Hello everyone! I am sorry about the cliff hanger in chapter 6; I have wrapped everything up in this chapter and I hope you'll enjoy it!
Thank you for all your reviews, favorites, follows and suggestions! I am very humbled and thankful.
Thank you to my reviewers: BcozI'mNaughty, c0c0ly, Chret, Nbsiren, Sezthekitty, God-d-e-ss Eternity, raindropdew, Asami's clown, creamymint, JoEggardHom, Suspicious Crow, CreedHartnet13, radcat38, oosuan, Pigyz-kun, hawk1891, Nikkie23534, Haruhi-kun, Yaoifangirl89, Rose Nusrat, oresama will gekokujou you, Kitkat3195, Rewinsan
Guest reviewers: caroline, whitangel, Megan, summerstorm, kaname143, Akimi, knox, AsamiFanGirl, Reinri13. Thank you!
Thanks, RiveReinStyx for proof reading!
Disclaimer: Viewfinder and its notable characters belong to the great Yamane Ayano sensei. I do not earn anything from writing this fan fiction.
Most employees panic whenever their boss makes an appearance at their workplace. Employees at The Fixer were no exception; the manager on duty was quick to gather all employees at the front door after receiving a call from the boss's secretary, announcing their arrival in fifteen minutes. Workers were ordered to be presentable before lining up in two long lines as the limousine ferrying the powerful yakuza boss pulled into the grand entrance of club. Bowing low, they greeted 'Asami sama' the minute he stepped out of the limousine, as though they had rehearsed the greeting many times.
Asami strode into the club, ignoring greetings from the floor manager who was desperately trying to please him with information about the club's profit. Asami was in no mood to discuss numbers; he already knows that the club was doing well as he made it a point to make his subordinates keep him informed of the progress with his establishments.
The club was already closed to public after the incident with Akihito. Asami gave the club a quick glance before moving to the VIP table where Akihito and his friends sat earlier. The four men he assigned to the club stepped forward as he sat on the long couch.
"I want to see the live footage of the incident," Asami ordered without preamble.
The head security, Ando knelt down in front of Asami and produced a lap top in his outstretched hand. Asami instructed it to be placed on the table, mildly impressed that recordings of the earlier event had already been downloaded and stored in the player. He clicked the play button, leaned back against the couch and watched silently.
There were perhaps about thirty men in the club but it was devoid of any sound; all too afraid to even speak.
Asami's investment in security cameras proved to be worthwhile; the recordings were very clear despite the club was dark. Asami smiled lightly upon seeing Akihito sulking at the very same spot he was sitting before getting dragged to the dance floor by his friends. Asami raised an eyebrow when he saw Akihito dance; he never knew his boy could do anything so erotic and seeing him moved so sensually on the dance floor caused a sudden surge of blood rush into his brain, awakening his lust for the boy.
No wonder that bastard couldn't resist putting his hands on Akihito's pert ass; Asami thought, regretted that he didn't instruct Toru to break both the man's hands.
The footage ran for another few minutes, showing Akihito nudging his friends towards the two pretty ladies before Inoue and his entourage finally made an appearance. Asami leaned forward and watched the recording with great interest as Akihito clumsily pushed Toru away from the attack, resulting in his own injury.
"Kirishima," Asami spoke when the video ended.
Kirishima worked with his boss long enough to know what he wanted. He produced a cigarette and lit it before signaling the bartender for a brandy. Kirishima exchanged glances with Suoh; indicating that he understood their boss was not in a forgiving mood tonight.
"Ando, bring them here," Asami ordered as the bartender arranged a bottle of brandy and a glass on the table. "Kirishima, has Toru returned?" Asami continued when Ando disappeared to the back.
"No, Asami sama. He was returning the limousine to the penthouse when I contacted him. He gave me his ETA as ten minutes."
Asami nodded. "Suoh, arrange someone to be with Akihito. Tell him to be discreet and follow Akihito only if he's going out."
"Yes, boss." Suoh immediately made the calls.
There was a loud noise from the back where Ando was hauling the group to the front. Asami turned his attention towards the group of gentlemen; all were white as sheet saved for one, which Asami presumed him to be Inoue Daiki.
