Chapter 4! I honestly never thought I'd make it this far and I'm really happy so many of you seem to be enjoying and sticking with the story. I hope the longish chapter makes up for the slow update and that you all enjoy it! Thank you for reading!
Chapter 4
The camera shuddered before Akihito stood at his full height, a dull ache present in his lower back from bending and twisting as he tried to keep up with the girl whose photos he was taking today.
She was young, pretty, and desperate to get into the modeling business. Her mother had babysat Akihito when he was little and he had agreed quickly to help out, enjoying the opportunity to photograph someone who was so excited to be in front of the camera.
Now if he could just get her to slow down a little.
Sensing Akihito's weariness, the aspiring model's mother stepped in, "Nozomi, why don't we take a short break. Akihito could probably use a few moments to look at his film and it wouldn't hurt for you to stop and get a drink of water."
Nozomi's dyed blonde hair snapped in her mother's direction and nodded, trying her hardest to contain her overflowing energy and abundance of excitement.
Akihito let out a sigh of relief and leaned against a wall as he took a few moments to catch his breath and indeed go through the film. The pictures were nice, nothing impressive, although Akihito was not used to photographing posed persons, however the girl's potential was evident and Akihito was sure she would be pleased with the proofs he'd be sending her.
It had only been a few minutes and Nozomi's mother stepped out of the room to take a call, prompting Nozomi to make her way over to Akihito, exaggeratedly swaying her hips as she did and batting her lashes as she approached him, stopping only inches away and peeking up at him through them, "Hey Takaba-kun, thank you again for photographing me today. I promise when I'm famous and walking runways all over the world to invite you to my shows."
Akihito smiled, oblivious to her flirting and shook his head a bit, "Ah, I'm not sure how much my boss would appreciate that, or my wallet for the matter. I'll definitely be cheering you on in spirit though." Akihito went back to his camera almost instantly, blind to the now pouting girl who was inching even closer to him.
"Well, you could always become my personal photographer. Everyone will be jealous that I have the best one out there." Nozomi tried once more, ending her sentence with a wink, to which Akihito awkwardly laughed a bit but did not look up, "I really appreciate the offer Nozomi-san, but crime photography is such a huge passion of mine and I could never give it up to devote enough time to your career."
When Akihito felt heat searing on his forehead he looked up, confused by the scorching look the younger girl was now giving him before she turned on her heel, huffing back onto the makeshift set.
Shrugging in confusion, Akihito played with the setting on his camera for a few more moments before pushing off the wall and finishing the shoot.
The last half had been absolutely terrible. Nozomi was uncooperative and stiff, her face lost its softness and she was clearly perturbed but Akihito knew better than to inquire, knowing he was there just to complete his job and do his best to try and ensure she looked good, although at this rate he wasn't sure if he would be able to do much with the photos.
By the time he was finished Nozomi stormed out and Akihito was busy stuffing lenses into his worn camera bag, shaking his head in frustration. Nozomi's mother materialized by his side and patted his shoulder, thanking him for doing her this favor before slipping a small amount of yen into his bag when he wasn't looking as an extra thank you, knowing that he would not accept it if she attempted to hand it to him.
As he shouldered his bag, Akihito stepped out onto the street and in the direction of his Vespa when his phone began to buzz frantically in his back pocket. Reaching behind he slid the phone out and looked at the caller ID, squinting at the unknown number that displayed on his screen before answering, "Ah, hello?"
A smooth baritone answered Akihito, "Hello, I'm attempting to contact Takaba Akihito, this is Asami Ryuichi from Sion."
"Oh!" Akihito stopped in his tracks as he realized he was speaking to the CEO of one of, if not the, largest corporations in Japan, "Yes this is him. Ah, what can I do for you?" Akihito asked, slightly startled that such a powerful figure would be personally contacting him.
Asami held back a chuckle at the enthusiasm in the boy's voice before continuing, "I received your contact information from my secretary who found you in a local park. I would like to invite you to an interview and perhaps a test shoot, interested?"
Akihito had to grab the wall to steady himself from passing out, he had never expect to receive a callback from the company that the man in the park had worked for, let alone a personal one from the CEO of Sion of all companies, whose teasing voice sounded like heaven and- snap out of it! Akihito chastised himself in his head as he realized the other man was waiting patiently for an answer.
