AN: (14 Oct 2004) Answers to reviewers for the last chapter posted!
AN: (11 Oct 2004) Really wasn't happy with the last part so I rewrote the very last bits with T & S and just reposted, so please the revised version! Enjoy!
AN: Warning this chapter contains M/M slash. Rated PG –15 for innuendo.
Hi all! I have taken more time to update this time (1.5 weeks I think), but once again, it is much longer than my usual update. And please excuse any errors you find – I didn't have time to really edit this.
Thanks again to all my readers and reviewers. I have to say I found myself contemplating stopping this fic as things piled up, but I decided that I couldn't do it especially to all those faithful reviewers who have been so supportive and encouraging. You know who you are – thanks so much, you are all the source of my inspiration and motivation!
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Rui: Sheen, you are a sadist.
Sheen: /surprised/ Now where did that comment come from? What did I do now?
Rui: /sarcastically/ Nowhere and nothing. I mean it was just PURE coincidence that in POV Tsukushi died and I was left to die a lonely old man; in Façade I was a misunderstood genius who suffered through countless traumas including the guilt of killing my mother, being raped (more than once), my girlfriend getting raped, the guilt of taking several lives, and having to leave my family and friends etc. Now, in Crossroads I'm an unwilling gigolo? And I'm sure my life will be purrrrfectly cosy from now on, wouldn't you say so?
Sheen: Er … er … er ….
Rui: /raises one eyebrow sardonically again/
Chapter 12 – Found Out
"What do you mean by saying that you two are getting an annulment?" Mrs Sumimoto exclaimed.
"Explain your reasons," Mr Doumyouji said.
"No," Mrs Doumyouji cut in firmly, "and that's final."
"I agree with Mr Doumyouji, let the kids have their say," that was Mr Sumimoto. Outvoted, Mrs Doumyouji could only glare at her son coldly as she waited for him to speak.
"This arrangement arose because of the lack of trust between both parties and was never meant to be permanent," Tsukasa calmed himself down as he started to present his case. "Shigeru and I signed the marriage documents as soon as we were of age, under the conditions that (i) the affair was kept under wraps and (ii) that the marriage would not last more than five years – the same period as your partnership was meant to last."
"We trusted each other as much as, if not more than, the average business partners would," Mr Doumyouji corrected firmly. "However, the project was of such a confidential nature that it could not have been undertaken by separate entities. At that point in time, merging our companies was not an option as it would have retarded the growth of both companies. Furthermore, we did not want our competitors to catch on to the project. A merger would have thrown us into the spotlight."
"That was why we thought of the idea of uniting our families through our children, killing two birds with one stone by providing sufficiently close ties for us to take on the project as well as allowing us to achieve our targeted growth," Mr Sumimoto said.
"In other words, we simply acted as the surety to ensure that both of you fulfilled your side of the bargain," Tsukasa said with a mirthless chuckle. "Our so-called marriage was kept a secret so that it could be dissolved without causing a scandal when the project ended, which it did last year. So what changed?"
"Circumstances," Mr Sumimoto said as he rubbed his hands together briskly. "Both companies have reached a stage of growth where a merger would be beneficial. We own two of the most successful businesses in the world. The new company formed from integrating our businesses will allow us to dominate the global world."
"It can be easily achieved," Mrs Doumyouji continued smoothly. "You will both simply explain that you had been in love since your teens but had kept your relationship and subsequent marriage a secret, because you were afraid of parental disapproval as our firms are competitors. However, you both have decided to come clean now seeing that the merger has been announced, and Shigeru has just returned after completing her masters' degree and internship overseas. The media would lap it up and sensationalise it into a modern Romeo and Juliet story with a happy ending, thus overlooking any other potential explanations for the secrecy."
"What an airtight plan," Tsukasa said through gritted teeth. "However, you forgot just one small detail - Shigeru and I both refuse to act as the pawns in your game anymore."
"Who's this girl?"
"What?" Tsukasa's head jerked up at the abrupt question and his eyes widened in surprise and a little consternation as he stared at his mother.
"I asked, 'who's this girl?' - the one that you are infatuated with," Mrs Doumyouji repeated icily.
