Rating: PG

Disclaimer: These characters belong to Yamane Ayano, not me.

Author's Note: About a couple of months down the road...

"Aw, come on, Aki. Come out with us." Kou nudged Takato with his elbow. "Tell him, Takato. Make him come."

"I told you I can't tonight."

"Your part-time job is supposed to be just that. Part-time. And summer break is almost over!"

Akihito shrugged off Kou's whining. "Sorry, but I'm getting extra money to help shoot this wedding reception tonight. Being second camera to sensei is really good experience, even if it is a lame event."

"At least there'll be a lot of pretty girls there, I'll bet." Kou smiled, resting his hands behind his head and staring up at the ceiling. "You always get all the lucky breaks, Akihito."

"Idiot." Takato smacked him upside the head. "Do you ever think about the things you say before you say them?"

Akihito rolled his eyes. "Yeah, so lucky. The last time I shot a wedding, all the old ladies kept coming up to me and telling me how cute I am and wanting to take pictures with me. Sensei wasn't too happy about it." Takato and Kou snickered. "And I've had zero luck getting to do any interesting work."

Takato smashed his cigarette out in the ashtray that sat on Akihito's low coffee table. "Your cop friend still won't give you any jobs?"

"No. He's been treating me like a complete kid. I don't know what his problem is lately. He's acting like something crawled up his ass and died." Akihito's glum pout made them both laugh again. "Anyway." He brightened, uncrossing his legs and rising to get them all another soda. "I want to finish planning out the party after I get home tonight."

"Did you tell him about it yet?"

"It's a surprise party, you doof."

Kou ducked Takato's smack this time. "Oh yeah, I forgot about that."

"I'm gonna talk to one of the guys that works for him tomorrow, so he can help me coordinate getting him there. You guys will definitely come, right?"

"Of course!"

"We wouldn't miss this for anything, Aki. We've been dying to meet this dude since you told us about him. Who else are you going to invite?"

"I'm keeping it small since I can't afford anything really fancy but I was planning to ask Kirishima-he's, like, his personal assistant or something-for the names of a couple of his friends. I figure I can email them the details, or maybe send out an eVite."

"You still thinking about karaoke?"

"Yeah. We can go to Decibel. Get a private room. Lots of booze to break the ice."

"Do people his age like karaoke?"

Akihito frowned at the doubt in Kou's voice.

"What are you talking about? We see drunk middle-aged salary men in those places all the time, and he's much cooler than them, and he's not nearly as old."

"Anyway," Takato interjected. "Who doesn't like karaoke? I think it's a great idea, Aki."

They clinked soda cans as Akihito beamed.

"Hey, I think it's a good idea too!" Kou protested. "Only I thought it would be cool to have it at his fancy club. I mean, what's the point of having a rich boyfriend if you don't take advantage of it?"

"No way! That's just him throwing his own birthday party. I want to do something for him!"

"Okay, we get it! Jeez!"

Takato intervened. "Are you seeing him tonight?"

"Nah, he's out of town on business until tomorrow night. That's why I have to swing by and talk to Kirishima tomorrow morning."

"He sure does go out of town a lot."

"Yeah, I guess so." A slight frown settled over Akihito's features, then his brow cleared and he laughed. "But it's funny really. Who would've thought the lives of a lowly university student and a mysterious kingpin of the Tokyo elite would be so compatible?"

"How do you mean?"

"Well, we both stay up really late, so our schedules actually gel pretty nicely. I do my thing. He does his thing. And we meet up-"

"For hot sex!" A huge, impish smile lit up Kou's face.

Akihito crumpled his can and chucked it as Kou's head, shooting a dirty look at the snickering Takato.

"We meet up," he continued loudly, "when it's convenient to both of us-which has been working out really well."

"You know he's right." Takato lit up another cigarette and jabbed it in the air for emphasis. "If Aki were dating a girl, she'd want to spend every waking moment with him. Probably wouldn't let him go out drinking with his friends."

"Wouldn't put out."

They laughed at Kou's contribution.

"No, that's just your problem."

"You guys are so mean."

"Seriously, though." Takato nodded. "It's like the perfect relationship!"

A goofy smile spread over Akihito's face, though he ducked his head.

"Aww, Aki's in looooove."

Trying to ignore the red hot blush that covered his cheeks, Akihito replied in his most dignified manner. "Shut up, idiots. I'm not."

"Yeah, right." They both scoffed.

"Anyway." Takato shot Akihito a disgruntled look. "Wakai's sister is still mad at me because you shot her brother down. This guy better be worth it. I kind of wanted to ask her out."

