Chapter 16: Okay... Tell me! Why is all ways you?!

When Asami asked Akihito to marry him, Asami was pretty sure his kitten would say yes, but it was still a breathtaking thrill when he did. Then came a marathon round of sex (48 hours, a new record for their own personal team sport, heh), with the added bonus of them managing to destroy most of the furniture that had come with the penthouse.

Which Kirishima did NOT need to know any of the details about, or how they nearly broke the big screen TV, which was still dangling from its wall bracket by a single bent bolt clinging for dear life to a corner of the frame. Perplexing… yes. Deeply disturbing? Indubitably. But, as a good secretary and friend, Asami's personal life was his own business, or at least it was until Ryu, Kazumi and he had a few fingers of rye in them (and NOT Glenmorangie whiskey, by all that's holy), and they all began to brag a little, and share 'way too much. Asami had decided he was staying at Akihito's place at the university. Normally, he would have gone to one of his fine hotels, but Kirishima assumed Asami did not want to let Akihito out of his sight.

Kirishima was happy for Ryuichi. He needed Akihito in his life, after everything they'd both been through; even if it meant his personal routine was forever ruined. Asami had decided to take a few days off, doing minimal work from home, but after five days, Akihito had threatened to kick his ass if he continued to disrupt his university work. Which Kirishima was silently thankful for, as Asami was putting more work on his shoulders. Luckily, Akihito was more than happy to leave the penthouse to Kirishima's judgement, and had apologized profusely for the added duty.

Kirishima didn't mind, really, it was in his job after all, being Asami's personal assistant-bodyguard-majordomo-chef-dietician and mother hen, second in command of Sion, the Advisor Who Sees All and Knows All that Happens in the Realm of the Yakuza Underworld, and part time house elf, he's known Asami for over twenty years, so he knew Asami's tastes better than Asami did.

As such, Kirishima out did himself again. The penthouse was redecorated, not much more than a fresh coat of paint was needed, and all furnishings were replaced in recorded time. Asami was impressed when he returned to the penthouse. Kirishima had done an amazing job as always, leaving Asami again to wonder how he deserved the loyalty and friendship of such a man. For the most part, the same pieces were replaced with more updated versions, except the bed frame was for a lot bigger mattress called a California King and had a steel construction, which Akihito suspected Asami ordered custom made just so he could chain Akihito to a bed that was far more sturdy for their rough play. Akihito had to admit, it was actually more comfortable than the previous mattress. Kirishima was a genius.

The crime lord had stayed with Akihito at his accommodations for most of a week. Akihito had felt so weird and wonderful at the modest house with Asami living there, it was an oxymoron. Akihito had been sometimes taken aback when he saw Asami in the kitchen making tea or coffee, or sitting on the couch, watching the financial news channel. It was a totally different atmosphere then being in a designer penthouse with a billionaire. It was as if they were an admittedly middle class couple (who could buy a small country for weekend getaways, true), but a normal couple, nonetheless. Sometimes Akihito's mind would reel at the context of how domestic they had become. It was not natural: Asami should be a big, evil, scary, overlord predator, not a bloody domestic house cat. Asami had taken some minimal time off before, which was nice; after three days off work, it was heaven. But, by the fourth day, Akihito had to demand Asami get his oversexed ass back to work after the stunt he pulled on the couch. Akihito was off work for a while, so he thought he could get through some of his students work, and get ready for future assignments. There was also an upcoming trip to Nagasaki and Hiroshima to prepare for.

Asami's nights were sometimes interrupted, but Akihito understood how important the other side of his business was, and that it was not able to keep to a schedule. An important meeting had come up, which he could not get out of, but even so, Asami was reluctant to leave. Asami was not completely forthcoming about the illegal side of his business, but he was more open with him than before.

Thank god the penthouse was ready. As much as Akihito liked his own little house, the penthouse felt like home. Asami was getting back to normal. While Akihito loved the his attention, he sometimes felt that Asami was paranoid that he would leave again. Akihito smiled, for whenever Asami slipped his holster on, Akihito's groin began to ache. Akihito was luxuriating in their newly christened bed. Asami had gone back to work reluctantly, Akihito having persuaded him to go as he will be taking more time off for the honeymoon soon.

