Rating: NC-17

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

Author's Note: Party time! Sorry for the wait on this chapter. I hope you enjoy it!

Takato put his phone down on the table and smiled. "They'll be here in ten minutes."

"You guys remember the plan, right?" Kou looked across the low coffee where Akihito's boyfriend's two friends knelt with perfect posture, hands on their knees. Colorful balloons drifted along, bumping against the ceiling, their long streamers almost grazing the tops of their heads. The huge guy with the blond hair seemed to take up two-thirds of the available space all by himself. "I'll flip off the lights and then when they open the door, we all shout 'surprise'."

The guy with the glasses pressed his lips together, then released a short breath. "I assure you, we grasped the intricacies of 'the plan' during your first summation."

"Cool! Hey, what was your name again?"

"Kirishima Kei."

Kou leapt up and took the few steps into Akihito's tiny kitchenette. His backside suddenly presented to the room as he bent over to rummage through the refrigerator. "You want a beer, Kei-san? Or Aki bought some fancy whiskey or something too, I think."

When no answer was forthcoming, Kou peered over his shoulder. The glasses guy-Kei-san-seemed to sag just a bit. "Yes, I believe I do. A beer will be fine."

A large, cold can sailed across the room. It was caught with a casual deft grab. Kou grinned. "Nice one, Kei-san! What about you, big guy?"

The mountain nodded once. "Suoh."

"So what?" Kou's eyebrows drew together.

"My name. Suoh."

"Oh!" Kou laughed. "Kou and Suoh. Our names kinda rhyme." He tossed another beer, which was also caught with ease.

He brought two back to the table for him and Takato and waited for everyone to pop them open. "Let's get this party started!" He raised his beer. "Kanpai!"

Three increasingly terse and apologetic texts from Akihito and a number of beers later, the four of them were prepared to move on to the harder stuff. Kei had taken off his jacket and rolled up the sleeves of his white dress shirt, Takato was deep in conversation with Suoh, and Kou was ass in the air again, on all fours, as he dug through the junk under Akihito's sink.

"Here it is!" Kou held a large bottle of whiskey aloft with triumphant glee. "Aki said that he had to put up with having his cheeks pinched by old ladies at three different weddings last month to afford it. His boyfriend must have really expensive taste."

His cheeks were already a little flushed, but Kou managed to juggle the bottle and four small mismatched glasses over to the table.

Kei's eyebrows lifted as he glanced at the label when Kou plunked the bottle onto the low table,

"If Takaba-kun meant this to be a gift, perhaps we'd better wait for Asami-sama to arrive before we consume any."

"Nah, he won't mind as long as we don't drink it all."

Kou poured a generous amount into each of the glasses. Kei looked at his watch before exchanging a glance with Suoh. They seemed to communicate silently for a moment, and then the big guy just shrugged and reached for the drink. Kei sighed and followed suit.

Kou led the toast again then immediately started spluttering as he took a large swallow of the Scotch. Looking rather irritable, Kei demonstrated a smaller sip. "Savor it. Let it roll over your tongue before you swallow."

Takato, the bastard, was laughing at him, and even Suoh's scary poker face almost looked like it was ready to crack.

"Like this?" he wheezed, wiping tears away before he attempted another tiny drink. He was more ready for the burn this time and the strong flavor. He only coughed a little.

Kei's lips twitched, but he answered solemnly, "Better."

Takato and Suoh returned to their conversation.

"What I don't get, Suoh, is how you ended up as a bodyguard-"

"Head of Security," Kirishima interjected as if it were a conditioned response.

"Yeah, Head of Security," Takato went on. "I mean, how does a Japanese History major end up in that line of work."

"My emphasis was Military History."

"Oh. Yeah, I guess I can sort of see how-"

"And," Suoh intoned expressionlessly. "the job market for history majors sucked."

Takato and Kou stared, not sure if Suoh was actually joking or not, at least until the corners of his mouth turned up an infinitesimal degree. They burst into laughter.

