Authors Note: We do not own finders series or any of the cannon characters! This is purely a work of fiction! If you like, please like, favorite, and leave comments! We love to read them and they give us much inspiration.

Sorry for the delay in chapters! Everything has been so hectic the last couple of months and anything that could go wrong went wrong! However, we have two more chapters lined up after this (Late Christmas Eve and Christmas chapters!), So look forward to those coming out soon!

Chapter 30

Akihito's POV

I'll take my chances

I forgot how nice romance is

I haven't been there for the longest time.

Freshly showered, standing over a hot stove with a full Japanese breakfast cooking, and Billy Joel playing from the stereo just felt right. It was what he did every morning, he woke up before everyone else and fixed breakfast just how everyone liked while dancing to his music. Asami would wake up first, so he started on the full Japanese breakfast first for the two of them, and the coffee pot was on. Next was the kids, and Kiyomi ate what they did but with more fruit. She especially loved strawberries. Masahiko on the other hand was only in the last couple months really getting into table food, and he always preferred something sweet for breakfast. Today it was probably going to be sweet potato pancakes.

Despite it only being the next morning, Akihito would rather do something that gave him a purpose than let the dark thoughts come and eat away at his mind. Plus he had kids to think about, he couldn't just break down on them when he knew that this had all been traumatizing for them. Masahiko wouldn't remember it in a few weeks being so little, but Kiyomi was old enough for this to be a memory she kept for life. She was there when it happened, practically watched her mother get taken away and then had to watch whatever went on behind the scenes with Asami as he tried desperately to find her mother. The last thing she needed was to see him in such a state.

The familiar feeling of thick, wet slime dripping down his leg brought Akihito out of his thoughts as he glanced down at Ceska. Ever since she had woken up and realized Aki was home, she was stuck to his leg. No amount of him trying to bat her out of the kitchen worked, so finally he had given up and allowed her to stay. Besides, it was only fair when he allowed little Ririchiyo the same thing. She was nestled in the pocket of his apron, munching away on a baby carrot he had given her.

"You're so gross…" He muttered, shaking his head with a weak smile as he grabbed a piece of sausage and held it down to her. It seemed to appease her as she swallowed it whole. "Did you even taste that?" She didn't seem to care if she did or didn't.

Right as he was turning back to finish the tamagoyaki, he heard the familiar sound of the elevator doors dinging over his music, prompting him to turn his head. "Ryuichi? Is that you?" He called out, expecting to hear his lover call out to him or to see him through the doorway. What he was greeted with instead was the loud babbling of his toddler.

"MAMAMAMAMA! MAMA MAMAMA!" Akihito quickly turned off the stove eye before making his way towards the elevator. Sure enough, Masahiko was toddling his way over towards him, his big golden eyes filled with tears of happy euphoria.

Kneeling down, he opened his arms up for Masa, wrapping his thin arms around him once he had collapsed against him, being careful for his hand and ribs. Akihito held the boy as close to his chest as he could without causing himself too much pain, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. "Mommy's home sweetie, there's no reason to cry." He murmured with a tight smile, pulling back to wipe the hot tears from the toddler's pudgy cheeks. "Come on Masa baby, you can help Mommy make breakfast, okay?"

As if a switch were flipped, Masa went from crying to grinning in excitement as he nodded eagerly. It wasn't until Akihito lifted his son into his arms and his eyes fell on the elevator across the room that an obvious question popped into his head. How did Masa get down here? Neither Asami nor Kiyomi were anywhere to be seen, meaning they were likely still sleeping. It could have been Haruka, but she had told him not but ten minutes ago that she would be outside tending to the garden. So…how did his toddler, who was so small and just learning how to walk, get down here?

Carrying his son back to the kitchen, he set Masahiko down on the counter. "Alright Mister, you going to tell me how you got down here or are you going to leave me guessing? It was your sister, wasn't it? Playing another prank?" The intense, serious look he got from the toddler followed by the mostly incoherent babbling really painted the whole picture for him. The conclusion? It's a conspiracy against him plotted out by a glitter obsessed eight year old and a perverted bastard. Just as I suspected. "Okay, I understand…and don't worry, I'll keep it to myself. I know how it goes in this world. Snitches get stitches and all that." Masa seemed content with his reply, even if he didn't understand it.

With that he went back to getting their breakfast ready, keeping an eye on Masa who seemed happy just to watch him and occasionally babble along to the music. Still, every so often Akihito found himself looking towards the door, expecting at any moment to see his daughter and lover standing in the doorway, grinning mischievously as they do often. But the more time that past, the more he started to doubt his original theory…

Finishing up their breakfast, he moved it all to the table before he began working on Masahiko's. "How do pancakes sound my little prince?" He asked sweetly, musing through his son's hair.

"Pantates!" Masa squealed, kicking his feet excitedly.

