Chapter 6. Letting You Go

Part 1. Letting You Go (Part 1)

Our apartment is quite by the time I came back home the next morning. From the kitchen, I can hear Arata hums as he prepares breakfast. I put my backpack down and walk slowly towards the delicious smell of omelets that fills the entire rooms. It is not only the pain which shots from my lower back that stops me from moving too fast, but also the burden in my heart knowing what will happen between us soon.

Arata moves around the kitchen wearing T-shirt and shorts. He scratches his stomach and from below his shirt, I can see his slightly fattened stomach. He starts to gain more weight sometime last year but he doesn't have enough time to do some exercise to burn the calories off. I guess it comes with age. His hair is still messy from sleep but for the first time in the last few weeks, he looks fresh. I sigh. At least, one of us has enough sleep to be able to talk with some sense.

"Hey," I greet him softly.

He turns around and instantly smiles when he sees me. But as soon as he notices my gloomy face, he stops.

"Aki, love, is something wrong? I came home last night but you weren't here and your phone is turned off. So, I guess you were in the middle of work. Did you manage to get any photo for your project?" he asks.

I look at the man who has been my steady mountain for more than two years. Sadness fills my heart. It is not that I don't love him anymore. Maybe it is not the passionate love that we had before, but I still care so deeply for him. And it is because I care for him that I can't stand to keep hurting him behind his back. Shaking my head, I answer, "I quit the project yesterday. Couldn't stand that jerk Yamada anymore."

He instantly turns the stove off and moves to comfort me, "Oh, Aki, I am so sorry to hear that."

I stops him quickly, "It is okay. A friend offered me another freelance job a few days a go, but I refused because I am still working in that stupid project. Now that I am free, I have contacted him to accept it," I pause as he looks back at me in worry before I continue, "So, it seems you finally finished your project."

His face immediately brightens as he explains, "Ah, yes, we get a week off before we continue with the project. It seems Asami-sama is quite satisfied with the result." He pauses and tilts his head, "Which reminds me, I heard the same freaky ringtone that you set for Kou and Takato last night during my meeting with Asami-sama. I almost laughed aloud when I heard it because I instantly remembered Kou's story. Lucky, I could stop before I embarrassed myself in front of Asami-sama."

I give him a solemn grin. Yeah, it was very lucky. If it were not because of Asami amazing composure, I would have jumped from where I hid and blabbed every excuse I could find. Of course, Asami, being the great Asami, doesn't even blink, his hand moved steadily to pet my back while he kept me down. He merely asked Kirishima whose phone disturbed his meeting in annoyance and ordered the man to find it and turn it off, grumbling under his breath that one of those dumb useless girls must have left it there. I silently scowl when I remember those words.

Arata chuckles at the thought as he moves to make tea. I don't say anything since at that point my heartbeat has increased drastically. But tea is a good idea. It will calm my nerve. So I open the drawer where we keep our cups and take two out.

For a while, no one says anything else until we bring our tea into the living room. I sip my own tea when he suddenly says, "Anyway, it seems a girl left it there. Later, Honda-san bet with me that it must be Asami-sama's lover's phone, the ringtone doesn't match Asami-sama's image or any of his-"

He stops as I choke with my own tea. I cough to clear my nose and he rubs my back gently.

"Aki, you shouldn't drink too fast," he chastises me.

I can only nod without replying. He looks at me while soothing my coughing with more pets on my shoulder. When I finally calm down a bit, he continues softly, "Talking about lover, I am very sorry, but it seems I can't celebrate your birthday with you."

His eyes are filled with worry when he observes my reaction to the news. But after rounds and rounds of Asami fucking me without mercy last night, I don't have the strength to pretend surprised. I am so tired. 'I know, Arata', I want to say, 'and it is okay, it is not your fault. If any is at fault, it is me'.

I can still remember vividly Asami's face as he told Arata to leave Japan a day before my birthday for the next project. His damned smug grin and icy golden eyes decorated his handsome face.

"Is there anything else that is more important than this, Takagi-san?" Asami asked arrogantly when Arata sounded hesitate to agree. The bastard smirked since he already knew the answer even before he asked. I knew Arata has asked for leave a long time a go, planning to spend my birthday together with me. It is not fair for Asami to push him like this.

Having limited options to deliver my anger discreetly, I pinched Asami's thigh as hard as I can. It must be hurt. But Asami just raised his brow at me for a brief moment. Tapping his forefinger at the tip of my nose, he silently warned me before giving his guest his full attention once again.