Even Kei looked mildly amused. "Suoh is too modest to tell you that he is also highly advanced in three styles of Japanese Martial Arts, as well as being an expert marksman. He is also fluent in Classical Japanese and a prize winner in the last three HIA Haiku Awards."

"Wow."

Kou and Takato looked suitably impressed. Suoh seemed a little embarrassed, though it was hard to tell since he didn't move and his face didn't change expression. It was something in his aura, Kou decided. Kind of made him feel like scratching the big buy behind the ears.

"The last two haven't come up much in my current position, except for the time we got that shipment from-"

Kei cleared his throat. Suoh's mouth closed and they all sat in uncomfortable silence for a moment.

Awkward. Kou could feel the nervous giggles coming on. He banged his drink down, making Kei wince as some of the liquid sloshed over the side.

"Hey, I took karate for a while in high school." Kou whipped his hands around in wild motion and gave a loud kiai. "Maybe we can spar later." He grinned. "If you think you've got what it takes."

Suoh rose to his formidable height. The room seemed to halve in size.

Kou's eyes widened. "I didn't mean now. Haha, I was just kidding around."

"Toilet." Suoh began edging around the table, avoiding balloons and the odds and ends of Akihito's apartment that had been shoved up against the walls. He ducked into to the tiny bathroom, managing to shut the door behind him.

"Wimp." Takato laughed, giving Kou a good natured shove.

"Hey, I like my face the way it is."

"Whatever. Anyway, what the hell is taking them so long?" Takato lit up another cigarette and glanced at Kei. "Any ideas? Aki isn't saying, but wasn't your boss supposed to be driving them?"

Kei frowned and cleared his throat, taking off his glasses and polishing them intently as he answered. "Your guess is as good as mine. Perhaps unexpected traffic has held them up." He settled them back on his nose and picked up glass to take a sip.

"Hey, Kei, you'd better ease up on the booze for a bit." Kou leaned forward, grinning. "Your face just turned all red."

"Wow! I can't believe you traded in your bike." Akihito ran a hand over the sleek lines of Wakai's latest model. "But this is sick."

Wakai grinned. "Knew you'd like it."

Wakai's sister stood a few feet away, gifting Akihito with a sour look before she went back to texting furiously on her phone.

"If Keiko doesn't mind waiting here for a few minutes, I'll be happy to give you a quick ride."

"Ah, really? Well, I-"

A large hand settled on his shoulder and Akihito jumped.

"I'm afraid I already promised to give Akihito a ride today, though it won't be a quick one."

Heat flooded Akihito's cheeks. "Asami! What are you doing here?"

"Have you forgotten we have plans?" Asami's thumb stroked up and down the side of Akihito's throat. Keiko had stopped texting and was staring open-mouthed at Asami. Wakai was watching too, his usually sunny expression slightly subdued.

God, this was way too weird.

"I didn't forget, but, um, I thought we were meeting up in an hour."

"I had a meeting in the area and thought I'd pick you up after your class."

"O-Oh..." Akihito shifted from foot to foot, trying to ignore the warmth that crept up through him as Asami continued to caress him. He laughed awkwardly and tried to edge out of reach. "Let me introduce you. Asami, this is Wakai Hirosuke and his sister Wakai Keiko. Um, this is Asami Ryuichi."

He could barely think as they went through the ritual of introduction. Keiko had moved up close and was smiling brightly up at Asami, while Wakai looked decidedly grumpy.

"It's a pleasure to meet some of Akihito's schoolmates," Asami said with smooth charm. Keiko giggled, but Wakai smiled just as smoothly.

"Oh, I'm not in school. I own my own business, but I often drop off my sister here. She loves motorcycles too, just like Akihito." He grinned over at the increasingly flustered Akihito. "He couldn't get enough the last time he was on the back of my bike."

