Me, You and Him
Kaede viewed his opponent, Eiji Sawakita, with glare. How fucking long had it been since he had a chance to put his fighting skills to good use. Too fucking long if he had any say it in. He was once called the best fighter in the whole underground Japan. Now, not so much.
These days, since slowly crawling out of the mafia world, all he did was paperwork and negotiation. He missed those days when he got to stretch his fighter, smash jaws, and break bones. Tonight's tournament, he'd surely enjoy every moment of it.
Except the first punch took him by surprise, Knocking the fuck out of his lungs. He spattered, spraying blood. "Fuck! Sawakita, you fucking bastard. You dare start before the bell?"
The cocky bastard cocked his head to the side and snarled at him. "Have I ever played by the rules?"
Kaede was vibrating with anger. The temptation too hard to resist, he aimed one right back at him, straight in the abdomen. Sawakita buckled, and Kaede smirked in satisfied when he saw the guy was struggling to get up.
"Don't fucking play me," he spat at Sawakita.
Sawakita lifted his head up and charged back at him again. Kaede wrapped his fist and took a punch, right at the side of his temple, before Sawakita got knocked down on the floor again.
Fuck Sawakita! He was like a fucking rabid dog, not letting go once he'd taken a bite. He kept on coming at him, but Kaede was faster, taking him in the jaw and another in the temple again. The guy was truly worthy as his opponent. He was so fucking fierce; it was like he was out there to take revenge. And here Kaede had thought this was just a warm-up. The fucking bastard.
Did he want to take revenge on him? Kaede knew he didn't do anything to Sawakita. Unless it had something to do with that news.
Fuck! He'd heard the rumor. Nothing in the underground Japan could get past his ears, not even a fly trying to buzz by. And when he heard of Sawakita's kid brother taking his own life, it was like a fucking fiasco. Sawakita went batshit crazy.
But Kaede didn't do anything to Sawakita's kid brother. Fuck, he didn't even know Sawakita had a kid brother, until he heard of the news four months ago.
So what? Tough shit. Big deal. Just because his kid brother had died, Sawakita wanted to take out his anger on someone. And just because Kaede had happened to be there at the right time and place, he was the target? Well, tough shit. Sawakita better get with the program. Cuz he won't see what's coming if he stuck to this route. Kaede would be sure to teach him a lesson worth learning. Don't fucking mess with his people.
So what if Sawakita was so fucking depressed? What gave him the right to decide he had to fuck other's lives as well. Everyone inside this arena knew how fucked up one's life could be when one's involved in the mafia world. You either had to fight to survive or die trying. Although once you got to the top, you could try to reform, change things slowly. And that's what he's been trying to do, stick to his motto, no more killing, but damn Sawakita was proving to be too irresistible that sometimes he wanted to slip back to having blood on his hands. Every so often, the man would send him little clues, like they were playing a game of hide and seek. Like Sawakita kiddaping Akira, for example. That was done to spite him for sure. And he fucking hated it, this game of cat and mouse they were playing. He was too fucking old to deal with that shit.
Their history wasn't always that unpleasant. Despite the different locations they operated, the Sawakita clan was part of Rukawa's affiliates. They were meant to cooperate, trade deal secrets, help each other out to fight against the other bigger groups who wanted to dominate their areas, but since Eiji Sawakita had taken over as head leader, he'd fucked up. And fucked his group badly, too. Akita wasn't enough. Sawakita wanted to dominate Kanagawa, too.
Shit! Kaede knew Sawakita had a loose screw somewhere, but now he realized even a year's worth of therapy wouldn't right the bastard's brain again. Sawakita was beyond repair. And right then, he felt sorry for Akira.
His eyes fell on Akira. He was seated between Miyagi and Mitsui. And across in front of him, was seated two of Sawakita's trusted members: Minami and Kishimoto. They're eyeing of Akira.
Kaede didn't know how to feel about all of this. He knew Sawakita was capable of anything, and he was sure Sawakita really want fucked Akira up so bad. Everyone in the underground Japan knew how hot-blooded Sawakita was. He'd bashed and smashed anything or anyone who stood in his way. And the opposite extreme could also be held true. The guy was more cold-blooded than any Mafioso he knew, killing people with no mercy.
