Business as usual

by Kadzuki Fuchoin

A normal day in life for Asami and Akihito.

32. Chapter 30

I can't thank all of you enough for your constant love and support for this fiction. I am blessed and touched to know that so many of you (all whom I've never met before) encouraged me during my most difficult times. Thank you!

To Limname, thank you so much for the avatar! I absolutely adore it! (hugs)

Thank you, Sony Jackson for translating the fiction into Vietnamese!

To Rein, you're the best beta and friend anyone could ever have. This chapter wouldn't be possible without your advice, thank you!

This chapter is for KittyCiel656. I hope I've fulfilled your request! (crosses fingers)

Disclaimers: Finder Series and its characters are copyrighted materials of Yamane Ayano sensei. This work is fan-made and non-profitable.

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Xx Business as Usual xX

"Asami," Akihito clenched his teeth, trying to control his temper as he walked out of Kansai International Airport with the crime lord. "—can you tell me what we're doing in Osaka?"

Asami offered his trademark smirk and said nothing. He ushered the boy into a waiting limousine, pressed the privacy glass that separated the front and back before turning to the photographer.

"Business."

Crossing his arms, Akihito glared at his lover of two years. "You could have left me in Fukouka with Kou and Takato."

"I thought you want to eat crabs at Shinsaibashi?" Asami asked, his golden eyes stared at Akihito, amused.

That hit Akihito's weak spot. He remembered commenting about wanting to try the famous delicacy two days ago.

Manipulative bastard, Akihito thought, looking away. After the high school reunion night, Akihito thought he had some time to hang out with his best buddies –not when Asami was around. The yakuza spent the entire night messing him up and when he woke up the next day, Asami brought him straight to Asahi Brewery for a meeting with the CEO and his brother.

It was the second time he was dragged into a business meeting and it reminded Akihito why he disliked it so much. Jargons were being thrown across the meeting table, then an intimidation battle to see who would prevail in a brewery contract – that seriously made Akihito tired. And to no surprise, Asami won the battle with the terms his lawyers originally drafted in the contract. Asami Ryuichi wasn't known as the don of the business world without some serious skills.

Akihito thought that they would be able to return to the onsen after the meeting but he was caught off guard when Asami ordered Suoh to chauffer them to the airport. The photographer learned that Kou and Takato decided to stay back in Fukouka for few more days with their families.

More like avoiding their mothers' wrath, Akihito mused. Not that they minded, because Kou and Takato actually received first class bullet train tickets to Tokyo at the date of their choice. The trip hadn't been exactly relaxing. All hopes of having a stress free trip was botched when Asami chose to made an appearance at the onsen. To make matters worse, the asshole Minami actually dared to – wait –

Akihito turned to Asami. "What happened to Minami?"

"You threw him out," Asami reminded. Cupping boy's chin, he angled Akihito's face and kissed him.

Akihito actually responded the kiss before pushing his lover away. "Don't avoid the question. Toru and Ando didn't return for hours."

"I'm surprised you noticed."

The smirk on the yakuza's lips suggested to Akihito that he was right. He wasn't sure if Asami would acquiesce to his requests, considering what Minami had done. He tried asking Toru and Ando but no matter how hard he pressured them to talk, Asami's loyal subjects wouldn't budge.

"What happened to him?" he repeated the question.

Asami patted his lap. "Sit on my lap and I'll tell you."

If there was anything Akihito could get his hands on, he'd love to throw it on the bastard's face. Asami is a tough opponent so Akihito didn't bother wasting his time arguing. Either he sits on Asami's lap and get his answers; or play stubborn and kiss his answers goodbye.

Scowling, he reluctantly climbed onto Asami's lap, straddling him. "Happy?"

Asami wrapped his arms around the boy's waist, his lips curved. "Toru and Ando left him in a warehouse. His most severe punishment was walking home from there."

Akihito looked at his lover, skeptical. "You're not lying, right?"

"Why, do you want me to do my worst?"

"No! Minami's an asshole but he's someone I know. I don't want to see him hurt." Akihito tried climbing off the yakuza's lap but the grip around his waist kept him in place.

"Even if he tried to seduce me?"

Akihito recognized the tone; it was an indication that Asami wasn't pleased. "Like I've said, I'd drown him myself if he does that again."

Again, the crime lord's lips curved. His grip loosened and Akihito saw his chance to escape. He climbed off Asami's lap, sitting next to him.

"So you do remember what you've said at the onsen."

