Hello and…. Let me just say this. WOW! I am humbled by the amount of reviews I received for this fiction. All your reviews are very precious to me and I couldn't thank you enough for that.
Thank you to JoEdgardHom, oosuan, KyouyaxCloud, CreedHartnet13, Chret, Nbsiren, Esther Cain014, c0c0ly, raindropdew, FanofBellaandEdward, hawk1891, BcozI'mNaughty, Serinji, romanceisdead69, Suspicious Crow, Rewinsan, Pigyz-kun.
Also, my guest reviewers: Tbb, summerstorm, Nhara, Loverly, Caroline, Kaname143, Shane, AsamiFanGirl, Reinri13, Sunshine. KL-918
Disclaimer: Viewfinder and its notable characters belong to the great Yamane Ayano sensei. I do not earn anything from writing this fan fiction.
The lack of warmth and hunger woke Akihito from his exhausted state. Akihito immediately knew he was alone. Asami usually had him wrapped in his arms, making him feel warm as cocoon whenever they slept together. Akihito was so spoilt with it that he found it hard to sleep whenever he's alone in Asami's king size bed. Rubbing his eyes tiredly, he pulled the duvet to cover his naked form. He curled into fetal position and wrapped it snuggly around him, desperate to retain some heat.
Akihito sighed in relief when he finally felt comfortable. He breathed in the covers and felt immensely comfortable when he inhaled Asami's faint cologne in it. A few more seconds and he'd be off to dreamland.
RING! RING!
Akihito squinted an eye opened to the bedside table and saw the red lights of his phone blinked rapidly, signaling an incoming call. Akihito knew it wasn't Asami or Kirishima because he had set special ring tones for them. Akihito dived back into the duvet, trying his very best to ignore the call but the caller was persistent. The person called again- and again; so by the third time it rang, Akihito was furious.
Someone is seriously going to die here. Akihito threw away the duvet angrily to grab the phone.
"Ah, Takaba? I'm Koga Takeshi. Remember me?"
The anger Akihito felt a while ago immediately diminished. "Koga san?"
"Yeah, that's me!"
"Koga san! How have you been?" Akihito sat cross legged on the bed. Koga was his former boss who was like a father to Akihito.
"I… I'm good," Koga paused for a moment before continuing, "Takaba, I hate to ask you this but I really need a favor from you."
"What happened?"
"There is an award ceremony tonight at Crown Prince Hotel. I was wondering if you could help me to – you know, be my assistant."
"Of course! You helped me a lot back then."
"Really? Thanks Takaba! I was so worried since all my reporters are busy. I'll meet you at the hotel lobby say, around 7pm?"
Akihito grinned. "Sure, see you there, Koga san."
By six in the evening, Akihito was already dressed and all ready to go. He grabbed his bag, checked the camera he intended to bring to the event – his precious Nikon D4 priced at a whopping 700,000 yen. Akihito had saved nearly three years; he even traded his old cameras to buy this baby. He rarely used it as he was afraid that he might drop or knock it somewhere while he was hot on pursuit.
Satisfied with the additional lenses and flashes he had chosen for the event, Akihito zipped his camera bag and walked out of the penthouse. He was not surprised to see Toru's taciturn face blocking the main door.
Akihito sighed. "Toru, I have to go for a job. Move aside."
Toru ignored the request. "Takaba sama, Asami sama's orders were to keep you company wherever you go."
"That controlling freak," Akihito gritted his teeth before giving his best smile at Toru. "Look, why don't you take a day off? You've been working too hard lately, you deserved a break."
Akihito's smile apparently did not have any effect on Toru. "I don't need a day off, Takaba sama."
"Damn," Akihito muttered. He fished for his wallet from his camera bag and flipped it open. He originally wanted to bribe Toru with Asami's credit card but to his surprise, he found five ten thousand yen notes arranged neatly in his wallet. Mentally cursing Asami for placing the notes there, he pulled out two pieces and waved them at Toru's face.
"There, Toru. I know it has been some time since you last eaten sushi. Why don't you take these and head over to Zen Sushi? They serve the best salmon!" Akihito tried to push the notes to Toru's hands but the bodyguard shook his head.
