Misaki sat impatiently on the bed they shared, in Akihiko's toyland. He sat curled up, his elbows resting on his knees while his hands gripped his upper arms. His fingers drummed anxiously against his bicep, waiting for his bunny's return. Their pleasant time had been interrupted by the obnoxious ringing of the telephone, and Misaki hadn't thought much of it- except for the fact that it spoiled the good time he was having.
When the older man had stepped out of the tub to answer it, Misaki huffed fervently. The water was starting to get cold, anyway, so he made his leave after draining it and throwing on one of Akihiko's robes. He had been sitting on the bed waiting for him to be through talking to the intruder on the other end ever since. In reality, it had only really been a few minutes.
To his relief, Akihiko knocked on the door lightly with the back of two knuckles (Misaki never understood why he felt the need to knock), before gently pushing it open and smiling collectively at the boy. "Hey."
"Hey," Misaki replied, putting forward his half of their most common greet with each other. "Everything... okay?"
"Yes," the silver-haired answered, assuredly- but at the same time, hesitantly. "It was Officer Yumi."
"Oh.." the flower mumbled, looking down at the bedsheets, unsure of how to feel. "What did she say?"
"She would simply like to visit tomorrow morning and discuss a few things," Akihiko sensed the younger's uneasiness and sat down on the bed next to him, placing one of his large hands on Misaki's arm and stroking it soothingly with his thumb. "Like what's to become of... him."
Misaki perked up slightly, looking into the man's piercing violet eyes. "Really?"
"Yes, he is in their custody and she thinks we'd like to be involved in the punishment."
"I... I guess," Misaki said. He once again looked down, gripping his own biceps tighter with his hands. "I mean... it sounds nice, knowing what's going to happen, and being in c-control of something for once."
Akihiko nodded in agreement.
"But at the same time, I... don't feel right.. doing it.. I don't know why," the eighteen-year old continued. "Like I have every right, but it's somehow just not my place."
The author smiled warmly at him. His hand left Misaki's arm and went to caress his soft cheeks instead. He could tell Misaki's mind was lost- he wanted something he didn't want, but couldn't understand why; but Akihiko knew. "It's not your place, because it's not in your heart."
This caught Misaki's attention as a small blush formed across his cheeks. He hated praising himself- hated it, in any shape way or form, even in the most subtle, inscrutable way such as this... but Akihiko was right. He nodded once. "Yeah."
The next morning, they were sitting together at the dining table drinking coffee and pursuing their typical adolescent antics, Akihiko craving more than an unhealthy amount of chocolate in his- and Misaki happily giving it to him- then laughing at the chocolate mustache it left behind with each sip. A knock on the door was heard that stilled their laughter as Akihiko got up to answer it, being greeted by the female officer.
"Usami," she addressed him with a slight bow.
"It's nice to see you again, Officer Yumi," Akihiko bowed back respectfully. While he couldn't help but feel uneasy when considering the intentions of a police officer regarding Misaki, he knew he owed everything to this woman. She found Misaki and brought him back, and words couldn't express his gratitude.
Misaki made Yumi a cup of chocolatey coffee and offered it to her. She smiled sweetly and accepted it, taking a sip- wiping off her lips with a napkin before anything could be seen.
"So, let's get right down to business," she said, setting the cup down and unfolding a few papers that Akihiko assumed to be official documents and such. "Takana Hiroshi is in custody and is being detained Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, he's already recieved as much medical attention as the doctors at the Hiroo Ebisu Hospital are willing to give to the likes of him. All that's left is his sentence. The average prison time for rape is between eight and nine years. In some circumstances statutes limit the amount of time off for good behavior a convict may receive. Others require that a high percentage of the sentence be served by the offender before becoming eligible for parole. In general, the sentences for rape or sexual assault mirror the same range of penalties for crimes such as robbery, extortion, racketeering and major drug convictions, carrying far greater sentences than those for crimes like burglary or manslaughter. In fact, under certain circumstances a rape conviction may result in a life sentence."
Akihiko mentally scoffed, looking out the window in slight indignation. He hated how everything that monster had done to Misaki- his Misaki- had to be chalked up as a simple rape.
