Chapter 17
Cold Reality
Sae stirred from her sleep groggily, slowly forcing her eyes open and trying to move her lethargic body at all. She did not know what time it was, and her mental faculties were foggy at best. As her vision came into focus, she took stock of her surroundings, noting how she had been using Akechi's chest as a pillow, and that his face was turned away from her, his full brown hair having turned into a complete rat's nest, and she suspected she was the primary culprit of his unkempt appearance. It was also at this moment that she noticed she was still stark naked. At least the bed was warm, and her partner was helping that.
She reminisced on the events of the previous night, piecing together the disparate images in her head, the scattered and unorganized feelings she had experienced. Speaking of feelings, it was at this moment that a dull soreness in her lower regions made itself known, causing her to squirm and shift her body, bringing her legs together to sate the muscles in her lower back and around her womanhood. She was uncomfortable, but it was a good kind of discomfort; one she was not opposed to, and grew increasingly more at ease with as the many memories of the previous night began to floor her mind in greater clarity.
Sae rubbed the sleep from her eyes, then looked at her lover. She noticed he was barely breathing, that he did not stir as she moved around. She knew not the time, but suspected it was late, at least later than befit them, so she nudged his shoulder and kissed the crook of his neck, trying to rouse him. "Hey, you okay?" she whispered to him, her exhaustion making her sound more husky and needy then she admittedly felt at the time. Her tired, addled mind would have welcomed one more quick roll in the hay, but the discomfort in most of her muscle areas dictated this hypothetical decision unwise. "Hey, wake up," she said to him slightly louder, causing him to stir and breathe deeply before falling back into sleep with a low snore.
Sae clicked her tongue in frustration, then started running her hand through Akechi's tangled hair, both fixing his beautiful main and being more forceful in waking him up. After a moment, he finally flexed his muscles, much to Sae's enjoyment, and let out a long groan as his eyes slowly opened. Their gazes met, and he smiled at her. She did the same, her hand continuing to play with his hair. "Morning," he whispered, his voice low and scratchy.
"Good morning." Against her better judgment, she leaned her head down and kissed his forehead lightly. Perhaps it was the exhaustion, perhaps it was the satisfaction she received hours earlier, perhaps she was still horny, but for whatever reason, Sae felt strangely… happy being with him in this quiet moment the morning after. "I was worried you weren't going to wake up," she whispered. "You were out cold."
"Sorry, guess you wore me out," Akechi joked, his lips finding her cheek.
"Well, I did get a bit caught up in things, I guess," she laid her back down on his chest, listening to his slow and steady heartbeat. "Can't remember doing too much of the work, honestly."
"I'm not upset, if that's what you're thinking," Akechi replied, wrapping his around her shoulder and rubbing it. "That was… maybe the best night of my life."
"Really?" Sae perked up.
"Really. You were amazing," he smiled down at her. "Like, incredible."
Sae blushed, smiling once again. "You weren't so bad yourself. And, well, your cock is fucking wonderful. You're a very blessed man. And your technique is great too; you must have had a good teacher."
"I'm glad I met your expectations. I was honestly a bit nervous."
"Why's that?"
"You're such a strong woman; so earnest, capable, determined. I've never really met another person like you. You have such high expectations of yourself, that I was hoping I'd be able to alleviate them if only for a night. Take a load off your shoulders."
Sae looked to him, eyes wide and perplexed. For a moment, she had no words for such a confession, not even noticing how her lover pulled her closer, or how she subconsciously wrapped her arms around him tighter. "Goro, I…" she began, trying to find anything fitting to say, "I didn't know you felt that way."
"What way?"
"You have such a high opinion of me. I mean, if it were anyone else I know saying that, I'd think they were lying. You have a higher opinion of myself than… than I do." She trailed off, growing quiet, her expression becoming more morose. She rested her head on his chest, letting his slow heartbeat calm her newly emotional mind.
Akechi rubbed Sae's shoulders more as he placed another kiss on her forehead, barely felt physically, but received with silent happiness emotionally. "I wish I were able to help you with that," he said.
"I think you have, at least for one night," said Sae slowly. "You made me feel beautiful."
"I'm glad, because you are," he gave her that handsome, innocent smirk she had grown to love the past some odd hours.
"Oh, shut up," said Sae, her frown rising into a content smile as she closed her eyes for a moment. "Keep talking like that and I won't want you to leave to… wherever you're going."
"You certainly have made my leave-taking much harder, Sae," he confessed. "Though I'm not unhappy about that. It truly was a beautiful night."
"Yes, it was, Goro," Sae mused. "Yes, it was…" A small part of her mind thought she was acting ridiculous, like a sheltered young woman after her wedding night, but the rest of Sae did not care. She was happy, relaxed, and felt appreciated in a genuine way for the first time in so long. So much so that her gut tightened with sorrow when Goro finally got himself up from the bed.
