Restart:

Chapter 20: FAMILY DINNER

As the limo pulled up outside the luxury hotel, Kirishima stepped up to open the rear door for Asami to exit the car. Stepping out into the cool fresh evening air, he gave a quick nod as the car door shut behind him and the limo pulled away. Asami paused for a moment to look up at the magnificent hotel before him as he buttoned his jacket close.

Kirishima waited patiently for Asami to move towards the entrance. Even though they were both still for only a few seconds, they are already attracting stares and whispers from people passing by 'cause even if Kirishima hated to admit it, they both looked as if they stepped out of a photo spread for GQ magazine.

Asami was wearing his deep navy blue three piece suit that hugged his body so perfectly people were now openly stopping to admire the view, and quiet murmurs of "Who are they?" and a few quiet moans followed them as they made their way to the hotel lobby.

Kirishima had made a reservation for an exclusive private table located discreetly away from other guests as he and Akihito didn't want people to overhear any details of this cozy gathering between the CEO of Sion with the head of Baishe and his adopted son, along with his own ex employee and who knew how many guards... Resisting rolling his eyes, his mind wandered off to how did all this happen... 'Oh, argh, yes, all thanks to his adorable Akihito. And why am I doing all this again? Oh yes, of course, for my sweet little kitten, Akihito. If Akihito wasn't so cute, and if I wouldn't be pounding his tight little ass hard later, I wouldn't be doing any of this ridiculous shit' he thought as he entered the most exclusive dining room in Tokyo, looking cool and killer suave as fuck.

Asami glanced at his Omega Seamaster Professional as the warm air of the hotel wrapped around him. Luckily, he was only a fashionable fifteen minutes late, so hopefully The Wife wouldn't be too upset with him; which in itself warranted a smirk. If Akihito only knew he was already being referred to as The Wife in certain company, he felt confident that his little blond lover would try to murder him until he was dead. No doubt cheered on by his pet diva Feilong, also fondly known in the same circles as the Drama Queen. Hopefully, His Majesty wouldn't be too annoyed about when he arrived. Even if that particular little meltdown would probably amuse him enough that he could endure the rest of the evening with them tolerably well.

Asami leaned in toward Kirishima and quietly informed his friend "Kei, I just want you to know, I'm blaming you if I get in trouble with The Wife and The Inlaws for being late" and flashed him a sardonic smile as Suoh joined them.

Calmly pushing up his glasses with his extended middle finger, Kirishima responded with a polite "Of course, Asami-sama", almost hiding the sarcastic tone as Suoh quietly sniggered into his meaty fist.

The maître d' came over, all smiles, showing Asami as well as his two body guards and friends to their respected tables. Asami already could hear Akihito's laugh; hopefully that was a good sign of things to come.

Feilong and Tao were busy talking and laughing with his lover and Yoh when Asami arrived at the table. Feilong and Yoh smiled as Tao and Akihito started trash talking about the other's gaming prowess. Asami discretely cleared his throat to get their attention; Akihito looked up and swallowed convulsively while he checked out Asami up and down where he stood. Why did he always look so god damn bloody sexy... Akihito stood up to kiss Asami on his cheek while one of his hands sneaked down around to pinch a different one. "Miss me?" a pleased Asami purred as he nodded at the other guests at the table.

"Not really... we were having a pleasantly delightful evening, but now it's all gonna go to shit" Aki snarked as he stuck out his tongue, then went to retake his seat.

Asami tsked. "Really, Akihito?" he reproached as he opened his jacket button, then took the free seat between Yoh and Akihito. Feilong's dark eyes danced and Tao laughed. Akihito smiled his brightest smile as he got comfortable again, and that alone made Asami think any aggravation tonight might be worth it. Whatever else may happen, he had the bonus of having booked one of the lavish suites up stairs as a surprise; so as soon as dinner was finished, he and his kitten would be indulging in their own type of "dessert".

Akihito started up the bickering with Tao again over whether or not the younger boy had the crazy madd skillz to make it half way through LEGO Harry Potter on his own, and the long forgotten feelings of "family" slowly washed over the older men at the table. Akihito was busy telling Feilong and Tao what had been happening lately at physio as Asami started to feel... comfortable, almost relaxed. Akihito was his usual energetic self again and thoughts of his injury seemed long forgotten. Asami smiled, and thought wryly 'let the evening's dinner entertainment begin'.

Kirishima and Souh sat at a nearby table, trying not to look like bodyguards (difficult for Suoh, granted). The two contrastingly striking men at the table would distract any curious onlookers while blocking the view of the group behind them. They also saw a few of Feilong's men sprinkled around the dining room and exchanged nods with them. Asami had told them they could have carte blanche tonight of his private wine and liquor reserves and personal cigar humidor kept on the premises as a bonus, so to speak, for their hard work "above and beyond" over the last few weeks. Over end of day drinks at Sion, soon after the "celebration" had been decreed by Akihito, Kei had jokingly accused Asami of having a case of sour grapes: if he had to attend the family dinner, then everyone else had to suffer too. To which Asami gave them both a smug look, and replied in a very good American Southern drawl "If'n Big Brother ain't happy, ain't nobody happy."

