The next morning she showed up to work a few minutes early with a cup of coffee in hand.
Tomoya lay hunched over his desk, face obscured.
"Hi," she greeted.
He made a non committal sound, not moving from position.
She sighed and grabbed the files off the desk and began looking through them.
"How are you even awake?" Tomoya finally raised his head blearily.
"I wake early anyway. Plus coffee." she answered.
"Pfttt." He blew a raspberry at her, groaning as he sat up.
She passed him back a couple files as she continued to look through the other ones. "So what are we working on today?"
"Remember that money plant?"
"Yeah?"
"Went boom last night. Got clear security footage though." He gave her a smile. "Want to bust some firebugs?"
"Sure," she answered with a nod.
"Good." He shakily stood, one hand supporting his weight on the desk.
"You really should have taken a few days off.." she said critically.
"You might be right. Don't like the idea of you being without a partner, though." He finally straightened, breathing heavily.
"Why don't we take a few easier cases this week so you don't have to do as much?" She suggested. "Not that I don't want to be out there getting the gangs, but you really shouldn't be moving much."
He nodded slowly. "After this."
"Alright," she sighed. "So who exactly are we going after?"
"Ota wanna be's. Punks who are trying to join." He handed her two picture printouts. "Meet the Watanabes. Shoji and Kashiro. They'd cannibalize their own parents for an Ota tattoo."
She raised an eyebrow, "I never understood why anyone would choose to be in the mob.."
"Money. Power. Some are looking just to belong." He shrugged, then winced. "They hang out at a local park not far from here with the other small fry."
She nodded, "Alright. Let's go then."
He handed her the car keys. "You drive."
She nodded and went to start the car. She then headed to the park. After parking the car, she looked at him. "So what's your plan exactly? Just go arrest them?"
"You have a better idea?" He opened one eye to stare at her. "We have the security footage, so there's no doubt."
"Alright," she climbed out and waited for him.
A familiar face came toward them, his eyes radiating hostility. "Looks like Tokyo's finest are here to harass us innocents again."
Tomoya rolled his eyes. "You were never innocent, Fujikara. You were born a devil. Now back off before I decide to cuff you somewhere and forget the key."
"That a threat, Officer?" Haru gave Arya a wink before getting in Tomoya's face. One fist flew toward the detective's face as his other hand pushed something into his brother's pocket.
Arya watched with a scowl. She looked around carefully, trying to see if she could find the Watanabes.
Tomoya caught the fist, twisting Haru's arm as he tapped Arya's shoulder. "There they are. You going to need help?"
She shrugged, "You take one, I take the other?"
He chuckled, sweeping Haru's feet from under him before releasing the younger man's arm. "Sorry but I already have too much paperwork, Fuji-kun. Next time, we'll have fun."
Tomoya began to push through the crowd. "Hey, Watanabe! How's the arson business?"
Arya followed, watching the men.
"How would we know? This is police harassment!" One of them shrugged with a sneer.
"You're telling me these Kodak moments aren't you two?" Tomoya waved the printouts.
The men exchanged glances, then began to move away quickly.
Tomoya produced a taser and fired at one, giving a small smile as it connected. "Your lack of respect hurts me. Then again, I really should stop expecting so much from you yakuza scumbags."
Arya quickly moved toward the other one, grabbing onto his arm and pulling him back.
He tried to swing at her.
She blocked easily, punching to disorient him before wrapping cuffs around his wrists.
Tomoya dragged the other brother by the cuffs toward the car with a yawn. "That was uneventful. You two really are the bottom of the barrel, huh?"
Arya chuckled and put the man she caught in the car.
Tomoya deposited the other one beside hers, slamming the door closed as he looked at her. "Wasn't even worth getting out of the car. Let's go drop the trash off." He climbed into the passenger seat.
She drove them to the jail, taking the two men in before going back out to him, "So what now?"