Swallowing hard Akihito opened his mouth as he tried to sound as professional as possible, "O-of course I'd be extremely interested! I mean, um, I'll have to check my schedule but I'm sure I'd be able to fit you in." Akihito finished attempting to sound much more professional and level-headed.
This time Asami didn't hold back to small chuckle before speaking once more, "I'll arrange to have you picked up tomorrow morning. Nine a.m. sharp."
Akihito pulled the phone away as he was met with a dial tone and stared in disbelief, waiting to wake up from the dream he must be experiencing as he knew there was no way that truly had just occurred.
He had never seen the man but Akihito knew Asami Ryuichi was extremely powerful figure and people flocked to his side in desperate attempts to gain wealth and success, although not many succeeded from what Akihito had heard.
However Akihito knew also of the rumors that circulated of Asami's involvement in the crime underworld and he fought the nervousness that rose in his chest as he straddled his Vespa and instead covered it with his excitement at the potential job as well as the scoop he could perhaps stumble upon if he was granted the opportunity to work with him.
Grinning like an idiot, Akihito sent a quick text to his best friends Kou and Takato asking them to meet him before pulling into traffic and heading towards his favorite sushi place in Shinjuku.
Asami smirked as he sat the phone on his desk and stood up from his large leather chair, walking behind it with his hands in his pockets.
Takaba had been thrilled at the offer and his enthusiasm had been pleasing to Asami who, though he would never admit it out loud, had a slight worry in the back of his mind that the boy might reject his offer.
Moving back to the desk, Asami picked up his phone once more and quickly texted Kirishima instructions to have someone pick Akihito up the next morning, knowing it would take only a few minutes from his secretary's day off.
Sitting back down, Asami pulled a report open and began scanning the first page, a small smirk still gracing his lips as the blonde drifted in and out of his thoughts.
Akihito woke with a start, drifting his gaze to the clock next to his bed, he let out a groan as he realized it was time to get up for the day.
Rolling out of bed Akihito dragged his feet to the bathroom and began stripping off his cotton pajama pants before stepping into the shower, hoping the spray of the water would help to wake him up.
He had gotten home late the night before after a long evening of celebrating with Kou and Takato turned into a long night of drinking and eating more sushi than Akihito ever considered possible.
Akihito rested his forehead on the tiled wall of the shower, his eyes closed as he drifted in and out of consciousness under the hot spray as he relived the past twenty-four hours before his eyes shot wide open, suddenly remembering the previous afternoon's phone call as excitement flooded him once again.
Finishing his shower with much more vigor than he started with, Akihito stepped out and into his room with a towel tied loosely around his hips as he headed to his closet to try and find a decent outfit.
Groaning in frustration, Akihito realized he would have to put on his nicest pair of hole-less jeans and hope he wasn't judged to harshly for his attire.
After tugging on a pair of snug boxer briefs, Akihito pulled the jeans over his hips and fastened his belt before pulling on a simple t-shirt and a light army green jacket over top, thankful for the rare spike in temperature even with winter looming on the horizon.
Heading into the kitchen he grabbed an apple from a bowl on his counter and bit into it, holding it in his mouth as he began to pack his camera bag, choosing his nicest cameras and lenses as well as tucking in his current portfolio of work he brought to client meetings.
Glancing up at the clock on his kitchen wall Akihito noticed that the ride Asami had arranged should be arriving any minute.
As if on cue there was a knock on the door and Akihito pulled the apple out of his mouth and took several quick strides to reach the front door before unlocking it and pulling it open.
Akihito stared dumbfounded as he realized he was staring directly at the chest of what must be an impossibly large man before he slowly craned his neck up to peer at the stone faced individual in front of him with bleach blonde hair and hands bigger than Akihito's own head.
The man spoke after meeting Akihito's gaze, his face never changing, "Takaba Akihito?"
Mouth full of half chewed apple Akihito could only nod in response when the man spoke before turning to grab his camera bag and double checking it to ensure he had everything he needed.
"My name is Suoh. Asami-sama has arranged for me to chauffer you today. Please, follow me." Suoh gestured for Akihito who stepped out of his apartment, stopping long enough to lock the door before following the hulking man down the stairs.
