Title: Jewel Diaries – Ruby: Guns and Roses(PART 1 of 7)
Rating: NC - 17
Pairing: Asami/Akihito
Summary: Precious moments with the Asami Family (in no particular order). Takes place years post Pray in the Abyss.
Sixth Installment: An encounter that turned into fate, Akihito and Asami found themselves teetering between sides of good and evil. When the die is cast, what will they choose? Love, money, morals or pride? TIMELINE: Two years post Pray in the Abyss.
Also known as: In which infidelity reaches a bitter end.
Disclaimer: No profit was made in writing this. All rights reserved to Yamane Ayano.
Author's Note: New installment answers the question: 'How it all began?' in this universe.
Dedicated to my awesome beta mistressdi! Thank you so much for helping me with the plot holes and being really patient in answering my questions. *hugs*
A simple coincidence could be turned into fate by cosmic force.
Such force can swing to either good or evil.A walk to greatness or the path to ruin? It all depends on making the right choice.
Akihito held his drink in one hand while he surveyed the crowd calmly, creating the impression that attending a wedding full of models and celebrities was such a boring and common occurrence.
But honestly?
Despite the expensive black suit clinging to his whole form, he felt like a plebian waiting for alms from the vultures.
Ugh.
Just the thought was making him nauseous already.
A glance to his left told him Takatou was on the same boat. Of their little group at the back, only his wife remained genuinely happy.
"Oh my! Look, look! It's Koizumi Aya and Matsumoto Jin! God, I can't believe they're here! You've heard about their new series, right darling?"
Caught off-guard, the bewildered husband struggled with a reply. "—w-well, I'm not rea—"
"Silly me, of course you have." A pause. "Do you think they'll mind if I ask for an autograph?"
No,
he corrected himself.
Make that ridiculouslyecstatic.
Leaving his friend to handle the vivacious female, he scanned the room again and took in the fabrics and textiles that magnificently captured the essence of 'Woods and Water,'and the sunlight shining through the glass artwork ceiling bejeweled with Swarovski crystals that added a sparkle of intimacy to the setting—both remarkable sights making him itch for his absent camera.Fascinated orbs also passed a bizarre couple huddled by the corner—
And got a whiplash as he did a double-take.
What the fuck?
It was not Asami's unexpected presence that turned his blood cold; rather, it was what he was doing at present and who he was doing it with.
Akihito couldn't decide whether to laugh or get mad. Asami appeared to be engaged in small talk with Watanabe-san, responding to her questions patiently and quite attentively but still managing to say nothingof substance.
It was business as usual.
However, the stuffy old woman seemed immune to his charms; her nose was pointed up in the air as if sniffing his dirty laundry even a mile away.
Sometimes, women's intuition really scared him.
When he finally reached them at hearing distance, Akihito cleared his throat.
Loudly.
The conversation halted like he hoped.
It was in middle school when he first met her—the bride's mother-in-law. A dutiful and caring wife yet separated from her husband as early as twenty-eight—
"I was left behind for a homosexual man."
— Watanabe Akari had all the good reasons to be wary of the people who entered her house, whether purporting as a friend, lover or foe. Back then, she took a lot of time scrutinizing his blond hair and unusual eyes, her tongue clucking in distaste, probably thinking he was some delinquent who bleached his hair and wore colored contacts to convey a rebellious streak, or worse, armed with an evil intent to drag her sweet son down the evil underground. It didn't even occur to her that maybe it was his natural color since one of his parents actually had one. Thus, it was no surprise when she didn't bother talking to him, figuring the new kid was a temporary acquaintance of her son, never to set foot in her quiet and impeccably designed household again.
However, to her consternation, Akihito returned to play the next day.
And the day after.
And the succeeding Fridays and Saturdays over the past eleven years.
It was only after an incident that showed her apparent dislike of him that he learned from his grandmother that the poor woman's life was actually one surrounded by gossip and controversy, wherein she persistently fought the sharks and snakes away to maintain a relatively peaceful marriage; hence leaving her completely humiliated and devastated when the divorce papers were served like a painful slap to her efforts and feminity.