Shamelessly watching her lover dress his own naked body from her spot on the bed, which she was very reluctant to get up from, Sae asked, "It probably is time we returned to the real world, huh?"
"I think so," said Goro, pulling his pants up over his manhood, much to Sae's dismay. "Trust me, were I able…"
Sae sat up in bed, but immediately winced in discomfort as her lower body screamed at her in pain, inside and out. "Um, I think I need a minute," she grimaced, talking through clenched teeth. "And a shower." Goro snickered at her playfully, prompting Sae to throw a pillow at his head, which he did not deign to block. "Don't get snarky," she teased him. "This is your fault, after all."
"Would you rather I had reigned in my performance than?"
"God, no," Sae replied immediately, stretching her arms and back with a yawn. "I just need a minute to recompose, Goro. I'm not that fragile."
"Oh, I'm well aware," he smirked again.
"Fuck off," Sae said with a smile, letting out a slight chuckle as well.
"Well, if you need time to freshen up, I'll go get us checked out and the bill taken care of in the meantime."
"How much do I owe you?"
"Sae, I'm a yakuza," Goro said confidently. "Neither of us are paying for this."
She excused herself to the shower, and her lover exited the hotel room. Sae took a bit of extra time to clean herself and relax her body than normal, even after a romantic encounter. The pain she felt stemmed more from her muscles than anything else, a product of the many positions she had gotten herself in the previous night. Nothing a bit of Tylenol could not aid.
In other regards, she was at least walking fine enough, though she knew that would not have been the case a few hours earlier.
By the time she was dressed and exiting the bathroom, Goro was entering the hotel room once again to get her. "Hey," he said. "Feeling better?"
"Much. Everything taken care of?"
"Well, there is one more matter, actually."
"What is it?"
Goro then revealed that his left hand was holding something, and it was, in fact, a small jewelry holder containing a necklace with a small maroon stone on display. Sae looked at it incredulously. "Goro," she began, "you really shouldn't have. I mean, I'm flattered, but you really didn't need to."
"I know, but I wanted to," he replied, his tone growing darker, melancholy. Looking down at the necklace, he said, "I don't know when, or if, I'll be back, Sae. Given this, I wanted you to have something to… remember me by. A symbol, I suppose, of how our justice will always be supporting each other, even from afar."
His voice was genuine, as were his words, and Sae could see this well. She took the jewelry holder in her hand, closed the lid, and said, "Thank you, Goro. I'm touched."
"I'm very pleased to hear that," he bowed his head slightly. "I hope it will provide some comfort in the midst of this batshit crazy city."
Sae nodded with a smile. "I'm sure it will. Is there anything I can give you though?"
"There's nothing more I need. Last night was a gift enough."
"I could say the same, but thank you for this anyway." She leaned in and kissed his cheek. "You're a real sweetheart."
"I try," he smiled.
Sae looked out the window, seeing through the crack in the curtains the batshit crazy city he had spoken of, and that she was about to return to. In that moment, she remembered something of great importance she had hitherto neglected amidst everything happening. , and Goro was the best person she had left to ask about it. "Hey, Goro?"
"Yes?"
"Can I ask you about one more thing? This one is business related, actually."
"What do you need?"
Their eyes met, and in an instant, that caring, idealistic yet somewhat mischievous look in her lover's eyes was gone. Sae's heart sunk a bit, but she pressed on with her questioning. "Do you know anything about this rumored 'hero-boy' we've been hearing about?"
Goro's expression grew even more serious. "Ah, Murakata has you on that case too?"
"He's asked me to keep an ear to the ground, but that's it. Since you're in the Family, I figured you'd be my best place to start."
Goro nodded. "I know about him. In fact, I actually know him." He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Tell me, would you like to meet him?"
"Are you serious?"
"I am."
"He's not going to butcher me, is he?" Sae asked, only half joking.
"No, not at all. The real story behind the Kamoshida killing is admittedly rather complicated. We know most of what happened; the precinct, I mean. But I will say, the hero-boy that has been making waves in the underworld is not exactly how some describe him."
"And you can get me a meeting with him?"
"I can get you the possibility of a meeting," he said. Goro then reached into the bedside drawer, found a notepad and a pencil, and scribbled down something on the paper. Tearing the paper off the pad, he said, "Be at this address tonight, at this time. This is your best chance of meeting him."
"How can you be so sure?"
"I can't guarantee anything, but I may be able to swing something in your favor. You may at least be able to ask him some questions. I'm sorry, but that's all I can say."
Sae folded the paper and put it in her breast pocket. "At least I don't have plans tonight," she joked.
"Sorry for any inconvenience."
"Hey, double lives are complicated, I get it. I'm just wondering how you know he'll be at this place tonight."