From where Asami sat opposite the leader of Baishe, they both had the ability to scan the open floor plan of the dining room, as well as watch the immediate area around their table. After enjoying a sip of his own private Glenmorangie Signet single malt whiskey, Asami's mind wandered a bit as his eyes flicked up and he momentarily tensed seeing Feilong seated at the table. After seven long years of bad blood, strategic "worst case scenario" planning and dramatic oneupmanship in a struggle for underworld dominance, these leftover unpleasant little starts were really becoming annoying. He caught Yoh watching him quietly, then saw him turn his attention for a moment back to Feilong. He must be having the same symptoms of withdrawal from their past deadly games as well: as Feilong was imbibing some of his preferred A. H. Hirsch Reserve bourbon, his eyes came up, slid across Tao and Akihito', and flared momentarily when they came to rest on himself. As the triad leader looked away, Asami almost missed the minute tensing of Feilong's hand around his glass before he relaxed again. Yoh glanced back at him, and gave him a knowing smile. This, more than anything, brought into sharp focus what their new reality would be. Both leaders would have to abandon their long held distrust, bitterness and dictatorial ways of thinking if both of their households and businesses were going to not only survive this merging, but flourish together. Asami internally sighed as he took another drink, allowing the flavors of the whiskey to roll over his tongue before swallowing. It wasn't that he didn't like Feilong personally, he honestly respected him. Asami also still found him very attractive physically, his mental agility was alway a formidable challenge, and his ability to emerge from personal tragedy and prison to rebuild Baishe from the ashes, then to take it further and make it far exceed anything his adoptive family had ever achieved proved his strength of will and business acumen was without question. It was simply that Feilong had the unfortunate habit of mixing his business and his personal life together; so much so that sometimes while in the midst of business negotiations, he was more emotional then he should be, and then the meeting would ran over its allotted time as he had to listen to Feilong rant over whatever was bothering him. Asami almost wondered if Feilong thought he was his councillor more than a business colleague/rival. That made Asami stop for a moment: was it because of their first meeting, when he helped galvanize Feilong to move away from his family's influence and become his own man that Feilong already felt in some small way like he was a mentor, possibly an unconscious replacement for his miserable excuse of an older brother? Better put that thought aside for now.

Thus far the evening was pleasant. Feilong was actually being civil and relaxed; like Asami, he had let go of his usual business mask and command attitude. Asami had noticed when they were both with Akihito, Feilong would be more charming, funny, and much easier to talk to. And they both enjoyed teasing their boys for sport. Asami wondered idly for a few minutes what it might have been like if Feilong and he had actually gotten together back then. But then Akihito laughed and touched his hand, and Asami realised he wouldn't, and couldn't be with anyone else. Asami had a glint in his eye as he couldn't help but run his hand up Akihito's thigh under the table, which resulted in a quick glare from his boy, making him chuckle.

"Can you both, for one night, stop with the bloody flirting; it's bothersome." Feilong looked bored as he took another sip of his drink. Akihito couldn't help but blush at Fei's comment and Asami let a devilish grin creep over his face.

"Why; jealous, Feilong?" Asami asked, just to piss him off. Giving him an amused look, he glanced at his partner and asked: "Isn't Yoh keeping up his end of the bargain for you...?" Feilong just scowled for a few seconds while Yoh gave him a rare grin.

"So, Aki, what were saying before your baka (idiot) so rudely interrupted?" Akihito chuckled. Yep, cat's out of the bag on that "secret".

"Well, I met a colleague today as I came out of the pros-, uh, physio today." Asami narrowed his eyes as he listened to Akihito's story. Was he about to say 'prosecutor'? Remembering the report of Akihito's location when he was picked up earlier, Asami started to think. 'Hmm, he was near the government buildings. Maybe I will have to ask Shinji later...'

"He was being evicted from his building, so I offered my university house for him to live in for a while, since I won't be using it until I'm fully back at work." Akihito smiled shyly towards Asami, suddenly thinking he may object to this.

Asami stared coolly at Akihito. "And whom was being evicted?" Asami was now staring intently at the blond. Akihito's smile wavered for a second.

"Carl. He works at the university; he's the new student councillor." Asami visibly paled. "Carl" he repeated, his voice coming out a bit too hard.

"Yes." Akihito was now looking at Asami with a mixture of annoyance and curiosity. Asami regained his focus, now hating where this conversation was heading.

"Akihito, why would you do that. Are you even aware of the security risk..." he sighed, trying so hard not to curse out load over Izaya and whatever nefarious scheme he was cooking up at that moment; the thought making him actually shiver.