"Your decision. We could go fill out paperwork or go see Haru. His note says he wants to meet."
"Alright. Let's go see what he has to say."
"Aside from cussing me out more? Got an earful before I came in today."
She chuckled, "Where are we meeting?"
"Same place as before." He winced and closed his eyes, one hand wrapping around his ribs.
"After we meet him, we'll go back to the office so you can rest."
"Maybe." He flashed her a smile.
She rolled her eyes and drove to the meeting place.
Tomoya forced himself out of the car, holding onto the door for support. His vision swam and he squeezed his eyes shut, concentrating on breathing slowly.
She went and wrapped an arm around him to steady him.
He tried to smile at her, then moved slowly toward the door. He got it open, briefly registering the empty hall and his brother's worried face before his vision began greying out. His knees started to buckle as the pain grew worse.
Arya caught him, gently lifting him and carrying him back to the car.
"Have..to meet.." He stuttered out between gasps.
"I'll meet Haru. You just rest." She closed the door, shaking her head.
Haru opened the billiards door, his eyes concerned. "He dying?"
"He really needs to stay home for a week or so. I'll manage without him."
"I tried. Short of keeping him drugged and tied to the bed it won't happen." The younger cop ruffled his hair in exasperation. "Anyway.. The Ota's are planning an assassination."
"Who?"
"Ichigo Hanamoto himself."
She froze for a quick moment before nodding. "What are they planning to do? Taking out Hanamoto won't take down the whole mob."
"Rumor is it'll be an ambush while he's out visiting a graveyard next week. And it'll cause a damn full on war." Haru scowled and kicked the door. "Something about an anniversary being the best time to send him to his ancestors." He sighed and looked at her. "I may have a solution to you and Aniki's little problem. You going to drop him home after work?"
Arya nodded, "I think this month is the anniversary of when the Ota's took out Hanamoto's parents," she said quietly. "And yeah, I'll drop him off."
He looked thoughtful, then nodded. "Try to keep him off the street, will ya? Maybe talk him into going back to the hospital? Then tie him to the bed?"
She chuckled. "We'll see."
"Have fun." He closed the door, disappearing into the billiards hall.
Arya headed back to the car and looked over at Tomoya.
He had his eyes closed, his hand firmly pressed to his side.
She sighed and started driving, deciding to take him home early. She pulled up to his house and went to open the passenger door.
He blinked slowly and frowned. "This isn't the office."
"You need to rest. I'll take care of things at the office."
"I'm fine." He gave her a weak glare.
"Just accept that you need to take things easy. You were shot! You can't just go back to normal the next day."
He grumbled, pushing himself out of the car. He paused, moving his hand and looking at it with a scowl as his fingers emerged red.
"Alright, get back in. You're going to the hospital."
"I don't want to.."
She sighed, "You're bleeding though and probably popped some stitches. But if you really don't want to, I won't force you."
"The Chief will appreciate it. He says half the budget goes to the hospital for me. Only question is how many did I pop and will I stay conscious to redo them myself or not.."
"I can do them," she said quietly.
The door to the house opened, Kaien emerging. He scowled as he came over to the car. "You just don't learn, do you Toya?"
The detective squinted at him. "What are you doing home?"
"Don't change the subject. Bring him in or force him back into the car?" The soldier glanced at Arya.
"Take him in."
Kaien nodded, hefting the semi conscious Tomoya and dragging him into the house. Laying his brother on the couch, the soldier pulled out the medical kit. He grimaced at the spreading stain on the detective's shirt. "Not sure this was the right choice."
Arya followed, "Don't worry, I'll take care of stitching him. Then you just have to force him to stay in bed for a while."
"I'll pull out the morphine then." He moved down the hall, entering another room.
Arya looked through the kit and grabbed out the supplies. She pulled up his shirt and began to stitch him up.
Kaien returned, quickly jabbing a syrette into Tomoya's arm. "How bad is it?"