Aki couldn't help but grin, hearing his son speak a new word making him momentarily forget the dark thoughts and aching pain his body was in. "Pancakes it is then! Do you want Mommy to make your pancakes look like Mickey Mouse?" The loud, happy squeal he received in reply was answer enough, and sure enough a few moments later he was pouring sweet potato pancake batter into a frying pan, giving it little mouse ears. It wasn't until he was carefully flipping the pancake that he heard a set of footsteps halt in front of the door way, and when he looked over he saw Asami leaning against it and watching him. From the look of his messy bedhead and the fact he was still only in his sweatpants, Aki deduced he had only just woken up.

"I already put the coffee on, if you want to grab a cup."

Asami nodded tiredly, wordlessly heading towards the coffee pot to grab himself a cup, using the same mug he had been using since they met. They literally had at least ten other coffee mugs in the cabinet, but for some reason that was the only one that picky bastard deemed worthy of his hot beverages. He leaned against the counter as he took a few sips of the bitter coffee, and Akihito could feel those golden eyes staring at him. It was awkwardly quiet in the room save for the music and the quiet occasional babble from their son. The entire time he could just feel Asami's disapproving glare boring into his back.

"…Okay, what's wrong grumpy pants?" Akihito finally asked as he turned off the stove eye, putting the cute little pancake on his son's cartoon themed plate.

"Akihito, you should be resting. Sleeping, letting me take care of things while you focus on healing."

Akihito sighed, turning around and setting a hand on his hip. "I'm not going to just lay in bed all day when there are things to do. You and the kids need breakfast, the house looks a wreck, and someone is going to have to sneak real food into Mayuri, which also means someone has to cook it."

"All of those are things I, Haruka, or even Kirishima can do. The doctor even told us that you need to be on bedrest for at least a week. And this," he gestured around the kitchen, "Is most certainly not being on bed rest. So after breakfast, you're going back to bed." Akihito recognized that stern, "no bullshit" tone and hardened look anywhere. Asami wasn't asking or suggesting, he was telling. There wasn't a "no" option, because if Aki refused it was likely he would be forced to.

"I'm willing to compromise, but I'm not just going to lie in bed all day. That's the last thing I need to do right now, because if I have to just sit there and think about everything…I'll go crazy." Asami's stare softened slightly, "But I will rest, after breakfast I'll leave the dishes in the sink for Haruka and we'll watch movies with the kids until lunch. You can handle lunch…and then I'll handle dinner. Is that fair?"

"When did we start compromising?" Asami questioned in amusement, smirking. Aki couldn't help but return it with a little grin.

"Around the time we found out you can't handle changing diapers, and I'm a pretty useless homework helper when it comes to fancy private school education.'

"That sounds about right."

"We've become an old married couple, it's something we just have to accept. From here on it's nothing but bickering, compromising, and embarrassing our kids with our existence."

Asami's smirk grew as he arched an eyebrow. "Old married couple? Are you proposing now, Kitten?"

"Ppphht! As if you dirty pervert!" Fuck, I can feel my own blushing face…

"Perbert! Perbert Perbert Perbert!" Masa squealed gleefully, pointing at Asami with a big, one-toothed grin. Whoops…

"Oh perfect, you got Masahiko going again." Asami scolded as he lifted the happily cooing toddler, holding him above his head. "You, my little monster, need to stop listening to your mother. He's a bad influence."

"Hehehe…Dada!~" He reached out for his father's face, making grabby hands for it.

Scoffing, Akihito sassily set a hand on his hip. "Excuse you? I'm the bad influence? Have you looked in a mirror lately or are you just that full of yourself?"

"Careful Kitten…I can come up with some interesting ways of making you pay for your bratty comments."

"Ha, you love my bratty comments. Don't pretend you don't, I know you better than that you dirty old bas-" Shit, I can't say that in front of Masa... "You know what? Just…go wake up our daughter while I get drinks poured. Oh, and get Fei and Kei up too, if they're still here. " Akihiko stalked past Asami, though he definitely didn't miss the smug look on that bastard's face as he walked into the dining room to put Masa in his high chair. Shaking his head, he grabbed three cups down from the cabinets before he grabbed the milk and juice out one at time. It was frustrating only having one useable hand, and every movement sent waves of throbbing pain through him, but really Aki as trying his best.

That was really all he could do right now; try.

Breakfast had gone over just about as he expected…meaning both children were fighting for his attention and the other three adults at the table were watching over him like overprotective mama bears. It felt like he was in the hospital all over again, only a little less so. They weren't looking at him like he was going to shatter before their eyes like a piece of fragile glass, but this time it was more like they were expecting some sort of mental meltdown. Aki wasn't sure if that was better or worse. Though there was one bright side to how they were treating him: he didn't have to clean up anything. Nope, instead he got to "sneakily" watch Asami, Fei, and Kirishima do it…which meant he got to watch Kirishima bitch at the other two for not cleaning something properly, and then take it over and do it himself. The pissy expressions the other two shared was definitely a major mood lifter.

Remembering what had happened earlier that morning with the elevator, Akihito decided to make his presence known so he could question them all about it. He had a sneaking suspicion that it wasn't either Asami or Kiyomi, even though they had been the first culprits that came to mind, but when he had first seen them both looking like zombies. That of course could all just be some big ruse, but he just wasn't buying it…so that left the only other two people in the house.

