A/N: There's a minor MTNN crossover here. I asked my beta if i should go with it and she's had 0 objections.

Chapter Eleven

The sound of the television echoed through the room, the words falling on deaf ears. Nagisa's head slowly turned towards the team, who were staring at the television with unseeing eyes and identical expressions of horror. He tore his eyes away from them, unable to keep the guilt from gnawing at his heart. They don't deserve this… He couldn't even begin to comprehend the depth of what they must be feeling right now. He had nothing, he had always had nothing. Whatever happened to him, it didn't make a difference. But them…they had spent the last eight years of their lives building up to something they could be proud of. They had gone to college, started careers and businesses, gotten married.

And it was all gone.

They were trying to help me. Nagisa clenched his fist, rage boiling beneath his skin. They don't deserve this! They were going to lose everything because of him. They were in this situation because of him. The thought made him feel sick. What had he ever done to earn their respect? Abandoned them without looking back? Never contacted them again? Whatever the reason, there was only one fact that Nagisa knew to be true.

Asano Gakushuu was going to die. He would make sure of it.

But that didn't matter right now. He could plot his vicious murder later. His comrades were identified and he was certain police would be surrounding them any minute. They needed to get to a safe place and they need to get there now.

"We need to move," Nagisa said, standing up and shaking them out of their stupor, "You guys have been named, your homes are going to be the first places they look. We need to think of places to go and fast." They were momentarily silent as they struggled to find words. It was Isogai who spoke first.

"What about Sugaya's?" Isogai suggested, his voice throaty from fighting back tears. Nagisa blinked. Sugaya? Why him?

"Why Sugaya?" Nagisa asked.

"He did our disguises," Karma explained, sitting up in the chair with a grunt and shaky limbs, "He's already involved, but he wasn't named." It would work for the time being.

"That's good for now," Nagisa agreed, "But we're going to need to move tomorrow. Once they've investigated your homes, they're going to contact acquaintances. But we need to get out of here now." He put as much urgency in his voice as he could. It was important that they knew that they couldn't stay here any longer. Their lives were in danger. "Can someone call Sugaya?"

"I can," Maehara volunteered, pulling out his phone.

"Good. You call while we move. Everyone, you need to leave everything here, including your cell phones. Law enforcement can track your location through them."

"But Nagisa -!" Kataoka protested. He silenced her with a stare.

"Leave everything. Your lives are more important than your things," he said harshly. With great reluctance, they fished through their pockets, pulling out their phones and wallets. Maehara was off to the side, waiting for his call to go through. They placed the items on the table with shaking hands. He gave them all a cold look, daring them to keep their things. Anything they kept could be traced back to them. The last thing they needed was law enforcement swooping down upon them. Maehara ended his call not a moment later.

"It's no good, he won't pick up," Maehara announced, "He's probably still at his show. I left a voice mail." Nagisa paused, his eyes widening. Shit, they're going to check his phone records. What the fuck, am I slipping? Am I really that panicked? I need to calm down.

"Destroy your phone," he ordered.

"What?! Why?!"

"They're going to check phone records. The police can still find the records, but by the time they get them, we'll be long gone. Throw it down the garbage disposal." Maehara had a choked look on his face.

"B-but, my phone!"

"Just do it," Kayano said coldly. Maehara shivered at the look she gave him. He stepped towards the sink, and with only a moment's hesitation, dropped the device down the disposal. He let out a pained noise as he flipped the switch and heard the sound of plastic, metal, and glass scraping together. Satisfied, Nagisa turned back to the group.

"Does anyone know where he lives?"

"I do," Isogai volunteered, his voice sounding stronger, "I can get us there."

"Perfect," Nagisa said. He hoped that Sugaya got the voice mail in time. The poor boy was in for a surprise when he got home if he didn't… "Come on, let's go." Nagisa offered Karma his hand.

"Someone grab 47's leash. It's by the door," Karma said. Kataoka held up a garishly decorated red leash.

"Is it this one?"

"Yeah." She leaned over and leashed the dog, who wriggled and accepted its fate with a yap and a wagging tail. Nagisa didn't bother protesting, he doubted Karma would willingly leave the dog behind anyway. He stood to his full length, catching their attention.

"Follow me," the assassin said. He opened the door, checking to see if the hallway was clear before proceeding. It would do no good for any of them if the cops were already on their doorsteps. He spared a glance behind him, at the terrified group of people. A bead of sweat dripped down his forehead. I have a lot of people to look out for. More than last time.