Akihito was not actually privy to any wedding information, Asami had deemed it classified, which made Akihito want to know more. He knew Asami had done it on purpose, to ruffle his feathers. They had now been officially engaged for a whole seven days. Akihito was slowly contemplating his life now, and what his future was going to be like. It scared Akihito a lot, but he loved that man, and now Akihito was aware how much Asami loved him. Even from the start of their non-romantic relationship, Asami and Akihito had always been drawn together, rather reluctantly on both parts, but Asami in the last few days had buried himself so deeply into Akihito's heart that neither was ever escaping from the other, nor did they want to.

Akihito moaned to the familiar sensation coming from his lower backed, feeling both pain and pleasure from the night before. The sex was even better than before. Kirishima had told the university he had tonsillitis, and would be away for two weeks, but even though Kirishima did it for Akihito's benefit, Akihito could not shake the notion that Asami was still wielding his control of what HE wanted instead of what WE wanted. Akihito lifted his left hand up in the air, smiling at both the still-present cuff, and his beautiful ring. It glittered so brilliantly in the sunlight, the yellow diamonds reminding him of a certain crime lord's beautiful eyes. Akihito beamed liked a schoolgirl, then burrowed his head under the sheets to hide his blooming blush and a fit of giggles. He was going to be married to the most handsome, richest, and best of all, dangerous man in all Japan.

Akihito did not care about, nor wanted any of that, he only wanted the man (with the sexiest bod in Japan!). So yeah, he had been a crime photographer, and the thrill of the hunt was what he had desired; but being away from it for so long, he really did not missing it that much, or the stupid life threatening shit that came with it. However, he realised he still had fulfilment from teaching and his historical research, and that he could still feel the thrill with his photography.

Having a great stretch in bed that cold rival any cat's, Akihito thought 'I'll just pop in to the university, to see some students and pick up some work', as he would be in the tropics soon and not sure how long their honeymoon was going to last.

Giving a sigh, he grabbed a quick shower, dressed and had food on his agenda when he was interrupted by his phone vibrating. The university messaged him, just wanting to see if everything was all right, and if he could possibility pop in as there was an important meeting about the upcoming trip for the whole Art Department. Texting back that he could make it in, he thought 'I just need to wear a medical mask and blush a lot, which won't be hard, after the past few day with my Yakuza... Uh, where was I? Oh, yeah... food!' Akihito scrambled to the kitchen.

Asami had to go back to work, which put him a foul mood. He wanted to stay with Akihito a bit longer, but Kirishima had been looking after Sion for a bit too long, and although Sion was again secure, he still needed to be seen captaining his ship. The fact that Akihito had threatened him to make him go back to work, due to the couch incident, miffed him. It really was not his fault. Akihito had demanded sex, so as was the deal, he indulged himself, but then his kitten had got all stroppy, blaming him for it. Asami chuckled, he had actually loved those few days in Akihito's home: it felt like they were just a normal couple.

Everything was set for the following week. Asami was making sure everything was indeed in order before they left. Asami beamed at the knowledge that Akihito knew practically nothing about the wedding, only that they were going to the tropics for their honeymoon. Akihito had left the wedding up to him, so he was not going to tell him a thing. Asami had decided they were going to be married back on the island he had taken Aki to recover after the Hong Kong incident. 'Where I'll tame that feisty wildcat/marry Akihito'. Asami's wolfish grin spread. 'Wildcat'. Asami had some plans for him.

Akihito was still Akihito, but just more of everything. His wasn't the self-doubting kid from three years ago. He had matured, his stamina was better, his moves more sensitive and controlled, and every now and then, Akihito surprised him, and took control of their playtime. He though he knew every move Akihito made, but there was now more to learn about him, the thought sending blood racing to a certain central part of his anatomy. Like a fine wine, his kitten could be savoured leisurely, and to be able to discover him all over again was not the worst situation he had ever faced. Rolling his shoulders, Asami could admit to being quite happy, too.

