STORY WARNINGS:
YaoiMale/Male.
Rating: Mature. ADULTS ONLY. Contains coarse language, explicit sexual content both consensual/non-consensual, forced/willing submission, bondage, BDSM, edging, safewords, aftercare, graphic violence, torture, adult themes, guilty pleasure fantasy where you want someone to be a bit too forceful.

A/N: So this is all fluff and nonsense. And this. And that. And whatnot... Actually loooooads of things happen, all 16K words of it!

I need to flag for possible triggers here, as one lovely reader also reminded me! There is mention of trauma peppered throughout this chapter, so please consider and proceed with caution if you know you need to be careful with this.

And what's a story without one last cliffhanger? Oh wait, I wasn't warning you about them, was I? *Ahem!* I'm just going to suffix this with the same thing I said before... Trust me, ok? (^^)

I hope you enjoy this!

~ Nyx ~

DISCLAIMER: The Finder series and all recognisable characters belong to Yamane Ayano sensei.


Click

Chapter 27

Fire. Ice. Drowning, so cold it burned!

Strong arms, steel bands against the claim of icy waters, not letting go – but the fire! Rushing, blazing, ice rushing, fire rushing, right at them –


Wednesday.

"It's not working."

"It's working fine, sir."

"It's stuck. See here, that doesn't move."

"Those are the header rows. They tell you what you're looking at in each column."

"I know what a header row is, Kirishima. What I don't get is why you have rows 1, 2, 52. Where's everything in between?"

"...You might recall, sir, you were quite specific that you didn't need to see the earlier projections again. So you just have the topline budget and the revised forecasts."

"Then why is everything disappearing behind column C?"

Akihito snorted, grinning. He couldn't help it. He'd been awake a while now, watching the two men squabbling over Asami's laptop at the table. But there was a mischievous gleam in Asami's eyes as he asked the same thing over and over, as Kirishima's patience wore thinner and thinner...

"It's Freeze View. Just like the last three times he explained it."

"Why look, the expert is awake," Asami said drolly. "Since you know so much, why don't you tell Kirishima to stop freezing the view in his spreadsheets."

Kirishima's hard-as-stone expression became harder.

"Freeze View, not freezing the view," Akihito grinned. "There's nothing to say. It's just you being temperamental and complaining about Glasses doing what you told him to two minutes ago, the poor guy."

"Perhaps you could explain the concept in a more pleasing manner, Takaba-san," Glasses said curtly, gathering his things. "If you'll excuse me, sir, I'll leave the report with you. I have some urgent matters to attend to."

Asami waved him off. Glasses bowed and left. He wasn't stomping but it was close.

Akihito was still grinning at Asami. "I saw that."

"Hmm? What's that?" Asami strolled over to the bed.

"You were totally winding him up."

Asami had no remorse. "Yes, well, the financial data was dry. I had to amuse myself somehow."

Akihito laughed, but the sharp tug across his ribs made him pull a face, clutching his side and curling in on his injury. Mornings were always the worst, stiff from sleep, pain relief having worn off. The rough night he'd had didn't help either, elbowing and kicking in his half-unconscious frenzy to reach Asami without realizing the man was already pressed against him.

Three knocks announced his parents' arrival. They were let in by the bodyguard to find Asami rubbing Akihito's back, painkillers in his other hand. Akihito couldn't muster the strength to lift his forehead from the smooth wool of Asami's waistcoat, having only just found a position where his ribs weren't screaming at him. The warmth of Asami's hand was a balm seeping through his back.

"Oh, sweetie... Here, I can do it."

Akihito finally looked up as his mum rushed to his side, taking the blister pack from Asami, pouring some water.

It wasn't just a need, though there was that too. Akihito had a rush of wrongness as Asami silently stepped aside, his face carefully blank. Asami was still by the bedside table but effectively sidelined as his mum took over. But from her point of view, she was his mother, Asami just an acquaintance. Why shouldn't she?

Two pills were pressed into Akihito's hand and he swallowed them, slowly, numbly. The water went down like sand.

His dad was quietly watching them all. "Morning," he nodded to the tall man.

Asami nodded politely back. "I was about to send for breakfast. Have you eaten?"

"Not yet. Thank you."

"I'll cook all your favourite meals when you come home," Mum promised, plumping up the pillow. Asami abruptly stilled as she babbled on. "I've been doing a lot of watercolour recently and your room's turned into something of a studio but I'll put it all back together. It'll be like you've never been away."

Akihito's dad was watching Akihito, who was watching Asami, who was carefully looking at none of them.

Akihito's mouth opened, moved, but he couldn't shape the words.

Asami still had that awful forced quiet about him. "I'll have your breakfast sent up." His voice was precisely empty.

No...

Asami nodded in parting –

No no no...

He turned away, still refusing to meet Akihito's eyes –

NO!

Akihito grabbed at Asami's jacket and hauled the man closer – ok so it was a feeble tug and Asami caught him as he half fell off the bed but it was the thought that counted – and he yanked the taller man down by the lapel and smashed their lips together.

Time stood still.

O-o-kay, so that just happened...

Maybe he should've thought it through. Talked it over, broken the news more gently. But then again Akihito had never been so tactful. He had that scary, exhilarating rush like sledging down a snowy hillside way too fast and knowing full well it could hurt but not being able to give a damn right then 'cos it was totally worth it. His face was blooming and yes this was going to be embarrassing as hell and he had no idea how his parents would react, but this was him. It was out there now and he could've never guessed what a relief that would be.

Akihito broke the kiss first – 'cos Asami seemed to have no inclination to – and blurted to his startled parents, "Actually I'm gonna stay with Asami." But then his eyes shot back to Asami. "Uh, can I?"

Asami was holding in a laugh. Barely. "I suppose I can put up with you."

There was a glint in Asami's gaze that made Akihito suspect the man was actually rather quite pleased that he'd finally come clean.

"You put up with me? You're the one with the insufferably smug ego, you're gonna be testing my patience to the limits."

Asami carefully righted him on the bed, keeping an arm about him. "Says the noisy, messy brat eating me out of house and home."

"Yeah, well, who else's gonna put that big-ass fridge to proper use? It's wasted sitting there all bling-bling and empty. That hideous fancy schmancy Belvedere you keep in the freezer doesn't count, you know. You never drink it anyway."

"Because that stuff is lethal."

"All the more reason I should hang around and make sure you don't touch it."

Akihito knew he was just putting off the inevitable. But he couldn't drag it out any longer when his mum's face fell. She started crying. Crying.

His heart sunk. "What on earth, Mum? It's not that bad..."

"Oh sweetheart," his mum sobbed, her hands framing his face.

Asami stepped back again, giving her room. But it was different this time. He was looming, a protective shadow. Akihito's parents or not, Asami would step in if they reacted badly. While more and more people were coming out of the closet and were nothing but happy to have done so, it also wasn't unheard of for someone to be disowned or cast out of their families for being gay.

"I'm sorry," she sniffed, "I'm so sorry. I should have seen it, had some inkling..."

Wait, what? "Seen... it? Seen what?"

"It must have been so hard, hiding who you are, I'm so sorry sweetheart. You can tell us anything, you know that. Your father and I love you. We will always love you, no matter what."

Oh boy. It wasn't what he'd thought at all. "Mum... It's ok. Even I didn't know until recently. Very recently. How are you meant to have known?"

"I'm your mother, Akihito. Of course I should have known my son is gay! I kept asking you about girls and –"

Akihito coughed. "Actually I might not be. As in, I might be bi. Or... I dunno. I used to like girls. And it's not like I've been thinking that I like guys or anything like that. It's just Asami that I like."

Shit. Did he just say that? His face had already been getting warmer and warmer with every stuttering word. He didn't need any help from the blazing gaze Asami sent his way for his face to burn every shade of pink.

Her arms wrapped carefully but tightly around his shoulders and he got a mouthful of her short hair. He puffed it out.

"Are you happy with him?" she whispered in his ear.

He caught Asami's eye... and nodded silently.

"And he's good to you?"

"Yeah. Yeah he is."

She squeezed him closer. "Then that's all that matters."

Over her shoulder Akihito caught his dad's eye. He still hadn't said anything. What did he know already? The uncertainty gnawed at Akihito – but then his dad gave the smallest nod, with a press of the mouth that couldn't quite be called a smile. But for a man whose every word, every expression, carried its full weight, there were no such things as empty gestures. They'd need to talk but they were ok. It was a load off Akihito's shoulders.

His mum pulled back, wiping away tears, her face a glittering smile. She turned to the tall businessman and Akihito had the sudden urge to snicker. 'Cos damn, if that wasn't Asami looking nervous, all tight and braced for judgement, he didn't know what was.

But she just went right ahead and hugged the man.

Akihito found there was no holding back that snicker, even biting his lip. Asami's look of surprise was priceless.

Hugging wasn't the done thing in Japan. Family, sure. Close friends, sometimes but often not even then. Someone you barely knew, no matter the relationship with a family member? Horror of horrors. Unless you were Takaba Sana and had just realized the significance of her son standing by this person in front of his parents in the most unambiguous way.

"Thank you," she said somewhere into the suit jacket, her voice thick. "Thank you for taking such good care of Akihito."

All of a sudden, all of Akihito's amusement fled because Asami was fighting for control. It was just a flash – pain, guilt, roaring darkness – before brutal control slammed a lid on it all, shored until a more suitable time to be let loose.

"It feels like I haven't done enough," Asami said.

But it was no false modesty. Akihito believed he meant every word. Akihito ached to think what he must be feeling. Fujimoto was totally right. Asami was healing too.

Sana finally released the tall man, standing back and looking between them. "Now if anyone gives either of you boys a hard time for being together, you just send them right on to me and they'll have hell to pay."