He was young and inexperienced then, thriving under his grandparents' care, so he couldn't understand why anyone would abandon such beautiful person, let alone for another man.
Watanabe-san clearly had the same feelings.
And said sentiments continued to exist 'til present.
"Good to see you again, Takaba-kun," she welcomed him cordially yet her eyes were frosty, telling a different story.
His answering smile was warm and fake. "You too, Watanabe-san."
Akihito might not be fond of the now forty-three year old woman but Kou loved his mother despite her faults, so he wouldn't dare raise his usual temper and ruin this important day for him.
Turned out, he needed not worry about that since she immediately left his presence—like a noble running away from the plague—after the greeting.
Ah.
Seemed like she had learned about his relationship—a relationship with another man—if her suspicious glare and outmost refusal to associate with him further were not hinting enough.
He huffed.
Good riddance.
Alone at last, he turned to the source of his current distress.
"What are you doing here?" Akihito hissed, clutching the older man's left arm in a tight grip.
Asami arched a brow coolly, unperturbed by the hostile reception.
"I believe I was invited."
Indeed. The wedding invitation was for two, and he replied positively to both out of politeness. However, never in his wildest dreams did he entertain the thought that Asami would grace the anonymous crowd with his regal presence.
After all, he didn't seem to think nicely of both the groom and bride.
"Weren't you supposed to be in Venice?"
Of this, he was sure since the older man's planner looked packed for the whole second week of November.
A smirk. "I got back early."
"You didn't have to come."
"It's your friends' wedding."
"You hate my friends."
"Hate is a strong word." Asami eased the fingers digging on his sleeve and slid his own arm around the other's trim waist, pressing their bodies close together. "Consider it my effort in accepting the role they play in your life." His voice was saccharine and condescending, a perfect imitation of selflessness and compassion.
Akihito was not fooled.
"Do you own this?" Despite his glare, no attempt was made to disengage from the hold, finding the familiar touch warm and comforting—they were at the corner, hidden from prying eyes so something simple as this, he could allow. Asami, though, looked like he wanted to kiss him but it was neither the right time nor place."This lavishly decorated structure human beings call a 'hotel'?"
The amused stare was a dead giveaway.
"Hmmph. I should've known."
Clearly, he was bitter about his confiscated camera.
As if on cue, several hushed whispers erupted by the door before he could continue grilling the insufferable man.
Bride and groom finally made their appearance.
Uh oh.
Without a doubt, Naomi Strehlnikova was the most beautiful woman on her wedding day. Kou didn't look bad either. His full length montsuki, haoriand hakamafit him nicely. The white fan on his left hand completed the ensemble.
It was East meeting West.
An odd yet beautiful sight.
But Akihito knew it was 'that'that wouldn't bide well with the matriarch.
He might be ignorant of fashion and modern couture, apart from taking pictures,but he got to admit the kimono fabric with plum flowers and silver threads of water, sewn in a mermaid silhouette was quite impressive, if not a bit revealing.
Akihito could practically hear Watanabe-san mumbling her objections while eyeing the black and red strapless gown in disapproval.
But what did she expect? Her intended daughter-in-law was a designer and spent most of her life in America. Those preferences were just screaming to be heard.
The procession was about to begin but quite noticeably, no move had been made to equip the glowing bride with a tsunokakushi or anything quite resembling a veil. Her styled hair remained exposed and barren aside from the embellishment of gold combs and jeweled accessories.
At this point, Watanabe-san was looking positively ill.
Blasphemy!
It must be really killing her to remain quiet and subdued at this opportune time.
Hiding a laugh, Akihito wondered why she even bothered attending the ceremony if the simplest of things mortified her beyond words.
Her son's wedding date fell on a butsumetsu after all.
On the other end, Naomi's parents, another strange pair of east and west, not being particularly superstitious, were happy and relaxed, especially since the hotel extended a whooping fifty percent discount for the so-called bad luck Sunday celebration. To their credit, it was indeed a great deal, considering the sumptuous buffet and luxurious decorations. The quartet playing in the background wasn't bad either.