"Terasaka, can you lead us to the garage?"

"The garage?" Terasaka asked, perplexed.

"We need transport out of here."

"Why the hell are we taking our cars?"

"Who said we're taking your cars?" Nagisa shot back, his patience wearing thin. He just needed them to be in a safe place. This is my fault. Terasaka scowled, but agreed. Nagisa trailed behind the group, partially out of obligation to watch their backs, partially because it was hard for Karma to move quickly. His hand trembled. He had to get them to safety, it was the least he could do.

They saved him.

They had risked everything for him (and it was looking like they had lost everything for him). He wasn't sure he could ever repay them for that, but he would damn sure do everything in his power to protect them. Even if it meant sacrificing his own well-being. The weight of Karma on his shoulder was a reminder of that. He had already taken an injury, Nagisa wasn't about to let that happen to anyone else. This is my fault. Terasaka opened the door to a stairwell at which both Isogai and Maehara let out simultaneous groans.

"More stairs?!" the blond exclaimed dramatically.

"Suck it up," Kataoka shot back at him.

"Easy for you to say," Maehara muttered. They were all on edge, Nagisa could tell. He wasn't sure the full implications of what was happening had hit them yet. Honestly, he hoped it didn't hit them until they were someplace safe. The last thing he needed was for them to suffer a breakdown before then.

They descended the stairs in silence, with nothing but the sound of their own breathing to accompany them. When they reached the garage, they simultaneously deferred to him. "What now, Nagisa?" Okano asked. Nagisa's eyes scanned the parking lot, trying to find what he was looking for. His eyes fell on a white vehicle near the back. Lucky!

"Over there," he said, pointing to the van. Judging by the logo on the outside it was some sort of flower delivery vehicle. Tomorrow morning, some poor soul was going to wake up and find that their livelihood was stolen. Until then, they needed to protect their livelihood. His eyes fell on the recycling bins kept down here. He grabbed an old metal hanger that some tenants had discarded and unfolded it as he approached the car.

"Are we stealing a car?!" Okano asked in a hushed whisper.

"No," Nagisa said, "We're stealing a van." Karma snickered.

"Same difference!"

"Okano-san, you helped break someone out of jail. Adding auto theft to that charge isn't going to make a difference." She huffed. Isogai took over supporting Karma while Nagisa began to do the dirty work. Nagisa stuck his knife in the door. "Terasaka, I need someone to leverage the door open while I unlock it. The man scowled, but placed his hands on the handle and pushed. The van creaked in protest. Nagisa pushed the straightened coat hanger into the opening it made. He fished around for a few moments before he heard a clicking sound. The door opened. He grinned. Success!

"Need someone to hotwire it?" Itona asked, tilting his head.

"You know how to hotwire a car?" Terasaka asked, incredulous.

"College," he said with a shrug as he approached the car. Nagisa stifled a laugh. He could hotwire the car himself, but he would love to see Itona do it. Nagisa unlocked the rest of the van, ushering the makeshift team of criminals into the van. They were smushed together between chrysanthemums, oleanders, and hydrangeas. Just as the last person (Okajima) was shoved into the van, Nagisa heard the hum of the car starting up. Impressive. Itona stepped back and let Nagisa take the driver's seat. He shoved himself in the back, closing the doors behind him.

"Alright, Isogai, tell us where to go."

Nagisa parked several blocks away as a precautionary measure. When the owner of the van finally realized their vehicle was missing, it would not be in their best interests to have it right outside their hiding spot. Isogai led the way as they slinked through the night as best as an eleven person group could.

The neighborhood was not nearly as nice as Karma and Terasaka's. Graffiti painted the alleyways, and dark figures stalked around the corners, giving them suspicious looks before turning away. Nagisa's hand twitched over his knife, ready to cut down the witnesses, but decided against it. A trail of bodies was just as bad as a van parked in front of the apartment complex.

"It's here," Isogai announced. The building was just as beat up as the surrounding neighborhood. Paint was chipping off of the façade, trails of smoke were coming out of windows, and shouts could be heard from the neighbors. Stray dogs and cats barked and hissed at each other, fighting over territory and food. 47 was shaking, his tail curled up into his body.

Isogai led them through the broken down complex, knocking on a door on the third level. They waited with baited breath for a response. If they were lucky, he was already home and had gotten the text message. Otherwise, they would have to break in. Although, Nagisa thought, examining the doors, That might not be too hard.