"Mum..." Akihito mumbled, because she could be a total lioness and it was kinda embarrassing but also really cool that she had their backs. Though the idea of Asami sending anyone to his mum to sort out... He snorted helplessly.

She beamed up with a smile that had something of Akihito in it. "We need to do introductions again. We're very, very happy to meet you, Asami-sama."

Akihito was grinning. "Yeah, Asami-sama, this is my mum."

His mum frowned. "You're right, it's much too formal. Ryuichi-san, then?" she asked, making Akihito splutter – "if I may call you that?"

Smirking at Akihito's flaming embarrassment, Asami inclined his head graciously. "Of course. I would like that."

Akihito groaned, tipping sideways, falling – this was going to hurt but he was totally dying here. But Asami was there, deft hands catching his neck and back and gently laying him down.

His mum watched with sparkling eyes.

"Oh you are such a dear, Ryuichi-san," she gushed, and that was it. Akihito was officially finished.


Takaba Tatsuhiro sought out Asami late that evening. The guard gave the customary three knocks and three seconds before letting him in.

The lights were half dimmed. Akihito was in bed. Asami was at the table going over reports with Kirishima under the light of a single desk lamp, angled to keep the glare from the bed.

"I thought I might find you here," Tatsuhiro said quietly. "Can we talk?"

"Of course." Asami stood politely as he glanced at Kirishima.

Requests on Asami's time were frequent and after so many years together they had the coded looks down to a tee. Be accommodating, if Asami considered gains to be had. Drag your heels or That ship has sailed, depending on how much he wanted to make them sweat. Or if he was feeling particularly sadistic and wanted to make them piss their pants, This bullet has your name on it.

Kirishima didn't need the silent instruction in this particular case. "There's nothing urgent," he confirmed, quickly putting the reports aside.

"We'll pick up in the morning."

"Goodnight, sir." Kirishima left with a bow.

The two men were left staring at each other. Akihito's soft snores filled the room, reassuring to them both.

Asami waited. He wasn't standing at attention as such, what with his hands relaxed in his pockets, but he left it up to the older Takaba whichever way he wanted to take this.

Tatsuhiro was perfectly aware that only his relation as Akihito's father granted him this concession of sizing Asami up. How many would this formidable man wait for like this? Not many at all, he would wager. Akihito, for one.

He finally broke eye contact, approaching the bed. "Is he asleep?"

Asami followed. They both stood at the foot of the bed, looking down at Akihito with his mouth agape, arms flung up and down, one leg hanging out.

Asami couldn't help the fond smirk. It was almost second nature now, subconsciously tracking Akihito shifting about beside him as they slept. "Out like a light. He was very tired, more than usual." He knew what he was suggesting, being aware of something like that.

"He didn't sleep today," Tatsuhiro said. "He was preoccupied, either evading his mother's enthusiastic questions or too wound up wondering what I was thinking."

Akihito murmured in his sleep, turning his head, pulling his arms in. They were both watching but Asami's eyes were keener. He knew the pattern and didn't take his eyes off for a second.

Tatsuhiro took an intake of breath, set with purpose, and Asami knew it was coming – a toss-up between age and gender, in his estimation...

"There's an age difference."

There it was. "Does it bother you?"

"You're in different phases of your lives. You're... well established. Akihito, in many respects, is still finding his feet. He's still young."

"He knows his mind," Asami defended. "He knows what he believes in and stands for." Even as Asami had come and muddied the waters, Akihito still knew where the line was. He hadn't lost sight of himself.

Tatsuhiro grunted. "That he does."

Akihito's brow furrowed, his expression drawing tight. Asami was on the balls of his feet, on the verge of heading around the bed.

Tatsuhiro wasn't so well versed with the signs. "Akihito might be reckless with little care for his own safety, but he's not stupid or a pushover. We raised him better than to be drawn in by a fat wallet or a handsome face delivering a few clever lines." That was accompanied by a pointed glance and Asami gave a huff of amusement. "He wouldn't be with you if he didn't see something in you. Having said that, he has a good heart. Too good perhaps." Tatsuhiro turned fully towards him. "I need to know you're not taking advantage or hoodwinking him."

"That's not a question I can answer," Asami pointed out, still watching Akihito. "Whatever I say could just be some clever lines."

"True."

There was a soft gasp from the bed. Akihito turned again, the motion sharper, provoking a whimper as his face scrunched up. Hands scratched at the sheets, shaking.

His obvious agitation was shocking for Tatsuhiro. His son was usually a heavy sleeper, snoring even through fire alarms. Bad dreams were a thing of childhood monsters coming to steal sweets. But before he could even think to do anything, Asami was already there. Fingers brushed through the blond hair, palm against the contorted face.

"I'm here, Akihito," Asami rumbled, with a tenderness Tatsuhiro had never expected of such a man. "You're alright."

Remarkably, Akihito leaned onto the hand, sighing, visibly relaxing even in sleep, every line smoothing out. Asami watched him, shadows lining his countenance.

Tatsuhiro fully expected to be refused but he said anyway, "Please forward me the medical bill when Akihito is discharged."

Asami stayed there, his hand trapped under Akihito's cheek. He didn't seem to mind. "I have it covered."

"I need to reimburse you."

"There's no need."

"He's my son."

"He's –" Asami bit his tongue. Rephrased. It was practically a snarl. "He was hurt because I was targeted. It's the least I can do."

"You blame yourself?" Tatsuhiro asked, surprised at the harsh self-recrimination. He glanced at Akihito but there was no reaction.

Amongst others – "Yes."

"It sounded quite different from what Akihito said."

Akihito moved again but this time it was a natural shift in his sleep, arms slinging out, his top half turning contrary to his legs, face upturned. His breath caught for a moment, his body adjusting to his injury in the new position, before his snores kicked up like a burbling Harley.

Asami's hand, freed from beneath Akihito's face, flexed at his side. "... I didn't do enough."

"Do you love him?"

Asami was surprised enough by the abrupt question to tear his eyes from Akihito, to find the older Takaba watching him intently. Asami had expected more grilling on their different spheres of life, or the realities of being in a same-sex relationship in a country where true acceptance came in as many shades and qualities as used cars. But love? It threw him. Perhaps that was the intention.

It was Asami who looked away first. "If I understood what that was, perhaps I could answer."

Tatsuhiro had been after honesty and he got it. He didn't really need an answer anyway.

"Does he love you?" Tatsuhiro asked next, just to see what Asami would say.

Asami replied with an amused twist of the mouth. "I wouldn't presume to answer for him, I'd never hear the end of it."

Tatsuhiro couldn't help his wry smile in return."That's Akihito alright."

Asami paused with uncharacteristic awkwardness, before turning to him. "I know I am the last sort you'd envisaged your son to involve himself with. We're both headstrong and stubborn, and we will fight and we'll have our ups and downs. But I will take care of him in the best way I know how. I will always respect him. I will never betray him. Everything I have is his. And I will do everything in my power to protect him, his life and everything that makes him Akihito, to my dying breath. You have my word."

Tatsuhiro stared back, not saying anything for a long while. Delivered with such gravitas that was rare to see in this day and age – Asami was asking permission, without asking. It was typical of Asami Ryuichi, he supposed.

Tatsuhiro didn't reply directly. "No doubt you already know – I used to be a journalist in Tokyo, until I had to leave the profession due to complications with my health. I've heard... some interesting rumours in my time."

Asami was silent.

"I'll only ask one thing. Does Akihito know?"

Asami regarded him for a long moment. "He knows everything," he said at length, confirming everything, confirming nothing. "He was investigating me, before we met at Sion."

"Ah," Tatsuhiro said as though that explained everything. "I suppose he did inherit my incessant curiosity if there's any hint that someone's hiding something they shouldn't be." He sighed. "But he has his mother's eternal optimism. He's not jaded enough to accept that everything is relative. There's no such thing as a lesser evil; wrong is wrong and should be opposed every step of the way. But somehow, in his world of black and white and right and wrong, he found you." It was sadness and pride both that deepened his voice. "He knows nothing of self-preservation, as you must have seen by now. He's always been that way. He finds trouble, or trouble finds him, and he believes it his moral duty to cross swords and sort it out. That's why I worried whether he could ever settle down. Whoever he's with, whether he means to or not, he'll drag them with him into the thick of it." He tilted his head, considering. "I suppose, if it's you, you could handle it better than most."

Asami smirked faintly. "Perhaps."

"But you also attract attention and not the good kind. Would he be in more danger, being with you, or more protected?"

It was rhetorical. Tatsuhiro didn't expect a reply and Asami didn't give one. He'd already said his piece.

No one could foresee the future. There were no guarantees. But there was sheer will and determination, which these two had by the bucket-load, not to mention the way they came alive around each other. Even Asami, though he was far more subtle. Tatsuhiro had seen it with his own eyes.

"My wife and I... Our son means the world to us. Obviously it's not the best circumstances right now but even so, Akihito is happy. We can see that." He looked the taller man in the eye, reminding Asami of the same obstinate strength at Akihito's core. "It's Akihito's choice, so I'm not going to stand between you. But know this, Asami Ryuichi. I know what your word is worth. If you break it, if you harm Akihito or let him come to harm, I will come at you with everything I have. I still have a lot of contacts, in the press, in the courts, in the streets. However extensive your network, I can still kick up a shitstorm and make life exceedingly difficult for you."

Asami inclined his head in acknowledgement. "I would expect nothing less of Akihito's father."

"Good." But then the sternness softened, as did the voice. "And I hope your future is brighter for having Akihito in it, Ryuichi."

Asami froze. Tongue-tied, for perhaps the first time in his life, he could only bow.


Thursday.

"What's with you?"

"Hmm?"

"You're... What the hell, are you in a good mood?"