Akihito was stung. "Uh, actually Ryuichi... it was your fault in the first place that Carl was being kicked out." Akihito huffed, now feeling justified in his actions.

"Wait... what?" Asami was completely confused by Akihito's statement. "Look... Kitten, I know you blame me for both the ufo and for Japan looking like a sea horse, but are you a complete dolt? How is this my fault?" Asami was intrigued to see where this was going. Feilong, Tao and Yoh watched the entertaining couple argue.

"Carl... uh, I never got his surname, well, anyways: your company bought his building complex and gave all the tenants with a very short term eviction notice to get out, which I have to say is deplorable." Akihito muttered the last part as he sipped his sparkling fruit water. Asami froze at the realisation of what just happened.

'Well, fuck' was all he could think of right at that moment. "So, you automatically think giving your home to practical total stranger is fine, seeing as who we are..." he growled as he gestured to the others seated around the table.

"Aw, isn't it sweet, Aki-chan thinks you're evil for evicting some tenants. When exactly did you two become acquainted...?" Feilong's mocking tone was thick like honey as he took in both Asami's and Aki's frowning faces.

"Fei-sama, stop it." Akihito said, slightly annoyed. "Well, that aside, I wasn't using the house, so I offered him a place to crash" he finished, looking defiant as Asami now realized it was a losing battle, and shrugged his shoulders, conceding defeat. "And anyway, he was the one who saved me at the university, so I kind of owe him." Akihito straightened his shoulder, looking to Asami first, then Feilong for their reactions.

"Well then, Aki, you must invite him to dinner with us as a big thank you for being your hero." Feilong primly stated, making sure Asami felt the dig, still holding him responsible for nearly losing his Akihito.

"Feilong." The blond snapped, short and sharp. "We discussed this already; it was no one's fault, it was just a stupid mistake on my part." Akihito then realised Asami had stopped talking and was looking rather pale. "Are you alright, Ryuichi?" Akihito leaned over, looking concerned.

"Oh, yes Akihito; sorry, I'm fine. Did you say Iza-... I mean Carl told you that Sion bought a block of buildings?" His boy nodded in confirmation, looking confused as Asami was mentally wishing his little brother was trapped inside an apartment complex as is was being dismantled, floor by floor.

Asami realised that his bloody brother Carl, a.k.a. Izaya, a.k.a. the pain in his ass, managed to lay the blame on him in his fictional scenario to get Akihito on his side, and was now living in Akihito's house assigned by the university. How in the hell was he going to fix this mess...

The blond was now speaking to Feilong when he heard Akihito saying that he'd invited Carl to both their bachelor party and the wedding. Asami nearly broke down and cried. 'When I find that little menace, I am so going to...' Asami mind was distracted when the sommelier came over with the wine list. Asami was greatful for the distraction; he didn't need to be plagued by thoughts of Izaya tonight any longer.

Asami was looking at the wine list, thinking he needed a few bottles of Dom Perignon just for himself tonight when he watched as a younger waiter came up to their table with an expression of quiet panic and whispered to their sommelier. "Sir, we have a problem..." Excusing himself, he and the junior waitstaff relocated to a nearby table as the restaurant maître d', Sugawara, was summoned. Sending a sideways glare to the younger waiter, he quietly hissed "Sort it out. We have very important people here, you deal with the kitchen staff. Now go!"

The younger man just swayed on his feet and kept looking back at the door to the kitchen and was about to leave when he turned about and tugged on Sugawara's sleeve, and said in a stage whisper "You don't understand, sir. One of our workers," that got Sugawara's attention "he's getting a bit... aggressive. He refuses to do any work, and he's also threatening to sue the restaurant and the hotel itself if we don't start selling strawberry licorice laces..." Sugawara stared at the younger waiter in complete bewilderment.

Asami was now far more interested in what was happening in the kitchen after overhearing the quietly desperate conversation. He really didn't care that much until they mentioned a certain sweet favored by his own personal tormentor. Could this night get any worse...?

Asami was annoyed, and brusquely motioned the small group over to him. Speaking with utmost authority, he quietly ordered the maître d' "You and the young gentleman can leave. Sort out your 'employee' first, then send someone up to take our orders later." Everyone at the table stared at the crime lord's strange behavior. The senior and junior most waitstaff just stood flabbergasted at him until Asami sent them a sideways death glare, making them quickly flee the room.

Noticing everyone's questioning looks, he quickly came up with a half truth: "I apologize, I just didn't want any more unnecessary disturbances delaying our meal." Asami then addressed the sommelier, requesting enough bottles of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noire and Merlot wines for all five at the table to enjoy. As he finished with the wines, he, Feilong and Yoh shared a conspiratorial look: if Tao was to become the next great crime lord of Asia, his brushes with the law may as well start with a little supervised under age drinking at a private, special gathering.

