Note: Sorry for the delay, since I started this story I've moved twice and nursed my baby through pediatric cancer. And then tri came along and destroyed my hope in the Chosen. Sooooooo yeah.
WARNING: This chapter contains violence and humiliation.
Recommended Tracks: X-Ray Dog – The Day Has Come; Billie Holiday – When a Woman Loves a Man; Nina Simone – I Put a Spell on You; LUNA SEA – FACE TO FACE; Sia – Breathe Me; Muse – Space Dementia; Radiohead – There There.
The apartment was quiet, only the steady sound of Daisuke's chef knife hitting the chopping board and the occasional breeze rustling the mosquito netting broke the stillness. V-mon sat pouting over his udon at the table, slurping it up with the occasional whine.
His partner let out an exasperated breath before wiping his forehead with the cloth on his shoulder. Normally he wouldn't mind if V-mon needed a good sulk but Ken was supposed to be arriving soon and the man was nothing but punctual.
To an Ichijouji, on time was late.
"Oi, V-mon, we don't have time for this. Finish your dinner quick. It's 8:15 and you've got to be out of here in 15 minutes, 10 if his train is running on time."
The little blue digimon groaned and slouched down, refusing to turn his head.
"But Daisukeeeee…"
Growling the man bent down to grab a steel canister from his cabinet and stomped over towards the table, carefully dumping the bowl into it and sealing it tight. Picking up the tiny backpack on the floor he scooped V-mon into his arms and brought him to their dark bedroom.
Setting his digimon down in front of the glowing computer, he scowled and crossed his arms. Less than eight minutes until Ken arrived and his partner had decided to act like a baby.
"Vee, I'm sorry but you're being a total brat! You knew about this days ago. You've got your magazines and movies all packed up. I've made you plenty of snacks to share with Hawkmon and Wormmon, what's the deal?"
He was surprised to see a contrite look on the dragon's face, expecting more whining and knelt down to talk face to face. Seeing his digimon so sad broke his heart so he gently bumped noses with him.
"I'm sorry Daisuke, I just…. I had a weird feeling all day, that something bad was going to happen. Must have had a bad dream but I thought 'V-mon just stick close to Daisuke and everything will be okay.' But nothing happened! And I still feel weird! It sounds silly now. Ugh. I'll go. I didn't mean to ruin your best friend dinner party."
Daisuke had to bite his lip from either laughing or crying at his sweet and irritating partner. He gathered him in a hug and cuddled him tight.
"Ahh, V-mon, what am I going to do with you? But don't worry, you didn't ruin anything."
The digimon managed a cheeky grin as he slipped the straps of his backpack on his tiny shoulders.
"I don't know, I guess you're stuck with me. Tell Ken I say hi."
The man quirked a crooked grin and patted his partner's head, "Only if you do the same to Hawkmon and Wormmon. I know Miyako's planning to invite you all to dinner soon now that Hinata's gotten her one-year molars."
V-mon wiggled with excitement, "I can't wait to tell them, Wormmon will be so excited! Bye Daisuke!"
And with a flash he dissolved into data and was on his way to the digital world.
Daisuke rubbed his face before realizing he'd been blocking out the sound of the kitchen timer.
"Shit, the mackerel!"
It was 8:28 p.m. and Daisuke was carefully arranging the toppings of the soup, the table coverings, the bowls of rice, the utensils, finally forcing himself to stop. His pulse was racing and he refused to think why that was, or about the strange conversation with Miyako, or what she was really afraid was going on with Ken. He didn't know what was going on and he didn't want to think about it.
I'm just as likely to be wrong as I am right guessing without talking about it. This is my best friend…. Relax… I'll be there for him no matter what.
He put his palms flat on the table, breathing and making a silent wish that everything was okay. He wasn't used to anxiety but if something was wrong with Ken… well, no matter what he'd help him figure things out.
Outside the sultry air broke into a warm slow rain shower, distant thunder rumbling threatening a storm.
"Music!"
He picked up a small remote on the counter and pressed play and the wistful voice of a jazz singer flooded the room. This wasn't his favorite genre but Ken loved it so fond memories wrapped around him and he sunk into them to soothe his nerves.
A sharp triple knock sounded on the door and he called absently over his shoulder, "It's open." The door clicked and he heard Ken rustling off his coat and shoes.
"Hello, sorry I'm so late, the train was behind. And what did I say about leaving your door unlocked! It's just not a good idea."