There seemed to be a permanent uplift curving Asami's mouth as he wiped around Akihito's shoulder with the damp washcloth. "Perhaps I'm just enjoying this."

"I'm not an idiot. What are you up to? You're planning something, aren't you?" Akihito had to fight down a blush as Asami linked their fingers – totally unnecessarily, in his opinion! – to hold his arm out and wipe it down from shoulder to wrist. "Why're you doing this anyway?"

"Don't you want a wash?" Asami repeated on the underside of the arm.

"No, why are you doing this?"

"You prefer the nurses touching you, is that it?"

"Don't deliberately mistake me, baka, that's not what I said!" Akihito finished on a squeak as Asami washed his armpit.

"I'll be cleaning your dick soon, you want them handling that too?"

This was crazy. Akihito was just standing there by the bed for what he'd learned was called a bed bath, though he could stand now so he was sure he could wash some parts of himself normally even if he had to keep his side dry. But Asami insisted otherwise and Akihito was aflush and his pulse was all astutter like he was revving on a clogged throttle.

"I can clean my own junk!"

"Here you go then." Squeezing the washcloth in the disposable basin, Asami slapped it into his hand and waited expectantly.

"Y-you don't have to watch!"

"Of course I do. Who else is going to check you've reached everywhere?"

"Nobody is who! I can clean myself!"

"Go ahead."

Clearly the bastard wasn't going anywhere. With the washcloth slowly dripping in one hand, Akihito went to grab the clinic trousers with the other...

He looked down. Which was hard enough. He wasn't going to be able to remove them let alone reach down or bend in any direction...

"Ok fine!" Akihito grumbled ungraciously. "You can help."

"Can I, now?" Asami smirked.

"No funny business! Doctor's orders, remember?"

But large hands were already smoothing over his hips, drawing the cotton pants down – and down, and down, making full contact with his thighs, the outside of his knees, down his shins as Asami sank down at his feet. Asami steadied him by one hip and then the other as Akihito stepped out of the scrubs, leaving him without a stitch on. The way back up was just as torturously slow, as Asami rose slowly, the large hands dragging up his skin again, until they came to rest on Akihito's hips.

Not once did Asami's gaze leave his skin. Never mind that Asami had seen it all before, the intensity of his gaze was making Akihito blush like nobody had ever set eyes on him before. But it wasn't just heat in Asami's eyes, there was something else too. Like a wound that was still raw.

Oh so tender, as though handling the most precious glass, a muscled arm wrapped about Akihito's waist, a hand tipped up his jaw. But there was nothing gentle about the kiss as Asami took his mouth, deep and uncompromising. Asami's tongue, the other side of too demanding, too rough, the hand about his jaw sliding half around his neck, the grip tightening... Forgotten, the washcloth landed with a splat on the floor.

Fuck, he'd missed this. Akihito simply stood in the secure hold as Asami's tongue wrapped about his own and the woollen suit brushed against his naked skin and oh wow he was naked when Asami was still in his three-piece suit but he didn't have enough grey cells spare to care.

They were both feeling the effects of it when Asami drew back, just enough to let them breathe, foreheads tipped together. Asami made a low sound, a guttural growl of suppressed frustration, and Akihito couldn't help sniggering.

"You wouldn't be laughing if you knew the thoughts I'm entertaining, Akihito," Asami warned, which only made Akihito grin wider.

"Oh? I think I can guess. What was it you said before – fifty ways to sundown, wasn't it?"

"Lie down on the bed before I bend you over it, you little minx."

"You can't do that, baka. Feeble invalid here, remember? Why do I need to lie down anyway?" Akihito asked as Asami manhandled him – gently – onto the bed.

The top sheets had been pushed aside, with waterproof protectors laid down to keep the bed dry. They even came with that horrid crinkling sound.

"Ugh, incontinence mats. This is so not sexy," Akihito disparaged as Asami helped lower him down.

"It's quite an improvement on the last two times."

Akihito's face fell. "The last two...?"

"Who do you think has been washing you all this time?"

Asami chuckled at the look on Akihito's face as he grabbed another washcloth from the disposable water bowl. He hooked Akihito's knee up in a practised motion, planted the foot, pushed the knee wide –

Akihito garbled something that might as well have been Sanskrit, hiding his flaming face with an arm as Asami wiped over his cock and balls. With methodical precision. Twice. And of course his dick was going to twitch and Asami would do that smirk... And then he wiped further back –

"Oh my god, Asami, you don't have to be so – so –" 'Cos that had been right down his crack, not missing even a millimetre. "You don't literally have to wipe my ass!"

"It's not the first time."

"Wha – you –"

"You've never been quite so vocal about it before," Asami mused, "though I suppose you were usually sexed out, weren't you?"

"Argh, you baka perv! Why is this my life?" Akihito bemoaned.

Asami used another washcloth to finish washing his legs and feet, even between the toes and Akihito could've sworn the bastard was tickling him on purpose. Finally done, Asami tugged out the bed protectors and took away the washing stuff. Akihito wasted no time yanking the sheets over his lower half. He was going to be in the obituaries after all. Cause of death? Embarrassment levels reaching toxicity. It was going to be a new thing. Scientists would be all over it and his beautifully clean ass in the name of research.

"You're the worst," he declared when Asami returned.

Smirking, Asami stole another kiss as though picking up where they'd left off. Akihito found it was brilliant that he was able to breathe easier now 'cos otherwise he would've had no chance with Asami stealing his air, filling his mind, warming him through...

Asami drew back, his gaze blazing. He took a breath, visibly controlling himself – and then abruptly he coughed a laugh, breaking into the most insufferable smirk ever, smug as punch.

"What?" Akihito demanded.

"Need a hand?"

Akihito frowned. Then his eyes flew wide, and down – "Argh!" He was fucking tenting! He scrambled at the sheets, drawing his knees up somehow – it still hurt but no way was he going to just lie there with a totem pole, especially when Dr. Fujimoto chose that moment to knock briefly and poke her head around the door.

"All done?"

She took one look at the red-faced – and clearly naked – Akihito wrestling the sheets into a bunched-up mess in his lap and swearing like a sailor and Asami silent-laughing too hard to be able to reply...

She cleared her throat, making no attempt to hide her smile. "I'll come back." And promptly disappeared again.

"That was all your fault!" Akihito wailed. "She probably thinks I'm some hormonal delinquent now!"

Asami was still smirking like a Cheshire Cat. "Or a virile young man helplessly attracted to his partner."

Akihito opened his mouth to automatically argue, but then... Empty. Blank. Nada.

Partner. Asami had said partner. This was fucking real. They were real. Of course they were, but this was huge. Asami had given them a word when they hadn't had one before. An identifier. A designated category that could be filled by nobody else. Partner! Holy jumbo Pocky sticks...

Asami arched a brow, amused at Akihito's flabbergasted silence. He stroked down Akihito's arm, picking up the hand. He kissed the palm, before closing his hand against it and leaning into Akihito's face. "You're not the only one," he murmured over Akihito's lips before kissing him again, pressing the back of Akihito's hand against his own hardening crotch.

There were all sorts of fizzles and tingles charging every which way and Akihito tilted his face up to kiss back harder. He turned his hand to better cup Asami's growing hardness, the softness giving way. It must be uncomfortable in there, the sizeable equipment all crushed in the underwear under Akihito's palm...

Akihito managed a grin, despite his own dick poking at the bundle of sheets. "You're totally wrong, you know. Virile young man? You're way past it, old man. And helplessly attracted? Ha! Speak for yourself."

Rather noticeably, there was no objection to the word partner. Akihito still had those silly giddy flip-flops going on inside.

Asami's smirk turned downright evil. "Oh? I'm wrong, am I? It seems only fair to explore it then." His eyes gleamed. "Remember, red isn't the only traffic light colour. There's also green and amber and a whole realm of possibilities in between."

A frown furrowed Akihito's face. "Why're you talking to me about – "

Comprehension smacked the hazel eyes wide and set his cheeks burning. With a garbled splutter, Akihito yanked the sheets right over his head to hide his glowing face.

Asami's hand wrapped around Akihito's tight grip on the sheets, the thumb brushing along Akihito's knuckles. "The moment I can spread you out and tie you up, I look forward to proving just how virile I am and how helplessly attracted you are, my dear Akihito," came the rumbling promise.

Asami chuckled at Akihito's groan as though knowing full well the red-hot temptation blazing through Akihito's gut.


Friday.

Akihito didn't have to ask. Just as his fingers were beginning to itch, Glasses turned up with his laptop.

He found it in the news. Mitarai had been discovered in one of the outbuildings at the dockyard, disoriented and a little dehydrated but otherwise well. He'd been arrested on the spot. His charges included damaging property with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm, and double attempted first-degree murder.

Akihito stared at his newspaper picture for a long time.


Saturday.

"You gotta gimme some good news," came the miserable grump.

"Woah, someone's feeling better."

"Not enough apparently. They just told me I'm going to be here another week! I'm already climbing the walls as it is!"

"Dude, you're still laid up. Take it easy for once."

"I can walk," Akihito grumbled. "Maybe at a snail's pace but I can walk. But they're refusing to discharge me until everything's closed up on the outside. Something to do with avoiding infections."

Kou somehow managed to slump sideways in a chair with no arms, half leaning on the bed. "Yeah, you're gonna have to tough it out. This ain't no community hospital where they would've given you the boot already 'cos they're desperate for bed space."

"Ugh..."

"Crazy, huh?" Kou rolled his eyes. "All this ritzy private clinic business where they actually take care of you."

"Oh, shut up..."

Kou grinned as his friend picked at the sheets. He looked up as the door opened. "Hey, Asami-sama, what's the rumpus?"

"A noisy disturbance? That would be you," Asami deadpanned, striding to the bed.