Try kidnapping, illegal slave-trade and domestic abuse, too, he thought.
The average penalty irked him, too. Nine years, not even twenty years was enough in Akihiko's eyes. If it were completely up to him, he would want the man dead. "What circumstances does it result in a life sentence?"
"Many places have degrees of the crime, such as a rape in the first and second degree, depending on the vulnerability of the victim, the type of force used, whether the rape resulted in serious bodily injury, and whether it was committed with a deadly weapon, such as a rape at gun point," Yumi answered. "It mostly depends on the provisions of each area's sentencing statute or sentencing guidelines, the victim's age or status, and the circumstances of the crime. Some places require a minimum prison sentence or require the court to impose a prison sentence without probation or early parole. In other areas, the judge may have some discretion on the length of the sentence and whether to allow the defendant to serve any portion of the sentence on probation rather than in prison. It's a long, complicated process. So I thought maybe you could help influence it."
Akihiko looked at Misaki next to him, as they were both now sitting on the couch across from Yumi. The teen's uneasy shaking didn't go unnoticed. "Misaki, you can go upstairs if you want." He put a hand on his shoulder comfortingly. "We can discuss this ourselves."
Misaki simply shook his head in response, and leaned into the touch. The last time he took his leave and left Akihiko behind with someone he presumed to be an officer, there were disastrous consequences, to say the least. He knew these were completely separate circumstances, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something bad would happen if they were to be apart for too long.
Understanding, Akihiko nodded and turned his attention back to the female officer. "Well, personally I'd prefer if we never had to worry about him again... I'd say Misaki is pretty vulnerable, he's only eighteen years old, and he was practically fed to that criminal."
"Right... which dovetails into my next question," Yumi said, her composure shifting into more seriousness. "Who fed him to Takana?"
Akihiko's heart skipped a beat, swallowing the lump in his throat, especially when his preferential vision caught sight of Misaki's eyes fall on him with curiosity. Millions of worst-case scenarios fell through his mind.
Misaki still doesn't know that we have history. This is only going to bring up guardianship issues again. I'm going to lose him. And he's going to hate me for not telling him anything sooner.
Akihiko simply responded by turning his head and looking back at Misaki so their eyes met, as if expecting an answer. Misaki winced, not wanting to have to speak- but in his mind, Akihiko had no idea about the background information, so he had no choice but to answer the question. Unable to think of a way out, some kind of twist of words to revert the situation into their favor, Misaki answered.
"My brother."
Yumi proceeded to write down the missing information as Misaki spoke. "What's your brother's name?"
"T-Takahiro Takahashi."
"And why did he sell you out?"
Because I got our parents killed... Misaki thought brutally, but caught his tongue. "I don't know. I hardly even remember any of it." Because they drugged me.
"Is he out there right now?"
Misaki nodded. "Yeah."
"What would you say to him if you saw him again?" Yumi asked. Misaki thought it was a strange procedural question.
"I'd... I'd forgive him."
Yumi nodded, "but would you go back to him?"
Misaki thought for a moment before shaking his head. "I... I want to stay with Usagi," he said, clinging to Akihiko's arm, knowing full well the purpose of these questions. It was like a test, a test to see who would win custody of him.
The girl then turned her eyes to Akihiko, looking for a confirmation. The man didn't need a picture drawn and nodded her direction, smiling. The smile was returned.
"Alright then." She flipped the pages. "That part is taken care of. All that remains is your final decision for Mr. Hiroshi."
Akihiko knew he had to make the wisest choice, to be a good example for Misaki. "Is imprisonment the only option?"
"Well, no," Yumi answered. "There is another common punishment for rapists in particular."
"And that is?"
"Castration."
"The hell is that?" Akihiko's brows furrowed. He could hear Misaki's muffled giggle in his shirt.
"Not something I enjoy talking about out loud," Yumi shot him an amused glance, digging through her pile of papers and handing him the document discussing the details of said sentence. The man was only halfway through the paper before his eyebrow quirked up in bewilderment. "Oh."
"Yeah."
"And this would be a completely alternative choice, or an addition to the life sentence?"
"It can be an addition, if you wish."
Akihiko smiled smugly. "Make it happen."
