Rating: PG-13
Author's Note: Well, this chapter kind of got away from me and my original conception. I know it's long-winded and not funny as I had sort of promised, but the characters just had their way with me and well, this is the result. Also, I'm assuming Tao has only just begun to learn Japanese, so his language skills reflect that.
SPECIAL NOTE: For any French speakers or readers, the talented Sharo-chan has begun translating Under the Skin into French, and you can find Chapter 1 here: .net/s/7857780/1/Under_the_Skin
"No man is rich enough to buy back his past." - Oscar Wilde
Hunched over his knees, Akihito shivered. The air conditioning vent blew directly into his cage. If Feilong was going to dress him up in ridiculous and skimpy outfits and then lock him up in cold, drafty cages, then he could at least provide him with a blanket.
Of course, the jerk obviously wasn't too concerned with Akihito's comfort. His stomach churned unpleasantly. Feilong was probably going to be so pissed off when he found out that Akihito had tried to run.
He shivered again, not from the cold this time. What would Feilong do to him? For some reason, he'd held back before, but Akihito knew he couldn't count on that again. None of this made any sense. In what kind of fucked up world did someone try and solve their problems by kidnapping a person so unconnected to them? What had Asami done to anger Feilong so much he'd been driven to taking him?
For that matter, who was Feilong exactly? What did he do? Was he like Asami? Some mysterious businessman involved in possibly shady business. Chinese mafia? The head of his gang? Or just a rich, eccentric weirdo with a grudge? Whoever he was, what the hell right did he have to take Akihito away from his home? Nothing could justify that.
Indignation soon fueled his anger. If anything, at least it warmed him up a little. He had almost gotten away. If not for that new guy who'd shown up, and then his nemesis, the mole man, he could've been long gone. He'd been so close to freedom and finding a way back to Asami. The next time he saw the ugly one, he was going to kick him in the balls. The bastard had really hit him hard.
At least the other guy had stopped him from doing it again, Akihito wasn't sure why. But when that man had spoken in Japanese, he had been so shocked. His heart had leapt. For a brief, sweet moment, he had believed that the man might help him. It was cruel the way his emotions had been tossed around. So unfair. All that man had done was stick him right back in the cage, telling him to behave as if he were a recalcitrant kid or a misbehaving pet.
If they were going to treat him like that, he just might have to show them his claws next time. His eyes narrowed, envisioning a surprise attack that would take both men out. The corners of his mouth turned up as the little fantasy played out in his mind. If Asami were here, he would laugh and call him his wild little alley cat and ruffle his hair, and Akihito would snarl and pretend to hate it, but they both would know the truth.
Asami...
Akihito wrapped his arms around himself and rubbed at the raised flesh. He would give anything for Asami's warmth right now. Just the feel of those strong arms around him would make him feel safe. He knew Asami would protect if he were here. He hated admitting that he wouldn't mind a little bit of that right about now, but it was true. All he wanted was to press his face into Asami's neck and inhale that scent that was uniquely his, intoxicating and comforting all at once.
Asami's interest in him remained a mystery to Akihito. Asami was so much more...well, everything: tall, incredibly good looking, amazingly well built, scarily brilliant, rich, successful, powerful...a little bit (or a lot) dangerous-the school was still out on that one.
Akihito would probably never be any of those things. Well, he would be successful and maybe rich. His photographs would be famous, and he'd not only make a lot of money and be able to take Asami out in fancy cars to fancy places, but he'd do good in the world too. But that was probably a long way off. For now, he couldn't begin to fill Asami's shoes. Deep down Akihito considered Asami the height of cool.
Akihito bit his bottom lip, his eyes taking on a dreamy cast. Asami was an extremely good lover on top of everything else. At least, he knew how to reduce Akihito to a quivering pile of mindless, begging boy. Akihito blushed. It was true that Asami was arrogant, bossy, and insufferably smug when it came to dealing with him, but Akihito had to be honest-he liked him that way.
And Asami was a very generous lover too; rough and demanding, but also giving. He might tease (and fuck) Akihito past the point of endurance sometimes, but he always saw to Akihito's pleasure, often over and over and over again. Another hot flush swept over Akihito's entire body this time.
Shit. He was getting aroused.