"Let go of me, you low life commoners, do you know who I am?" Inoue shrieked as Ando held his arm roughly from behind. The guard pushed him forward as they near Asami's table, causing the young man to stagger forward. Inoue regained his composure quickly and found himself staring at a pair of deadly golden eyes.
"Who the fuck are you?" Inoue rubbed his shoulders where Ando had held him earlier.
Most guards stood in silence, appalled by Inoue's behavior as no one, aside from Akihito dared to speak to their boss in such insolent manner.
Asami snapped his fingers. Suoh stepped forward and gave the back of Inoue's knee a kick, forcing the young man to kneel in front of Asami. Before he could protest, Suoh grabbed a handful of Inoue's hair and yanked it up.
Inoue yelped in pain; he struggled against the bodyguard, trying to push Suoh's hands away but was fairly unsuccessful.
Asami leaned forward. "The first lesson you're going to learn, Inoue kun, is manners." He turned towards Inoue's friends who were huddling together, trembling at the sight of their friend being punished.
"Ando."
"Yes, boss?"
"I have no use of his friends. Escort them out and show them what happens if they so much so thought about crossing paths with me."
Ando grinned and cracked his knuckles. "My pleasure, Asami sama."
"No—no, please we have nothing to do with this," one of Inoue's friends started to struggle when Ando and a few men dragged them out of the club.
Asami turned his attention back to Inoue.
"Who the hell are you?"
"Asami Ryuichi. Your old man is – ," Asami smiled, "an acquaintance of mine."
Inoue whose neck was still painfully arched backwards, spoke, "My father will get you for this! Release me and I'll plead for your leniency."
Asami chuckled. "This is where you're wrong, Inoue kun. You see, it doesn't really matter if your father is the prime minister, I'd still kill you and dump you in Tokyo Bay if I want to."
Inoue's confidence faltered a little. "You – you wouldn't dare."
Souh released Inoue, pulled out his gun and pointed it at the back of Inoue's head. "You want to try, bastard?" he growled.
Inoue held his arms up. "Pl – please, I really didn't know that son of a bitch is the owner! I –"
"You better watch your mouth if you don't want me to rip your tongue off," Suoh interrupted.
Inoue zipped his mouth immediately.
Asami stubbed his cigarette and stood up. He unbuttoned his jacket slowly, shrugged it off and passed it to Kirishima. The secretary folded his jacket before proceeding to unhook the cufflinks on his boss's designer white shirt. Asami rolled up his sleeves; his eyes never left the trembling young man who was still kneeling on the floor. He signaled the bulky bodyguard to move away.
"Wh—what are you doing?"
"Inoue kun, have you heard of the proverb, an eye for an eye?" Asami calmly picked up the bottle of brandy on the table and circled the man slowly before smashing the bottle on Inoue's head, breaking the glass bottle into half.
Inoue cried, raising hands immediately to the back of his head, clutching it in pain. Blood oozed out from the young man's head, mixing the sticky liquid with brandy and glass fragments. Suoh dragged him up at Asami's order, slipped his own arms around Inoue's and held him back.
Inoue sobbed as blood continued to trickle down his pretty face. "Pl – please, I swear I won't do it again, I swear – "
Asami did not reply. Instead he walked closer to the struggling man, held the broken bottle tightly and thrust it on the boy's stomach. Inoue opened his mouth to cry out but nothing came out.
"Release him," Asami instructed Suoh and held out his hand which the bulky guard immediately produced his prized butterfly knife to the yakuza.
As Inoue fell on the floor, drifting between consciousness, Asami knelt down and smacked Inoue's blood stained face with his gloved hands.
"We don't want you passing out just yet, Inoue kun. I have one more present for you."
Inoue looked up at Asami, too tired and in pain to even resist. Sensing Asami's intentions, Suoh knelt next to the yakuza and grabbed both of Inoue's hands, forcing them to open and placed them firmly on the carpeted floor.
"Kirishima, which hand did he use to hurt Akihito?"
Kirishima knelt in front of the lap top and pressed a few buttons. "Left, Asami sama."