The words of the song were hard to understand and English hadn't really been his forte.
Tell her she's a fool? In a love song? Americans are so weird….
Daisuke registered that Ken had been talking to him and turned around in surprise.
"Ichijouji! Right on time! Sit, sit, I just got our food on the table!"
He looked properly at his best friend and his heart melted just a little bit. The tall man looked so elegant and professional in his suit but as he stepped over the threshold he visibly relaxed. Even with his dark circles, his comfort was visible in his big, violet eyes. In public, Ken was always proper, buttoned up, cautious but around his close friends, he was unguarded, kind, and snarky. Seeing him let loose made Daisuke feel like he was walking on sunshine.
Ken put on his house slippers and stretched his back, sighing gratefully when it popped. He wore a bemused grin as he seated himself, before surveying the apartment and snickering.
Daisuke poured the warm sake into ceramic tumblers and sat down, sliding one carefully to his friend before looking up and seeing a familiar look of mischief.
"… Hm? Why're you looking at me like that?"
Ken just shrugged before taking a small sip and closing his eyes in satisfaction.
"It's nothing. It's just so funny to me that you have such a fashionable, tidy home".
Daisuke rolled his eyes, "Not this again!"
Ken smiled, "You just cooked a traditional meal and your kitchen's spotless, there are decorative pillows on your sofa, you have an orchid, Daisuke! An orchid!"
Daisuke groaned into his hands, "Ken, you and Miyako-chan gave me that plant! And Sora-san helped decorate!"
Shrugging the dark-haired men grinned wolfishly, "I'm just saying, I remember a kid who complained about chores like it was the worst possible punishment in the world. Your mom said you would end up living in a van down by the river!"
Daisuke couldn't help but chuckle at himself. "Hey, that sounded like a sweet set-up at the time!"
Ken laughed outright and the redhead got that little twinge in his chest at seeing him so happy.
He shook his head in exasperation, "What can I say, Chef beat the messiness out of me, literally. And once you learn how to clean a kitchen, a house isn't much different."
Ken's eyes crinkled as he gazed into a cup. "It's strange to think that we've all grown up and changed so much now. Even you've changed, which I never really thought about before."
Not knowing what to say, the redhead nodded.
His guest shook himself and smiled, "Anyway, I sound like an old man yammering on about the past. What's for dinner, hmm?"
With a flourish, Daisuke stood up and pulled the lids off the soup bowls, aromatic waves rising off the top.
"Nabe and mackerel, nothing too special. Did you get that chocolate cake, I've been dying to try it!"
At this Ken rumpled his hair with a sigh, "Daisuke, of course I have the cake, you only texted me about it every day for the past week."
He chuckled sheepishly, "Well what can I say, the bakery's closer to you. Anyway, bon appetite!"
They made a little cheers, affection bringing a warm blush to his cheeks. Or perhaps it was the way the table candles reflected off of alabaster skin and midnight blue eyes.
15 years of being friends and Ken's still ruffling my feathers.
They ate quietly, the slow music and raindrops in the background gave the meal a dream-like quality. Occasionally Ken would ask questions about the food and Daisuke pounced on them, diving into topics like traditional techniques and where to find the best mushrooms.
They hadn't had time to themselves in… years. At least two years now, since Ken had taken on double shifts and Miyako had gotten pregnant. The three of them were often together, Daisuke was a loyal friend and he and Miyako had only gotten closer as they'd gotten older. And Miyako would never say no to free babysitting. When he thought of his friend, Daisuke wrestled with his napkin, trying to ignore the pit in his stomach.
Just ask him... how are you doing? Are you feeling okay? Miyako's worried about you... no, I don't want him to think we've been gossiping about him! Ahhh...
Ken finished and sighed gratefully before pouring them both another cup of sake.
"Thank you Daisuke, this was just what I needed. It's good to just relax sometimes. And I've got to say, you make an excellent housewife. I'm surprised there's not a lady in your life for you to pamper and indulge like me with my favorite foods and music and wine."
The redhead blew a raspberry and smiled at that remark, though he felt oddly defensive.
It wasn't like Ken to be so harsh, even if he was joking.
"Oi, Ichijouji, I didn't invite you to insult me! What has the police academy done to you, you used to be so well-mannered."
"Yeah well, that was the old me. You've got to toughen up to succeed as a detective."
