AN: Frankly I've never written this much dialog between the two before. It has been a strange endeavor to come up with their conversation material. Towards the end, I've realized I have to outfox a fox through Asami written from the fox's perspective! That had me reeling from the magnitude of brain power I had to use in my writing. So each request or question has a purpose for Asami to clue in on the puzzle pieces. You get to read his thoughts next chapter.
As for the game, there are quite a few ways to play it. The one I'm familiar with is the Hanafuda game played in the animated movie "Summer Wars." Wonderful movie, love the underline commentary on the dangers of social networking interlinking the security measures of personal information. (I know, shameless of me to plug a promo for one of my favorite anime.) I liked it so much, I got hooked in playing the game.
All my score counts and combo names are base upon the rules from Nintendo DS 'Clubhouse Games – Hanafuda'. Please do a Wiki search if you wish to learn more about the game play, otherwise take my description as is. I hope I do the game justice.
This chapter is a doozy. Here you have it folks. Please enjoy because the next update won't be available until I come back from my vacation in Europe. Hopefully, by then I'll have most of it written up. Look for an update mid June!
Part 11:
Kirishima was beginning to form an opinion that as far as situations related to Takaba Akihito goes, these series of events were…the strangest yet. It was the best description he could come up with while observing the whole exchange between Asami-sama and his 'wife'. And seeing how the evening has turn out, things were about to get even…stranger, for the lack of a better word.
The secretary wince at his own limited imagination. He should definitely expound his vocabulary for a better description. However, that would have to wait.
He'd bear witness to many of the couples' silly escapades, fiery arguments, and numerous embarrassingly passionate encounters. Suffice it to say, he was expecting more of the latter given how Asami-sama had been so tense recently. This congenial conversation befit two strangers rather lovers.
Initially, he'd thought it was all a joke carried too far by the brat. However, the kid was too good in staying 'in-character'. Takaba Akihito was never really good at lying, let alone suddenly becoming such a seasoned actor.
Kirishima briefly wonders what his boss thinks of all this.
Currently Asami-sama is playing along, even going as far as agreeing to a game of Hanafuda. Does the boss even know how to play such a common household game?
The secretary mentally shook his head of that notion. Of course Asami-sama would know, otherwise he wouldn't have agree to it in the first place.
However, the modified rules made by Takaba-san were uncommon to say the least. The object of the game is no longer to score the highest point total when all the rounds are complete. The new object is to accumulate more than five points before the other opponent does in order to win the match. Thus the weight of each match is equally as important.
What complicated the game further, is the requirement for each player to make such a win via combination plays only. There is forty-eight cards per deck with two players vying for the same high stock cards. A player would only need to arrange one high scoring set before acquiring another one in order to win. That would be the ideal hand; although in all likelihood, the game is never played in such a way.
A player oftentimes would end up with a low scoring set by calling the first chance he gets to win the low scoring set. Only when a player is low on points do they say koi koi to extend the game in order to score more points from an additional set. In this scenario, one would be calling koi koi most likely for every hand.
Strategy is required to not only block your opponent from a win, but also increase your odds of forming high scoring sets. And since Takaba-san didn't mention anything of limiting multipliers, the player can utilize those conditions to maximize low scoring sets as well.
Ultimately though, luck is the deciding factor. Either that or one need to learn how to count cards.
Kirishima was confident his boss would have the advantage. After all, as far as Asami-sama is concern, his memory is flawless.
The cards dealt him were decent.
The young man has several key cards at the ready to form high scoring set plays. He toys with the idea of showing off his skill, then decides to forfeit the win after a few botched discards. He wanted to see what was on the other's agenda.
Another match later, the older man completes his combo as expected.
The dealer declares the match.
"Boar Dear Butterfly and Earth combo. Six points total. Boss wins."
The young man didn't have to wait long for his answer.
The older man takes his time to expel the dirty smoke from his lungs and staunches the butt into an ash tray. He then sits back in his leather chair and takes a long look at the younger man. His eyes piercing and full of heat.
"Remove your shirt and jacket."
The young man fought back a grin. In this category, the old lecher is certainly predictable. He didn't mind whether the other was distracted or not and decided to reward the man with a little show. The young man strip his jacket off with ease, follow by slowly removing his inner shirt. Both expensive garments were dropped to the floor without care.