Akihito's jaw dropped as he stared at the gorgeous black limousine in front of him. It was sleek, obviously imported, with dark tinted windows. The inside was just as spectacular and Akihito settled back into the plush leather seat as Suoh closed the door behind him, shock still on his face as he eyed all of the luxury finishes on the interior as well.
After a few seconds Suoh was in the driver's seat and he turned on the ignition, "Your meeting with Asami-sama will be at ten a.m. in Sion." The blonde driver pulled onto the streets as he headed for the heart of Tokyo.
Forty-five minutes later Suoh stopped in front the large skyscraper in downtown Tokyo, stepping out and opening the door for Akihito who climbed out of the limousine, overwhelmed by the massive structure in front of him.
Akihito turned as he heard the limousine door slam and another man, dressed as impeccably as Suoh, climb into the driver's seat and pull away from the entrance.
Suoh came to Akihito's side before he spoke, "Please, follow me Takaba-sama. I will lead you to Kirishima who will take you to your meeting with Asami-sama."
Akihito nodded dumbly as he tried not to stare with his mouth open like an idiot.
As they crossed the threshold into the exquisite lobby Akihito suddenly felt very self-conscious as he looked at all the people around him who were dressed in high end suits and luxury clothing with expensive watches and jewelry, people who all looked at him in confusion as to why he was there with his plain clothes, clutching his camera bag to his side with one hand.
Standing near a large desk towards the back of the entrance Akihito recognized Kirishima who was on his phone. Glancing upwards he made a gesture implying he would be done in a moment and Akihito and Suoh stopped next to him as they waited.
Taking the quick opportunity to gawk, Akihito looked around in amazement at the beautifully polished marble floors and ornate chandeliers that hung from the ceiling. The marble tile crept up the wall behind the large reception area which had the name Sion in large black cursive. The ceilings were tall and much of the décor seemed to have been custom built into the architecture of the building.
Akihito snapped out his wonder as he hard Kirishima clear his throat as he hung the phone up before smiling warmly at him, "Takaba-sama, it is nice to see you again. I'll escort you to Asami-sama's office."
Not waiting for an answer, Kirishima turned and Akihito followed him obediently, scared he would get lost in the large building if he lost sight of the man. Arriving before an ornate elevator, Kirishima took out a card and swiped it before punching a pin into a small number pad next to the doors, leading them to open.
Herding Akihito onto the elevator, Kirishima stepped in last before turning once more to swipe a card and punch in a pin. Akihito peeked over his shoulder, confused as he realized there was no panel to choose the desired floor.
Shaking his head, Akihito instead decided to look around the elevator curiously as it began to ascend, rather quickly he thought, and Akihito tried to swallow the rising bile in his throat.
As if sensing his nervousness, Kirishima offered Akihito another small smile but it did little to calm Akihito, who in turn began to wonder if he was insane for actually agreeing to come here today. He obviously stuck out like a sore thumb and he didn't think he would be able to fit in with these high-class people.
Stomach still churning, Akihito stepped out of the elevator as it came to a stop, followed by Kirishima who led him down a long hallway to a set of large double doors. Trying his hardest not to vomit, Akihito stood up straight and put on his most professional face despite the fact that his hand was clutching his camera bag so hard he was trembling as Kirishima knocked discreetly on one of the doors.
A confident "Enter." Came from the room and Akihito took a deep breath as Kirishima pulled the door open and he stepped inside.
Asami was sitting at his desk signing several reports when he heard the discreet knock on his office door.
Knowing it was Kirishima with his appointment, Asami smirked before stating, "Enter." While pushing the reports off to the side of his desk.
As the door opened Asami felt his breath catch in his throat as Takaba stepped into the room, trembling like a terrified deer ready to dart at any moment and more beautiful than Asami ever imagined. Despite being dressed in plain clothing the boy still shined and looked utterly delectable, his plump lips parted and his wild blonde hair sticking out in several directions and framing his porcelain face.
Sure, he had seen photos and watched the boy from afar on occasion, but never had he had the boy in front of him, bright blue eyes darting around the office nervously but with a sense of amazement and…was that skepticism in them?