Kou spluttered with laughter. Ignoring him, Asami tipped up his friend's disgruntled face and kissed him right there. Kou was chortling in hysterics at his friend's red-faced swearing when Akihito's parents followed Asami in.

"Hey Sana-san, Takaba-san," Kou tried to greet Akihito's parents through his laughter.

"Kou-kun! How are you? We didn't know you'd be coming by."

It suddenly sank in. Kou bolted upright, doing a double take. Aki's folks were here. So was Asami. In the same room. At the same time.

"It's alright," Akihito mumbled, embarrassed but actually, deep deep deep down, pleased. "They know."

"Ohhh, thank god," Kou sagged. "I don't know how I could've kept a lid on that. Though you two would've so given it away, what with you always, you know –" He made a blatant, repeated gesture with his fingers vaguely fitting together, pulling a silly kissy face –

"Kou!"

A pillow smacked into his laughing face.


It was after dinner – which had, surprisingly, worked with the odd miscellany of people – that Akihito found a moment to speak to Kou alone. Asami was walking his parents out to the elevators, this could be as good a chance as he might get.

"What happened with your date? You know, The One?"

"Oh. Yeah. We met last night, actually." Kou was perched back against the bed. Looking out at the stars through the window, he half smiled, half shrugged. "It wasn't meant to be."

"Oh. I'm... sorry?" Akihito was trying to manoeuvre around the noisy Thank fuck! ringing in his head to get a handle on Kou's reaction.

"Nah, don't be. It wasn't like you guys, you just sort of clicked, right?"

"Uh..." There was so much more to it than that, Akihito didn't know where to start.

"I've decided to be chill about it. I'm still young. I'm just gonna get on with my life and someone will come along when I least expect it."

"Was this a date or a life course?"

"My lips are sealed."

Akihito gave him a what-the-hell look. "What, now? Now you build a gateway for your big mouth? Typical... Well at least tell me her surname."

"The hell's your obsession with that?"

"Just tell me and it won't be an issue."

"Can't tell you what I don't know."

"You're useless. Ok, fine. What does she do?"

"Huh?"

"Job? Career?"

Kou shrugged. "No idea."

Akihito just looked at him. "Seriously, what the hell did you talk about?"

Kou's face split in a helpless smile...


The night before.

"Wow. You're... Wow. You're every bit as stunning as I remember. Actually more, because you're wearing jeans and those heels and you're like... wow." Kou laughed, scratching his head. "Man, that was not smooth."

Hazumi's eyes sparkled. "I like a man who speaks his mind."

"That's one way of putting it. People usually call it a busted brain–mouth filter. Really, I just blurt out whatever."

"Or you're honest. Lack of artifice."

Kou grinned, a little shyly which was so not like him. "Aces. Not a minute in and you've already established I'm a good guy. You're super smart, lady."

She smiled, and winked, which pilfered all the oxygen. Two passing men stumbled into each other doing a double take.

"Shall we go in before you cause a pile-up?" Kou suggested.

Her easy laugh chimed sweeter than the bells on the door as they entered...

"A garden?" Kou asked, looking around.

Vibrant green filled the high-brow izakaya [Japanese pub]. Strategic fountains of tall grasses and draping tropical leaves gave privacy to the pockets of seating that could be glimpsed here and there, tucked away off a winding stone path. The warm cedar benches and tables matched the high awning overhead, lit with soft lights from Tudor street lamps. It was like no izakaya Kou had ever been to.

He almost walked into a waiter who emerged from behind a tree. It was Hazumi who requested a table for two and told Kou that he could eat and drink anything he wanted.

"My treat," she offered.

"This is weird," Kou said when they'd ordered. "That's usually my line." He shifted on his seat. The wood was super polished and super smooth. He felt like he could just glide right off onto the floor like a human slug. "Actually this is all a bit surreal."

She tilted her head. "First date with an older lady?"

Kou's eyes were drawn to the slender column of her neck. "Yeah." His eyes snapped up. "I don't mean old. Because you're not old. Just older. But only a little." He grinned sheepishly. "Did I tell you, I excel at putting my foot in it. Yep, got that down pat."

She was smiling with her eyes, those beautiful eyes. "Who said anything about old? I only said older."

Kou was blinking at her. "Why do I get the feeling you did that on purpose?"

She chuckled. "I have to admit, I wasn't sure you'd accept my invitation."

"So long as we're sharing, I'm surprised you asked in the first place."

"I was curious," she shrugged, an elegant shift of her shoulders. "Someone I know is involved with a younger man. About your age, actually."

"Oh, me too! As in, my best bro. He's with someone older."

"Oh?" She asked innocently. "Is it a big age difference?"

"Quite a bit. More than you and me." Kou was entirely serious, not even looking like it was a fake compliment.

"Is that so? They're older than me, are they?" Hazumi's eyes twinkled. "Does it bother you?"

"Why would it? He's happy. He's too embarrassed to admit it but that's just what he's like."

"Sounds like a good fit. Are they alike?"

Kou laughed. "God, no! Actually I don't know the person he's with very well but they seem as different as they come. And my friend's just a regular guy, and by that I mean he's like me. We know what time they mark down prices at the convenience store every day and which cheap beer you should steer clear of even if you're dying of thirst 'cos it's straight up like pi– er, not very nice."

"Like piss?" Hazumi chuckled, not bothered in the least.

Kou snorted. "Exactly. But the one he's with – let's just say if they ever set foot in a convenience store they'd probably get mobbed."

"Why, is it someone famous? Anyone I might have heard of?"

It was the perfect chance to name drop. Kou just shrugged, rather tight-lipped for someone with supposedly no self-editing mechanism. "Probably not. But hey, enough about them. Come on, let me get one round at least." Not subtle at all but hey ho.

A succession of strong shochu [distilled alcoholic beverage] mixes and a scrumptious range of multiple small dishes later, Kou was perfectly tempted to be that human slug. He'd found a comfortable position sideways, propped up against the table so he wouldn't slide off onto the floor.

"It's what they say. Opposites attract." Somehow, they'd returned to talking about their friends again. Kou had a brilliant thought. "I've got it!" He waved an arm with the wild inexactness of the halfway slaughtered. "Yin and Yang! That's it! They're like that. But more ragged. Raggedy. Raggedly. Raggedly edges, but if one of them's wild on something then the other's hella chill. They complete each other. Com-ple-ment each other," he articulated with effort. His tongue felt uncoordinated. He stared at his shochu. "I'm a genius drunk. And even more of a motor mouth. Go figure."

"I don't mind," Hazumi smiled and it near wiped his mind. "We can talk about your friends. How about a refill? Maybe another one will make you truly wise." An elegant fingertip trailed down the shochu glass, forming a blunt line through the condensation.

"Are you trying to get me drunk, Hazumi-san?" he grinned.

She laughed easily. "Why would I do that?"

"Because you like me talking?"

Something glimmered in her eyes. "Maybe I like your voice."

"Yours is better," Kou told her earnestly, taking another glug. "But you seem awfully interested in my friend. Should I be jealous?"

Hazumi didn't bat an eye. "I suppose I'm curious about another relationship with an age difference."

"Oh, right, your friends. Why, aren't they happy?"

"They're a good match," she said. "But he's a private person. Opening up to another can create... vulnerabilities, through his partner."

"Or new friends!" Kou bounced. "That's always good."

"Or it's an opening for busybodies to burrow."

"Not if they watch out for each other," Kou insisted with drunken solemnity.

"Even if they encounter censure and opposition and it's more heat than they can bear?"

"What? Why?"

"Because they're a gay couple."

"Oh. Oh! Snap! So's my friend! But hey, that sucks. That's more reason to stick together though, you know. And they need to find new friends if they're taking heat for being gay. That's just not cool."

"So your friend's not facing issues like that?" Hazumi asked, eyeing him closely.

"Not from me. Actually I don't know how many people he's told. Even me and another friend only found out by accident and the three of us are thick as thieves. But whatever anyone says, we won't let anyone give him a hard time. He doesn't deserve that shit."

"Is he hiding it? Is he embarrassed?"

Kou grinned. "Not like that. He just gets shy when he digs it. And he really digs this guy, if you get my drift."

"Does he now?" she asked with her lips curving.

"He's always been drawn to the strong type but..." Kou shrugged. "He's a good guy. The best. It's about time he met someone who treats him right."

"Good for him," she said softly, enticingly. "What did you say they were called?"

"You wouldn't've heard of them," Kou said, flapping a hand vacantly. He didn't know how sharply she was watching him as he dodged the question once again. "But they just seem right for each other, you know? My bro isn't interested in superficial stuff like money or social standing, he's just himself and –"

Kou froze. He stared at nothing as though he was experiencing some sort of epiphany.

"This isn't going to work," he suddenly blurted.

She tilted her head in question.

"It just hit me..." He stared at her, half awed, half lost. "I can't be me with you. And you won't be you."

Hazumi leaned forwards, resting her chin on an elegant hand. He felt physically drawn in as though under a spell.

"There's no need to try and impress me," she assured him. "You can be yourself."

"But you're the worst –" Kou flushed. "I didn't mean it like that!" He hurried to explain as she burst into laughter. "I mean, you don't seem real."

She was still laughing.

Kou scrunched up his face. "See? Putting my foot in it. Excellently done." He shook his head. "I mean," he said carefully, "you're so unbelievably stunning, I feel like I'm dreaming. I think I'd idolize you. I don't think it would be healthy. I'm sorry."

That mesmerizing, heart-stuttering amusement hadn't left Hazumi's face. "Don't be. It's very astute of you. And I told you, I like a man who's honest."

"Or maybe I'm saying any random crap 'cos it kinda feels like you're playing with me."

Hazumi's smile was a cupid's arrow.

"Y-yep," Kou stammered. "Pedestal. Right up there."

