Chapter 8

~ooOoo~

Rin stretched lightly, reaching forward to touch his toes bobbing his head slightly to the music blaring from his iPod. The raven was wearing black Pumas and a black Under Armour shirt that clung to his body with capri like jogging pants that hung low on his hips. After his brief break he continued to lightly jog on the forest path in the park. There weren't any parks near his own home and so the azure eyed boy had to rely on the largest park in the neighbourhood that was located across town. It wasn't really even a park but was really just a forest with different path circuits that he went to when he wanted to exercise in a fashion that didn't include blades.

The raven liked the peace he had when among the towering trees and quiet paths; all that he could hear was his heart pounding and the music flowing while feeling his feet were thumping at a steady pace against the soft dirt. Rin slowed easily at an uneasy feeling and stopped at the sight of something approaching him. It was a large dog that looked a lot like a wolf, the raven frowned and stood to the side of the path hoping the canine would pass by him. Instead the large beast froze at the sight of him with his dark hackles raised and fangs bared; the young clan leader smirked and stared straight into the dog's luminous yellow eyes. The animal hesitated before slowly pacing in front of him. It seemed like it didn't want to attack but it also didn't want to let him go.

"Where's your owner? Shouldn't you be on a leash or something?" The raven settled casually against a tree and watched in amusement as the dog paused and flicked its ears in his direction.

The yellow eyed beast actually looked affronted and growled lowly and eased into a position as if getting ready to pounce. Rin was only slightly worried; he could handle an attack from an animal if he could get in a position to snap their necks but it would hurt to get bitten, mauled or tackled by such a heavy looking dog. He shifted slowly from his relaxed stance and positioned himself to take the attack while watching the angry beast with narrowed eyes. The young clan leader's body tensed as he watched the bulky muscles clench in preparation for a leap and sharp fangs get bared in a fierce growl.

Suddenly a sharp whistle broke the heavy silence; the wolf like dog's ears snapped back and the canines hidden as the deep rumble that had been building in its throat stopped. Rin waited for the yellow eyed beast to move but it stayed in front of him in a position a bit less threatening than before. He eased out of his rigid stance to stand more loosely with a frown of annoyance as he saw a young man walking down the path from the direction the dog had come from.

The man had dark green hair and pale skin; his light yellow eyes were lidded and heavy bags rested under his eyes. He walked with a lazy slump of his shoulders with his hands shoved into his jean pockets. His black boots thumped heavily on the dirt path and his bored eyes widened at the sight of someone being cornered by his dog.

"Behemoth! Come here. NOW!" The green haired man's voice was a deep husky timbre heavy with anger. The yellowed eyed dog snapped back with a sharp whimper before slinking towards the man who was obviously his master. Rin watched with amused irritation as a black leash was only now clicked onto a silver collar that had been hidden by thick fur.

"Don't you think you should keep a beast like that leashed?" The raven's voice was cold and eyes narrowed with contempt. He watched the man freeze as he finally took the sight of Rin in. The azure eyed boy's eyes narrowed but he quickly dismissed the recognition he saw in the light yellow eyes.

"Well?" He rested one hand on his hip as he tilted his hand to one side and waited for an answer.

"I'm... I'm sorry I...I didn't think anyone would be out here so early." Rin watched the man stutter with an irritated frown before shaking his head softly. Shrugging his shoulders he started to walk past the pair.

"You should be more careful. Your mutt almost attacked me and if I had been bitten I wouldn't have been held responsible for what happened to the beast." The azure eyed boy paused as his lips twitched into a smile; he had never thought the day would come when he would be acting almost exactly like Shura.

He shook his head to dispel any more silly thoughts and continued with a forced frown. Rin wasn't really angry, only annoyed that someone would be reckless with such an aggressive beast like dog that seemed pretty willing to attack strangers.