"Asami-sama, of course not, your project is our top priority. We will-," Arata's colleague tried to answer. But Asami stopped him short.

"I don't remember asking you, Honda-san," he coldly said, "So, Takagi-san, is there anything else that is more important than my business which stop you from giving your full effort?"

There was a long silence before I heard Arata said, "No, Asami-sama, this project is my top priority." His voice is sharp without doubt. And I close my eyes in defeat. Asami's message is clear. Hell, the whole situation is clear by now. This explained the long hour Arata worked for Asami's project. The bastard did this on purpose.

Now I noticed how every time something happened, Arata would need to work long hours to the point where it is simply madness. Arata had to work like crazy not because Asami needed him or because Arata wanted it like that. I was the reason. I did something, Asami wouldn't be happy, and it was Arata who paid the price. How messed up everything can be?

Asami might rather die than to admit the truth, but his jealousy is very obvious to me. And a jealous Asami was as dangerous as letting a starving lion in a city full of defenseless people. These relationships were unhealthy for everyone involved. It was another sign to end this before Arata ended up death at Tokyo bay. Because sooner or later, Asami would realize that however he named our relationships, he still needed to share if he wanted to continue this charade.

"Aki?" Arata voice wakes me up from my daydreaming.

Slowly, I look at his sweet eyes. I take a deep breath before I say all my carefully planned words in a rush speed, "I am sorry, Arata. I can't continue our relationship anymore. It is not your fault. It is mine. I don't think I can..., " I stop when I lost all my practiced words as I see Arata's shock face.

I decide not to give any more explanations. Right now, everything I say will sound like an excuse to defense myself. So, I just touch his hand softly before I manage to whisper, "I am truly sorry, Arata."

I open the penthouse's door with my foot because my hands are full with grocery bags. I always buy some every time I come home. But the fridge must be empty by now. Asami doesn't bother to have homemade dinner. Unless I cook, he prefers to eat outside. More practical, he said. It is just not healthy, in my opinion. He should take better care of his health.

I snort at my own thought. And he always complains that I don't take care of myself, always putting myself in danger, blah blah blah. Huh, he should talk to the mirror. I am not the one who smokes, drinks liquor instead of eating proper meals, and practically works almost 24/7 non-stop.

After putting my shopping bags on the kitchen counter, I send a quick message to him, 'I m going to make dinner, what time will u be home tonight?'

I am not sure whether he knows I am at home or not. I saw one of his men outside and I know some more have been following me around discreetly for the last few weeks. But I don't think they will report to him for this kind of petty matters.

His reply comes a few minutes later, 'Let you know in an hour.'

Kirishima's message comes a minute after that, 'Brat, do me a favor and give me a few days notice the next time you want to come home. I can't do magic, you know. And I definitely need some magic to clear Asami-sama's schedule tonight. How long do you plan to stay home this time, anyway?'

I laugh at his scolding until I realize what he just said. '...if you want to come home'? Is that what going back to his penthouse is to me? Coming home? It gives me a shock to admit how true it is. Even when I come back here the first time after three years, I can't help but feeling relief that there isn't much change in our home. I am not sure how I would react should I found any trace from other people beside Asami and I here.

Well, it is another confusing stuff that I need to contemplate more. But for now, I reply Kirishima, 'Oh come on, Kirishima-san. I know u secretly hide some special power. Otherwise you won't survive working for the bastard for so long. Besides it is just 2 days. I have assignment in Osaka the day after tmrw. So I m thinking to stay here until then.'

He doesn't reply anymore until I finish putting the chicken into boiling water.

'I ll see what I can do. Next time, at least tell ME first! I can keep my mouth shut if you want to give him surprise. What I can't do is re-arranging his schedule at the last minute. Got it, brat?'

I smile. Kirishima is just like a mother hen. He keeps complaining but he will do it anyway. Sometimes I wonder whether there is anything he won't do for Asami.

'Got it. Really truly thanks, Kirishima. U are the best!' I send the message quickly. But a few seconds later, I decide to send him another one. I really want to know.

'Is he happy?'

Kirishima's reply comes fast.

'Define 'happy'. If what you mean by happy is that he is giggling and jumping around like a little girl, he definitely isn't. And he won't, I dare to bet. But he just gave Suoh and I a full night off. He smugly SUGGESTED that WE need to get laid and relax once in a while. YOU conclude yourself, boy. YOU r not stupid. Now, shut up and let me do my work. He looks at me suspiciously because I keep texting u. I prefer my head to stay where it is.'

Oooh, I totally miss bantering with Kirishima about that bastard.