The door creaked open, and a very familiar man stood at the door. He ushered them in, closing and deadbolting the door behind him.

"Nagisa," he greeted.

"It's good to see you, Sugaya-kun."

"And it's nice to see you walking about. How'd you like my disguises?"

"They were great. I was fooled for a while." Sugaya smiled.

"I'm glad to hear it." He turned, looking at Karma. "What happened to you?"

"A bullet," he said sarcastically, "Do you have any pain meds?"

"Yeah, you need some?"

"I need all of them."

"He doesn't need all of them," Kataoka corrected with an eye roll. Karma scowled at her. Sugaya disappeared into his bathroom, coming back a moment later with two pills in his hand. He handed them over to Karma, who greedily sucked them down. Sugaya offered him a sip from his water bottle, which the man eagerly took. Nagisa made mental note of how many pills he had taken so far. Knowing Karma, he wasn't doing the same.

"So I hear you guys have gotten into a bit of trouble."

"That's not even the half of it," Terasaka muttered under his breath.

"I got your voicemail, Maehara, but you didn't respond when I tried to call you back."

"I had them abandon their phones," Nagisa explained, "Law enforcement can track people through them. We need a place to stay for tonight, and you were the best option." Sugaya nodded thoughtfully.

"If you stayed at Karma's, the police could find you there, right?"

"Yeah," Nagisa said, "I'll find somewhere else for us to stay tomorrow, but it was short notice and we had no other options. We'll be out of your hair soon enough." Sugaya collapsed on his chair.

"I suppose," he said. He closed his eyes and stretched. "Besides, I got myself involved the second I decided to help everyone with their disguises. It's almost unfair that I'm getting off scot-free anyway. I'll help as best I can." He looked around. "So what exactly is happening?"

"We were identified, by name, as the people who broke Nagisa out," Kayano explained.

"But I thought that's why we erased your records and created false profiles?"

"It wasn't enough," Nagisa muttered, "Someone knew you guys would be coming. They identified you and leaked your identities."

"Nagisa, you were muttering about being framed while we were in the Ministry," Isogai said, "I think it's time that you told us everything." Nagisa sighed, leaning against the wall. It was fair for them to know the whole story.

This is my fault.

"It started after my last job ended," he recounted, "I had been personally requested for a job in Japan."

"Is that usual?" Kataoka asked, "Being personally requested?"

"It's not unusual. I have a solid reputation and name for myself." Or rather, I had a solid reputation. "However, this request was unusual, because it was for someone I had known as a teenager. Asano Gakushuu."

"Him?" Sugaya asked, surprised, "Why him?"

"Honestly, looking over his profile, I wasn't surprised. Over the course of the last eight years, he's created numerous connections to the underworld, including the Russian mafia, Yakuza, and Triad. He's responsible for calling a hit on his own father and ruthlessly manipulating his superiors and anyone whom he sees as a threat. So the request itself wasn't suspicious." He observed their reactions to this information. Okajima and Okano looked shocked, but many of the others had furrowed brows, trying to process the new information. Nagisa crossed his arms.

"I had assumed that he had pissed off the wrong they were trying to eliminate him, but he wanted to take care of them first. I later learned I was wrong."

"Can't you ask for information about the person requesting?"

"No," he said, "It's a breach of etiquette. Clients require confidentiality, which is why they go through Lovro, who vets them. I never see the face of the client, I only receive their paycheck." He closed his eyes. "I was hesitant, but after reading and rereading his profile, I accepted the job. I flew out not long after that." Nagisa let out a heavy sigh. "It was during the assassination that I realized I had been tricked. I was aiming to assassinate him in his office, but when I pulled the trigger, I realized I had not hit my target. Instead, I had unintentionally assassinated the MEXT Minister."

"So you did kill him," Kayano said, her voice sounding odd. Nagisa closed his eyes and nodded solemnly.

"Yes. He was not my target, but I killed him." The group simultaneously turned to stare at Karma, who sat looking innocent. Nagisa noticed the odd reaction and frowned. "What?"

"Karma here was convinced you hadn't done it," Maehara said pointedly, "He insisted you were innocent."

"I'm innocent in all the other assassinations, at least," Nagisa protested weakly. 47 finished plodding around the room, coming up to Nagisa to nuzzle against him. His fingertips brushed the fluffy dog, giving him some assurance.