Asami held back a chuckle as Kirishima led the boy to sit in one of the visitor chairs in front of his desk and then taking his leave from the room, Takaba's eyes finally resting on the man behind it.
Golden orbs locked on blue and the two stared at each other for a few moments, Asami radiating confidence and Akihito fear and nervousness. However Asami could still see that spark of fire behind the intense emotions reflecting the large blue eyes and he held back a small chuckle.
Oh yes, this boy was going to be an absolute delight.
Finally breaking the silence, Asami spoke, his eyes never leaving the boy's, "Takaba, it's nice to finally meet with you. I've been looking at your work and I'm very impressed with your portfolio."
The voice visibly snapped Akihito out of his stupor and he quickly recovered, "Ah, um, thank you so much for your time Asami-sama. I'm grateful for your inviting me to meet with you today. I brought a more recent portfolio with me if you'd like to take a look. Some of my more recent pieces are not online yet."
Akihito removed the book from his bag and placed it on the desk as he finished speaking, Asami grabbing it and flipping it open as he studied the images inside.
After a few moments with Akihito shifting in his seat nervously, Asami set the book down and gazed at him once more, "I'd like to offer you the opportunity to photograph for my events, the first being the grand opening of a new lounge in Club Sion." Asami leaned back in his chair as he studied the boy's face in front of him, watching his eyes change from nervous to confused and, annoyed?
Asami couldn't help but smirk as his interest continued to rise in the fascinating creature before him.
Akihito had been terrified when he first entered the office. The morning had been overwhelming so far but it was as if the entire world stopped when his eyes finally met the intense golden gaze that threatened to rip him open at any moment.
The man before him was gorgeous, there was no doubt about it, and his presence screamed of his confidence. When he began speaking, Akihito had been jolted from his thoughts, embarrassed as he realized he had, in fact, been staring at the impressive man behind the desk.
Despite his overwhelming attractiveness, and Akihito's body's response to it based upon the heat he felt pooling in his stomach the longer the man stared at him like he wanted to eat him, Akihito began to feel a hint of annoyance at the man's attempt to show off and impress him.
Akihito was impressed, but that wasn't the point. He wanted to enjoy what he photographed and the man's attempts at buying him with fancy limo rides and the implied promise of luxury from the five star treatment he had been receiving came off as arrogant and cocky, as if he expected Akihito would comply without question which royally pissed him off.
He couldn't quite understand why he was so angry though. It wasn't that big of a deal, and Akihito should have expected it knowing who he was meeting, but something about the way the man arrogantly stared him down made his blood boil.
Sitting up, Akihito matched the man's intense stare, who was now looking at him with…was that amusement? That was it.
"You know, I really don't care to work for arrogant bastards who attempt to impress me with lavish furnishings and a ride in a limo. I take my photography seriously and your expectation that I will say yes because you smile at me and give me a five star treatment won't cut it."
Crossing his arms as he leaned back, his face serious and his eyes ablaze, Akihito became even more furious as the man behind the desk began to laugh softly, shaking his head at the blonde.
Akihito dug his fingers into his arms as he watched the man in front of him, his anger rising as he realized the man was in fact laughing at him.
Forget who he is or what the opportunity offers, I don't need this shit. Akihito thought to himself as he made a move to stand up and leave, grabbing his portfolio from the desk and shoving it clumsily into his bag.
"You're forthright, I'll give you that." The silky smooth voice spoke once more as Akihito turned to look at the man again. He was no longer laughing but that irritating smirk remained plastered to his perfect face. "My intention was not to show off to you today but rather be as accommodating as possible in order to persuade you to come and work for me. However, my offer still stands." Asami then stood up himself before coming around to the other side of the desk, stopping before Akihito and towering over him as he looked down at the boy, "I will pay you what you ask per event and will give you at least one week's notice before any event. I am extremely interested in your work, and I will take it very seriously."
Akihito took a step back, his hand reaching behind him and clutching the edge of the desk to support himself as Asami loomed over him, his own arms coming forward and trapping the boy between the desk and his large frame. Asami spoke once more as Akihito tried desperately to breathe normally as the larger man brought his face closer to his, whispering, "And I can be very persuasive, Takaba."