"Is that so?" Asami smiled urbanely as he pulled his cigarettes from his suit pocket. "Well, I'm afraid he'll have to settle for a ride in my car this evening."

He offered one to Wakai as a large, black limo pulled up to the curb and idled. Keiko gasped. Akihito wanted to die.

"No thank you, I don't smoke."

Asami lit up and blew smoke into the air before he answered. "A wise boy. One should always consider whether or not the risks of pursuing a particular pleasure outweigh the benefits."

Akihito frowned. What the hell was Asami talking about it. This was getting way too weird. He had to get them out of here before he died of awkwardness and embarrassment. But Wakai spoke first.

"I'm not a boy. But I agree with you. Certain things are worth the risk." His eyes followed the trail of smoke Asami's cigarette left as he placed it to his lips. "But I prefer my pleasures more substantial and...wholesome."

Asami chuckled.

"Um, Asami," Akihito finally interrupted. "Shouldn't we be going then?"

"Of course, Akihito." Akihito blushed again. Did Asami have to use that tone of voice when they were in public. Saying his name like that would leave no doubt in anyone's mind just what kind of relationship they had. "I'm eager for your company as well."

Akihito glared. "I didn't say that! We just shouldn't keep the driver waiting around." Squirming with embarrassment, he would have stomped over to the car if Asami's hand hadn't captured his wrist.

"Aren't you going to say goodbye to your friends?"

"Oh, sorry." He scrubbed the back of his head and grinned apologetically. "Congratulations on the new bike Hirosuke...san." He cast a quick nervous look at Asami. "It's really cool."

"I'll be happy to give you that ride anytime."

"Yeah, er, thanks a lot. That's really nice of you." He didn't dare meet Asami's gaze then. "So, um, I'll see you guys around, then."

"It was so nice to meet you, Asami-san!" Keiko beamed.

"The pleasure was mine." Asami reached into his jacket again and extracted a simple black card from his wallet, which he presented to her with a cool smile. "Why don't you visit one of my clubs sometime. Feel free to bring a friend."

"Ahhh, really? Thank you!" Keiko clutched it to her chest and gazed up at Asami with stars in her eyes. "Asami-san is so nice!"

Despite the awkwardness, Akihito almost rolled his eyes. But Wakai was looking less than pleased, so he bobbed forward quickly and muttered another goodbye.

"Come on, Asami. Let's get out of here."

Thankfully, Asami followed him to the car. They had a brief tussle when Asami took the book bag off of Akihito's shoulder.

"I'm not a girl!" he whispered furiously as he yanked it back. "I don't need you to carry my books."

The driver stood by the opened door, and Asami's laughter followed him into the limo.

As soon as the door shut behind them and before Akihito could settle into his seat, he found himself yanked onto Asami's lap, his face inches from Asami's. He thought for a moment that Asami was going to kiss him, but instead he just smirked.

"So you like having something hot and powerful between your legs, do you, Akihito?"

Akihito flushed. "You don't have to make it sound so dirty! Yeah, I like bikes. What of it?"

"Just putting all the little puzzle pieces together. I want to know all there is to know about my cute little Akihito."

Akihito's eyes narrowed. He had to remind himself that today was Asami's birthday. He wasn't going to blow up at him today no matter how annoying the bastard got. Still...

"Call me cute again and you'll find out all about my right hook."

Asami laughed. "Such a wildcat. And here I put all this effort into taming you."

"That's a losing battle, Ryuichi. Didn't you tell me once, you should know how to pick them?"

"Ah, but one battle doesn't make a war."

That insufferable smirk really was going to get Asami in trouble one of these days.

"So we're at war?"

"All relationships are a war: parent to child, superior to subordinate, friend to friend, lover to lover. It's a constant struggle for control and resources, whether they're physical, intellectual, or emotional."

"Wow, that's so romantic. And so messed up."

Asami offered a sharp grin. "It does keep life interesting."