Asami then signaled Kirishima over and whispered in his ear "Send someone down to the limo and open the boot, you should find a box with 'emergency' written on it. Take it unopened to the kitchen yourself."

"Asami-sama, how will I know whom to give it to?" Asami looked at him as if he had just asked the most stupidest question. "Believe me, Kei, you'll know as soon as you see him." Kirishima quickly figured out who the "him" was, and Asami, sensing that he was going to let out his younger brother's name, shot him a threatening look, making Kei snap his mouth shut. He headed out to do the task at hand, knowing if he didn't nip this in the bud right now, the situation would only get worse.

"So, Feilong: how is Mikhail?" Asami asked smoothly, trying to get everyone's attention away from the situation at hand. Oh, he was going to throttle his darling little brother, then shoot him.

"Mikhail is as annoying as ever, and busily trying get into my bed as much as uncovering information about our little get together." Asami enjoyed the look of despair on both Feilong's and Yoh's faces.

Asami lowered his voice and eyed Feilong and Yoh. "Well them, we should invite him..." Before the sentence was finished, Akihito's hand hit the table hard.

"You are not thinking of inviting him to our...?!" Akihito glared in outrage at all three men. Feilong reached for Akihito's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"No Aki, we wouldn't do that. We were taking about the unification announcement of Baishe and Sion." Asami was confused again... what did he just miss?

"Oh, okay." Feilong and Akihito smiled at each other.

At that moment Kirishima entered the dinning room via the kitchen. Everyone turned to see him walk in, covered in what seemed like sprays of flour and stray vegetables, looking more than a bit disheveled. Ignoring the looks, he proceeded to quietly report to his boss that the situation was now under control, and that there shouldn't be anymore problems.

He quickly excused himself to the bathroom to fix himself up. Feilong wondered what Asami was trying to keep secret; surely if it affected his business he would have mentioned it and even dealt with it himself if need be, but it seemed like he was trying to stay from being backed up into a corner. He made a mental note to have Yoh do some digging around, later.

Akihito had a slightly concerned expression as he asked "Is everything alright? You seem to know what's going on..."

Asami eyes widened somewhat before he interlocked his hands together and said: "Don't worry about it, Kitten. I had someone who caused a bit of trouble at Sion recently, and it just sounded like he might have shown up here, so I thought I would get Kirishima go check it out. That's all."

After a few more minutes, a senior waiter come back and apologised for the disturbance, which Asami suspiciously waved off with shrug and a simple "these things happen". When he looked back at the table, he was greeted with three incredulous looks of "who are you, and what have you done with Asami?", and one rude snort of disbelief.

After a sumptuous feast, Feilong asked Tao to present their gifts for Asami's and Akihito's wedding. Tao beamed as he signaled two of their guards over and one of them bowed, presenting Akihito and Asami with a velvet black box while another one was left on the table at Feilong's side. Akihito grinned and thanked him as he accepted the gift.

Asami raised an eyebrow as Akihito slowly opened the box: inside were five identical bands. They were absolutely beautiful, yellow gold rings covered with a tri gold design. Tao explained that the design was rose, white and yellow gold plaited together and he smiled proudly, calling it a dragon weave as the design resembled multi hued scales overlapping and protecting each other. Asami and Feilong chuckled as Tao explained the rings were his idea as now the Liu, Asami and Takaba groups would become a single family, and the rings represented them as a united clan of dragons.

Akihito and Asami graciously thanked Tao as Feilong watched a smiling Asami wiggle his right ring finger for Akihito to put his ring on it. Akihito chose instead to wait a moment, admiring how the different warm tones of gold glowed in the soft lighting.

Asami smiled at him fondly, then he quickly plucked the second smallest of the rings, took Akihito's right hand in his own and slipped it onto his finger and softly kissed the back of his hand. Akihito blushed, momentarily flustered by the act. He wasn't sure about what to do next, so he took the largest ring and did the same for Asami, Akihito's hand trembling slightly as the ring was slipped onto his lover's finger. No words were spoken, no words needed to be, it felt like they were now unofficially married, and he felt the heavy responsibility of uniting Feilong and his family with Asami's. Akihito then decided it would be kind of nice if he did the same with the rest of the rings and slipped one on Feilong's finger along with a kiss on his cheek, followed by Yoh and Tao.