Mariko works for a cleaning agency with clients from the high-class society. The payment is quite good and it helps to pay her husband's debt. But heaven knows how those rich people make such a mess with their houses. Sometimes, she doesn't even want to know where all those suspicious liquid comes from.

That day she is scheduled to clean a few luxurious apartments in the area. She is puzzled to see Akihito there and almost calls him out. She knows that Akihito and her brother lives quite far from there. Then she sees the grocery bag and how Akihito greets in a familiar manner a bulky bodyguard whom she recognizes from her past experience cleaning a few apartments in the same building. Not that she knows the bodyguard's name or anything. But she has seen him every time she comes to the lavish apartment building.

So, instead of calling her brother's boyfriend, her instinct tells her to follow him quietly. It is not a difficult task considering she has a cleaning job in the same building. No one notices anything strange when she enters the building or when she flashes her employment ID to the receptionist. But when she arrives in the lift area, she is surprised beyond words. Akihito calmly enters a private lift that she knows will access the one and only penthouse on the top floor. How does Akihito get the access to that kind of place? Moreover, why does he need to bring grocery there?

She can't follow Akihito then since her access card doesn't grant her entry to the penthouse. But she can't shake the feeling that something is definitely wrong here. So, as soon as she is done with her work for the day, she decides to wait for Akihito at the coffee shop across the building. She knows that Akihito may already leave when she is busy at work. But she still wants to give it a shot.

Akihito doesn't come out no matter how long she waits. And she considers the idea of calling everything off. It may be just a coincidence. Akihito must have some reasons to do whatever it is he is doing. And it is none of her business. From all these two years she knows the man, Akihito has showed her and her family that he is a good man. Moreover, he takes a good care of Arata. And for her, that is a good enough reason to leave Akihito alone.

But at this moment, her gut tells her differently. So she calls Arata to meet her in the coffee shop after work. When her brother enters the place, she waves at him to get his attention. He gives a gesture that tells her he is going to buy some drinks first before he comes to her table. She nods.

She notices that her brother looks a bit messy. There is a dark circle under his eyes. Does he get enough sleep?

"So, what are you doing in this area, nee-san? And why do we have to meet here? Everything is just much more expensive around here. This coffee's price is even double the usual one I buys every morning," Arata complains.

She doesn't know what she is going to say to Arata. She can't accuse his boyfriend based on feeling without any proof, can she? She doesn't even know what kind of crime Akihito does, if there is any.

"I just had cleaning works here. And we haven't talked much recently so I thought we could chat. I miss you, you know. You are so busy lately with works you haven't even called me. I see Akihito more than you." She neutrally answers.

Arata look at her and slowly sips his coffee. "Guilty as charged," he shows his palm in a surrender gesture. Sorrow fills his face.

"Arata, what's happen? You look sad," she asks.

Her brother sighs before he puts his cup down. "It is okay. Aki and I just had some arguments. I guess he doesn't like my long hour works. But don't worry, nee-san. I am sure he will cool down soon. He can be very stubborn when he is mad," he explains.

Her heart starts to race in her chest. "When did that happen? And where is Akihito now?"

Her brother relaxes more into the comfortable chair as he replies, "It was a few days a go. He spent the last few days at his friend's place. But I am sure he should left for Osaka by today. Kou keeps me discreetly informed, actually. He is very supportive about our relationship. By the time Aki come back, he will be calm already and we both can talk with a cool head."

She tries to keep her face calm. She prides herself for her poker face. But it is hard to keep her cool when it involves her brother. She sips her own coffee to hide her nervousness before she confirms, "His friend told you that he already left this morning to Osaka? Do you know where his friend lives?"

Arata absent-mindedly answers while adding more sugar to his cup, "Yups, Kou texted me that Akihito left his apartment this morning, saying that he has assignment at Osaka. Kou lives near our apartment. That is why I don't feel worry to let him stay with Kou until he cools down. If anything happens, I can always come to him quickly, " he pauses for a while when he notices Mariko's concern, "Don't worry, nee-san. Akihito is always hotheaded. But once he cools down, we are going to be okay."

She just nods at her brother's assurance. She truly hopes that he is right. But somehow she can feel that the storm is coming to her brother's life. Whatever it is, she won't let her little brother be drowned in it.

What Mariko doesn't notice in her worry is a pretty girl who keeps following her around the whole day since Mariko started following Akihito. That girl now sits quietly in the corner of the coffee shop, observing Mariko and Arata as she sips her own apple juice. Juices are good for her baby. Her rival's death is also good for her baby. And she will do whatever good for her baby.