"I'm sure it would be the same for anyone else your Behemoth came across." The raven gave the other man a small wave before continuing on his jog.

ooo

The raven stopped and leaned against his car door with ragged breaths as Ginta passed him a water bottle. He gave the older man a grateful smile before he began to chug down the cool and refreshing liquid as he slipped into the back seat of the vehicle. The silver haired man started for a second before nodding his head slowly in response. Tetsou sat in the front seat and threw the azure eyed boy a quick grew from the front seat that was only seen because his mask had been shifted above his mouth. They waited for the other guard to get in before driving off. Rin took out his cell and scrolled through his contacts before choosing the one he had been looking for with a warm tilt of his lips. He held the small device against his ear and waited for the click that signalled his call had been answered.

After a few beeps he heard a slightly husky voice, "Mmm... Hello this is Akumara Yukio speaking?"

Rin giggled slightly and had to press two fingers against his mouth to keep from laughing out loud, "You sound tired Yuki. Did you stay up too late?"

The raven still found it hard to act casual but felt the absence of the older teen's green eyes that always seemed to see too much really helped. He was still nervous since it was only the day after the big meeting that had left everything about him exposed to the brunet's scrutiny.

The azure eyed boy was relieved with he heard a deep chuckle, "Well I did go to bed late but I think the fact you're calling me at...Four o'clock in the morning might have something to do with it."

The raven laughed out right now; the sound was like delicate bells and wind chimes and was filled with relief and happiness that caused the two older men in the front seat to snap their heads in his direction.

He quickly wiped the wide grin off his face and tried to speak calmly, "Um I just called to say we can meet later tonight to discuss plans for getting information on Mephisto."

There was a slight pause and then an almost dazed answer, "Oh yeah that sounds good. Where and when?"

"Just come down that back road I showed you last time. I'll wait in the garden near the Koi pond around... 12 o'clock, around lunch time so I can make you something to eat for a sort of apology for calling so early?" Rin kept a question in his tone to give the other teen more room for any changes he could want.

"Okay, see you then." Yukio sounded more focused making the young clan leader grin amusement, "I'll let you get back to sleep before you wake up too completely. Bye!"

"Haha, bye."

The brunet's laugh was dry and the raven grinned at the soft click that ended the call and sat up straight as he felt the vehicle stop with a sudden jerk. The raven looked out the window and saw Shura and Izumo waiting for him next to the Blue Blossoms entrance; the red head grinned widely and waved him over while the dark hair woman was giving him a soft smile while tightly holding onto a thick stack of papers.

Rin easily eased out of the car as Ginta held the door open for him as he strolled towards the restaurant he asked, "Did you gather the clan in the dining room?"

"Oh yes! The entire enchilada; everyone is stewing in there so you better hurry." Shura looked completely at ease as she stepped in line with him and ruffled her hair with a small smirk. The raven glanced at her with sharp eyes but grinned wickedly as well. He looked to his other side as he felt a small tug on his shirt.

"I have something to show you later after this, Rin." Izumo looked uneasy and serious so the azure eyed boy only nodded in response with equal gravity. He tugged gently on her pony tail in a reassuring gesture and her tense muscles seemed to loosen up in a fluid movement as she gave him a small grin.

Their steps seemed loud on the crunchy gravel and Rin flowed through the door as Shura held it open with a wide grin. They entered a silent room filled with the dangerous men and women that made up the Okumura clan. Many wore dark suits or formal clothing and sat in the empty dining tables spread across the room. The young clan leader could hardly believe that just over a week ago he had met Yukio and the Kyoto kids in the very room he would reveal the truth to his "family", albeit with some reluctance. Rin found he felt slightly awkward in his workout clothes while everyone was dressed so formally. Now he had to wonder about his decision to call the gathering so early in the morning when most people would be grumpy and upset. The fact that they had rushed to dress formally made him wince as he picked at his tight shirt and walked over to Igor, who stood in front of the whole room on the low stage. Shura and Izumo who followed him like shadows and settled behind him quietly. The raven had never realized before how comforting their presence was but knowing they always had his back warmed his heart slightly.

