The room was silent, no one moved, and like everyone else in the room, Takato couldn't take his eye's off of Asami. He'd never seen his boss so lost before.

Takato like the others didn't know how to react to the news. For years he tried to hold on to the hope that Akihito was alive and well living the simple life he always wanted; but in reality, he knew that they would never meet again.

Somehow, he wished to stay that way and to never know the truth.

This is too cruel Akihito. Your disappearance wasn't enough? You had to bring the news of your death with your grown son. Dammit Akihito, why did you-

Having been one of the few who knew of his relationship with Asami, the news of his son came both as a shock and a joy to have something of his friend left behind. He couldn't keep his emotions in check.

I just wish we could have seen you one more time, laugh together like we did so often in the past. Why... Why didn't you ask us for help Akihito...Why didn't you share it with us...

The news hit him hard, but he couldn't imagine how it hit Asami. He had grown a soft spot for his boss over the years and began to understand what attracted his friend to him. So it was hard to watch as the news sinked in.

"Kirishima-san, I believe we should take our leave for now and resume another day."

"...That would be wise. Asami-sama, let us go for now."

The men exchanged worried looks with each other, no response from Asami spelled worry. No one could expect his next move.

" Ryuuichi?"

"... ya, let's go." Asami had never felt so detached and empty. All he knew was that he had to get out of there.

With the bosses signal, the men stood to leave.

"Well, Ryuuta-kun, we will take our leave now."

" Ah, of course, thank you for coming..."

As the door closed. Takao saw the reflection of his old friend in the boy and let the sadness overwhelm him.

Aki...

Xxx

"They ambushed you at your apartment!?"

"shh Mayu! Quiet."

"Ah, sorry." Mayu couldn't believe the story she had just heard. Asami Ryuuichi, it's not a name uncommon to her and one that recently came up in her search. For him to be friends with Ryuuta's father, Takaba Akihito was more than puzzling.

"They were just waiting for me since I ran away from them when they tried to talk to me."

"Well ya, but they were the Yakuza right, who wouldn't run away."

"Right, well I think they are at least. They certainly dress the part."

"And they just left after you told them you're father past away?"

"... ya."

"Weird. But I guess if they were friends with your father then maybe they were looking for him."

"Looks that way, and once I told them he was gone, they lost interest in me."

"It's strange that they didn't know where he was, and it sounds like they didn't even know about you."

"It's like my father just disappeared without telling anyone, not even his close friends."

"Something must have happened, and finding your mother would probably tell us what it was. But to think Asami Ryuuichi has a connection with your father. I suspected but wow.

" Suspected? "

" I looked into your father's past. But honestly it brought more questions than answers, especially after hearing your story." Mayu put her sandwich down. "...do you want to hear it?"

".. I do... It's just... My emotions haven't settled down since meeting his friends. I thought I knew my father pretty well, I mean we spent all our time together. But now... "

" You feel like you know nothing about him?"

" He had a whole life here with people who cared for him and yet... Yet he just left. Changed his name and never looked back. Who does that?"

" Ryuuta, I don't have an answer for you, but you're still young, there must have been something that made him make that choice. And no matter what, it must have been a difficult choice to make."

"...you're right. I guess meeting his friends who were still waiting for him to return made me feel their pain of loss."

"Its easy to forget the other side of the story and their feelings."

"Please Mayu, tell me what you found."

"Are you sure? We can wait till you're ready."

"No, I want to know. I feel like I have to."

"Alright. I'll tell you what I found so far, then we can look more into those friends of his and hopefully find more."

"Sounds good. Thanks Mayu."

Mayu respected her friend's strength and vowed to help him.

"Anytime, so while I was digging around, I found a few strange things. First, your father Takaba Akihito dissapeard for a while over 22 years ago while he was working for our company. During that time, no one was able to reach or find him. Then one day over a month or two later, he came back as if nothing happened.

"That's... Weird."

"Right. So it was when he returned that he met Miratai. And since then they had worked together on many jobs. Or at least that's what the records show.

" He didn't even tell his work that he was taking time off? "

" Nope, but I believe he was working as a freelancer, so maybe he felt he didn't need to. Anyway, the second thing is that shortly after returning, he suddenly emptied out and left his apartment he had been renting our for a while. The weird part is, there's no records of him moving anywhere.

