AN: A longer chapter to make for not too much happening in the last one. And guess what's next? *drools at the thought*
Getting out of the limo and standing on the busy side walk reminded Akihito of their trip to Annisa. Except for the name Dracaena that was up in lights on the front of the building, the atmosphere was similar. Plenty of looks being thrown from the people lining up as they stepped out of the limo, Asami guiding him by a hand on the small of his back and them being waved right through, jumping the long queue and receiving jealous stares as they were bowed in by the security. The biggest difference was the thumping base that could be heard even from outside. Asami was probably used to receiving this kind of service where ever he went but it drew a lot of attention that Akihito wasn't particularly comfortable with. They had barely made it through the door when a rather flamboyantly dressed man came over and bowed to Asami. He had longish blonde hair looking stylishly casual, blue eyes and a small beauty mark just under the left side on his lips.
"Asami-sama, I am delighted that you stopped by the club personally." He must be the manager then.
"It would have been preferable if I wasn't required to stop by in person, Sudou." Akihito winced internally at the cold tone of Asami's voice. He was used to a more relaxed Asami, this must be the businessman side that he hasn't gotten to see yet.
"Of course, I apologise for the necessity. If you will please follow me to the VIP section, I'm sure we can make it an enjoyable visit regardless." The manager, Sudou, completely ignored Akihito and gestured off to the side toward a stairwell. Relieved at not being forced to be the centre of attention just because he was Asami's companion, Akihito took the opportunity get take a quick look around.
The club was packed even though it was a Sunday night, he could see a crowded bar off to the left, tables and alcoves lined the walls with a DJ booth and a dance floor set right in the middle of the room. The lights were dim with some coloured lights over the dance floor and the air was thick with perfume and smoke. At the top of the stairs they were led through a glass door set in a huge glass panel. The VIP room was filled with plushy looking alcoves and tables, its own bar and the music from the dance floor was muted down to a dull thumping. A glance to the side showed huge floor to ceiling glass window panes allowing a good view over the dance floor and the rest of the club. Akihito could see that on the opposite side of the building was another stairwell and more booths and tables lined a second floor balcony although that just had a railing instead of the glass that the VIP room had, presumably it was for the soundproofing that was dulling the sound of the driving beat. The two sections were divided by a series of black looking glass panels that couldn't be seen through. Possibly the manager's office, it would give a good view of most of the club if it was one way glass. Everything was red, black and chrome. It walked a very fine line between classy and tacky yet somehow the club pulled it off. He could see what Asami meant by a younger crowd. Most were around Akihito's age which would explain the music and the large dance floor. Unlike the few clubs Akihito had been dragged to previously, everyone here was dressed to impress with glittering jewellery and expensive brand labels.
They were ushered into a half circle shaped booth with very comfortable padding. Asami reclined at the very middle of the booth, the closest point to the wall and had pulled Akihito in so that he was pressed up against his side and moved his arm so it was resting along the padding behind Akihito. A waitress with long dark hair and a tight fitting, high cut black dress that showed little but suggested a lot, served Asami a tumbler of amber liquid and asked Akihito what he would like. After Akihito floundered for a few seconds, Asami ordered for him with a small chuckle, effectively cutting off Sudou, who had slipped into the booth on Asami's other side, midsentence. He glanced over and caught the glare from the manager before his expression smoothed over when Asami turned back towards him.
"Seina will be looking after you for the evening, please let her know if you need anything."
Sudou gestured to the waitress who gave a small bow before leaving to get whatever Asami had just ordered for him. Sudou started to talk again but it was business and Akihito didn't bother trying to make sense of it, it wasn't particularly interesting anyway. He looked around a little more to try and make sure he had his bearings. It was dim and the air was thick with smoke and waitresses all dressed in matching tight black dresses and tall heels swanned around the VIP room, serving drinks and chatting with the guests. Seina came back with what appeared to be a beer bottle and a glass. She poured out a glass and passed the bottle and the glass over to Akihito. He took a sip and sighed. It was a beer, imported judging from the label in a language he couldn't read, and it had a dark almost nutty flavour.
"Ahh, it's good."
"I thought you would like that one." Asami had just cut Sudou off midsentence again and Akihito when looked over to smile at Asami in thanks, he caught the death glare Sudou was giving him. First he got ignored, now this? Sudou opened his mouth to continue but Asami cut across him.
"Enough. I get the reports from Kirishima, we can discuss business later if you cannot handle it on your own."
"I can handle everything myself of course," Sudou said hastily. "I just thought that you would like a personal update seeing as you were here."
"I already know everything I need to." Asami's tone was dismissive as he pulled out a cigarette, Sudou quickly leaned forward and offered him a light. As Asami took a drag on the smoke, the manager slid out of the booth and gave a small bow.
Sudou didn't even look at Akihito while he spoke; "I'll leave you to enjoy your evening then, I'll send someone to let you know when business will commence."
"Kirishima already has all the details," Asami waved him off with a dismissive flick of the cigarette. "Advise him of any changes."