Rin cleared his throat quietly and yet the room fell silent almost at once. He looked over the faces now turned towards him; most looked upon him with open hostility and hatred while others only looked tired and impassive. The azure eyed boy straightened his back and tipped his head with a partially arrogant flare; he was use to people feeling that way about him and would not let himself be intimidated by the adults he had been ordering around for months.

"I have asked Igor to call you all here for one reason... once I am done you may all leave."

His statement was met with instant negative reaction. There were murmurs and angry shifting from the crowd. Rin continued as if he didn't see the unrest among his people. He was hoping that a crowd of people trained to kill and that information was power would be able to be silent for his announcement but he could tell some were itching to interrupt. The raven tried to get the sneer that had been trying to slither across his face from making his appearance and inflicting more hostility.

After a slight pause for them to settle down he continued, "For a year now you have been under a leader that had no face or name. I am telling you now, you have a face, and you have a name. I have done well by you and the clan the past year. Have I not?"

Rin couldn't help but be amused with the instant shock and outrage that ripped across the crowd like a tidal wave. Chairs toppled while voices could be heard shouting denials and expletives; the raven merely watched the clan with mostly impassive features, only a small smirk betrayed his true feelings as he smoothly crossed his arms.

"How can this be? I REFUSE to follow an inexperienced brat like you." One older clan member stood and pushed his way to the front to voice his opinion and the raven admired him for it.

The others had obviously shown their irritation to the news of his true role in the clan but none had stepped forward. As Rin took a step closer to the edge of the platform in the direction of the out spoken man the crowd fell silent to hear his response.

He was glad he didn't have to raise his voice as he spoke, "You refuse? You've been following me for a year now and your only complaint has only been not knowing who was in charge of the clan. Why do you fight me when I have given you what you wanted?"

He tore his azure eyes from the stunned man to look over all the faces turned towards him, "Why do you all fight me? What have I done wrong during my short rule to warrant such an attitude?" Rin waited for a response but no one else spoke. He smiled slightly and took a step back to be closer to his more friendly members.

"There is more to this meeting. The Okumura clan has a new enemy planning our destruction. Mephisto plots our downfall in the most underhanded and sneaky way possible. Our elite unit (run by my seconds) have been dealing with all traitors and turncoats but now is the time to strike."

The raven's eyes hardened to shards of blue ice that seemed to actually drop the temperature in the room. "Our family is not one to always be on the defensive. We have teamed up with the Suguro clan and we are still gathering information on the enemy."

"The details of the plans will be given to you all when the time is right. For now continue on as usually but remember you are being watched and I will not tolerate any betrayals. Your dead family members and former comrades are proof of that. So be careful with what you do and say unless you wish to meet the same fate."

After looking over the serious and still stunned and increasingly irritated faces of his family Rin nodded sharply, "Make sure to spread the news to all of those unable to attend the meeting. Dismissed."

Instead of waiting for them all to leave he jumped lightly from the stage and strolled out through the side door that led to his gardens. He really needed a rest.

But of course he never really got what he wanted. The raven let out a soft sigh and wiry grin as Shura laid a hand on his shoulder with an evil smirk.

oOo

Yukio yawned lightly as he stretched, tilting his head a little to catch the time on his alarm clock. It was 8 o'clock no and he was happy to have finally gotten up at a more reasonable hour after the rather irritating but endearing wakeup call he had experienced four hours ago.

Yes, the call had been rather annoying but hearing Rin's bright laughter and imagining the light smile that would have been on his face during the conversation eased any frustrations he would have felt had it been anyone else. The brunet was slightly stunned by how much affection he held for the younger teen. When they had first met he was able to easily identify the lust he felt; it was truly undeniable considering how beautiful the raven was. It was almost unearthly and unnatural how his more basic instincts had rapidly transformed into something greater than just simple physical appreciation into something a lot deeper.

