Chapter 6

**Akihito's POV**

Sighing, Akihito shouldered his bag strap again as he made his way out of the editors office. It seemed that most of the leads have dried up and his trips to see Yamazaki were useless. It was made clear that Yamazaki had vanished from Tokyo and Akihito almost found himself arrested under suspicion of Yamazaki's disappearance but thankfully Takashi managed to take care of that for him before the situation blew out of control.

Whatever was happening within the criminal underground has them all silent...

After the disaster that was yesterday's breakfast, Akihito wasn't too keen on going home just yet. Hiro had been stalled in getting the answers out of him when his phone had gone off and he had to take the important call. A 'saved-by-the-bell' situation. Akihito was thankful that Hiro's showcase at the gallery was happening tonight otherwise he knew Hiro would have had him spilling out the details of that night.

Akihito was interrupted from his thoughts by Mitarai sidling up to him, "I see that you have also received the bad news."

"Yeah, the editor believed that something big has happened that has all the informants silent...whatever it is, it has them too scared to give up tips for us."

Mitarai threw an arm over his shoulders and leaned in close, "Oh well, Aki. At least you have your otouto supporting you. I heard that his showcase with the gallery is on tonight and many big names are believed to be attending..."

Brushing Mitarai's arm off him, Akihito huffed and continued his way down the hallway towards the elevator. "No way! The only one's getting involved from the media are invitations only!" Akihito couldn't believe that Mitarai thought he could weasel out a media pass for him, though he wasn't surprised that Mitarai tried to make digs at him about his brother supporting him.

While Akihito may not be generating the biggest income from his criminal photography, it didn't mean that it was his only source of income. Akihito knew that Hiro's genius tended to overshadow him a lot and it didn't really bother him. They were their own people and Hiro never made a point of shoving his successes into Aki's face, so he didn't feel the jealousy and competition that others tended to believe that he would/should have. Akihito was taught along with Hiro how to use the stock market and business investments to generate income so that they were free to pursue their creative outlets without consequences or financial restrictions.

Akihito was once again interrupted from his thoughts, though this time it wasn't from another buzzing photographer, it was his mobile. Fumbling through his jacket pockets, Akihito didn't think anything of the unknown caller before answering, "Takaba Akihito, speaking."

The smooth cadence over the phone made Akihito go rigid and clench his hand around the device. "Akihito...I hope you didn't think you could escape me."

"How did you get this number?!"

"Fu-fu, now now, don't get your tail all in a twist, little kitten. Information like this isn't hard to find."

**Kirishima's POV**

Kirishima stood off to the side of his bosses desk as Asami-sama faced the windows spanning the back of his office, chuckling into the phone.

"Fu-fu, now, don't get your tail all in a twist, little kitten. Information like this isn't hard to find."

Kirishima was shocked at how Asami seemed to relax as he continued his conversation with the Takaba brat. It seems that ever since Kirishima informed Asami of the boy, he began to become fixated on learning everything there is to know about not only Akihito, but his younger twin brother, Akihiro as well. Whatever it was that interested Asami-sama so, Kirishima didn't know and he found himself wishing that he never find out.

After about ten minutes, Asami-sama finally hung up on the Takaba brat before turning around to face him with an eyebrow raised.

"Asami-sama, I organised the tickets for Akihiro-sama's gallery showcase. It appears that many of the high profile guests are due to arrive around 6pm for preshow drinks and appetizers..." While Asami looked over the tickets and the information provided about the show, Kirishima thought about the younger Takaba brother.

Takaba Akihiro is a respectable member of society and is a recognised genius within several fields, so much so that Kirishima couldn't bring himself to loathe such a successful person. Unlike the older brother...the Takaba family as a whole was very respected and upper class inherited nobility from both the paternal and maternal sides of the family and from what Kirishima could find, they were all happily married. From what he could also find, the parents of the twins were happy to let their kids explore their creative sides and to pursue their own path. Kirishima found himself reluctantly impressed with both of the brats successes, considering how young they were they had accomplished a lot in such a short time. He couldn't deny the talent Akihito had in photography either, despite the brats fixation on criminal photography recently…

"Kirishima, arrange for the limo to pick me up and don't bother with a plus one, my 'plus one' is already there..." Kirishima nodded as Asami trailed off with a smirk spreading over his face. Those Takaba boys better watch out, a predator has set his sights on them...and judging by the look on his bosses face...they weren't going to be able to get away so easily…

**Hiro's POV**

Hiro was busy being bustled about by Takashi as they got ready for the showcase that started in just half an hour. However, as the artist, Hiro had to be present early to welcome guests and shake hands with the high-profilers so as to soothe egos and foster business connections. Which was a very tedious and tiring process for Hiro that never changed, it had been the same since he became a 'known' artist and model; and as Hiro had no plans to stop pursuing his interests, continuous.