He makes a point to stretch his back while flexing his limbs. The gentle chill from the air conditioning aided in brushing his bare nipples into hard nubs. The young man couldn't help but quip, "Is strip Hanafuda what you have in mind?"
The other was quick to repartee.
"I do prefer to look upon you this way, yes."
And the older man indeed eyed him thoroughly.
Curious, the young man teases back, "Should I worry about my pants next? I might not be willing on that score."
"I much prefer the latter half to be voluntary then."
The grin he held back broke out. He shook his head at the other's sheer perversity. He must admit the allure of this particular body was what caught his attention too. He hadn't thought to captivate men as well. It was time to find out more about this interloper and what sort of threat is he. Perhaps he would only need to flirt his way out.
The dealer had already restocked the cards and shuffles them. The second game has begun. This time around, the young man was eager to win. All three cards to complete the Blue Scroll set was in his hand. He only need to build a second easy set in order to complement the win.
"In that case… koi-koi."
Having matched all his cards prior, he draws then smiles before throwing the card down. This round was his.
"Blue Scroll Basic combo. Six points total. Takaba-san wins."
He would have rubbed his hands together with glee but chose to mimic the other's cool vibe instead. His voice did let slip his amusement though. He couldn't help that part of the charade even if he tries. Their banter thus resume without a hiccup.
"As much as I would like to oblige you and perhaps return the favor, I'd much prefer you clothed. Unless you might be more appealing if you have fuzzy ears. You know what, why don't you wear a pair of those for me?"
Besides one raise brow, it was all the reaction he got.
The older man pulls out his mobile device once more and gave the instruction in a manner one would request for tea or something likewise.
"It's me. Bring a pair of furry ears."
In less than a minute or two, said item is brought in on another silver tray by the same stubby man from earlier.
The older man took the proffered ears and without preamble places them atop his head. Despite how ridiculous the idea of such a powerful man wearing such an item was, oddly seeing the black fluffy ears somehow complemented the daunting figure even more so. At least the instant sweat drop forming on the employees present sure indicated they feared the man.
The other's countenance remains stoic however. He even relaxes back into his chair and waves a hand in dismissal. The behemoth bodyguard and deliverer were swift as they made their exits once again.
The older man's nonchalance took the fun out of his sails. Just a tad. It still tickled him silly seeing such a sight though. He hopes, the other is fuming inside at the least.
He adds a verbal jab to increase the humiliation.
"There, much more becoming, but sadly you still don't appeal to me."
The man is quick to gain advantage .
"Shall I remove them?"
He chuckles in good humor and replies simply, "Not a chance."
Another reshuffle. The young man made quick work and won the round in six moves.
"Red and Blue Scrolls combo. Ten points a total. Takaba-san wins."
"Impressive."
The younger man grins.
"Looks like Lady Luck is on my side, my friend."
"The name is Asami Ryuichi in case you've forgotten. And I believe it is too soon to tell."
So his name was Asami. He was careful earlier, trying not to reveal his lack of recognition. The other had called him by name after all. Friends they certainly weren't after having the girl ripped off of him in such a manner. The other demonstrated a strong sense of familiarity or possessiveness if he weren't mistaken. He didn't know what type of relationship the owner of this body had had with Asami, the sexual interest from the other was certainly palpable.
"Well then Asami-kun, why don't you tell me a little bit about yourself?"
The older man props one elbow on the armrest before anchoring his chin with his thumb and index finger. Golden eyes narrow to slits.
"Isn't that a blanket request? Must I remind you the rules, Takaba?"
Surprise by the instant challenge, the young man was quick to explain.
"Not at all. I was going to elaborate. Remind me again, what do you do?"
"Is this your scheme of engaging me into revealing all my secrets?"
Oh. The word 'secrets' made him curious.
"Now why would I do that?"
"You ARE a photojournalist, Takaba."
Oh right. He'd forgotten about that. Somewhere in the long pile of crap he discarded at the pawn shop lies a photo ID hidden in the camera bag. Specifically his identification for some newspaper company or other. He hadn't given that much thought. He could have kicked himself on that account.
"Ah, well. I would have said reveal your secrets to me wouldn't I? Besides, I don't have my gear with me. So humor me. Feel free to express your true nature."
The other acquiesce readily.
"Very well. I am an entrepreneur. Trade is my business."
When tAsami didn't elaborate, the young man was quick to call foul.
"I suspect you're leaving many things out."
Those golden eyes shimmer with amusement.