Feilong then presented Akihito with Yoh's wedding gift, telling him it was from both Yoh and himself; and that in light of certain recent history, they all felt it was needed. Akihito removed the lid of the lacquered box, and stared. Within, nestled in royal blue silk, was a sturdy belly chain, and a large bangle bracelet. Both were made from stainless steel, both had a dragon head on each end, one head each had burning yellow diamonds for eyes, the other head had cold black diamonds instead. The chain was fine but heavy, and the dragon heads looked like they had some weight to them. From end to end it stretched out to about 36 inches/90 cm long. The blond gasped with delight and immediately wrapped it around his waist, were it draped over his hips and down his stomach. Asami could see that it would ride above the boy's jeans, just skimming his shirt hem over top, giving little flashes of cool metal against warm creamy skin as he moved about, and he decided he could definitely appreciate it. The bracelet was a solid cylinder of heavy twisted metal that spiralled around the blond's wrist. Feeling something a bit odd beneath one of the dragon heads, he slid a finger under it, then sent a suspicious look at Feilong. Feilong sipped some merlot and nodded, telling Akihito to push the catch up into the head with the black eyes, then pull on the head. The blond did as instructed, and pulled a concealed blade out of the bracelet. It wasn't big or sturdy enough to take to a knife fight, but it would do to jimmy open a lock, cut through bindings or rope, use it for self defence or to convince someone to seriously fuck off. Far more practical a gift than another toaster or a pickle dish, considering who it was for, and how they both lived. Akihito and Asami thanked Yoh for his thoughtful gifts.

Asami was now thankful that he had brought the envelopes on a whim that Kei had given him just before they had left Sion. After a few more moments of admiring the gifts given by the boy's adopted family, Asami took another sip of his wine, gave his fiancé a wink and stood up from the table. "It's tradition for the families being united by marriage to exchange gifts of goodwill, so on behalf of Akihito's parents, let me present you, his brothers, with my future wife's dowery." Akihito squawked indignantly at that while Tao giggled and Feilong and Yoh both snickered. With a smug smile he bowed, giving one envelope to Feilong, containing the deed to a country estate outside Tokyo with ample housing for his men, and extensive gardens and other amenities. To Yoh he presented the title to a penthouse in the Nezu district of the city, close to Tokyo University, Ueno Gardens and the temples and park in old Tokyo, close enough to visit with Akihito while staying away from the penthouse when they were staying in the city. Everyone was happy with that. And he personally made a promise to Tao that once he was old enough to drive, he'd have Suoh teach him tactical driving skills (especially for Tokyo traffic), then Tao, Akihito and he would go shopping for his first car to celebrate him getting his license. If Asami was basing his "dowery gifts" on his future "bride's" perceived worth, it was easy to see how highly he valued his little kitten. Profuse thanks were offered, and everyone toasted the happy couple and the upcoming wedding.

Afterward, the dinner continued with a contented feeling after the impromptu gift exchange. It seemed to further relax the atmosphere between Asami and Feilong, which was good as the odd sarcastic comment or joke that came out now and again was received in the playful spirit it was made, and Akihito and Tao both were feeling mellow from the single glass of white wine they had allowed themselves with the meal.

Akihito had just ordered his desert, the most sugary chocolate covered cream-filled pastry thing he could find on the dessert menu, which made Asami, Yoh and Feilong all raz him about watching the boy's "girlish figure", diabetic coma and having a dragon-sized sweet tooth, making the table laugh.

Akihito excused himself to leave for the bathroom, and as he got up young Tao decided to tag along, which meant one of Asami's guards had to follow, and Asami also notice one of Feilong's men followed Tao, leaving the big boys alone to talk. Akihito made a snide comment about hoping the guards didn't want to come into their bathroom stalls to help them hold anything. Tao clapped a hand over his mouth so as not to disturb any of the other diners.

When they returned, they were admiring their rings, and Akihito was teasing Tao about how if being the alpha crime lord of Asia didn't work out for him, he could always fall back on jewelry design.

The boys were both smiling as they walked into the dinning room, only to be met with the sight of Asami kissing a rather tall blond male at their table. Akihito and Tao froze on the spot at the scene in front of them. A young man, about the same height as Asami, with short styled blond hair, dressed in a high end suit and they thought they heard an English accent when he finally pulled his face away from Asami's. 'Okay, stay perfectly calm, so a good-looking guy was kissing Asami, and seemed to be examining my fiancé's tonsils with his tongue...'

Akihito was blindsided, and didn't know what to do… for about 10 seconds. He started feeling spitting mad enough to rip the other blond's head off. Akihito was about to explode when Tao took hold of his arm and pulled him back towards the table.

As they approached, they could hear the English man asking Asami how he'd been, was business good, saying how much he missed him… Wait, did he say he missed Asami, like as in an ex boyfriend kind of way? Feilong took firm hold of Akihito's wrist and made him sit down beside him at the table, which left Tao to sit beside Asami and the English man, much to his growing displeasure. Asami was trying to look anywhere but at the visitor, and glanced at Feilong when he saw Akihito had returned to the table, and was giving his abandoned dessert a scowl.

Akihito stayed still, not even looking at Asami as he sat stiffly in his place. Asami was about to introduce the gentleman to everyone there, when the unwelcome visitor started to speak again.

"Hello everyone, I'm Julius Keel, and I am a very, very close friend and old business partner of Ryuichi's." The stranger now stroked the other's arm intimately as Feilong, Yoh and Tao just nodded at the introduction.