"There's no one," Tsukasa's face turned a dull red as he glared at his mother who was looking at him with a speculative gleam in her eyes. She let out an unladylike sound that sounded almost like a snort.
"I'm not a doddering old fool, Tsukasa, not yet. You could never be bothered to waste any thoughts on this issue previously. There's only one thing that could have happened to make you change your mind so suddenly."
"That's because you have changed the terms without our agreement! It was only meant to be temporary - a short-term, non-permanent arrangement. You have never tried asking me to acknowledge my role as a husband and fulfill the required responsibilities until now!" He growled in frustration as she ignored his loud outburst and turned instead to Shigeru.
"And what about you, Shigeru? Do you really want this marriage to be annulled?" Her sharp eyes picked up the slightest hesitation in Shigeru's demeanor.
"Well," Shigeru said with some bitterness, "I personally don't care either way – my marriage will be a business transaction arranged by my parents regardless." She quickly continued when a quick glance informed her of Tsukasa's incredulous glare that rapidly turned murderous, "however, since Tsukasa is against the idea, I'd prefer to go along with his decision. Any reluctance on our parts will eliminate the chances of future companionship and will make both our lives together extremely unpleasant, if not, unbearable." There was a silence in the room after she finished speaking.
"Very good," Mrs Doumyouji finally said in an approving manner, "this girl has brains. I think she's a good match for Tsukasa." With a sinking sensation in his stomach, Tsukasa started to protest but his mother silenced him with a look. "We've had enough of your nonsense for tonight, Tsukasa. Now, let's proceed to supper."
She swept out of the room in a regal manner with her back ramrod straight. Her husband and Mr and Mrs Sumimoto followed obediently in her trail. Shigeru was about to go after them when she was jerked back by fingers that had wrapped around her upper arm in a vice-like grip. A small cry of pain escaped her lips before she was able to choke back the sound, and she was spun around to face Tsukasa. His face was contorted into a mask of rage as he grabbed hold of her other arm with his free hand and shook her like a rag doll.
"How dare you change your tune, you snake," he hissed, not recognizing the irony of his words in his fury, "we had an agreement"
Blinking back tears of pain as his fingers dug mercilessly in her arms, bruising the tender flesh, Shigeru retorted bravely, "I told them that I backed your decision."
"After you told them that you didn't give a shit about which unlucky fXXXhead you were going to marry, and then implied that I was the only one objecting all along."
"You have always been the adamant one all along," she said angrily. "I told you that I didn't give a damn right from the start because I wouldn't get to choose the looser that I would have to marry anyway. Better you than another stranger whom I would have to waste time getting to know all over again."
"You … you will … regret double-crossing me," Tsukasa was so angry he could hardly force the words out through clenched teeth. "I promise I'll make your life extremely miserable if our pseudo marriage is not terminated, and I'll make sure it remains a sham."
"Exactly what I want," Shigeru's reply was so unexpected that Tsukasa forgot his anger for an instance as he stared at her dumbstruck.
"Look, calm down for a moment and use your brains. Firstly, I don't think our parents will agree to an annulment – they've never had our best interests at heart, it's only always been business. Secondly, we could be tied down to worse people. Over the past few weeks, I'm sure you've realized that we both work pretty well together, and we understand where we stand with each other. We know that this is a marriage of convenience, so there will be no need for any pretense between us or false proclamations of love, regard etc. You can have your affairs and I can have mine. We will effectively be business partners who spend a few months in the same lodgings. Any of the houses we own are large enough for us to keep out of each other's way … …"
"Excuse me, young master and young miss," she was interrupted as a maid entered the room. "Mistress wants to know what's keeping the both of you."
"Think over what I've said," Shigeru said to Tsukasa in an undertone as they left for the dinning room. "I don't think either of our parents will budge."
