A/N: Massive shout out to Rona Mae for letting me spoil the entire Feel My Heart Beat plotline in an effort to re-jig my plans and get it up and running again. Sometimes I just need to explain things to someone and it all clicks into place! Turns out you can have writings block on a single story. I dunno, I always assumed it was a blanket thing? But basically, my previous plan didn't tie up the ends well enough but now it does so it's back (again XD)

"I'm free!" Akihito exclaimed as he stood up on his own two legs and stretched both arms above his head. His grin seemed to light up the room and the delighted laugh that bubbled from his lips had even Asami fighting back a smile.

"Don't go getting any rash ideas now, Takaba-kun. Because if you do something stupid, I'll know about it!" his rehabilitation physiotherapist scolded and Akihito rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment.

"Yes, Azumi-sensei," he replied meekly. His cheeky grin gave him away however and she proceeded to scold him again.

As good as all the doctors here were, even Asami was starting to get sick of hospital visits. They had spent a great deal of time going through check-ups and physical therapy. Asami always tried to go with his little soulmate to all his appointments just to hear for himself firsthand how his recovery was going.

"Asaaaammiiii!" he was pulled from his reverie by Akihito's whine. "I'm going to make dinner tonight so don't order anything, okay?"

That did pull a laugh from the businessman. "So you finally get your casts off and the first thing you want to do is cook? I thought you said you weren't my little housewife?" Asami chuckled again as Akihito scowled at him, crossing his arms over his chest. It was probably supposed to look defiant but the scowl was quickly falling into a pout and overall the effect was rather endearing.

"I'm not your housewife, bastard. Not your kitten either." Akihito attempted to glare for a moment longer before dropping the act altogether and proclaiming once again; "I'm still cooking dinner."

"Of course you are," Asami replied soothingly as he stood, gathering up their things.

"Without help."

The stubborn glint was back in his eyes and Asami chose not to reply. He was fairly certain he wasn't going to win that argument; he knew when to pick his battles. They thanked Akihito's doctor and organised for his next check-up before finally heading towards the carpark. He caught his lover actually poking his tongue out at the now empty wheelchair that Asami pushed. It was the same expression he used when winning at a video game, as though he had claimed victory over a vanquished foe.

"Do you still think you'll be able to cook dinner once I'm through with you?" Asami said softly as they slowly walked down the corridor. For all that he knew when to pick his battles, he couldn't resist the urge to tease his young lover.

Akihito squawked indignantly, his cheeks going a delightful shade of pink. "Don't talk like that here!" he hissed back. "We're in public!"

"No one's around." It's true, they had the corridor to themselves. No one was in earshot and certainly no one was paying them the least bit of attention. "And as much as I like seeing you walking on your own, your legs would look much better thrown over my shoulders."

Akihito spluttered in embarrassment again, whining about them being where other people could over hear. But Asami didn't miss the small misstep or the sharp intake of breath that gave him away. He hummed and gave his soulmate a decidedly wicked smile, revelling in the increasing flush infusing Akihito's cheeks. Teasing him was something he would never tire of.

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Asami sighed as he sat down in his plush executive office chair. As much as he adored his little lover, it would be nice to get back into routine with work now that he was mostly functional. Akihito was still unable to go back to work just yet so no doubt he would be a little hellion for his guards as soon as boredom hits once again.

All of the members of Team Takaba were back at work in some capacity. All those with minor wounds were now fully healed and resuming their normal shifts while those that were hospitalised were only working part time with light duties. They had barely been cleared to come back at all but Asami had taken pity on them after they all expressed the need to be doing something. Of course, Akihito's guards were just as active and outgoing as he was and as such, they suffered boredom just as badly as he did. Akihito himself had tried to get clearance to go back to work after he found out but Asami wasn't having a bar of it. He was mostly functional now but he was still weak from his injuries and extended rest period.

So while Akihito was preoccupied with proving that he could be independent again, Asami was going to catch up on all the work that had been steadily piling up and set something of a routine back in place. He was overdue for an in-person appearance at all of his clubs by this point and had far too many personal connections that he needed to maintain with in person meetings to attend as well. With luck, he could combine a few of those together and arrange for some casual meetings at some of his more prestigious clubs.