Misaki and Akihiko, still hooked to each other, waved goodbye to Yumi as she left out the door, her paperwork filled out and decisions made. The door was closed, and the two shared happy smiles.
"Well, I think that went well," Akihiko commented.
"Yes," Misaki agreed.
"I'm thankful we never have to worry about that sick freak again," the author said. "I'm also thankful I get to spend the rest of my life with you." He pulled Misaki into a hug, who gladly returned it, happy tears forming in his eyes.
"Yes," Misaki said again, burying his weepy face into the crook of the man's neck.
"Don't worry, Misaki," Akihiko said, brushing his large hand through the younger man's soft hair. "As long as I'm here, I won't let anything happen to you ever again."
He was sure at the time he could keep that promise.
I am so damn proud of myself right now guys.
Without the review/author's note, this chapter is 1,886 words. *Fistbump*
As for castration... look it up.
Or don't, that's fine too.
Sorry for not updating sooner today. I would've but I had an appointment with a photographer and then got into an argument with my parents and didn't feel like writing. But I'm better now!
Also too lazy to italic the out-spoken phrases. TBH I probably won't even do it again at all. I don't even really know why I did it in the first place. Oh well.
Soulhearts- You're probably right. I guess I'm clueless because I'm actually a Christian in real life and I'm not sure any other way of doing it apart from the traditional Japanese way. I think I was just too lazy to type it out at the time. And I was too lazy to type it out again just now. XD Thanks for the continuing love and support!
onebluefairy- Yes unfortunately I do have some more trauma planned, but it always ends happy, right? Or maybe it won't, and I'll just have to write a sequel or something. :) Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Thelittlestbunny- Thank you very much. Like I said above, there will be some more trouble brewing for the happy couple. But if you guys made it through the torture I put them through before, I'm sure you can handle the rest!
sexyshewolf- Oh I have no idea. I know it would be fairly late- maybe about halfway through? I try to think of each issue as an episode and go from there. I could be completely wrong though. I don't remember where the show ended in the manga. n/n Good luck finding it dear! (And let me know once you do XD)
ili777- Thank you very much for your continued feedback. Apologies, I know I'm being confusing. XD I wouldn't call it happy, or sad. I can tell you this for sure; the ending isn't going to be satisfying for the wondering mind, which is why I have a sequel prepared. It's going to be very controversial and open-ended. I guess it depends on each reader's view of the situation. I have every detail planned out- I'm just having trouble figuring out how to get there. XD
artistreilly421- Oh, I understand now, thank you for clarifying that for me! Akihiko found out Misaki had been raped during the ride in Yumi's police car back to his penthouse. It was pretty subtle, so it's okay if it was missed. But at this point, yes, Akihiko is aware that Misaki has been raped. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask and I will gladly answer! Unless it's spoilers. ;)
Mochi Bounce- Good to know my story has been so emotion-tampering, cause that's what I'm aiming for! It's personally my favorite type of story. Maybe my story isn't this extreme; but I love stories that I can physically feel pull at my heart. Thanks for your feedback! It means a lot to me!
Animebaconlover- I aimed for cute! n.n Thank you very much!
Holly Evans- I'm glad my writing can have that affect on people! I'm happy you like it. :) Also I couldn't help but notice you said you're excited for an update on Chapter 23? You have a few more chapters to go to catch up! (But you've probably figured that out by now. XD) I just don't want you to miss anything! Here's an update for you! :)
Nowaki Kamijou- I agree with you. XD Good thing it wasn't either of them; I just wanted to be dramatic for a minute. :) You and I think alike, though! In this story, Aikawa is a plot pawn and Takahiro is a scapegoat. I enjoy keeping it that way!
Difying Gravity- Thank you very much, I'm glad my story can be so inspiring and emotional! Like I said above, I strive for physical and emotional slaps to the heart. *Laughs evilly* But in all seriousness, I'm glad you enjoy my story and continue to read it.
Anonymous568- Thank you, I assume that means you graduated too then? If so, congrats! And yes, very much so! (And you can probably decipher this, but I am a hardcore Johnlock shipper. So you can expect some of that. XD)
cheese102- Thank you, I am a big Okane Ga Nai fan, wish it was longer!
Ciao,
-Tiny