She knows that she can't do something rush to the boy or his man over there. It will be too obvious and she doesn't want Asami-sama to notice her moves. Disturbing the boy or his man may alert Asami-sama. That woman, however, is definitely not under Asami-sama's protection. She is too old and way too plain for her master's taste. But Emi has a feeling that this woman who is now talking with the man she has seen together with that boy could be her ticket to get more information. What she needs is a plan. And making a plan is her specialty.

Part 2. Letting You Go (Part 2)

"Ahhh, I am so full."

I lay my head on Asami's lap as he sits on the luxurious leather sofa in the living room. The huge flat screen TV is on but muted. Asami takes a sip from his glass of whiskey while slowly brushing my hair with his other hand. Taking his fresh masculine smell into my lung, I close my eyes and wish that this moment could stay forever. But nothing last forever, Akihito, I warn myself.

"How's work?" He asks, his hand plays with my bangs.

I sigh. Somehow I can predict our conversation will end in a more serious topic. "Ah, I quit a full-time project I took before. But I am sure you already know by now? Oh, but Sato-san, she was my partner in that project, called me a few days a go. It seems the chief got injured or something. Gossips said that he crossed the wrong person. I am not surprised, though. With his personality, it will happen sooner or later. Well, I don't like him, but I still feel bad for him. Anyway, Sato-san said that someone replaced him and asked whether I want to go back to the project or not. But I already took another project," I know I blab. But I can't help it. I am so nervous.

"Hmm," he murmurs noncommittally.

I peek at him and our eyes lock with each other's. From my point of view on his lap, his body looks even more gorgeous. He just wears his bathrobe, hairs still wet from shower, chest glistens with clean sweat; he is sexy as fuck. I take a deep breath to calm my increasing heartbeat. I have decided that, one way or another, we are going to discuss our issues today.

"Do you ever want to have a child?" I suddenly blurt. My eyes never leave his.

Whatever he expects me to say, this one is obviously not it. But he hasn't run to the hill for his life. So, I guess, it is a good sign. He just pauses for a while before answering my question.

"No," he simply says as he takes another sips of his whiskey. I wait for him to tell me more, but he keeps quite. I already know that he doesn't really like children. He once said that they are too noisy and annoying. He had enough in his plate with one troublemaker brat, he said mockingly years back. But this confirmation still breaks my heart. I keep my cool, though.

"How many other lovers do you have?" I continue as I slowly move to straddle him.

My next question makes him raising his eyebrow. "What is this, Akihito? Are you trying to interrogate me?" he smirks with amusement dancing in his eyes.

I tilt my head as if I consider my answer for a while, dragging my thumb leisurely on his lower lips. My other hand moves to grab a certain toy that I have hidden previously. "Well, why not? You know, it is like role-playing. I capture you. You are my captive. Now I ask you question and you will answer." The tips of my fingers trace his chest muscles. I like the way his muscles react to my ghostly touches. It makes me want to lick him all over.

His eyes lit with excitement, "And if I don't want to answer?"

I move closer until I can feel his warm breath on my lips. Bringing his hand together behind his back seductively, I return his smirk, "Then maybe I should torture you to get the answer that I want." And I put the toy I have hidden on his wrist. He tries to look through his shoulder, but the cuffs prevent him from doing much.

"I can break this crap easily," he mocks smugly.

I roll my eyes and pout, "Of course, you can. I am not stupid. That is just a toy. Not everyone has access to the real handcuffs like you, bastard. I just want to build the mood, so don't you dare to break them. Geez, have you ever role-playing before? Oh, no, of course you haven't. You will just do everything so seriously and so over the top. Maybe you will appreciate it more if I brought the real cuffs, after all." I wave my hand around in angry exaggeration.

He chuckles at my sulking, "Fine. Let's play your game. But I need to warn you. I can be quite hard to crack." He rests back to sit more comfortably.

I grin, "Well, maybe other people are just trying way too hard to crack you. Maybe they just need to take the gentler approach." I continue my slow exploration on his body. Right now, I am towering over him with my knees on each side of his thighs, "So, how many other lovers do you have?"

He leans the back of his head on the top of the sofa and looks up at me, smirking. "'Other lovers', Akihito? So, we agree now that you are my lover?"

Oh, trying to distract my attention, isn't he? I bow down and bite his left nipple playfully. Hard. And I can hear his breath stops for a very short moment. It is extremely subtle and I won't even notice should I haven't learnt all sign his body gives when he is turned on over all these years.

