Hi guys!
It's me again ^_^
Let me sincerely apologize for updating really, really, really late for this story. A lot of things had been occupying my mind and my time, well most of it would be work, which had been driving me crazy. Later did i realized that I put it off longer than I intended. Hontoni Gomen! (bows)
But still I wanted to thank you all, for taking the time to read, review and favourite my story.
I feel really bad not being able to update soon, I just hope that this chapter won't disappoint you. I promise to complete the next chapter as soon as I can. :D
Anyways enough with my ranting ^_^
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Viewfinder characters; they are the wonderful creations of Ayano Yamane-sensei. The added characters here are simply made up; any resemblance with any fictions is purely coincidental.
On with the story…
*v*
Chapter 4
Akihito was awakened by the soft warm morning light that filled his room. He felt unusually calm and light. The pain he felt for the past few days had decreased, which was a huge relief.
Looks like I'm patching up nicely. I can't wait to bust out of here and go back to work.
The thought of being able to get back to the one thing he loved, criminal photography, was enough to lift his spirits up. He left out a contented sigh and gazed out the window.
His thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock followed by the opening of the door. An unfamiliar doctor came in accompanied by the usual nurse. Unable to keep to himself and before the doctor can introduce himself,
"Where's Koji-sensei?"
"Koji-sensei was called in for an emergency; just for today I'll be your attending physician, I'm Ishida" the doctor patiently explained.
Akihito just eyed his new doctor but didn't say anything. After the brief introduction, the usual morning check-up followed.
"You are healing quite nicely Takaba-san, you may get discharged in a few days." Ishida said while he was scribbling some of his orders on the chart, before handing it back to the nurse.
"That's good to know. But how about my memories, will I be able to remember them?" Akihito asked with expectant eyes.
"I'm not in the liberty to discuss your condition; though I can say this, in most cases patients have successfully recovered their memories. This memory lost may just be temporarily. You might just need a jump start.
Akihito smiled at the word used by Ishida, "That's a relief. So when will I be able to go home. I'm dying to get back to work."
"I have no definite date, since it will be Koji sensei who will give the orders as to when you can be discharged"
Before Akihito can ask any more questions, the door opened revealing three men, one of them is Asami or so he has been told.
"Good morning, Asami-sama" Ishida and the nurse greeted and bowed in respect towards the man who just entered the room. Asami lifted his hand slightly in acknowledgement.
"How is he sensei?"
"Everything is going well, Asami-sama. Takaba-san is healing quite nicely, I'm positive that he will be discharged in a few days. Koji-sensei may need to do a final check-up."
While Asami and the doctor were speaking with each other; Akihito on the other hand stared at the men who had entered the room. For some odd reason, he sensed a familiarity towards them, but he is not entirely sure. He then looked at Asami; he still cannot believe that a man as powerful as this would be visiting him. He remembered his conversation with his best friends and cannot help but wonder if what they said was true. I guess I will learn soon enough. His thoughts were interrupted when he heard Ishida said.
"If you'll excuse us, I have other patients to attend to."
Asami gave a small nod, Ishida and the nurse excused themselves and left the room. Asami turned his attention to Akihito who at the moment was observing him. A small smirk crossed his face, he moved closer to Akihito to get a better look at the boy.
"See anything you like?" Asami asked in a teasing tone
Akihito was taken aback by the question, he didn't mean to stare but he can't help him. Who in their right mind would not stare at such a beautiful and enthralling creature? The golden eyes, the impressive stature and the air of dominance; that is enough to keep a person staring and Akihito being a photographer can definitely appreciate such beauty and power.
A small blush crept on his face, for some odd reason the deep baritone voice gave him shiver down his spine, which caused his heart to skipped a beat. What the hell? What's with this reaction? Damn heart you better calm down. He mentally chastised himself.
"Uhh, no, not really, what are you doing here" Akihito tried his best to answer without stuttering. He tried to keep his face straight but he knows he failed miserably.
With his ever observing eyes, Asami was indeed please with the reaction he was getting from Akihito.
"I'm here to check up on you."
"Why? Don't you have work? And as far as I know The Asami Ryuichi is a very busy person?"
"So tell me, how much do you know about me?" Asami looked at Akihito with interest
"Nothing much, I know you own two of the most high end and exclusive clubs: Sion and Draceana, you are a member of the elite society, not only do run big businesses you also have some contacts with powerful people; I can say anybody who is anybody knows who you are. The name Asami is associated with power and money. And for some odd reason you are still a bachelor."