"Anyway, what happened next?" Karma asked, ignoring the other's piercing stares.

"I learned that Asano had called the hit in on himself. I was arrested and taken to the Ministry of Defense's holding cells. That's where he told me that he was going to frame me for the assassination of the other Ministers."

"Why?" Kayano asked.

"I don't know," Nagisa answered shortly. It was driving him crazy. Why the hell would he go through all this trouble just to fuck with them? "My best guess is some sort of twisted revenge over our school days, but I couldn't tell you for sure." He glanced towards the files he had stolen from the evidence room. When they finally found someplace secure to stay, he would have to take a look through them.

"That would explain why there were no dispatch records," Karma muttered.

"What?" Nagisa asked.

"When I first saw you being moved for interrogation, I started looking into things. One of the biggest pieces of evidence that pointed to something fishy was that there were no dispatch records for that area. As a matter of fact, there were dispatch records for police to get out of the area."

That was…

Interesting.

Nagisa hadn't known that. He had just thought that he was arrested by police. He had no idea that they weren't official. But that lead to a bigger question, just how many people did Asano have under his thumb? Was he paying them, or were they following him based on some sort of fucked up philosophy? Were they attracted to his power and charisma? Just how far did his network reach?

"I didn't know that," he admitted, "The men who arrested me looked very much like policemen to me. I thought they were official." For them to so easily take him into the Ministry's holding cells, he had to have men actually in the Ministry itself. The thought was kind of frightening.

"And they took you directly into the Ministry…" Karma said, piecing together the same pieces of the puzzle Nagisa was. "You said Asano came to talk to you?"

"Yeah," Nagisa confirmed, "It was mostly to brag. He didn't let anything else slip." Nagisa's mind wandered to the memory of the interrogation. They had unknowingly played directly into Asano's plans, and he wasn't sure how they were going to react to that. "There is one thing though, something that the interrogator had said."

"The interrogator was involved?" Terasaka interrupted.

"Yes," Nagisa confirmed.

"That would explain why it was such a strange duo doing the interrogation," Karma muttered. Nagisa raised an eyebrow. They had done their research. It was impressive.

"The interrogator told me that my team and I were doomed to die," he said flatly.

"Your team…?" Okano asked.

"I've always worked alone," Nagisa explained, "I had no idea what he meant until now. You played right into Asano's hands." He watched their shoulder droop with the weight of his words. Nagisa felt a lump in his throat at their defeated looks. They had thought that they were doing their friend a favor, that they were doing this of their own free will.

But they weren't.

They were being manipulated, puppets in the hand of the show master.

This is my fault.

"But how would he know that we would come?!" Maehara protested.

"I don't know," Nagisa admitted, "I don't know how he knew that, I don't know why he wants to take you guys down too. I just know that he's behind this."

"How can you be so sure?" Terasaka asked, "Seems like a reach to me."

"How else could you explain how you guys got into the Ministry so easily?" Nagisa demanded, raising his voice, "How the the building with the most advanced security system in the country had such a glaringly obvious security hole? Why were there so many guards mobilized on a Sunday night? How did the press know your names, despite all of you using false identities?!" Terasaka faltered. Further protests died on their lips.

Nagisa hadn't mean to take out his frustrations on them. It was a mask for the frustration and hatred he was feeling towards himself. He hated the fact that they had risked their lives to get him out and that because of it they may have had everything ruined.

Sugaya leaned down to pick up the dog, who was happily running around, ignorant of the tension and worry in the air.

"So what do you want me to do?" he asked.

"We'll be gone tomorrow," Nagisa promised, "We just needed a place to crash for tonight." He gave them a nod.

"I don't have a lot of space, but if someone wants to share my bed, they should be able to fit. Two people can take the couches, and two people can take the air mattress. Everyone else is stuck on the floor I'm afraid."

"It's fine," Kataoka assured, "We did sort of throw this on you last minute." Sugaya smiled at his old friend before putting down the dog to root through the linen closet for blankets.

"Hey, Sugaya, I have a question for you," Nagisa said, "You wouldn't happen to have spare wigs and make-up, would you?"

"I do. What for?"

"I need to make a call."

Nagisa left the apartment the next day around eight am, fully disguised. He had 47's leash in one hand and his wallet sitting heavily in his pocket. He was glad he had thought to take it when he had the chance. He thought he'd need it to purchase plane tickets, but now he could support his team, rather than relying on Sugaya's generosity. His cards were securely under different aliases at international bank accounts, which protected his money.