"Please all rise." The priest's soothing voice echoed inside the room.
"It's starting."
"I noticed." Asami's tone was dry and sardonic but he still followed Akihito to their seats, golden eyes narrowed on the bride all along.
Watanabe Kou really had a sick sense of humor, it seemed.
And without further ado, the wedding march finally began.
The priest had barely finished announcing the successful completion of the ceremony when his phone alerted him to a cryptic message.
R. P. is failure. No witnesses found.
Tense shoulders relaxed at the news. About time the old man gave up.The last diagnosis showed vomiting, physical weakness and periods of unconsciousness; still, the root cause of his failing health stayed unidentified. Just yesterday, the doctors started hinting foul pay but so far nothing sufficient materialized to implicate the Federal Security Service.
The blame was not theirs to take in the first place.
Because despite its dirty political history, Polonium had never been used to silence men and bring them to their ultimate misery.
Death.
He sighed.
Good to know his efforts on getting back early were not wasted after all.
The Purists?
On the move.Moscow and St. Petersburg are up first.
Send me the report later.
Noted.
Putting the device away, the wheels inside Asami's head started turning. In a week or two, that country would be in for a big surprise and Sion Group would be there to reap the benefits. Neither the two decade struggle of restoring monarchy nor the issue of what House was qualified for the throne mattered to him.
The operation was plain and simple: Eliminate the obstacle undetected and bring back the crown. He had delivered the first; the next part was left to the client. Risky? Yes. But the rewards? Highly satisfying.
With this, Yoh's servitude had finally come to an end.
Notwithstanding the debacle in Hong Kong two years ago, neither Banshie nor Arbatrov got wind of the Alrosa deal. After all, creating a puppet government to get his hands on the diamond mine was never heard of so Asami couldn't risk incurring collateral damage should Feilong and Mikhail got involved.
Now, the only thing left to do was wait.
He smirked.
This feat was something not even the previous clan head had accomplished. For sure, his father and brothers must be rolling on their graves.
Asami was eight years old when he found out that he was not an only child. His mother was the fifth concubine of the clan head—concubine,not even a mistress, because Asami Yoshirou couldn't be bothered to marry any of the women who bore his children. No one dared to contest his blatant disregard of the rules because despite his shortcomings as a husband or father, he was still a righteous and great leader.
Of the twelve offsprings, only four made it to childhood, but Asami was not included in that count since in order to keep him from being one of the unfortunate lot who just died or disappeared for reasons unknown, poison-maker Hayashi Masumi used said skills on her own son to fake his death and transfer him to the Fujisaki household.
The years had been kind to both mother and son. But like all good things, that too came to an end when the clan head himself discovered the ruse, punished the disobedient concubine and demanded oneof his heirs.
And his pristine white robe was stained crimson that night.
However, it was only the events happening a decade thereafter that really made Asami the kind of man he was today.
"Everything okay?"
With the question interrupting his musings, he looked up and focused on the face frowning back at him. "Never better."
Akihito's stare remained suspicious, but he figured it was again one of those things the other man believed he was better off not knowing, so he refrained from asking. "Whatever. Let's go see the newlyweds."
This time, Asami lost his grin. "I'd rather not."
"It's not a question. Besides, they have a private room we can sneak inif you're really bothered."
A mocking look. Sneak in?"I'm not bothered." He owned the hotel so his access anywherewas warranted.
"Yeah right." Akihito snorted. "Tell that to the throbbing vein on your forehead. Anyway, it's just Naomi, not your ex-wife. You're already here so the polite thing to do is drop by and say congratulations."
'Like you really mean it,'echoed ominously in the air.
But the older man appeared to have not heard him, already engrossed with another message on his phone.
Bastard.
Whoever said Asami was anything but polite?
Hmmph.
Certainly not him.
Akihito might not have convinced him to go inside the groom's chamber but he still got roped into visiting the bride's to at least personally give his present.
And blessing.
The voices echoing behind the slightly opened door confirmed that the Watanabe matriarch was present in the room, fussing over her son, so Asami felt at ease with leaving the younger man in the company of his friend—said friend who studiously avoided his piercing gaze when he noticed him standing by the foyer.