"Not too terrible, surprisingly. It won't take me too long to finish."
"You skipping work too?" Tomoya's voice was lilting, his eyes struggling to focus on Kaien.
The soldier sighed. "We discussed this, Toya. My enlistment is up, remember?"
Arya quietly finished her task, bandaging Tomoya up.
Kaien brushed the hair back from his brother's face as the detective's eyes slipped closed. "Thank you for helping again."
She nodded and moved away, "I have to get back to the office."
He nodded. "Be careful."
She left, going to the car and starting back to the station.
Soon, she saw a car gaining on her. She sped up to try to avoid it but it came up beside her and rammed into her. She struggled to stay on the road but when rammed again, the car lost control and began spinning off the road. It hit something making it flip.
When she came back to consciousness she looked around in confusion, seeing a couple men outside her door.
"Is she dead?" The first one asked the second who shrugged.
"If she's not, we'll finish her off. Hanamoto-san will have to acknowledge us after this." The second man screwed a silencer on his pistol.
Arya looked up at them, "Hanamoto is my brother.. if you kill me, you're in for trouble.."
"We have your registration, Detective Sato." The man with the pistol took aim.
"You really think they'd let a Hanamoto join the police? You think I could do that with my real name? If you need me to, I'll call my Aniki." She took a deep breath, dizziness overwhelming her.
The men exchanged looks, the gun lowering. Then it rose again, aiming at her head. "We'll just go to the Ota's then."
"Drop it before I shoot you." A deep voice commanded.
Arya tried to see who was talking, blood dripping from her forehead, making her put her hand up to it.
Both men whirled, the gunman attempting to shoot the new arrival.
One shot rang out and she heard a gun clatter to the ground.
The first man yelped in pain, then was silent.
"Arya? Are you alright?" The voice came to her door, revealed to be Kaien holstering a pistol.
She nodded slowly, looking up at him through blurry eyes.
His eyebrow raised. "You are my brother's partner. Come on, let's get you out of there." He cut her seatbelt and wrenched the door open, lifting her out easily. "Hospital? Or do you want me to patch you up?"
"I can patch myself up.."
"You can't even see straight." He sighed. "Do you want a ride somewhere then?"
"Just.. my apartment would be good."
"Address?" He carried her over to a dark purple car and opened the passenger door with a foot.
She listed it, telling him the name of a fancy place with large penthouse apartments.
"You rich or inherited?" He gave a whistle as he climbed in beside her and started the car.
"My parents had a lot of money," she said quietly.
He winced. "Sorry." He pulled onto the road, making the trip in silence. As he pulled into the parking lot, he gave her a look. "Do you need help?"
She shook her head, "I'll be alright."
He sighed. "Okay. I'll pick you up tomorrow morning unless you want to meet at the station instead?"
She looked confused, "Why are you going to the station?"
He turned red. "Forgot to tell you with everything that happened. I'm joining the gang task force. Was supposed to be next week, but with my idiot brother getting shot, the Chief approved me to be your temporary partner."
She nodded slowly, "Okay. Well you can pick me up then."
He gave her a smile. "Is nine alright?"
"Yeah. Thank you for helping me."
"Don't mention it. I'll take care of those lowlifes and get your car towed. See you tomorrow."
"Alright." She gave him a small smile.
"Sure you don't need any help?" He climbed out and opened her door.
"I'll be fine. Thanks." She climbed out slowly and started to the apartment door.
He watched for a moment, then climbed back in and gave her a wave before pulling out and disappearing into the traffic.
She went inside and took a few minutes to patch herself up before calling her brother.
"Arya." He was smoking, his voice rough.
"Hi Aniki. How are you?"
"Stressed. But you don't want to know. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"
"I found some information. The Ota's are planning to take you out when you go visit the graveyard."
There was silence on the other end of the line. Then he asked "Why tell me?"
"Because I care about you Aniki. I don't want you getting hurt.."