"I can point him that way without him suspecting anything, and the rest will be in the hands of fate," said Goro. "He really is not the most intelligent yakuza out there."
Sae could not help but chuckle at Goro's candor. "A hero and a dumbass, huh?"
"I wouldn't go so far as to call him a dumbass, but he is certainly… let's say, naïve. And that is why I have some confidence that everything will work out tonight. Now we should get going, the maids will be up to clean the room soon."
Sae's cheeks then turned a light shade of pink. "If this were any other hotel, I'd be a bit more embarrassed at that, admittedly."
"Oh, come now," said Goro pleasantly. "They've doubtless seen far, far worse than that, Sae."
With the slightest limp in her walk and a red blush on her face, she exited the building with her lover— friend, he was a friend now. A coworker whom she got a long well with, nothing more. Nothing more. Nothing at all. Nothing happened. It was a dream, and this was reality. A reality in which Goro Akechi is a coworker and friend, nothing more.
Nothing more, no matter what the necklace indicated. Nothing. More.
They exited the building and out onto the street. Sae thought it best to leave immediately before anyone may recognize them, but Akechi looked to her with pleading eyes that indicated he had more to say. "Do not wait for me, Sae," he said morosely. "This world is too big to wait on seeing me again. Too many people, too many problems.
"I understand," she looked away from him, down the street, focusing on nothing in particular.
"I pray that last night will not cause any problems for you. Then again, the way I see it, it was too good a thing to cause anything bad to happen."
A ghost of a smile appeared on the woman's face. "I'm glad you see it that way," she said. "I do too."
Akechi put his hands on his hips and looked toward the horizon, a glimmer of pride shining in his eyes in the warm morning sunlight. "Be well, Niijima-san," said Akechi, causing Sae's smile to fade in an instant upon hearing her more proper name being used. "You're a real hero of this city. Don't let me see on the news that you died as one."
"And the same to you… Akechi." His family name caught in her mouth like she was trying to swallow a rock, and she watched him walk away, hands in his pockets. Sae forced herself to walk as well, going the other direction to get a cab back to her apartment. Wherever that young yakuza was going, she had no idea, and she was afraid of that.
Sae suddenly felt sick. The city seemed to lose its color, sounds became distant and dissonant, barely registering. She felt the same way the whole cab ride home. She questioned for a moment whether she had eaten something spoiled the previous night, but as she closed the door to her apartment, she looked down at the necklace box she had been given and realized that that theory was not the case after all.
She was lonely, and clutching the jewelry holder to her chest only made the sick feeling worse. Sae could have dwelled on her loneliness, her embarrassing and confusing longing further, but she did her best to banish it from her mind. She focused on the address on the paper she had been given, taking note of the immaculate handwriting it had been written in.
She placed the jewelry holder on her nightstand, and the apartment suddenly felt more than empty.
…
Akira woke up groggily, slowly. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes before getting up and pouring himself some orange juice to wet his dry throat. That was before Sojiro came down the stairs, and Akira felt a twinge of fear rise within him regarding last night's events. Sojiro, however, seemed more tired, dazed than anything else. His gaze was distant, his walk was slow and lazy; he seemed to barely even register that Akira was present, at least before he spoke.
"Something wrong, kid?" he asked casually.
"Nothing at all," said Akira, taking a swig of his orange juice. "Just a bit tired, is all."
"I'm not surprised. You had an eventful day yesterday."
"No kidding. A terrorist attack, a fight in the sewers… we need to get this business done fast."
"Indeed, though you seem to be leaving something out."
Akira's stomach clenched painfully. "What do you mean?"
"My granddaughter, of course," said Sojiro matter-of-factly.
Akira leaned against the counter, thinking of the many ways this conversation may be about to go. "I was just trying to be respectful of your privacy," he half-lied.
"Uh-huh, sure," Sojiro nodded, not believing him at all. "What do you think of her?"
"What?"
"Did her behavior put you off at all?"
"I'd say I'm more concerned than anything."
Sojiro took an apple from a small basket on the counter and bit into it. He seemed far more relaxed than Akira had expected. At least, not ready to hurt him, by the younger man's reckoning. "You're concerned?"
"Yeah. Seems like she's had a rough life, though Takemi didn't tell me anything. 'Patient confidentiality', she said. All I know is her name and that she's your granddaughter."
"And that she's a shut-in."
"Uh, yeah." Akira looked away, taking another drink of his orange juice.
"You'd be right thinking she's had a hard life," Sojiro continued with a plain tone. "She was born into a yakuza family. That rarely involves a carefree upbringing." Sojiro paused, looking to Akira for a moment. The young man said nothing, simply looking to the distance. "You going to ask me about it, kid?"
"Nope."
"Why's that?"