At that, he felt a surge of grim amusement.
Kou seemed terrified at the thought of Asami exposing him.
Of course, it was none of his business, but if Akihito somehow got involved later on, then there was no telling what he would do in retaliation.
"I'll see you later."
"Yeah, yeah. Good luck."The words were meant as a jibe to his dilemma that Asami found some difficulty concealing a grimace.
"Brat."
Then he smacked his ass in reprimand.
"Ow!"Akihito groused angrily, massaging his sore behind."What the hell? If you're frustrated, don't take it on my ass, jerk."
Fuck.He didn't need to turn around to know that Watanabe-san had heard him and was now glaring daggers at his back.
Asami smirked, nodding towards the scowling woman. "Have fun."
"Ugh. Die, you bastard."
Feeling no remorse as he practically fed his lover to the wolves, Asami left him and carried on walking down the corridor, a rectangular package held in his hands.
Upon reaching a familiar oak door, he knocked, and then entered without preamble, knowing that the room would be empty unlike its counterpart. Kirishima informed him that the bride had finished freshening-up minutes ago and was now awaiting his arrival.
As expected, Asami found her sitting on the sofa, calmly drinking tea.
"Your parents?"
For a split-second, the beautifully-styled flaxen hair distracted him.
"In the banquet hall entertaining guests."
"I see."
He moved towards her location near the window and sat on the opposite chair. Under normal circumstances, the other woman would be on her toes, chin up and her back straight, as she waited for his permission to relax and take a seat. However, the situation at hand was not exactly normal, so he did away with the procedural matters.
Asami had never encountered pregnant women before, his former wife not included. There was never a ground for their paths to cross considering his line of business. His job dealt with taking lives while theirs revolved around giving one.
It was a bleeding paradox.
The young bride was already two months pregnant when she approached him about her wedding plans. Back then, to say he was rendered speechless by the news was an understatement.
Now, three weeks down the road, Asami remained lost on how to deal with the issue.
"Remember our conversation before?"'When you abandoned your pride and kneeled before me, face dirty and stained with tears?' was left unsaid.
Naomi dipped her head in answer, perfectly knowing which one he was pertaining to.
"Well, you're fired. And your husband doesn't owe me his fingers anymore."
Silence.
Perplexed grey eyes blinked at him, looking unsure of what to say.
And for good reason.
She had been praying for the latterdecision to all the Gods she knew and didn't believe in, so her sudden termination came as a complete surprise. But Naomi was not one to take a gift out of the horse's mouth. Beggars couldn't be choosers after all. "That's awfullygenerous of you, Asami-sama."
"Your servicesare no longer needed." He reiterated in case she missed his point.
"I understand." And honestly, she did. That chapter of her life was over now.
Contemplating the meaning of such 'understanding' with a pensive look to her stomach, he added. "Motherhood mightjust suit you."
Naomi smiled.
In common parlance, that was tantamount to Asami giving his blessings. Those words, though hesitant and tentative, would do for now. Akihito did mention that her pregnancy was still a foreign concept to the older man.
Thinking the worst was over; he sighed, remembering his purpose for being there, then finally relinquished his hold of the rectangular box and passed it to Naomi. "Here."
"What's this?" She considered the package in her hands. Its weight felt somewhat familiar.
Asami took out a cancer-stick but didn't light it. "Something you might still find useful in the future. But I don't suggest opening it when the guests are still around."
She nodded after giving it a little shake, satisfied that the thing was not a bomb. "Thank you, Asami-sama. Though your presence alone is gift enough, this thoughtful gesture really makes me happy."
He grunted. "It's a present. Not a kidney."
Naomi managed to not roll her eyes. "Well, you still spent money. So thanks." The grin she sent him was cheeky.
"Hn." No wonder she and Akihito got along well. They were both brats. If this sudden change in attitude towards him surprised Asami, it didn't show on his face. She was not an employee anymore.
A knock on the door put their conversation to a halt. Both looked at the source of interruption.
It was Kirishima.