"Of – of course I do!" Akihito looked away, his cheeks turned crimson. "And I meant it when I said that I'll drown you if you accepted his invitation."

Asami nudged Akihito's chin upwards, forcing the boy to look at him. "Fair enough; and I'm serious when I said that I'll chase you to the end of abyss if you betray me," he said softly before planting a quick kiss on Akihito.

Akihito managed to push the crime lord away. Embarrassed, he looked outside the window, watching the passing motorist. The sun set nearly an hour ago, marking the beginning of Osaka's famous colorful night life. He didn't know where Suoh was taking them and couldn't really be bothered to ask.

Most probably to one of his fancy hotels, Akihito thought and caught a glimpse of his own business suit. Asami bought him a fancy suit to wear for the business meeting at Asahi Brewery. He almost said no until he remembered that it was necessary for him to be in proper suit for his brother's sake.

"We'll be reaching in five minutes, Asami sama," Kirishima spoke through the intercom, breaking Akihito's thoughts.

"Where are we going?" Akihito asked as the limousine turned into the frenetic Shinsaibashi street.

When Asami ignored him, Akihito looked out and caught a glimpse of the popular Shinsaibashi shopping street. Located across the main road where the limousine stopped, the 600 meters long roofed arcade shopping was the best known shopping area in Osaka. The street came to life at night, with every shop trying to outdo each other with colorful neon lights to attract customers. From where Akihito was seated, he saw the place he wanted so desperately to go – Dotonburi, the famous crab dish in Osaka. It wasn't hard to miss, considering the store had a massive robotic crab sculpture stuck on the business signage. The owner even installed some sort of mechanism to make its legs wiggle.

As though as Asami read his mind, the crime lord said, "We'll be going there after this."

"Really?" Akihito turned to look Asami, excited. It was then he realized where they were. Located right in front was a five story building with a signage that read:

Club Sion Osaka

"I should have known that you have more than one Club Sion," Akihito grumbled, looking at the posh building in front of him. "Why do you need to have so many business interests? Can you even keep track?" he asked as he tried desperately to fix his tie.

Asami pushed Akihito's hands away and took over the task. "One can never have too many, Akihito," he said just as Kirishima opened the door.

Asami stepped out of the limousine first before moving to the side for Akihito to alight from the vehicle. The long line of patrons waiting outside was already staring at the impeccably dressed Asami and his equally well dressed companion.

The photographer noticed most eyes were on Asami. Who wouldn't? To strangers, Asami was a real deal. Impossibly good looks, well sculptured and wealthy –it was a package to die for. The real Asami, Akihito knew; is a ruthless businessman who ruled both the business and underground markets with iron fists.

"Akihito," Asami placed a hand on his shoulder.

Akihito took it as a sign to snap into attention and immediately quickened his steps to match his lover's pace. He could never get used to the stares but he was at least grateful that he wasn't the center of it.

A few men in suits rushed out from the main entrance to greet them. Their nervousness suggested to Akihito that they clearly weren't informed of their big boss's arrival. A man in sharp flamboyant suit led the group and headed straight to Asami.

"Asami sama, welcome," he bowed. "You should have called us and we would have made the necessary preparations.

The man's nervousness didn't go unnoticed to Akihito. He actually trembled slightly when he spoke, so did the rest of the men when they greeted Asami. That reminded Akihito how dangerous Asami really was; and that he, Takaba Akihito, has been living with such a dangerous man for two whole years.

"Haruma," Kirishima spoke on Asami's behalf. "Show us to the office."

"Of – of course," Haruma said and immediately led the way.

The club resembled Club Sion in Tokyo. Strobe lights flashes across the room as the patrons danced to an impossibly loud music. Some sat around the bar, enjoying a few rounds of martinis while others sat in their seats, quietly observing the dancing crowd.

"This way Asami sama," Haruma said as he guided them to the top floor.

Asami's office was impressive. Like Club Sion in Tokyo, the office boasted a lot of space. Tasteful furniture and art decorated the room, with a huge one way glass panel that showcased the entire dance floor below.

"Woah, you can see everything from here!" Akihito commented as Asami took his seat on the leather chair.

As Akihito observed the crowd below, Asami accepted a folder from Haruma. He read silently, and apart from Akihito occasionally commenting about the huge dance floor, no one said a word. Toru and Ando stood at the door while Suoh and Kirishima were behind Asami, awaiting orders. Haruma remained the only person standing in the middle of the office. Like a student called to the principal's office, Haruma's head remained bowed.

