Author's Note: I finally posted the epilogue! It's a short and sweet omake type thing. :) (I know it's very short, but I am so swamped. I did want it to come full circle and end on a light note. Hope it amuses.)

a few months later...

"You actually have a six-month pass to the Ramen Museum?"

"It was a birthday present, and it's really good. They serve styles from all over Japan. Sapporo-style is my favorite." Akihito chattered happily. "And it's educational too. Did you know instant ramen was invented in 1958? My friends and I used to go there after school sometimes, back in the day."

"Back in the day?" The sardonic lift of Asami's brow showed his amusement. He shook his head. "I can't believe I'm going to Yokohama for a bowl of noodles."

"If you didn't insist on driving and getting stuck in traffic, we could've taken the train and we'd be there and back already."

Ah, yes, the traffic. Asami contemplated taking out his gun and shooting the elderly man in front of them who seemed to think simultaneous use of the brake and gas pedals was the most effective way to operate his vehicle. The tiny Subaru in front of them hiccupped down the road as the light turned green.

"If you would have been reasonable, I would have taken you to a nice restaurant here in Tokyo."

"Yeah, right. By nice restaurant you mean your condo's kitchen and the only thing on the menu would've been me."

"I would have fed you. Eventually."

"Hnh." Akihito folded his arms across his chest. "I'm not falling for that again. Last week, I had to sit through class with my stomach growling because I didn't have time to eat lunch thanks to you."

Hope stirred. "If that's all that's bothering you, I give you my word that I will take you to an actual restaurant here in the city. In fact, I know a place I'm sure you'll enjoy just a few blocks from here." He shot Akihito a sideways look.

Akihito's shoulders slumped almost imperceptibly, but he made an effort to smile then turned toward the window to hide his wide, disappointed eyes. "Sure, if you'd rather. I guess it is pretty inconvenient for you."

Asami sighed. He just hoped Kirishima didn't find out where exactly he'd gone for lunch. Not that he would say anything of course, but Kirishima had a way of expressing a myriad of subtle nuances of attitude without ever needing speech. It was bad enough he'd already had to deal with the obligatory lecture about going somewhere without a bodyguard. But he just knew that his first assistant, and probably that stoic bastard, Suoh, too, were hiding a vast deal of amusement behind those impassive expressions.

Sure, fucking a nubile, young thing was completely understandable-expected even-for a man in his position. But-he cringed mentally-dating them, texting back and forth like lovesick teenagers...

Every time Akihito came into the office with his hands on his hips haranguing Asami about some nonsense or other and Asami laughed indulgently and let him get away with it, he pictured Kirishima and Suoh making little whip-lash sounds in their minds. Of course, they knew if they ever did it out loud he would have no qualms about shooting them on the spot.

But the fact remained, he was rolling over like a well trained dog for a snot-nosed kid more than a decade his junior. Still, he'd never had someone in bed who, despite all his blushes, could come close to meeting his sheer enthusiasm for sex and, more importantly, his stamina. And he might as well admit since he'd already cut off his balls and put them in storage, Akihito just had a way of getting under his skin. He was...sweet-underneath all that bluster and bravado, and disarmingly cute.

So be it.

"Actually, didn't you mention they have a store that sells old-time toys and candy? That does sound interesting."

"Really?" Akihito's head whipped around and Asami tried to ignore the sensation the sight of his wide smile caused in his chest. "We can go?"

"Of course," Asami offered magnamimously. He could keep some dignity at least.

"Awesome!"

Akihito sank back against his seat and grinned, his fingers tapping against the leather seats. "Hey, I bet that'll be really nostalgic for you, yeah? Remind you of your childhood?"

On the other hand, the brat had obviously been indulged way too much and might benefit from being turned over his knee and soundly beaten until he fully understood the consequences of letting that cheeky mouth run wild.

He shot the kid a narrowed-eyed look, only to find mischievous eyes slanted up at him. Hmph. Laughing at him, was he?

Well, he'd learn. Later. He'd be happy to teach him at great length. Akihito's eyes went round as Asami's mouth curved into what must have been a rather frightening smirk.

This would be fun.

The grin was wiped off his face when Akihito sat up suddenly and beamed. "Hey! Guess what, my parents live really close to where we're going. We could stop by, and you could meet them!"

His horror must have shown on his face because Akihito fell back against his seat, laughing himself into a seizure.

Oh ho, the brat was definitely feeling his oats today. Asami thought for a moment, then relaxed. "Actually," he said slowly, watching Akihito take note out of the corner of his eye, "that's not a bad idea."

"Huh?"

"Now that I think about it, meeting your parents sound fascinating. I'm sure they could tell me many illuminating things about you. And, of course, you'll want to tell them all about us."

An odd, squeaky sound came from Akihito's throat.

"So what's the address?"

Blessed silence. Asami contained his smirk, and shot Akihito a glance.