Daisuke blinked and sat straight in his chair, wondering why he sounded so bitter. Ken's countenance had darkened somewhat as his mind was pulled back to work, and his fingers beat out a steady drum on the table.
"What do you mean, the 'old you?' I was just kidding, you're the same as ever."
Ken met his gaze and Daisuke felt the charge as though an electric current as being run through him. Those dark eyes were usually warm and soft, revealing how good Ken was. But tonight… they were strange, like they were measuring him somehow.
"I'm not the same," Ken remarked flatly, standing up to stack the dishes together and walking them to the sink. "Miyako knows it, I know it. You probably know it too. Or you feel it even if you haven't thought about it."
The gusts from the storm had begun to cool the room and the thunder groaned in the background. It was close to 10 already which reminded Daisuke that Ken had work the next day. He stood to help when Ken raised his voice sharply.
"No, sit Daisuke, I've been wanting to talk with you for a while now."
He sat abruptly, and his heart began to race, unsure of what had agitated Ken. He hadn't realized Ken might have been wanting to talk to him too. Miyako's troubled hazel eyes flashed in his memory.
"He's short with me, and icy, and some days.. some days he seems like a different person.."
He finished his sake and eyed the half-finished bottle. He could use the courage but…
But maybe we should be sober for this conversation…
The running water in the sink shut off and he heard the dishwasher click on and begin its cycle. For some reason he felt nervous facing away from Ken but he forced himself to keep looking out the balcony as the rainstorm swept in, surges of drops pushed around by big gusty drafts.
A glass pressed against his cheek, full to the brim with golden champagne. Ken stood there, warm smiles and affection, "The chef told me to serve the cake with a light sparkling wine."
For a moment, Daisuke's pulse raced and a blush bloomed over his cheeks and ears. Was Ken… flirting? The mood had shifted so fast that it flustered him, and he nodded and gulped a good amount down blindly, nearly spilling it.
Instead of sitting across as he had earlier, Ken moved the chair right next to him. He took a long sip from his glass and rested his chin on a fist.
"So tell me what's so great about this cake, Daisuke. It looks like very nice, but it's just chocolate, simple to make, no?"
The redhead had a very hard time pulling his eyes away from his friend, feeling shy and a little hot now that the alcohol was starting to hit him. Dinner had gone well, he thought, but now it was like Ken had a side to him that he'd never seen. Almost manic, bursting out of his skin with energy. It was so unlike the Chosen of Kindness that he felt totally flustered.
"What goes on in that head of yours…. Hmm?"
A long finger trailed down his cheek and Daisuke gasped and pulled back, stomach twisting with guilt and anticipation. Miyako's face flashed in his mind and he cast about, trying to recall what they were talking about.
"Eh, ah, the cake… well it's supposed to highlight bitterness, and, uh what else, the chocolate is really pure fair trade stuff, and it's just very light, easy to eat. All the chefs are trying it, so I wanted to…"
Daisuke finished lamely as Ken cut the edge with his fork and tasted it, a thoughtful expression on his face. His eyes widened.
"Wow, that might be the best cake I've ever had. Definitely worth it. Try some."
And popped a piece of the cake in his friend's mouth before he could say anything.
Daisuke was a little more than buzzed and fairly stunned. The cake melted on his tongue, rich, bitter chocolate with the faintest hint of sweetness. He wanted to moan (the cake was that good) but forced himself to stay quiet. Something prickled the back of his neck, but he couldn't remember what he was even supposed to be doing.
Ken was sitting way too close, leaning into his space and breathing his air.
He turned his head to see Ken staring at him in fascination, causing a bubble of worry in his stomach.
"Ken, are you feeling okay? Did you drink too much? You're acting a little… a little bit strange."
The dark-haired man took a leisurely sip and another bite of cake, licking the fork clean.
"Nothing's wrong, Dai-chan. My tolerance is pretty high these days; my coworkers like to let loose by drinking until they're sick as dogs and I tolerate it. It's pretty entertaining to see insignificant worms slobber all over themselves singing love songs from twenty years ago."
As he sneered and drank, Daisuke felt more certain than ever that he should be concerned about… something. Ken didn't talk like that, so coldly and with such contempt. But time and lucidity had spun out of his control. The rain sounded so distant but the music floated through his head as though there was a live band in his living room. His hands were trembling.