The young genius was astonished with his own thoughts; it wasn't often he looked forward to seeing someone. There were very few people whose personality's didn't disgust or annoy him. But rather than repelling him there was something in Rin's that drew him in. They were completely enveloped in a world so dark and dangerous and yet something innocent always seemed to be trying to shine through the younger teen. Yukio wanted ...no needed to see more of what he had only seen glimpses of when studying the raven. So in the end he was looking forward to seeing the young clan leader more than he probably should but after the night before he really needed to see a friendly face.

The brunet sighed deeply as he stood to get ready for the day ahead of him. It was too bad that after the amazing kiss with the almost shy and definitely adorable Rin the night had only gone downhill. This really was a shame because he had left the restaurant in a happy daze and had driven to the condo hoping to have some peace and quiet to reflect on the day's events. The young second in command had been greeted with a very unpleasant but not unexpected sight. He had been hoping for maybe a stroke of luck in his already very karma-tic life but it seemed Karma was always a real bitch when dealing with murders like him. He sat down and took out some homework and tried to focus but his thoughts kept drifting to the stressful events that had only occurred hours before.

ooo

Yukio slid his coat off smoothly, the heavy trench coat seemed too heavy with all the good weather but the frost from winter still lingered in the cool night air. As someone who worked during the darkness when only the most depraved creatures roomed the streets he was always prepared for such things. The brunet walked in to see everyone awake and four guests lounging in the room in various states of calm and agitation. The sight only brought a frown to his lips as he stopped to observe the conversation currently taking place.

Suguro-sama rested easily in an arm chair, appearing completely impassive but the brunet could see the gleam of something darker in his eyes. Although he wasn't able to discern what it exactly was from his position. His son on the other hand paced angrily while visible tension throbbed throughout his veins that bulged in stark relief. Shima's father Yaozo and two brothers Juzo and Kinzo watched the young heir with something akin to disappointment. Yukio knew that they had high exceptions for the blond streaked teen and seeing him with such a lack of control was not something that would boost their more positive hopes. A leader too quick to anger was never a good thing.

Shima himself only watched one of his best friends with eyes like molten gold as his hands rested in tight fists against his sides. The easy going teen almost seemed...furious. No that wasn't right the pinket really looked like he wanted to fight the boy he had always looked up to and respected the majority of his life. The others in their small group looked just as upset, although it wasn't anger but rather sadness that dimmed Konekomaru's soft eyes and Shieme's usually bright green. The tiny blond shook with the weight of her emotions as she watched Bon with wide eyes.

"How can you say those things about him, Bon? Rin may be the leader but he's not a monster! He can't be wholly responsible for all those horrible things." Ting crystal like tears ran slowly down her and she sniffed deeply while biting her lip to keep from crying.

The blond streaked teen didn't seem sympathetic to the sight. He only paused for a second before sneering with malice, "Can't be responsible? Don't be stupid Shiemi, Rin is a murderer!" He spun sharply on his heel to avoid the heartbreaking sight.

The gentle green eyed girl completely broke down. Her hands covered her face and her shoulders flinched with each heaving sob. Miwa quickly wrapped his arms around her, bringing her close to offer comfort. It was truly a surprise to see the vicious strength visible in the usually passive boy face.

"There is no reason for you to snap at her! And you shouldn't be talking about Rin like that. For better or worse we are now allies with the Okumura clan and you wouldn't want to provoke their leader so easily." After his outburst the tiny teen fixed his glasses with the hand not holding on to the sobbing blond.

Bon flinched but before he could speak Yukio decided to make his entrance. "Suguro-sama, I was not expecting to see you. What are you waiting for?"

The older man smiled happily at the sight of the brunet and he felt his own slight answering grin. He always admired the clan leader and was happy to serve him; the young genius dreaded the day Bon took over the "business". He always thought there were few people in the world who could work and operate the underworld with such a careless ease and he knew even with his guidance the overzealous heir was likely to fuck something up.