Akira took a moment to reply. "It's family business. Not, like, 'Family' business, but your blood family's business. I'd like to help her honestly, at least extend a hand her way. Takemi asked me to, actually."
"She told me about that."
"So, if there's anything I need to know, I think I'll find out when the time is right. You're a man of many secrets, Sojiro. I don't expect you to spill your guts on your family history just like that. And frankly, I think that's okay. At least, in this scenario."
Sojiro paused once again, this time diverting his gaze to the distance. Akira watched him intently, waiting for a snarky or dismissive response. Instead, Sojiro let out a deep breath and simply said, "Thanks."
"Um, don't mention it," said Akira, slightly confused but relieved that they were not fighting in any way. "So," he continued, "you want me to try and see her every once in a while? I promise, nothing will happen to her on my account."
Sojiro chuckled with a nod. "You're willing to reach out to a girl who will hardly even speak to anyone?"
"My parents taught me to help anyone who needs it if I'm able, even just with small things. I think I'm capable of watching some anime with her, if the time ever comes."
Sojiro took another bite of his apple. "Sounds just like your parents," he said slowly. "Focus on your mission," he said, "but if you get some time… maybe swing by and say hi. I can talk to her about it."
Akira nodded slowly. "I'll do my best."
Sojiro nodded, then turned away and walked back up the stairs to his bedroom. Akira thought about the girl he had met the night before, her awkwardness and her shyness, her seemingly fearful nature. He felt for her, both sorry and curious as to how she came to be this way. His mom had always said that people will be placed on his path for him to help and lift up, even if it is something as simple as helping them off the ground from the fall. This seemed like a fulfillment of that notion, and if there was even one thing he could do for Futaba, he was resolute to do just that.
The rest of the day played out largely uneventfully. Takemi began her research into the "Shadow" drug, the yakuza and Akira's friends deigned to lay low for the day as the fallout of the terrorist attack slowly made itself known, with political and public views of the situations being flung into chaos immediately after the incident and continued to grow more complicated as the day went on. That politician, Okumura, was poised to make another speech some time the following day.
Indeed, the day was spent with Akira doing little but stare out the window of the penthouse in quiet contemplation, gazing out over the god forsaken city district. His friends joined him for a while, with the exception of Yusuke, who had excused himself to go see his grandfather. When asked for the reason, he did not say. Akira was left with little time to ponder these events when he received a call from one Goro Akechi, asking him to rendezvous at the Gates of Hell that evening to discuss important business. He was given little choice in the matter, and soon found himself being sat at a booth in the back of the club, Akechi sitting opposite him.
"Quiet night," mused Akechi, looking around the club. "I'd wager that the attack has everyone too on edge to enjoy such pleasures at the moment."
"That why you decided to meet here?" asked Akira.
"Indeed. None present would care about our business even if it were a holiday, bringing in a full house. But current events made this location seem optimal for a bit of an excursion."
"Why are we out here anyway?" asked Akira, leaning forward in his seat with a stern gaze (which he was trying to keep focused on the man in front of him rather than the scantily clad waitresses around him). "Know anything about Kaneshiro or the attack?"
"I'm afraid you misunderstand, Akira," Akechi leaned back in his seat, seeming far more relaxed than Akira was. "I'm not here on Family business, but that of my own accord."
"Meaning?"
Akechi took obvious notice of a passing waitress's shapely rear before replying. "I'm leaving, Akira," he said.
"What?" The younger man suddenly grew more genuinely interested in what his companion was saying.
"Come now, no doubt you saw me on the news, right?"
"Yeah, I did."
"Then certainly you must know that I am, in fact, an undercover agent."
"Think Sojiro said something about that before, but didn't tell me too much about it. You're undercover in the police?"
"That's correct," Akechi nodded. A waitress calling herself "Annie" then made a point of bending over their table as she served them their drinks of choice. Akira ordered some crisp green apple ale that was smooth as butter, whereas Akechi was now taking a swig of something more exotic he referred to as a "Boston Breeze". This particular concoction was comprised of orange and lemon juice, a splash of vodka, grenadine, schnapps and, according to Annie, a touch of forbidden lust, whatever that was. Akechi took a slow, long swig of his drink, let out a content sigh, then said, "I've been undercover for about a year or so now, reporting police activity to Kuze and the Boss, as well as helping both sides crack down on undesirable criminal activity that impedes on Sakura Clan business. Seems that I flew a bit close to the sun on this last case though."
"That kidnapping business seemed nasty. It might be inconvenient for your cover, but I think you did the right thing helping those people."
"I agree. The kidnappers were the lowest of scum. I'd dare say on Kamoshida's level." Akira's eye twitched, and Akechi noticed but did not say anything. "God only knows what would have happened to the child had we not intervened when we did. Shame about the mother though, no one should ever have to die in that way."
"How did you find out about the kidnapping? Were they locals?"