He curled up in a tight ball, hugging his knees to hide the tent beginning to develop in the front of his silk trousers. An irritated pout shaped his mouth. He wondered if all Chinese people went around without underwear, or if that was a particular peculiarity of Feilong's clothing habits. It wouldn't surprise him if Feilong was just a pervert who got off on the idea of forcing others to go around commando.
For a moment, he was tempted to slip his hand inside and stroke himself off to thoughts of Asami. He knew it wouldn't take long. He cupped himself furtively, but then reluctantly pulled his hand away. A heavy escaped him as he dropped his face into his hands.
What if someone came in and saw him? Feilong already made it clear he thought of Akihito as a whore. Besides, he didn't have anything but the clothes he was wearing to clean up. He certainly didn't want a wet, sticky mess in his pants. Who knows what kind of ideas that would give Feilong, and he'd probably die of embarrassment if anyone noticed.
He heaved another sigh. There had to be some way out of here, though the cold metal floor of the cage, freezing his ass, as well as the bars around him, mocked his hope.
Hurry, Asami...
Before he could finish his thought a high pitched voice spoke from inches away.
"Japanese!"
Akihito yelped and fell back. The young boy from his dream faced him with a fierce scowl.
"Stinky Japanese! Go home!"
"I saw you before! At night! I thought I was dreaming!"
The little boy frowned, his head cocked as if he was struggling to make out Akihito's words.
"No good here. You, Japanese, bad man. Go away."
Akihito was dumbfounded. Who was this little brat? Could he be Feilong's son? The kid looked about seven or eight. Feilong didn't look old enough for that.
"Hey, kid. Who are you? What's your name," he enunciated slowly.
"Not say name." The little boy glared. "You make Fei-sama angry."
"Fei-sama? You mean, Feilong? You know him?"
A look of worship suffused the boy's features, and his chest swelled proudly. "Fei-sama is good. Tao live here now. Tao's mama and papa-" Tao scrunched his face up, obviously searching hard for the right word. "They go away forever. Fei-sama take Tao to live here with Fei-sama."
Well, that was unexpected. Maybe Feilong had a bit of a heart after all. Or...he was operating under nefarious reasons of his own. Akihito shook that thought off.
"Tao? Is that your name?"
The kid scowled, but nodded reluctantly. "Tao doesn't like you."
"Yeah? Well, that seems to be going around." He sighed when the kid cocked his head again, confused. "Listen..." He spoke slowly. "I want to go home. But I can't." He rattled the bars of his cage. "I can't get out. Do you think you can get me the key to this cage?" He pointed to the lock. "Key. Key."
Tao shot him a look of pure contempt. "I know key, stupid Japanese."
Akihito's eyes narrowed. When he got out he just might wring the little brat's neck. But first...
He smiled. "That's great. So, if you get the key. I can leave. You want me to go, right?"
Tao grinned with unflattering eagerness. "Yes!"
Perfect. "So, you'll get it?"
"Tao can't."
Akihito slumped. "Why not?"
"Yao has key."
"Who's Yao? The guy with the-" Akihito made a huge circle with his fingers and then pointed to his face.
Tao giggled. "Yes. Tao doesn't like him too. He never here before you."
"What about the other guy?"
Tao cocked his head.
"The other man who came. He had longer hair. He put me back in this cage."
Tao sobered. "Yoh with Fei-sama now. Talking loud." His glared returned. "About you, Japanese. Fei-sama not happy. Tao couldn't hear words."
So the little twerp liked to eavesdrop too. Akihito snorted.
"My name is Akihito, not Japanese. Use it. As for Fei-sama, he deserves to be unhappy for all the grief he's caused me."
Tao's face showed that he hadn't grasped his meaning. Akihito sighed.
"Feilong made me unhappy. So...it is good...fair that he is not happy right now."
"No! Fei-sama is very good! Shut up, Japanese! It your fault, all this!"
Tao's eyes welled up with unshed tears, and Akihito actually felt a bit guilty. What was he doing arguing with a kid that age? Surely, his illusions about Feilong would be shattered soon enough. He didn't need to be the one to do it.
"Aw, come on now, Tao. I didn't mean it. I'm sure Feilong will be okay."
Tao sniffed.
"Hey, if you and I can think of a way to get that key, I can go home and Tao can have Fei-sama all to himself again!"
The kid perked up quite a bit at that. "Japanese will go home if Tao get key?"