I grind my ass against his hard cock. "I ask the question. You answer it. Are we clear?" My tongue licks his abused nub to sooth it.

His pleased laugh is deep and it makes his chest vibrates in a very nice way. So I rest my cheek on it, nuzzling.

"If this is your idea of torturing, Akihito, people will start to queue to get tortured."

I shrug innocently, "Violence is way too overrated." My hand makes small circle on his skin, massaging his inner thighs. I lazily make my way down, biting and licking alternatively along the way. Once I kneel between his legs, I open the knot of his bathrobe tie with my teeth, resting both my hands on his powerful thighs. He doesn't wear anything under his robe, and his erection stands proudly in front of my face.

"How many, Asami?" I look up at him as I wait for him to answer. My tongue is ready to lick his arousal. And as the musky smell of his masculinity fills my nose, I can feel my own arousal pools in my groin.

He suddenly jolts his hips so his cock briefly touches my tongue and I move back in surprise. That jerk! Does he really understand what role-play is?

But when I glare angrily at him, he simply closes his eyes and leans his head back to relax. He obviously decides that it is not a bad idea to let me pleasure him this way so he will play along and just enjoy my teasing. I am sure not many people can sit almost naked, with their hard cock displayed in clear view and hands cuffed at the back, and still manage to looks like they are god waiting for his humble servant to bow down and worship him.

"None," he replies shortly.

His answer makes me freeze for a few seconds. I look up at him, but he still closes his eyes, ignoring my disbelief.

In shock, even I forget my role and mutter in my usual tone, "Then where do you stay every time I am not here?" The question is out before my brain can process my mistake. And I can see that he realizes it as well from the broad smile that appears in his smug face.

"You are jealous, Akihito," he says calmly with eyes still closed.

I automatically scowl at his words. I am ready to shout, 'I am not!' but manage to stop myself. Calm down, Akihito, don't let him destroy your pace. I take his huge cock into my mouth, putting it in slowly until the head throbs at the back of my throat. I hum and I can hear his subtle gasp as he feels the vibration I create. I keep sliding in and out, using my tongue whenever there is room to do that. Taking my time to swallow his cock as deep as possible like how he likes to do to me, my hand rolls his balls gently.

I can hear his breaths get heavier. And when I rest one of my hands on his lower arm to get a better position, I feel all his muscles there tighten in an effort to keep his own hands from breaking free so he can grab my head to make me move faster. I am touched that he keeps his words to play along. So when his cock fills my whole mouth, I swallow hard, massaging the bulging head of his erection with my throat.

He growls. His voice is coarse when he rasps, "Everywhere, Akihito. Everywhere else is better if you are not here. There isn't your scent, your noisy voice, your scattered stuffs; everything about this place looks, sounds, and feels wrong without you here."

His honesty strikes me harder than any punch and for a while, we just look at each other in silence. Arousal is totally forgotten for now.

"Why don't you move out then?" I ask softly, my voice is full with emotion.

He shakes his head in a sad gesture but doesn't say anything else. Shit, and I thought before that there is no way to address him and sadness in the same sentence. I close my eyes to get a better grip of my feelings that threaten to spiral wild any time now.

"Yet, you let me go." Somehow, I feel the urge to put the blame on him.

"I did. You may not remember it well, Akihito. But after the Russia incident, your condition is quite bad. You kept crying, fighting, and trying to get away. Not that you haven't fight or run away before. But you don't cry like that, ever. I tried to talk with you, asking what trouble you so much. But you didn't explain, only saying that what we have is not normal. And when you didn't get any better, I decide to let you go. At least, for a while. Some sort of post-traumatic syndrome, the doctor explained."

I stares at him. I don't really remember the details after the incident. But still. I remember thinking that he doesn't understand, that he might be killed because of me one day. Or that I might be killed and he will go into crazy revenge. Even until now, I still have the same worry every time it concerns him.

"It hurts to see that as soon as you left, your condition improves. Slowly at first, but it becomes faster as time goes. Especially after you meet that Takagi boy," he explains and emotionlessly smirks at me. The amusement that usually accompany his smirk doesn't reach his eyes as he continues "Indeed, violence is way too overrated, Akihito. Because I thought any kind of physical pain will be much better than seeing your candid photos day after day with admiration for another man in your eyes in every pose possible."

His voice is flat and cold, like he is reading a financial report to me. Like he doesn't give a fuck about all this. Like I can't hurt him anymore than this and whatever I do doesn't matter to him.