"Sorry," Akechi smirked. "I've compromised my cover enough already. Can't air all my secrets to the breeze, not while I still have a few left."
"Funny. You really see yourself as some sort of spy, huh?" asked Akira, his mood lightening ever so slightly.
"I don't know of any man who grew up not fantasizing about being a spy serving justice from the shadows. Though this is far more tangential to my professional reputation and the expectations set upon me than any boyhood fantasy."
"But if you're leaving, then what are we doing here?"
"Isn't it obvious? I've come to party and enjoy my last night in the city of decadence."
"And you invited me along… why?"
"Are you always so damn ungrateful, Akira? I invited you along because I thought 'What the hell? Let's see if I can spend my last night before going on the run with a friend'. I apologize if that notion seems outlandish."
"It's understandable, I'm just not entirely caught up on the 'friend' thing. I'm sure you have plenty of friends in the Kuze Family, right?"
"That's where you'd be mistaken, actually. You see, I've never gotten along well with the normal yakuza types. Burly, braindead brutes, most of them. Only concerns are yen and women and looking strong to gain more yen and women. You, however, are not like those barbarians who think they're the kings of the city just because they have fancy suits. You carry yourself more like, well, a normal person, Akira. And admittedly, I find that rather refreshing."
"I'm flattered," Akira replied. "And I can see your point. When we first met, you never really struck me as a yakuza. Makes sense you wouldn't quite feel in your element with them."
"Never have, and I doubt I ever will."
"Then why are you one anyway?"
"As embarrassing as it may be to say," said Akechi, "the real reason is… justice."
"That's rather surprising, considering your career path."
"I never intended to stay in this line of work forever, but its proximity to the movers and shakers of this city made it a simple choice. And the benefits," his eyes once again fixated on the waitresses, "are rather incomparable to other careers."
"What do you need from the movers and shakers? On some sort of quest?"
"Of sorts. I've bore witness to many acts of savagery and barbarism left unpunished thanks to the inaction of those with power. At least now, in this band of miscreants, I am capable of making a difference, when the time comes."
"Does this trip away feed into your quest for justice."
Akechi chuckled, a confident smirk coming to his face as he took another drink of his cocktail. "You're smarter than some give you credit for," he said. "You will know in time. After all, I am still a loyal soldier to the Sakura Clan, and what sort of soldier would I be to abandon my lord in wartime. But alas, I'm not here for this benign and depressing conversation. We have other matters to attend to."
"I had a feeling," said Akira. "What do you have in mind?"
"Well, Vincent is out for the evening, but Catherine happens to be present. I've booked a session with her, and I took the liberty of finding a suitable courtesan for yourself, my friend."
Akira paused, mulling over the implication of such an appointment in his head. "Sorry, but I'll have to pass."
"And… why's that?"
Because there's another woman I don't want to piss off, he thought. "Just not my thing," he said.
"How presumptuous of you," Akechi's smirk faded to a colder, indignant stare. "Remember what I said the first time we came here? No matter what your thing is, the ladies here are happy to oblige. Trust me." Before Akira could protest further, Akechi raised a finger to silence him. "And I shan't take no for an answer. I've already gone to the trouble of finding you a good match, so the least you can do is get some cuddle time in, for fuck's sake. Waitress!" he called to one of the girls, getting her attention. "Would you be so kind as to inform Catherine that we are ready for our sessions?"
"It will be only a moment, Master," she bowed to them, then strutted off.
I have a really bad feeling about this, thought Akira.
It was in truth two moments before they were led off to the back rooms by the same waitress. Before them, down a long, narrow hallway lit with red and yellow colors, was a row of inconspicuous brown doors. Akira had no experience with this sort of thing, and did his best to not show it on his face or in his body language. Whether or not he actually succeeded in this was not known to him.
One door at the end of the hall opened, and out strutted Catherine in a similar camisole to the one she wore their previous encounter. Behind her, walking with less swagger in her steps, was another girl. Her hair was short and white in a rounded bob cut, her eyes were a foggy blue, her mouth was dainty as was her general expression and posture, which seemed passive and more reserved compared to the sexual social butterfly that was Catherine. As his eyes trailed further down the new girl's features, including a modest but attractive bust, Akira became unknowingly fixated on an outstanding figure to her hips and thighs, betraying the daintiness of the rest of her. He did not even immediately catch on to Catherine beginning introductions as she approached them.
"Good evening, babes," she greeted them with a bubbly smile. "I'm please to introduce one of our newest girls on offer, who will be taking care of you tonight, Akira," she winked at him enticingly. Akira then took a half step backward. "Her name is 2B."
"2B?" asked Akira incredulously. "Sorry, I don't follow."
Akechi sighed, rubbing his eyes with annoyance. "It's a stage name, Akira," he corrected him. "Just play along."
