No Money, No Love

By: Witch Baby

A/N: Yay! New chapter! I know it's late but my wedding is coming up so its crunch time for me. Depending on how everything goes, if a new chapter isn't up by early July, don't expect one until late August, maybe even September. Sorry folks but I've got a big move to make right after the wedding and a new job to start and unfortunately that means fanfiction has to take the back seat.

Enjoy this new chapter though!

"There are terrors deep inside me that are screaming bloody hell
And I'm trying to keep my hands from shaking
While you tell me where you've been

Darling, what is it you're doing with that hammer to my heart?
You tell me you don't know, but there you are again
You tell me you don't know...

So take another breath, open your eyes,
See this is what you get, yeah it serves you right,
And when it's all said and done,
It always seems so predictable, predictable..."

Chapter 20: Whats Hidden in Shadow

It came to no surprise to Kanou when Misao informed him that the building was, in fact, leased under Ginji's name. He sat in the back seat of the car, checking over his Luger P08 as he read the information Misao was sending him about the self proclaimed "entrepreneur".

On the surface it seemed Ginji was the owner of a popular AV production company, nothing too extreme in the dark world of Japan's underground. But Kanou had heard his name whispered once or twice over the last year in his own circles, and he knew that whatever porn business he had was a cover for some bigger aspirations.

First, the "stars" of his videos weren't just pretty coked up hookers wanting to be starlets. Almost all were taken off the streets or out of their homes, most underage as well. They were all so drugged up they hardly fought once the cameras started rolling. Kanou's stomach twisted painfully as he read over a few victim reports taken by the police from a few that had gotten away. It was so hard not to see Ayase's face in all the police photos, bruised and bloodied, eyes clouded in fear and pain. "How long before we arrive?" he growled to Homare.

"Ten minuets sir."

Nodding, he doubled checked that he had extra magazines for his gun in his pocket, a full one loaded and ready, before going back to reading. Recently, it seemed Ginji's small time drug trafficking had picked up, knocking down and taking over a few smaller groups along the way. With all the extra cash flow he started buying up property like crazy, mostly office buildings with a few clubs and bars among the rougher districts.

The more he read, the more something seemed off about everything in these reports. It didn't sit well with Kanou and he quickly dialed Misao. "Yes sir?"

"Why are these nothing but business records and nothing about Ginji himself?"

"There are no concrete records or pictures of him that I could locate, only the vague descriptions in the police reports. However, most of the victims were too drugged and barely conscious when he raped them and could not accurately describe him."

Kanou flinched at the word 'rape', spoken so expressionlessly from the Kuba twin, though bringing an image of Ayase's crying face to the forefront of his own mind. "Why are none of the larger groups opposing him? Not even some of the families have tried sticking their hand in this."

Kanou now wished he had paid closer attention when Ginji's name had started popping up. He never gave it much thought, Ginji's "business"really didn't have anything to do with his own dealings. Porn and drugs where too messy to Kanou. Money wasn't difficult and it was always legal. Getting it and dealing with it always wasn't, but it kept a pretty clean image.

"It seemed the Kazuyoshi group threatened him six months ago when some of their dealers where found dead. The 16 year old daughter of one of the group leaders was kidnapped, assaulted, raped, and injected with a number of highly addictive substances. They sent the family a few video tapes of her before returning the girl. She committed suicide a few weeks ago."

"And still no retaliation?"

"Quite a number of men Ginji employed were killed but nothing further. No one knows who Ginji really is or where he resides. Some even think he isn't even real, just a shadow to divert everyone's attention. Many groups are wary to engage when so little information is known about him."

"And Ayase?" he asked, trying to not let the worry leak into his voice.

"There are no security cameras within a four mile radius of the building. The nearest camera did show the same car that took Ayase enter the vicinity 23 minuets ago and has yet to appear again on any feeds. I am certain they have not left yet."

"You better be correct Misao." he said before snapping the phone shut, thinking of all the ways he'd make such a shadow bleed should anything happen to his angel.

Homare's mood grew darker as he listened to the one sided conversation from the backseat. He didn't have to hear what Misao was saying, he knew enough about Ginji himself from all the research he had done the night before. He was still kicking himself for letting Skyler mess with his head and cracking his resolve. If he hadn't given in, hadn't messed up, then maybe Ayase wouldn't be in danger now. He couldn't help feeling like this might all be his fault.

Damn Skyler and his know it all attitude, his tempting mouth, his hands full of promises, and his eyes full of secrets. He had known Skyler was trouble, had known that Ginji was somehow involved too, and he had let the younger blond walk away. If Skyler had sold them out, had told Ginji about Ayase and his involvement with Kanou, then his boss would not hesitate to tear the Kuba twin to pieces. Homare would deserve it though, should any harm come to Ayase.

They would make it though, he trusted his brother and he knew what his boss was capable of. Ayase would be fine, Ginji would be taken care of. As for Skyler...

That was one mistake Homare wasn't going to let happen again. He would see to it personally.

"We're here." he announced quietly, parking on a dark corner a little ways away, reaching for his own gun and tucking it in the holster at his side.

"Good. Misao is on the other side. We'll go through the side and he'll come around back. The blueprints show a very large underground structure, the most likely place where they'll be."