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"His health is deteriorating, we need to find a donor fast." The grave words of the doctor reverberated through Tsukushi's head as she tried hard to concentrate on her work unsuccessfully. Tears came unbidden to her eyes and she blinked them back fiercely, angry with herself for this uncharacteristic display of weakness. Just when she managed to get herself under control, heavy footsteps pounded up to her desk and a shadow fell over her paperwork. A few seconds later, a sheaf of papers landed on her desk with more force than would have been justified by mere gravity. Lifting her head, her eyes clashed with stormy ones.
"What's the problem with you today?" Tsukasa yelled as he jabbed a finger at one of the papers. Staring in the direction of the offensive finger, Tsukushi found herself looking at several red circles highlighting errors across a single page of the contract that she had been typing earlier in the morning. "There're only two words to describe your work – incredibly sloppy! And do you know that you actually missed the decimal point in the agreed upon figure and inflated the cost to our organization by 100 times?"
"I'll do them again," she said dully as she picked up the papers. Expecting her to put up a fight as usual or at least make some snappy comeback about his bad temper, her lack of resistance made Tsukasa pause. He looked more carefully at her, finally observing her unnatural pallor and the dark rings around her eyes.
"What happened? Didn't you sleep at all last night?" He regretted the words the moment they left his mouth as they brought forth images of her in various degrees of undress in the arms of another man. Images he had been trying unsuccessfully to put out of his mind ever since he saw the photographs taken by the detective hired by his chief of security. His knuckles turned white as he clenched his hands tightly.
"No, as a matter of fact, I barely slept at all!" Tsukushi snapped at him, her worries finally getting the better of her.
His temper flaring at what he deemed was her blatant flaunting of her affairs in his face, Tsukasa yelled back angrily, "I don't give a damn whatever you do at night or in your free time, but you sure as hell better not let it affect your work!"
Tsukushi took in a deep breath as she physically recoiled from the impact of those harsh words. Yes, he was just the typical cold, hard and unfeeling boss who was only concerned with the well-being of his company, profit figures and nothing else. She told herself that she had known that all along. And since he had indicated that he was not prepared to make any allowances for her, her pride prevented her from making any further excuses or unburdening her problems to him.
However in spite of the excellent logic deployed, Tsukushi could almost taste the bitterness of her disappointment as she squared her shoulders and said in a cold and professional tone, "I agree that I should keep my personal life out of my work, sir. The contract will be back on your table in an hour and there will not be a single mistake this time." Tsukushi thought that she must have imagined his sharp intake of breath as he turned and stormed back into his office.
Just as she was in the process of retrieving the file, her telephone rang and she quickly answered the call. For a moment, her brows furrowed in worry when the caller identified himself, but a few minutes later, her eyes lit up in joy.
"… … really? And you say the tissue matches? … …great, that's fantastic … … And the operation can take place within a month's time? … … Oh …" The light in her eyes dimmed and she began chewing nervously on her lower lip. "I see … … I suppose you couldn't provide an estimate for me … …" Her lower lip was starting to swell as the tender skin reddened and deep indentations of her teeth appeared. "That's quite a huge sum … … I'll think of something … … Thanks so much … …" After she hung up, Tsukushi buried her head in her hands for a long moment. When she finally recalled that she had to retype the contract, she heaved a sigh as she resolutely pushed her worries aside to concentrate on meeting the newest deadline.
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"So, in a way it's almost like you have to purchase a kidney?" Yuki looked contemplatively at her friend who groaned.
"Thanks Yuki, I have enough on my mind without this additional guilt and worrying about the ethical and moral considerations."
"Sorry," Yuki was instantly contrite. "I didn't mean to make you feel bad. It's just that I think the donor is exploiting you."
"I guess not really in a way, I just have to be pay for all their expenses in making this trip as well as all medical and other related expenses."
"But did all five of them have to come?" Her tone was incredulous.
Tsukushi shrugged, "well, the family claimed that they were worried about potential complications and so wanted to be around for the donor." She changed the topic as she looked rather anxiously at Yuki, "so what about the medical benefits for employees and personal loans or advances in our firm?"
"Being such a junior member of the firm, I really don't think you will get even close to 20 of the sum you need, Tsukushi," Yuki's expression was apologetic. "And I wouldn't be able to get any more than you. So together we might make up about 15 to 20 of the figure?"