"What the hell? What's with the disappearance acts."

"I know, but he didn't disappear, he continued working just like normal."

"I don't get it, so he moved out without anyone knowing where he lived, but continued working?"

"Yup! That's what I said. So for the five years until he left Japan, he was most likely living with someone, or somewhere else."

"Wait, why 5 years?"

"Because, the timing of when he stopped working and you were born coincides to about 4-5 years later. Which means, he left Japan around then."

"...oh...right. Ok fine, but how can someone live somewhere or with someone without inputing their address."

"Well, it's not impossible, as long as he didn't need to, there was no reason to do it I guess."

"Do you think he lived with my mother."

"... I'm not sure. If it was, it took them five years to conceive, they would have gone for treatments or something, yet theres no records of that.

" True. What else did you find?"

"So take this." Mayu past a photo to Ryuuta, it was an old photo that changed the boys expression.

"This is..."

"Asami Ruiichi and Takaba Akihito. Photographed together in a warehouse. This picture means that they must have met before this. And can you guess who the photographer is?"

"... Miratai?"

"Correct, look at the back."

Takaba flipped the photo over and found a signed signature of Miratai along with a date.

"This is 22 years ago."

"Yup, it coincides with the time he moved out of his apartment. But this picture was never published."

"Never published? Because they were friends?"

"I'm guessing Asami Ryuuichi had something to do about it and ya that too. But the fact is that this Asami was in the wearhouse. Doesn't it look familiar?"

"Familiar?... Oh. The stalker photo."

"Right. The actress Ai's photo was taken in this wearhouse. I checked the date on it and it's the same as this photo. Both your father and Miratai had photos taken here that day. So somehow, Asami was involved in that case, either with the stalker or the actress."

"Wait. My father's phone number was published along with those photo's, was then maybe why he moved out and stayed hidden?"

"Hmm... It could be. There was a lot of buzz around the camera man and the actress at that time."

"Then this means that there is someone better to ask about all this, Asami Ryuuichi, he said they were friends and he was there during that time."

"Yes, that would be the best choice but... Honestly I'm worried."

"Worried? It's not like he's really a Yakuza."

"He might be."

"... What?"

"Asami Ryuuichi. I looked him up after finding this photo. I've only heard his name a few times in the past but he' s well known in the underground world. Yakuza or not, he's known as Lord of Japan's underworld and head of his company Sion."

"... Seriously? "

" That's not all, in the last 22 years since this photo, there's a rumor his power reaches far into other territories. He's a dangerous man we need to be weary of."

"... Damn. But how come the cops let him roam free all this time? And my father wasn't he a criminal journalist? Even if they were friends, shouldn't he have chased him down?"

"Well first of all, the cops can't grab hold of him wether because they've been payed off or because his company Sion is clean and they can't find any evidence for his... other actions."

"Oh. Wow."

"As for your father... That's the biggest misery. There's no signs of him ever going after Asami or Sion. How and when did they meet and become friends?"

"Ah! So confusing."

"Hahaha, I think that's enough for one day, lunch break's over."

"Are we heading back to the office now?

" Ya, I also want to look into his childhood friends you mentioned, Takato and Kou? "

" That's right. But why them? "

" It's weird. That's they ended up working for a man like Asami. They must have gotten involved at one point or another along with your father. "

" I see...Mayu."

"Hmm?"

"Next lunch is on me."

"... Hahaha you're so cute. Let's go."

Xxx

"So... He's really gone..."

Asami was siting alone in his office, absorbing the information of Akihito's death in the only way he knew how.

"Akihito."

Looking out the floor to floor windows at the top level of his building always made him feel reflective. He would usually use that time to plan his future plans, one reason he was always steps ahead of his enemies. But this time, only one person filled his mind and he couldn't stop the memories from replaying in his head over and over again. While analysing his past actions, his ex-lover's child was a clear sign of his biggest mistake.

You must have always wanted a child, didn't you Akihito. Ha. I guess you got exactly what you wanted... Then, you should have at least out lived me. The least you could have done was stay alive by that child's side...isn't that why you left me.

Or was that it? You didn't want to outlive me, is that what you were so worried and sensitive about before you left? Because it was just the two of us and I was always doing dangerous things, were you scared Akihito? Scared of losing me and ending up alone... Is that why? Why you left me alone instead...