With a guilty wince at the reminder, Akihito groaned. "Sorry. I did like him, it's just..." He wasn't Asami.

"So what does your man look like, Aki?" Kou leaned forward in interest. "You never told us anything about that."

"Yeah, tell us." Takato was also eager to hear.

Akihito blushed again. "Oh, well. He's pretty tall. And built. Really well built. His hair is kinda dark and his...his eyes are a really unusual color. Sort of golden. Golden-brown."

Silence reigned for a moment, and then Kou and Takato collapsed on the table, shaking with laughter.

"His eyes," Kou gasped. "You know what this means, right, Takato?"

"Oh, yeah. Without a doubt." Takato looked up at Akihito and grinned. "Totally in loooove."

"I hate you both. And I need to leave." Akihito got to his feet and grabbed his packed up gear sulkily. "Get out."

"Yeah, yeah. We're going." Still laughing they clapped Akihito on the shoulder. "We'll walk you to the station."

"Is it really okay, though?" Takato asked as Akihito locked the door behind them. "I mean, this guy sounds a bit dangerous from what you've told us. If you're getting serious about him..."

"It's not serious! I mean..." Akihito trailed off unsurely. "I don't think he sees it that way." Akihito shook his head rapidly. "And me either, I mean, it's fun. We're having fun."

"Hm. Well, it's something to keep in mind, Aki." Takato's voice was kind. "I'd hate to see a nice guy like you get hurt."

"I don't think he'd hurt me. He's...well, he might be dangerous. I'm not really sure. But I know he wouldn't hurt me."

"Do you think he's Yakuza?" The excitement in Kou's voice made Akihito grin a little. He understood where it was coming from.

"Erm, no. Whatever he is, it's not that exactly." He turned his head away so his friends wouldn't see the tinge of pink across his cheekbones as he recalled his conversation with Asami about tattoos.

"Well, we'll check him out for you at the party, Aki." Kou and Takato each slung an arm around his shoulders. "Make sure he's good enough for you."

Akihito laughed. "Thanks, guys. You're the best."

Kirishima had been rather flabbergasted when the building's front desk had called up to announce the presence of Takaba Akihito. He had come by the corporate office twice before, to his knowledge, but only when Asami was in attendance and had been expecting him. With Asami-sama away-a fact he thought Takaba likely knew-he was at a loss for any possible reason for him to show up unannounced.

He allowed the smallest bit of censure to creep into his thoughts as he acknowledged to himself that he saw no reason for the boy's presence here even if Asami-sama was around. His boss had rarely allowed lovers such liberties before. That he would to such a one as Takaba was perplexing.

Feeling the guilt of his disloyal thought, Kirishima sighed. There was no question, of course, that he would allow the boy up. His curiosity needed to be satisfied, and Asami-sama had taken a peculiar liking to Takaba Akihito. While that was the case, Kirishima would treat him with the respect Asami-sama would wish.

His secretary ushered Takaba into his own private office, which the boy had never been inside before. He peered around like a curious cat, seeming to take in everything with his bright, interested gaze.

"Takaba Akihito." Kirishima stood and walked around his desk. "Perhaps you were unaware that Asami-sama is away on business. He returns tonight so-"

"Oh, I know Ryuichi's not here right now." The boy completely missed Kirishima's wince. Ryuichi indeed. "That's why I came, Kirishima-san." Takaba's blithe smile grew to blinding levels of brightness. "I wanted to talk to you."

"To me?" Taken aback, Kirishima merely stared at Takaba for a moment.

"It won't take long, I promise." Takaba turned hopeful eyes on him that seemed to become larger with each passing second.

"Very well." He sighed internally. Best to hear what this was all about. Hopefully, he could spare Asami-sama some trouble. "Please have a seat. Takaba-kun."

He indicated one of the chairs across from his desk and took a seat in the other one. "What business do you have with me?"

Takaba laughed and waved his hand in front of him. "It's not business. It's pleasure."

"I beg your pardon." Kirishima's spine became even more rigid, and he adjusted his glasses to sit precisely on the bridge of his nose, a typical nervous tic when he was uncomfortable.

"Well, you know what Saturday is, right?"

"This Saturday?" Kirishima frowned and made a quick calculation. "The fourth?"

"Exactly!"

The boy stared at him expectantly.

"I'm afraid I'm at loss as to what you're referring."

"August fourth." Takaba enunciated his next words as if Kirishima hadn't graduated pre-school, much less Tokyo University with top honors. A muscle jumped in his jaw as he resisted the urge to throttle the little punk. "Your boss's birthday."