"Takaba sama, Asami sama had warned me that you'd resort to bribing to get your way. He reminded me if I accepted any of your bribes, he'd have my head on his dinner platter," Toru's expression remained unchanged.
"That possessive bastard!" Akihito crossed his arms. Damn, he had already wasted precious minutes of his time standing here arguing with Toru. He checked his wrist watch, realizing he would be late if he didn't leave soon. Akihito contemplated his options; he could either try to escape or take his bodyguard with him. The latter won since Akihito knew he couldn't outrun Toru anyway. Asami must have plucked him from the special arm forces or something because he had never seen a man like Toru – agile, disciplined and smart. And, who in the right mind would turn down money?
"Okay! You can come but stay away from me! I have a job to do," Akihito warned.
Toru moved aside to allow Akihito to pass. "You're no fun, Toru," Akihito nearly stuck his tongue out at his bodyguard as he walked passed him.
"I'm sorry Takaba sama. You may be my boss but Asami sama's orders reigned supreme." Toru locked the doors of the penthouse before following Akihito from behind.
"That's why I said you're no fun!" Akihito scowled.
When they reached the basement, once again Akihito found himself at the verge of pulling his hair out of frustration. Toru had patiently explained that Asami sama left orders to take any of his cars if they were to go out. Akihito refused, insisted that he wouldn't ride in anything but his Vespa. Given the chance and time, Akihito could have won this round but since Toru had gently reminded him that he would be late if they were to continue arguing, Akihito found himself once again, relenting to Toru's demands.
"Have you ever heard a photographer arriving to work in an S-class Mercedes?" Akihito grumbled at the backseat as Toru chauffeured him.
"Would you prefer Asami sama's black Ferrari? I thought you prefer something less conspicuous," Toru answered monotonously.
Akihito glared at Toru. "There is nothing – I repeat, NOTHING that isn't conspicuous in that basement! Why does that man have so many cars anyway?"
Toru didn't reply and allowed Akihito to sulk all the way to Crown Prince Hotel. As if riding in the Mercedes wasn't embarrassing enough, Toru had to stop right in front of the main entrance. The bell boy who opened the door was clearly not expecting a photographer in jeans, white shirt and a camera bag to step out of the luxurious car.
At least I am wearing my good pair of jeans. Akihito tried to console himself. He hurriedly walked to the side, ignoring whispers and stares from the crowd.
"Takaba!"
Takaba looked up, relief to see a familiar face in the crowd. "Koga san!"
Koga jogged to Akihito and shook his hands in gratitude. "You're a lifesaver, Takaba," Koga said as he passed Akihito's press tag to him.
"Don't mention it, Koga san." Akihito took the tag and looped the string around his neck.
Koga smiled proudly and gave a fatherly pat on Akihito's back. "Thanks, son. So, here's the plan. You get the photos, I'll do the interviews."
Akihito grinned. "Sure, piece of cake. With my baby here, the shots are going to turn out amazing!" Akihito patted his camera bag proudly.
"Once the event is done, we'll meet up at the press room to work on the story. Can you tweak your photos from there?" Koga asked as they walked into the ball room where a cast of actors and actresses have already gathered.
"Sure, the photos I take with my Nikon D4 hardly needed any tweaking, Koga san. You'll have your photos before you can even finish typing the headlines." Akihito removed his precious camera from the bag.
Like Akihito, Koga knew a good camera when he sees one. He looked at the camera in awe. "Takaba, I am amazed! You finally saved enough to get this; I remembered you used to daydream about it all the time!"
"Yeah, I literally worked my ass off. Took every job I could." Akihito grinned as he attached the lens on the camera.
"Then, I am expecting great pictures from you, Takaba!" Koga patted Akihito's back again before disappearing among the crowd of journalists.
Akihito set to work immediately. The Nikon D4 was as good as the reviews claimed. The performance was uncompromised; Akihito managed to snap shots in unprecedented speed and the shots looked amazing even before airbrushing.
Akihito had never liked events like this but tonight was different. His 700,000 yen camera lifted his mood as he continued snapping shots after shots, marveling at the performance his camera could deliver. He even forgot about Toru who was standing at a far end to observe Akihito work.