"What a pity. I like you, Kou-kun. Though I suppose that's all the more reason not to subject you to scrutiny by my tyrant of a brother. That might just be too cruel."

Kou became hardline. Human slug was gone. No way was he going to leave this celestial lady to struggle alone in hot water. "Are you in trouble?"

Surprise swept across her features, before transforming into radiance. "You're delightful, Kou-kun. I promise you I don't need rescuing, but I almost wish I did just so you can rescue me. Oh dear, I really like you."

Kou still had that determined look going on. "So... you're ok?"

"I'm ok," she reassured, smiling softly. "Very ok." She slid an elegant hand across the table, trailing a fingertip over his hand like silk. Her eyes glimmered like the orbs of an angel. Or maybe a demoness. Her voice was a siren call. "Just for you, Kou-kun. You can call me if you're up for threading the needle..."

Kou stared, mouth dry, blood thumping. Ok, stop. That just meant weaving, right? Maybe she was into sewing –

"Afternoon delight..." she went on, her voice definitely dropping into the husky register. "Bedroom rodeo..."

Kou groaned, hunching over himself. His head thumped onto the table to the sound of her laughter like peeling bells.

Dinner was good in the end. There was no pressure, no expectations, just two people from very different walks of life enjoying each other's company. They parted amicably.

"Whatever you're looking for, I hope you find it, Hazumi-san," he said.

Hazumi actually looked surprised. Then pleased. "And you. I know you'll make someone very happy one day."

"Thanks," Kou grinned. He went to walk away –

"Kou-kun?"

Eyes like Aphrodite smouldered. "I mean it. Call me."

All willowy hips and alluring smile, she was a smoking vision as she turned and glided away. Kou barely noticed the white limo she disappeared into, or remembered his dazed, stumbling journey home.


Kou just sighed, all dazed and goofy like. "I don't kiss and tell."

Akihito stared. "What the fuck. You're always telling me shit, I can never get you to shut up!"

"Not this time. It's between me and the most beautiful goddess to grace this Earth." He gave into another dreamy sigh.

"Oh man, you're hopeless." Akihito made an unintelligible noise and slumped back on the bed. Maybe he'd never know. Maybe it was for the best. He rolled his head to look over. "Sure you're ok?" he asked quietly.

"Why wouldn't I be? We might, you know, still meet up." Kou waggled his eyebrows.

"Argh! Forget I asked! Don't tell me anything! Ever!"


Sunday.

Ogawa and Yumi dropped by. Akihito had mixed feelings about seeing them. Of course, on the one hand they'd helped find him, but he couldn't help wonder how much Asami had schizzed out on them...

But that all faded away when Yumi saw him and burst into tears. She gave the biggest pout at Akihito's attempt to cheer her up ("Who died?"). Apparently his flippancy was inappropriate, even if she was kind of smiling again.

Crime scene forensic analysis, restoration work, in and out apace. Sion's glass and marble foyer was once again pristine, there was no hint anywhere of events that had transpired. But there was no dampening the rumour wildfire – the gunmen and dockyard explosion, reported as attempts on Asami's life, and Mitarai's arrest in connection with it all. Takaba who was supposedly off with the flu became a hot topic too when gossip spread from somewhere about an abduction. In the absence of any official explanation it caught everyone's imagination and every theory under the sun abound – he was at the wrong place at the wrong time, it was a targeted attack for a way into Sion's systems, maybe it was a ruse and he was secretly in league with the gunmen, or it had something to do with that run-in in the middle of the night before...

The IT basement had never been so popular. The stairwell was often congested. Helpdesk calls were up over 500% with employees keen for an opportunity to pry. Akihito was pleased to hear Yumi was being considered as a permanent replacement for Mitarai, with other temps being interviewed to assist with the temporary hike in support requests. Ogawa had increased vetting procedures after Yumi turned out to be a DigiH4wk fan, which Akihito found hilarious, especially in view of his own ironic position at Sion. Until Yumi asked about her article.

"Why on earth would anyone want to read about DigiH4wk? I have the most boring, mundane life ever."

"You're saying that after the week you've had?"

"You can't put that in there!"

"Ok, ok, but confectionary preference? Where you stand on recycling old computer parts? Your love life?"

"Eeee you can't write about that either!"

They were arguing enthusiastically about file naming conventions, which was mostly the two of them trying to wise up Ogawa about the underscore being a lazy hyphen from when early programmers did everything in capitals, when Asami strolled in. Yumi and Ogawa leaped up from their chairs and bowed, but Asami just waved them off with an easy "Don't mind me." He settled to work at the table with his tablet while Yumi gawked and Ogawa froze awkwardly. Until Akihito poked at Ogawa's belly and casually threw out there, "So you're a lazy programmer, Ogawa-san. What else don't I know?" which kicked off the lively debate all over again.

Asami stayed the whole of the remaining hour they were there. It was Asami who picked up on Akihito getting tired. He came up to the bed, running a hand along Akihito's jaw. "Are you alright?"

Akihito was momentarily speechless at the soft rumble and fond caress, as were the other two.

"Water?" Asami offered.

Akihito nodded, blinking owlishly. The jug was empty so Asami left to refill it.

They were silent as the door closed. Then Yumi made an oh! sound, casting her eyes up, grinning. "I'm such a dolt."

"Well, I didn't want to say..."

She back-swatted his arm. "I get it now. The song." She couldn't stop grinning. And blushing a little.

The song? The – oh, the song...! Akihito flushed. His face burned even more as Asami returned and helped him drink despite his insistence that he could manage.

Yumi and Ogawa hastily bid their farewells with promises to keep him updated.

"I can see right through you, you know," Akihito told him when they were gone.

"Hmm?"

"You're not gonna be such a dick as to say I can't see her 'cos you know she's just a friend and you want to show me you trust me and all, but you're making it damn clear I'm off limits."

"But was it?"

"Huh?"

The smirk was unmistakable. "Was it damn clear? I'm thinking now that I could have been clearer." Asami took a sip of water –

"What the blasted hell are you phhmmmnnngg–!"

– and fed it directly into Akihito's mouth.

Akihito spluttered and flailed. They both ended up sprinkled. Which of course needed mopping up. Which was more like groping. Repeatedly. Everywhere. Only for Asami to declare that Akihito was still far too wet and required a complete change of clothes. Which of course Asami had to help with.

Akihito dumped the rest of the cup of water over Asami's head. Because revenge was best served... wet, water dripping off strands of jet black hair now flopped over Asami's mock-outraged brow...

They were still attacking each other's clothes – with seemingly forceful but actually careful groping on Asami's part and helpless hysterics from Akihito – when Kirishima entered. Wisely, he backed straight out again.


Always the fire, roaring through icy waters

"I'm here, Akihito." Asami's was the rumble that calmed the flames, as inescapably adamant as the arms about Akihito, crushingly warm. "I'm here."

And he was, every day for the next week that Akihito was still confined to the clinic. Wherever Asami strode off to after breakfast each morning, he was never gone for more than a few hours at a time and always back by nightfall, without fail. He took to reappearing unannounced, quite the ravishing rabbit out of a hat in a suit. There were 10-minute pitstops, checking in and bothering Akihito about pain meds, or he'd be mid-phone call and smirking at Akihito pulling faces at the one-sided conversation. ("But of course it's a free country. Would they prefer to deal or be buried?") It wasn't unusual to drop in for lunch either.

("Here, I'll help you."

"I can feed myself."

"You shouldn't tax yourself."

"It's eating, it's not exactly weightlifting."

"Chopsticks or direct?"

"What do you mean dir– oh, hell no! I'm not eating from your mouth – get back! Chopsticks! I choose chopsticks!"

"So you'd like me to feed you? Very well."

"Don't say that like I asked you, baka!")

With Akihito still requiring a lot of sleep during the day, his parents took the opportunity of being in Tokyo to catch up with old friends and acquaintances. Akihito also appreciated not being around them all the time and encouraged them to head out. But they were usually back by evening to join Akihito for dinner, and Asami too, who made it back in time to eat with them half the time.

As the days rolled on, Akihito was relieved to see that his father's initial reserve around Asami seemed to give way to quiet acceptance. But his mother only became more and more besotted with the polite, put-together, sensible, mature businessman who was so attentive to her son. Which was a terrible state of affairs. The absolute worst.

("Welcome back, Ryuichi-san."

"... have to stop calling him that..."

"You're mumbling again, sweetie. Ok, we'll be off then."

"Already? What about dinner?"

"We'll be back. Is half an hour enough?"

"Enough? For what?"

"Don't be silly, sweetie. Ryuichi-san does your baths, doesn't he?"

"He – wh – what –"

"Or would the two of you like longer, Ryuichi-san?"

"Mu-um!")


It was all over. In years to come Akihito would remember it as the time when Blond Tank was introduced to his parents.

Asami was late that night. Akihito and his parents were sitting around the leftovers after dinner. They were taken aback by the big blond bodyguard who followed Asami in, but for different reasons. His parents just found the intimidating giant alarming. Akihito, however, found himself back at the docks.

He hadn't seen Blond Tank since that night. Twelve days disappeared in the blink of an eye and all he could see was Asami and Suoh and Sagano and Natakani, all suited and armed and looking like Reservoir Dogs, but remarkably Akihito was one of them and death was right around the corner and he couldn't bear the thought of any of them being anything but exactly as they were –

Akihito was sure he'd meant for a perfectly manly wrist-grab and shoulder-bump. But he still wasn't very mobile, and in his haste he stumbled from the chair, toppling straight into the big guy. Suoh caught him, ending up with one arm over and the other under Akihito's.

It was just a touch on Suoh's shoulder as Asami headed for the chair by the window, but it was enough to reassure the big guy. He tentatively returned the unexpected and rather awkward embrace.