However, in very short order, Asami was no longer in as good a mood; the morning meeting had not gone so well. Actually, the businessmen he had met with had given him a headache. Instead of signing the contract as is, they were attempting some last minute changes to the carefully negotiated agreement, trying to wear him down and see if they could wring some bonuses and concessions out of the deal. Asami was seriously contemplating gunfire as a viable negotiation tool. But, a simple text from Akihito around lunchtime surprisingly improved his mood, and negotiations finished quickly, after he firmly let the other side know that no further bullshit would be tolerated.

Asami was not looking forward to talking to a local politician over some campaign that he wanted Asami's support over. He was a portly, boring man who just dawdled on and on about nothing of importance. Asami was losing patience, he had told him thirty minutes ago the answer was no, but it went over the idiot's head and he carried on, pitching his diatribe.

When Kirishima knocked on his office door, Asami was hoping for a good distraction to get this waste of time and money out of his building. Kirishima walked in, apologising for the interruption, and stated that there was an emergency that has arisen which needed Asami-sams's immediate attention. The time waster huffed as he left the office. Asami noticed that Kirishima's face was looking a bit pale. He waited for Kirishima to compose himself, but wasn't prepared for what he heard next.

"Sir... there's has been an incident at Tokyo University." Asami stomach started to churn, but then he remembered, Akihito was at home, so he shouldn't be worried.

"Alright, Kirishia", he nodded, a bit confused now, "what's it to do with me?" returning to his desk, he proceeded to skim over this morning's papers.

"Asami, you don't understand. It's Akihito, sir, he involved." Asami's stomach sank like a stone, his handsome face contorted slightly before it settled back into his normal stoic mask.

"Kirishima, what do we know?" Asami's mind drifted for a few seconds, starting to lament over what situation his kitten is in now. If he was lost or missing, his thoughts jumped to Izaya suggesting putting up posters around Tokyo, like looking for a lost pet, due to his childish personality. Asami sighed in annoyance. He needed to stop thinking about what his young brother would do, and start thinking about his lover, so he could carry on calm and collected, even though his insides were tearing at him to MOVE. Asami, while being concerned for his lover, was perfectly aware from experience that he was a magnet for trouble, but he should have been safe, even going to the University.

"Sorry, Kei, I didn't hear you. Would you repeat that, please: what do we know?" Kirishima's expression turned sour. Asami only used his first name during work hours when he was distressed. Asami raised an eyebrow, and asked "Well, what is it? Where is he? What do you know that I don't?" Kirishima refused to make eye-contact for a few seconds, gathering himself, before looking up and speaking in a solemn voice.

"There was an incident at the university, someone got stabbed on the grounds. I am afraid it was Takaba-sama, sir." Asami bolted out of the office door, Kirishima gave up speaking, knowing that his boss was fighting panic, and quickly followed him. Once they were on the elevator, Kirishima decided to finish his previous sentence. "Luckily, someone saw what happened and quickly gave him first aid."

Asami's index finger started to tap softly on his leg in anxiety and impatience; once the elevator got to the garage level, Asami was out of a partially opened door and moving towards his fastest vehicle with Kirishima on his heels. Kirishima made it a point to be obstinate that Asami was in no condition to drive.

Asami, for a second, was so hostile his whole body was trembling, just wanting to get to his Akihito as fast as possible. But he gave in to Kirishima, telling him with a tight lip to drive straight to the hospital. Asami decided to sit in the front next to Kirishima. He pulled out his phone, deciding to try and call Akihito, in case the incident wasn't that serious. Pressing "1" on autodial, he could hear the call start ringing on the other end. After the fifth ring, Asami's concern turns to foreboding; he we just about to put it down, when a young girl answered...

Akihito morning:

After a late breakfast, for the first time in a long time, Akihito walks just to enjoy Shinjuku. Remembering how the pavement felt under his feet, and the warm sun touched his face as he left their building, when he returned to Japan, he never thought he'd ever walk through this neighbourhood again, or that he'd would be back with Asami, and that they'd be engaged.

Akihito had decided for safety reasons to leave his ring at home. He was not ashamed to wear it, or of whom gave it to him, but he did not want to answer any awkward questions right now. He kept his metal cuff on, which meant the same as his ring, as far as he was concerned.

