Hello, sorry for the long wait and thank you for your patience with all my fanfics. Life's been busy, but I will continue to update them as soon as I can. As for this story, I decided to make it longer than a two-shot, so bear with me.
Thanks for all the comments!
It was raining and dark in the alleyway, but that didn't stop the pain from whirling up within him. For 17 years, he had searched for him, only to find out that he had a grown son. He thought back at the report he received only an hour ago.
Name: Takaba Ryuuta
Age: Unknown, estimated 15-17 years old.
Education: High school graduate from abroad.
Occupation: Currently works at Headline Magazine as a photographer.
Father: Most likely is Takaba Akihito
Mother: Unknown.
Ryuuta entered the country alone about a month ago. Got the job on the same day and rents a small apartment near his work. Reason for coming to Japan is unknown.
15 to 17 years old.. A son who's not mine. You didn't wait long Akihito, is this why you left. To have a child with some women?
Its not that the thought hadn't come across him over the years. He himself had intercourse with multiple people. But, he didn't want to consider the thought that his kitten could build a family and a future with another, not after what they shared and experienced. But there he was, standing in the dark alley-way as he waited for that very family member, like he did for his kitten so many years ago.
Takaba...Ryuuta.
He watched as the boy turned the corner and headed towards them, his hands over his head as a failed protection against the pouring rain. His eyes on the floor checking for puddles. As shoes came into view, the boy lifted his head to see the three men wearing black suits taking cover under umbrellas.
Asami took note of his slender figure as the wet clothes latched onto the boy. But what caught his attention was the fierce look in the boy's eyes. He couldn't tell the colour in the dark but he would never mistaken the fire that resembled his lost kitten's. He didn't know what to think, and at that moment, he simply didn't want to.
"Hello, Takaba Ryuuta-kun."
Ryuuta froze, nothing good ever came about when face to face with men in nice suits, who waited in an alley-way for you under umbrellas even thought the downpour was sudden and the weatherman was wrong. And as if that wasn't enough, they knew his name.
Great. I've been in Tokyo for barely a week, and I already caught the bad guy's attention...Think Ryuuta. Think.
"Hello... Mr. Yakuza...-san..."
Ryuuta felt the cool air chill, he felt as if the rain froze and became daggers. Every drop felt sharper and deeper on his skin. In the time it took for the man's expression to change, it felt like time slowed and hours past. The grin was not one of being proud or smug. It was one of danger. The eyes that shone through the darkness peered through him as if they belonged to a lion who was locked onto its prey. Suddenly, all the lights in his brain started ringing danger, within a moment, his body caught up and reacted. He jumped back with his front foot, twisted around and ran.
If his father taught him anything, it was how to sense danger and run. He ran as fast as he could, not taking note of the streets he couldn't recognize. He swept through the people, sharply turned the corners, ignored the puddles on the ground as it soaked through his shoes and socks. He just ran, as far as his legs could take him.
When the rain settled down a little, his paced slowed until it came to a complete stop. He took large breaths of air before taking note of his surrounding.
Where the hell am I?
He found himself by the river side. Lights from the bridge reflected into the river, creating an endless stream of glitters.
Wow. Its beautiful.
He reached for his wet backpack, glad it protected his camera from the rain. At this moment, he wanted nothing more than to preserve the image in front of him. His father had taught him the tricks to taking night photographs. It was more of an art than any other. About capturing that perfect amount of light within the darkness. His father called it painting with light.
As he focused on his viewfinder, watching the light flicker above the water, he remembered the three men. The one who called out to him was memorable. He stood in the center, under a dark red umbrella that reminded him of blood. He had an air around him that portrayed power and prestige. But more than that, it was his eyes that captured him. That made him freeze upon contact.
He was probably the big boss, he had that kind of air to him. But...why did he know his name? Payback for taking the photographs of the politician the other day? Mayu-san did say he was making deals with the underground world. That means the yakuza's doesn't it.
Deciding there was no point pondering about it, Ryuuta put his attention back on view in front of him. He focused the lenses and as his fingers pushed down and captured the beauty of the river, he couldn't stop his mind from being drawn to the Yakuza man under the red umbrella.
Somehow, he seemed different. Than those yakuza's who get involved with superficial politicians. It was dark, raining and scary, but... he had this air around him. An air that portrayed power and prestige. Like someone from a high society. And his eyes... I was probably imagining it, but they looked like a lions golden eyes. Eyes that pierced through darkness and people alike... A damn.
He closed his eyes, annoyed by his train of thought. combing his wet hair back, he shook off the strange feelings and thoughts regarding the yakuza man.
"Looks like we lost him."
"Damn that Kid's quick."
"He's just like his father, brave and quick."
"Ryu, should we send our men after him?"
"No. We know where he will go. Let's wait for him."
"Hai"
'What did you just say Kou"?
"I said Asami-shacho went to his house, do you want to go?."
"No, before that,"
"Before? That Kirishima texted me, telling me that they went to meet Takaba's son but he ran away?"
"Takaba's son...?"
" I know, I can't believe it either. That Akihito has a son."
Takato was in shock. Its been years since he even heard Akihito's name bring said within the company. Since any news of him was found. He never said it out loud, but if he was being honest. He had given up on Akihito being alive. He thought he got in trouble with another group and got buried underground or sent to the bottom of a lake while chained to concrete, never to be found. But to learn 17 years later, that he could be alive, that he even had a son...
"Takato! Are you listening?"
"Huh? What?"
"Like I said. Do you want to go meet him? I got the address."
"Kou. Is it really Akihito's son?"