"Left hander, are we?" Asami stabbed the knife onto his hand, gave it a little twist before pulling it up again.
Inoue managed to cry out this time although it wasn't the scream Asami was longing to hear. He grabbed a fistful of Inoue's hair and yanked his head up, forcing Inoue to stare directly into his golden eyes.
"If you ever lay your filthy hands on Akihito again, I'll make sure you lose both your hands." Asami stood up, leaving him curled on the floor as he passed the knife back to Suoh.
"Asami sama, what do we do with him?" Kirishima asked as he helped his boss to cuff his cufflinks.
Asami understood Kirishima's concerns. Inoue Daiki is their negotiation tool with Inoue Daichi; they cannot afford to have him die yet.
"Leave him; I missed the vital points on purpose. He needs no more than a few stitches," Asami ordered as he removed his gloves to be thrown away.
Xx Business as Usual xX
Toru entered the club just in time to hear Inoue screamed. He fought a shudder as he walked to the yakuza, resisting the urge to turn away from the club. His bodyguard friends parted their ways the moment he entered, exchanging sympathetic glances with him as he made his way to Asami.
"Asami sama," Toru greeted.
Having guarded Akihito most of the time, he has yet to see the results of Asami's handiwork. He heard about his boss's cruelty from other bodyguards but seeing the half dead man on the floor with his blood flowing out from different parts of his anatomy made him cringed. Eyes averted to Kirishima, he noticed the secretary was still calm as he poured his boss a new glass of brandy.
Kirishima's unshaken demeanor could only mean one thing – this wasn't the worse punishment Asami sama had meted out.
"Toru," the crime lord greeted coolly.
Sensing his boss's fury, Toru immediately stepped forward and knelt in front of Asami. He didn't show any expression, didn't dare to open his mouth, knowing that uttering an apology wouldn't save him from punishment. While he was driving to The Fixer, he was contemplating to run away but his pride as a former army wouldn't let him attempt such act of cowardice. No army should behave in such disgraceful manner; he would face the consequences of his own negligence.
"Toru," Asami began again. "Do you have anything to say?"
Still looking at Asami's feet, Toru answered, "No, Asami sama. I am prepared to face the consequences."
Asami leaned back and sat comfortably on the couch. "You will, but I am more amazed with the fact that Akihito went out to bat for you." Asami sipped his brandy.
Toru's head shot up to look at his boss, confused. Surely he didn't think…?
"So much so that he agreed to sit on my lap, something that he detested, just to make sure I won't give you – what was the word Akihito used again? Ah – grief." Asami placed the brandy on the table.
"Asami sama, I assure you. My relationship with Takaba sama is nothing but that of a mere bodyguard and his master."
Toru searched for reassurance in Asami's face but he found none. "I swear on my life Asami sama. I don't know why Takaba sama would go through lengths to plead for my leniency but I assure you he was merely treating me as a friend."
Asami scrutinized the bodyguard, searching for traces of lies and found none. "I shall take your word for it, for now."
Toru almost breathed out in relief when Asami spoke again, "So Toru, what do you think I should do with you since you failed to carry out your duties?"
"I am prepared for any punishment, Asami sama."
Asami unlocked his gun from his shoulder holster and dumped it in front of Toru.
Toru's eyes widened. "Asami sama?"
"Since you're my employee, I'll give you a chance to pull the trigger yourself. If you can't, I'll get Suoh to do it."
Toru felt numb; he half expected Asami to fire him after breaking his limbs but he hadn't anticipated this – a gun to end his own life. His hands trembled as he reached out to grip the gun. The guard unlocked the safety pin and raised it to the side of his head, looking at Kirishima and Suoh for one last time.
"Asami sama," Kirishima began and shut up almost immediately when his boss gave him a stern stare as warning.
Toru closed his eyes, took a deep breath as he braved himself to pull the trigger. He wondered how it would felt; would it hurt? He hoped not; let his death be quick—Toru thought and pulled the trigger. He heard a click but nothing happened. Opening his eyes, he stared at the gun in confusion. Then, he directed his gaze at Asami who merely sat on the long couch with a satisfied smirk.