Tsukushi shook her head abruptly, "no way, Yuki, I won't take your money."
"It's just a loan. Your brother's like my own brother. How else will you get sufficient funds? Please don't be stubborn, I'd love to help. I know you'd do the same for me any day." Tsukushi stared at her best friend for a moment and then smothered her in a bear hug as a single tear rolled down her cheek.
"Thanks so much, Yuki."
"You're welcome, silly."
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Two bodies teetered into the room as soon as the door was unlocked, crashing into the nearest wall. Frantic hands were fumbling with buttons, zippers, layers and layers of unnecessary clothing as mouths fused together in hungry, eating kisses.
"Soujirou," Akira gasped between kisses, "you … aaaahhhhhhhhhh … didn't … didn't lock the door."
"Screw the door," Soujirou mumbled, his tongue kept busy with the experiment of measuring the depth of his lover's throat. He sighed in pleasure when his hands came into contact with smooth, warm flesh. "I must be doing something wrong if you're still thinking about doors." Scraps of clothing littered the floor as the groans and grunts grew in volume, and the thumping sound of bodies crashing against the wall started to take on a certain rhythm.
"I can't wait," Soujirou panted as his hips continued to thrust rapidly with increasing urgency, "it's been too long and I want you too much. I'm sorry I'll make it … …" His apology was cut off by a passionate kiss. Their subsequent cries of pleasure and release were muted against each other's lips as their bodies jerked widly against each other and shuddered convulsively, before finally sagging bonelessly against the wall.
"Shall we migrate to the bed? I think someone has a promise to keep," Akira said when their breathing finally calmed and he managed to push himself, albeit a trifle shakily off the wall. He headed in the direction of the bed, swaying his hips in a way that would have made any catwalk model turn green with envy. He turned and laughed when he saw Soujirou's eyes darkening with desire at his provocative display and noticed that he was already starting to harden.
"Tease," Soujirou growled before pouncing.
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In an extremely bad mood, Tsukasa got out of his car and rang the bell to Soujirou's apartment loudly. He stalked past the butler when the door was opened and stormed right up to Soujirou's room, ignoring the poor man's attempts to stop him, "Mr Doumyouji sir, master is busy with … …"
Without knocking, Tsukasa flung opened the door as he yelled, "what on earth have you been doing? I waited more than … …" His voice died away when his brain finally registered the scene in front of him and he realized what exactly his friend had been doing.
"Oh fXXX," he screwed his eyes tightly shut as he spun around, trying to remove from his head the horrific image of his naked friend with his face buried in the lap of an equally naked unknown male whose head was thrown back in obvious throes of ecstasy. "I'll be downstairs," Tsukasa said as he practically ran out of the room, his face smoldering with embarrassment.
A few minutes later, a rather disheveled-looking and clearly troubled Soujirou joined him downstairs. It was obvious that his clothes had been thrown on in a hurry. Tsukasa found himself staring out of the windows to avoid looking at his friend. There was an uncomfortable silence in the room until Soujirou finally spoke.
"I'm sorry you had to see that."
"I should have knocked," Tsukasa gruffly acknowledged and then added in the way of an apology. "I didn't know you actually brought your conquests home."
"I don't." At his quiet words, Tsukasa finally turned and looked at his friend in surprise.
"He's not a conquest."
"I didn't know you were bi." Tsukasa said rather awkwardly, his mind still trying to come grasp with what he had unintentionally seen in Soujirou's bedroom. "You could have told me, you know."
Soujirou ran a hand through his hair as he tried to explain, "I'm not into men that way, not really. At least so far, it's only been him and no other men. I still prefer sleeping with women in general, but with him it's more than just sex."
"You're in love … …" This stunning revelation hit Tsukasa with the impact of a sledgehammer. To add to his undying amazement, the eternal playboy's cheeks were touched with a tinge of red and he became rather flustered at his proclamation.
"I wouldn't exactly say that but … …" Soujirou's weak voice faltered and trailed off.
"But then your parents … the media … …" Tsukasa's thoughts raced rapidly through his head.
"Precisely." There was a long pause.
"What are you planning to do?"