Akira needed saving. He'd make sure of that. Tonight, he'd get Akira out of this hellhole.
His eyes fell on his lover again, and his world completely stopped. Akira was spewing his eyes out, crying like he'd met death's door.
He gritted his teeth in frustration. This wasn't supposed to be like this. Fuck him! Why the fuck Akira crying like bastard whore shit? The moment at mansion, Akira almost act like the real mafia. And he even dared want to pick a fight with Sawakita! But now? What happened? Crying like a school girl? But, Akira had never properly witnessed Kaede fight like this before. His heart twisted in pain at seeing Akira miserable face. And before Sawakita saw the opportunity to exact a punch back at him, he shouted, "Time out!" The battle stopped.
Kaede shouted from across the platform. "Akira. Come here." And instantly, his boyfriend made his way to him. And as soon as he got within arm's reach, he threaded his fingers behind Akira head and brought his face so close to him, he saw Akira blue wet eyes. "Why the fuck are you crying?"
And just when Akira was about to reply, he slammed his mouth on Akira, swallowing those words at the tip of his lips. He wanted Akira to feel him, this visceral feeling he had for him. He was alive and well. He wasn't dead yet. And he made sure he'd survive to hug Akira, love Akira, and care for Akira. He released Akira and watched as he cupped hie face.
"Kaede, do you really have to fight?"
"If you're worried about whether I'm going to die, don't. Now stop crying, doaho. You're not women." He wiped Akira tears and kissed his forehead. "I'll make sure you get your freedom out of here. I promise."
Akira pulled him and wrapped his arms around his neck, almost knocking out his breath and making him lose balance. But he was quick, balancing himself before he made a fool himself with Sawakita as his onlooker, because letting Sawakita seeing this side of him was fucking embarrassing.
But to Akira, he'd lose his hard mafia boss exterior anytime. His boyfriend was so spontaneous and robust, he knew he would never get used to him, because each day Akira would bring him joy, surprising him with ways to make him laugh, and God's know how fucked up life could be when one was associated in the mafia world. Life should be fun. And Akira brought the word fun into his life.
"I love you, Kaede," Akira said to him in his sweet voice. "Please don't get hurt."
And that was enough incentive to knock the shit out of Sawakita, because there was no way he was going home empty-handed.
"Love you, too, my doaho," Kaede replied, trying to refrain himself from jumping Akira bones right there. He gave Akira a smirk and watched, pleased when Miyagi dragged him back to their seats.
He was glad his friends took it upon themselves to protect his lover boy. Especially against those Minami and Kishimoto who seemed to eye him like a piece of meat. If they dare touch Akira, even just a strand of his spike hair, they'd better pray that hell would have mercy on them.
"Why do you so much cared about him?" Sawakita's taunting voice mocked him, dragging his mind back to reality.
"What do you fucking mean?" Kaede gave him murdering eyes.
"You don't even know Sendoh so well. Why do you want to save him so much?" Sawakita drawled out.
Having known Sawakita's weaknest spot, Kaede bit him where it hurt most. "Because that man is the person I love," he said.
And Sawakita took the bait, retaliating at a fierce pace, his brown eyes so intense, they turned dark.
"Fuck you, Rukawa," Sawakita spat out and took aim at Kaede, but Kaede was faster, his fist already coming from the side, knocking Sawakita on the temple.
Sawakita huffed and heaved, his eyes heavy. And just when Kaede was about to take another punch, Sawakita used the time out card.
Kaede grumbled and went to sit at the side bench, irritated that Sawakita had used this card. What the fuck for? Was shit was he playing at?
Sweat was pouring down his forehead and temple and for that small moment he was kind of glad Sawakita had asked for that time out because at least he could rest a bit and restore his energy before plummeting Sawakita to a pulp again. Although being the arrogant man he was, he'd never admit to such a feat.