"So, I've got to know…which one of you played that prank with Masa earlier this morning?" Aki asked as he walked up behind them, getting their attention immediately. He was met with confused looks.

"What are you talking about? We were asleep up until the wake-up call for breakfast…" Fei gave him a pointed look as he spoke, and Kei nodded in agreement.

"And Masahiko was already in the kitchen when I got up, Kitten. You know that, you were there."

The blonde let out a small huff. "So, none of you are going to fess up? Jeez…you don't have to act like kids, I'm not angry. It was harmless anyway…"

"What exactly was "harmless," Akihito?" Kei pipped in, and one look at Glasses told him that the man was concerned.

"This morning Masahiko came down the elevator on his own…or one of you made it look like he did." The three of them looked between one another, exchanging the same serious look. Akihito felt his blood run cold for a moment, "Oh come on, whichever of you it is just step forward! There is no way someone else is in this house, not after everything we've done to make this place secure. Right?" Aki looked to his lover for some kind of confirmation. He received none. Fuck Fuck FUCK!

"Kirishima, go bring up the security cameras in my study, Akihito go with him. I'll grab Kiyomi, Fei will grab Masahiko." Aki felt his hands shaking, that panicky feeling coming back to him. If someone was in this house again, he was leaving. Packing the kids and Asami up and taking them somewhere safe. Out of country if he had to, dammit.

Forcing his legs to move, he followed Kirishima to Asami's study, staying behind him as the other checked it first to make sure no one was inside…though really there was no possible way they were. The door could only be opened by one of their handprints, and the room was windowless…but still. Better safe than sorry he supposed. Once Kirishima was sure that the room was empty, he sat down at the computer and pulled up the video footage, and not but a moment later the door opened again.

"Mama, what's going on? Daddy wouldn't tell me anything!" Kiyomi asked, pulling at the hem of his shirt to get his attention.

"Nothing baby, we just have to check something."

Kiyomi pouted but didn't press, instead busying herself by looking at all the books on the bookshelf behind the desk. Meanwhile Asami had taken his spot at his desk with Masa in his lap and was going through the video time stamps, and the entire wait had Akihito on edge. "Okay, this is about half an hour after you got up, Akihito." Asami informed him, before he played the footage. On the duel computer monitors they could see all fifteen camera's footages playing in sync with one another. Everything was pretty still, except for Aki himself moving around in the kitchen, and it was like this for so long that Asami ended up skipping ahead a few more minutes.

"Hey, hey stop! Go back just a bit, and make the footage of our bedroom bigger." A few clicks and the footage was full screen on one of the monitors. "There, hit play." Again his lover complied, and for a minute or so there was no movement, only the sleeping forms of Asami and the kids. This was until he saw a small form squirming under the comforter, followed by Masa's head popping out next to Asami's arm. The little tyke was rubbing his eyes drowsily one moment, and the next he was wide awake and getting very excited…presumably over hearing the music down stairs. He shuffled his way to the edge of the bed, letting a foot hang as he felt for the ground. Pretty soon he had managed to get himself off the bed, and the entire time the footage was playing of him toddling/walking his way out of the room, Masa was pointing at the screen and babbling away at them, telling them all about it. If only they could understand more than a few words that he was saying.

Video Masahiko toddled his way over to the stairs where the baby gate was. Grabbing the sides of it, he began shaking It, trying to dislodge it so he could get down the stairs…but no game. They could see the frustration tearing across his face, and usually that face hinted to a tantrum soon to come…but not this time. Instead they got to watch as the boy made his way into his sister vacant room, and then a minute or so later come out dragging one of the little chairs that sits at her tea party table. You could practically see the gears in his little head working as he pushed it to the elevator, right up to where the buttons and hand scan were. Climbing up onto the chair, which mind you was shaking under him, he reached up and put his hand against the scan…and it worked?! Akihito turned to Kirishima, sending him a dark glare before he looked back at the screen right about the time his son had hit the button and was getting into the elevator, dragging the chair in behind him.

"You've got to be kidding me…you don't even have to play it anymore." Akihito pinched the bridge of his nose, though he couldn't help but be slightly amused. "Those damn Asami genes…."

Asami snorted. "Excuse me?"

"He's two, Ryuichi! Two! And he figured out all that? It's those freaking genius Asami genes you like to flaunt around so much, I swear it." Akihito received a smirk in reply, his lover bouncing Masa on his knee, the entire time the toddler wore a proud and smug look on his face.

"I wouldn't say flaunt, nor would I give all the credit to the Asami genes, however I can't disagree with you on Masahiko. He's already beginning to catch onto reading, Kiyomi and I saw that the other day when he found your name written in one of your childhood books."

Akihito would have been shocked, if he hadn't noticed that himself a few weeks ago. Masa would mumble words along with him at times, though originally he thought perhaps the boy had started memorizing it rather than he was reading it. But that was debunked pretty quickly when the blonde had grabbed out a different book, and the boy was still reading to some of the words he seemed to catch onto. Not very big words, mostly three or four-letter words (A few larger ones, but those were few and far between), but that was still very impressive. Too impressive to be normal. "God…he's going to be a handful when he's older."