"Wouldn't it make your job easier?" The word job was spat out venomously.
"I care more about you than my job. Not that I care about the mob more, but you.."
More silence, then a long sigh. "Sorry, Arya. Thank you for telling me." The phone clicked in her ear.
She sighed and stared at the phone for a few minutes before heading to her room to get some sleep.
In the morning, she went outside early and waited for Kaien to arrive.
He was late, his face drawn and worried when he did.
"What's wrong?"
"There was a drive by at the park where the Ota men hang out. Haru.." Kaien gripped the wheel tight as he stared down at the floor.
"You should be with him," she said quietly.
"Yuuto is. Only one visitor in the ICU was allowed. Toya is furious and I had to drug him again."
She nodded, "How bad is he?"
"No pulse originally. The paramedics got him back, but he was shot four times. It was a hit since he was the only one there at that time. Toya is convinced it's the Hanamoto's. I'm not so sure."
Arya sighed. "Well, we can look into it."
"Before or after he goes scorched earth on them?" Kaien pulled into traffic, face grim.
Arya sighed again quietly.
"Sorry. You don't need this first thing." He drove quietly, pulling into a coffee shop drive through and ordering.
He gave her a small smile. "Toya told me how you like yours. My treat."
"Thank you. And sorry to hear about Haru."
"Yeah. There's an even worse side to this. Our only source of information is gone now." He pulled up to the window, paying and accepting the two large cups.
She nodded, "We'll figure something out."
He handed one of the cups over, then pulled out and headed for the station. "I hope so."
She sipped her coffee quietly.
He pulled in, shutting off the engine. He leaned back and took a large gulp of his. "The still breathing ass from yesterday is in lockup and a friend says your car will be good as new tomorrow evening."
"Thank you so much."
"After everything you've done for Toya, consider it a show of gratefulness." He gave her a broad smile.
She smiled before climbing out of the car. "Let's get to work."
He saluted as he followed her. "Yes ma'am!"
They'd been reading through the files for hours when Kaien's phone rang. He answered it, eyes going wide. "We'll be there in twenty." He hung up, tears pricking his eyes.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. He's awake and wants to tell you something." He gave her a shaky smile.
She nodded and gave him a smile, "Glad he's awake. Let's go see him."
Kaien forced himself to walk, not run to the car. He slipped behind the wheel, saying a silent prayers of thanks as he waited for her.
She climbed in and waited, looking out the window as they took off.
Once there, he led her to the ICU waiting room where Yuuto was waiting.
"They're settling him in a private room. They'll tell us when he's ready." Yuuto gave her a smile. "He insists on talking to you immediately."
She nodded, "Alright."
Ten minutes later a nurse appeared. She led them to a closed door, then left.
Kaien opened it, grinning at the sight of Haru irritably flipping through the tv channels. He entered, Yuuto following. "I will have to think of a suitable punishment after this."
Haru gave him a disgruntled look. "Funny. When can I get out of here?"
Yuuto hung his head in frustration. "Haru, you nearly died!"
Arya watched him quietly.
Haru tossed the remote aside as he saw her. "Do you have any vacation time saved up?"
"Why?"
"Because my cover was blown last night. And the Ota's are gunning for you now, Hanamoto-chan."
She froze, eyes going wide.
"So it's true." Kaien watched quietly. "I dismissed your statement yesterday as a bluff. But it wasn't, was it?"
She hung her head and backed up a bit, "I... I'm sorry.."
"Why?" Haru leaned against the pillows. "You're a cop. You aren't one of them."
"I just want to help people.. But I'm a Hanamoto.. I don't really belong here. I don't care about the mob, but I still care about my brother.."
Yuuto touched her shoulder. "Of course you care, he's family. But you do belong here. You're a cop with a wish to help where he harms. And you're our friend."
"Are you going to tell Toya?" Kaien asked softly.