"You need help. Seriously. Ever thought about seeing a shrink?"

"I prefer other therapeutic activities."

"Oh, yeah? Like what? As if I couldn't guess."

"Why don't you get down on the floor there between my legs, and I'll give you first hand experience in one of the things I find refreshing on a variety of levels."

Akihito's eyes widened and his cheeks stained a pale pink color that Asami obviously appreciated. His smile got more heated and he rubbed his thumb over the high bone of his cheek. "Scared?"

He wasn't scared! It was only that Asami was usually so aggressive, Akihito hadn't had much of chance to take initiative with Asami. He hadn't even come close to exploring Asami's body the way his own had been meticulously plundered. But the insolent question got his back up, and he slid down to his knees with a defiant lift of his chin. Anyway, it was Asami's birthday.

"There's my little wildcat." Asami's amusement glowed in his eyes. "No biting now."

He slipped the zip of his slacks down himself, and pulled his half-erect cock from his pants, holding himself without shame as he pumped the shaft once, twice, three times as Akihito's eyes followed the motion. "Come here."

Akihito shuffled forward, his heart thumping hard in his chest as his hands slid up Asami's muscled thighs.

"You'll have to get closer than that."

Akihito shot an irritated look at Asami, but their eyes held when Akihito's lips parted and his tongue slipped out, just touching the tip of Asami's erection, then sliding around the head with a slow twist. Asami didn't make a sound or move, but his eyes darkened.

Akihito felt a hand settle in his hair, not pulling or pushing, just resting there, so he closed his eyes and slid the heavy length of Asami's cock further into his mouth. His lips brushed up against Asami's fingers, and in very little time he felt the shaft fill and harden, pressing against his tongue, which licked and stroked with inexpert but devoted effort.

His own groin throbbed in response to the taste and feel of Asami. It was always amazing when Asami did this to him, but he'd never imagined how it could be from this side, how purely erotic it felt to perform such an intimate service. His fingers dug into Asami's legs, though he didn't notice, and he adjusted his position to take in more of Asami's somewhat daunting length. When Asami's hand moved away, his own replaced it, sliding up and down the shaft, lubricated by his own saliva. The full cock stretched Akihito's jaws, but somehow the discomfort was part of the heightening arousal. Akihito moaned as he sucked harder, and finally the hand in his hair tightened briefly.

"Very good, Akihito. You have excellent natural instincts." His pleasure in hearing Asami's voice so much less composed than usual, almost made him moan again, and when he lifted his eyes to Asami's and saw the look there, he did. "I think we can move on to an advanced lesson."

He wasn't sure how long he was on his knees in the limo, but one thing was sure, and rather personally embarrassing: Asami could hold out a lot longer with a blow job than Akihito could, even when Asami was teasing him and keeping him from coming as long as possible.

It had felt incredibly hot and filthy to have Asami murmuring instructions above him, while Akihito licked and touched and sucked, learning to take Asami deeper and deeper inch by slow inch, but not being allowed to touch himself at all. He still hadn't come yet, and his jaws and knees were sore, but all he could think about was Asami doing something, anything, to relieve the unbearable ache between Akihito's legs.

After Asami had finally spilled into his mouth and Akihito had swallowed it all down. He'd wiped the back of his mouth with his hand and not even waited until Asami had done up his zip before he climbed back onto Asami's lap and yanked his hand to the front of his jeans. "Please, Ryuichi," he'd begged.

Asami had laughed and nodded toward the window, from which Akihito could see they were just pulling into the parking garage of Asami's condo. "We're here."

Frustrated, Akihito had rolled off to allow Asami to fix his clothing. The walk to the elevator had been rather embarrassing and highly uncomfortable. He was sure that the driver, one he didn't know, had smirked as he'd walked stiltedly past his respectful pose by the door.

What was more aggravating, was that Asami actually insisted they take showers right away, pointing out that they had plans for dinner, and that they still needed to swing by Akihito's apartment so that he could email the photos he took at his last job to his employer.