"Implying that he's not already?" Asami mused, raising an eyebrow.

"No, implying that right now he's still small enough for me to physically stop from being such a handful. Not to mention he's very much attached, so I don't see any rebellious acts in the near future. Now, there are some bigger fish to fry right now then us debating out son's IQ" Aki whipped around to Kirishima, who had been inching towards the door since the last nasty look he received. "You, why the hell did you put Masa's handprint into the scanner? He's two! Why does he need to get into the elevator? In what scenario did you think this was a good idea?"

Kei sighed, clearly struggling to ignore Fei who was snickering off the side. "I didn't think he would be using it for at least another year or two, so I thought it would be easier just to go ahead and put it in when everyone else's was. That was my mistake…I should have accounted on the off chance something like this occurred."

Fuck…it's hard to be angry when he's beating himself up for it already. And I really don't have the energy for this… "It's fine, Kei. No harm to foul and all that, but we definitely need to do something to keep him from using the elevator. Retina scans or something that's too high for him to reach even with a stool."

Pushing up his glasses, Kei glanced at Asami to get a confirmation, which he received in the form of a short nod. "Very well, Akihito. I will make the preparations for some more security measures to be installed on the elevator."

"Alright, awesome. No rush to get it done, just whenever. Until then I'll just make sure to keep a good eye on Masa." With that mystery out of the way, Akihito could really feel the exhaustion setting in from everything he was pushing himself to do. I'm either going to need a nap or coffee before I even think about taking food to Mayuri…

He had to admit, he had expected to be bombarded with questions and serious talk the moment he and Asami got alone with all the concerned looks he had caught the other giving him throughout the day. But they had been sitting in the SUV alone together for the last fifteen minutes and there had barely been a word spoken between them. It wasn't an awkward silence, more of one of contentment…and to be honest Akihito was 100% okay with that. Right now he didn't need to be overwhelmed with the situation, in fact he needed the exact opposite. He needed to be detached from it, to just pretend it didn't happen so he can be strong for his kids and find himself again…because right now he felt far from himself. His own skin felt foreign, like he was trapped in some sort of uncomfortable latex body suit that was glued to him. There was no ripping it off because it was stuck. And his thoughts didn't feel like his own really, at least not all of them. All day he had these crazy thoughts and emotions that before had never once passed through his mind, and now they were the ones most prominent. The ones screaming…and the ones he had to ignore.

It wasn't all the time all day, because any time he was busy with something they were quiet. He was focused, but then whenever he would take a break they would come back, and they would give him headaches with how loud they were. Distractions seemed to be what worked best, at least that's what he had discovered throughout the day. He hoped that with enough distractions, and with a little time he would figure himself out and feel normal again. Right now it was only one day after everything, so really this was to be expected, right? This was what he kept telling himself whenever he would shake away another dark thought, though there was a small part of him that felt like this might just be how he is from now on. A little ridiculous, given once again it had only been a day…but also it was a ridiculous thought that he couldn't help.

Feeling the SUV come to a stop, Akihito almost jumped as he was torn from his thoughts, and he honestly had to remind himself of where they were and why they were there. Right, food for Mayuri and Kazumi… Leaning down, he grabbed the plastic bag between his feet that held the two large containers filled with the steamy hotpot he had prepared for them. Akihito was hoping the hot dish would make Mayuri feel at least a bit better, since last they heard he had been running a pretty high fever early that morning.

"Give me the bag, Akihito. I'm carrying it in."

Asami had also been doing this all day, what the yakuza bastard himself would call "Mother Henning." He was basically following behind him almost everywhere, not letting him pick up or carry anything over about five pounds…which included Masa. He and Kirishima had been taking care of the toddler for him, both pushing him to rest constantly….and he knew the thought was there and that they were scared he would hurt himself more. But really, it was more frustrating than anything. Still…he felt guilty if he declined…because that just made them worry more.

"Ugh, fine. But only because you asked soooo nicely." Akihito said cheekily, placing the hot bag onto Asami's lap.

Those golden eyes locked with his, and for a moment they sparkled with mischief. Seeing that somehow calmed Akihito down a bit, probably because it felt normal. "Cheeky little brat..."

"That's me, and you wouldn't have it any other way." The blonde chirped as he reached for the door handle to get out…just about the time Asami's phone went off. Looking over, he could see that the other was debating on ignoring the call, but they both knew that wasn't really an option for him. "You grab that, I'll go ahead and head inside, okay?" He was given an unsure look. "Oh come on, I'll be fine. We got Jun, he's…he's not a threat anymore, right? And unless there is someone else after you that I haven't been informed of, then there isn't anything to be afraid of."

"…Fine, you're right. Just go straight up so I know where you are." Asami replied, answering his phone the second after those words were spoken.

Stepping out into the fresh air lifted some sort of weight that had been on the photographer as he walked towards the front entrance of the hospital. Usually they parked in the parking deck since the front was always so packed since there were few parking spots, but thankfully they were there late enough that the usual visiting hours were over. That of course didn't apply to them, since this WAS Asami's hospital.