Damn. I hate this feeling. And why am I trying to talk to him in my head... Its not like he'd reply either way... Only you can make me feel so pathetic Akihito, only you.

"If it was a family and a child you wanted. I would have given it to you Akihito. One way or another."

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

Finally, a welcomed distraction.

Xxx

"Come in."

The door opened and Kirishima poked his head in, satisfied by how Asami was standing without a glass in his hand, he walked in holding a blue folder.

"Kirishima, who do we need to put into place today? The greens? The cops? America?"

"... Sorry... Not today. I thought we could go out for a drink." Kei opened up the blue binder that held three pages each with a different bar choice. "I think ocean blue would be the best option, but brought some options in case you wanted something else."

"Bar options is it. Ocean blue is fine isn't it."

"Ah. Right, yes I guess it is. Shall we go then."

"Now?"

"...? Yes Ryu. Now."

"... Will Suoh not be joining us?"

"No, not today."

They headed down to the basement where Asami's private sports car was parked. Kirishima buckled up in the driver's seat and sped off.

"Is everything okay Kei?"

"Hmm? Why do you ask?"

"... No reason." Asami knew better than to bother Kei when he was in a certain mood.

"Ryu."

"Hmm?"

"Were here."

"Oh."

Outside of oceanblue stood two bodyguards who welcomed them in and brought them to the private VVIP room on the lower levels. They bowed and left the room which auto locked. These rooms were designed to have private and secure underground deals, a room both Kei and Asami knew well.

Kiroshima knew he needed to take Asami out but honestly he was at a loss for how to start. For both of them, this was a first.

No, maybe a second.

He took a big breath and gave his old friend a strong slap on the back. Asami looked back a little taken back but relaxed when he saw Kei's expression.

"Let's drink till we drop Ryu."

"Hahaha, like the old good days. Alright I'm up for it, but not without something on the table."

"That's the Asami I know. Then I'll cook for you everyday for the next month."

"... Don't you already do that?.

"The key word is everyday."

"Right, taking the easy route I see, since you know you'll lose."

"Leave it alone, you in?"

"Fine, but I choose what you wear."

"... Deal."

The two old friends sat by the bar and began to mix drinks for each other. After many drinks in silence, Asami was the first to break the silence.

"So, what did you think of the boy Kei? Wasn't he just like a mini Akihito?"

"... Ya... Somehow he seemed more innocent yet fierce to me. Good qualities to have, that young boy's going to go far. Why don't you go after him before it's too late, your taste hasn't changed right."

"Hahaha, that's not a bad idea.!"

"Right! Hahaha"

"But no. I'm done with chasing someone. We're getting old Kei. I don't even remember the reason we started all this."

"Is it even important anymore?"

"Maybe not."

"But seriously Ryu, we're getting old, are you not going to choose a successor?"

"I don't want a random kid."

"Then what about him?"

"Him?"

"Takaba Ryuuta."

Kei could see the thought didn't occur to his old friend.

I guess you wouldn't think of it, you didn't even let Akihito be a part of it. Doing everything in your power to keep him far at bay in the name of protecting him.

"... He... Doesn't belong in this world. "

" Like how Akihito didn't belong? In which world do you think they belong in then?"

"In a world with his family."

"Right. Family."

That word always left a bad taste in Kei's mouth. Only during those five years Akihito was with them, only then did it have a sweet taste.

"Here, I made you a Virgin Mary this time." Kei passed him his ninth drink."

"Virgin Mar-!? Seriously?"

"What if he doens't find his mother. She could be dead for all we know."

"Fine ignore me, but you're getting one next. She could also be alive and well."

"No thanks, you don't make it good. She could be a bad mother."

"Then Akihito wouldn't have chosen her."

"But he left her."

"... he did."

"Since he's Aki's son, we don't have a choice but to feel responsible I guess."

"So we look for the mother and make sure she's qualified."

"And if not, then you adobt him and make him your heir."

Asami paused, he didn't know what to do. He never did when it came to Takabas.

"You can't lie to me Ryu. Even if he's not Akihito, he's the closest thing we've had in 17 years and now, forever. Don't tell me you're okay letting him go."

"...I'll keep watch over him. Make sure he stays safe. We already have men following him."

"And you're okay with that? Just watching him from afar."

"He's not my son Kei."