"Asami sama? I don't understand."
Asami retrieved six bullets from his pockets. "You exceeded my expectations, Toru. Most people would have tried to escape but I'm impressed you had the guts to do it."
Kirishima took the gun gently from Toru's hands and helped him on his feet.
"Asami sama, I – "
"Since you dared to pull the trigger, I'll let you off this time." Asami said as he cleaned his gun with a cleaning cloth.
"Thank you, Asami sama." Toru bowed deeply.
"Do not think you'd escape using the same method. The next time I throw a gun at you, it'll be loaded."
"Yes, Asami sama, thank you." Toru bowed again.
"And Toru?"
Toru stood still. "I'm sure you know who Akihito belongs to?"
"Perfectly, Asami sama. Not once I have thought otherwise. My relationship with Takaba sama is purely professional."
Asami nodded approvingly at Toru's answer. "Good. I'm expecting a guest any moment. Go outside and escort him in."
"Understood, Asami sama."
Satisfied with the outcome of both events, Asami slipped into his coat as he readied himself for the finale. He looked at the younger Inoue, who was lying on the floor, unconscious.
"Kirishima, how many containers of firearms are we expecting?"
Kirishima poured a fresh glass of brandy and offered it to Asami. "Two; the man dealing with them said the containers will arrive at about three in the morning. The ship scheduled to Middle East only leaves two days later so we need to store them somewhere near the port to avoid unnecessary attention."
Asami savored the strong taste of the brandy before answering. "Contact our associates in the Middle East tomorrow morning. Tell them the shipment will be as scheduled and have them transfer the money before the containers leave the port." Asami paused at the sound of main entrance opening.
Like his son, Inoue Daichi was protesting about his maltreatment when he entered the club with his bodyguards. All three men, including Inoue were body searched and stripped off of their guns before they were allowed to proceed.
"DAIKI!" The stocky man rushed in at the sight of his son on the floor, bleeding.
He checked his pulse; it was weak due to blood loss but still alive. He rose to Asami, eyes blazed. "What is the meaning of this, Asami? You dared to call me here, disrespect me and now you hurt my son!"
"Inoue sensei, thank you for coming in such a short notice," Asami greeted charismatically.
"Don't fuck with me, Asami. I'll get you for this!" The transport minister held his son, trying to pull him up.
Suoh moved behind Daichi and held his gun to the older man's head. The two bodyguards tried to come to their boss's rescue but they too, had a gun each at the back of their heads.
"Why don't you sit down, Inoue san? I didn't call you here to pick him up."
Suoh waved his gun to the couch, signaling Daichi to move. The politician reluctantly placed his son back on the ground tenderly before moving to his designated seat.
"Brandy?" Asami asked the minute Daichi sat.
"Just tell me what you want." Daichi gritted his teeth.
"Straight to business then; I need one of your warehouses near the port."
"If you think I'm lending it to you for your illegal businesses, you can forget about it!" Daichi spat.
"I believed you don't have a choice, Inoue sensei."
The politician laughed a little. "What if I refused? What are you going to do? Kill me? Asami, you of all people should know that killing me would cause a lot of trouble, even for you."
Asami swirled his brandy, disinterested. "True. Killing you would not benefit me either."
Daichi regained his composure and dared himself to stand up, ignoring the gun still pointing at him. "You're wise Asami. But I'm not going to let you off just like that, you hurt my son and you'll have to pay for it!"
Asami's indifferent attitude infuriated Daichi. "Did you hear me? Once I'm out, I'll use all my powers to –
"I think you're misunderstanding something, sensei. In here, I call the shots."
As quick as lightning, Asami raised his gun and fired two shots at the politician, missing him on purpose. The little demonstration made Daichi's knees go weak; the stocky man fell back on his seat, gasping.
Asami cracked a slight smile. "You are in no position to argue and you misheard me. I am not requesting for the warehouse, I am demanding for one."
"If - if - if you th—think I'd give you just because –" Daichi stuttered.
Asami turned to Kirishima who nodded at Asami's non-verbal orders. He turned the lap top to Daichi's direction and pressed the play button.