Akihito had really meant to listen to Asami, but half way across the parking lot he was stopped by a heartbreaking sound, sending his head whipping in the direction.

"You stupid fucking mutt!" Came a pissed off, raspy voice followed by a long stream of coughs and growling yaps. And that was all he had to hear for Akihito to start stalking that way, already getting ready to beat some ass one handed.

Rounding past a tall truck, Akihito's eyes fell on a man that looked like he was literally drug out of the sewer. Disgusting clothing covered in mud and blood, hair parted down the middle and plastered to the sides of his face in either sweat or way too much hair gel, and from the tattoos on his arms this guy was clearly yakuza. Expecting to see some stray or something, you would believe the shock that momentarily appeared on the blonde's face when his eyes fell on a young bulldog, almost twice the size of Ceska, laying on its side with a boot pressed up against the side of its face. Akihito's eyes narrowed and he stepped forward, using his good elbow to shove him back.

"Hey Scumbag! You know there's a long list of people who should go to hell, and animal beaters are near the top of the damn list!" As he said this, Aki bent down and grabbed up the dog's leash, pulling it gently back his way. "Come on sweetie…"

"And just who in the hell do you think you are?!" The man spat, a switch blade already in hand and pointed towards him. Pffft. As if that's threatening.

Standing up as tall as he could, Akihito stared the guy in the eye. "Takaba Akihito." He replied matter-of-factly, well aware that his name was known among the underground. For a moment he saw the man look around in hesitation, before that look morphed into one of sinister nastiness.

"Asami's little whore. Well doesn't look like he's keeping you on a tight enough leash since he's not here to protect you." Akihito didn't even flinch at the leering, perverse look on the man's face. "So I'm sure he wouldn't mind if I had a taste of you, not that you would either. You'll do anything if it pays high enough, right?" Oh so I'm a sugar baby now, am I?

"Actually, he WOULD mind. He doesn't share, fuckface. And I have standards." Akihito scoffed. "If you know what's good for you, you'll let me take this poor dog and you'll walk the other way."

"You want that piece of shit mutt? Then you'll use your body as payment. Oh come now, what's that look for? We both know it's not the first time you've sold yourself to get what you want. Those shoes alone are worth a fortune, and I'm supposed to believe a street rat payed for them?" Actually my friend designed them and gave them to me...not that you would believe that I'm best friends with THE Chiba Yuri…

"Asami isn't going to like it when he hears about what you've said to me."

"He's not exactly here right now, is he? You're completely defenseless without your owner here to protect you." The creep took another step towards him.

Hearing a familiar car door shut, a smug expression formed across his face. "Hey Big Daddy Yum Yum!~ Come here for a minute!~" Akihito called back, struggling to contain both contain his cringe/laughter and remain serious. The blonde didn't even have to look back to know Asami was right behind him, because the look on the guy's face said it all as he shoved the knife into his pocket quickly. Apparently he keeps me on a "tighter leash" than you thought.

"What is it my little pet? Is he causing you trouble?" A strong, possessive arm wrapped around the photographer's waist. Asami wasn't even questioning it, just playing along.

Before he could even speak, the sleaze bag began fumbling over an apology "N-No trouble at all, A-Asami-Sama! I didn't realize he was yours, it won't happen again I swear!"

Asami stared at the man, golden eyes piercing through him like cold ice. "I didn't ask you, now did I?" He turned to Akihito, giving him an expectant look.

"Oh no trouble really…I was just VERY interested in his dog. Look at him, he would be perfect to breed with Ceska, and he sooo cute!" As he gestured to the bulldog at his feet, he shot the scumbag a look. I'm giving you an out here, better take it while I'm still being nice.

"Is that so?" Asami turned to the man, reaching for his wallet. "What's your price for the dog?"

"F-Free! H-He can just take him! Again, I'm sorry!" He clearly got the message, because as he said this he was scrambling for his car.

Once the car door was shut Asami turned him around and took the leash from his hands. "So do I need to send my men after that guy, or do you really expect me to believe that this was all because you wanted that idiot's dog?"

"Honestly, you would have shot him at least in the leg if you heard what he said to me. But he gave us the dog, which was all I actually cared about. Plus… I'm exhausted of violence and drama, so I think letting him almost piss his pants in fear was punishment enough." Akihito bent down as he said this, ignoring the stabbing pain in his ribs as he held a hand out for the dog to sniff. Untrustingly at first, he gave the hand a few sniffs before he sneezed…all over Aki's arm. If the blonde knew anything from having their own roly-poly wrinkle dog, it was that any slobber or snot you got on you was a sign of approval and affection from one of these beasts. "We need to take him to a vet…when I came around he was stomping on the poor puppy's face…"

"We will just have one of the doctor's here take a look at him."

"…Asami, these are human doctors."

"And? If they can perform heart transplants then they can tell us if the dog has any broken bones. Besides, his shots are in date, he has the tags on his collar." Oh right…why didn't I notice that? "I'll call Kei and have him run to the store to buy some necessities for him, assuming of course you were serious about wanting to keep him."