Akihito looked up at the stranger, no emotions on his face. When Julius gave them a predatory smile and ignored Akihito completely, the other three at the table was aware of what he was up to, and waited for Asami's reaction. Once more, Julius turned back and caressed Asami's lapels, and started to speak again.

"Ryuichi, it's very rare of you to bring paid entertainment, oh, I mean a escort to one of your fancy hotel meals" he grinned as he waved his hand at Akihito to highlight his point. Akihito did nothing but stare at his plate.

Asami did not look pleased as he started to speak. "Julius, please. This is Ak-". Akihito stood up quickly, bowed and simpered. "Good evening, sir. This is a special dinner for Asami-sama and company, and he thought it would be entertaining to bring a "party favour", if you will, for his guests' amusement for the evening." Asami, Feilong, even the bodyguards that could overhear the table were shocked with Akihito as he just sat back down again.

Again, Akihito didn't look at anyone. Asami was annoyed with Akihito, and he was about to correct what he said when Julius broke in a third time with laughter in his voice. "Ryuichi, he is a spirited little thing. No wonder you like him." Julius reached over and stroked Akihito's cheek. Akihito did not flinch a muscle, he just sat still, unmoving.

Feilong was about to say something when Akihito glared at him to let it be. Asami was about to say something when Julius started speaking again, which was now pissing him seriously off.

"Ryuichi sweetie, when are we going to get back together? You know we were a great power couple: Sion and Tempest, you and I..." Asami hadn't said anything this time, he just waited for the interloper to continue.

Feilong was concerned for Akihito, and couldn't understand why Asami allowed this person to degrade his Akihito. Feilong was about to speak up when Akihito stood up, making everyone look in at him. Akihito looked up at Julius from under his bangs and smiled ever so sweetly.

"Excuse me, but l'm not here for that gentleman this evening" he said, nodding at a now simmering Asami. Akihito gracefully moved between Feilong and Yoh, and stated "In fact, I'm here for these fine gentlemen tonight" and sat down on Feilong's lap as he rested his legs up on Yoh's thighs. Firmly taking hold of Fei's chin, he started to kiss him. Feilong obliged him and deepened the kiss, hand going to cradle the back of his head. Yoh calmly watched Aki and Fei indulge themselves, rubbing his hand up the back of Aki's legs. Feilong's other hand traced up Akihito's shirt and grazed his nipple with his nails. Akihito leaned his head back and moaned, low and breathy. Feilong kissed up Aki's jawline to his ear, and whispered: "By the look on Asami's face, he is either going to spontaneously combust, or you are in for it tonight, my boy." Akihito gave him a saucy little look, then removed himself from both Yoh and Feilong, resuming his seat at the table, picked up the cigar list and began reading it as if nothing transpired. Asami growled at the back of his throat while Akihito ignored him. Well, he wanted to piss off his pet dragon…

Julius laughed out loud. "My, my, he is a tempting little thing. I might take advantage of his services myself in the future." Julius was about to reach out and touch Akihito again when Asami's hand shot out to stop that from happening with a firm grip on his arm. Julius' attention was back on Asami, and with a teasing grin he was about to to perch on his lap and kiss Asami again, and Akihito was just done. He stood up, handed something to Feilong, then grabbed the taller blond on his shoulder, swung him around and punched him in the face with all his might. Surprised and disoriented at the sudden pain and blood spraying out of his broken nose, he fell flat on his ass and Akihito shook his hand as his knuckles stung

Asami's friends were sitting quietly at their table when Julius waltzed in with his two bodyguards. Kirishima and Suoh nearly spilled their drinks when they realised who had just entered the restaurant, "Fuck!" was their immediate reaction. Both men had their own less than fond memories of him from when Sion was in its early stages of growth. They both stood up to stop him from getting closer to the private table when Julius' guards intervened. To avoid a scene, Asami nodded to Kirishima, granting the blond safe passage to the table.

Feilong was proud of Akihito: he was collected and in control as he dropped the bigger male trying to lay claim to his man. Out of concern for Asami's image as CEO of Sion, nobody at the table wanted to make a scene in the restaurant, but it didn't stop Feilong from running some scenarios in his mind just in case Akihito decided to do something more fun and make a very public statement. Tao was already ten steps ahead of him. In his mind, as soon as the blond sack of shit hit the floor, Yoh was up and helping Kirishima and Suoh quietly deal with the outsider's guards left at their table while Julius got hauled up off the floor by Aki. He quickly moved to hold open the door to "help" Julius out of the building with a kick to his ass. His big blond bro was walking the party crasher out of the room by a fistful of hair, dragging the Englishman forward almost doubled over towards the exit, then bounced Julius's head off of door frame hard before herding him through the door. Heading down the hallway towards the kitchen and presumably the back entrance to the restaurant, Aki randomly slammed Julius' head into the hallway walls, then out the back exit into the alley way while Tao held the emergency door open, and dumped his pale ass with the other trash. Then, when they both came back to the dining room, his nii-san motioned Feilong to stay put as he unwound his "belly chain", holding a dragon head in each hand as he curled his arm around Asami's neck from behind, and with the manriki gusari (a.k.a belly chain) taunt against the inside of his arm, he started to quietly tighten his choke hold on Asami in front of an oblivious dinner crowd and guards, and cheerfully told Asami that next time something like that happens, he'll take the competition out first, then take it out on Asami's ass, later.