Akihito was mumbling. "– Almost – almost didn't –"

"Takaba-san?"

"– almost didn't make it –" Akihito looked up. "I saw – I saw – you were burned. You were – you almost –"

Suoh's face, with all its understated shades and tints and hues, flickered through a myriad of expressions before landing on simply too much. "I'm ok, Takaba-san, it was just my clothes. I wasn't injured. None of us were, thanks to you."

Akihito snorted. "Actually it's thanks to you. 'Cos you were actually listening to all my crazy rambling way back when. Go figure." He found his feet and nudged with his shoulder. Suoh let himself be bumped back. He might have been smiling.

"This is Blond Tank," Akihito said to his parents. "You might have guessed 'cos, well, look at him."

Blond Tank bowed to his parents as they pushed to their feet. "Suoh Kazumi."

Sana's face lit up. "Suoh-san! Akihito's told us so much, we feel like we know you already though I wasn't expecting you to be quite so tall! Thank you for everything you've done for our son."

Suoh looked a little alarmed. Probably wondering how much there was to say about him.

Tatsuhiro seconded the sentiment. He understood more what it actually meant when Akihito had said that the bodyguard had protected him.

His mum offered dinner, since Akihito's appetite wasn't quite back to the usual enormity yet and they'd bought too much. Suoh was trying to politely decline when he could get a word in amidst Sana's rambling.

Akihito was looking at Asami. Quiet, staring out the windows, there was something about him this evening. Not just preoccupied, it was more than that.

Akihito ambled to his side.

He was struck by the intensity as the golden gaze found him. Asami's aura was tempered down around Akihito's parents but the darkness was far too close to the surface to mask his gaze.

"Are you alright?" Akihito asked quietly.

Asami's gaze held him captive, refused to let him look away. "It's done."

It's done.

Two words. Such simple words, but the Earth disappeared from beneath Akihito's feet. "Scarface...?" he whispered.

Asami gave the faintest of nods.

Suoh! That's why Suoh was here. Because he wasn't... someplace else.

This wasn't life behind bars which didn't actually mean life but more likely twenty years followed by parole, hanging over Akihito all those years as he wondered when Scarface would come for him again. Because a lunatic like Scarface? No way would he forgive and forget. Whatever Asami's own reasoning or desire for revenge, the one to gain the most here was Akihito. He had closure. Most likely by the very hand that came up to cradle his face.

"Hey," came Asami's soft rumble.

It was over. Over. Akihito folded in on Asami. Asami caught him, lowering him onto his lap.

"Akihito?" came Mum's voice from behind.

"He's ok," Asami said quietly. "I just gave him some news. Everything's ok."

Akihito gladly hid in those strong arms, away from the world, just for a moment. The large hand soothed up and down his back. The solid warmth of Asami's chest comforted him, Asami's freshly showered scent anchored him.

Akihito barely heard the others leaving. He knew when Asami's posture changed, relaxing in the way that he only did when alone with Akihito.

Akihito finally lifted his face. Z4m4 M1r0 should have been railing against taking matters into their own hands. But as he looked straight into Asami's eyes, all he could whisper was, "Thank you."


Dr. Fujimoto announced that the surface wound had closed up and it was safe for Akihito to wash normally. The caveat was that he had to avoid pressure on the area and any risk of slipping. The internal tissue and muscles would take several more weeks to heal and any knocks or sudden movements could still cause significant damage.

Asami, of course, took it upon himself to give Akihito the first proper wash. Asami's suite of rooms at the clinic included a small hydrotherapy pool – basically an oversized bath – with a separate shower. Asami undressed them both and with the dressings also now removed, it was the first time Akihito could take a proper look.

It was a pink welt with stitches. Fujimoto had told them that it would eventually fade to a hairline scar, barely noticeable. The knife had cut cleanly, unlike the bullet which had carved along the skin of his arm.

Asami was right behind him but made no move to take advantage of their nakedness, just holding him steady. Akihito could see him in the mirror, the unnaturally blank expression as the sharp gaze took in the train tracks on his side.

Akihito rested his head against the strong line of Asami's jaw, catching the man's attention in the reflection. He smiled lightly, running a finger along the scar on his arm. "I think we like this one. Don't we?"

He'd caught the older man thumbing it on more than one occasion. Asami did it again now, his hand warm as it wrapped around Akihito's bicep from behind. One corner of his mouth lifted just a little. "I suppose we do."

Akihito wasn't allowed to lift a finger. Asami helped him across the tiled floor. Seated him on a stool. Washed him meticulously. As if that wasn't embarrassingly intimate enough, Akihito's dick had a mind of its own and decided to perk up. Me me me! Asami being naked with him wasn't helping any, all that skin, the taut muscles...

Incredibly, it seemed Asami was going to abide by the doctor's orders and do nothing about it, save giving it a quick wash and smirking at Akihito's red-faced squirming. But it turned out he was rather glad that Asami was there as he faced the pool-bath.

It was just a tub. Full of water. That he could drown in.

"You don't have to," Asami said, his arms wrapping around from behind.

Akihito scowled. "Like hell I don't."

In typical fashion he faced it head on. If he held on to Asami a little too tightly as he was lowered into the water, neither of them mentioned it. But at least there was the silver lining of killing his hard-on.

But once he was in, the water was warm and he found it was nothing like his plunge into Tokyo Bay. Instead he was thinking of all the baths with Asami... Sitting on the low seat at the shallow end, he found himself letting the anxiety go, one strand at a time. He was good.

Asami showered himself. All perfectly normal. Washing his hair, soaping himself down, rinsing off. Akihito was trying his damndest not to look because the sight was wreaking havoc with his attention-seeking dick that hadn't seen any action in too long. He was still a 'virile young man', after all. He snorted quietly, his hands trailing through the water, his eyes half closed... when he realized Asami was still rinsing himself off. Still... rinsing...

He glanced over – and his brain crashed. Asami was gloriously naked in the shower spray, rivulets of water running down ridges of muscle, one hand braced against the tiles, unashamedly jacking off as his eyes gleamed at Akihito.

Bloody flipping fucking Nora...

Akihito's jaw was lost completely forgotten. Asami's lips curled at the corners, a scintillating smirk as he fisted faster. Fucking hell, the bastard had no shame whatsoever! And why would he, when he looked like that? Fuuuck...

Akihito couldn't tear his eyes away. Not when Asami's breathing stuttered or when his eyelids fluttered, not when his chin dipped. Certainly not when he let himself go, muscles glistening and rippling, releasing against the tiles with a familiar deep groan that Akihito couldn't help but wish he could feel against his own neck.

Then it was Akihito who was groaning and squeezing his eyes shut because his boner was back with a vengeance and there was nothing he could do about it.

There was a touch on his arm. He opened his eyes to find Asami crouching by the tub. He looked more serious than Akihito had expected. Not arrogantly teasing, not smugly amused. Just... intense.

"Let me," Asami demanded.

Akihito's heart thumped. What...? He searched the golden gaze, the mesmerizing face, needing a second, two seconds, five, to punch through the reflexive flurry of questions.

He nodded.

Asami leaned over, slanting their lips together. A brief kiss, his tongue sweeping heavy over Akihito's. Akihito was settled by the familiar dominance. He sighed into the kiss.

"Stay relaxed for me," Asami said against his lips. "I've got you."

Asami wrapped his arms around the slender form and drew him forwards and upwards, slowly enough that Akihito could remember to let his legs drift out. With his head resting against the curved lip of the pool, supported by Asami's arms under his waist and ass, he floated along the surface. With his still-hard dick standing straight and exposed out of the water.

Self-consciousness tinged his cheeks. "Uh what –"

But then without any warning Asami's mouth closed around it and it was hot and wet and slick and oh fucking hell what the hell had he been worrying about?

Asami's lips glided from base to tip and Akihito's blissed-out moan echoed between the tiles. The heated tongue swirled around the sensitive tip before the hot mouth sank all the way down again and Asami set a steady pattern that had Akihito climbing steady and fast. He'd been rather frustrated these nearly two weeks even as he recovered from a serious injury, what with Asami's constant handsiness and all the kissing, not to mention that! It didn't take long for the pressure to coil in his gut, for his balls to squeeze...

Akihito didn't quite know what he'd expected, but it wasn't for Asami to just let him come, sucking him gently through it. Or maybe he should have, still recuperating as he was. It was easy and it was effortless and it was perfectly nice... and no fricking way enough. Not anymore. A few breaths and he'd recovered.

He was completely with it as Asami glided him back down, before joining him in the water and drawing him onto Asami's lap in his usual way.

Akihito caught the twitch of Asami's lips. "What?" he demanded, more than a little put out.

Asami's lips curved more.

"What?"

Asami met his eyes – and swallowed.

Akihito's face bloomed. Asami's laugh chased Akihito's earlier moans around the tiles.

Akihito slapped his chest, splashing water everywhere. "You are such a gigantic perv!"

"You look so miffed too," Asami chuckled as he finally stopped laughing. He leered in his familiar way. "You want more, don't you? No need to worry, Akihito. As soon as you're all healed up, I'll have you screaming under me."

Akihito squeaked something indecipherable, coughed, tried again. "If there's anything I'm worried about, it's that right there!"

"So you say, but you're already getting hard again in anticipation." Asami ran a loose grip along Akihito's semi and Akihito was gasping and the plausibility that he was still softening was rapidly shrinking, unlike said organ.

"That's only 'cos the water's too warm! I need to get out!"

"Whatever you wish," Asami smirked.

"Whatever I wish, my ass," Akihito grumbled as Asami helped him out, pressed close to make sure he didn't slip, all tantalizing skin and unforgivably gorgeous.

"As soon as you're all recovered," Asami purred against his red ear, "we'll both take great pleasure in that particular wish."