"…Well, we HAD been talking about breeding Ceska…"

"A discussion we only briefly had…and we don't even know the breeding line on this dog. Once we have that checked, then we will consider puppies. Puppies that we won't be keeping if we keep this dog," Akihito pouted at that, his arm wrapped around the precious dog protectively, "Fine, one. We can keep one. IF this dog has a good blood line. If not then he's just a pet."

"Ugh, fiiine. I hate to admit it, but you're right. I would hate it if we bred unhealthy puppies…" Akihito sighed, "Now, help me up." Asami was quick to oblige, getting the blonde up to his feet carefully. "Thanks…"

With that the two headed into the building, passed the dog off to a doctor once the man was called down to the nurse's station, and then made their way into the elevator. As the doors were closed and the elevator was heading up, Asami looped an arm around his waist and pulled him back against him, leaning down to murmur something into his hear.

"Big Daddy Yum Yum? Now Kitten…have you been hiding some sort of Daddy kink from me?" Oh dear god…

"Shut up you dirty old pervert…I only said it because that sleazebag was acting like I use you as a sugar daddy or something, so I played along."

"I don't believe you,Pet. I think you secretly liked it."

"I literally cringed as I said it."

"Mmm so you wouldn't be willing to try it?"

"About as willing as I am to let you shove that massive butt plug up my ass."

Asami smirked devilishly. "Oh, so there's a chance?" Rather than grace that with a reply, Aki opted to shoot him a nasty look and change the subject.

"So are bulldogs just every yakuza bastard's favorite dog, or was this some sort of coincidence?"

The older man shrugged. "Apparently after I began bringing Ceska with me on…work duties, the breed became some sort of symbol of power and strength among the underworld. Now just about everyone has one, though most don't do any research into what they're getting."

"Ah, so you mean bad breeding…which is why you're worried about the dog I saved earlier."

Asami nodded. "Exactly. Speaking of which…have you considered a name for him yet? Or are you open to suggestions?"

Right…I suppose he DOES need a name if he's coming home with us. If we leave it up to Kiyomi it will end up being something girly, and dear lord if we let Masa name him…he would either be named after a food or a cartoon character. Neither of which Ryuichi will be okay with… even if it would be adorable…

"Considering we've only had this dog for like five minutes I haven't thought about it, actually. I've just been concerned over him, Mayuri, and the kids back at home to really even consider a name. So I'm open to suggestions." Akihito looked up, and was surprised to see an almost childish excitement appear in those usually serious or mischievous golden orbs. It wasn't the first time he had seen that glint, but it had been a long time since it last popped up…actually the last time was when he brought Ceska home.

"I had plans on naming one of the puppies this, but I think it fits that big tank much better. We already have a Ceska, so let's name him Makarov." Of course…after another gun. Why am I not surprised? Though can I really tell him no when he's so happy about it? Akihito glanced back into those eyes. Nope, I'm not strong enough.

"Makarov it is, Mak for short because honestly that's a mouthful. But I guess it will be cute to have a matching pair…" Asami looked very pleased with this.

"Perfect, I will have Kei get a collar tag engraved while he's at the pet store." Somehow I get the feeling he was already planning on getting his way…not that this is any different than usual.

"Sounds good…oh, if it's not a bother to him then can you ask him to grab some snacks for the kids at the convenient store? I checked this morning and we're almost out of…well all of it."

"Consider it done…I doubt he'll be bothered with it. Besides, he can take Kiyomi with him and get her out of the house…she'll appreciate it I'm sure."

Aki snorted. "Probably, but she'll con him into buying anything she wants in the store, which is a lot. Despite his stoic façade, our princess has him wrapped around her little finger. He's her "favorite uncle" for a reason."

"I think after everything she's been through the last few days…she can afford to be spoiled a little." Asami mused, stopping in front of Mayuri's door. "You go on ahead, I'll make the call out in the hall." He held up the bag, offering it out.

"You got it."

Kei's POV

"You guys sure you don't want to stay for dinner?" Akihito asked for the third time as he and Fei headed for the door. And again, Kirishima nodded.

"Yes, we are positive Akihito. You should all have a family dinner, and I know we're family too but really the two of us would like to go eat together."

With a small sigh and a half smile, the boy nodded to them. "Right, well you two are free to come back tonight, or tomorrow…or just whenever."

"We know that, and I'll come back before I leave back to China." Fei assured, though he was inching towards the door with each word. He had been eager to leave for hours, apparently wanting some alone time since they hadn't gotten any in...a while. With everything going on their concern had just been elsewhere, and they hadn't made time for each other whatsoever. It didn't bother him as much as it did Feilong, he was rather used to this. But Fei required much more attention than he did, and as much as he hated to admit it…he had grown rather fond of having him around. He was the most irritating and frustrating individual he had ever been with, and for some unknown reason he found that to be incredibly attractive. Also…it made for interesting angry sex a lot of the time.

"Okay, well see you then…call if you need anything." The brat has grown up a lot since we first met him. Kei mused to himself as he gave a small nod, heading out the door before they could get roped into more conversation.