"Oh, right." Akihito had agreed with poor grace, until the thought of the party perked him up. Asami was going to be so surprised.

After they showered-separately-Asami laid out his own fresh clothing, as well as a suit that looked suspiciously close to Akihito's size.

"What's this?"

"It's a suit I bought for you."

"You can't just buy me a suit like this." Akihito frowned. "It looks really expensive, and I-"

"I have plenty of money. Why shouldn't I buy my lover a suit if I wish to?"

Akihito flushed, unable to suppress a flare of warmth at being called Asami's lover. "That's not the point. I can't accept something like this. I mean-" He bent over and his eyes went wide. "Is that Versace?"

"Yes, it suits you."

Akihito gaped. How many thousands... "I'm sorry but I can't. I mean, thank you and all, but..."

Asami frowned and sat down on the bed to button his own shirt. "I understand how you feel, though it's really nothing. I just thought that perhaps on this day..." He trailed off uncharacteristically, then shrugged. "Nevermind, then, if it bothers you so much."

Akihito's head jerked up. This day. Asami had never once alluded to today being his birthday. Is that what he meant? Maybe he wanted Akihito to look nice for once since it was his special day, even if he wouldn't come right out and say that. God, he felt like a heel now.

"Um, well, since you went to all the trouble to get it, I suppose, just this once I could..."

Asami looked over and smiled. "I look forward to seeing you in it."

Akihito had to admit the clothes made him feel like a million bucks. The fabric was so fine and smooth against his skin. And the way Asami's eyes lit up when he presented himself was definitely worth it.

"Okay?" He fidgeted uncomfortably.

Asami reached out and with a few deft touches perfected his tie. "Exceptionally pleasing. Thank you for accepting my gift."

Akihito flushed. "I should be thanking you."

"You can. Later." Asami's smirk drew him along his wake like a snake charmer's song. Quickly, behind Asami's back, he texted Takato. We're on the way.

He wouldn't have felt so pleased then if he'd known it would take an hour and a half to actually make it to his place, and that his beautiful new suit would be decidedly disheveled by that time.

"Let go of me!" His voice was an agitated whisper, and Akihito struggled furiously against Asami's grip, but he remained firmly planted against the wall right next to his front door while Asami smirked at him. "Haven't you had a enough yet, you freakish pervert?"

"That's not a very nice thing to say, now is it, Akihito?" Asami tipped his head, giving Akihito a considering look as his smirk grew more pronounced. "I'd say that deserves some punishment."

"What? No!" Akihito made a desperate grab for Asami's hand. "Someone is going to see us! Stop it! I-ahhhh..."

He clapped his hand over his own mouth as Asami's hand slipped into the front of his slacks and squeezed. He shook his head frantically.

"What's the matter, Akihito." Asami's mouth hovered just next to his ear. "Your neighbors don't appear to be home. Live a little."

He pulled Akihito's hand away and began kissing him like he had all the time in the world. He'd pull back to scrape his teeth over Akihito's bottom lip, lick the slight curve at the corners of his mouth, and then plunge back into a deep, torrid exploration of Akihito's tongue and teeth that left Akihito breathless and pliable in his arms. It was his own plaintive moan when Asami pulled away that brought him out of it.

Shit, they'd been making out like teenagers on his front step with his friends and Asami's waiting on the other side of the door. God, he hoped they hadn't heard him. He frowned and turned his ear toward the wall.

"What is it?"

Those idiots.

"Oh, uh nothing. Music. I guess I left my radio on this morning."

"Well, hadn't you better go in and turn it off? Or did your plans for tonight include star gazing from your front stoop?"

Akihito shot Asami a dirty look, but he turned to the door, making a big production of taking out his keys and rattling his door knob noisily to alert everyone inside.

He should have saved himself the effort.