Nagisa pulled his wig forward, conscientious of how large it was on his head. Karma had insisted that he buy some dog food for the poor pup and Nagisa needed to purchase a cell phone. With the dog food already in hand (along with some snacks for the team), he stopped by a sketchy looking electronics store, picking up the cheapest prepaid cell phone he could find.

"That'll be 3,000 yen," the cashier said. He pulled out his card, inserting the card into the chip reader and entering the pin. The cashier gave him an odd look. "You look familiar." That's right, my face has been plastered all over national television. Probably all over international television too.

"I get that a lot," he said coolly, "I've just got one of those faces." The cashier chuckled.

"I've been there. My best friend and I are practically twins," he said, "Would you like your receipt?"

"Yes, please," Nagisa said, taking the slip in his hand. He took the phone in hand and shuffled out of the shop as quickly as he could. He turned the corner into a deserted alley. He ripped open the packaging, tossing it away into a smelly dumpster. 47 sat and watched the trash fly across the alley. He helpfully picked up a piece that had missed the bin.

Over the years, Nagisa had memorized hundreds of numbers. They included everyone from his mother to fellow assassins. Given the nature of his job, he couldn't ever guarantee that he would have the same phone from country to country, so it was helpful to memorize the numbers he wanted to keep. He slowly typed in the number he probably knew better than any other.

Nagisa realized belatedly that he probably shouldn't be listening to this conversation.

He hadn't intended to stumble upon Karasuma having a meeting. He had gotten out of his study group early, and decided to stop by before his training that night. He had even helpfully brought hot pork buns to share, which were quickly cooling in the thin paper bag.

"You know the terms of the deal," a rough voice said. It was familiar, but Nagisa couldn't quite place it. He had a thick accent, Russian it sounded like. Through the thin door opening, he saw Karasuma shift uncomfortably.

"We understand that," Irina said. Nagisa blinked, she was there too? She must be just out of sight. "But we beg you to reconsider."

"I have given you too many resources to let this just slide," the voice said. It was so familiar, where had Nagisa heard him before?

"He shouldn't be risking his life abroad, his skills could be best put to use here. He has friends and family here, you can't just ask him to give that all up," Karasuma explained. Nagisa felt himself go cold. They were talking about him. There was a slam that sounded like a fist against wood.

"That wasn't the deal!" Deal? What deal? "Do I have to remind you of the agreement that you signed, Karasuma. You groom the kid, and you'll be granted unlimited use of his skills pro bono. He needs to come with me for that!" Nagisa's grip slackened and his throat went dry. Had he just been a part of a deal this whole time? Was he just some prize to be won?

Fury bubbled up within him and betrayal stabbed at him. Why couldn't he ever be in control of his own life? Why was he always stuck being some puppet? First his mother, and now his sensei! He curled his hand into a fist, how dare they?! Who the hell did they think they were?!

"We think he would do better here. You can still work with him, but let him stay here," Irina said. Why the hell did she think she could speak for him!? He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He fought back tears. He simultaneously wanted to punch a hole in the wall and curl up into a ball and forget everything he had just heard.

He thought he could trust them, he thought that they were training him because they believed in him. He had a skill he could finally put to use and do some good with (even if that skill involved killing people).

"That wasn't in the contract. I refuse."

This was the last straw. Nagisa did the only thing he could do. He ran. His footsteps heavy against the linoleum tile. His footsteps and pounding head masked what the man had to say next.

"You two have grown weak. You care about him, don't you?"

Nagisa cancelled training that night. And the next. He cited upcoming exams and not the fury and betrayal he was feeling. When he did see his teachers a week later, he couldn't look either one of them in the eye.

So when Lovro offered to take him away a few days after that, Nagisa accepted. Just so he could have control of his life for once.

His finger hovered over the call button. Nagisa knew exactly how this conversation would go, and he wasn't happy about it. Calling now would be better than putting it off, and he could probably get a contact's name or number.

He hit call.

The phone rang a few times before a familiar voice picked up.

"Hello?" the voice over the phone answered.

"Boss, it's the Viper," he said. Silence reigned, Nagisa could only hear the sounds of cars and chatter in the background

"I see," Lovro said, "So you got out."

"Yeah," Nagisa confirmed. His boss let out a relieved sigh, an unusual show of emotion for the assassin dealer.