A knock on the door signalled his secretaries arrival. At his call, Kirishima strode in with his head down, frowning at his tablet, clearly continuing to work even as he walked. It summed up the man quite well, scarily efficient and determined to not waste a single moment if it could be helped. He only looked up as he approached Asami's desk before coming to a stop as he adjusted his glasses.

"Asami-sama, I have the reports you requested. The last of the media attention seems to have finally died down over the shooting incident however the organised crime unit is still under great scrutiny from the public and continues to be severely restricted in their movements. The standstill in the underworld after the events has also finally ceased and activity is starting to increase again. There has yet to have been any trouble at any of our warehouse locations or clubs caused by those groups however. I believe they are still stepping cautiously around yourself after the Sudou incident. His fate seems to have made the rounds and provided sufficient warning to potential trouble makers but it is now safe to assume that Takaba's relationship to you is also public knowledge."

"What of Suzuki Seina?"

"Her body was successfully disposed of along with Sudou's and as of yet, there has been no missing person's report handed to the police. Rumours around the club is that she ran away after Sudou's betrayal. I believe we can consider the matter closed in her case. The two other 'rescues' of Sudou's have been successfully rehomed at other clubs and initial reports from their new managers suggest they are doing very well under their guidance. The latest reports from Dracaena have also just come in and show potential for the new manager. Profits hold steady even after the Sudou debacle came to light and staff also seem happier."

Asami didn't reply, instead he fished out a cigarette and lit up while he thought. All signs pointed to things going smoothly after the Sudou incident. He had been so distracted and focused on his injured soulmate initially that he hadn't been able to keep track of how things were proceeding on a larger scale after the incident. Kirishima had once again proven his worth by continuing to keep track of and monitor everything without prompting. But then, he never could just leave things half done and not know for certain that were sorted once and for all. It's that very fact that made him such a valuable asset to Sion for all that it exasperated Asami when he would bring things up in reports literally months later to finally say they were officially closed. If there was such a thing as too thorough, Kirishima would be it.

"Also, sir." Asami drew his wandering attention back to his secretary. "We have yet to be approached about Officer Mino's appearance here but considering the organised crime units' current fall from grace within the police force, I would be surprised if that occurred. Nevertheless, I have gone ahead and organised some alibis and removed the footage showing his arrival just in case. Nothing can be traced back to us. I also have reports that Sugita suffered no particular repercussions due to her abrupt departure from Sion and has been relocated on another undercover assignment. Shall I keep her file and job offer open anyway?"

"Yes, my offer to her still stands. Her loyalty is exceedingly strong however, such a shame it's currently with the police. If she makes contact with anyone in Sion, direct them to me personally."

"Of course, sir. Takaba's security team also continues to impress with their coordination, teamwork, and fitness results. I believe they are beginning to irritate Suoh however." Kirishima said, obviously amused. "He has been helping lead the team in Ueda's absence as they are too newly formed to have a fully trained second just yet. I have heard that their energy and determination is very reminiscent of someone else we know."

Asami chuckled as he leaned back in his chair. "Oh?" He took a drag on his cigarette before blowing out a stream of smoke with a smile tugging at his lips. "Is he getting to old to keep a few brats in check?"

Kirishima grinned fiendishly, clearly taking a little too much delight in the upcoming torment of their old friend. "I shall send him your regards along with a ticket to the parkour gym that we have taken over. I'm sure a team bonding exercise is just what is needed." His smile relaxed before he continued on in a more serious tone. "But I am glad that Takaba is well on his way to being better. It is much better to see you relaxed and at ease, Ryuichi."

"It has been a long few weeks," he admitted quietly. "Have you made all the security changes that I've requested?"

"Yes." Kirishima nodded as he glanced down at his tablets as though to confirm that fact. "The last change was implemented this morning in wake of Takaba getting back on his feet again. He is so well protected that it would be ludicrous to would even bother trying anything against him."

"Good." Asami replied shortly. "I never want a repeat of this ever again."