Kirishima couldn't hide his surprise. "Well, yes...the fourth is Asami-sama's birthday." He had to ask. "Did he tell you that?"

"Nope." Takaba leaned back in his chair, lacing his fingers together and cracking his knuckles as he proffered a smug smile. "Research."

Kirishima managed not to roll his eyes.

"I see. Well, I fail to understand why this necessitated a visit to Sion Group, particularly since Asami-sama is away. We're very busy here, and I can assure you that wasting time on frivolous whims is not how Asami-sama does business."

Takaba assumed a slightly crestfallen air. "I'm sorry to bother you while you're working, Kirishima-san. It's not a whim, though. I really need your advice."

"About Asami-sama's birthday?" Kirishima rubbed at his temple with one hand. "I can tell you that Asami-sama is not one for celebrating such an occasion."

"You mean he doesn't celebrate his own birthday?" Takaba seemed floored by this idea.

"That is correct."

"That's...really really pathetic." He slapped a hand down on his knee. "For sure, then, I'm going ahead with this surprise party."

"Surprise party?" Kirishima snapped his jaw shut when he realized he was gaping in a most unsightly manner.

Takaba's eyebrows raised. "Well, yeah, what did you think we were talking about? I'm throwing Ryuichi a small party, and I wanted you to give me the names of a couple of his friends so I could let them know about it as soon as possible."

Was this really happening? Kirishima slid his fingers up the bridge of nose, lifting his glasses in the process and pinched. "I really don't think-" he began. "That is to say-" The boy stared at him with that same hopeful, expectant look. "Asami-sama doesn't, ah...appreciate surprises."

"I'm sure he'll appreciate this one. He likes good surprises, I know for a fact."

For some inexplicable reason, the boy turned an alarming shade of red, then hastily cleared his throat. "Anyway, everyone should have at least one surprise party in their life. I'm definitely doing it."

Damage control, he had to do damage control. He owed it to his boss. Be polite, be firm, he told himself. "Takaba-kun, while I'm sure Asami-sama would appreciate the sentiment, I don't think a party like this would exactly suit his...preferences."

Of course the boy wouldn't just agree with him and leave. Of course not. Instead, he folded his arms across his chest and leveled a glare at Kirishima that would have been completely irritating if not for the hint of hurt that flickered in Takaba's eyes.

"Why don't you like me, Kirishima-san?"

"What are you saying? It's not a matter of-"

"Yes, it is. You always look so disapproving of me. What did I ever do to you?"

Completely at a loss, Kirishima stood and walked to his window, gathering his composure. "I do not dislike you, Takaba-kun. I am merely looking after the best interests of Asami-sama-"

"Which don't include someone like me."

Kirishima turned to look at the boy. "I didn't say that. Please do not put words in my mouth."

"Then why are you so against this party. I just..." Takaba looked down at his feet, scuffing the toe of one sneaker against the floor. Kirishima could see the tips of his ears go red. "I just want to do something for him. Birthdays should be special."

Kirishima sighed and walked back to his desk. When the little brat had crossed their path all those months ago, he never would have expected things would come to this. Really, a barely-of-age university student-and not even a top tier university at that-and his boss. At least the kid seemed to be a decent sort, unlike some of Asami-sama's past lovers. He had to say that for him. "What did you have in mind?"

Takaba's head jerked up, his wide smile back in service. "So you'll help?"

"If I can." More like he'd be heading off more of the boy's unreasonable ideas.

"You have to promise not to tell him. It has to be a total surprise."

Kirishima hesitated. Not telling Asami-sama just wasn't a possibility. Still, it would probably be best to appease Takaba at the moment, but he couldn't suppress a slight feeling of guilt as he nodded his assent.

"Okay!" Takaba rubbed his hands together. "So, here's the deal. It's going to be at a karaoke bar. Private room. A couple of my friends. A couple of his. A little food and drink and music. Just really low-key." He beamed. "Doesn't sound so bad, does it?"

"Karaoke?"

Takaba looked shocked by his outburst.

"Uh, yeah, something wrong with that?"

"Takaba-kun..." Kirishima closed his eyes and attempted a mediation technique that never failed him. He opened them again to find Takaba staring at him with his arms folded again and the hint of a sulk shading his features. "Karaoke might not be a wise choice." He raised a hand to forestall Takaba's protest. "You see, there have been..." He had a flash of inspiration. "Security issues. At this time, for Asami-sama's safety, an event of that sort at such a public and unsecured place would be inadvisable."