Akihito nodded. Hell yes, he would, with great pleasure. Why the kid was so jealous of his alone time with Feilong was beyond him. "Yes, I-Akihito-will go home right away."
"Okay!" Tao beamed. "Tao will get."
Yes!
The grinned at each other a moment, then Tao turned to leave. Before he could reach the door, it opened and the man Akihito now knew as Yoh stood there, said key in hand. He looked put out.
Shit.
"Feilong."
Yoh's taciturn greeting was not unexpected. His appearance at this time, however, certainly was. Though the incessant knocking at the door had drawn Feilong from his drugged slumber, he wasn't quite himself yet. Something else was bothering him too, but it wouldn't quite settle in his mind.
"Why are you here?"
"A situation has developed that requires your immediate attention."
Feilong frowned. "Why didn't you call first? You know that I-" His eyes widened slightly, though his expression didn't show his alarm otherwise as the niggling bother coelesced into realization. He glanced back toward the bed he'd just emerged from. It was empty. A scan of the room confirmed that the boy was gone.
"If you're looking for the Japanese boy, I found him escaping over the wall not fifteen minutes ago."
Feilong went white. "What? You-"
"Yao showed up soon after. I took the boy back to the cage you've been keeping him in. I figured it was the best way to protect him from Yao."
"What are you talking about?"
Long strides took him quickly to a polished mahogany desk, where Feilong flipped open a sleek laptop and brought up a camera feed. The tension in his body subsided somewhat as he saw Akihito crouched against the bars.
"Someone's been banging the kid up. Yao struck him in front of me, so I assumed it was him. Was I wrong? What exactly have you been doing here, Feilong?"
Feilong glared. "What I do is my business."
"Do you have any idea the trouble you've stirred up? Rumors are flying around Baishe. They wonder what you're planning and why they know nothing of it."
Yoh's usually stoic expression was marred by a furrowed brow. Feilong was shocked, beyond the haziness of mind that still hadn't quite cleared, to see an actual glint of anger.
"No one has the right to question me." Feilong drew himself up with haughty displeasure. "My decisions are law."
"That's all very well if you've got the power to back it up. But you and I both know we haven't yet weeded out all the rebellious elements in the organization. They'll take something like this and use it to their advantage." Yoh seemed to become even more intense, his glower darkening his eyes. "Tell me, Feilong, how does this benefit Baishe?"
Being at odds with Yoh was a novel experience for Feilong. Though the man had always been nothing but starkly honest with him, he'd never taken Feilong to task over any of his decisions or methods. Even during the recent probing of Asami's operations, after Yoh's initial cautions, he had supported Feilong with his quiet, competent, invaluable service. He had been an always reliable executor of his wishes, and obedient, though never subservient. He had been with him since prison, and he was Feilong's most trusted, loyal subordinant.
It was that alone that enabled Feilong to rein in his temper.
"It's a private matter," Feilong answered with a cold smile. "It has nothing to do with Baishe, and I will not answer to anyone about it, not even you. You presume too much, Yoh."
"Do I?" Yoh took a step forward. "A private matter? Then why is Asami Ryuichi making waves in Hong Kong as we speak? After what happened two months ago, I thought you would have learned not to stir that hornet's nest.
"Asami is in Hong Kong?" An intense thrill Feilong was unwilling to define electrified him, chasing the dregs of the stupor from his mind.
"I'm not sure. Possibly. If he's not here yet, he will be soon. His agents certainly are on the move."
Feilong turned away. "He can't find me. No one knows of this location but you."
"You must stop underestimating him."
The sleeves of his colorful cheongsam flared as Feilong spun around. His nostrils flared too. "That man is not a threat to me here."
"You don't know that. He has resources you don't have. Not yet."
Feilong frowned at the set down.
"I can't protect you if you keep secrets from me." Yoh didn't raise his voice, but his tone spoke of his disapproval. "But you knew this was foolish, that's why you hid this from everyone. Even me."
"Enough! You forget your place, Yoh!" Feilong leveled a warning glance at Yoh, ignoring the uncomfortable sensation in the pit of his stomach as the truth of Yoh's words struck a chord within him.
"My place is by your side, keeping you safe, serving you because I thought you were a man worthy of serving." Yoh's stoic face hardened. "Liu Feilong, where is your honor?"