Kirishima's face softened in understanding and he nodded. "I think I speak for us all when I say we will make sure it never does."

Their quiet exchange was interrupted by Asami's mobile phone and Kirishima gave a small bow before excusing himself. The caller ID flashed up with 'Kitten' and a very provocative picture of Akihito spread out on his bed. The very sight of it never failed to stir something up inside of the businessman. Even more so because his soulmate seemed rather unaware of his own charms. The look of hot desire on his face in the photo was completely honest, he wasn't capable of coy seduction. Knowing that the feelings bared on Akihito's face were what he was truly feeling and that they were only reserved for Asami did something to him. He answered the phone just before it had the chance to ring out.

"Akihito."

"Hi!" Asami could hear the enthusiasm through the phone. Akihito must still be riding high on his new-found freedom and ability to care for himself.

"And to what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"

Akihito scoffed good naturedly. "Don't be so formal! Oh, unless I interrupted something? Sorry!"

"Not at all, I had just finished going through some reports."

"Okay, cool. But it's just a quick call, anyway. So I'm making dinner tonight, right?" Asami hummed in response, waiting for his lover to continue. "But I can't decide what to make. So yakisoba or hot pot?"

"Why am I deciding?"

"Because I can't decide!" Akihito wailed piteously. "I was going to make hot pot 'cause it's cold but then I felt like noodles and now I'm stuck. So I thought I'd make you pick!"

"I see. How about ramen instead?"

There was silence on the line for a long moment before what sounded like Akihito slapping himself on the forehead. "Of course! It's perfect! It's like meeting in the middle! Asami, you're a genius!" Asami laughed, soft and deep, at Akihito's enthusiasm. His lover was quiet for a moment as though just listening to him chuckle at his antics before he finally spoke again. "Okay, so I'm going to pick up what I need. I'll see you later, okay? Don't be late home! Love you, bye!"

Asami sat frozen in shock as the dial tone beeped in his ear. He slowly lowered his phone down to stare blankly at the screen while Akihito's words played through his head.

"Love you, bye!"

It was so casually said, so natural.

So very Akihito.

"Love you."

He wondered if his little soulmate even knew he said the words. He would know based on how Akihito acted when he got home but somehow he honestly didn't think he realised he said it. The simplicity of the way Akihito said it just took Asami's breath away.

How was it that he could rock Asami's world to the core again and again by the simplest of things?

Those two words bounced around Asami's mind on repeat in Akihito's happy, affectionate tone of voice. Akihito had taught him many things already. He had opened up Asami's heart by sheer force of will and poured his own stubborn brand of love into the cracks until it overflowed. One would think that after being subject to that very emotion so frequently, that the words themselves would be nothing in comparison. What are words compared to actions?

Akihito's actions had certainly spoken loud and clear. Over and over again, he had spoken of love and affection with his body language and actions. He knew what Akihito felt for him. He wasn't blind.

So why was it that when Akihito said the words that Asami was left reeling?

The same thing had happened before.

"JUST LET ME LOVE YOU!" Akihito had screamed at Asami as he shook him with the force of his emotions, tears streaming down his face.

The words had broken Asami then as they had now.

Perhaps… Perhaps it was the sheer honesty and simplicity of the emotion that took Asami's breath away. When he said the words so naturally, so absently, it just reinforced the truth behind them. There was nothing Akihito wanted in return by saying those words. They were freely given.

That made them all the more powerful.

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When Asami finally made it home for dinner, Akihito greeted him exactly how he normally did. He chattered away about his day, carefree and exuberant in the face of his healing. There was no side eyeing Asami nor any embarrassed flush across his cheeks.

He honestly didn't realise what he said to Asami at the end of their phone call.

"Asami?" Akihito said quietly, uncertain and concerned after Asami gathered him in his arms and held him tightly. "Are you okay?"

Unable to answer, he pressed a sweet kiss to his soulmates lips and hoped that perhaps that would speak for him enough. He was rendered speechless, unable to return the words that echoed somewhere deep inside of him.

A feeling no doubt placed there by Akihito's sheer force of will alone.