"Pardon the intrusion, Asami-sama; but the celebration is about to start."
"Akihito?"
"Still with his friend." A pause. "And said friend'smother."
Golden eyes dawned with amusement. Even his retainer couldn't stand the old woman.
"Very well." He stood up and assisted Naomi in doing the same. "Accompany Strehlni—"
"—Watanabe. I decided to carry Kou's name, Asami-sama. "
An eyebrow arched. "Accompany Watanabe-san to the hall. I'll be with you shortly."
When she was stable, grasping Kirishima's arm, Naomi ventured to ask. "Why? Where are you going?"
"Out."
Probably for a smoke.
She made a face. Men. Then, a timid smile. "Dance with me later?"
The request seemed presumptuous of her, but it was worth a shot.
He surveyed her whole form, appearing to mull over the words carefully.
Naomi, and even Kirishima, held their breaths.
Finally giving an imperceptible nod, Asami retrieved a lighter from his pocket and left them for the nearest smoking area.
Time was running out. He and the Purists needed to act fast.
Because despite this loss, his other plans still had to be put in motion.
Indeed, there was no rest for the weary.
He was all over Asami before they even passed the threshold.
The younger man aggressively planted his lips over dry ones, engaging their tongues in battle, as he tried to grasp those strong neck-chest-shoulders—mine, mine, mine!—and wrap long, slender legs around his lover's waist, creating delicious, deliciously hot friction when groins—hard, straining and throbbing with heat—rubbed each other through their clothes.
And when they parted, Asami's whole being was ablaze with desire.
Touching was no longer enough.
He had to own-possess him, until nothing else was left but the feeling of skin burning on skin.
Because theirs was a journey through coal and fire.
Inferno!
Panting for air—inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale—eyeslooking wild and euphoric, Akihito's demand was clear in each raspy gasp and breath.
"Fuck me. Fuck me, please. Fuck me now, Asami."
As if he even needed to ask.
And Asami, forever indulgent and passionate Asami,devoured him alive.
On the floor, atop the kitchen table, in the shower stall and at last on the bed, behind closed doors. Everything was dark, not only for the reason that it was already minutes past midnight but because he was tied, gagged and blindfolded, fully trusting Asami to make him feel good, crave for ownership and come begging from the places he touched, always hot and never cold.
At the instant the gag was removed, his moans were of ecstasy as he was entered roughly from behind. The room was quiet apart from the sounds of balls slapping balls, Asami's grunts and Akihito's screams for harder, faster, deeper and just more, more, more!
So when the other man stretched a hand and curled tight around his straining flesh—like a virgin's firm and vise grip—Akihito released like a wanton nymph, walls clenching around his lover's cock as his seed too spilled forth and claimed him inside.
After a few more thrusts—in and out, in and out—he groaned, feeling teeth digging at the place where neck and shoulder met as the body above him shuddered in pleasure.
They were neither the bride nor groom, but both men could bet they got a hotter honeymoon.
Asami made a move to disengage their tangled bodies when he finally regained his bearings.
"D-Don't," Akihito rasped out, and then bit his lip, looking thoroughly embarrassed of the pleading tone. "Don't take it out. I want to feel you."
"The hell, bastard! You didn't have to throw me. I'm still a woman, remember?!" Fujisaki Nuriko, exposed and naked as the day she was born except from the strap-on dildo hanging between her thighs, glared at the intruder, an ex-husband whose sudden appearance inside the flat baffled her completely.
Asami growled; his glare venomous and unforgiving. "Be thankful you're still alive. I clearly told younotto touch him." Despite the statement, his hands were already inching towards the baretta hidden underneath his jacket.
But a whimper from the corner stopped him.
"A-Asami?" The boy was drugged, evident from the glazed look in his eyes. He didn't know where he was.
Ignoring the now dressing woman in favor of his lover—lost but appearing relieved to see him—he decided to be gracious and let her live for another day.
"Shh… I'm here Akihito."
"W-What happened?"
After carefully wrapping a blanket over the shivering form, Asami kissed the trembling lips and took him into his arms. "Just sleep for now. I'll tell you when you wake up."