"Um..." Akihito stared at him, glared, and slumped back in his seat. "Maybe there's not time for all that after all. Fine, we can eat at the stupid restaurant you mentioned."

Victory.

It wasn't so sweet, though, even with Akihito pouting cutely.

"Actually, after all the hype, I found myself in the mood for ramen now."

"Really?" Mistrustful eyes stared at him, but hope lurked in their sparkling depths.

Ugh, he really was pathetic. The whiplash sound effect played in his head again.

"Really."

Akihito grinned.

He was easy to please, at least, and a cheap date. Asami had to admit, it was good to know he was wanted for himself and not for his money or power. Of course, he was exceptionally attractive, built, and great in bed-so that was a given, really. But all the same, Akihito was special.

"Maybe next week we can visit your parents."

A couple of years later...

"I can't believe you bought so many!"

Akihito stood gaping at the framed photographs that leaned against the wall of Asami's living room. They hadn't been hung yet, merely taken out of the boxes in which they had been transported.

Asami raised an eyebrow in superior fashion. "Isn't that what one does at a showing? Buy art?"

A goofy grin overtook Akihito at Asami referring, even indirectly, to his photography as art, and his face heated up a little in pleasure despite the fact that he knew Asami must only be humoring him. It was only an exhibit put on by an underground art space, not like a fancy gallery event. None of it could compare to the stuff Asami already had on his walls.

Akihito's expression turned glum.

"Yeah, but you know what I mean."

"I'm afraid not. Care to enlighten me?"

Akihito tossed Asami a scowl. "I mean, it's nice of you and all to be so supportive, but you didn't have to do that."

Asami snorted. "Supportive. Have we met?"

"Don't pretend. You were just trying to make sure I didn't end up all depressed because I didn't sell anything."

"That would be an excellent theory if I hadn't shown up an hour late-"

That earned Asami another glare. "An hour and a half," Akihito said pointedly.

"Yes, yes." Asami waved that away. "The point is half your photos had 'Sold' signs on them by the time I got there. Obviously, they were in demand. It was a sound business decision to buy up the rest. An investment. Scarcity raises value."

"Uh huh. So you're going to sell them off are you?"

"I might hold onto them for a while." He smirked. "It's convenient since the photographer happens to live with me and can consult on the best way to display them."

"Ryuichi." A blush stole over his cheeks, even though he was trying to be stern with Asami. He was still shy about his new status as live-in lover, especially after his determined efforts to remain self-supportive while he finished University. It had taken a lot of coaxing and Asami's dirty methods to finally convince him.

"Akihito."

"You probably made some of your business associates buy the other ones. Kirishima-san, for instance?"

"He likes your work." Asami ignored Akihito's suspicious glance and yanked him into his arms. "You're such a contrary little cat. You sound as if you wanted the fundraiser to fail."

"No, that's not it." Akihito sighed and buried his face against Asami's shoulder. "I'm glad we raised money for the charity, but..." He mumbled something softly.

"What?"

Akihito pulled back a little, still not meeting Asami's eyes. "Do you like them? Really, I mean?"

Asami's eyes softened. "I do. I wouldn't have bought all of them if I didn't. Maybe only half."

He grunted as Akihito's punch landed on his chest, then laughed. "You have a good eye, and your work is impressive, especially for someone your age. I have no doubt you'll reach all those goals you've set for yourself. You'll become the most celebrated photographer in Magnum. Sooner rather than later."

Akihito beamed for a moment, then he narrowed his eyes again and dug the point of his finger into the center of Asami's chest. "Just to be clear, I want to do this on my own. Just because I'm living at your place now, don't think that means I want you interfering! No pressuring people to give me jobs or buy my stuff or-"

Asami stopped his lecture with a kiss, and Akihito quickly melted into him, not noticing the smug accomplishment that lit Asami's eyes. When Akihito was thoroughly distracted by Asami's wandering hands and lips, Asami murmured, "That's a conversation we can save for later, my cute Akihito."

"Wha-?" Akihito blinked slowly, trying to think as Asami's hand slipped inside his pants. That manipulative jerk. "Ryuichi!"

"Shh...later."

"Ungh...," Akihito groaned. "Nooo...we're...talking...about...this...n-n-"

"Oh, but I think you need another long, thorough reminder-" Asami bent to suck his nipple "-of the proper way to talk about our place." His teeth nipped the pink flesh.

"Ahh! You're a control freak! You know that?" Akihito tried to squirm away. "I was crazy to move into your stupid, snooty condo."

Asami laughed. "Such a remedial learner needs all my attention I see." Asami's cell phone clicked open. "Kirishima, clear my schedule. I'll be back in the office on Monday."

"Nooo!" Akihito wailed as he was hauled over Asami's shoulder and carried to the bedroom. "Tomorrow is graduation! We're meeting my parents for dinner!" His fists beat uselessly at Asami's back."Ryuichi!"

Asami's deep chuckle rumbled as he shut the door shut behind them.

And they all lived happily ever after. XD