Feilong actually took a step back, flushing hot, then cold, with rage and shame. A lesser person than Yoh would have feared for their life at the deathly gleam that shone from Feilong's narrowed eyes.
"He's a civilian. An innocent. What possible reason could you have to take him?"
Feilong flicked his wrist dismissively. "He's nothing but that man's plaything."
"He's barely more than a child." Yoh came closer and pointed at the screen, which showed Akihito hugging himself, rocking back and forth slowly. "What do you intend to do with him? Is your grudge against Asami so great, you'll punish an innocent to make him pay?"
Feilong turned away again, discomfited, even hurt, by the open disdain in Yoh's eyes. Unconsciously, his fingers rubbed at the old wound on his chest.
"You don't understand."
"Do you really think you will accomplish anything with this but your own downfall, and possibly all of Baishe? If Asami truly values this boy, then you will gain nothing by hurting him."
"He will suffer. You know nothing of it, what he put me through! He'll suffer like I did three years ago!"
"Perhaps. But what will you gain? Will it finally make you happy?"
Feilong said nothing, passing a tremulous hand over his eyes.
"And even if it did, how long would it last? Asami will destroy you."
"I won't let him win this time."
Yoh made an impatient sound.
"Look at him." His voice was forceful, almost stern, and Feilong found himself following his finger to where Akihito had his face pressed against his hands.
A pang of pity constricted his chest, and Feilong's eyes closed as shame once again made him unable to face the only man he came close to considering an equal, a companion.
"I...I didn't..."
Whatever he was going to say was interupted by a low curse from Yoh.
Feilong's eyes jerked back to the screen. Tao was crouched in front of the cage.
"Tao!"
"I'll take care of it." Yoh's eyes flickered over Feilong. "You should clean up."
Chastened, Feilong allowed Yoh to reach the door before he spoke. "Once you've settled with Tao, bring...bring the boy to me. I wish to speak with him."
Yoh measured him with an unreadable look, but nodded, and Feilong turned back to the screen. Another press of a button, and the voices of Tao and Akihito were audible.
Feilong watched and listened.
A very appetizing-looking lunch had been laid on the small table that set in the middle of the private, walled garden off of Feilong's suite. The smell was making Akihito's mouth water. There was a mound of white rice, and various meat and vegetable dishes that wafted steam into the air.
His stomach rumbled and he pressed it with both hands, embarrassed and wary as he cast a quick look at Feilong who was just settling into the seat across from him. Feilong's laughter was musical and not unpleasant as it bounced off the high walls.
"Please, help yourself, Akihito." Feilong leaned back in his chair, giving no sign of wishing to partake of the meal himself. "I thought you might like to eat out here since I heard you took an interest in exploring my gardens earlier."
Akihito tensed. There it was, the hidden dagger among the sweet words. But Feilong merely gestured for him to begin.
With a watchful eye on Feilong, Akihito heaped food on his plate and, with a shrug-it would do no good to starve-he dug in. After a few bites, he expressed his appreciation with a happy moan. If nothing else, Feilong had an amazing cook.
He glanced up to catch Feilong's look of amusement. "Aren't you gonna eat," he asked with his mouth still full. "It tastes great."
"I wouldn't want to get in your way. I've never seen anyone inhale a meal before."
Akihito blushed, straightening in his chair and forcing himself to eat more slowly. Was Feilong actually teasing him? Maybe if Feilong fed him more than a couple of bowls of rice a day, his manners would be more acceptable to the prissy jerk. He swallowed before responding with a pointed glare. "Yeah? Well, whose fault is that?"
The shadow that passed over Feilong's face made Akihito falter. Shit, he shouldn't have said anything. His heart sped up, and he stopped eating, chopsticks clenched tightly between his fingers.
After a moment, Feilong sighed. "Eat, Akihito. I'm not going to harm you."
As if he could trust those words. Even that Yoh guy had told him to watch his mouth if he wanted to come out of this unscathed. Too late for that, he thought petulantly. He'd been manhandled enough already.
Still, he might as well keep his strength up in case he got another chance to make a run for it. He began eating again, keeping a suspicious eye on Feilong. It was awkward eating under Feilong's silent inspection, but that was much better than the alternatives. He tried to shake it off, and when he'd finally quieted the rumble in his belly, he leaned back in his chair, determined to drag some conversation out of his brooding captor. Besides, there were questions he wanted answered.