By the end of the award ceremony, Akihito felt immensely proud with his work. He rushed to the press room located at the second floor to meet up with Koga san. He zipped through the crowd as quickly as possible, ignoring the A list actors and actresses gathered at the foyer, engaging in what Akihito thought as crap talk.
Akihito bowed and muttered an apology when he almost bumped into an actress he couldn't recognize. The actress shrugged it off with a graceful smile. Relieved, Akihito turned around, intending to walk to the staircase leading to the second floor but he was so preoccupied with his thoughts that he didn't notice the waiter carrying a tray full of champagne in front of him. He bumped into the waiter and although he managed to steady him, the tray of champagne wasn't as lucky.
Fuck, what have I done? Akihito stared at the broken glasses in horror.
"HEY!" Akihito heard someone shouted. He looked up and saw Noda Takeru, the up and rising star staring at him, looking extremely pissed. Akihito's gaze traveled down and gulped when he noticed the actor's expensive leather shoes and dress pants were splattered with champagne.
"I—I'm so sorry!" Akihito bowed. "I didn't notice the waiter was nearby! I will pay for the cleaning!"
"Pay? Do you know how much this suit costs?" Noda shouted.
"I apologized for my clumsiness. I will definitely pay for it."
"Which agency are you from?" Noda grabbed Akihito's press tag rudely.
"The Rising Sun?" Noda sneered, "I haven't even heard of it." The actor pushed Akihito away, causing him to lose his balance and landed his bottom on the floor.
By then, everyone had gathered around them, whispering and shaking their heads disapprovingly at Noda's behavior. Akihito stood up immediately to check his precious camera. No scratches, Akihito thought in relief.
Noda's manager stepped forward and tried to calm the actor but he wouldn't have any of it. How dare this small time reporter spill wine on him? How dare he embarrass him in front of everyone? Looking at Akihito's concern on his camera over him made him angrier. He took two strides to Akihito and snatched the camera away from the photographer who was too engrossed with it to realize what had happened.
"HEY!, Give it back!" Akihito tried to retrieve his camera from the actor but the taller man held the camera high in the air.
"Do you know who I am, you lowlife photographer?" Noda asked, enjoying Akihito's reaction immensely.
Akihito lost his patience. Really, how childish can this man be? Snatching his camera, holding it high in the air; is he really an adult?
"Yes, I fucking know who you are Noda," Akihito didn't bother to use the san when addressing him. "Now, give it back!" Akihito managed to grab the strap. He yanked it down but Noda was stronger; he managed to pull it away from Akihito.
"You spilt wine on my suit; do you think you're getting away so easily?"
"Fuck you, you prick. You have no right to take my camera!"
Akihito's heart nearly stopped with the events that unfold in the next minute. Noda walked to stairway with his Nikon and flung it down before Akihito could stop him.
The loud crash was deafening. Ignoring the actors and actresses around him, he pushed them away as he made way to the edge of the steps. His 700,000 yen camera, his baby was lying on the ground one floor below, shattered into pieces.
Akihito rushed down the stairway and dropped his knees on the floor. He vaguely heard Noda laughing but he didn't have the strength to respond.
Trembled hands reached out to collect the shattered pieces on the floor. Staring at his broken camera brought Akihito to tears as he unzipped the bag slowly to store the bits and pieces of what was originally a high end, expensive camera. The Nikon D4 had incomparable speed and performance but it could never withstand a fall that high.
"Takaba sama!" Akihito heard Toru rushing to him.
Toru knelt next to Akihito. "I'm sorry, Takaba sama. I heard the commotion but I was too far. I tried to come but there were too many people around, I'm –"
"Toru," Akihito whispered as he continued picking up the pieces. "It's fine."
"No! It was my fault, Takaba sama. I should have –"
"Please, just stop Toru," Akihito cut him off. On a usual day, Akihito would love to see the usually imperturbable Toru burst out in anger. Not today, not now.
Toru zipped his mouth immediately. He reached for his phone, intending to report to Asami sama. Akihito must have noticed his intentions; he placed his hand on Toru's arm to stop him.
"If you're sorry, do me a favor. Do not text him," Akihito whispered brokenly.
Toru had never seen Akihito like that. The defeated look on his once proud face had thrown him off balance. God, he preferred the boy's angry outburst and cheeky smile anytime.
"Takaba!"