"After you," he said with a sweeping gesture, ignoring Asami's raised brows as he pushed the door open. Akihito quickly followed him in, anxious to see Asami's reaction.

He forgot all about that though as he took in the sight of Kou, shirtless with a red face, singing a duet with Suoh in front of the small karaoke machine they'd borrowed from Yoshida. Wow. Akihito gaped. He never would have guessed that Suoh was a fan of J-Pop.

At least Kirishima looked almost normal, though his glasses were slightly askew and his tie had been loosened enough that his top button had been undone. A large grin spread over Akihito's face. Awesome.

The song faltered as everyone looked up at their entrance, and four unsynchronized 'surprises' made their way around the small flat. It was then that Akihito finally registered the balloons. Balloons.

He bent down and hissed at Takato. "Where the hell did those come from."

Takato just grinned. "Where do you think?"

Kou. Akihito straightened up, ready to try again to knock some sense into Kou's idiotic brain, when the sound of Asami laughing stopped him. Everyone stared in fascination as he threw back his head and laughed without reservation.

Well. He didn't look all that surprised, but at least he looked very very amused. Akihito smiled when Asami met his gaze, and then rather shyly spread his arms. "Surprise! Happy Birthday, Ryuichi."

The amusement in Asami's expression softened. "This is for me? Thank you, Akihito."

"Yeah, well..." Akihito averted his gaze as his cheeks pinked. "It took us a long enough to get here, so, um, let me introduce you to my friends. "The idiot over there is Kou and this is Takato. My best friends."

Everyone stood up and said the appropriate things, leaving everyone, after a few moments, looming around Akihito's small table in an awkward silence.

"And, er, you know Kirishima-san and Suoh-san."

"We've met," Asami said gravely.

Kou sniggered and Takato punched his arm, while Akihito's eyes shot daggers. Okay, this was lame. Get a grip, Akihito.

"Anyway! Have a seat everyone! You look like you've made a good start on the drinking!" Akihito laughed and dropped to his knees. "Let's have a toast for the birthday boy!"

It was a snug fit, but everyone found a place, Asami settling next to him so that their arms brushed whenever they moved. Unaccountably nervous, Akihito chatted as he poured out the drinks, shyly sliding Asami's glass toward him.

"I know this isn't your favorite brand, but the guy said that this was really good too. I hope it's okay."

He lifted his glass and grinned. "Even though you're pretty old, I hope you'll hold up well this year, and that all your wishes will come true. Kanpai!"

Everyone echoed his last word, and they all drank. Asami's sharp eyes promising retribution for that little bit of cheek, but Akihito only laughed, happy that Asami seemed to be taking the surprise in stride, and even more, to be enjoying himself.

"Who's up next to sing?" Kou piped up. "Kei?"

"Absolutely not."

"Akihito then!"

"Aki! Aki! Aki!"

"All right, all right!"

He downed the finger of Scotch and crawled over to the machine to pick his song. At the end of his well received number, Takato tossed him another beer and after that, things got hazy fast.

It was a blessing considering that when they finally got around to having Asami open his gifts, only part of him wanted the ground to open up and swallow him when Asami held up the leopard-print G-string in Akihito's size. The rest of him was comfortably plastered and thought it rather hysterical, though he made a point to remind himself to kill both his friends later.

"There are seven pairs. One for each day of the week," Kou pointed out helpfully. "Aki said you already had almost everything, so we figured this is something that you might not have and that would definitely be put to good use."

"Indeed. I will make use of it at the earliest opportunity." He smirked at Akihito.

From Suoh, he received an old book in a language Akihito couldn't read about the Crimean War that seemed to please him, and Kirishima gave him a Meiji era ukiyo-e print that impressed Akihito and made him try to slide his own gift to Asami under the table.

When it bumped into Kou's knees he lifted up and handed it to Asami. "This must be from Akihito!"

"Ah, you can open it later if you want." He shot to his feet. "Who wants another beer?"