"No, he's Takaba Akihiko's son."

That stung. Kei knew those words would affect him more than if he was Asami's son. They stayed in silence for the rest of the evening.

Xxx

Suoh waited outside the bar for his two friends to come out. He hoped a night of drinking would clear Asami's mind and give him some time to get over Takaba Akihito for the second time.

He had spent the day taking care of the nessessary work for Sion and a few underground deals that were coming up. Now that it was all in order, they were free to spend their time and resources in another area.

What will you choose to do Ryu?

He would have never imagined that the boy they had met over twenty years ago and failed to catch as he bravely jumped down the roof would become someone so important in their lives. A chance encounter that changed everything.

Ryu, do you even remember why we started all this? Why we chose this path? For a long time now, growing the company and our underground hold wasn't for that purpose but to protect and find Takaba-Sama. But now that it's confirmed that he's gone, what will you do? Will it be Takaba Ryuuta now?

As Suoh contemplated, he heard the door open and saw an exhausted Kei supporting a drunk and tired Asami. He went out and helped put them in the car where they both past out.

Really now, you're not in highschool anymore.

He started the car and drove home with a regretful feeling that he didn't join in on the good old times.

I wonder what bet they placed?

Xxx

Asami woke up with a bad hangover, he couldn't remember the last time he got drunk or hungover. He headed to the kitchen to get some water and found his two friends past out on the living room floor. Ignoring them, he past by them with a familiar smile on his lips, he had greatly enjoyed last night's outing and truly felt like himself again.

Akihito, I will protect your child. In a way I couldn't protect you.

After grabbing his glass of water, and a water bottle from the fridge he returned to the living room heading straight to the secret department under his tv stand and grabbed his gun. With a playful smirk, he aimed and shot a blank to the ceiling, loving the fact that he owned this building and that his walls were sound proof.

His smirk grew as his two men woke up in panic grabbing their own guns, first taking aim at Asami, the source of the shot then searched around for the enemy.

"Time for work men!" He couldn't remember the last time he felt so refreshed, a goal to move towards."

"...Asami-sama... We would appreciate it if you didn't wake us up that way."

" What would you have done if we shot you!?"

" Oh calm down Kei, Kazumi. Here Kei, your head must be killing. Catch! "

Asami threw a bottle of water to Kei which he managed to barely catch.

" ... Thanks.."

" So, who are we hunting?" it's been a long time since Suoh saw Asami so alive and childlike, he was glad to have a Takaba back in their lives.

" A lost mother named Asami."

"Then I guess I'll round up the men and start the hunt."

While Suoh and Asami were planning ahead, Kirishima suddenly stopped drinking.

"Wait."

Suoh and Asami both looked at him.

"What's wrong Kei?"

"I don't think we'll be able to find her."

"Why not?"

"Think about it, we searched high and low for Akihito for years without a single lead, how are we going to find someone connected to him?"

"But we have her name, we can start there."

"We don't even know if it's a first or last name and..."

"And?"

"And I don't think his last words were the mother's name."

"...then..."

"So you're saying it was my name?"

"I do. Even if he left you to knock up a women, he left with the baby soon after, maybe he just wanted a child. But we know he loved you. And what's the chance that he chose someone with your name."

Asami thought about it over and over again since he first heard Akihito's final words. That it was his name, that his kitten was thinking of him till his last breath. It hurt more than anything knowing that he left alone, without him. But he also made a vow. A promise he would be sure to keep this time.

"It doesn't matter. We're going to find her wether her name's Asami or not. And if we can't find her after using all our resources, then... Then I'll take Takaba Ryuuta under me until the day she shows up."

"Is that what you've decided."

"It is."

"Then, we'll follow you till the end. Leave it to us!"

"Of course, I wouldn't expect anything less from my two most trusted half-naked men."

"ah." Kirishima and Suoh exchanged looks as they noticed they were half naked. Knowing Kei didn't remember much from the night before. Kazumi couldn't help but laugh at his confused and embarrassed friend.

Asami left his men, returning to his room to get ready for the battle in front of them. Takaba's were never easy to deal with.

It's better this way, rather than letting your son get tainted under my wing, it would be best to return him to his mother's warmth. As for me, I, guess I'll live alone till I can join you my beloved kitten. I've done it for 17 years, I can do it for a few more.