"Hiro-sama, we must go greet the guests now." Takashi softly intoned while brushing down the invisible lint from Hiro's shoulders. More of an act of comfort as he understood that these events made Hiro uncomfortable, but knew them to be necessary for Hiro to maintain his 'status' within the artisan community.

"Yes, of course. Let the games begin." Turning away from the mirror after one final check on his appearance, Hiro made his way towards the hall. Takashi following close behind so as to buffer some of the more….enthusiastic guests.

**short time later**

Hiro had been trying to edge away from one of the very many persistent guests who wanted to 'talk' to him. More like try to bed me. Hiro thought sourly. It took all his training to prevent a scowl and disgust from showing, instead making a signal to Takashi who stood behind him that he needed a step-in.

Takashi was smooth in his handling of these situations, he always made a point of softly inserting his presence at his side and handing him his mobile stating that a very important call that couldn't wait needed to be taken. Platitudes were made and Hiro was able to quickly walk away to the balcony for a breather and to cool his head. Stuffy politicians became lecherous when they think they can use their position to garner sexual favors. Or, some of the better offers were of sponsorship as if Hiro was some start-up or easy lay that could be taken advantage of. He didn't need their money…or their affections.

It was the smell of cigarettes that made Hiro realize he wasn't as alone as he first thought. Turning towards where the wafting smell originates from, Hiro took in the towering man casually leaning against the balcony rail. Dressed smartly in a three-piece suit with artfully slicked back hair, the man cut an impressive figure.

"Good evening." my god, that voice! Pulling his wandering gaze from that gorgeous body, Hiro met the man's eyes and froze. Piercing gold eyes stared down at him, sharp and all consuming. Hiro felt that he was being eaten alive in that gaze and couldn't bring himself to be disgusted by the blatant interest in those eyes either. There was something about this man that just drew him in…

**Asami's POV**

"Good evening."

Asami made sure to use a neutral greeting so as not to frustrate Takaba Akihiro any more than he had been so far. From what Asami had observed so far from the younger Takaba brother; was that he was indeed correct in thinking that he should approach the youngest in a different direction. It seemed that Akihiro was well versed in the art 'socializing' of the upper class and knew his way around the 'game' so to speak.

It took a certain level of manipulation to be able to dodge that many lecherous invitations without ruffling the feathers of egocentric upper society socialite's and politicians while maintaining control over ones true feelings. And to have mastered it at such a young age…

Yes, Takaba Akihiro will be a challenge. Though, perhaps persuading the boy to be attracted to him wouldn't be the biggest hurdle considering the interested sweep of his body he just got. It of course wouldn't be hard for Asami to be attracted to the boy either, not with how he looked in person as compared to the photos Kirishima gathered for him. The pictures couldn't capture the sheer intelligence in those unique eyes or the fire burning just as brightly as his brothers either. Though considerably shorter than his brother, Asami found himself pleased with the sheer difference in height. He always liked being able to tower over his lovers, it also made them easier to physically manipulate them into the positions he liked in the secret room…

"Good evening…" the request for his name was unspoken, but heard and Asami let his usual smirk show as he blew out a cloud of smoke.

"Asami Ryuichi, quite an amazing display of talent in your show. I'm glad I was able to secure a ticket despite it being so last minute." Asami was sincere in his compliments about the boys talent, he certainly had a gift when it came to the arts and Asami was never one to not appreciate art and compliment where compliments are due.

His smirk deepened as the carefully hidden defensiveness in the boys shoulders relaxed, the tightly controlled expression also easing into a more honest expression. It seemed that Asami's sincerity was heard and appreciated after all the false pretenses inside.

"Thank you, I'm glad that you are enjoying my art."

A/N:
Kirishima surprise POV! I thought to experiment a little, please let me know if you would like a little Kirishima surprise every now and again and I will try to deliver!
I'm sorry if this chapter was a bit dry, I needed them to meet somehow and considering I did mention that Hiro was having a showcase I thought it would be a good neutral space for these two to meet.
I would also like to mention that I am still getting used to the formatting with this site so if it's inconsistent and that bothers you I'm sorry but I think I have it sorted now.
I'm finding myself stuck on ideas on where to go next for the next chapter, I want to write you guys some smut as you've been very patient with me. Please leave me a review on what YOU would like to see happen in the next chapter(s), it will really help me out to jog the old muse.