akihito says. "I will definitely p- "

Akihito is cut off when the actor pushes him, causing him to lose balance and land on his ass on the floor. By then, a lot of people have gathered around them, whispering and shaking their heads disapprovingly at Arata's behavior. Akihito stands up immediately to check his precious camera.

No scratches, Akihito thought to himself in relief.

Emi's manager steps forward and tries to calm both the actor and model, but they wouldn't have any of it. How dare this small time reporter spill wine on Emi? How dare he embarrass them in front of everyone? Looking at Akihito's concern on his camera over the model makes Arata even angrier. He takes two strides to Akihito and snatches the camera away from the photographer.

"HEY- give it back!" Akihito tries to retrieve his camera from the actor but the taller man holds the camera high in the air.

"Do you know who I am, you lowlife photographer?" Arata asked, enjoying Akihito's immense reaction.

Akihito loses his patience. Really, how childish can this man be? Snatching his camera, holding it high in the air; is he really an adult?

"Yes, I fucking know who you are Arata," Akihito doesn't bother to use the 'san' when addressing him. "Now, give it back!" He then reaches for the strap but the actor quickly holds it up higher.

"You spilled wine on Emi-chan! Do you think you're getting away so easily?"

"Fuck you, you prick. You have no right to take my camera!"

Suddenly Emi manages to grab the strap of the camera and yank it out from Arata's grip. She then walks over to the railing with the Nikon, Akihito's heart nearly stops and he rushes over. But he's too late, the bitch model tosses his baby over the edge.

The loud crash that soon follows is deafening to his ears.

Ignoring the other people around him, Akihito pushes them away as he makes his way to the stairs. When he reaches the bottom he soon finds the shattered remains of his life's work lying on the ground. The Nikon D4 had incomparable speed and performance, but it could never withstand a fall that high. He drops to his knees, and can vaguely hear Arata and Emi laughing.

"Takaba-sama!" Kobe shouts as he rushes over, and kneels next to the photographer. "I'm sorry, Takaba-sama. I heard the commotion but I was too far. I tried to come but there were too many people around, I'm-"

"It's fine, Kobe." Akihito whispers as his trembling fingers unzip his bag. Staring at the broken high end, expensive camera brings tears to his eyes as he slowly stores the bits and pieces into his bag.

"No! It was my fault, Takaba sama. I should have-"

"Please, just stop Kobe," Akihito cut him off as he continues picking up the pieces.

Kobe zips his mouth immediately. He reaches for his phone, intending to report to Asami.

Akihito notices his intentions and he places a hand on the bodyguard's arm to stop him.

"If you're sorry, do me a favor. Do not text him," Akihito whispers brokenly.

"Takaba!"

Akihito gets up, feeling a bit dizzy he braces a hand on Kobe's shoulder for support, and turns to look at his old mentor. "Maita-san,"

"Is everything alright? What happened?"

"I- it's nothing. I mean, I won't be able to help you with the photos."

As Maita opens his mouth to speak Akihito takes out his damaged camera, his expression becomes horrified. "My god, I'm so sorry Takaba. I will pay for your camera. Just give me some time and I'll definitely-,"

"No, it's not your fault." Akihito says as he opens the latch to the compartment housing the memory card, only to find it gone.

"But -"

Akihito is too busy scanning the floor for the memory card he doesn't notice Maita cutting off in sentence.

Suddenly the card comes before his gaze, laying in a palm covered in a black leather fingerless glove. "This yours?"

Akihito looks up to see the identical girlish face of his cousin, and her pet marten hanging on her shoulder.

He issues a forced weak smile before taking the memory card and turns to push it in Maita's hand. "Take this,"

Without waiting for Maita to respond Akihito heaves his camera bag and bolts for the entrance.

Once outside, Akihito sits on the edge of a stone wall containing a little garden. His bodyguard soon silently stands next to him after giving the valet his ticket. Akihito just blankly stares down at the pavement, his chest getting a bit tight as he tries to hold it in. At some point he feels something silky soft against the back of his arm, when he looks over he finds Ebony. The little marten moves around to get on his lap and stands on her hind legs before rubbing her head against his chin.

"Want one?" Tori asks as she holds out a silver tray of hors d'oeuvres; small toasted slices of bread decorated with cheese, sliced tomatoes, black olives, and basil.

Akihito smiles weakly as he shakes his head.

Tori sits down next to him. "So… what happened in there?"

"N- nothing," Akihito answers.

"Didn't look like nothing," Tori pushes.

Akihito doesn't answer, he really wants to hurry and get home where he can mourn in peace.

"Hey Kobe,"

"I dropped my camera,"Akihito blurts out in annoyance. When he looks at his cousin he sees concern affect her face, then forces a reassuring smile. "It's no big deal or anything."

"Oh," Tori says. "Well I have some super glue in my room. Do you wanna-"

"I highly doubt it's repairable," Akihito cuts her off. Just then the valet arrives with the car and Kobe goes to open the door. "I'll talk to you later, okay."

"Hey," Tori places a hand on the photographer's shoulder. "I actually have a friend who's really handy, maybe-"

"Really it's okay," Akihito quickly says as he gets up. "Don't worry about it."

Tori grabs the strap of his bag. "You sure? I mean, it wouldn't hurt to…."

Feeling he might break down any second, Akihito slips the strap of his bag off. Without looking back at Tori he mutters a goodbye and quickly gets in the car.

It feels like forever when Akihito arrives at the penthouse. After he steps off the elevator, he drags his heavy feet down the hall. He soon reaches the apartment suite and unlocks the door. As he enters, the first thing he notices is that the lights are on.

"Akihito," a familiar voice says.

The photographer looks up and finds Asami standing before him, his arms crossed over his chest.

"O- oh, you're back early." Akihito says. He quickly checks his watch and finds that it's only a quarter until ten. "I'll go and get dinner started."

As he attempts to scurry into the kitchen, Asami stops him by grabbing his arm. "Don't bother. I already ordered sushi."

Akihito turns to face the yakuza, and when he speaks he tries to sound enthusiastic. "Really, wow! My lucky night!"

"I was told that there was an incident earlier." The yakuza says.

Damn Kobe! Akihito's teeth clench, then he inhales. "Look, don't be mad at Kobe. It wasn't a big deal really. I… I just…."

He then feels a tear slide down from his warm, blue eyes, followed by another one, and another one. Soon a steady stream flows down his cheeks as he releases the sadness he's been struggling to hold inside. Akihito allows himself to be pulled into Asami's arms, too tired to put up a fight.

He clings to his yakuza lover as he sobs.


BRIEF WORD FROM THE AUTHOR

Let us have a moment of silence for the loss that has occurred today, Nikon D4 camera you will be dearly missed…. And man it seems like working for Asami is a real joy, don't you guys think, lol. But now Kobe is kind of on thin ice, so he best tighten up.

Don't forget to keep me motivated in the comments section.

Until next time loves, as always, stay awesome!:)

SHOUTOUT TO

Kadzuki Fuchoin

As said in the disclaimer above some scenes in the chapter will be borrowed from Business As Usual by Kadzuki Fuchoin, who again has given me permission. In fact some of the plot from her work is more of a kickstarter and also a great inspiration, as in the whole story won't have the exact same plot but something very similar. Also be sure to go check Kadzuki-sensei's account and some of her works:)