"You're question did not express details."
He snorts. Asami may have been a lawyer prior to becoming an entrepreneur. He too can play the word game.
A long volley of moves later, they were down to a few cards left on the draw pile. Both Asami and the young man have a few combos and had each declared koi-koi. Neither had any sets that were high scoring to win the match. Each was counting on the next draw.
It was the young man's turn. Lady Luck was certainly favoring him tonight.
"Scroll Earth Basic medley combo. Three points with two times multiplier. Six points total. Takaba-san wins."
"Well then, let me rectify that. As it is my call, I wish to learn 'in detail' about your business. And this time, be more descriptive."
Despite having lost three matches, Asami's indifference remain intact. The man lit up another cigarette. He couldn't help the grimace that form on his face upon breathing that foul stench once more. It was one of the drawbacks of having an extremely good sense of smell.
"As you wish. The trade I conduct can be dissected into two groups, taxable and nontaxable. My public domain consists of the entertainment variety. Likewise, my private endeavors is of the country building persuasion."
He'd suspected as much. The young man's imagination was running wild with possibilities with what that last sentence hinted at. Instantly, weapons came to mind. Mercenaries for hire was another. Assassins, maybe? Of the lesser evil choice, real estate tycoon possibly? Or a loan shark even?
"That still doesn't explain exactly what you do."
"Complex business models often are confusing to outsiders. In all that matters, my work can be sum up as the business of influence."
Ah. More word play. Possible interpretation means he's not your average run of the mill typical business mogul. He liked that. Raw power all hidden beneath a polite polish exterior.
The young man makes a comment in reference to his own thoughts, but the other need not know the reference.
"Now THAT I can understand perfectly. And seeing how popular and crowded your clubs are, I suppose business is booming?"
"But of course."
The game had already restarted amidst their chat when the dealer announces, "Red Scroll Moon combo. Ten points total. Boss wins."
The young man berated himself for not paying attention. He could have prevented that win.
"I haven't seen you around recently, what have you been up to?"
Derision was clear in his response to the simple inquiry.
"Was that my question or are we making small talk?"
Asami remains unflappable however.
"Take it as you will."
He took a moment to concoct a half truth story, wondering briefly why the other would be interested in where he's been. It was a waste of a win on his book.
"I've been out of town. Just came back from up North on a visit. Always been too cold for my taste. I much prefer the robust city life."
Asami nods absently at his short narrative even though his golden eyes never once leaving his brown ones. It was a bit disconcerting considering how nonplussed the topic was in the scheme of things. He quickly broke eye contact with one set and met a pair of another.
"Takaba-san, would you like something to drink?"
It took him a few seconds to realize he had been spoken to by the furniture. Ever since he's been in the room, the plain-looking dealer had been stock still for so long despite actively dishing out cards and stating the status of the game. The man might as well have been an automaton for all the attention he was getting.
The young man recovers himself and considers the offer.
"A drink sounds great. I am a bit parched."
"What would you like, sir?"
That question had his ears perk up at attention.
"Hmm. Do you have any sake?"
"Yes. The Club has a variable selection. What type would you prefer?"
"It's been a while so I'd like some of your best Taruzake."
"As you wish."
The dealer than quietly walks to the door. The behemoth was quick to intercept the approach. They converse in low murmurs. He overheard nonetheless and was please by the swift service. He couldn't wait to have of taste of sake. His last cup was at a ceremonial opening.
The bodyguard brings out a mobile phone and moments later, in walks the stubby man once again. He brings over a small cherry wood side table between the two leather seats and places the silver tray atop it. The man then pours the chilled sake into two box shape wooden cups.
"Our best chilled Junmai Taruzake. Gentlemen, please enjoy."
He gives his boss another low bow before exiting once more. Both the bodyguard and dealer had return to their former positions.
Despite his eagerness to have a taste, he waited for the other first. It wasn't out of politeness but self preservation.
Asami gestures for him to take a cup then raises his own to his lips. The older man takes a small sip. He waits for the telltale swallow before attacking the sake with gusto, draining the liquid in one gulp.
The aged brew warm his innards and heated his body wonderfully. The cool breeze from the AC hardly felt at all.
Asami pours him another, never once leaving his cup empty. The game resumes.
Warm and fuzzy, despite being half naked, the young man felt on top of the world. He was one card away from completing another combo.
"Koi-koi."