Soujirou shrugged helplessly, "take things one step at a time. He has other commitments at the moment and I'm quite busy so we get together whenever we can." He took a deep breath, "I would say at this moment that I want to be with him forever and vice versa … … However, we know how things can always change so let's just say that we'll remain together until one of us decides to end it. And he knows that the moment he says the word, he can give up his job and I'll buy a place just for the two of us where no one will know us or disturb us."
"In other words, keeping him as a kind of secret mistress," Tsukasa mumbled and Soujirou winced at his choice of words.
"Yeah, that's why he's pretty resistant to the idea."
"Can't blame the chap. Do I actually get to meet him?"
Soujirou hesitated, "I think he prefers to remain anonymous, even to my friends, for now."
"I understand." Knowing that further words would be unnecessary, Tsukasa clapped a sympathetic hand on his friend's shoulder. "I see you in the office tomorrow instead."
"Ok, sorry for missing the appointment."
Just before he left, Tsukasa turned around, "and by the way Soujirou? I didn't see anything." Then he was gone.
A small smile made its way onto Soujirou's face before he turned and headed back to his bedroom.
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kensingtonkid: Hi hi! Yes, you've definitely picked it up! Tsukasa liked Tsukushi before he thought she was beautiful, but her performance packed a double-whammy! Erm … … with regards to Tsukushi only seeing Rui as a guy … … I'd like to think that she's aware that Tsukasa is a good-looking guy, but her relationship with him as her boss does create some tension, unlike with Rui where it is obvious that they are friends. Totally agree with you about Tsukasa jumping to conclusions partially because of his jealousy. He simply can't think straight when it comes to Tsukushi, a problem that many of us face when it comes to someone we like ;)! As for the mystery about Rui – I do believe it will be revealed in the next chapter! That's the way I'm currently planning in my head at least. This story wouldn't be too long, which is good coz I'm starting to feel the stress of updating frequently and am lagging behind on my updates, which in turn is extremely unfair to all my loyal readers like you !!!! And thanks so much for your motivating and encouraging comments – will definitely try to update as fast as I can!
ToinKs: Hi, it's been a while! Good to see you and your stories back on the net ;) … … Thanks so much for your comments and I hope there are enough surprises installed in this story to meet your expectations... …
polabear: Thanks so much for your kind and ever encouraging comments !!! Keeps me writing … … And I'm so sorry that your review was lost, hopefully the net will be fixed up such that nothing like that happens again. I do treasure all my reader's comments so I really appreciate your resubmission! I have to admit that my favourite characterisation of Rui is probably Façade, though I do like their roles equally!
just a reader: Welcome back ;)! I have to admit that the Yamada character doesn't have a very important role in this story, but he is the spark that sets of a chain of events … … now I better stop here before I give my plot entirely away! Good deduction! And I hope this chapter is fast enough for you !!!
angel310: Sounds like you've had an equally frustrating experience, apartment hunting or otherwise. You've really hit the nail on the head with the dark figure watching T&R as you would have read in this week's chapter! Well done!! I guess an additional reason for Rui holding back is because of his career. Tsukushi means more to him than someone to jump into bed with so he's keeping a "respectful" distance in a way. All conditions of the contract have been revealed !!! Disappointed? Surprised? Is the revelation of S&A's relationship to Tsukasa the bombshell you were expecting ;)?
.:: Stacey ::. ) : I must really apologise for the long wait! You mentioned checking everyday???? So sorry, I will try my best to update as soon as possible! Notice that this week's update was much faster than the prior update !!! Since you enjoy the little dialogues, this one's written for you! However, the Rui I'm "speaking" to is still the Rui in Façade – the cynical, witty, exceptionally brilliant and sardonic Rui! The mystery observer's identity was revealed in a one-liner in this chapter. Did you catch it? Thanks so much for your well-wishes, between I've found my apartment and now need to get ready to move smacks head I feel another migraine coming on!
BlackAmoria: Ah, new reviewer !!!!! Thanks for your kind comments and encouraging remarks. They keyed me up to write even more even faster!!! I really hope this update is fast enough for you !!!