But I know better. Not that he ever laid all his honest emotions in the open between us. Not like this. There is always a thin layer of facade for us before. He uses his calmness and lustful charade to hide his love. And I always hide behind denial and stubborn pretense. So, it is not like I have seen him baring all his feelings before. But, somehow I just know that it actually does matter for him and it still hurts him, even after all this years. It is funny that it doesn't take a single bullet to hurt the great Asami Ryuichi.

"I am sorry." What else can I say?

He closes his eyes and rests his head back.

"It is not your fault. After some time, I take it as a lesson; a warning that I am not strong enough to protect you. Yet. But, now? Now, I am stronger than ever. No one in all five continents dares to disturb me unless they want to make war. And I take other precautions steps as well to distract any unwanted attention from you," he pauses to open his eyes, looking at me, "But I still can't guarantee that everything will be fine. Unfortunately, there is no such guarantee in my world. So, I give you an escape plan. A back up."

I hold my breaths as I start seeing his reason.

"...Arata?"

He scowls when he hears the name like it is a snake that will kill him with its venom. But then, he sighs and nods.

"I saw him and you together and what I saw is an opportunity to create a safety net for you. He doesn't know anything. I checked his background, his family profile, and everything that is related with him. He is clean. He can be your cover. Should something ever happen to me, you can still have the normal life you wants with him. I have set up enough fund for you and as many children as you want in the future to live in complete luxury for the next seven generations. I prepared it with enough precautions steps to make sure that there should be no problem for you to make the claim. Yes, I know you want children, Akihito," he leers at my shock, "What? You want to have a kid with me, Akihito? You want to raise your kid with a criminal, no matter how powerful he is, and let the child lives in danger every day for the rest of his or her life? Is that what you want for your children? That Takagi dog is so naive beyond stupidity but his ignorance fits his purpose. He doesn't know anything about the darker side of the world that I am sure he can give you the normal life you have always wanted. And as long as people see you with him in public places, they won't think that you are related with me in any way. Everyone knows I don't share."

I am speechless. "And you still don't share."

He sighs tiredly, "I also don't like children. But sometimes, couples just have to make compromise. I thought it is normal?"

"So, Arata is merely a collateral damage for you. Someone you sacrifice to get what you want."

He looks at me intensely before he answers coldly, "I will sacrifice him and everything else for your safety and happiness, yes."

I close my eyes and try to rein my emotion, preparing myself for what I am going to say next, but it is hard. When I open my eyes again, I am shock. For the first time since I met him, the great Asami Ryuichi looks so tired. So defeated. This man does everything he can to ensure my safety and happiness. He is ready to sacrifice (or maybe already has!) his own safety, his own needs, his own pride, his own happiness, and even his own desires. For me. To the point he doesn't know what else to do.

Apparently, behind the multilayers of strength and wealth, Asami Ryuichi is just another man. Madly powerful, yes. Impossibly rich, yes. Damned evil, most probably. But still, just a man. He hurts like every other man on earth, and bleeds like one.

And he said he is hard to crack.

Good Lord, if you are truly out there, let me rot in the deepest of the seventh hell for there is nothing that can save me from my sins. Especially, the sins that I am going to commit now.

I take a deep breath, and in a calm voice and steady gaze I tell him the only truth that I know, "And I will sacrifice him and everything else for yours."

Asami runs his fingers through the light brown strands, enjoying the smooth feelings of Akihito's silky hair. His boy sleeps naked on top of him. His head rests peacefully on Asami's strong torso as the older lover caresses his slim back. The steady heartbeats calm Asami in a way that he never thinks possible before. The damp and warm skin reminds him of their mind-blowing sex.

Asami stops himself at that very word. No, not sex. They didn't have sex. They made love. He has never thought about the difference up until tonight. Sex is what he does with those whores that he has never got any feeling for. It is merely something he does to satisfy his basic needs. Like a starving man who will eat anything just to survive, regardless the taste.

What he does with Akihito, though, is always a totally different experience. And tonight, it is even better. Unconsciously, he smiles at the memory of Akihito clinging desperately into his shoulders. Their sweaty bodies moved in a perfect sync, chest to chest, his cock deep inside his lover's ass. Their hungry mouths devour each other like two starving beasts. Tongues were busy sucking and licking. Hands groped and fondled everywhere. And everything else but his beloved partner faded out into the background.

His power. His wealth. His status. Everything became insignificant compared to this man in his embrace. Akihito is his everything. He focused his mind to observe his lover's behavior, detecting every little detail on how Akihito's lithe body responded so eagerly to his touches. He savored every whimper that came out of his lover's throat as his practiced hands massaged Akihito's manhood and stroked it with wild abandon.