"I would have eventually... but with you guys all knowing, I guess I should. Plus, if the Ota's are after me, I don't want him to get in the way and get hurt."
"You do realize both families have been after him for years, right?" Haru raised an eyebrow at her.
She sighed, "I just don't want him hurt because of me. I wish I could ask my brother to call off coming after him, but we aren't on the best of terms.."
Kaien nodded. "Understandable."
Her cell rang, breaking the quiet.
"Hello?"
"Arya?" Tomoya's voice was pained and there were muttered voices in the background.
"Hey."
"They want you to come to the quarry at the city limits.." He coughed before continuing. "Say they have unfinished business, whatever that means." He paused as the muttering grew louder, then took a deep breath and yelled "Run, Arya! Hide! Don't co-"
There were the sounds of fists hitting flesh and a choked off cry of pain before a new voice spoke. "Be here in two hours. That is, if you want to see him alive again."
Her eyes darkened, "Alright." She clicked off the phone and took a deep breath.
"Arya?" Kaien's eyes were narrowed, his body tense.
"I have to go," she turned away.
He grabbed her arm. "Who was on the phone?"
"Someone has Tomoya..."
"You're not going alone." He looked at Yuuto. "I will have a guard put on the door and visiting hours waived. I want both of you to stay here."
Yuuto andHaru both gave a nod.
"I don't want you to get hurt. They're after me.." She said quietly.
"They have my brother!" Kaien growled menacingly. "And this is not just about you. I swore an oath over my parent's graves to keep Toya safe from these scum."
Arya sighed and nodded. "Alright. Let's go."
He opened the door and stalked toward the parking lot. "Where?"
"Quarry at the city limits."
He nodded, yanking the car door open. "They made their final mistake."
She quietly climbed into the passenger side, taking a deep breath.
The ride was silent, tension heavy in the air. Kaien parked a few blocks away, checking his gun's ammo. "We'll take them down and save him. Then it's your choice to tell him the truth or not. I'll keep your secret if you ask me to."
"I'll tell him," she answered with a small sigh. "Let's go." She checked her gun as well before reholstering it.
"It might be better if you don't." Kaien got out, his eyes dark. "There's bad blood between your family and mine. The truth would destroy you and him."
"He deserves to know. Even if he doesn't want to see or work with me again."
"He might kill you." The former soldier started walking toward the quarry.
"Alright.." She followed him.
There was a scream in the distance and Kaien clenched his fists before running forward.
She ran after him, praying Tomoya was alright.
Tomoya was finally revealed, tied onto a concrete slab. Blood was everywhere, his eyes semi open.
The man from the phone laughed as Kaien growled.
"Let him go!" Arya yelled at the man.
"Now, now. Let's not rush things." The man wagged a finger at her. "Negotiations first."
She growled, "What do you want?"
"For starters, the disbandment of the task force." The man brought out a whip, caressing it while giving her an evil smile. "For another, both your brother and you next to your parents."
Kaien snarled, taking a step forward.
The man quickly snapped the whip onto Tomoya's unprotected chest, eliciting a weak cry.
Arya cringed at the sound, "I'm not in a place to disband the task force. And I honestly don't know where my brother is right now. But let him go and you can have me."
The man pursed his lips thoughtfully. Absently, he toyed with the end of the whip. "Acceptable." He gave Arya a smile, then drew a pistol and aimed it at Tomoya.
Arya moved quickly, standing between the pistol and Tomoya.
The man's face became enraged. "You want to die first?"
"I'm not going to let you hurt him more. I'll give myself over just let him go now. He's been hurt enough."
"Did I ever say anything about releasing him? He has been a thorn in our side for too long." The man flicked the whip at Arya, the end wrapping around her waist and knocking her off balance.
Arya growled and pushed herself straight, moving to quickly release Tomoya from the wall. She glanced over at Kaien for a moment, "Get him out of here," before looking back at the other man.