Akihito, meanwhile, was still clenching his fist, his veins pulsing with rage, but he didn't want to cause Asami any more trouble (well, not much, anyway). When he looked away from the man towards Asami, a look of hurt anger graced Akihito's beautiful face.

Asami was quietly fuming. Of all the things could go wrong tonight, this had been completely unexpected. Akihito saw Julius starting to get up in his peripheral vision, and from the look in his eyes Akihito knew he was about to make a move for him. Akihito stepped out of the taller man's reach and moved towards the rear exit. Asami could only watch as Akihito's back disappeared out the door and around the corner.

Tao got up and gave Asami a disgusted look, which on any other day might have amused him, but the look on Akihito's face nearly broke what could pass for his heart. Tao left to follow Akihito, not knowing what was happening.

Julius smiled at Asami and said "Well, your whore seems a bit feisty" as he covered his nose with a linen napkin.

Asami tried not to snarl as he stated "It's time for you to leave now."

Julius smiled as he tried to staunch the bleeding of his aching nose. "Well, I do have business in the area, so I will make sure to pop in and see you very soon at the office, love." Asami could pick up the signs that Julius was up to something, which he knew deep down was going to be potentially disastrous for him.

Tao managed to catch Akihito, and was trying to lighten the mood with him explaining how he thought they should have dealt with that jerk off coming in and treating his Aki with the utmost dismissive disdain. His brother wasn't really listening, he was still pumped for action as Tao tried to calm a raging Akihito. Since neither of them was looking where they were going, the blond nearly fell over someone for the second time that day. Akihito realised it was a hotel employee, and he felt ready to shout at the person when he was greeted by the friendly familiar face of Carl, who was happily munching on some strawberry licorice laces. "You alright, Aki? You look upset; want some?" Akihito just shook his head at the offered strawberry laces and said he would tell him about it later, when he saw Carl's mesmerizing eyes had drifted to Tao. Akihito sighed, then pushed Tao in front of him and introduced them to each other.

Tao asked a question he has been wondering since the introductions: "Carl," he said, then hesitated. Said person just raised an eyebrow and nodded for him to continue. "What are you doing at such a fancy restaurant? You're wearing their uniform, too... I thought you worked at the university with Aki?" Akihito, who just clued into Carl was indeed wearing a waiter uniform, lifted his own eyebrow in question.

Carl just sheepishly laughed and confided "I need the extra money. A friend of mine who has connections to some higher-ups here told me about this job and said I should check it out, so here I am, little man." Tao thought he seemed like he was hiding something, but since this Carl was be good friends with Akihito, he shrugged it off.

Carl went back to the topic of why Akihito was storming away, which caused the blond to start clouding up again as his anger came rushing back. He just turned around and began walking away. "I'll tell you later, I can't stay here at the moment. Sorry." Tao bowed to Carl, and said "Nice to meet you, but I need to go too; bye" before quickly following his nii-san.

As soon as they were out of sight, Carl's concerned, worried look transformed into a cold, calculating smile. Heading in the direction of where "their" boy had come from, he entered the dining room and headed over to his brother's table and asked with a laugh in his voice "The kitten seems to be pissy right now, what did –"… His question was immediately forgotten when he saw the blond man standing with his brother. Izaya's eyes widened and he began to slowly back away, not daring to look away from him. Asami was surprised by this, never having seen Izaya afraid of someone before; how the hell did he know Julius? Asami made a mental note to figure out their relationship later. Unfortunately for Izaya, he was spotted by the one person he really didn't want to be seen by. A sudden leer appeared of Julius' face, his anger forgotten temporarily. "What a delicious surprise. Nice to see you again, Izaya." Before Asami could question how they knew each other, Izaya squeaked in fright and sent a harsh fast side kick to Julius' package, sending him down to the floor once more, curled up in agony and heaving. Asami turned back to his brother, only to find him getting the fuck outta Dodge, fumbling and stumbling between the tables as he made his get away. He really did not know what to make of his brother's strange behavior.

"What the hell was that about?" Asami rumbled. The guards were helping Julius up; he took a deep breath and laughed out loud. "Well, well, two very interesting things have appeared before me this evening; it must be my lucky night, I guess..." Before Asami could demand what was going on, he gave Asami a playful nip on his bottom lip and said "See you around, Ryuichi", then disappeared out the door to the hotel lobby.