He caught Feilong's gaze and cocked his head curiously.
"So, what are you, Feilong? Triad?" he began conversationally, enjoying the sudden rounding of Feilong's eyes and his look of consternation. His own eyes lit up. "Hey, did you ever see Hard Boiled? Chow Yun Fat! Awesome movie!"
For a space of several seconds, Feilong stared at him, and then he began to laugh. Not the airy, musical laugh from earlier, but a throatier chuckle that brought real expression to the man's refined features.
"You are...an interesting boy, Akihito."
"I'm not a boy, I'm twenty."
Feilong chuckled again. "So very old as all that?"
"You can't be that much older." Akihito crossed his arms over his chest. "So don't act so high and mighty."
Feilong's smiled faded a bit. "Physical age isn't always an accurate indicator of one's true self."
Akihito would have rolled his eyes if he dared. This guy had obviously been listening to too many emo bands.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It's means," Feilong said, his voice a shade colder, "that you're very young, and my experiences weigh more heavily on me than anything that you could've have yet experienced in your pedestrian little life."
Okay, Feilong just went out of his way to piss him off, didn't he?
Akihito narrowed his eyes. "Oh, I don't know. Seems like you've been doing a pretty good job of giving me an experience I can moan about miserably later on when I want people to feel sorry for me."
A series of emotions flickered over Feilong's face, contorting his pretty features into a rather scary countenance. "You dare-" He inhaled sharply and closed his eyes, only opening them after his hands had released their white-knuckled grip on the arms of his chair.
"You have no idea what you are talking about."
"So tell me." He leaned forward, his expression open and earnest. "What do you have against Asami anyway?"
The chill from Feilong's gaze sent shivers down his arms, but Akihito didn't back down. Though, it was his turn for an unpleasant surprise when Feilong's slender fingers began undoing the clasps at the shoulder of his cheongsam. His thoughts went places that made him distinctly nervous, but Feilong only folded back the edge, exposing the left side of his chest and shoulder. The creamy skin was marred by an old scar, which he caressed slowly with the tips of his fingers.
Fascinated, Akihito stared, his eyes traveling from the scar to Feilong's dreamy expression. It kind of creeped him out, seeing that faraway look and what seemed to be a familiar ritual for Feilong.
"Asami gave me this. After he shot both my brother and my father."
Akihito's gasp jerked Feilong back to the present, and he frowned at the gaping boy, the stirrings of perplexed anger beginning to show in his eyes. But then Akihito sat up abruptly, both hands coming up to cover his mouth for a moment.
"It's you!"
Feilong eyed Akihito with irritated wonder. "What?"
"You!" Akihito insisted, looking for all the world like he'd solved one of life's greatest mysteries. "You're that guy Asami told me about!"
Possibly the most inelegant expression Feilong had ever worn, crossed his face. Whatever he'd been expecting from Akihito, it wasn't that.
"What are you saying?" he asked, his voice going an octave higher. "Asami talked about me?"
"Yeah!" Akihito nodded eagerly. "A little anyway. He wouldn't tell me much." Akihito scowled, huffing a little in remembrance.
Feilong leaned forward.
"What did he say?"
"Um, well..." Akihito's eyes flickered away and he pursed his lips, trying to work out a way to be diplomatic. "I think he called you an attention-seeking brat."
Feilong drew up in indignation, the very air seeming to spark around him.
"Brat?"
"But," Akihito amended hastily. "That was after you'd been snooping around his club, you know, and he had to go away for a whole month to deal with it. If it's any consolation, he said the same thing about me."
That didn't seem to do much to soothe Feilong's feathers. But he seemed unable to tear himself away from Akihito's rambling explanation. As for himself, Akihito was a bit blown away that this was the guy that had caused that big trouble between him and Asami.
"Hey..." Akihito's conciliating tone changed to accusation. "It was your fault he was gone for so long. He didn't tell me where he went, but it must have been to Hong Kong."
His eyes narrowed, and a sharp smile curved Feilong's mouth. "So my efforts did hit an unexpected mark after all." In tones of faux sympathy, he offered Akihito his regrets. "I'm so sorry if I was the cause of any discord between such a cozy pair of...lovers?"
The questioning, condescending lilt at the end didn't escape Akihito.