Akihito turned to look at Koga's horrified look. "Koga san," he greeted.
"My god, I'm so sorry Takaba. I will pay for your camera. Just give me some time and I'll definitely –,"
"No, it's not your fault."
"But –,"
Akihito took his camera and flipped open the compartment housing the memory card. He injected the card out before passing it to Koga.
"Here, I'm sorry I can't help you with the photos. Take this," Akihito pushed the memory card to Koga's hands.
Akihito stood up. Dizzy, he braced a hand on Toru's shoulder for support. When he felt steadier, he walked out of the door, heaving his camera bag with him.
"Takaba!" Koga shouted.
Akihito halted. Eyes closed, he fought to hold on. "It's okay, Koga san. Don't worry about it."
Akihito bolted without waiting for Koga to respond.
The ride back to the penthouse was uncomfortable. Toru checked the rear mirror countless times and was troubled when he saw his master clutching his camera bag, brushing away angry tears with his palms.
The minute Akihito closed the door to the penthouse, Toru walked a good distance away to dial Kirishima's number.
"Toru, what is it?"
"Kirishima san? I – may I know what time Asami sama will be coming back today?"
"What is the matter?" Kirishima asked suspiciously.
With a heavy heart, Toru began to explain. When he was done, Kirishima remained silent.
"Very well, I will inform Asami sama," Kirihima paused a moment. "Toru?"
"Yes?"
"You know Asami sama is not going to be pleased with you."
Toru gripped his phone tighter. "Yes, Kirishima san."
"Wait at the basement. You report to Asami sama directly," Kirishima ordered.
"Understood."
By the time Asami's limousine pulled into the basement 30 minutes later, Toru was already waiting. He immediately bowed as Asami stepped out from the car.
"Toru," Asami said in such a calm voice that Toru actually shuddered.
"Asami sama." Toru didn't dare to look up at his employer's face.
Asami calmly slid his hand into his breast pocket. For the moment, Toru was expecting a gun but Asami merely pulled his cigar out.
"Report." Asami ordered as Kirishima lighted his cigar.
Toru repeated the story he told Kirishima in detail. The yakuza did not interrupt him; he merely smoked his expensive cigar and stared straight ahead, without looking anything in particular. When he was done, his boss's expression remained calm and unchanged, leaving Toru to wonder if his boss was truly calm.
"And why weren't you there?" Asami took another drag of the cigar.
Toru bowed. "I apologized, Asami sama. Takaba sama instructed me not to get in his way. There were many people surrounding them and I couldn't get there on time."
"The camera?" Asami passed the unfinished cigar to Kirishima.
"Shattered beyond repair."
Again, Asami did not respond. Toru stood perfectly still although he could practically hear his heartbeat hammering against his rib cage.
"Did –," Asami spoke finally, "Noda hurt Akihito?"
Toru shuddered. "No, not physically. But I—ah—believed Takaba sama cut himself while picking up the broken pieces."
"Asami sama, I deeply apologize for my carelessness. I am prepared to accept any punishment," Toru bowed so low that his spine hurt.
"Toru, I'm letting you off this time since Akihito seems to be fond of you. Do not fail me again. You know the consequences if you do," Asami turned to walk away, leaving a bewildered Toru staring at his boss's back.
Kirishima patted Toru's back. "Straightened up, Toru. Thank your lucky stars. Don't mean to frighten you; but the last guy who betrayed Asami sama? He died slowly - and painfully."
Toru swallowed a lump. He needed a drink, badly.
The penthouse was dark and silent when Asami entered. His young lover was not lounging at his favorite spot, in front of the television or rummaging the kitchen for food. Instead he found him in his old room, sitting in front of his work desk, back facing him. The room used to be Akihito's when he first moved in but given their progress in their relationship, Akihito soon abandoned it to become a permanent resident in Asami's king size bed. The room had been converted to Akihito's work place and the photographer would occasionally sleep there if he was out of the country for business.
Asami might be a ruthless man but his heart twitched seeing Akihito hunched at his desk, plastered fingers trying to glue the broken pieces together.
Crossing his arms across his chest, he leaned against the door. "Akihito."
He watched his slender shoulders jerked in surprised. The boy quickly wiped away the tears with the back of his hands before turning to face Asami.