He took a sip of water only to realize he'd been drinking more of the champagne, nearly empty now. Muddled he met Ken's gaze, hoping to articulate that something was not right but Ken gave him a sweet smile, downing his own glass and reaching out to smooth down Daisuke's hair.
"Now there is a picture fit for an emperor. Those big brown eyes, so concerned, so stupid. You don't look so well, want to lie down? Or maybe you'd prefer kneeling at my feet?"
Daisuke gasped and the glass fell from his hand, shattering across the floor. Staggering and knocking back his chair, he grabbed handfuls of Ken's crisp white shirt as the room spun around him.
"Y-you did something to me. Where is Ken? Where is he? What did you do to him?"
And the Kaiser dropped the act entirely.
He didn't even move an inch, but his eyes, his face and posture shifted smoothly into something predatory. He laughed at Daisuke's shock.
"You're nothing like Miyako, hoping that I was mentally ill and making me see doctors. No, you understand right away what's been going on, don't you? Even drugged out of your mind, you can see that I was never Ken, but my own person."
The blood drained from Daisuke's face and he stumbled backwards over the fallen chair, glass shards biting into his hands. His mind couldn't process anything but he understood the basic fact that Ken wasn't here. It was just him and the Digimon Kaiser.
Ken wore a monstrous grin as he advanced .
"K-Ken," he managed to choke out, mind fuzzy and words missing, hoping he was wrong, "There's…something we can do to help. I know. There's medication, medication, and… and treatment."
The Kaiser shook his head and sneered. Even in a suit and tie, he filled the room with a malicious energy.
"Don't backpedal, Dai-chan, you're not a coward. Just say it, say my name! Miyako is too weak to say it, Ken too ashamed and afraid to guess at his own success, and you, the thorn in my side," he knelt down delicately avoiding the glass. "You want everything to be ok because you're selfish. You don't want to see Ken hurt again so you've pretended he isn't. How disappointing."
Daisuke shook his head, nauseated by the thought that the Kaiser was right. That he'd seen Ken's moods get worse, and watched him grow distant, and done nothing.
"Kaiser!" He spat, but paused as the words hit home.
Why didn't I do anything? Because I was bitter about losing him to Miyako? So I let my best friend suffer because it hurt too much to get involved?
Tears slid down his cheeks but he didn't dare deny the accusation. It was true. He'd felt things were off, known that Ken was hiding something for years. Until Miyako confided how bad things had gotten, he hadn't done more than ask how he was doing and try to make him relax. The room spun around him until he had to drop his head back in the champagne-soaked carpet. For a second he thought he would pass out.
"It's not like that," he spat, frantic, "I didn't want to scare or hurt him. Didn't want to push him away, there was so much going on with the baby and Miyako was still grieving Chizuru. I was afraid it would remind him of Osamu, I was waiting for Ken to come to me if he needed help."
The Kaiser stared down at him, his expression was not unkind, and reached out to slowly massage Daisuke's throat.
"I'm not here to accuse you, no. I'm here to offer you the very object of your faithful desires. Somehow over the years I've found your pining… pitiful. But loyalty should be rewarded. Choose me, love me, do what I tell you, and all these troubles go away."
The redhead closed his eyes against the spinning room and tried to breath steadily. When he pulled cautiously away the other man harshly jerked him back into place.
"Love me and Ken's problems are gone, he'll never even know I'm there. Be with me, and Miyako will only ever be happy. You've been so faithful to Ken all these years, and he sees you as nothing more than his best friend. But me, I see you, Daisuke, I want you, and I'll have you."
"N-no, I can't do that. I can't do that to Miyako. I don't love you, you're not Ken."
Lights flashed behind his eyes as the Kaiser dealt him a heavy slap and he groaned with pain as his head was ground into the glass. The taller man palmed his throat, pressing down hard with anger, his eyes molten.
"Why not love me? I'm superior! How could you prefer that weak, pathetic, spineless worm!"
Daisuke was strong but with Ken's full weight on him, he could do nothing but kick against the floor, seeking leverage and struggling hard for breath. Desperately scratched at the hands choking him. He didn't have air to speak so he pleaded with his eyes for Ken to save him but there was no mercy to be found in that marble-smooth countenance. Not a hint of kindness remained, just malice and anger as his vision grayed around the edges and he blacked out.