"Yeah, you were, asshole!" Akihito glared. "That jerk went off for a month without a word, and that was just after we...after we-" He blushed. "Um, well, I mean, it was just that..."
"After what, Akihito?" A hint of humor was back in Feilong's voice. "You really are very adorable aren't you? Perhaps I do understand a little of what Asami sees in you."
Averting his gaze, Akihito frowned. "So he did come here, then? Did you see him? What happened?"
"Oh, he came here all right." Feilong leaned closer, his fingers trailing along Akihito's wrist. "Now why don't you answer a few questions for me."
"Like what?" Akihito pulled his wrist back nervously.
"What else did Asami say about me?"
"He said that you were trying to steal something from him. Information." Akihito hesitated, then looked Feilong in the face. "He said you were old acquaintances, but he didn't tell me you were so..." Akihito blushed again. "You know...beautiful."
Feilong laughed delightedly. "I'm flattered, Akihito." One elegant eyebrow arched provocatively. "Are you interested?"
"No!" Akihito sat back, trying to hide his furious flush behind his loud denial. "Jeez, you guys are all the same-egos the size of Mainland China."
"It seems like Asami didn't tell you the details of our...acquaintance."
Suddenly vulnerable, Akihito looked up, and said haltingly. "I-I thought there might be more to it. Were you...you know..."
A curiously tender expression crossed Feilong's face before a sort of mischievous amusement took over. "Adults don't feel the need to kiss and tell, Akihito."
Akihito's face fell. He couldn't help it. He struggled to blank out his expression. Feilong was the last person to which he wanted to expose his insecurities. But surely...surely now at least, there was nothing between them.
Feilong wouldn't have been trying to piss Asami off, and Asami wouldn't have mentioned Feilong to him at all. Would he? But...he was gone for a month, and he never really said how he resolved his problems with Feilong. Maybe...
Akihito looked down. His brow furrowed as he thought back to Asami's words. It was complicated, Asami had said. But Feilong-he really believed that Asami had shot him. Could he really be with Asami if he thought that? Akihito couldn't imagine it, but...Feilong did seem almost jealous.
None of it made sense. Maybe Feilong was with Asami first and he found out about Akihito and that's what set him off. Shit. Then with a sinking feeling, he remembered what Feilong had implied about Asami earlier, that Akihito might be one of many.
Akihito's throat ached and his eyes began to sting. He opened them wide, then blinked angrily, not about to do anything so humiliating as cry. He was unaware of Feilong's assessing gaze taking in every nuance of expression.
"What exactly is your relationship with Asami?" Feilong's voice was almost neutral, but the slender thread of kindness, of...commiseration, maybe...was what made Akihito answer.
"I-I don't know what he thinks of it. We don't talk about stuff like that." Akihito shrugged, giving a short, harsh laugh. "Half the time he treats me like I'm just a kid." Or a pet.
"That he's fucking?" Feilong asked dryly.
Akihito flushed. "I just mean, I don't know if he's serious about it or not. I mean, even you said it before, what would someone like him see in me?"
Akihito's focus was still locked on the ground, so he didn't see Feilong's fixed gaze, nor the wealth of emotions at play in his eyes. Guilt and regret made themselves at home before a general sort of pained introspection settled in the planes of his face.
"Are you worried that Asami won't come for you?"
Akihito looked up, startled by the question. He didn't speak for a long moment, but then he shook his head.
"He'll come. I know that much," Akihito said with quiet conviction. "He wouldn't just leave me if he knew where to find me, no matter what he thinks about..." he flapped his hand vaguely toward his own chest.
"Yes," Feilong said slowly. "I believe you're right. If he knew where you were."
Akihito frowned at the reminder that Asami might not have a clue about his whereabouts.
"He has his own code of honor, it's true." Feilong continued rather thoughtfully. "I knew of a time when a subordinate of his betrayed him. Instead of punishing him, eliminating the traitor, Asami gave him another chance, deepened his loyalty with his second chance. He has a way of binding people to him. Of gaining their trust."
Feilong's wistful tone tugged at Akihito. "You...you like him too." It wasn't a question, but the full force of Feilong's personality drew back into the present and focused on Akihito with alarming intensity.
"Don't speak of things you know nothing about. I desire nothing from Asami but his suffering at my hands for what he did."