"You're back early. I—ah, wasn't expecting you so early. I haven't prepared dinner." Akihito forced a smile.
"No, don't bother. I'll order sushi," Asami said when he noticed Akihito stood up.
"Really, wow! My lucky night!" Akihito tried to sound enthusiastic but failed miserably.
Asami felt his blood boil. Akihito had never behaved like this before; he was always cocky, proud and confident. Now, Akihito stood pale in front of him, the fire in his eyes gone, leaving them dark and glazed. The strength and confidence he naturally wore as his weapon was diminished.
Akihito must have sensed Asami scrutinizing him for he quickly spoke, "Ah, I dropped my camera. I don't think it's repairable."
Asami did not respond and continued to gaze at his lover's tear stained face. When the silence became uncomfortable; Akihito tried to leave the room, only to be caught by Asami. Akihito allowed himself to be pulled into Asami's arms, too tired to put up a fight. He clung onto Asami and wept. He did not even realize that Asami had picked him up and carried him to their bedroom. Finally, eyes swollen and tired from crying, Akihito drifted to sleep.
Asami watched Akihito slept a while before moving quietly to the sitting area and called Kirishima.
"Asami sama?" Kirishima answered on the first ring.
"Find out about Noda Takeru. Put an eye on him." Asami ordered.
"Understood, Asami sama. Would you like the men to keep him in one of the warehouses?"
"No. Keep an eye on him for now. Report to me at 8."
Kirishima seemed to be surprised by his boss's unusual behavior. "Are you sure, Asami sama?"
"Kirishima, I do not repeat myself," Asami answered calmly.
"Y… yes, Asami sama." Kirishima quickly ended the call to carry out his duties.
Asami worked his staff through the night and by 8 in the morning, Kirishima was already standing in Asami's study in the penthouse with a folder. Asami himself spent a sleepless night, reading and approving documents that needed his immediate attention as he kept watch of his young lover stirring restlessly on the bed.
"Asami sama, here's what we found out about Noda Takeru," Kirishima passed the file to Asami.
Asami took the file and flipped it opened. He smiled. "Where did you get this, Kirishima?"
Kirishima relaxed. "The private investigator was previously hired by Kogashima's wife to check on his extra marital affairs. He took a few pictures of Noda and Kogashima together but there was no concrete evidence to suggest that they were seeing each other. We contacted him and he happened to find out that Kogashima had a room booked at Keio Hotel last night. It didn't take us long to fit the puzzle." Kirishima allowed himself to smirk.
Kogashima was a politician who happened to be getting on Asami's nerves lately. He had ordered raids in a few of Asami's nightclubs, causing the yakuza to lose substantial amount of customers. The police didn't find anything in his clubs; Asami was smart to cover his illegal activities perfectly. He was already contemplating an assassination on Kogashima but this- this is perfect. Who would have thought the short, ugly bastard was actually fucking a young actor?
As for Noda Takeru, Asami did a standard background search on him and found that he climbed up the ladder in the industry rather quickly, securing all important lead roles. It didn't take a genius to deduce that Noda must be spreading his legs to reach where he was. The only question was who he was spreading his legs for.
Asami nodded in approval. "How did you get these shots?" Asami waved compromising photos of Kogashima fucking Noda on the dressing table in a hotel room.
Kirishima smirked again. "Took it from the building across the hotel. It was a good distance away but with a powerful camera and lens, it's not impossible."
Asami actually laughed. "And that ugly bastard was stupid enough to fuck his whore without drawing the drapes."
Asami passed the file back to Kirishima. "Pass this information to Akihito's former boss, Koga. He'll know what to do."
Kirishima bowed before exiting the study. As he was about to turn the door knob, he heard his employer spoke, "Kirishima? Good job."
Without turning to look at his boss, the secretary smiled. "It's my pleasure, Asami sama."
It took Akihito days to recover from the shock. For two whole days, Akihito stayed in the room, choosing only to sleep or stare at the ceiling. Asami left him alone most of the time; he figured the yakuza was too busy to see to his whims anyway. Akihito was at least grateful for he wasn't ready to face Asami after that embarrassing weeping incident.