It wasn't precisely a lie. Security was always an issue, particularly since Asami-sama was so cavalier about his own safety at times. He knew Suoh was of the same mind, not that it phased their boss, who continued to do as he pleased in this matter despite their advice. He took a deep breath. This was no time to get side-tracked.

Takaba had stopped sulking and was now looking thoughtful. "I didn't know about that," he admitted.

"Asami-sama probably did not wish to worry you. It is only a minor matter, but it is always better to exercise caution in these situations."

"Yeah. I can understand that. I guess the karaoke bar isn't a good idea."

Kirishima breathed a sigh of relief.

Takaba nodded decisively. "We'll just have it at my place instead."

"Your place?"

"Yeah, it'll be great. It's small, but that's part of the fun, right?"

From what Kirishima understood, the boy's place was little more than a cupboard that was probably too snug for even one civilized person. How did he imagine he would host a party in it? Still, at least that was a manageable thought, and thankfully, it would keep things out of the public eye.

"I suppose that might work," he said reluctantly. "But might I suggest using a private room in one of Asami-sama's clubs? I'm sure he would be pleased to allow you the use of any of them."

"No! You sound like Kou."

"Kou?"

"Yeah, one of my best friends, and like I told him, I want to do this myself. It's supposed to be something I give to him."

Trying to ignore the rather irksome comparison, Kirishima struggled to push down his growing impatience. "Very well." He pulled out his PDA and frowned. "It seems that as of now Asami-sama has no scheduled plans that evening. If you're set on this, I won't attempt to dissuade you again."

Takaba didn't miss a beat. "Great! So about his friends..."

"His friends." Oh, yes. He'd mercifully forgotten that request for a few moments. "Ah..."

"Don't tell me he hasn't got any friends."

He fixed the boy with a stern look. "Asami-sama socializes with a diverse group of people. However, I'm not sure they would be-"

"Nevermind." Takaba snorted. "I get it. By diverse, you mean too rich and important to hang out at my crummy place."

"No, that's-"

"It's fine." Takaba shrugged and smiled, though Kirishima thought he seemed just a little offended. "I wanted to keep it small anyway. But that means you have to come for sure. And Suoh-san too. You guys are tight, right? You're almost always together."

"Me?"

"Yeah, you. You care about Asami's birthday, don't you?"

"It's not a matter of not caring. I've already told you, it's not something that he's ever wished to celebrate."

"Are you sure? Maybe he just acts like he doesn't care."

This was getting absurd. He knew should have gone to Club Sion this morning to check on how the new manager was acclimating.

"That's beside the point. It's not my place to-"

"You could keep Asami safe if you were there. Otherwise, he'd be there all alone. My front door is pretty flimsy too. Anyone could kick it in without even trying."

Was this kid really trying to manipulate him? The nerve. His lips pursed. Finally, he parted them just enough to get one tight-jawed word out. "Fine."

He couldn't wait to speak to Asami-sama later. Surely, he would put a stop to all this nonsense once and for all. He felt a little bad that Takaba would be disappointed, but he knew without a doubt that this is the last thing Asami-sama would want.

Takaba, unaware of Kirishima's inner turmoil, jumped to his feet. "Thanks for helping me brainstorm, Kirishima-san! I'll get in touch later about getting him to my place at the right time." All smiles again, he made a quick path to the door. "Oh, and if you and Suoh want to drop off your gifts for Asami early so he doesn't see them ahead of time, just let me know!"

Takaba disappeared and Kirishima's secretary knocked and entered, carrying a fresh cup of tea. Kirishima stared at the steam rising from the fragrant tea.

Gifts?

"Fix yourself one too." Asami brought the glass tumbler to his lips. "You're looking unusually stressed this evening. Out with it."

His normally unflappable assistant shifted uncomfortably, but obediently turned to the limo's wet bar, obviously casting about for where to begin. Asami hid his amusement by taking another swallow of his drink. The ride from the airport had given them ample time to go over any critical business, so he wasn't worried that whatever was bothering Kirishima was anything to be concerned about. He would never hold back urgent information.

However, he intended to get to the bottom of whatever was ruffling the feathers of his right hand man.

"It's nothing, sir. It's just we had an unexpected visitor today."

The slight lift of one brow indicated his impatience. "Do you wish me to guess?"

Kirishima flushed and hurriedly went on. "It was Takaba Akihito."

"Takaba?"

Asami was honestly surprised. He had told Akihito that he would be away until this evening. Well, that explained at least some of Kirishima's consternation. Knowing Akihito, the rest of the story was sure to be amusing.