Akihito's thoughts turned to last time he left home alone, the night he saw Asami having sex with that blond kid; feeling bile in his mouth, he coughed.

'No,' Akihito chastised himself, 'it was all a hoax, and the guy he was fucking was me!'. Well, that was it. Akihito's face flushed at the recollection. Akihito relished the thought that it was he who put that look of pleasure on Asami perfect face, and that the ordeal that had put it there hadn't been too horrible, either.

Akihito decided to give Asami quick text.

From: kitten

To: bastard

I think that at your age, you should only last about thirty seconds up someone's ass, not thirty fucking hours. In the best interests of your health, and my asshole, I may have to limit your activities during our honeymoon. UNDERSTAND?!

Your Akihito

Akihito was hanging up, just as he entered the university grounds. Luckily, his department was near the entrance, but the meeting today was with the head of Arts near the cafeteria, which was close to the centre of the campus. Akihito slipping a on a medical mask (due to him being sick and all), then thinks of Asami. Akihito flares up, a beautiful blush crossing his cheeks. Yeah, now he'll look good and ill.

Akihito entered the building where the cafeteria is located. As he neared the room where the meeting is being held, he can hear what sounded like an argument. He slowed down, not meaning to eavesdrop; as he got closer, he noticed it sounded like a boy and girl fighting. They seemed to be in a room that was off to the side of the main corridor. Approaching the room, he had a clear view of a young couple arguing. Akihito removed his medical mask, hearing the young girl crying and demanding to be let go, he peered in just in case it turned serious when he saw the male suddenly swing his arm, knocking the female to the ground.

Akihito was in the room fast as he gently picked the girl and looked at the young man with a look of pure contempt. "I don't care what the argument was about, there's no reason to hit anyone, especially a woman." 'Just a little hypocritical', Akihito thinks to himself. Helping the young girl to her feet, Akihito carefully started to lead the shocked girl away. The young man, who was taller and broader than Akihito, grabbed his arm to stop them from leaving. Akihito turned away from the girl for a moment, giving the boy his full attention. Akihito took a step towards the young man,bringing his chin up as he set his shoulders, giving his potential opponents a withering look that caused chills to run down his spin. The boy immediately let go off Akihito's arm like it burned. Walking away, Akihito was more concerned with the sobbing girl. When they reached the door, Akihito had forgotten about the young man momentarily.

Distracted with the girl, that he did not sense the boy approaching from behind. The young man, furious over the whole situation, pushed past them, knocking both Akihito and the girl out of the way. He stumbled, regaining his footing while swearing under his breath. Akihito escorted the disoriented girl to the office where the meeting was being held. Akihito grabbed a passing student and ordered him to go get some ice, then come to the room.

Everyone was aghast when Akihito walked in with the girl. He explained what he had just witnessed when the deputized student came back with the ice. One of facility members grabbed her hanky, and after putting the ice in it, applied it on the girl's bruised face.

Knowing that she would be safe and looked after, he started to think that he might be able to catch up with the boy. He began to head back to where he last saw the male walking off to. Akihito quickly jogged up the corridor until he reached the exit. Seeing no sign of the male he was searching for, he began to head back.

Akihito started to feel a bit light headed, his vision was fading in and out and he began to struggle to keep his balance. He meant to lean against the wall only for a second or so to steady himself when he collapses to his knees.

A few students walking past saw Akihito on the floor, kneeling in a spreading slick of blood. They screamed and ran to get help. A puddle of rich red blood starting to form around Akihito's slumped body. He opened his eyes slightly only to be greeted with a fuzzy image of two men hovering about. One was shouting on the phone, but he couldn't make out the words.

Luckily, a young man, medically trained, happened to be passing by and gave assistance. He instantly realised that this had been a stabbing, and a lot of blood had been lost. Quickly but assuredly finding the wound where Akihito was bleeding from, he started padding it and putting pressure on the wound to stench the flow.