Sakuragi came approaching fast, bringing with him a cloth towel to wipe at the sweat dripping from his brow. Kaede eyed his lover, Akira, who was watching him from the sideline, and he gave Akira a thumbs-up. Akira smile. But suddenly, Akira facial expressions changed and Miyagi, Mitsui and Akira stood up. Kaede followed their line of vision and saw Sawakita go toward to them. And then, he talk something to Miyagi and Mitsui. Both of them nodded their head, then, he taking off with Akira behind him.
What the fuck! He knew Sawakita wasn't to be trusted.
Kaede took off fast, jumping over the ring barrier and fast approaching Sawakita who had disappeard around the corner with Akira, when Miyagi and Mitsui blocked his way.
"Get out of my way. You both is fucking friends! Akira's fate still hadn't been decided yet. Why the fuck did you letting him go with Sawakita?" Kaede growled.
"Sawakita said he just needed to talk to Akira." Mitsui answered back.
"If he wanted to talk to Akira, he couldn't have just asked him to speak in the arena," he shouted right back. "Getting out of the ring is clearly against the rules."
"If you could give Sawakita just a minute or two. He won't be long with Sendoh." Miyagi said.
"Are you fucking kidding me. I don't have all night to fucking wait around for him. Tell him to get his ugly mug back here so we can finish this battle--"
"Calm your hot ass, Rukawa," Sawakita said from around the corner. And then he saw Akira right behind him, his face looking placid, before he walked back to his seat.
Something was up. And Kaede was super curious.
"Are you going to come up here so we can end our battle tonight, or do you want to wait until tomorrow because I ain't got no fucking time for that." Sawakita used his own words against him. That bastard.
"Shut the fuck up, Sawakita. You are such a fucking cocky bastard. All talk and no play. I'll show you who's the winner tonight."
And he climbed back up into the ring, and they fought. And, man, was Sawakita a damn good fighter. Kaede clearly had underestimate his ability. He was truly worthy of his opponent. Kaede was already feeling fucking sore, and if they went on any longer, he'd be black and blue by tomorrow. But things took a drastic turn when after so many successful punches, Sawakita just stopped fighting. He just stood there, allowing Kaede to use him like a punching bag.
"What the fuck is wrong with you?" Kaede growled in anger and frustration at the turn of events. "What are you trying to play now? Why aren't you fighting back?"
"What is there worth fighting for, Kaede? You tell me," Sawakita cocked his head to the side again, his eyes looking a bit wet.
Fuck! Was he heard and seeing things? Kaede? Since when Sawakita called him by his first name? Sawakita, the cold-blooded mafia boss of the Sawakita clan, who never had an ounce of mercy in his blood, actually cried-baby?
"To earn my lover his freedom," Kaede barked back with vigor.
"Exactly." And Sawakita smiled, that straight look on his face again before dropping his hands to the sides, and he announced, "I surrender. You win."
"You gotta be fucking kidding me, Sawakita?"
"I'm not kidding. And, I'm Eiji." Sawakita's voice turned cold, and Kaede knew right then that Sawakita meant business. "Take Sendoh before I change my mind."
Those words were meant for him to hear only.
And when Kaede didn't move, Sawakita shouted at him. "I said you win. Take Sendoh. Before I change my mind and never let him go with you again."
"Don't say I didn't win fair and square," Kaede said, signaling Sakuragi to bring the bags over.
Sakuragi trotted over, caring three large bags filled with money. Kaede tossed the bags over to Sawakita, the heavy bags landing in a pool around Sawakita's feet.
"I'm paying for my lover freedom. Ten million, as you have asked for," Kaede said. "Take that money and you no longer have any rights over him, Eiji."
Kaede knew what he was saying. He did this on purpose, trying to provoke Sawakita to get a response, but the man didn't show any. His eyes were downcast, staring at the floor and smiling tiredly. His body slumped forward, as if all the energy had left his body. Sawakita resembled a man who no longer had the will to live. And Kaede had come to the startling conculsion that Sawakita had permanently turned sick.
Meanwhile, Akira just staring at Eiji Sawakita. He still clearly remember what Sawakita told him earlier when he got out with him for a moment.
Make him happy.. And never ever leave Kaede side..I will murder you.. He chose you, and he love you. Don't play drama, or you'll get karma. It's all about me, you and him.
Akira smiled and notice Kaede stare at him with...confusion?