"Ahh...," his young lover moaned wantonly, panted. And he felt his heart swelled with pride knowing that he was the only one who can make Akihito reacted like that. Oh yeah, he knew that really well. He once heard the secret sound recording between Akihito and that Takagi dog. He almost laughed at the voice Akihito created in that recording. It sounded so...shallow. He knew then that the dog would never satisfy his insatiable boy. But the knowledge still didn't stop the overwhelming pain that grew deep inside him. He never asked Kirishima to include any more recording both in video and sound in Akihito's daily report after that.

Tonight, however, Akihito was so uninhabited. The boy didn't even bother to pretend. He clearly showed how he enjoyed every kiss, every touch, and practically everything that Asami gave him. And Asami gladly rewarded his lover, showing his appreciation in a seamless combination of pain and pleasure that he knew Akihito loves so much. Besides, any kind of pretense at that point would just look shallow after what they had admitted to each other.

He could feel it when Akihito got so close to coming. His skin color blossomed into a beautiful shade of pink. His moan turned into pitiful sob. His movements became jerky. He started to beg Asami in uncompressible pleadings.

"Wait for me, Akihito," he commanded.

And Akihito almost shouted his frustration in tears. But his lover waited for him no matter how miserable he already is. The boy gripped his arms, holding for dear life as Asami shoved his huge erection hard into him. The powerful crime lord couldn't help but smirked at the sensation of Akihito's muscle swallowing his cock hungrily. If someone ever asked him where his home was, he would answer without hesitation that it was here, deep inside his lover's body.

"Oh...aaah!" Akihito exclaimed as Asami thrust into him. His lover's body arched like a bowstring in his excitement.

Asami closed his eyes, not stopping even for a heartbeat while he relished the bite Akihito gave him when the boy tried to hold his arousal back, hoping to extend that incredible moment they shared even for a second longer as the movement of Akihito's hips lost its finesse. Asami slammed into Akihito as deep as he could, loving the connection and the sexy sound their bodies created every time he thrust into his lover. Faster. Harder. Stronger.

It didn't take too long until he whispered in his young lover's ear, "Now, Akihito. Come with me, now."

When Akihito finally came right after his permission, the boy screamed his pleasure so loudly, letting Asami heard and felt it all through his release until they were both sated. He could feel Akihito's muscle twitched around his cock as his boy milked every last drop of cum from him. They stayed still for a long moment, Akihito rested on top of his body. But he didn't mind it at all. If it was one of those whores...he didn't even want to think about it. Not now. Not with how perfect everything was. It was then when he heard Akihito's voice, so soft that he almost missed it.

"I love you, Ryu. Always."

I love you too, Akihito. He bit back his reply and closed his eyes tight, trying his damned best to control the emotion that threatened to go wild. But it was even harder than when he had to keep his cool as his enemies put a gun on his chest and threatened to burrow a Teflon-coated bullet into his body when he just started his business.

Akihito's movement snaps him back from his lover snuggles to get more of his body warmth. Asami slowly moves Akihito so that the boy can sleep in a more comfortable position. But his lover insists on clinging onto him. People always think that Akihito is weak due to his lean body. Well, they are stupid for even thinking about that. Asami understands perfectly that if Akihito seriously fights him, he will have trouble restraining the boy. Akihito really knows how to fight and how to use his speed to defeat his opponent. Luckily, his lover always fights his embrace half-heartedly. Otherwise, he will need to take a more drastic measure to ensure the boy's obedience.

Watching his lover who sleeps so peacefully on top of him, he chuckles quietly at the irony. Ten years a go, if someone dare to tell him that he will fall so deeply in love with a brat more than ten years younger than him, moreover to let that brat turns him into a body pillow like this, he will surely explode that person's head for his or her stupid joke. And look at him now.

When he hears Akihito's breaths get deeper and steadier, he slowly releases himself from the boy's tight hold. Giving one more kiss on Akihito's forehead, he wears his robe and quietly walks out of the bedroom into another room that he uses as his home office.

Asami quickly lights a cigarette and pours himself a drink. Leaning into his mahogany desk, he enjoys the silent night breathing the nicotine with the incredible view displayed from the full wall window. His other hand holds a manila envelope Kirishima passed to him before he left for home today.