"Akihito... Precious kitten, stay awake. If you don't, you may never open your eyes again~". Tapping his cheeks hard to get his attention. Akihito blinked up at the young man; he had such a soft voice, and his eyes were beautiful. Akihito was feeling muddled, his thoughts were confused. The young man had come out from the shadows, his raven black hair reminding him of Asami; with blood red eyes instead of golden, but they were still mesmerising. Akihito chuckled as he thought this man reminded him of the devil. Bit ironic, thinking the devil would try to save someone. But then again, he did have his own demon who had done it, time and again.

Akihito swore he remembered his savour from somewhere. The somewhat familiar male kneeled down beside him, putting a bit more pressure that was necessary on the cause of the problem, making Akihito bite his tongue in pain. Just as he was about to pass out, he heard the male with a malicious smile whisper into Akihito's ear "Now look what you have done. You should stop making trouble for Big Brother. Looks like I'll have to take care of the mess~"

The loud commotion at the exit alerted students and facility members to the serious situation. When they arrive at the scene, it becomes chaotic; the female he helped earlier collapsed to her knees and began to wail that it was her fault.

The first aider just watched the female with utter boredom. He grabbed her hand, and placed it on the wound. The girl was confused as to whom the man was and what he was trying to do. "Keep Akihito… uh, I mean Sensei Takaba talking and awake, and press against his wound as hard as possible. The ambulance will arrive shortly." She nodded in understanding, and turning her attention back to Sensei, she squeezed his hand.

"You'll be okay, Sensei" she said sweetly, to which Akihito just smiled as he chuckled at their now reversed roles.

Akihito coughed and started to shiver. "Fuck... Asami's going to kill me", making the girl blush in embarrassment. When the ambulance arrived with police, they started asking questions. The first aider had disappeared again into the shadows, not wanting to be involved with the police.

When Akihito was hurried into to the ambulance, the girl he rescued asked if she could stay with Sensei Takaba. She was allowed to accompany Sensei in the ambulance. Still squeezing Akihito's hand, the girl jumped when she heard a mobile go off. Realising it belonged to Sensei, she thought it could be family so she decided to answer it. Tentatively she reached into his jacket pocket, and blushed again when she read the name of the caller ID: Bastard.

"Um... hello?" she shyly answered.

"Who is this and where's Akihito!" Asami was infuriated, but hearing how the young girl was scared, he lessened the intensity of his voice. "Where's is Sensei Takaba? Who am I speaking to?"

"My name is Suzumiya Haruhi, I am in the ambulance with Sensei Takaba" Asami could hear her begin to cry.

"I am so sorry, Sensei has been stabbed." Asami sat back in the car seat, trying to catch his breath; he could barely hear the girls voice over his pulse beating in his ears.

"Excuse me, sir, but who are you? The ID name that showed up as 'Bastard'" she whispered. She would be lying if she didn't think the male's voice was nice, and had to admit it was sexy. His laugh was a surprise, and it was deep rumble coming through the phone.

"My name is Asami, it's a special name between him and I. Could you pass the phone to one of the paramedics?" Timidly, she pulled on the closest person to get his attention and handed him the phone.

Asami's voice changed dramatically, becoming more authoritative. "Where are you taking Sensei Takaba?" The paramedic was not startled by the male's tone, and answered calmly.

"Tokyo General, sir, we should be reaching there in about three minutes." Asami immediately pulled the handset away and directed Kirishima to go there, and get things prepared for Akihito upon arrival. Asami was beginning to get impatient as he still didn't know his lover's condition.

"What are his injuries?" the paramedic started to become a bit annoyed, himself.

"What is your relationship with the patient?" Asami quickly thought up a lie.

"I'm his brother."

"Well, I shouldn't divulge such information, but Sensei Takaba was stabbed roughly fifteen minutes ago. He lost a lot of blood at the scene, but he's awake, and his pulse is steady." As the ambulance pulled up, the attendant ended the call.

Asami was stunned. He wasn't even meant to be at the university today, how does he always walk into danger. 'If he survives, I am going to... No, I will chain up him in the secret room forever. Without anything that uses batteries' Asami thinks as the car turns into the hospital entrance drive. As they pulled up to their destination, Asami was out of the car and through the doors. As he proceeded down a hallway, Kirishima was trying to keep up. "Asami, he is in surgery at the moment" he quickly called out where Akihito was currently located.