"Of course." Sudou withdrew, still completely refusing to acknowledge Akihito's existence.
"Tell me if Sudou bothers you." Asami turned to watch Akihito quietly enjoying his drink. Akihito snorted at the comment.
"I'll be fine, I can look after myself. I don't get what his problem is though."
"He wants what he cannot have."
"What? Another admirer of the great Asami Ryuichi? No wonder you're so full of yourself." Asami actually laughed at that.
"What can I say? I'm just that good."
"Arrogant bastard."
They spent the next hour or so in light conversation, occasionally being joined by acquaintances of Asami who all appeared to be stopping by to pay their respects and try and work out who exactly Akihito was. Asami just introduced him by name, making no mention of his soulmate status or his line of work and it only seemed to make the visitors even more curious. Akihito wasn't good at reading people by any means but even he could almost see the thoughts going through their heads. Who was this boy with Asami? Why won't he say anything else about him other than his name? A lot of looks lingered on the arm stretched out behind Akihito and he got the impression that Asami didn't usually show up with anyone in public. It was a fairly innocent gesture and although there was deeper meaning behind it, it didn't warrant such surprise. Finally Asami was called away when Kirishima came and discreetly informed him it was time.
"You should head to the dance floor, I won't be long."
Akihito nodded and then Asami was gone, walking towards a plain door to the back of the VIP section. He checked with Seina and was guided to the bathroom, figuring the ones up here would be much nicer and less packed than downstairs. He had just finished his business and was washing his hands when two men stepped inside. They were dressed similar to the bouncers he had seen outside and they had the builds to match. He didn't pay them much attention until he turned around after drying his hands to find them caging him in and preventing him from leaving.
"Excuse me, you are in the way." Akihito tried to keep his rapidly rising pulse in check. There was only one way out and they were quite effectively blocking it. He knew he was fast and they both seemed too bulky to be particularly quick on their feet. If he could just get around them, he would be back out with the others and it would be too open for them to want to create a fuss but Akihito couldn't see a way to get around. He would have to wait and see what they were after.
"You're not going anywhere just yet, pretty boy. We have to pass on a message from our boss. We don't know who you are but he said to keep your little paws off Asami if you know what's good for you." The two thugs were slowly getting closer, backing Akihito up against the bathroom wall. "He is even paying us more to rough you up a little so you get the idea. Isn't that great? I get money and get to have a little fun." A hand reached out and grabbed Akihito by the collar, lifting him up slightly. The thug got right up in his face and he could smell the rank breath and see the stubble lining his chin. "Such a pretty one. Shame you won't be so pretty when we're done."
Akihito didn't think, just reacted. He brought his knee up with all the force he could muster and felt it connect with the thug's groin. The hand released its hold on him and with a high pitched almost squeak, the man crumped to the floor into a fetal position. Akihito winced slightly in sympathy but was suddenly slammed back against the wall, his head cracking on the tiling.
"Oh, you want to play huh?" God, this one's breath stank too. Akihito struggled to get his bearings, the force that he hit the wall disorientating him for a few seconds. "It'll make it just that much sweeter when-" the thug didn't have time to finish his sentence when the door slammed open and someone rushed in. Akihito found himself free and was able to focus his vision in time to see the person slam the thug to the ground. His saviour was well dressed in a simple black suit and tie with close cropped dark hair. Akihito thought he looked vaguely familiar.
"Takaba-sama, are you alright?"
Akihito blinked at him. He knew who he was? He gave his head a shake to try and clear it.
"Ah, yeah, I'm okay. I think." He felt the back of his head and winced slightly. There was probably going to be a lump but he didn't feel the sticky wetness of blood.
"You're one of Asami's men?"
"Yes. I'm Ueda Shoji, Asami-sama left me to guard you while we his handling business. I got suspicious after these two entered and none of you came out after a few minutes. I apologise for not coming in sooner."
"No, it's fine. It's not like you expect anything to happen in his own club. And since when do I need a guard?"
Ueda looked pointedly at the two groaning thugs on the floor. Akihito gave him a sheepish grin.
"Well, thank you anyway Ueda-san. Do you need me to do anything or can I head out to the dance floor now?"
"Please go ahead Takaba-sama. There are other guards around who will make sure nothing else happens while I take these two to Asami-sama."
"Alright and please drop the sama. It's really not necessary." Akihito could feel a slight flush on his cheeks when Ueda paused while plucking his cell phone out of his pocket and looked up at him in surprise.
"That would be rude of me, Takaba-sama. You are someone whom Asami-sama holds in high regard and so all the staff must address you appropriately." Ueda cut off any more complaints by politely holding open the door for Akihito while he made a call. Akihito sighed and left, passing another suited man who was on his way into the bathroom, presumably another of Asami's men. As he made his way out of the VIP section and down onto the dance floor Akihito pondered the thug's words. He had said boss. Was it Sudou? They certainly looked like security from here and Sudou clearly wasn't thrilled about his presence with Asami, particularly not with the businessman's attention being taken by Akihito. Stay away from Asami? Akihito gave a soft snort in derision. Like he had a choice in the matter. No, they were tied together now in ways he couldn't possibly imagine. Soulmate. Two souls tied together, matching and fitting perfectly to make a whole.