The last statement made Asami chuckle which earned a stern look from the boy.
"Everything you said was correct, however you missed one detail."
"Huh? What did I miss?"
"You missed the fact that there is a certain someone who did catch my interest and that person is mine. So technically I am no longer a bachelor." A knowing smile painted Asami's face.
"Is that so, what a great loss for the ladies. Well, that's not surprising that this is the first time I've heard of it, your private life had always remained elusive from the public's eye. Whoever this person is, she must be lucky to have you." He felt a small twinge in his chest when he said those words.
"Whoever said that the person is a she?"
With those words, without taking his eyes off Akihito's, Asami captured Akihito's lips in a searing kiss, the younger man tried to pull away but he was held steady. Not a moment too soon, Akihito relaxed; Asami gently nipped on Akihito's lips causing it to a part. Asami took the opportunity to deepen the kiss, he swept his tongue into Akihito's warm cavern tasting every corner of akihito's mouth. Gently he sucked on Aki's tongue which in turn became a battle for dominance. Akihito was lost in the kiss that he was moaning in pleasure. Sensing the both needed air; Asami broke the kiss and rested his forehead against Akihito's. The younger man was panting, clearly winded by the kiss.
"You are mine."
Those words brought Akihito out of his stupor; he pushed the other man away, he looked at Asami with the coldest stare he could muster, which surprised the other man.
"Don't go claiming me as yours, I don't even know you" Akihito said in a firm and serious tone.
If Asami was hurt by those words, it did not show on his face. He understood the reaction of Akihito, but instead of backing down, those words fuelled his desire of getting the younger man to remember him. To get Akihito to remember him will be a challenge, but that is a challenge that he will never back down from. If there is one thing that Asami is known for, that is persistence; he always get what he wants and what he wants right now is the very person in front of him.
"You don't know me yet... But in due time you will, I will make sure of that." He gently lifted Akihito's chin and looked into those beautiful hazel orbs. "I'll make you remember even if it would take me a lifetime. You belong to me and I have no intention of giving you up; amnesia be damned."
With one last chaste kiss, he let go of Akihito's chin and left the room. Akihito saw the sympathetic look the two men gave him before the followed Asami out the room. Akihito was left dumbfounded, he took in every word spoken to him; the seriousness in those golden orbs was proof that Asami was serious. His heart was beating rather fast and for some odd reason those words gave him butterflies in the stomach.
*v*
Kou and Takato decided to drop by the hospital to visit Akihito, they were still feeling guilty after what happened a week before. They knew that their friend needed time to recuperate and it was unfair on Akihito's part to be told that he was a man's lover.
Both of them found Akihito looking outside the window, lost in his thoughts. It took them a good minute to pull their friend out of his stupor.
"Hey Aki are you alright?" Kou asked in a worried tone
"Huh? Oh, yeah I'm good. I was just thinking."
"Uh huh, and will you tell us what you were thinking?"
"Nothing much really, I was just thinking of how long till I will be able to get out of here. I really am dying of boredom." Akihito answered cheekily
His two friends stared at him, a little skeptical about the reason he was lost in his thoughts. It is true that Akihito is not a person who would sit idle and do nothing, but he is also one person who would be lost in thoughts just because of wanting to go. Both of them gave each other a knowing smile. Without any words they knew that Akihito had just gotten a visit from Asami
"So did your doctor tell you as to when you will be discharged?" Kou inquired
"Nope, but he told me that I am healing well, so I'm hoping to be out of here within a few days' time."
"That's great news!" Takato piped enthusiastically. "I'm sure that Asami-sama will be pleased to know that." he continued thoughtlessly.
Kou shot a glare at Takato shutting up him up. They cautiously look and gauged Akihito's reaction who at the moment fell silent, his face devoid of expression.
"I'm sorry Akihito I didn't mean to bring that up." Takato immediately apologized
"No need. Actually I need to know something."
"Ask anything, we'll try to answer as best as we could."
"Asami, exactly who is he in my life?" Akihito asked without beating around the bush.
"Uhh, Aki you really want to talk about Asami-sama?" Kou asked cautiously
"Yeah, don't worry I'm not going to go ballistic like I did before. I might as well try to remember something."