"What do you think will happen if the media sees this; the son of the transport minister attacking and injuring a club owner?"
Daichi's eyes widened as he viewed the video from the lap top. "No one is going to believe you! I'll tell the media that it's a set up to tarnish my reputation as the transport minister!"
Still calm, Asami shifted his attention to Toru. "Bring my briefcase from the car."
Toru stepped out, returning a minute later with Asami's briefcase. He passed it to Kirishima who opened it before presenting the contents of the briefcase to Asami. Asami took out a large brown envelope and slid it across the table.
Daichi took the envelope. "What's this?" He asked as he tore it open. He read through contents in silence before looking up at Asami again, furious.
"You son of a bitch."
Asami ignored the comment. "Interesting isn't it? You have about 20 million USD in your Swiss account, five times more than what you make in an average year."
Trembling in rage, Daichi held the brown envelope tightly.
"And you've been consistently transferring 10 thousand dollars every month to an unidentified account." Asami sipped his brandy. "You want my take in this, sensei?"
Daichi tugged the knot of his tie uncomfortably.
"The money is wired to a woman's account – a mistress who had borne you a child. I cannot imagine what would happen if such sensitive information were to fall under the hands of the media, can you?" Asami curved a smile.
Daichi rubbed his fingers between his brows and brushed away a bead of cold sweat on his temple. "What do you want?"
Asami stood up, buttoning his shirt in the process. "A usable warehouse by tomorrow noon and clear all paper works for the shipment to the Middle East. Contact my secretary when you're done."
"All right, am I free to go now?" Daichi gritted his teeth.
Asami waved his hand to the door. "Ando, Toru, escort our guests out."
"Yes, Asami sama."
Daichi stood up from his seat and went to his son. His bodyguards rushed to his aide the minute Asami gave orders for the guns to be lowered, carrying the injured young master out of the club.
"Kirishima." Asami spoke when he slid into the limousine.
"Asami sama?"
"See that the bastard made necessary arrangements by noon. A minute later, release the information to the press."
Kirishima pushed his spectacles up. "Understood."
"Good. Suoh, head back to the penthouse."
Xx Business as Usual xX
Akihito was lounging at his favorite spot when Asami opened the door. He noticed his boy had already showered, changed into his boxer shorts and a thin sleeveless shirt. There was an empty sushi box on the carpeted floor where he lay. The photographer scratched his bandage absent mindedly as he fixed his eyes on the television.
"Had your dinner?" Asami pulled Akihito's hands away to stop him from scratching.
Akihito sat up. Hands crossed on his chest indignantly, he turned his head to one side and spoke, and "I ordered Sushi and charged it to your card."
Asami gripped Akihito's chin firmly to kiss him on his pouting lips.
"You're in a good mood." Akihito eyed his lover curiously when he broke the kiss. He followed Asami into the bedroom where he shrugged off his coat.
"Where are your gloves?"
"I must have misplaced it."
Akihito laughed. "Getting old?" He couldn't resist teasing.
Asami loosened his tie and walked slowly to Akihito, causing the boy to move backwards. Sensing danger, Akihito turned to run, only to get caught and thrown onto the bed unceremoniously. Akihito lay on his back and the coat he was holding fell on the perfectly polished marble floor at a corner.
The bed dipped as Asami climbed on top of Akihito. Hovering near the photographer, the yakuza stared into Akihito's hazel eyes before whispering, "Why don't we have a competition, Akihito? A test of stamina and endurance – the person who's still conscious by dawn wins."
"You bastard, that's not fair," Akihito placed his palms on Asami's chest, trying to push him away.
"Considering it's always the pitcher who gets tired in a baseball game, I think you are at a very advantageous position."
"You perv – "
Akihito could hardly finish his sentence as Asami had already crushed his mouth onto his.
The game is on.
I think most of us are aware of the word 'sensei' but I'd still like to clarify why Asami called Inoue Daichi as sensei. In Japan, the term 'sensei' is used for teachers, politicians, doctors or any influential figures. I also used Daichi instead of Inoue to avoid confusion.
A/N: Thank you so much for reading! The next chapter would probably take a while as I am running out of ideas. Sorry about that!