He sneered at her. "Both of them will die sooner or later. Why prolong it?" He fired, Kaien throwing himself in front of Tomoya. The man pulled Arya towards a car, not waiting to see the result.
Arya barely fought back, knowing if he was occupied with her, he wouldn't be hurting her friends.
A bullet whizzed past her, lodging in the car door.
She looked back quickly in surprise.
Tomoya was on his feet above a crouched Kaien. His hands shook around the gun and his eyes were barely open. "Let her go. I'm none too steady with this at the moment and I might just shoot you by accident."
Arya watched quietly for a moment before finally speaking up, "Get yourselves out of here. Don't worry about me."
Tomoya rolled his eyes. "Shut up." He tried to clear his vision by shaking his head, but failed. Everything was still doubled and he could feel his knees buckling. "I won't ask again."
The man laughed. "You're barely on your feet." He placed the gun to Arya's temple. "Drop it or I spray her brains all over these rocks."
Arya took a deep breath, trying to not show any fear.
Tomoya hesitated, which allowed the man an opening. He smoothly pointed the gun at the detective and fired.
Tomoya fell backwards and disappeared as the mobster laughed and pushed Arya into the car.
Arya tried to fight tears, praying somehow Tomoya made it. She looked out the window quietly as the car took off.
The mobster shoved a cell into her hand. "Call your brother."
She took a deep breath before dialing his number.
The busy signal buzzed in her ear.
She sighed, "It's busy. He must be taking another call."
The mobster laughed. "Yeah. In hell." He parked and reaimed the gun at her. "Don't worry. You're going to meet him right now."
She closed her eyes, waiting for the inevitable.
The gunshot was loud. Arya felt something wet on her cheek.
She opened her eyes and looked around in confusion.
The mobster's headless torso fell into her lap.
She scrambled away from it, opening the door and stumbling out.
Two arms wrapped around her waist.
She looked around to see who had her.
Tomoya had a crooked grin on his lips.
Kaien approached from the other side of the car as he stowed his gun under his arm.
"You okay?" Tomoya's voice was shaky.
She nodded, her breathing slowing.
He relaxed, his breathing strained. His arms began slipping down slowly.
"Let's get you to the hospital," Arya looked at him critically.
"Only if Kaien goes too." Tomoya's voice was barely audible.
"I'm fine." The former soldier answered in annoyance. "You are not."
"Both of you should go. We'll get you taken care of, then we should talk."
Kaien nodded, then ran to catch Tomoya as he passed out. "Idiot."
Arya sighed and grabbed onto Tomoya, helping move him toward the car.
"Why is it he thinks he's invincible just because he's the oldest?" Kaien laid his brother in the backseat and then rested on the car.
She sighed and shook her head, "Let's get you both checked out anyway."
He nodded, sliding behind the wheel and starting the car.
Twenty minutes later, he pulled into the emergency entrance and got out. "I'll go get a gurney for him." The ex soldier disappeared inside, reemerging a few minutes later with a gurney and a doctor.
The doctor quickly looked Tomoya over, then looked at her. "Are you injured?"
She shook her head. "No, I'm fine."
"Alright. Detective Tomita is going to go into surgery, if you want to stay in the waiting room."
She nodded and made her way there, sitting down nervously.
Kaien sat down beside her, offering a cup of lukewarm coffee. "Thought you might need the caffeine."
"Thanks."
He sighed, ruffling his hair with one hand. "I'm sorry about all this."
She shook her head, "I'm sorry too."
He gave her an amused look. "What do you have to apologize for?"
"Keeping secrets."
"We all have our secrets, Arya. That's nothing to feel guilty about. I meant it when I said I'd keep yours."
"I know, but I don't think it's fair to keep it from Tomoya. If we're going to work together, he should know.. That is if he wants to still work with me."
"I doubt he'll be with it enough to remember much of today." Kaien winced as he shifted position in the chair. "At least I hope he won't. You're good for him and I don't want to see it end."