Akihito nearly fell on his ass as Asami stepped back, smirking at the boy in front of him before returning to the seat behind his desk.
Turning around quickly, Akihito's cheeks were bright pink as he stared in confusion at the man who was now lighting a cigarette as if nothing had happened. Dumbfounded, Akihito's anger had subsided for the most part due to the rising arousal in his gut but his embarrassment at being teased by the older man still had him feeling annoyed and he quickly pushed the feelings away and opted instead to glare at the man behind the desk, who once again met him with an infuriating smirk.
Wanting nothing more than to tell the man to fuck off, perhaps climb over the large desk and strangle the man, Akihito knew there was no way he could turn down the offer now without making a complete ass of himself while looking like a fool the entire time as well.
He had shown his hand too early and he had been backed into a corner, literally, and knew that he couldn't say no to the offer being presented.
Letting out an annoyed huff, Akihito met the gaze head on before muttering, "Fine. I'll accept your offer, on one condition."
If Asami was surprised that Akihito had accepted, he didn't show it, but nodded before saying, "Go on."
"I work alone. I don't do team photography and I do my own editing." Akihito crossed his arms with finality as if his demand wad brash and unreasonable. Asami wanted to laugh at the obstinate look on the boy's face as he tried to reclaim some of his lost dignity from a few moments ago, but instead held it in and attempted to soothe the boy's obviously ruffled pride.
"Of course. The opening of the new lounge is a week from tomorrow night, I hope you will not mind my request that you be driven to and from the events as well as that you attend in formal wear in order to blend in with the crowd more. This is to prevent those seeking some camera time to harass you all night looking to have their photo taken. I want you to focus on the lounge itself and the atmosphere and less on specific people as they do not hold well as promotional material. If you do not have a suit I will arrange to have my tailor sent to your apartment and have you fitted."
Mulling over the conditions, Akihito finally agreed to them with some slight grumblings which only further amused Asami.
After ironing out the final details Kirishima knocked on the door discreetly once more and informed Asami it was time for another meeting.
Standing up, Asami escorted Akihito to the door of his office and smirked at him, earning a glare in return, "I'll see you a week from tomorrow then, Takaba."
Akihito hurried down the hall after Kirishima, embarrassment radiating off him in waves at the way Asami stared at him as he walked away, glaring over his shoulder one final time before stepping into the elevator and out of Asami's sight.
When he finally arrived home, Akihito let out a long sigh as he toed off his shoes and fell face first on to his couch, annoyance pulsing through him and contributing to the growing headache at the base of his skull.
That had not gone as he had hoped, at all, and he felt like a complete fool played right into the hand of Asami.
Blush spread across his face as he remembered the man's face hovering inches from his own, the intensity in his gaze as he trapped Akihito and for a brief moment, he remembered his strong urge to kiss older man, or maybe punch him in the face, he wasn't sure which would have won out if Asami had not moved when he did.
Burying his face in the cushion, Akihito wanted to smack himself for acting like he did and instead rolled to his back and accepted that the damage was done.
Hopefully his job would not require much interaction with Asami and he would be able to work a few events, get a paycheck or two and get out. He wasn't even interested in trying to get a scoop on the man anymore, even though he was convinced now that the rumors were true about the supposed crime lord.
Just from meeting him Akihito could feel the deadly aura that vibrated off the man like a constant steady pulse. It wasn't prominent but it was still there and it made Akihito uncomfortable to think about.
He had been stupid to provoke him and was lucky he didn't end up with a bullet in his head.
Getting up slowly, Akihito decided he was too exhausted to eat or even shower before bed, let alone change his clothes. Instead he didn't bother to flip the light switch off in the living before moving into his bedroom, collapsing on top of his covers, clutching his pillow as his eyelids drooped.
As consciousness began to fade, Akihito cursed Asami's stupid face once more, the image of it taunting his drifting mind as he fell asleep.
For the first time in weeks, Akihito slept peacefully, even his sub conscious was kept at bay by the dreams of a tall, handsome man with piercing golden eyes and an infuriating smirk.
A.N.: Finally they meet! And Akihito finally goes to sleep and actually stays asleep! It took a lot of rewriting to create their first interaction and I tried very hard to keep them both in character so I hope they're not too OOC. Thank you again for reading!