"Right, sorry," said Akira sheepishly.
"Oh, good God," Akechi whispered. He breathed deeply, calming herself before saying, "Well, Catherine, let's allow the new kids to get acquainted. Don't want to waste any of their time." He put an arm around Catherine's waist and was led off to one of the rooms down the hall.
The girl called "2B" then opened the door to Akira's left and motioned for him to enter. "This way, Master," she said.
"Uh, thanks," replied Akira awkwardly, entering the room. It was small, cozy, with a queen size bed in the middle and a nightstand next to it with a bottle of wine placed on top. Akira hesitated to guess at what was kept within the drawers.
2B stood before the bed, folding her hands in front of her crotch as she bowed to him respectfully. "Thank you for coming this evening," she began. "I have been made aware this is your first time using our services, so please do not hesitate to ask me any questions you may have." She stood up straight again, and a smile appeared on her face. Rather than that of an extroverted seductress like Catherine, this smile was more friendly, calm, plain but in a good way. "I am here to please you any way you like, Master. It is my honor to do so."
Akira offered a respectful smile back. "Thank you for that, though I'm honestly not sure what I should do. I am a bit curious: what does your name mean?"
"There's a bit of a story behind that," she said, her tone remaining stable and calm. "My character I play here is that of an android designated '2B', created specifically for the pleasure of humans."
"Um – oh," Akira stammered.
"Some people enjoy the novelty of the roleplay. It can be taken many ways, create many stories, though most of them just end with me acting as if my neural processors have been overloaded with pleasure."
"That's… exotic." Akira then, in spite of himself, let out a small laugh at the implication. "Oh, sorry," he apologized. "I swear I'm not laughing at you."
"Hey, it sounds ridiculous out of context," said the girl. "I understand completely. Though if you would like to try it, I'd be happy to. You seem like a nice person."
"Thanks, but I think I'll pass." Akira then sat himself on the bed, and 2B sat next to him, her posture perfectly straight while his was slouched forward, resting his arms on his lap. "Honestly, you can leave if you want."
"What do you mean?"
"I won't be partaking in your services tonight. I was strong-armed into coming."
2B nodded slowly. "That Akechi person forced you?"
"More like 'strongly encouraged'. He took care of the reservation, and I'd already been pissing him off tonight trying to get out of it. Besides, you seem like a sweetheart."
"Well, thank you," she smiled to him. "But may I ask why you do not want my services? Can I see if another girl is available for you?"
"No, that's not it at all," Akira blushed, afraid he had offended his courtesan. "I just… don't want to give my first time away like that."
"I see," she nodded again. "Well then, we will not do such things. But I can do anything else you want. Even just cuddle and talk if you like."
Akira looked down to the floor pensively, then thought about everything he had gone through, everything he was going through, and finally thought about Ann. They were not dating, this girl was being completely accommodating with him, and with that, he relaxed his shoulders a bit. "That might be nice," he said.
"Whatever you want. For the next ninety minutes, I am only what you wish of me."
Akira gave her a tiny smile, then his eyes trailed downward, and he found it difficult to regain his train of thought when his gaze fell on her thighs. "Well, what are you really?"
"What?"
"What's your story? You know, aside from the android thing."
2B seemed perplexed at his inquiry. "You want to know about me?"
"Your android schtick has me interested. I mean, must be a bit of a story behind that, right?"
"Well, I know that you have quite a story too," said 2B. "Probably much more interesting than my own."
"I'd rather hear yours," Akira said more curtly than he had intended. Luckily, 2B seemed unphased.
"Well, if it pleases you." She shifted her weight on the bed, looking to the door instead of her client. "It's really not so special. I'm low on money, and was in debt to a host who pretended to care about me when I was at my lowest. Then I met Catherine by sheer coincidence while I was trying to pawn off anything I could to get some money in my pocket to pay off the host since, well, he started threatening me if I didn't pay him off. Catherine and I ended up talking over coffee at Café Alps, and she offered to pay of my debt in exchange for me working it off here at the club. Master Vincent took care of the payment himself."
"Quite the good Samaritan," said Akira. "Are you happy here working like this?"
"I'd been thinking about becoming a working girl for a while to pay off my debt, but I was afraid of where and how I would be working for that host if I did. Vincent and Catherine have treated me with nothing but respect, set me up with a better apartment, and kept me safe the past couple months. I should have my debt paid off by Christmas."
"I'm happy for you," Akira smiled at her.
2B bowed her head to him. "Thank you, Master," she said. "That is my only goal."
"But what about the name?"
"Well, that's because I seem kind of introverted, if you haven't noticed. It makes the roleplay more believable."
"Are you roleplaying right now?"
"A little bit. I honestly just feel comfortable like this."
"Well, don't let me stop you, if that's the case."