"Understood."

"We find Ayase first, then deal with Ginji."

Homare nodded, and they both slipped inside. Misao had already connected to the buildings mainframe, looping the videos and cutting any alarms someone might try to sound. Swiftly, silently, they moved through the hallways. Homare knew the determined, ruthless look in Kanou's eyes, it only showed when Ayase was in danger.

The Kuba twin always thought it must be the same look Death had when preparing for war.

Ayase paced around the small room that was his prison, casting worried glances to his injured friend that was still sleeping deeply on the bed. He had only woken once, when the guard Daisuke had sneaked in with some water and medicine to ease the pain of Skyler's wounds. Ayase was thankful for what little help the older male was, but he still wished he was brave enough to let them go. He had even suggested "accidentally" leaving the door unlocked and letting them try on there own. But he had just shaken his head and told him 'it wasn't that simple'. Still, he was glad for the painkillers for Skyler, even if he was a little concerned that Skyler took a few too many. He didn't say anything though, just watched his chest rise in fall as he slept, glad that he was at least no longer crying.

The younger blond turned, the blood stained sheet falling away and revealing the long, angry red whip marks crisscrossing down his back. Ayase bit his lip, feeling tears sting his eyes as he saw them and he was reminded again the sacrifice his friend has made for him. He could have left him, let Ginji take him away first and be hurt like that. The older blond shuddered at the thought, knowing that this wasn't Skyler's first time doing this too.

He wondered how he could ever think Kanou was cold. After seeing Ginji's cruel smile, the ice in his eyes that chilled Ayase down to his soul, it was plain to see he held no mercy. Kanou was always thunderous, powerful, surging with intensity. He was like a tiger, pacing around a cage, ready to strike at any moment but, for now, quietly contemplating their prey. Not cold, never cold.

With a sigh, Ayase sat on the ground opposite the wall and near the door, letting his head rest on his knees. The waiting was always the worst. So much time wondering what went wrong, what he could have done to stop it, what they were going to do to him. All he could do was hope and worry and pray and think.

He hands balled into fists, teeth biting into his lower lip to stop it from trembling. This was why he wanted to get stronger damn it! He didn't want to be trapped or need saving. His whole life he'd been weak, needing saving from bullies, kidnappers, even his own family.

There had always been someone there to save him, like his mother and grandmother, Kanou and Homare. Everyone told him he was always too weak to do things, too fragile. He couldn't live alone, go to college, drive, or even learn to fight. If he had the power, the strength, then he could save Skyler and himself, without anyone else.

He knew it wasn't that easy though. In their eyes, they only saw his thin frame, his small hands, his long white blond lashes framing teary blue eyes. They only saw a victim or a toy, an Angel on a pedestal who didn't belong to themselves. "But I don't want to be any of those things..." he whispered.

He just wanted to be Yukiya Ayase. To be happy and to live life and be loved for just being himself, that's all he ever wanted to be. If he could just get the world to see that, get Kanou to see that, then maybe...

Distant shouting and the pounding of hurried feet near the door broke him from his thoughts. He wiped at the few tears that had trailed down his cheeks, waiting for someone to burst in or for something to happen. He hoped it was Kanou, though the realistic voice of his thoughts told him it was probably Eito or Ginji come to do to him what they had done to Skyler. He held his breath as he heard the lock turn.

He knew his fate rested on whoever was standing outside that door.

A/N: Uh-oh! Who is outside that door? Dun dun duuuuun! Heh, another cliffy for everyone. I am so evil!

I got a complaint that my author notes where too long so I'm trying to cut down on them. I always have a lot of things to say though so please read my author blog for more in depth analysis of the chapters! Link is up on my profile page! :3

Review Replies! Tell me how much you love me and I'll tell you right back!

Don't Preach: I love your review! The long ones are my favorite! One thing I love about Okane Ga Nai is all the hidden emotion I think are in all the characters. I tried to show that in this chapter as well for Ayase. I personally believe he has a complex about being so feminine. Throughout the manage he tries so hard to stay in college, help others, get a job, even learn to drive! But everyone says no! And yet he still tries anyway. Not because he's stupid and naive, but because he wants to prove to himself and everyone that he is capable, he can do these things, and they need to trust him to do that! Gah I love his character so much!

I secretly loved Kanou being a badass. I don't think we get to see it enough in the manga so it was fun trying to figure out how he always figures everything out.

Skyler's part was pretty hard for me to write, and I actually did end up crying. I'm a sap like that and he's like, my baby. I really hope to right a continuation for him and Homare. He deserves to be loved. I don't believe in writing rape scenes so I only show the aftermath of his sacrifice.

Hope you keep reading and reviewing! :D

Amity33: I'm super happy when readers say my characters really stick to the manga. I didn't want to change anything, just show a different side to them. Glad you enjoyed!

Luna's Fallen Angel: Don't worry dear. We have our ways to end him. ;)

Kitty in the Box: Sorry you didn't win! Maybe for the 300th review! Or if I get time I'll write you one just because I like you and your reviews make me smile!

I know I didn't mention everyone but I do love you all and love your reviews! Keep up the good work!