She nodded slowly before remembering her brother. She considered calling him but was unsure if she should.
Kaien looked at her. "Go do what you have to."
"I'm not sure I should call him.. I don't want to be a bother."
"He may be a criminal, but he's still your brother. I'm sure he worries about you."
She took a deep breath before nodding and stepping outside. She pulled out her phone and dialed up his number.
"Arya? Where are you? Are you safe?" Her brother's voice was panicked.
"I'm alright. We had a run in with the Ota's but I'm okay. Are you safe?"
"Barely. This is why I wanted you married, not doing that job."
"I'm sorry, Aniki.."
"If you are really sorry, quit. There are several bachelors who want to meet you."
"I'll think about it."
He sighed heavily. "Be careful, Arya." The phone clicked off, the dial tone buzzing in her ear.
She went inside, wiping at the tears in her eyes.
Kaien and Yuuto were listening to the doctor. Yuuto gave her a small smile, one hand on Kaien's shoulder.
Arya approached quietly, catching the tail end of what the doctor was saying.
"He is to stay as still as possible for at least the next two days. As for you," The doctor fixed his gaze on Kaien, "Try not to aggravate the stitches. And take both sets of pills, not just the antibiotics. It'll take longer to heal if you're in pain, since you won't stay here."
Arya watched Kaien silently.
He rolled his eyes, then caught her looking and nodded reluctantly. "Thanks Doc."
The doctor frowned, but didn't press the matter. He left the room as Yuuto forced Kaien into a chair.
"You are such a stubborn ass. Tomoya should have been your twin."
Arya gave a small chuckle and wiped at her eyes again.
"Why don't you go check on Toya? Make sure he isn't halfway out the window again." Kaien looked at Arya.
Yuuto chuckled half heartedly, then nodded and left.
"Your brother alright?" Kaien leaned back with a hiss.
"Yeah.."
"Want to talk?"
"He just.. he doesn't like my job and wants me to quit. Thinks I'll be safer if I just get married."
Kaien snorted. "First, criminals always want the effective cops to quit. Second, he's not afraid of his proposed brother in law being more afraid of you than him? No offense, but I don't want to piss you off and I'm a highly trained soldier."
She chuckled, "I'm just not sure I'm the type to settle down and marry.. I'd probably kill him. Though, my brother could always help with that.."
Kaien bit his cheek, trying not to laugh. "He may be your brother, but he's not your master. It's your life, live it as you wish. Don't let others rule you. Best advice I ever got from Toya."
She nodded, "I'll think about it. Thank you. I better go check on him.." She headed to find his room.
"Dammit Yuuto! Give me my pants!" She could hear him from down the hall.
"Not a chance. You aren't leaving that bed until the doc says so. I have better things to do than be in the bed beside you. Now behave." Yuuto exited the room, Tomoya's clothes under one arm. "He's all yours."
Arya chuckled softly before knocking and peeking her head in.
Tomoya was sulking on the bed, shirtless and heavily bandaged. The blanket lay around his hips, showing fresh bruising. He gave her a tiny smile as he saw her. "Come to jailbreak me?"
She chuckled before taking a deep breath. "I have to talk to you about something.."
He sobered as he looked at her. "I'm not going to like this, am I?"
She shook her head. "I completely understand if you don't want to work with me anymore after this. I just don't think it's fair for me to keep it from you."
"That sounds ominous. What is this big bad secret?"
"First off, I lied to you. I knew why the hitman was after me the day we met."
He shrugged. "I figured as much. I also figured you didn't completely trust me yet and would tell me eventually."
She nodded and looked down, "Also, my last name isn't originally Sato. That's my mother's name.."
"Okay…" He frowned. "Why are you telling me this?"
"I'm a Hanamoto.. my brother runs the mob," she refused to meet his eyes, tears filling her own.