"Oh, but you can," said 2B. "I will do anything if it pleases you, and doesn't involve me getting hurt."
"Wouldn't dream of it."
"I had a feeling, but thank you anyway. You seem like a kind master."
"Wouldn't call myself a master, but I try to live a kind life."
"Perhaps too kind," 2B smiled again. "We've spent the whole time talking about me. Please, allow me to comfort you, at least."
Akira sighed with a smile, then leaned back on the bed. "Well, for someone as sweet as you, I can't really say no. Haven't done this in a while though."
"Are you saying you're out of practice with cuddling?" 2B covered her mouth to repress a small, girlish chuckle.
"Could be," Akira joked. "Like I said, it's been a while."
"I'm sure you're still perfectly capable, Master." 2B then started crawling on the bed toward the pillows, swaying her ample hips as she did. Akira followed her, and he soon found her laying her head on his chest, his arm wrapped around her and resting on midsection. His hand traced from that point to her hips, gracing her lush thighs, and traveling back upward. "You could have fooled me, Master," 2B flirted with a high-pitched, innocent voice.
"Guess I still got a bit left in my muscle memory."
"I'd say so." 2B's hand then started traveling up his chest, down near his waist, and back up to grace his cheek. "Is there anything you want to talk about? Anything you can think of, I'm willing to listen."
Akira looked up the ceiling, thinking about the many, many things he could possibly talk about, all of which were unpleasant. But there was soft music playing in the room, and the warmth of this woman's body calmed him enough to think that whatever he may see will not leave this room. "I guess… I'm afraid… angry…"
"At what?"
"My circumstances. Afraid of them and angry at them. I shouldn't be here, in Kamurocho. I should be at home, far away."
"You'd be surprised how many people say that same thing."
"Most people haven't gone through what I have."
"But you did come out the other side."
"Hmm?"
2B kissed his neck, scratched his chest lightly with her nails. "You're here, with me, alive and well. That has to count for something."
"I guess so. Just hard to believe at times."
"We've all heard about you, you know. All the girls think you're amazing, thank you for what you did. We were all afraid."
Akira looked away, but his hand tightened on 2B's shoulder for a moment, just enough to be noticed. "I don't like to talk about it, but… thanks. I appreciate it."
"You're welcome. If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine. Just wanted you to know that we all sleep a little better at night because of you."
Their eyes met. 2B smiled at him, and Akira returned that smile. She truly was beautiful in every way. "Thanks for this," he whispered.
"You're welcome," she whispered as well. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"
"Just… stay here a bit. It's… relaxing."
2B nodded, then leaned up and kissed his cheek, right under his ear. "You're tired," she whispered to him. The room started getting darker. "Sleep if you want. I'll be here when you wake up." The room grew darker still. The music grew more distant. "You deserve a rest…"
The room became dark, and there was not but a vague warmth and weight to Akira's side for a moment. There was quiet, peace, and for a moment, the world was not but a silent and still dream.
Then there was a repeated banging on the door.
"How's the, uh, baby-making comin'!?" the voice of Akechi shouted, causing Akira to shoot up in the bed. 2B nearly fell off said bed.
"What the fuck?" Akira muttered, his brain quickly coming back to reality from his sleep.
"I asked you a question, hero!" Akechi called again, his voice seeming slowed and slurred. "Did you actually fucking do anything tonight? I paid for the good shit, for Christ's sake!"
Akira got to his feet and flung the door open, being greeted with the image of Akechi standing slumped over in front of him. His eyes were red, his pupils seeming dilated. His face was even somewhat pale, which further accentuated the most prominent detail Akechi noticed: his lips and mouth were covered in blood.
"Jesus, Akechi, what the hell happened to you!?"
"Oh, this?" Akechi smiled wide, showing his bloodstained teeth in their full glory.
"Yes, that! Did you get in a fight or something?"
"Do I look injured to you?"
"No, and that's what's got me more confused!"
"Would you believe I'm a… a… um, the fuck is it called…? Oh! A vampire?"
"What?"
"Yeah, didn't think so." Akechi then instantly became distracted, looking over Akira's shoulder to 2B, who was standing in the corner of the room awkwardly. "So, did ya drain this hero's balls like a good girl?" he called to her.
"Would you shut up!?" Akira blurted out. "And tell me why the hell you have blood on your face."
Akechi suddenly became much more serious, the blood on his face and strange, abnormal gaze making him look intimidating, even frightening. "C-c'mon," he stammered, "your ninety is up. We'll talk in a moment. Gotta go to the restroom and clean up anyway."
Akira looked back to 2B, making sure she was okay. He nodded to her, said "Thank you again," with a smile, and she simply bowed to him with a similar smile.
"Take care, and thank you for being with me tonight," she waved to him. Akira waved back, then caught up with Akechi in the restroom.