"I don't believe you." Akihito lifted his chin, braving the icy reserve that surrounded Feilong once again. "When you talk about him, half the time you don't even sound angry. You just sound...sad."
The blood fled Feilong's face, and he looked so stricken that Akihito couldn't help but empathize.
"Listen, Feilong..." Akihito proceeded hesitantly, somewhat fearful of Feilong's reaction. "What you think about Asami, what he did to you and your family, well, I think you're wrong about that."
The sculpted eyebrows lowered, Feilong's voice shook with some suppressed violent emotion. "How-how would you know, you-"
"Because he told me about it!" Akihito reached out and grabbed Feilong's sleeve. Feilong was gripping the arm of the chair tightly once again, but Akihito tugged the fabric in his grasp. "Seriously, Feilong. Asami told me what you thought he had done, and I asked him if he had and he said no."
Feilong was staring at him fixedly, still white, and Akihito detected a faint tremor in his limbs. His lips parted, but no words came out.
"I believe him, Feilong. He wouldn't have had any reason to lie to me."
"Maybe he didn't want his precious lover-" Feilong spat the word "-to be disillusioned. Maybe he wasn't ready to toss you aside because you hadn't fulfilled your purpose yet or he hadn't grown bored and you still suited his expectations."
"You're wrong, Feilong! Asami has no problem pissing me off. I know what a pain in the ass he can be!"
Feilong rose, his eyes flashing wildly. "Enough of this! You naive little fool, you really do know nothing. Do you have any idea what Asami really is? What he is capable of? You're just a pretty, innocent little boy living in a dream world." He laughed, a sound that was wild and frayed around the edges. "Your precious Asami is more than capable of doing this to me-" Feilong touched the scar again. "And much worse. You need to grow up and face the truth."
Akihito rose too, his own anger rising. "You're the one living in the dream world, and even worse-the past! You keep talking about what happened back then, but you're living right now! Did you ever ask him what happened? No? Then you need to get over it already! I believe Asami if he says he didn't do it, but even if you don't, what good does it do to brood about it all day? So, just go ahead and lock yourself up in your room and smoke yourself to fantasy land where Asami probably fucks you all night long and you rule the world and nobody ever makes you feel bad ever again, but that's not the real world, so stop being a condescending asshole and you grow up!"
Akihito's chest was heaving, and his face was red and he was on the verge of angry tears again for some reason he couldn't quite understand. Feilong looked confused and wild and murderous. Akihito backed up several steps, poised to run.
Before anything happened, Yoh appeared on the patio. Akihito never knew if it was a signal from Feilong or if he had been monitoring the entire conversation. Nevertheless, he immediately took hold of Akihito and looked to Feilong. Something passed between them and Feilong looked away, an indefinable expression shadowing his features as broke the connection. His head bowed as he spoke.
"Take him away for now. I want to be alone."
He noticed Yoh's eyes were locked on Feilong before they turned away. When Yoh noticed his interest, they went blank. Akihito didn't protest as he was led from the room. The only other show of emotion from the impassive man was the little shake he gave him and his exasperated tone.
"If this is you keeping your mouth shut. I hope I never witness the day you try to make trouble."
Akihito is shivering in his cage again when the door to the room bursts open. Mole Man comes flying through, his nose spurting blood. He gives a loud cry and collapses to the floor in a limp pile. Akihito gasps as Asami steps over him without a second look and strides toward Akihito's prison.
"Ryuichi!"
Asami doesn't bother with a key, he just tears the door off its hinges and then Akihito flies into his arms.
"Why didn't you come for me sooner?"
Warm, strong hands card through his hair. "I'm sorry."
"I was waiting for you!"
"You knew I would come, right?"
Akihito finds himself tossed on the massive bed that now takes up the center of the room, surrounded by mountains of silk-embroidered pillows.
"Don't worry, my cute little kitten, I'll make you feel very good now."
Asami's lips and teeth and hands are everywhere. Akihito spreads his legs and moans. He's so hot, wants to come so bad. But...but...he can't quite...something is...
Akihito came awake with a jerk, his knees curling up underneath him as he pushed up on the low sofa, coming face to face with Feilong's amused visage. He rubbed at his itchy nose, glaring at the long-stemmed flower Feilong twirled between his fingers.