Finally having reached the dance floor, Akihito pushed all thoughts aside and moved into the press of bodies, letting the driving beat take over. He began to move in time, letting the rhythm wash away all thought but the music and the need to move. He danced as though glittering golden eyes watched him and lost himself to the feeling.
VFVFVFVFVFVFVF
Business was concluded and the negotiations had come to a close with the other party having withdrawn back into the club. Sudou watched was Asami took a drag on a cigarette while Kirishima gave a quick report. The man was stunning. He was much more casually dressed than Sudou had ever seen him before but he still looked good enough to kill. Those intense golden eyes glanced his way and he suppressed a shiver. That gaze was so heavy, so intense and Sudou was longing for the day when it would be focused on him alone. He was ripped from his thoughts when the door opened and two men dragged in two of his bouncers. He felt his eyes go wide and quickly schooled his expression. So, they had gotten caught. They knew better than to squeal about who had paid them though, he had paid them more than enough for their silence. He was well aware of Asami's wrath and dislike for anyone touching his things but it was necessary to warn off the little tramp that had dared enter his club clinging to Asami's side.
"Sorry to disturb you Asami-sama but we found these two attempting to rough up Takaba-sama."
Asami went very still and even Kirishima visibly tensed.
"How is he?"
"Takaba-sama advised he was fine and moved to the dance floor. He had managed to take one of them out with what appeared to be a knee to the groin and I was able to intervene before the second one had a chance to make a move." That little tramp took one of them out? He had been right to send two to do the job, such a shame they got caught before they could get a hit in on him. Hopefully the warning would be enough.
"They said that they don't know who or why they were paid to rough him up. Just that they received some cash from a hooded man and a description of Takaba-sama." Good, they had stuck to the story.
Asami's eyes flicked to Suoh who was standing off to the side.
"Deal with them."
"Of course boss." Suoh directed his two men to drag the two incapacitated men out the back door and into the alley behind the club.
"Sudou."
"Yes Asami-sama?"
"This happened in your club with your own staff. You are already on thin ice. This doesn't happen again."
That gaze was directed solely at him and it seemed to boring right into his soul. Sudou could barely supress his shiver that time. He ignored the threat the words carried, it wouldn't matter soon.
"Of course Asami-sama. I will see to the matter myself." The businessman grunted in response and dropped his cigarette to the floor to be ground out under his heel.
"Kirishima, bring the limo around and have it waiting, we'll be leaving soon." He left and entered back into the main section of the club. Sudou closed his eyes and tried to get his breathing back under control. That stare had sent his heart racing.
Kirishima just nodded and made a quick call before turning to Sudou.
"Pass onto your staff that Takaba has wife status. We do not want another incident like this to occur."
"Wife status?" Sudou was shocked, wife status? What was going on?
"He's Asami-sama's soulmate. It is imperative that your staff treat him as such." The secretary pushed up his glasses before excusing himself to follow Asami.
Soulmate. That little blonde tramp was Asami's soulmate? No. No, this cannot happen. Sudou's thoughts were whirling. That would explain why Asami brought along a guest for the first time and why his arm had oh so casually rested behind the little tramp. He stumbled his way into his office, three of the walls being darkened glass that was one way so he could view the club unnoticed by the guests. He looked into the VIP section but Asami's booth had been claimed by someone else. Dance floor. The guard had mentioned that he had gone to dance. Sudou pressed himself up against the glass, feeling the coolness seep into his forehead. Scanning the writhing dance floor his attention was caught by a mop of shining blonde hair. He sucked in a breath in shock. Oh, the little tramp was dancing alright. With Asami. The businessman didn't dance. No, he was cold and aloof and distant. Yet there he was, his chest pressed up against the tramps back, their hips grinding together to the beat and Asami's hands roved over his hips, thighs and stomach. No. No, no, no. It was somehow a sensual dance, matching the dark rhythm of the music and they both seemed completely absorbed in their own little world, ignoring all the others around them. Dancing so closely, so intimately. Sudou watched as Asami moved his hand up the blonde's chest, skipping over a nipple and getting what appeared to be a moan before grabbing his chin and forcing his head around for a messy kiss. He could feel the intensity from here. No, that was supposed to be him, Sudou's mind screamed. They parted and suddenly Asami was pulling Takaba from the dance floor and towards the exit. He was taking him home. Sudou felt his blood boil. No, that little tramp had it coming, soulmate or not. The loss of a soulmate was devastating and with the protection that was surely around the boy, Sudou would have to plan very carefully. But once he was gone, Sudou would be right there to console the grieving Asami and slip right into place at his side. Yes, Takaba was a dead man walking.