With a booming laugh the older man answered, "Ah, the way you speak makes me feel like you don't want to see me."

Yukio only gave him a polite grin; to the people who knew him well enough the grin was clearly fake and a bit mocking but most saw it as a very sincere expression. Of course Suguro-sama knew better and only laughed harder at the sight.

"We~ell, I stayed to hear your report face to face rather than over the phone like usual before leaving for Kyoto."

The young second in command only nodded. Well it seemed he had to come up with something to say during his and Rin's tiny impromptu meeting, since he wasn't going to tell them about their kiss or very deep discussion. He had never spoken to anyone about why he wanted to become a doctor and he really didn't want to explain it to a group of people who didn't really care unlike the raven. And the kiss...well it was something special he was not willing to share with a judgemental idiot like Bon.

So without a hint of hesitation he spoke, "Well we decided to meet sometime to discuss some plans in detail..."

"Why did it take so long then?" The blond streaked teen's tone was thick with accusations that only served to irritate him.

With a sly smile Yukio continued to speak as if he hadn't been interrupted, "Okumura-sama also requested that the news learned at the meeting be kept strictly confidential," with a quick glance at the other teens in various states of agitation he could only raise a brow and sigh as if the whole situation disappointed him.

"But I can see that isn't really possible anymore and yet we should try to keep the secret a bit more secretive, as in between only us now."

Bon at least had the decency to look slightly ashamed of the fact that he basically had no restraint and had gone straight to ranting when he had arrived back at the condo.

But that didn't last long as he let his anger once again rule his decisions and words, "Pah~As if what that little lair wants really matters."

"Koneko-kun was right you know; when he said we are allies with the Okumuras. You have to start treating Rin-sama with respect." Yukio spoke coolly as he watched the seething teen with narrowed eyes. The young heir only growled and surly opened his mouth to shout when he was interrupted by the most powerful man in the room.

"Hmm, it's unfortunate we weren't able to stop the spread but I'm sure that the young leader will forgive the small mistake." Suguro rose with a slight frown as he stood with surprising balance and speed considering his hefty size.

"I'm glad I stayed to hear the report. I'll be waiting for an update soon, Yukio."

With a large sigh he levelled his son with a heavy look filled with contemplation. "Son, you need pay attention to those words. Okumura-sama doesn't hold his position without reason make sure to give him the respect he is due. I'm not sure he'll readily forgive such transgressions."

Bon lowered his head and seemed to swallow his pride and objections with difficulty. But he didn't answer and this seemed to be what his father was really after because he pressed the blond streaked teen further, "I am serious that boy would not hesitate to hurt you and I would really rather not have a war with clan lead by a boy who is said to descended from demons."

Yukio felt his brows rise in surprise but kept his face impassive. A quick glance around the room exposed the different levels of shock and disbelief displayed. The only other person not affected was Yaozo, which really wasn't surprising since he was older and most likely would know more about clan legends.

The blond streaked teen looked up at his father in astonishment, "You have got to be joking, old man! Don't say such ridiculous things or people will think you're going senile."

Suguro-sama only shook his head while grabbing the coat he had laid against the chair. Nodding farewell to everyone in the room he left followed closely by the trio of Shimas. When the sound of the door closing reached their small group

Bon let out another small growl as he mussed his hair angrily as he started to leave the room, "I can't believe the dumb kid we were meant to trick into giving information turned out to be a murdering bastard too cowardly to even admit his position in the clan to his own family. It leaves a bitter taste in my mouth."

Shima who had been silent the entire time seemed to actually snap with an audible crack.

His golden eyes burned and he gnashed his teeth in frustration, "Stop insulting Ri-chan! He's our friend and has always treated us fairly! And when you stop to think...Although that isn't one of your strong points...He already told us who he truly was. At that dinner that woman Izumo said we were meeting Okumura-sama and he would choose whether to speak to us or not. The man who spoke only introduced himself as san and RIN WAS THERE. He gave us the answer we were looking for but we were too blind to see the truth. Don't let your jealousy keep you from seeing who he really is because he is a great guy."