"And the reason for this?"

Uncharacteristically, Kirishima hesitated. "He did specifically request that I not tell you."

A single glance was enough to elicit a rapid explanation. "He somehow discovered that your birthday is this weekend. He wishes to have a party for you." Kirishima grimaced. "A surprise party no less."

Well, this was unexpected. After a moment Asami laughed.

Seeming rather put out by that response, Kirishima cleared his throat. "I informed him that you weren't in the custom of celebrating your birthday."

"And what did he say to that?"

"Well..." Kirishima took a tiny sip of drink and looked uncomfortable. "I'm afraid that it only increased his determination to go forward with his plan. He seemed bewildered by the idea that someone would not expect a fuss made. I believe his exact words were that it was 'really really pathetic'."

Asami laughed again, feeling even more amused by the look of resignation on Kirishima's face, as if he anticipated his next words.

"Well, what's the harm in it? I'm sure whatever he has up his sleeve will be extremely entertaining."

Kirishima pushed his glasses up his nose with his most severe gesture, and spoke only one word. "Karaoke." Asami's eyebrows raised. "I managed to persuade him that hosting this event at a karaoke bar would be unwise."

"Well...thank you for that, Kirishima." Asami smirked. "I'll make sure your outstanding service is reflected in this year's bonus."

"You always do." Kirishima allowed himself a slight smile and a bigger sip of his scotch.

"So what are the plans?"

"Unfortunately, he refused to consider using one of your clubs, so he settled on having it at his own home."

"Hmph." Asami chuckled again. "I assume he was planning on a very small party."

"Indeed. He mentioned some of his friends would be attending and..."

"And what?"

Kirishima looked distinctly uncomfortable.

"He requested that both Suoh and I attend as well. I didn't know quite what to say to him. He is very determined when he sets his mind to something. But perhaps you can explain to him-"

"I think it's a fine idea."

"Asami-sama?"

The deer caught-in-the-headlight expression was really too amusing. What had he done for fun before Akihito? Asami kept his features impassive, though, as he met Kirishima's fretful gaze.

"Unless you'd rather not. I won't force you to celebrate my birthday, of course."

"No, I..." Kirishima made a visible effort to gather himself. "I would be honored to attend, of course."

"Of course," Asami agreed, humor evident in his tone. "Well, I'm happy to see you and Takaba getting on well. He told me once that you remind him of his mother."

Kirishima choked on the sip he'd just taken. "His what?"

"Hn, I think he said it was your strict looks and the way you always call him by his full name when you see him. He does quite an amusing impression of you, by the way."

"I see." Kirishima looked at him carefully and Asami could almost see the mental shrug as he prepared to indulge another of his boss's whims. "Perhaps he can share it at the party."

"His impression of Suoh is even funnier."

Kirishima paused, a grim smile settling over his features. "I'll make certain he is there."

"Do that," Asami agreed, reaching into his pocket as his cell phone beeped.

His eyes warmed, skimming the long incoming message, and he typed a succinct reply, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. He hit the intercom button.

"Change of plans, Suoh. We're making a brief stop on the way home."

The beep and susurration of the fax machine ceased, and after a few moments he parted the curtains of his ornate bed, allowing pale smoke to spread out through his dimly-lit private chambers. A deceptively slender hand took up the sheets of paper. He read over their contents: a list of times and dates and descriptions relating to one particular man, ranging from the most inconsequential details to those of much greater interest.

He could hardly credit what he was reading. It made no sense with what he knew of the man under his surveillance, and if it was true it was beyond insulting. Bad enough what this man had done to him four years ago. Bad enough the insults still fresh in his mind; the blatant slap in the face as this man had treated his efforts to provoke and punish as mere child's play. He had dared to mock him with his false data and his insolent dismissal of him, Liu Feilong of Baishe, as a threat.

Perhaps he had been premature. Yoh had tried to warn him, but his temper was so hard to control at times. When he had learned of Asami's latest encroachment into territories that should have belonged to Feilong by right, he hadn't been able to contain himself. He was still building his empire. He had reached too far for the moment.

But this...this he could work with. His fingers tightened, crumpling the report within his fist. This he would play close to his chest. He would act at just the right moment to cause the most amount of pain. He would show this man just who he was; a force to be reckoned with. He would not be ignored.

This boy, this insignificant boy, who had inexplicably captured the attentions of the man he had vowed to destroy-yes, he would find out more. He would take him, and use him, and hurt him, and maybe after all that, he would throw him broken at the feet of his deceitful, dishonorable master.