"I've hated you for so long, years and years, you ruined everything for me! I've sat there slowly rotting in his mind and finally, finally finding an opportunity to come out of the darkness. And now that I have you… I'll never let you go. And the most beautiful thing, the most glorious irony is that I'll love you and Ken never will. Hmmm, it really is such a fitting conclusion to our story."
He woke up later to the feeling of fingers drawing patterns through his hair. Someone was muttering and he wondered why his throat burned and face throbbed. A soft voice spoke into his ear, "I know you're awake, Dai-chan. Open those pretty eyes for me."
He snapped awake and nearly collided with the Kaiser. They were in his bed, changed into night clothes. All his cuts and scrapes had been bandaged and he was lying in the Kaiser's lap. Daisuke's head ached something fierce and he dropped his head back to stop the nausea.
Right, I was drugged. By the Digimon Kaiser. Who's been living in my friend's body.
Ice prickled in his veins and he growled. He couldn't speak properly but managed to get out, "Y-you don t-touch me! Change me! An' you wan' me, but you try to kill m-me!"
The taller man's right hand had started squeeze his throat again, a warning in the firm touch.
"Well I was always told to take care of my things."
Daisuke raised his eyes up to meet the Kaiser's dead-on, slurring his words.
"N-no, I'm not, no- yours. You shouldn' b-be here, thissa nightmare."
The Kaiser raised a brow and wrenched his head up by his hair.
"Oh Dai-chan. So fierce and determined, even when have nothing left. Your eyes never give up. I just love crushing that fire, putting you in your place."
He struggled against the unnaturally strong arms and failed to wake his own leaden limbs. Slumping again, he closed his eyes, biting his trembling lips to fighting back tears.
"Don' call me that…. 's just for my… my friends. And you, you don mean 'nything to me."
The Kaiser laughed lowly and dropped a cold kiss on his forehead, cooing as a tears streaked down plush cheeks.
For fifteen years Daisuke had been in love with the most wonderful man and he'd accepted not being with him as long as he could make him happy and be there for him. And the first kiss he'd ever gotten had been a mockery, given him by an evil creature, wearing Ken's form.
The Kaiser whispered sweetly in his ear, "You're mine, Daisuke. You will do anything I say to spare your worthless friends Remember?"
A chill ran down the redhead's spine as he gazed into beautiful, unfamiliar, mad eyes.
It was all wrong. A sick farce.
That rosebud mouth had said words he'd been longing to hear but they meant nothing.
"I can't, W-WON'T," Daisuke choked out, dizzy and sick. "I won' hurt M-Miyako."
The Kaiser nodded, "Your faithfulness is one of your most attractive charms, Dai-chan. But Miyako all but tied you in a bow and delivered you to me. All to avoid the unpleasantness of dealing with me and worrying about her children. Ken doesn't need to know anything at all. But I can assure you, he'd understand. You'd be doing this to save their family, you'd be their hero And if you refuse… I've heard there is a killer on the loose and he happens to like pretty young things like Miyako."
His stomach turned. The monster was threatening Miyako. Saying Ken's name like it was a disease. Wanting to hide things from him, even though he was the parasite… a tumor latched on to Ken and ruining his life.
Daisuke raised a shaking hand to his eyes and met the gaze that had not once left him. They were feeling each other out.
The redhead realized something and stuttered out, "Children? Miyako's expecting?"
Pleased he had known something Daisuke hadn't, the tall man began toying with his hair. "She didn't tell you yet? Well, the doctors do recommend waiting for three months. A lot can happen in that time. A very dangerous time, indeed."
Daisuke sat up, grateful for the cold air. He turned to face the Kaiser, glaring and speaking as bluntly as possible to hide his trembling.
"What'll you give me?"
With that sentence, he saw the victory gleaming in Kaiser's eyes. He had lost all control, every bargaining chip he had.
Speaking with a crisp humor he pulled Daisuke closer to his chest.
"I'll give you exactly what you want. I'll be yours only and leave the Ichijoujis to domestic bliss. Miyako will have her perfect husband back. Ken will get to play the role of loving husband, attentive father and son, hard-working family man. You can be their loyal best friend, chef, babysitter, whatever you want. Not a peep from me unless it's useful for Ken at work. I'll vanish from their lives as though I was never there."
Daisuke peered down at his hands, toying with the white bandages.
For such a gift, the price would be incredible.
He looked away from the monster wearing the dearest face in the world.
"And what do you want from me?"