He draws. Match point.
"Rainy Four Scroll combo. Eight points total. Takaba-san wins."
He couldn't help but grin at his continue good luck despite his earlier worries about actually keeping his word instead of relying on his usual bag of tricks.
"Ah, looks like it's my turn again. You really have no luck in this game, Asami-kun."
The older man takes another sip from his cup and replies, "Perhaps."
Though he may be enjoying his time, the young man had not forgotten the reason why he was here in the first place.
"Let's get this part out of the way then. Don't really want to have the gloom of doom looming over our little game, right?"
Asami merely nods.
"I would like to walk out of here without any repercussions from you and yours for all offenses I may have committed in the past or present."
"You have my word."
Now that that was out of the way, he can focus on figuring out Asami's intent on his person. The other's lack of aggressiveness to take their previous flirtation to the next level had made him curious. By his judgment, the older man was not the timid kind. Unless, of course, the man prefers his prey to fall completely head over heel by the old fashion method of wooing. The challenge, he supposes, was to completely win him over.
Perhaps Asami may have made some leeway with the former owner of his body, perhaps they already have a relationship, or perhaps the man still hasn't tasted the fruit of his labor just yet. The young man is inclining to believe it was the latter. Men like Asami wouldn't continue to harbor such open lust for a prey he's already sampled. They tend to move on to the next conquest soon after.
He decided to goad the other into making a move by making short work of the next game.
"Moon Blossom combo. Ten points total. Takaba-san wins."
"I would like that girl to finish up my blowjob if you don't mind?"
He wanted to see another outburst. Surprisingly, none came.
Asami calmly takes out his mobile and presses a speed dial.
"It's me. Have Miyuki return to complete her task."
He didn't hang up as abruptly as before. With his good hearing, the young man overheard why. He wonders briefly what Asami would say differently. The other's next words did make him smirk with a knowing grin.
"She is occupied with another client at the moment."
So Asami was capable of telling the truth. Still, that doesn't mean he won't take a rain check just to tweak the other further.
"After our game then?"
"But of course."
The next round of cards was dealt out swiftly. The young man didn't have any key cards whatsoever. It didn't mean he couldn't win, however he did promise not to cheat. That rule still had him tickled. No one had ever outright called him on that before. He's beginning to like this Asami.
Not in that way of course. He may have enjoyed the encounter with that girl name Miyuki dressing up as a crossbreed. Some of his older brethrens till this day still calls them hanyou or half demon. That way of thinking was outdated, he would like to believe he's much too modernize to care about such things. However, that doesn't mean he would attempt another much more frown upon taboo by actually doing it with a male human. Although picturing this body of his tangling with the older male had him intrigued. Just a tad.
"Koi-koi."
Oh. His head perk up. So Asami already has a set. Might as well let him have the win. He didn't have any good cards anyways.
"Five Light Earth combo. Eleven points total. Boss wins."
Not bad the young man thought. It was the best scoring combination yet.
Asami pauses to refill his cup. The young man in turn refills the others before he took a sip, wondering briefly what angle the man will go for this time.
The older man display none of his intent, although the slight tilt of the other's lips hinted all too clearly what Asami had in mind.
"Since you've came back to town, where will you be staying? I can drop by to catch up. Take you out for dinner perhaps?"
That had him laughing. The man wasn't subtle at all. The older man did remind him of that fact that he indeed needed to seek shelter. He wasn't the least worried however. The money he'd stole from the pawn shop owner should be enough to get him into one of those four stars hotel maybe. He hadn't really thought that far into his escapade.
Without further contemplation, the young man threw out the proverbial fishing line. He hopes he looks sincere enough. He had never tried that expression before until now.
"I'm flattered by your attention, but I would have to decline."
If he wasn't looking close enough, the young man may have missed the other's jaw being set. Ah. He'd just hit a nerve. Good.
"Understandable, but you have yet to answer my question, Takaba."
He tried his best to repress a smile and maintain the sincerity on his face before replying.
"That is true… however since I haven't made plans yet for the night, I honestly don't have a location to give you."
A smirk of confidence don the other's lips.
"Hmm. Perhaps I can interest you to stay at my penthouse then?"
Oh. He hadn't expected such a bold move considering the other haven't even tried anything beyond smooth pickup lines. He was almost convinced that Asami needed to improve his skills in the romance department.
The young man cast his eyes downward for a moment then lookup with a half smile.