I sobbed like a baby in his arms. It was so bloody embarrassing! What were you thinking, Akihito? It's just a camera! You can buy it again, stop being a drama queen. Akihito scolded himself but he knew it was easier said than done. He realized that he couldn't stay cooped up in the bedroom forever so he dragged his heavy feet to the kitchen.
He checked the time and noticed that it was already five in the evening. He padded slowly to the kitchen, moping at how long he would need to save before he could buy the Nikon D4 again. He halted his steps when he suddenly noticed an elegant shopping bag on the dining table. He rushed to it, recognizing the logo on the bag anywhere. Nikon. Trembled hands slid inside the bag to pull out a large box containing the latest model of the Nikon D4.
There was another article in the bag. He pulled it out and noticed it was a magazine. The Rising Sun- special edition.
Akihito's eyes nearly popped out from the contents of the magazine. On the front cover was a picture of Noda and Kogashima engaging in sexual activities in which appropriate parts had been pixilated for decency and in blaring capital letters as captions that read, 'NODA TAKERU AND KOGASHIMA KEN- SECRET RELATIONSHIP - EXPOSED!'
Akihito didn't even have to call Asami to ask; he knew the yakuza was responsible for this. Genuinely smiling for the first time in days, Akihito stepped out to the balcony to test his new camera.
By the time Asami got home, Akihito was waiting for him, smiling. And he's back, Asami thought.
"Productive day?"
Akihito raised an eyebrow. "Playing dumb?"
Asami removed his coat. "How were the shots?"
Akihito knew very well Asami was referring to Noda and Kogashima's compromising photos. "Not bad, although I would have opted for another angle if I were the cameraman," Akihito replied cockily.
Asami curved a smile. He poured himself a whisky before moving to the couch. His lover followed him like a puppy and sat next to him. Akihito eyed his lover curiously.
"What is it?"
"I must admit, this isn't like you. You aren't the type who will do this sort of thing. I thought you had a policy of 'shoot first and ask later'?"
Asami took another sip of the whiskey and placed the glass on the table. "Dealing with people like Noda requires special techniques. Don't get me wrong –," Asami said when he noticed Akihito was about to reply. He cupped Akihito's chin and kissed him.
"Given the chance, I'd like to skin him alive but it is more pleasurable this way, no?" Asami ravaged Akihito's mouth again.
Personally, Asami preferred to put a bullet in Noda's head but killing a public figure wasn't the same as disposing street rats. Noda's disappearance would cause a lot of trouble. So, he opted for another method. Asami had to admit that even he was surprised with the outcome of the investigation. Who would have thought he could literally kill two birds with a stone?
Noda can kiss his acting carrier goodbye for no one in his sane mind would hire him; he'd make sure of that. As for Kogashima, Asami bet himself a million yen that he'd be reading his suicide news on the papers by end of the week.
The methods were taxing and like Akihito said; it was very un-Asami. But damn, it was satisfying.
Akihito broke the kiss. He retrieved a small gift bag from the back of the couch and handed to Asami.
"Your reward, for helping me." Akihito pushed the bag to Asami.
Asami raised an eyebrow. He dumped the contents and was very surprised that Akihito had gifted him a pair of handcuffs, attached with keys.
"They're real. I stole it from that idiot policeman while he was issuing a fine on my Vespa."
"Oh, and how will this be my reward?"
Akihito blushed furiously. "Bastard, you know what they're for. Since you like to tie me up, I- I figure that I'd be docile and let you do whatever you want with me."
Asami chuckled. "If I have known sooner, I would have done more just to get you submit to me willingly."
Akihito jumped up from the couch. "Dream on, Asami! Just this once, did you hear me?"
Asami stood up. "I heard you. Since it's my thank you gift, I'd like to use it now," he said, pulling Akihito into the bedroom.
A/N: 700,000 yen is roughly 6800USD. I am absolutely clueless about cameras. Camera enthusiasts, forgive me if I've written anything wrongly!
Thank you for reading and reviews are greatly appreciated! And thank you to those who offered to beta! Uhm...If you don't mind, please leave your contacts so I can pm you.
Reinri13: Since I do not know how to pm you, I'll reply to your review here. Thank you so much for your review and suggestions! I am definitely writing a chapter on The Fixer (Akihito's club). And don't apologize; I don't mind the lengthy reviews at all. Thank you again!