Once they were both in Kei's sports car and out of the driveway, Fei piped up from the passenger's seat. "Do you still have my waters in the fridge?" he asked, sitting with one leg crossed over the other.

"Hm? Oh, yes…I restocked them a week or so ago." Actually, no. He didn't. Fei was a water snob, or actually he was a snob about everything. He claimed he could taste the difference and that all other water was disgusting. So he expected Kirishima to buy water at 8500 yen a bottle…and Kirishima thought that was absolutely ridiculous. So instead he bought about six, let the man drink them, and then had been washing and refilling them the rest of the time with tap water. He hadn't caught on once, not in the six months he had been doing this.

"So…are you going to grab me one or am I expected to go parched?" Oh you little shit…

"Right right, let me get to a stop." He replied, keeping his tone neutral while he gritted his teeth. See, most irritating man…ever. But Fei was his irritating man.

At the next stop, Kei reached back and felt around for the fridge, retrieving the other a water before passing it over. "There's your water. Now, do you want me to make us something back at the apartment? We'll have to run to the store first since everything in the fridge is probably bad, but it won't take long."

Fei held up a finger, shutting him up from talking anymore as he took a long drink of water. It took everything in him not to roll his eyes at the dramatic display. "No, I'm hungry now. Let's just go eat somewhere." That's surprising…he's usually begging me to cook.

"That's fine, what do you want?"

"I don't care, anything is suitable."

Wow, that makes things easy. "Okay, how about ramen? We haven't had any in a while."

"Eh…no. Not really in the mood."

"Okay…then how about sushi? We can go to Sushi Tokami if you want, I have the extra cash."

"Sushi? We had that on our last date, Kei." Fei said with a scoff, looking out the window with a bored expression on his face.

"You're right. Then how about we go to Nodaiwa? You liked the fresh water eel, and you've been talking about wanting it again for a while."

Fei actually seemed to think about this one, but still ended up shaking his head. "No, not feeling it."

"Udon?"

"Eh."

"Gyoza?"

"If I wanted Gyoza, I would have one of my chefs make it back home." If he weren't currently driving, he would be pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Well then how about we go sit down at a family restaurant? They have a huge variety on their menus."

"Um yeah, no. Sit in a restaurant that will probably have rowdy children in it? Not interested."

"Anything is suitable" my ass…you picky little shit… "We can get it to go, take it back to the apartment and eat it there. Or we can eat in the car…or find somewhere nearby to sit and eat. A park or something, seems like something you would like."

Fei just gave him a look. "Eat outside where there are bugs? No thank you."

At this point Kei was gripping the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles were turning white. "Then how about Chinese Takeout then, hm? Because that's basically what you're leaving us with!" He snapped, though he immediately regretted it because of the hurt look that flashed on his lover's face, though he covered it up quickly with an offended one. "That wasn't…I'm sorry. That was uncalled for."

"…It's fine." Fei mumbled after a moment, but he knew better than that. Once Fei had his feelings hurt, it could be hours before he was actually over it…that is unless he smoothed things over quickly.

"Okay, well if you want we can go pick up something for you to snack on and then I can just cook something at home. Anything you want, and we'll watch one of those…romance comedy movies you enjoy so much. Just not Easy A again." Please GOD not again.

"But that's the only one I want to watch." Fei countered with a huff.

"…Fine. But you can't get angry at me if I fall asleep."

"No, I WILL get angry at you if you fall asleep. So, stay awake and do that thing you do with my hair…and then I'll be happy." You know, if I hit my head against the steering wheel hard enough…

"Okay, whatever you want. Is this acceptable?"

"It's the best option you've thrown out this entire car ride, so yes." Now we're getting somewhere.

"What do you want for a snack then? We can run by somewhere or grab something from the Seven Eleven."

"Um…I don't care? Anything." Oh my god, you've got to be fucking kidding me… "Also, your phone is ringing. Either answer it or send it to voicemail because your ringtone is seriously annoying." Oh my ringtone is the LEAST annoying thing in this car right now!

Barely holding back another sigh, Kei slipped his phone out of his pocket and checked the caller ID. "Sir?" he answered, keeping his voice even.

"Tell that asshole to leave us alone! We just left from there!" Fei said with a groan, which went mostly ignored.

"Kirishima, I've just received a call from Rin concerning all the missing persons and Jun…and apparently we've been invited to dinner and a show."

This made him frown. "That's concerning, sir. And is Akihito okay with you leaving him and the kids alone for dinner?"

"He's fine with it, once I gave him a vague explanation. He would prefer I be there to make sure the vermin is disposed of properly. Of course you two don't have to come, it's purely just an invitation. Rin made sure to stress this to us all, though he was sure we would all want to be there."

Okay, this is perfect! Now the decision is made for us. "We'll be there, just text the address and I'll head there."

"I'll pass the message." With that the other line was cut off, and moments later the text with the address came through. He could feel the bitch stare he was getting from the passenger's seat as he punched the location into the GPS and turned around.

"Um…Excuse you? We just made plans together!" Fei snapped after a couple seconds of being ignored.