"I thought only one question per win?"
The other return his half smile and golden eyes lit with humor once more.
"Let me apologize, the offer was given in the spirit of the conversation and not a formal inquiry."
"Alright. Well, I'll have to think about. And maybe, IF you happen to win another round, I might give you an answer to that question."
"Take all the time you need."
The dealer had already reset for the next match. He was determine to win the next round just to mess with Asami. The young man had already declared koi koi. Two key cards that would complete the Moon set were out on the stock pile and he had no matching pair. The play was too tempting to resist.
It was Asami's turn. He discards both moves, which means he has no matching cards either.
The young man considers his odds and decides to apply his trade. He may have promised a clean game which in his book only meant no obvious tricks. However, he most certainly did not promise he couldn't use a bit of the occult. With such logic, he discretely wrinkles his nose. The hair on the back of neck stood up and crinkles with energy.
It was his turn. He picks up the first moon. Then draws for the second.
"Blossom Moon combo. Ten points total. Takaba-san wins."
Smug with his accomplishments, the young man flash a wide grin before he tilt his head sideways and gave Asami a good long look.
"You know, I find it odd."
The older man tilt his own head in acknowledgement. Asami's eyes were were sharp with interest.
"You certainly show interest in me, yet you've haven't taken any advantage of your winnings. Why is that?"
Asami drains his cup before replying with a question.
"Have I offended you?"
"No. I'm just curious."
Intense golden eyes bore into the younger man. Oddly, he felt a chill crawl up his spine. He tore his eyes away in the disguise of refilling the older man's cups. He didn't understand the sudden change. The man's mood were as mercurial as they come.
Abruptly, Asami rises from his seat and tore off the furry ears. He then tosses them on the card table, sending the few cards laid out flying in disarray. The older man then directs a glare at the dealer and sends the man darting out the room in haste. The bodyguard at the door changes position to block the exit. No one was coming in or going out.
The young man hated confrontations. He rose from his seat as well. Mindful of the other's reach, he steps back a few paces. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.
"I thought we've moved beyond games, Akihito."
That caught him off guard. That simple statement gave so much away. The young man wasn't stupid. A man, any man doesn't call another male so intimately without it meaning something. Shit. He'd certainly read the relationship wrong from the start. He quickly hatches a different exit strategy.
He wasn't trying to goad the older man, but it was time to get out of dodge. Buying time, the young man pose the obvious statement.
"I suspect your withholding some pertinent information from me."
His hands were getting sweaty. Shit.
He widens his stance then wipes both hands on his slacks before discretely concealing them at an angle. His open palms facing each other. Concentrating his energy, he barely heard the other spoke.
"Nothing that isn't public knowledge."
Asami's tone broke no argument. The man takes a step forward. Shit. It was taking longer than normal to pool. His body tenses with the effort. He needs more time and backs another step.
He murmurs quickly.
"I don't like that answer. It tells me nothing."
That reply somehow stops the older man's advance. Those cold eyes soften. His tone etched with a hit of concern.
"Are you...claiming memory loss?"
He knew it was an out. A way for him to continue this charade until it was safe to take his leave. He had no interest in playing this man's lover however.
The chant was almost complete. The young man didn't waste his breath for a reply.
Those chiseled jaws, harden. Asami continues his advance.
"Come here, Akihito."
He felt the surge. Bright black light crackles between his fingers. A swirling gray orb, the size of a large marble appears into his right hand and the young man raises his head, then smirks.
"I rather not."
He abruptly throws the object down. It cracks on impact, sending the Red Room to engulf in a cloud of smoke.
Response to Reviewers:
Takkie: I'm glad that you are enjoying each update. I hope you'll be surprise by the direction in which I approach the game and the wins. And as for Asami, I prefer him that way too. It is fun to write their interactions. I enjoy that as much as I enjoy reading the mangas.
Muumuu122: Thank you for reading. Yeah, combining the chapters was my original intent but that would mean my updates will be few and far between. Although, if readers prefer it that way, I guess I can just do one post a week instead of two to three. What do you think?
Chickie434: Yeah, sorry about the short chapter. I felt like I needed to post something since I didn't know how long it'll take me to finish up the rest. I hope the length of this chapter will more than make up for it. Thanks. I'm glad you are enjoying the story. Asami likes to have an advantage even if it means discouraging others to do the same. I hope my take on the game is acceptable.