It is Emi's latest medical report. He furrows his brow at the thought of the girl. In the beginning he thought that the girl is the most similar one to Akihito. But as time goes on, he can see perfectly clear that the girl is completely different from his lover. He still can't be sure what the problem with the girl is, but he knows the girl hides something bad. It takes someone evil to recognize another evil one, he believes. Well, he will find it out sooner or later. And whatever evil the girl tries to hide, he is sure that it couldn't be more evil than him. He grins wickedly at his own thought.

For now, the girl will serve her purpose in his grand plan. It takes some time for his plan to give result but finally everything starts to come together. Kirishima doesn't think this will work, but obviously the man is wrong. He beams at the report. A child. His child. Akihito's future child. And the pregnancy is already 5 months old. He can't really believe it as he looks at Emi's photo that is included in the report. But the girl is always a bit small like his boy.

He can imagine Akihito's happiness when he informs the news a few months from now. His lover doesn't need to know the detail on how Asami gets the baby. Asami knows that the boy will melt immediately at the thought of having a child to complete his normal life. And with his power and wealth, such a thing can be easily arranged. In fact, he is sure Kirishima has all the paperwork ready as soon as his perfect secretary receives the medical report from the doctor.

He doesn't understand Akihito's attachment with children. For him, they are nothing but the source of trouble. He can't even imagine holding his own child. Actually, that idea gives him a horrible shiver. But whatever makes his Akihito happy will be done. He has promised Akihito.

He carefully thinks back at his entire plan that he has worked on for the last three years. He has calculated every step, action and risk to ensure Akihito's happiness. But somehow, his instinct tells him that something will go wrong despite his perfect planning. And he has learnt to trust his instinct a long time a go. He sighs. Come what may. He will solve whatever problem later. It is stupid to shrink in fear for something that hasn't happened yet.

He seals the envelope back and put it inside his drawer before he locks it safely. It is time to get back to his lover. By now, Akihito will miss his warmth already. And Asami will happily provide it for him.

He has two days to enjoy the time with his lover before he needs to release the boy back to the world. But now, with his plan smoothly on the way, he still has a lifetime to share with Akihito. There is no need to rush. He smiles as he walks leisurely back to the embrace of his love.

Kirishima is up and ready by the time he answers his phone. It is still dark outside. But sleep is forgotten as soon as he hears the specific ringtone he sets for Asami-sama. He lives in the same building with Asami-sama, he can be in the penthouse in a few minutes. He takes his Glock and put it in its holder. Giving a quick glance at his bedside clock, he notices that it is still 4 in the morning. He starts to worry, is something wrong?

"Is there anything I can help, Asami-sama?" he immediately asks efficiently.

He scans his brain to remember Asami-sama's condition when he left his boss penthouse last night. His boss has been in a very good mood for the last two days. But this morning that brat will leave to Osaka. He remembers the boy told him that his partner in the project would pick him up early morning so they can grab some equipment first before taking the Shinkansen. Maybe his friend suddenly can't pick him up and Asami-sama wants Kirishima to drive the boy?

His boss' angry command, however, freezes Kirishima's blood.

"Find Akihito. Block the roads! Stops the trains! Close down the airport! Burn down the whole Tokyo for all I care! Just. Bring. Me. Back. My. Boy!"

And they do all of that. Well, they don't literally burn down the whole Tokyo, but it is close enough. They search for the whole day, the whole week, the whole month, but they can't find Takaba Akihito. Whatever the boy does to remove his trace is so good that Kirishima feels impressed. Not that he dares to say so to his boss. Asami-sama is in such a fury that Japan, no, let him correct it, the whole world practically trembles at the crime lord's black mood though only him and Suoh know the real reason.

It seems the boy left the penthouse early morning, saying that his friend had picked him up. Having no suspicion, Asami-sama let him go. Until he woke up a few hours later, finding the boy's note in the kitchen counter, complete with a plate of carefully wrapped breakfast beside it. Did the boy lose his mind, thinking that Asami-sama would just read his note calmly and ate the breakfast he prepared like nothing happened? Whatever that stupid kid had in mind, by the time Asami-sama found the note, it looked like Takaba-sama had disappeared not only from Tokyo but also from the planet. No one can find him or his trace anywhere.

It is months later that Kirishima finally gets the opportunity to be the only person who is allowed to take a look on the legendary note the boy left behind. It is short. But even Kirishima feels his heart breaks when he reads it. He can't imagine the pain Asami-sama went through when his boss read the note for the first time.

I will sacrifice him and everything else for your safety and happiness. That is why I am letting you go. Find your happiness, Ryu; someone who can support you instead of being a burden. And, please, be safe. That is all I need for my happiness. You promised me.

Love, Akihito.