The tension was so unbelievably high that everyone in the room saved for Akihito, felt it. The boy was so busy looking at the dance floor below that he didn't notice Asami's expression had darkened from the reports.

"Asami sama –," Haruma began but was immediately cut off by Asami.

"Akihito, do you want to get something to drink?"

The photographer turned to look at his lover and grinned. "Hell, yes! I wanted to try some of the fancy drinks I saw just now."

"Toru, Ando, take Akihito downstairs," Asami ordered and the two guards immediately opened the door for the photographer.

"Toru," Asami called when Akihito had stepped out of the room. The lanky guard took a few strides to Asami, leaning forward. He listened attentively; occasionally nodding his head at the boss's instructions.

When Toru finally straightened his body, Asami waved his hand. "See that he doesn't drink too much."

Xx Business as Usual xX

"What did Asami tell you just now?" Akihito asked as they rode the elevator down.

"Asami sama reminded me about your poor alcohol tolerance," the guard replied. When the elevator doors slid open, Toru stepped out and nodded at the guard guarding the door.

"Toru san," the man in dark suit bowed. "It's been a long time."

"Tomoharu," Toru greeted his junior before turning back to his master who was cursing profanities at his boss. "Takaba sama, Asami sama is merely concerned."

"Possessive asshole," Akihito grumbled. He moved out of the elevator in a hurry, bumping onto another man. Since Akihito wasn't looking in front, the side of his head hit the man's chin on full force. The man crouched immediately; his hand went to cradle his chin as he groaned in pain.

"Shit, I'm so sorry!" Akihito said apologetically. "Are you all right?"

The man raised his head. "Yeah, I'm –," he trailed off, eyes widened. "Ta – Ta – Takaba sama!"

"Keiichi!"

Xx Business as Usual xX

Ando stood still, tensed by the person he had just seen. The younger guard looked at Toru but his senior showed no emotions as their young boss chatted with his former guard.

Both he and Toru heard the reason why Keiichi was transferred out to Osaka. Keiichi had brazenly tried to confess to Akihito, only to land himself in a huge pile of mess after he mistakenly confessed to the boss instead. Hell, Keiichi was damn lucky Asami let him off with no more than a broken nose.

Ando remembered Kirishima saying something about Keiichi being transferred to Club Sion Osaka but he thought that the piece of information was insignificant; hence he didn't bother remembering it.

He tried looking at his partner for clues on what they should do but as always, Toru's impassive expression revealed nothing. Unlike him, Toru had always been composed. Ando couldn't recall the time his partner lose his composure, except for that one time where he nearly sliced Koga's neck with the sharp katana of his.

"What are you doing here, Keiichi? I thought you quit!" Ando heard Akihito asking.

Keiichi smiled awkwardly as he scratched the back of his head. His gaze flickered at Toru before focusing on Akihito again. "I – I – I was transferred here, Takaba sama."

Akihito smacked Keiichi's arm playfully. "You couldn't handle me, could you?"

Keiichi was smart not to respond to any of Akihito's touches or Ando was certain Toru would have attacked. If Toru attacked, there was no way Keiichi could walk out of the club scot free. The junior guard thought even Asami would approve Toru's actions. His partner was just that good.

"I'm more suitable to be working in a club, Takaba sama," Keiichi answered hesitantly.

Akihito folded his arms, sighed. "Unlike Toru, you're easier to escape from," he said and quickly added, "Of course; I'm not saying that you're slow or anything, Keiichi."

"No offense taken, Takaba sama." Keiichi answered professionally. "Takaba sama, shall I escort you to your seat?"

The photographer didn't seem to notice Keiichi's awkwardness and proceeded to make small conversations with Keiichi until they reached their table.

The table Keiichi led them to was a semi-circle six seater couch with the word Sion emblazoned in gold on the black leather upholstery.

Ando approved the location. Corner seats with surveillance coverage, no one would be able to sneak behind and attacked the young boss. Not that they can, considering there were at least a dozen men guarding the club.

"Guys, sit down." Akihito patted the empty space next to him.

Keiichi was uncertain but finally obliged when Toru nodded his head. He sat on Akihito's right while Toru took his on Akihito's left. As Ando took his seat, he studied Keiichi for the first time. The former guard stood at five seven, with looks of a man who sang in a boy band. He cut his hair short; a successful attempt to make him looked manlier.