Then not a minute later, the younger man, feeling safe and secured, was off to dreamland.
Nuriko was smoking her second stick of Dunhill when she witnessed the whole scene.
"Hmmph. What gives? You shared all your lovers with me before."
Apparently, she remained angry at being treated like a ragdoll.
Golden eyes stared back, not losing their earlier intensity. "He's different."
A snort. "Why?" She had been there, done that and at thirty-seven, everything was just the same song and dance. "Because you love him or something? No, wait. That's impossible for someone without a heart."
The intentional jibe was unheeded since Asami's reply was short, sharp and direct to the point.
"Because he's mine. Touch him again and you'll die."
Months after Akihito moved into the penthouse, Nuriko dropped by the office and asked Asami what the 'fuck' happened that made him stick to a lover more than a decade his junior.
The answer was simple.
"Because when he's shy and resists me, he unnecessarily fans my desire."
And now, gazing at the reddened cheeks, mortified by the simple request despite the more immoral things they had just done, he realized that those words still rang true.
Akihito's innocence was enough to send him in flames.
Asami's length slipped out followed by the white pearls of his cum, but before the blonde could express his disappointment, he was freed from the restraints and flipped on his back, this time chest to chest and facing the older man, moaning as the engorged member slid slowly again past his entrance.
His voice was a velvety murmur to Akihito's ears.
"I'm not going anywhere."
After two hours worth of sleep, they stumbled into the bathroom to wash off the sticky feeling of combined sweat and cum. They were both tired, but even that didn't stop the older man from fooling around; managing to get his lover on his knees again and busy sucking his cock.
When they got out of the shower, Asami finally learned of the motive behind Akihito's earlier aggression and solicitous behavior.
"I'll be gone for a few days."
A frown. While he just got back, the other would be going away soon?
"Where to?"
"My hometown. It's my great great grandpa's death anniversary."
"Hm. Why are you telling me this?"
At that, Akihito couldn't help but stare at the man lounging on the newly changed bed sheet and covers, courtesy of him of course.
Like a splash of cold water, his question was a loaded gun, carrying a lot of implications.
Two years had passed since he started living with Asami. But to date, no word was accurate enough to label their relationship.
"I'm neither your wife nor mistress, Asami."
He had expected that much. "Then what are you?"
Akihito griped, thinking the answer was simple. "Your midlife crisis."
The other man smirked, his humor returning quickly. "Is that so? Aren't you already too old to be my boy toy?"
"Fuck you pervert. Twenty-five is not old."
"Ah. So since there's no denial of my earlier statement, this is actually you saying that you're at the age youngenough to still be considered my boy toy?"
Hands paused in mid-motion as the younger man halted toweling his hair, gaping open-mouthed at the leering man and looking utterly bewildered.
Like usual, he fell into one of Asami's dangerous traps again.
"I didn't say that, jerk."
Said jerk was still looking amused. "Could've fooled me."
"Whatever. Quit hogging the bed. I did the laundry yesterday, so I got dibs on the covers."
To this, Asami deemed it wise not to comment.
Minutes later when the blond had settled on his side of the bed, Akihito fired the inquiry that had been bugging him all evening. "So what do you think of the wedding?"
There was no need to ponder his response."It happened. A 'love struck' man and pregnant woman got hitched. Nothing new in there."
"Ugh. Must you be so crass? They're just following the norm."
An eyebrow arched, urging him to explain.
"You know," he gestured with his hands as if Asami was a new kid in daycare, "finish school, apply for a job, find a girlfriend, get married and have a family. Then the cycle goes on and on and on. No guns. No poisons. No risk of getting kidnapped. No war and no crime. Nope, nil, nada. A regular life just like that."
A grunt. "Sounds boring."
"For your information, ordinary people call that normal."
"Why? Who defines normal?"
Akihito glared at him. "You're insufferable. Don't quote Paulo Coelho on me. I've read all his books in high school."
"Touché."Asami rearranged their positions to the usual one, his left arm pillowing the blonde's head while the other resting—with butterfly touches—on the slightly bruised hip.