Asami's presence was felt like a Shinigami's shadow as soon as he entered the hospital. Kirishima was organising access for Asam's personal physician and prepping a private room. The only thing keeping Asami stable was the mantra 'pulse steady, pulse steady', knowing from both ends of the blade that knife wounds can be vicariously unpredictable.

Asami's steps became colder and heavier with each step, pounding on the floor like a steady heartbeat. Controlled but sweeping through the hospital like a tsunami, unlike the outside of the man, his own heart was twisted and anxious. He'd just got Akihito back; he didn't want to contemplate how love could hurt so much. A thought flashed through his mind: 'retire from both business and the Yakuza, and spend every minute they had left together with his kitten', because right now, that was all he could offer as a prayer for Akihito's recovery.

Kirishima, always loyal, always knowing before he did what was needed, stayed at Reception to get any more information on Akihito's condition. Asami felt like he was having a mini stroke, walking fast towards the operating theatre. As he got closer, a young man in surgical scrubs walked out of theatre, covered in blood, keeping his eyes closed; looking disappointed, he pulled his surgical cap off of his black hair, twisting it in anger.

Asami's felt like he had been kicked in the chest as his mind ran through endless possibilities; his breathing became labored, and his heart began to squeeze tight. The surgeon sighed, and turning towards him, asked if he was a relative. Asami, silent, nodded in confirmation. The doctor finally fully opened his eyes to reveal a far too familiar set of demonic red eyes brimming with amusement."I'm sorry, but we couldn't save his sweet little ass..."Asami, in a blind rage, roughly pinned Izaya to the wall by his throat.

"What on earth are you trying to do?" Izaya, finding his current situation very amusing, quickly and slyly pulled out his phone to take a photo for later uses. Izaya began to laugh as Asami tightened his grip. "What the fuck is wrong with you? What are you laughing at?!" Izaya just continued to laugh, while Asami muttered under his breath "Why couldn't it be you in there? It's not like anyone would miss you..." Izaya heard what was said, his laughter came to a stop, as his bangs covered his eyes.

Asami hesitated with the sudden change in attitude. "How disrespectful. I said someone died, I didn't say it was your little fucktoy" Izaya growled out, sending a sharp glare at his older brother, all amusement now long forgotten. Asami tried to calm himself down.

I apologize, I shouldn't have said that. I was distraught, so I'm only going to say this once: I would miss you if you were to die." A sudden smirk made its way onto Izaya's face, and Asami soon regretted saying those words as he heard it being repeated over again and again, only to realise that he had been recorded.

"Aw! I'm touched by your kind words. I'm going to treasure this forever." Asami sent a cold glare at the amused male.

"Delete it." Asami snarled, then shook his head, clearly losing sight for the reason of his sudden visit; however, he could not help but ask the question that was nagging at the back of his mind since he first recognised Izaya. "What are you doing here?" Izaya grabbed the wrist that was still wrapped securely around his slim neck, as his other hand tapped out against the wall. Asami released his strong grip, and Izaya rubbed his neck to create some relief while coughing to get some air back in his lungs.

"Well, brother of mine, if it wasn't for me, your Akihito would most likely be in a far more, shall we say, 'grave' situation? You should be grateful; and now you owe me something." Asami hung his head in defeat, knowing that something will eventually come around to bite him in the ass (and likely not in a way he'd enjoy). Izaya smiled victoriously. "Don't worry, the little kitten will be perfectly fine. He's resting in recovery now, so you'll be able to molest him tomorrow." With that, Izaya walked off with his arms lazily behind his head, a feeling of accomplishment coming with the reaction he got from his prank.

Asami wasted no more time, and headed straight to where his lover was currently situated. This time, a tall thin man came across to meet him. "Are you Asami-sama?" Asami nodded. "Well... Sensei Takaba is recovering from surgery at present. A small knife entered his lower back on the right side, which was lucky, as no vital organs or blood vessels were damaged. However, it was close to his spine, so we were investigating the extent of the damage to his spinal column or nerves, if any. We do know that before his collapse due to blood loss, he was walking, so we are taking that as a good sign."

As the man turned on his heels, Asami choked back a sob, and breathed out "Thank you, Doctor."