Kou understood what Takato meant. Its been 15 years since they decided to join the Sion group. Staying close to the person with the highest chance of finding their friend. And seven years since just about everyone gave up the search. During those first 10 years working at Sion, they came to understand Akihito's attraction to the man named Asami Ryuuichi. He was a man worth following. They witnessed the way he changed after losing their friend, how hard he searched for him and the emptiness that began to grow within him. Between wishing for Akihito's safety and his return, they wished for the two of them to reunite.
"Takato, don't you want to take a chance?"
"...I do."
"I'll bring the car around."
"A-ACHOO!"
"Bless you."
"Than-A-A-ACHOO!"
"oh my, are you okay son?"
"Yes, thank you. It seems running in the rain and then walking in the cold wasn't the best of ideas."
"Hahaha, that would make anyone sick. Be sure to take a hot shower and drink tea when you get home."
"Thank you, I will be sure to do that."
"Well, this is my stop, take care son."
"Have a good night."
"You too!"
Ryuuta waved goodbye to the kind stranger as the train doors closed. He was glad to meet nice people so far from Canada.
I guess you can meet kind people everywhere, like the stranger, Maya-san, my landlord and Chief. Sill, I do miss our home in Canada. Everyone was really kind there, and I need to visit father's grave. Mother, hurry up and let me find you... I'm cold.
He pulled his legs towards him and wrapped his arms around them, laying his head down, he fell into a light slumber.
"Isn't he late? Maybe he won't be coming."
"That's not possible Suoh. He's only been here for about a week, he has nowhere else to go. And without knowing we would be here, he has no reason to go elsewhere."
"That's true."
"And. What brings you guys here?"
"Asami-shacho, how could you not tell us you were meeting Akihito's son."
"I don't need to when you've got Kirishima giving you info."
"Sorry Asami-sama. I promised I would keep them up-to-date with info concerning Takaba-sama."
"I know, its alright."
Takato looked around the 6-tatami room, nothing reminded him of Akihito until he saw a digital camera on the counter.
"Is he really Akihito's son?"
"...It is."
"Asami-san..."
"He resembles him in so many ways, you two can take a look for yourself and see."
"Hai."
Ah... I'm so tired and cold. I can't believe I fell asleep on the train. Making my 10 min. trip into an hour trip... Father would laugh at me.
Ryuuta felt relieved when he was his apartment building come into view. The evening's events took a toll on him, he decided he would skip the shower, change and go straight to the tea. There was nothing else like coming home after an eventful day, something his father would often say. In this moment, he fully understood the meaning behind those words.
He walked passed the mail box and straight to his door, taking out his keys and inserting them into the keyhole, all the stress in his body dissipated as he turned the key and heard the familiar click of the door unlocking. He turned the knob, opened the door and entered his home. He threw off his shoes without looking down, and tiredly headed towards his 6-tatami room.
His apartment had a very simple layout, from the entrance there was a corridor that opened up to a 6-tatami room with a connected washroom and kitchenette. He had been lucky to find the place for cheap as it was believed to be haunted as the previous tenants committed double suicide. Half not believing in ghosts, and half wanting to take a photo of them if they did, Ryuuta jumped to the opportunity.
Upon entering the room, Ryuuta found himself with four ghosts drinking tea as they sat around the only table he had in the room.
So...the double suicide wasn't with a girl it seems... or was it a quadruple-suicide? Ah. I see, its a dream. I must still be sleeping on the train, that's why they are drinking tea. That must be it...
...
...
...LIKE HELL IT IS.
Suddenly all the exhaustion in his body evaporated, a dose of adrenaline filled his veins. He looked again and took note of the yakuza looking men.
Damn. They know where I live. Why didn't I think of the possibility!
He took one step back, turned and dashed for the entrance, deciding to abandon his shoes. Just as he reached for the door handle, the door swung open, revealing a large blond man who now blocked his only exit.
"Oh, you're finally back."
"Suoh! Bring the kid back.
"Sure thing."
I knew it. Nothing good comes from yakuza looking men in nice suits...
"Takaba Ryuuta-kun, your father is Takaba Akihito correct."
"H-how do you know my father's name?"
"Ryuuta-kun, we're acquaintances of your father, there is no need to be alarmed. We will not harm you. My name is Takato, I am your father's friend. We've been looking for him since he disappeared 17 years ago."
"That...that's a lie. I mean, you guys are part of the yakuza right. My father said he chased after criminals, so why would he be friends with them. How do I know you're not the one who chased him out."
"The boy's got a point. That's right, we're dangerous men. So I suggest answering our questions before you give us a reason to harm you. Where is Akihito?"
"..."
"Asami-sama, you're scaring the boy."
"Hmph, and yet his eyes are burning with defiance.
"A-Asami? You're name is Asami!?"
"Its Asami-sama to you boy, watch your tongue."
"Do you have a sister? Of course! Why didn't I think it was a last name."
"Settle down boy, he doesn't have a sister. Asami is the only Asami."
"Oh... Then! Takato-san, you said you were my father's friend, you must know a woman named Asami who he was involved in right?"
"Wait, wait wait kid. Why are you looking for a women named Asami?"
"Why? Because that's my mother's name."
Everyone in the room fell silent. The same taught going through their minds. 'Did Akihito get together with a women named Asami?' In a deep menacing voice, Asami was the first to break the silence.
"Boy. I don't want to hear about your mother. I will only ask you one more time, where-is-Akihito?"
Ryuuta felt the chills from across the table, he looked up to the yakuza man for the first time that night and clearly saw the golden colour of his eyes that bore down on him.
So, they were golden...
"My father...passed away last month..."
As the words left his lips, he saw those golden eyes become duller as the seconds pass, until they were almost unrecognizable.