A firm hand pulled him back and down and Asami gave him an amused look before opening his present. It was a small framed photo, only about 11x15 inches. Akihito looked away, meeting Takato's eyes for a moment before skittering away from even the warm understanding he found there. God, why was he so nervous?

"You took this." It wasn't really a question. Shit, Asami probably hated it. Considering the expensive art on his walls from artists who were really something, it was to be expected. What had possessed him to have the conceit to give Asami one of his own photographs when the man was used to the very best?

But what else could he give? And he'd wanted his gift to be something special, something that meant something to him. Even if it wasn't the best, at least he'd gone out and gone through rolls of film before finally ending up with something he thought was good enough, special enough, to give to Asami.

He risked a quick, sidelong glance, and his chest tightened up at the unreadable expression on Asami's face. He gave a short nervous laugh, that sounded high and brittle. "I'm no Araki Nobuyoshi, but I...I hope you like it."

Asami turned his face toward him then, and the painful pressure in Akihito's chest swelled unbearably for a sweet, charged moment as Asami smiled all the way up into his eyes. He leaned forward and whispered in Akihito's ear. "Your talents would be wasted as a criminal photographer. You should always photograph things like this."

He was not going to cry. He wasn't. Akihito blinked rapidly and ducked his head, the pleasure from the roundabout compliment making it impossible to contain the smile that spread across his face.

"Thank you, Akihito." Asami spoke where everyone could hear this time. His photo got passed around, and while everyone said nice things about it, he put a candle on the cake he pulled from the fridge.

"Old ladies are the best," he said over his shoulder. "My neighbor helped me make this. She asked if it was for you." Akihito laughed. "She said: 'That young man has a dangerous air, but he's as handsome as a devil. I wouldn't kick him out of bed for eating crackers.'"

Takato and Kou cracked up. "Sounds like you have some competition, Aki."

"Yeah, well, he gets that a lot, actually." Akihito made a face. "Anyway, someone get the lights."

He lit the candle and turned to carry the small cake to the table. The tiny flame gave everyone a ghostly look, and he grinned up at Asami. "I know you don't like sweets, but make a wish at least, and blow out the candle."

Asami's usual smirk curved the corners of his mouth and he bent forward and blew. In the dark, fingers threaded through Akihito's hair, tugging his face up to be kissed achingly slow and deep. Then, a whisper in his ear: "I do like some sweet things."

Thankfully, Akihito's blush was hidden in the dark.

Someone cleared his throat.

"Can anyone find the light switch?"

Akihito woke up for the second time the following day a couple of hours after Asami had shown his appreciation for the party by fucking him into the futon with great attention to detail. Then, he'd had to leave for a series of meetings that would last well into the evening. A broad smile grew as Akihito remembered just how appreciative Asami had been.

So there, Kirishima. Told you so.

He stretched luxuriously, delighting in every ache of his well-used body. Last night had been fun, a lot of fun. Now that the weight of it was off his shoulders, he realized just how tense he'd been about the whole thing coming off well. But it had gone perfectly, just about. Asami loved his gift, liked his friends, and Akihito could almost let himself start believing that they were more than just a casual thing.

What he saw when Asami looked at him wasn't just in his imagination. He was sure of it.

Overcome by a flood of embarrassed pleasure, Akihito buried his face in his pillow and grinned into the depths where no one could see. The jolt his emotions gave him was too much to contain for long, though. He jumped up and into the shower, washing away the last vestiges of drink and sex and sleep.

He felt so good, in fact, he thought he would go out and take more pictures, not for any job, but just of things that captured his interest. It was a beautiful day for it. Then maybe tonight he'd show some of them to Asami and see what he thought.

With that thought in mind, he put his digital camera in his bag and slung it across his chest. He fished into his pocket for his keys to lock the front door, but the key never made it into the lock. He felt the prick of a syringe, and that was the last thing he remembered for a very long time.