"It's a shame though," Lovro started. Nagisa's heart sunk. Here it comes. "That the Viper fell into fire."

"Y-yeah. Understood," Nagisa responded, his throat dry. This was it. He was officially burned. Lovro wanted nothing to do with him anymore. His hand shook. "You wouldn't happen to know anyone that might have a couch myself and ten of my friends could crash on, would you?" Lovro took a moment to answer.

"I might know someone. He's not very smart, and a little hot-headed, but he's got his priorities in order." There was shuffling on the other end of the phone. "He's the current president of Mochizuki Research Company. He's been in business a long time now, he's bound to know someone. Let him know that I sent you." Nagisa nodded. Lovro listed off his number and Nagisa took care memorizing each digit.

"Thank you, Lovro," he said, "I mean it, thank you for everything."

"Good luck, Nagisa." The call ended and Nagisa felt bittersweet. Lovro had looked after him for the last eight years, and although the man wouldn't admit it, he had a soft spot for Nagisa.

"How was India?" Lovro asked. It was the first time Nagisa had seen his contact since he first left three months ago. It was comforting to finally see a familiar face.

"Educational," Nagisa responded. He sipped at the coffee, enjoying its bitter taste.

"Oh? How so?" Lovro leaned forward in his seat, paying rapt attention to his words. Nagisa struggled to succinctly describe everything he had learned in the past few months.

"It's different than just training," he started, "I had to use everything I learned and even more than that. I think…I think if I got that same job now, after these experiences, I could do the same thing in a month." Lovro's mouth twitched into a smile.

"I see," he said, "I'm pleased to hear that. Where would you say you need the most improvement?" Nagisa thought over the question. It was clear that he was nowhere near perfect in any of his skills, but if he had to choose one…

"Preparation. Karasuma-sensei taught me a lot about actual assassin technique, and Irina-sensei went over some scenarios I might run across. But if I was better at preparation, the India trip could've taken probably half the time." Lovro smirked.

"That's a very good answer." He stirred his coffee. "I'm sure your education at the hands of Irina and Karasuma was very thorough." Nagisa felt that same stab of betrayal he felt whenever he thought of his mentor (it would take years to go away). The click of the spoon against the ceramic stopped. Lovro pierced him with an intense stare. "But there's plenty they couldn't teach you. Techniques they deem morally questionable, the realities of the world of assassins, and most importantly: experience." He laced his fingers together and leaned forward. "So Nagisa, what do you want to learn first?"

Nagisa repeated the numbers in his head, keeping each one to his memory. This was Lovro's last gift to him, the one lifeline he could give Nagisa. He might never see his mentor again, so he would do his best to honor that gift.

"Why the hell can't you do this alone?" Terasaka muttered under his breath as they stalked through hallways of the Mochizuki Research Company. Their employees were very good at averting their eyes. Their heads were ducked and their eyes glazed over the odd group.

"I needed manpower," Nagisa explained.

"You kill people for a living, do you really need manpower?" Terasaka shot back.

"When I meet with contacts, they are usually people I have interacted with before or someone who I know through mutual contacts. This is different, I don't know him and he doesn't know me. I cold called him based on a number that Lovro gave me." Nagisa looked at Terasaka. "Besides, there's strength in numbers." Terasaka grunted, still not quite convinced. Okajima and Maehara looked worriedly between them.

They stopped in front of a door. Nagisa's eyes scanned the plaque in front.

Godai Shinobu

Company President

That's the name Lovro gave me… Nagisa knocked on the door to Godai's office. There was a muffled, "Come in!" Nagisa pushed open the door, his eyes falling on the lone figure behind the desk. He was an older man, probably in his early 40s. His blond hair was peppered with strands of gray, and there were stress lines throughout his face. They regarded each other.

"Get the fuck out of my office," Godai growled, standing up. Nagisa closed his eyes and sighed. He had an idea that this would happen.

"We came here unarmed," Nagisa said, holding his hands up. Okajima and Terasaka mimicked him. "We are not looking to harm you or any of your employees."

"I don't have any business with terrorists."

"Lovro sent me," Nagisa said forcefully. This gave him pause. "I'm being framed. I'm innocent."

"Why the hell should I believe you!?" Godai exclaimed, "I help you and then I get my assed charged with aiding a fucking fugitive." He pounded his fist against the desk. "Get the FUCK out of my office!"