Akihito shivered when the wandering fingers found a ticklish spot. "Hmmph. Anyway, who knows, maybe if I haven't met you, it's my wedding they're attending now."
The answering snort clearly mocked him. "I doubt that."
Who was the one who attacked him by the door and practically begged to be tied, gagged and fucked until he couldn't stand anymore?
Definitely not Asami.
The culprit glared at him, indignant. "Bastard. You don't have to dismiss it like that."
"Why? Do you want rings? Vows? A ceremony? Some priest telling us to go forth and multiply?" To be honest, Asami was open to the idea—power of attorney, joint accounts and properties, Akihito carrying his name—but he had a feeling the younger man was not ready for something concrete like that. Of course he could force the issue or even draft the papers and have him sign under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but for some reason he felt that doing anything of the sort now seemed way below him.
"Hell no. I'm not a woman."
If he was disappointed, it was successfully concealed by his grin. "Good to know I'm fucking the right hole then."
A huff. "You're disgusting."
There was a few seconds of silence before another inquiry penetrated the air, this time from Asami. "Any regrets?"
Akihito noticeably stiffened beside him.
What a dangerous question. It was not like he ever had a choice on the matter. Asami got him at first touch—hook, line and sinker. "I have no use for such things."
"Indeed." The older man nodded his accord, taking note of the other's drooping eyes. "Just fear your present, Akihito. Because only that will determine your future."
As expected, those words failed to confirm whether or not Asami was satisfied by his reply. It was irritatingly similar to the trick he used on Watanabe-san during their conversation before the start of the ceremony.
Appearing to answer truthfully and honestly yet dodging the question all the same.
Shortly after Akihito gave in and surrendered to sleep, Asami stalked towards the counter and poured himself a stiff drink. A lot of thoughts were warring inside his head, screaming and demanding attention. The loudest of which, surprisingly, was not the news of the Russian Prime Minister's death but rather the event that concluded that evening.
When the newly wedded couple returned for the reception, all guests and relatives alike gushed at the wonderful match they made. Nobody was rude enough to question why Naomi's pregnancy preceded the ceremony or how the groom managed to find such beautiful and intelligent woman as his lover, wife and partner.
He strongly believed that the reason was any of the three: first,because they were too polite to ask, second,because they couldn't be bothered to care, or third,because they had their own dirty laundry to hide.
Asami was betting his entire fortune on Reason No. 3.
After the first dance as husband and wife, and a couple more from their own parents, Naomi approached him for the promised dance while the groom sought not a relative or even a female acquaintance, but Akihito, his very male best friend for a dance.
From that moment on, Asami knew Watanabe Kou would be facing a miserable and tragedy-filled journey.
Just what was he trying to prove, anyway? Playing pretend with a woman for the rest of his life?
When three more songs were over, Naomi and Kou, hand in hand, walked towards the stage for a toast and some well-wishers.
They were two people on their way to having a family.
A picture of pure bliss and harmony.
But Asami had a feeling it wouldn't last.
And true enough, he was right on each account.
Because the Goddesses of Fate made sure that the red thread on their fingers was a union of agony.
On Valentine's Day, the red that captured the earth was their blood—both lonely and angry in their last and final breaths.
END OF GARNET PART 1
NOTES:
1) Naomi's Wedding Dress
2) Veil - worn to hide the bride's 'horns of jealousy' from the groom's mother, who will now become the head of the family.
3) In this fic, it's the family of the bride that paid for the wedding.
4) Polonium - Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko died from polonium-210 poisoning on 23 November in London. The diagnosis (above) was the only visible signs since the poison remained undetected until after his death. In his last words, Litvinenko blamed Vladimir Putin, but so far, the investigations failed to connect the latter to the assassination.
5) So yeah, Ruby shows NOT a fatherly Asami, but the ambitious man he was brought up to be.
Chapter dedicated to my beta, mistressdi.
Thoughts on this?
NOTE: I MIGHT DELETE THIS FIC SOON DUE TO CONTENT AND LACK OF RESPONSE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT THUS FAR.