Kou and Takato looked at each other, silently deciding as to who will answer Akihito's question. After a few seconds, it was decided that it will be Kou
"Well, as far as we know you are living with him. After the stalking incident with Momohara Ai, you moved out of the apartment and lived with him."
"I did that? Why the hell did I decide to move in with him?"
"You never told us the reason, but the only thing we can come up with, you'll be protected when you're with him."
"And why exactly would he want to protect me?"
"Akihito, you may not remember this and I'm sure we told you this before, Asami-sama and you are in a relationship. It is normal for a person to protect his lover."
Akihito was speechless. He understood and heard every word Kou had just said but none of it made sense to him, in the contrary it created more questions than answer. He was trying so hard to try to remember that he was getting a headache.
Kou seeing the distress face of their friend; decided that it's enough for today. Akihito needed to rest up.
"Akihito, you need to rest, it's not okay to force yourself to remember. I'm sorry if we are stressing you out."
"It's okay you guys, no need to worry. Just tell me this; have I been with any other man other than Asami? Because I honestly recall I am single, I have been so caught up with work that my personal life is zero."
"As far as we know, he is the only one. Besides you have not been very vocal with all your relationships we would either need to get you drank to get any information or we have to stalk you." Takato teased
Akihito was surprised with Takato's answer that he had to throw his pillow towards his friend hitting him square on the face.
"Aww, Aki what you'd do that for?"
"That's for being a jerk and an idiot Takato!" Akihito answered sternly but his eyes were filled with mischief.
"Kou help me out here, Aki-chan is being mean." Takato stared at Kou with the best chibi eyes he can muster.
"You deserved it. He wouldn't have known that if you had kept your mouth shut."
Another pillow flew this time hitting Kou. A playful laughter erupted between the three friends; their boisterous laughter earned them a slight stern reprimand from the nurse on duty saying that they are disturbing the other patients and that the hospital is not a playground.
Akihito's mood had lightened after the visit from his friends, but it was short lived. Not a moment too soon he was lost in his thoughts again. He had been playing with the idea that he would be fine not being able to remember that one year, but the stubborn side of his refuses to back down. If I finally remember, what then?
*v*
At Sion, Asami was busy reading and sorting out the important documents Kirishima had left on his desk. His visit with Akihito had also been weighing on his mind. He was pleased that Akihito showed fire in his eyes but what was disturbing was when Akihito told him 'I don't even know you'
He clenched his fist in annoyance. He had dealt with the person responsible for Akihito's accident but even that did not give him an ounce of peace. The night Akihito said his name in his sleep gave him hope that he still held the younger man in his hand. He may not admit it to himself, but not having Akihito by his side is making him testy and edgy.
An idea crossed his mind which made him smirk. He remembered all the things that Akihito loved, the little things that made the other boy light up; which are sweets, fireworks and photography.
Forcing him to remember is pointless, better take a different route.
Asami completely out of his character took note of the things that may make Akihito remember him. He had forced the young man to be his when they first met, but this time it will have to be different, he might end up wooing the younger man.
The mere thought of wooing is both amusing and ridiculous. Asami is not one to woo anyone to submission or acquiescence; he deals with them using 'persuasion' but with Akihito's case he may need to make an exemption.
The things I am willing to go through to get him to remember.
*v*
Akihito woke up at the fragrant smell of flowers; he opened his eyes and adjusted to the light, he rubbed off any traces of sleep. True enough he saw Kaito placed a vase filled with white long stemmed roses near his hospital bed. He was surprised to see the flowers; he knew by the looks of it, they weren't inexpensive.
Unable to contain his curiosity, he stared at Kaito and asked "Who are those from?"
"They're from Asami-sama there's a card included as well" Kaito simply answered before went out and resumed his posts.
Akihito's eyes widened in surprise, not only did he get an early visit from the older man, now he have fragrant roses in his room. He was having butterflies in his stomach, his pulse quickened and his cheeks started to warm.
Why do I feel that I am being treated like a girl? This was the only thought that occurred when he learned from whom the roses are from. He took the card and flipped it to read the message. His blush and smile was replaced with irritation and scowl; he crumpled the card and threw it on the floor.
Akihito reined on his irritation and anger, his attention was distracted when he heard a phone ringing. He reached for the phone on his bedside table, without even bothering to look at the caller id he curtly answered.
"What? Who is this?"