His companion was splashing his mouth with water, letting the blood wash down the drain. He washed his face, keeping the water cold, then caught his reflection in the mirror. He looked a dozen different varieties of "high off his ass", but did not seem bothered by it.
"Where's Catherine?" Akira pressed him, fearing some altercation had occurred.
Akechi spat out more bloody water before responding, still haunching over the sink. "Taking a… nap."
"What did you do to her?"
"Exactly what I paid for, idiot," Akechi snapped back. "And what she consented to, as she has three, eh… four times before." Akechi looked into the mirror, staring at Akira's reflection as his long hair fell over his bloodshot eyes. "This may come as a surprise to you, Akira, but not everyone just likes missionary in the dark. This," he pointed at his mouth, "is just another facet of what we big kids call 'sex', not that you'd fucking know."
The word "vampire" stuck out to Akira in his mind, and he began putting the pieces together. "You're a hemophiliac," he said, crossing his arms disapprovingly.
Akechi smiled again, his reflection showing that his teeth were still stained in blood. "Guess I didn't give you enough credit. Apologies. I'm not exactly in my normal state of mind right now."
"That's obvious," Akira muttered.
"And sorry for getting snippy with you, friend," Akechi turned around, leaning against the counter as he dried his hands and face with a small towel. "I'm coming down from a high, and it can make me irritable, out of sorts." Akira did not respond, instead looking away at his own reflection, wondering how he got dragged into all this. "If you are so put off by a damn fetish," Akechi continued, "then there's no way you'll make the cut in a war."
"What?" Akira sneered at him.
"That wasn't meant to offend you, but caution you," said Akechi. "Tell you what, you've already done quite a lot for the Clan, and I know you want to be well shut of this business. Instead, you're getting dragged more into it. What if I told you that I can pull you out of this shitshow?"
Akira was given pause at that. "What are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about getting you a cab to… wherever it is you live. Consider it a final professional courtesy. Give me the address, and you'll be home by morning. I'm getting the hell out of here myself tonight."
"Kind of you to offer, but…" he trailed off, tempted for a moment to rescind his statement and say 'Yes! For the love of God, get me out of here!' But alas, he did not. "I have other matters to attend to, other people to help here. It wouldn't be right for me to leave now."
"And it was right for your family to abandon you to this fate? Don't you want to at least give them a piece of your mind?"
"I do," Akira admitted, "but only after I've helped my friends. Sorry, but that's how it's going to be."
Akech shook his head and placed the hand towel to the side. "Suit yourself," he said. "Hope you don't come to regret it."
"If I do, it's on me. And you can say 'I told you so'."
Akechi chuckled, making his way to the door. "That, I indeed shall. Now come, I need to get going."
They soon found themselves out on the street, the nightlife of Kamurocho as busy as ever. Akechi rubbed his eyes, still trying to sober up before saying, "Well, I guess that's all she wrote." He extended his left hand to Akira, and in spite of what he had seen a minute earlier, Akira shook it with a firm grasp. "Farewell, Kurusu Akira," Akechi proclaimed. "May the next time we meet be in this Hell, if any at all."
Akira chuckled at that stupid line, but did not begrudge him it. He was high off his ass, after all. "Take care, Akechi. I hope you find what you're looking for out there."
"'Tis all we can hope for, friend." Akechi turned away, looking down the street. "And it shall be mine… one day."
Akira watched him walk away for a moment before leaving himself. He felt a tad embarrassed at his behavior and jumping to conclusions, but Akechi seemed not to care much now that he had calmed down. All's well as ends well, he surmised, as he made his way onto Tenkaichi Street toward LeBlanc.
Wading through the crowds of people enjoying the pleasures of the night, Akira barely even noticed someone… conspicuous approaching from the other end of the street. A woman, tall and fair, wearing a hat and sunglasses after ten at night. He slowed his step, as she seemed to be staring right at him. She slowed her walk as well, and indeed, was watching him intently. She came up toward him, standing a couple meters away as they stopped in their tracks.
Rolling eyes fall…
Ruling dies out…
The woman removed her hat, revealing a cascading waterfall of silvery, wavy hair. She then took off her glasses, and Akira saw a more mature version of Makoto standing before him. He narrowed his gaze as he realized this was, in fact, Sae Niijima, the new hero of Kamurocho.
Sae smiled at him, confident and knowing. Was she here to arrest him? Did she even know who he was? That certainly seemed the case, but she brandished no badge like most police did when making an arrest. Instead, she simply smirked at him, as if peering into his very soul.
"So," she spoke, her voice both beautiful and menacing, "you're the kingslayer, huh?" Her smirk widened to a downright cocky grin, and Akira lowered his gaze to a steely glower as their gazes locked like a legendary duel.
It was going to be a long night.
Rolling eyes fall…
Ruling dies out…
[Reviews are always appreciated.]