"We just need a place to stay," Maehara said, stepping forward, "Nothing else. After that, we'll be out of your hair and you won't ever see us again."

"Bullshit!"

"What the fuck is your problem?!" Terasaka shouted, also stepping forward. Nagisa sighed. This was not how he wanted this to go. He stood face-to-face with Godai, his face contorted into a deep and angry scowl.

"The fuck is my problem?! You just waltz in here as if the whole god damn country isn't looking for your goddamn asses and then you come here to drag me into this. You assholes have a lot nerve!"

"Are you fucking deaf, old man? Just answer our goddamn question and we'll be out of your hair."

"Who the fuck are you calling old man, brat?!" Godai shouted, fisting his shirt. It was time to intervene. Swiftly, Nagisa separated Terasaka and Godai, pushing Terasaka to the floor. Godai was furious. "I'm not going to say it again. Get the fuck out of here."

"We need your help!" Nagisa pleaded.

"What the fuck do I get out of this?" Godai snapped, pulling himself back to sit on his chair. Nagisa tilted his head.

"500,000 Yen, for an address and your silence," he said, laying down the bag he had brought with him. He pushed it towards Godai, who grunted. He regarded the bag cautiously, his fingers hovering over the zipper. Nagisa leaned forward. "All we need is a place for eleven people to stay, then we are out of your hair forever. Someplace that won't attract the attention of the police or other people. Can you think of anything?" Godai regarded him coolly. As the old adage went: money talks.

"If I give you a place, will you leave me alone and forget I ever existed?"

"We won't step foot within 500 feet of the building," Okajima promised. Godai growled.

"It should still be free," Godai muttered to himself, "That asshole's gonna be in South America for a while."

"What was that?" Maehara asked. Godai scowled at him.

"Fine," he spat, "I know just the place." He pulled out a memo pad and wrote down an address. "It's abandoned, and it includes the bottom and second floor. It should be enough to hold eleven people and keep you out of the police's eye." He slid the paper across the desk, along with a single key. Nagisa grabbed it. "Don't lose that, you're not getting another one."

"Thank you," Nagisa said.

"Now get the fuck out of my office."

Nagisa, Terasaka, Karma, Nakamura, and Okajima stood at the doors to the address that Godai had given them. The other six were hanging back in (another) stolen van, waiting for the all clear to enter. They had decided that moving as separate groups was going to be easier and slightly less risky. People paid attention to eleven person groups, not so much to smaller groups.

The building was worn down, probably from years of disuse. A broken and worn down sign laid crumbled on the door.

"-Katsu…" Okajima muttered, reading what was left of the top board, "-Tect- Agency…"

"What are you muttering about?" Nakamura asked.

"The sign," he said, "Some sort of agency used to be here."

"Congratulations on your reading comprehension," Karma said sarcastically, unlocking the door. The hinges squeaked loudly against the sudden movement. Karma stepped into the environment, taking in the whole office. Nagisa's eyes scanned for any immediate threats. Wide windows, could potentially be spotted or sniped. Wallpaper is loose, as is carpet, weapons or bombs could easily be stored without notice. Otherwise… It's decent. Godai was not kidding when he said it would fit eleven people. The office was spacious, and there were stairs that connected directly to another room downstairs. There was little room for sleeping, but that was inconsequential.

Nagisa signaled the six to come in from the window. He turned around, taking in the room. The office wasn't bad, it would do for now until he could figure out what they wanted to next.

He struggled with a way to bring up to the group that it was likely they would never recover from this. If they stayed in Japan, they would spend the rest of their lives on the run. They would never have the opportunity to breathe or get back what they once had. Their best option would be to leave the country as soon as they could. He had a contact who specialized in false papers based in Japan, once he contacted them, they could be out with fake passports within the day.

But that was for another day.

As Isogai and Maehara collapsed against each other on the couch and the others explored their new accommodations, Nagisa let out a sigh of relief. They were safe. For now.

A/N: I'm not even going to pretend this wasn't an excuse to get Godai and Terasaka to yell at each other. For clarification's sake, the kids are in fact staying at the old Katsuragi Detective Office. I would imagine Neuro and Yako would be too busy traveling the world to keep the offices up, but they'd want to keep the offices just in case. I'd also imagine that they'd purchase the bottom level for Yako to move into. I tried to make it clear, but the kids don't know any of that, so it was challenging to clarify.