Akihito was 'home' the next day.

He pottered around but doing nothing was simply incompatible with his DNA.

After another week, three weeks after he almost died, Akihito was back to work.


Soteria kept connections secure. Akihito could set up his own remote VPN access and Sion was fully equipped with video conferencing facilities for connecting its global offices. He could work on Soteria enhancements and Project EverEye consultations from the condo pretty much as easily as he could at the office.

Asami worked from his home office for the first several days too, blatantly keeping an eye. Eventually it was Akihito who shooed him off to work, because the CEO should show his face at his own company. He even sat Asami down on the bed and did his tie up for him, which was a schoolboy mess and Asami very nearly didn't leave after all – demonstrating the 'correct' way on Akihito lead to inappropriate ideas and he had to play the Injured Invalid card just to stop Asami from tying him up with it, the perverted bastard! Some things never changed.

When Asami returned that evening Akihito was signing off the all clear on Soteria's vulnerability scan and only half paying attention.

"Okaeri," [welcome home] he said on auto-pilot, fingers tap-tapping away.

Asami jolted dead in his tracks. The movement was sharp enough, so out of place with his usual powerful fluidity, that Akihito looked up from his laptop.

It was a face he'd never seen on Asami before. Like the face of an old ghost that was a deeply ingrained part of him. But there was something brighter too, wavering against the shadow in stark contrast. Bittersweet didn't begin to describe it.

Shouldn't Akihito have said that? It was just a bog-standard greeting bandied about by a hundred million people across Japan every day. There was no great connotation attached to it. He even said it at Kou's or Takato's if he was already there when they came home. But Asami? When was the last time someone had welcomed him home – oh no... It couldn't be as far back as that, could it...? Should he take it back?

But it was a quietly contented smirk that crept across Asami's face as he gave the routine response. "Tadaima." ['I'm home']

The ordinary greeting became commonplace. But there was nothing ordinary about it for either of them. Because somewhere along the way, home wasn't 'home' anymore but it had become home.


The EverEye concept was firming up. Akihito dropped back into proceedings as they were confirming a shortlist of six proposals to kick-start the new Sion venture, and he was surprised to find that most of the other project leads, including Mr Thin, seemed glad to have him back.

Mr Sour still gave him plenty of stick. "Why don't you know that?" came the sharp remark when they were digging into a technical particular and Akihito just shrugged blankly.

"I never pretended to know everything. Try Satou-san down in Engineering."

"Who?"

"Doc-man!" Akihito was surrounded by vacant faces. "You know, the one with the colour-coordinated tie and socks? Used to be a doctor in the army? His mother had early onset arthritis and he was looking into assistive technologies. Or wait, is that more robotics than VR?"

"How would you know that?"

"I dunno, you talk to people, you hear things."

"You do?"

"Don't you?"


As winter took hold and temperatures dropped, Akihito was losing patience having to be careful or needing help doing the most mundane everyday things. He couldn't have Asami aiding him forever, even if Asami seemed perfectly content being hands-on.

Hurrying to get back to normal as fast as possible, Akihito faithfully kept up with his physio and breathing exercises, trying to take things easy even if he was itching to climb out of his skin from surplus energy. Asami kept things low-key in the bedroom department as well, just taking the edge off with quick hand jobs or swallowing Akihito down (including that one incident when he spread Akihito out on the kitchen table and 'feasted' on him, provoking a gasping, colourful monologue about what did – or didn't, in this case! – constitute a nutritious breakfast!). But actually it didn't take the edge off. Made it worse, in fact, as the weeks went on. Combined with not being able to bound around with his usual energy, Akihito had never known such frustration.

Asami was indifferent about Kou and Takato hanging out at the condo most weekends. Akihito discovered his own onion layers, 'cos while he never hesitated inviting his two best buddies over, he drew the line with other friends. He was learning that trusting a friend was a whole world of difference to trusting a friend concerning Asami.

Akihito once burst through the front door, rambling away – "Tadaima! Asami, you gotta tell your men to chill! They almost took out some tourists just 'cos they asked me for directions –" to find his parents on the couch in the sitting room. After that he was careful to check first before running his mouth. His parents stopped by every few weeks, and with every visit, his mum became that much more besotted – which was mortifying – but his dad seemed more reassured – which almost made up for his mum's behaviour. Only almost, because there was no recovering from that time his mum turned up with baby photos. Seriously!

Asami didn't seem to mind the increased traffic at his condo even though it had been such a fiercely protected sanctum before. Akihito mentioned it once. Asami, typical Asami, easily shrugged it off. "They're a part of you." He was smirking at the flush that spread over Akihito's face, knowing Akihito was stupidly touched by such a simple thing.

Akihito worked slowly through the little things. Initially shying away from crowds, it took a while before he could take the underground again. He slowly got used to his constant companions, Sagano and Nakatani or any of the eight other bodyguards who seemed to have been assigned to his permanent watch. That he knew of, anyway. Knowing Suoh there were probably others that Akihito never even spotted on 'discreet perimeter' duty.

The nightmares became fewer and farther in between. But if Asami was away at night he always called Akihito at unsociable hours. As though he could tell when Akihito was feeling anything less than his usual boisterous self, and how much was needed to snap him out of it, Asami's conversation starters could vary from indiscreet to frankly outrageous.

("What are you wearing?"

"You've never sent me a nude selfie. I enjoy a good trade."

"I was thinking of you in the shower earlier."

"You seemed to enjoy me using your hands to bring us both off."

"Did you know, your lips are a lighter shade than your –" Akihito hadn't let him finish that particular sentence!)

There were better days and there were worse days, but as the weeks passed, there were longer stretches of time where Akihito didn't think about his side or any of what had happened.

And before he knew it, two months had passed.


"What're you doing for New Year's?"

The question was met with an indifferent turn of the newspaper. "What I always do, have an evening to myself. I assume you're getting trashed with your friends?"

A harmless question for most, but Akihito had been caught unawares. Who were Asami's friends? People you kicked back with, had a laugh and relaxed with, who told you things you needed to hear even if you didn't want to, who fought your corner no matter what? Blond Tank and Glasses ticked some of those boxes but they didn't laugh together, drink together, chill together. That was Akihito. Except maybe the drinking 'cos Akihito was three sheets to the wind before Asami came anywhere near the limits of his alcohol tolerance. But shit, was he Asami's buddy as well as partner and lover...?

Akihito shrugged, aiming for casual. "Nah. I reckon it's just you and me this year."

Asami hadn't said anything, just hummed vaguely and continued reading. But there was a curve playing on his lips.


New Year's Eve Eve.

It was the biggest bash of the year at Kou's. He'd managed to rope in several neighbouring apartments too so the revelry spilled out across half the floor of the building. The quickest way to find anyone was by shoe-spotting – even stone-blind shitfaced, Japanese people took their shoes off in the genkan. It must have been one of the half rungs of the DNA double helix or something. Akihito found Kou's shoes a couple of doors down, the man himself sitting astride the back of the sofa amidst a group of friends Akihito mostly recognized. Kou and Yoshida were gesturing wildly, it wasn't clear which of them were meant to be telling what story.

Akihito mostly stuck to the walls. He still got twitchy with people standing behind him, besides which he didn't want to risk bumping into anyone either with so many sloshed people around. His ribs mostly didn't bother him anymore but it still hurt knocking directly into it – like when he'd backed into a bookcase. He couldn't entirely blame that on Asami either, Akihito was pretty sure he'd been doing more pulling than Asami was pushing seeing as Asami was still treating him like glass...

"Dude! My favourite!"

Akihito suddenly found Kou hanging off his shoulders. "Hey, man," he yelled back over the music, patting Kou's back.

"Another favourite?" Yoshida laughed as he came up. "How many's that now?"

"Yo-chan!" Akihito reached around the Kou-shaped barnacle and their 'secret' handshake came naturally – shake hands, switch to grab the thumbs, slide out to link fingertips, fist bump straight, top and bottom, switch, slap palms, slap the back, finger wiggle, drawing back slow motion with fingers wide.

They both laughed. "It's been too long," Akihito said.

"I know, what, six months now? Eight?" Yoshida asked. "You've been a bit of a hermit, bro."

Akihito was saved from having to try and explain that by Kou's drunken outrage. "What the hell? You've got a handshake? How come you've got a handshake?"

"You and Takato both pulled out of our trip to the onsen, remember?" Akihito pointed out.

"Yeah, it was stupidly romantic with just the two of us and the cherry blossoms, of course we came up with a manly handshake," Yoshida said.

Kou let out a grumble of frustration. "That's 'cos my work cancelled my leave at the last minute! Fine. You and me, Aki-chan. We need a handshake. A better one. And none of that –" he copied the slow-mo open-finger pullback – "clichéd shit."

"I think he's jealous," Akihito grinned.

Yoshida laughed, slapping Kou on the back – and just sort of stopped. "Uh... Do we have a gatecrasher or is that guy with someone?"

Akihito sighed, not even having to look. He'd known this would happen but Asami, as usual, hadn't listened.

Kou giggled – clearly already at the giggling levels of drunkenness. "That's Aki-chan's bodyguard." He waved at the big guy over by the door. "Hey, Suoh-san."

Feet planted, hands held loosely together, Blond Tank returned a curt nod from where he'd settled in for a long guard duty.

"Bodyguard?!" Yoshida yelped. "Why d'you need a bodyguard? How do you have a bodyguard?"

Kou, surprisingly, held his tongue at this point. He tipped his head, a little exaggerated what with being lagered up, but he still waited to see how far Akihito wanted to reveal. Or not.

Akihito's pulse kicked up a notch. He glanced around before heading off, weaving around clumps of people over to an emptier corner – probably due to it being furthest from the kitchen and drinks.