Here the Kaiser bent to kiss the dark throat before him, stroking his cheek with the back of his hand, mimicking the way Ken would touch Miyako. Between kisses, his voice had a hard edge, "everything, Daisuke. I want everything you have."
Miyako cuddled in her bed, the baby just a few inches away, happily drunk on milk. She was browsing some of her favorite blogs but her stomach was in knots. She turned to the digital clock, where blue numbers gently lit the bedroom. A text from Ken popped up on her phone and her stomach dropped.
11:59
Thank you for the idea. It seems it'll work out to my liking.
Miyako hesitantly tapped out a message.
00:01
What time will you be home, Ken-chan?
A little trio of dots popped up indicating that he was writing.
00:01
Don't worry your little head, your precious Ken will be back after first shift tomorrow.
I'll be spending the night tonight and probably a night or two a month. If you do as I say, things will be better, just like we agreed.
She took a shuddering breath, shame overwhelming her. The storm growled overhead.
00:02
… and Daisuke's fine with this? Is he okay?
The dots were there, driving her mad with worry as minutes ticked by on her clock.
A picture popped up on her phone, grainy in the darkness but showing a thatch of red hair and a sleeping tan face, with Ken's pale hand nestled in it. She gasped before covering her mouth so Hinata wouldn't stir. Peering closely for any details… but there was no bruises, no scratches, his eyes seemed red but that could just be the low lighting.
00:07
That's not your concern anymore. From now on, I'll only be helping Ken with his work. I plan to be quite busy with my own pursuits. You get Ken all to yourself. Delete these messages. Consider this our last conversation, Miyako.
She dropped her phone to the bed and shook quietly with tears.
Please be safe, Daisuke, be okay. I'm so sorry.
One Week Earlier
Miyako sat at the table, hands shaking as Ken prowled the kitchen with short steps and a foul look on his face. The baby was babbling happily in her room but she didn't dare get her, not when Ken was like this.
"You told Daisuke about me? Did he laugh at you? Call you insane? Who would believe a housewife? Everyone would just think you're spending too much time alone and need a good counselor!"
Her heart broke as the love of her life sneered at her, gazing at her with such contempt she found it hard to catch her breath.
"H-he believed me. And he said he would meet with you."
At this Ken, the Kaiser, stopped and turned to her, face lit with a cold smile. "Did he now? And why would he want to do that? To indulge a friend who's lost her mind? But then, what wouldn't Daisuke do for a friend?"
Miyako stood up slowly, broadcasting her movements clearly. She forced herself to meet his gaze, hate bubbling up inside her. "He's doing it because he's my best friend and he loves me. Not everything is as dark as you'd like it to be you monster. And he's doing it because… because he loves Ken. And he always has."
The Kaiser strode towards her, although they were only a few inches apart, she couldn't help but feel like a girl next to him. His presence was menacing, his smile, vicious.
"Well I can't wait to see what little Dai-chan has to say. When will I meet him?"
She steeled herself and pressed her hand to her stomach. "You will not meet with him alone, unless you agree to some… conditions."
His eyes glittered, "Go on."
She pulled a type-written note from her apron and forced herself to be steady as she handed it over.
"I never want to see your face or hear you in this house again. You may never contact our children. Ken needs to be completely free of you the moment he steps foot in my door. Not even a shadow of a thought from you can disturb him when he's with me. And Ken can never be alone with Daisuke from now on. It's all there, you can read it yourself. You have to swear that you'll do it, or else you and I won't ever see Daisuke again."
A smirk marred her husband's handsome features and she turned abruptly to sit and gulp her lukewarm tea.
"Why Miyako, that's diabolical. Daisuke can never talk to Ken alone again? That would crush him. Does he know?"
She shook her head miserably and wiped the tears that spilled hotly down her cheeks. He walked around the table to sit across from her, eyes lit with interest as he read the contract.
"Well, it's very airtight. I can't be here to torment you, and you're giving Daisuke to me as my little plaything… of course he'll agree. And they can't be alone because Daisuke can't hide his emotions and would eventually ruin this whole… enterprise because Ken would never agree to it. What a perfect arrangement. It's selfish, cruel, and gives me something I actually want. I accept."
The room fell silent except for Hinata's increasingly fussy noises and Miyako tried to pull herself together. The Kaiser seemed perfectly content with his tea as she got up and walked towards the bedroom.
"I have to say Miyako, what a Kaiser you would have been."