Asami sat down at a now emptied table and looked at Feilong, who was beyond furious. "Do you have the slightest clue what you've done, Ryuichi?" he hissed. Asami looked at Feilong, momentarily not comprehending what he meant.

He sighed as he rubbed his eyes. "Akihito has done this before. He'll come back, he's just blowing off steam." Feilong looked at an approaching Yoh with concern on his face.

"I'm not so sure about that..." Feilong lifted his hand and opened his fist.

Looking at his palm, Asami's eyes narrowed as he thundered "Find Akihito and Tao. Now." as he gestured at Kirishima and Souh; the two shouldn't have gotten too far away, yet.

Asami was seething more and more by the minute. Izaya was in the building, running amuck, doing gods knew what, and now Akihito was off in a strope. His little blond was sure as hell going to pay for kissing his "big brother" the way he did. Asami glared at Feilong as he held out his hand, palm up.

Not in the least bit intimidated, Feilong lifted his chin. "Oh, know this is all on you, my friend. You should have gotten rid of that fuck before any of this happened." Feilong stood and tipped Asami's engagement ring, Tao's band and the opened cuff onto his hand. Asami was now livid: was Akihito just hurt and angry, needing some space, or was he running again...

Akihito was at the hotel's back door, breathing hard over what had happened in the dinning room. He could have just killed Asami for not… Well, that stopped his mind for a second or two. Who was this Julius fellow, and why was he all over Asami? Obviously they hadn't wanted to reveal Akihito's status publicly, not just yet. Tonight was meant to be a family occasion, but he still felt used and betrayed. Asami should have done something, stood up for him or gotten rid of the other man.

Tao came up to Akihito, and squeezed his shoulder. "Where are we going?"

Akihito shrugged and sighed. "Home, I guess" was all he could think to say, really.

"So why give Asami your rings and cuff?"

"I just did that to just to piss him off, like he did to me." Tao shook his head as a white limo pulled up to the hotel door. They both watched Julius and his guards enter the limo and pull away. As the car slowly passed by, the window rolled down and he could see Julius inside the vehicle, seated with his guards and two other men. Julius gave him a not-very-nice smile which was full of promise, very much like Asami; but where the look of his lover mostly promised pleasure, this smile promised nothing but pain. Akihito and Tao, not being the least bit impressed, flipped him off at the same time.

The boys decided to walk back to the penthouse to try and vent out the hurt Aki was feeling. His leg was starting to ache again, and all he wanted to do was take a relaxing hot shower and go to sleep. His mind then began to churn out ways to excruciatingly punish Asami tomorrow over that English prick. Rounding the corner he once again stumbled into someone. "Carl. For the love of… what are you doing here?" Akihito looked at him, took hold of his arm and spoke quietly. "Carl, what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"I have", was all he replied; but quickly coming back to his senses, he asked if Akihito and Tao would like to have a quick drink with him. Akihito smiled and agreed as they had nothing better to do. He looked around them and realised that neither of them were being shadowed, which left him somewhat surprised. Surely Tao's bodyguards should have been there at least, but no.

Hearing Akihito's acceptance, Carl linked arms with both "his" kitten and Tao. "Let's have some fun, boys~" he cheered, and proceeded to drag them to a nearby dive drinking establishment.

Tao tried to protest somewhat. "Aren't I too young to drink in Japan?"

Carl just giggled while Aki snorted. "My dear Tao, everything here is legal, as long as you don't get caught."

The night was getting chillier as summer was nearly over. Two men left the hotel after Asami, Feilong and Yoh had departed the dining room. They stood on the corner with cigarettes at the ready, when one quietly spoke. "What the hell just happened back there?" he wondered, and inhaled smoke from his stick.

"How the hell should I know" the other guy grumbled, blowing smoke out of his nose.

"Well then, who's going to report to Mikhail about this."

The other man huffed. "Huh, it certainly ain't gonna be me..."

"Yeah, well, someone has to inform him." Both looked away from the other. They took their time determining there wasn't anything particularly interesting nearby to look at, when the first man sighed.

"We could always do Rock, Paper, Scissors, just like the old days."

The other man laughed. "Fine. Best two outta three. The loser has to face the music. And may God have mercy on his soul."

**** Izaya shenanigans*****

Tao: is there a word that is a mix between mad and sad?

Feilong: malcontented

Asami: disgruntled

Kei: exasperated

Akihito: miserable

Izaya: smad

***Izaya shenanigan's****

Police: where do you live?

Izaya: with my brother

Police: where does you bother live?

Izaya: with me

Police: where do you both live?

Izaya: together

Police: where is your house?

Izaya: next to my neighbour's house

Police: where is your neighbour's house

Izaya: If I tell you, you won't believe me

Police: tell me

Izaya: next to my house