A soft chuckle was heard in the other line "I believe you receive the flowers"
Akihito may not remember who the person is but he can easily identify the owner of the voice. His irritation was reaching its boiling point. Calm down Akihito no point in getting upset he reminded himself.
"Yeah I did, what about it?"
"Don't I get a thank you for sending them?"
"Why should you? I didn't ask for them. And what's up with the message?"
"What message?" Asami asked feigning ignorance. Asami perfectly knew what Akihito meant but he loves teasing his kitten.
"You bastard! Stop acting all innocent, you know what I mean." Akihito gritted his teeth.
"I have no idea what you are talking about Akihito. If you don't tell me, I wouldn't know." A smirk painted Asami's face.
"You're so infuriating!" Akihito answered gruffly
"I'm waiting Akihito what did the card say?"
There was a short silence and it was followed by a defeated sigh
"The card read: To Akihito my fierce kitten. Forever mine." Akihito said in a quiet voice.
"Now, that wasn't so hard, was it? I trust my kitten is please"
"You bastard! I'm not your goddamn pet! And who ever told you I belong to you!"
"Oh, in the contrary you do, you always have been mine. Your defiance makes me want to take you, "Asami teased in his seductive deep voice.
There was complete silence in the other line. Asami knew right there and then he have taken full control of Akihito's consciousness; proud of himself he continued to toy with his kitten.
"I can't wait to ran my hands across your unmarred skin; suck and trail kisses along your neck, chest, stomach and thigh. I can't wait to make you moan and writhe in pleasure and pain that only I can give you."
He heard Akihito's breath hitch and soft panting. He may not see Akihito's reaction but the silence on the other line is proof that the younger man's thought is filled with him. A pleased smile painted Asami's face.
"I have to go back to work. You rest up ok?" Asami simply said. All he heard was a soft 'hnn' before he disconnected the call
Riling up Akihito is one of the few entertainments that he gets in his mundane routine. The boy may not remember him but it is clear that with the reaction it he may not have much difficulty getting the younger man to remember.
"This is like a game of hide and seek or a game of tag." Asami quietly said. He stood up from his chair and took a long drag of his newly lit cigarette.
"Ok, game on." A playful smile crossed his face as he watch the smoke fog the glass window.
*v*
Akihito was completely caught off guard with the phone call; a healthy blush filled his face. His whole body felt feverish, tingling even. Remembering how deep and seductive Asami's voice was gave him chills. The butterflies in his stomach intensified; his heart beat furiously; his breathing laboured. He tried to calm his heart by thinking about other things but his mind would always wonder back to the earlier conversation.
"Damn you Asami, what did you do to me?"
Akihito spewed out a string of curses at the man who caused his body to react in such a manner. He can even visualize Asami smirking and enjoying himself seeing Akihito squirm in discomfort. Furiously he tried to rid his head of Asami but his attempts were futile the more that he tried to forget, the more the thought persisted.
"Damn it! For someone I don't know, he sure knows how to manipulate me."
Not one to admit defeat, Akihito forced himself to get off the bed to go to the bathroom to cool himself down. Slowly and carefully he walked towards the bathroom; thankful that nothing happened upon reaching the bathroom door A few splash of water should do the trick.
His body did relax after splashing his face with cold water. He caught himself staring at the bathroom mirror. Finally having calmed down, he studied his face. A few minor cuts and bruises some of which are starting to peel off.
He stared at his reflection intently; he gently he traced his lips. "Mine" A vivid image of Asami claiming his lips in a passionate and heated kiss flashed before his eyes; "I too cannot wait any longer" he saw the desire and the lust that filled those golden orbs, there was a deep longing when he heard those words.
Akihito staggered back a little, his temple started to throb. Wincing in pain he supported his head with his hand to try to ease the tension "That didn't happen earlier. Was that a memory?"
Slowly and carefully he walked back to his bed, he tried hard to endure the painful throbbing of his temple. Gently he sat himself on the bed, took a couple of deep breaths to ease the pain. He stared at the darkening sky, the image flashed again; the almost subsiding pain came back in full blast. Having no other choice he rested his head and closed his eyes. A soft sigh escaped his lips. "Who are you to me Asami Ryuichi?" With those words he then drifted into a dreamless sleep.
*v*
So what do you guys think?
As always comments, reviews and criticisms are welcome.
Thank you for reading. ^_^