It wasn't anything to do with V1P3R anymore. Akihito just hadn't told any other friends about his partner (his brain still got buzzy with that word), because it was easier to keep Asami's name out of it. The man was too wealthy and famous for his own good. Not to mention the gender issue.

But Yoshida, maybe Yoshida he could tell. Or would he take it funny, what with the onsen trip and all? Only one way to find out.

They all dropped onto the zabuton [floor cushion]. Kou flopped like a beached merman.

"He's one of Asami's guys," Akihito started.

Kou grinned, having his marker now. "Yep. One of Asami-sama's," he seconded helpfully.

It wasn't helpful. "Asami-sama? Who's Asami-sama?" Yoshida was taken aback by Kou, of all people, using the higher level honorific.

"Aki's new flame," Takato said, dropping into their conversation as he arrived. There was a round of 'Hey's and waves.

"New flame? Man, I'm so outa the loop," Yoshida shook his head. "Ok, but Asami-sama?"

"Yep," Kou nodded enthusiastically. "Rocks in bed too."

"Kou!" But Akihito wasn't the only one who blushed.

"In bed?" Yoshida practically whispered.

"Yeah," Kou carried on heedless of Akihito's frantic hand-flapping for him to stop. "According to our dear Aki-chan, he's never had it better."

"I've never said anything of the sort!"

"You don't have to. It's true, right?"

Akihito's cheeks deepened in colour. They all laughed while he groaned – but not necessarily for the reason they were thinking.

He and Asami hadn't done much of anything for two months. He was hard up, he could admit that. He could only hope Suoh was far enough and the music loud enough not to hear them, otherwise Asami would no doubt hear about it and draw all the right conclusions... Akihito knew that Asami hadn't lost interest, what with the way Asami looked at him sometimes, burning with hunger. So he couldn't figure out why the bastard was holding back.

On second thoughts, maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing if Asami caught on, if it meant Asami would just throw him down and have his way with him already...

"She here tonight?" Yoshida asked, looking around.

"Uh..." Akihito reeled back his runaway thoughts. "No. Uh, actually..."

Kou was quiet again. Takato too.

Akihito could brush it all away if he wanted... He dug out his phone and ran a quick online search. He shoved it into his friend's hand. "Here."

Yoshida started reading aloud. "Asami Ryuichi is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sion Global plc, one of the world's leading knowledge, information and events businesses. He has featured twice in the top 35 innovators in the world by the age of 35 listed by..." His voice trailed off as he looked up. "... You mean him?"

Akihito chewed his lip. And nodded.

"But he's a dude."

"No shit, Sherlock," Akihito rolled his eyes. But deep down he was nervous.

Yoshida gasped as the penny dropped, doing the whole wide-eyed, finger pointing thing. "He's a dude!"

"Man, that was painful," Kou rolled over until he was half lying on Akihito's legs.

"Get your big ass off me," Akihito complained without bite, shuffling his legs. Kou sat up, leaning on the wall next to Akihito, bumping his shoulder. Akihito nudged too and they elbowed back and forth a few times. But he was glad of the support and Kou knew it too.

"Your new flame's a dude!" Yoshida repeated.

"Yeah, that's old news already, get over it," Takato told him.

"Wow. You're really with this hot billionaire, huh," Yoshida noted, his voice awed as he flicked back to the stock photo.

"Yeah, he's totally hot, right?" Kou bounced on the spot.

"Uh..." Yoshida actually blushed. "Ok, so that slipped out..."

They all burst out laughing, even Akihito 'cos he knew then that they'd be ok.

"So you get a bodyguard 'cos he's Asami Ryuichi." Yoshida sent him a smile. "That's quite something to stand beside someone like him. I'm not surprised it's you, Aki."

Akihito blinked, his smile becoming forced when the comment unexpectedly touching a nerve. "Uh... Thanks. I guess."

"Yeah, so take a leaf out of our relationship guru's book here and man up!" Takato said.

"Ugh," Yoshida groaned, slumping. "But her parents hate me."

"What's this?" Kou perked up.

It turned out that Yoshida and his high school sweetheart had been making out in the park by her apartment building when one of her relatives happened to walk by and she'd stood up just as he dropped his hand and he ended up grabbing her in a totally indecent place...

Outwardly Akihito laughed and drank with his friends and mucked about with Kou coming up with the most ridiculous, long-winded handshake routine, but inside he was a right hullabaloo.


Akihito was spontaneous and adventurous. He was curious and open-minded. He was confident in himself and independent. Or at least, he used to be. Was that still him? There were moments when he wasn't sure anymore. Z4m4 M1r0 too, another facet of himself, had gone into hibernation. Or was six feet under. He simply couldn't investigate or publish with the same wild abandon as he used to, not after Tsubasa. What was left, then? Who was he now?

Maybe that was why Yoshida's comment had struck so deep. If he didn't even know himself anymore, what qualified him to stand at Asami's side? Could Akihito really be that man?

He leaned his head against the cool glass. He barely registered the Shinjuku nightlife rushing past the tinted limo window.

Akihito hadn't even been by himself since... He had to cast his mind back, it had been so long. The night of the dojo probably. But even then he hadn't truly been alone. His nightmare had worried Blond Tank enough that the big guy had sent text messages to say all was secure and he was guarding just outside.

Was it by design? Akihito was always followed by Asami's men now, a bare minimum of two. Asami was there most nights, or if he was away, he always put in a call and there was a whole bunch of bodyguards nearby. Even at the hospital Akihito had rarely been left unattended. If it wasn't Asami then it was Kou or Takato or his parents or Glasses or Sagano. Nothing happened by chance around Asami, Akihito knew that by now.

A month ago the police had finally released his apartment from after the shootout. He hadn't even given it much thought, he'd just let it go and continued to live with Asami. He wanted to live with Asami. He did. But that made it even less likely for him to be alone. And for some reason, it felt important.

Maybe he was being too harsh beating himself up about it, he was only just regaining his full mobility after all. But everything that had happened to him, having his life targeted not just once but over and over, it was enormous. Meeting Asami too, even without all the other furore going on, had transformed his life in a way that he needed to process.

Asami had always been there for Akihito. Through all the dangerous and crazy, with the mugging when they hardly knew each other, when he was a basket-case with his worst nightmares, even when Asami's whole life had been on the line, Asami was always there. How much was he using Asami as a crutch to get by? Asami seemed to take it all in stride but Akihito himself couldn't accept being such a burden.

It all swirled in a big mass of uncertainty. But there was one question that crystallized it for him. Asami would always save Akihito, even at the cost of his own life and livelihood. Who could save Asami from himself?

A daunting resolve settled in his gut. There was something he had to do. In some ways it seemed so simple, but where he was right now it felt like a mountain to climb. He could do it. For Asami, he could.

They were coming up to the luxury condo building. "Is there a back entrance to this place?"

Suoh glanced at him, sitting next to him in the passenger seat. Akihito refused to sit in the back without Asami.

"I just... I don't want anyone seeing me coming out of a limo," Akihito said.

"They've probably seen you before."

"I don't want to be mistaken for some rich snob."

"I'm sure you're safe from that," Blond Tank said innocently, though he was already turning into the underground parking levels rather than just at the front.

Akihito stuck his tongue out at him.

"There are two maintenance elevators that would take us up to the penthouse," Suoh said.

"Cool. And... thanks for coming with me tonight. Sorry you had to stick around so long."

Blond Tank sighed with mock weariness as though he'd minded. "It was arduous having to watch all the drunken antics. It's a good thing I'm being well compensated."

"Haha," Akihito said sarcastically. "Well I'm not even halfway legless so I hope Asami's not paying you for Unconscious Drunk duty."

"Would anyone know the difference if I just knocked you out?" Suoh asked, poker-faced with his usual imposing stoicism.

"Oi!" Laughing, Akihito punched him. And yelped.

Blond Tank pretended to wince, rubbing his shoulder as though he'd even felt anything.

"Yeah, take that, you and your stupid mountain muscles," Akihito grinned as he shook out his numb hand.


The next day.

Asami left a snoring Akihito in bed. He had an irritating loose end to see to while it was still an irritation, before it developed into a problem. It didn't take much to convince the snivelling toad to toe the line. Why were all his 'associates' so spineless these days? Although if they were all as ballsy as Akihito, Asami mused, he might be in trouble.

He was back by late morning. No doubt Akihito would still be sleeping off his hangover. Diligently maintaining their posts outside the front door, the guards assigned to Takaba bowed as he entered.

Something made Asami pause.

Several pairs of trainers lay haphazardly in the genkan. Yesterday's hoodie was still discarded over the sofa, tangled with a headphone cable. Tools and boxes of computer parts that seemed to gravitate around Akihito were scattered here and there amongst snacks in gaudy packaging. Everything was as it should be. But this wasn't how the condo should feel with Akihito in it, even asleep. Too still. Cold.

Suoh had likewise stopped in his tracks, registering the same anomaly.

Asami strode for the master bedroom. He emerged seconds later. "Where's Akihito?"

Suoh moved swiftly through the condo, circling the interior. He ended up back at the living room empty-handed.

Asami was a still, silent form, standing at the pass-through window to the kitchen. The wide lip of the window counter where Akihito usually dumped his laptop and wallet and phone and keys was empty. As was the spot on the floor under it where the well-worn rucksack usually slouched.

Asami's voice was a cut-throat whisper to raze the world for his single-minded purpose. "Find him."


A/N: I was expecting to update on the 18/19 Aug weekend but it's going to be another week now. There was a family incident and I was suddenly away for a week. Booked the flight one night and the next day I was on a 6000-mile flight. Family who rally in crisis is amazing. My head wasn't in the right place for writing while I was away but I'm home again and back online now. Barring any further hiccups the next chapter should be ready 25/26 Aug. Bear with me!
~ Nyx ~