Edging back until he fetched up against the far arm of the sofa, Akihito blinked to clear his vision and his fuzzy thoughts. He must have fallen asleep after Yoh had chained him in Feilong's sitting room again. His hand flew to his ankle. The chain had been removed while he slept. His eyes went to Feilong, who seemed to be following his thought process with some amusement.
"You sleep very soundly, Akihito. I envy you." His smile turned into a smirk. "And I envy you the dream you were having. You seemed to be enjoying it very much."
Oh, God. Akihito grabbed a pillow, clutching it in his lap, and looking back at Feilong with intense mortification. He wanted to die. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if Feilong killed him after all.
"Shut up. What do you want now?" he asked petulantly, trying to cover up his embarrassment with a healthy dose of irritation.
Feilong only looked more amused. "Hm, I'm not sure you want to know."
Akihito went bright red, but he didn't stop scowling. "Yeah, well try anything and I'll kick you where it hurts."
Pealing laughter filled the room. "Didn't I tell you I'm a trained assassin? You wouldn't be able to connect unless I let you, and it wouldn't be your foot I'd allow there, Akihito." He leaned forward to brush the blossom along Akihito's pouting mouth. "You really shouldn't tempt me. I'm trying to control myself, but if you give me such looks then I can't be held responsible."
Akihito jerked his face away, heat burning his face. "What looks, you jerk? You're crazy!"
Some of the laughter faded out of Feilong's face. "Perhaps I am." He sat back, composing himself, regarding Akihito with a furrowed brow.
Akihito stared back warily.
"I think I must..." Feilong hesitated. "I owe you an apology for the treatment you've received here. At my hands and orders."
Akihito's eyes went round. Was he serious?
"It was wrong of me to involve you. I see that now. Yoh has-" A pained expression passed over Feilong's face, and he waved off what he was going to say. "In any case, I apologize. I hope that you will be able to forgive me."
Akihito could hardly breathe. "Does...does that mean you'll let me go home?"
"You really want to see him, don't you?"
Feilong sounded pensive, a little distant again, and Akihito was afraid to answer for fear of antagonizing him again.
"It's all right, I understand."
"Um, do you..." Akihito ventured cautiously. "Do you believe what I said about Asami, then?"
Feilong frowned, and Akihito's stomach clenched. "I...don't know. It's possible that what I believed was...not entirely correct. But that makes no difference to what is between us."
"Between us?"
"Yes." Feilong looked at him again, studying him, a little smile playing about his mouth. "You know, if you wanted you stay with me a while, as a guest, you would be welcome. You are amusing. I think I would like to know you better."
Amusing, huh? What an ass. And his ass would surely get plowed if he stuck around too long. One close call was enough for him. Akihito's eyes narrowed. "No, thanks. I want to go home."
"Pity." Feilong sighed, actually looking somewhat regretful before his eyes gleamed. "Well, then, I suppose I'll have to let you go." A teasing smile slanted toward Akihito. "In return for a kiss."
"A kiss?" He knew there'd be a catch.
"Yes, I'll put you on a plane today back to Japan if you give me one kiss."
"Wh-why?"
"Why?" Feilong chuckled. "Why Akihito, you really are a modest little thing, aren't you? Your own charms aren't lacking, and I'll admit, I'm curious to taste for myself what Asami finds so compelling."
Did everything relate back to Asami for this guy? Jeez, he hoped he never acted so pathetic when it was obvious that someone was just not into him. He took a deep breath and raised his chin.
"Just one kiss?"
"Just one. A real kiss, mind you." Feilong's sly smile didn't comfort him. "You may pretend I'm Asami if you like."
He didn't want to do it. He really didn't, but he did want to go back home. He wanted to see Asami more than anything.
"O-Okay."
He crawled forward, tentatively placing a hand on Feilong's shoulder. With a sudden jerk, he was straddling Feilong's lap and their mouths were pressed together, Feilong's tongue insinuating itself between his lips. His dream came back to him and he did imagine it was Asami, though Feilong's scent was different, like sweet smoke and exotic flowers instead of the spicier, earthier richness of Asami. He opening his mouth to explore and be explored, giving into the kiss in hopes that it would be his ticket home.
Their mouths were still fused when the door to the sitting room banged open. They both turned their faces sharply, lips shiny with spit and eyes wide with shock.
Asami stood in the doorway, no jacket, sleeves rolled up, and both guns visible in his shoulder holster.
"Am I interrupting something?"