Bon stared at the pinket in disbelief but the laid back teen had more to say.

"You call him a murder but you seem to have forgotten what being a yakuza is! People die in our fights for power; this is the underworld we are dealing with. It's all about survival and your perspective on honour and I'll say this, I respect Okumura-sama deeply. I won't let you slander him in front of me." With one last heaving huff Shima turned sharply and left for his room, a resounding boom shook the silence over the room.

With a tired sigh Yukio walked towards the weeping girl being held by an exhausted Miwa.

"You two should head up to bed now. We will talk about what happened today later" With a gentle hand he helped them both up.

The small cat lover nodded sadly while the gentle blond only looked up at him with tear stained cheeks and watery eyes. The look was absent of the usual hope and enthusiasm the girl always exhibited and it brought a sharp pain to his chest. When the two left the brunet ran a hand through his hair and took off his glasses to look at the lost looking teen left in the room. He could only sympathize for the fool a little bit; if he hadn't been so over rude the people who had been his friends since he had been born they wouldn't have been so upset. But Yukio also didn't appreciate his immature behaviour so he didn't try to comfort him but make him see the error in his way.

"I did try to dissuade their more affectionate and friendly feelings for the boy, but you must know he has a way drawing people in. You saw it all week and tried to ignore it and now it's making itself known directly in front of you."

The brunet studied the teen closely; his square jaw was clenching but he didn't speak.

"You won't lose them to him if you apologies. And if your unable to do that than just stop being so hostile and insulting. Grow up!"

Without another word Yukio left the teen to think everything over as he left to finally to get some much need sleep.

ooo

The young second in command leafed through various notebooks as he attempted to focus on his unfinished school work. The sounds of forks and knives against plates rang through the silent house and Yukio knew sooner are later he would have to talk to the others and clear up any misleading information Bon may have told them in his rage. He tapped his pencil against his desk and blew out a small gust of air. He really was reluctant to face them but since he would probably be out all afternoon he didn't want to leave them waiting. So with slow gestures he closed his books and headed downstairs.

Everyone was present but no one was talking; they ate and drank in complete silence and the tension hanging in the air was thick enough to cut with knife. With a weary grin the brunet leaned against the wall as he watched them while wondering how to approach the topic with the most tact. Shiemi was the first to acknowledge his presence with a small smile that quickly wobbled off her face as she was unable to overcome the negative gloom currently holding everyone hostage. The blonde made a move to get up, most likely to get him some breakfast but was stopped as he waved her back down.

"There is no need for you to get up Shiemi. I'll get some food for myself afterwards. What I want to talk about now is how you are all to act around Rin-sama."

"Tch! Do we all have to call him Sama now?" Bon's voice and face was petulant but lacking its usual ferocity and aggression.

He received a few irritated glances from everybody but Yukio was just glad no one decided that it would be a perfect opportunity to start a fight with the grumpy teen.

With a small smile the brunet replied, "Well that would be the right protocol but I'm sure if you ask him Okumura-sama will waive any expectations. So as I was saying before I'm sure many things won't change although Suguro-sama has promised our assistance so when he speaks we do. Do you all understand?"

The second in command received nods from everyone, the only reluctant one being from the agitated blond streaked teen. Yukio was pleased with the response and headed towards the kitchen to get some food.

He spoke over his shoulder as sudden thought entered his head, "You all don't have any questions, right?"

A few solemn shakes were the only response and the brunet could only frown. There was too much separation in the group. But it wasn't even really separation, more like they had all chosen to distance themselves from Bon until he learned to be more accepting. With a deep, long suffering sigh he put some eggs and bacon on a plate while trying to think of some way to unite them all again. Well, the first thing would be to get the young heir to accept Rin so that the others were no longer angry with him. The brunet walked back to the table thinking it was easier said than done.

Edited-08/21/15