"And now we have different ones, ones I think you'll like." Kei said reasonably, "We've been invited to dinner and a show."

Fei groaned, rolling his eyes whilst crossing his arms over his chest dramatically. "Really? It better not be something stupid. Because if it is, you'll have to make it up to me…and I won't make that easy." You never make anything easy.

"It's dinner and a show at Rin's place."

"Oooo! Okay, now that peeks my interest! But you still owe me a romcom night…either when we get home or tomorrow!"

Why do I subject myself to this torture?

Half an hour later…

"We should have at least gotten a snack before we started this drive, Kei. I'm starving!" Fei snapped, getting pissier and pissier the hungrier he got (AKA: Dis boi is HANGRY).

"I offered to stop at the Seven Eleven! You were the one who said it didn't have anything you wanted!" Kei shot back, pulling into the parking lot leading up to the huge, abandoned warehouse building.

"Because it doesn't! It's all cheap convenient store food!"

"You've never been in one! I'm one hundred percent positive that you would have found at least ONE thing that you would have liked in there! Everyone can!"

Fei scoffed, clearly offended. When is that any different than usual? "My palette is far above salty, processed food from a convenient store. You should know that by now, we've been together for over a year." Every part of him wanted to scream "And you didn't know you've drinking tap water for the last six months!" But he had to reframe, because then he would get bitched at…and would have to pay a small fortune in bottled water.

Rather than continue this fight, Kei tried to take a few deep breaths to calm himself down. He didn't want to argue, and he didn't want to have to spend the last couple days Fei was there pampering him in hopes of being forgiven for whatever came out of his mouth. Been there and done that. "You're right, I apologize. I'll try to keep snacks in the fridge from now on that you like, okay? Just write me a list when we get home…and when I go to the store tomorrow I'll pick it up. But we're here, and I bet the food is already ready."

"I have to write the damn list? You should know what I like by now!" His lover huffed out, still pissy. The little self-control left in Kei snapped. He glanced out the window to make sure no one had arrived yet, before leaning over and grabbing Feilong's chin to make their eyes meet.

"Stop. This. Now. You're being a bratty little shit, and I'm getting fed up with it." He narrowed his eyes when the other tried to pull away, "If you keep this up, then we get home I'm going to take you to the bedroom, lay you over my lap, and I'm going to spank your ass until you're either crying or I'm satisfied with the shade of red it becomes. Then we're going to spend the rest of night teaching you manners in only the best way I know how." For a long time the two just glared each other down, but he could see Fei slowly breaking under his demanding, stern gaze. Finally he received a short nod. "Good, now give me a kiss."

Fei kissed him without hesitation, never turning down the rare affection Kei showed outside of the bedroom. Those soft lips pressed against his own made all that pent-up frustration just leave him, filling up the gap that was left with hungry desire. A desire he wouldn't be able to fill until later. They only pulled away when they heard a car pulling in behind them, and when they did Fei was giving him a mischievous grin. "Saying things like that only tempts me you know."

A smirk spread over his own lips. "Try my patience tonight even once, and you'll see where it gets you."

"Oh don't worry, I will!"

All Kei could do was shake his head as they both exited the car, right as Asami got out of his own. He was giving them a weird look, almost as if he knew everything that just happened. His boss/best friend held up his phone, and Kei felt his heart drop into his stomach. There was an ongoing call…from him. "You butt dialed me." Was all Asami said before heading towards the warehouse door, not another word said. If I believed in god, I would be begging him to kill me on spot right now. Looking over at Fei, it seemed that he either didn't hear what Asami said…or didn't care. Swallowing thickly, he made his way towards the door, the entire time mentally screaming at himself for being so stupid…and he was so distracted that he almost jumped out of his skin when he heard a new voice come up behind him.

"Aw, you guys were going to have a party without me?~ How rude!" Kei turned around, see Mayuri with Suoh behind him, pushing his wheelchair.

"Mayuri…what are you doing here? You should be in the hospital recovering." Asami said, giving the younger man a disapproving stare.

"As if I would miss this for the world, Ryu!~ I've been waiting for this my entire life! Don't think I'll let a little fever keep me from witnessing what will probably be the best show I'll ever see."

Both he and Asami turned to Suoh, glaring at him as though this were his fault. "You let him leave the hospital?"

"He was very adamant on coming." That's really all it takes for you?

"Oh come on guys! Don't give Kazumi that look, I'm a grown ass man! My decisions are mine, they're not on him!" Yes, but you can't get down the stairs without him so. "…By the way, do you guys smell that?"

"Smell what?" Kei frowned, giving the air a small whiff. Oh…that.

"Yeah, I've been smelling it since we got out of the car! It smells like…Yoh's Korean barbeque!" Fei said after a moment, and everyone nodded in agreement.

"You're right it does…Oh wait. Oh god." As Asami said this an equally disturbed and disgusted look appeared on his face, and right about that time he supposed the same thought popped into all their heads…and what didn't help was Rin opening the door, clad in a rubber apron covered in blood.

"I hope you're all hungry!"

We should have just eaten at home.