As Ando continued staring at Keiichi, he wondered what was going through the former guard's mind when he sat next to Akihito. He sure didn't want to be in Keiichi's position right now. It should be damn uncomfortable having two guards scrutinizing his every move.

"I seriously thought I made you quit," Akihito said to Keiichi.

"No," Keiichi said awkwardly. His gaze darted back and forth Toru, almost if he was too afraid to even utter a single wrong word. "Asami sama thought I was better off working here. And I think Toru san is doing a great job, Takaba sama."

Akihito looked at his personal guard, grinned. "Yeah, he's quite handy but a pain sometimes."

Toru bowed. "Thank you for your compliments, Takaba sama."

"That wasn't meant to be a compliment," Akihito grumbled. He took a sip of his drink and settled back as the people started moving to the dance floor.

Ando followed his master's gaze to the dance floor. Like Club Sion in Tokyo, the patrons were mostly middle and upper class businessmen. The former chief security of The Fixer noticed that a few office ladies were literally gyrating their hips onto a seemingly well to do businessman, most likely trying to see who would win the lottery ticket to an abundant wealth and riches.

The grand prize, Ando mused, was the dangerous man currently interrogating the manager upstairs in the president's office. And the winner of the grand prize was no doubt Takaba Akihito. Though Ando wasn't sure if he considered Akihito lucky having been caught by the world's most dangerous crime lord but there was one thing Ando could guarantee. Akihito didn't have to lift a finger in his entire life if he allowed Asami to support him.

As expected, Akihito didn't give a rat's ass about Asami's wealth and continued struggling with his meagre salary he earned from doing odd jobs for Mainichi Shimbun. And that, in Ando's opinion, made Asami Ryuichi fascinated with his lover.

Xx Business as Usual xX

Akihito didn't really enjoy clubs. He liked the drinks good enough but to rub bodies with hundreds of people on the dance floor wasn't really his thing. Bored from waiting, he gulped down a blue-ish drink and passed another glass to Ando.

"Ando, do you want a drink?"

"No, Takaba sama. I'm on duty."

"Toru said the same thing." Akihito downed another glass. "Drinking alone makes me feel so lonely."

Toru checked his wrist watch. "Asami sama should be done in a while, Takaba sama."

Akihito waved his hand. "Nah, I wasn't hoping that he'd keep me company. I'm just waiting for him to finish his work so I can eat crabs." He relaxed against the couch and watched the patrons danced.

Akihito considered himself an awful dancer but the man who was currently trying to grind his hips with a young attractive female was by far, the worst he had seen. Standing shorter than five feet six, the man looked as though as he was in his mid-thirties. Medium built, square jaw with small eyes and thin lips, he looked almost sinister. Whether by whim or design, he wore a floral Hawaiian shirt that was popular only on the beaches.

Since Akihito was bored, he continued watching the man. The middle aged man made attempts for small talk with the beautiful brunette dancing in front of him but she wasn't interested. After several unsuccessful attempts, he became aggressive and tried grabbing her hand.

Panicked, she shoved him away. The man lost his balance, fell back with a loud thud on the floor. That had almost everyone staring.

Serves him right, Akihito smirked and checked his time. Damn it, what's taking the bastard so long?

Just when Akihito thought the show was finally over, he caught sight of the man, this time at the bar. He sat three seats away from the lady who embarrassed him earlier on the dance floor. Slightly drunk, she didn't seem to be aware that he was nearby as she downed two shots before ordering for a third. She slipped away to the ladies then, leaving her drinks on the table.

As a cameraman who had his fair shares of troubles, Akihito could sense trouble when he sees one. From Mr. Hawaiian shirt's dissatisfied looks, Akihito bet himself his entire camera collection that the man was up to something.

And he was right. Akihito wouldn't have seen it if he weren't paying attention because Mr. Hawaiian was just that good. He was slick; Akihito had to give him that. The way he move smoothly next to the lady's drink, popping in a tiny pill into her drink and sauntered off – the moves were no amateur. He probably used the date rape drug many times.

By the time the lady slid back into her seat, Akihito was already up on his feet, moving across the dance floor to the bar.

"Takaba sama, is there anything wrong?" Toru asked but Akihito didn't answer. He headed straight to the lady, taking the glass off her hands.

"Miss, I don't think you should drink this." He jerked a thumb at Mr. Hawaiian shirt sitting three stools away. "That man slipped some sort of pill in it."

The accusation had the man jumped from his seat in rage. He took two strides towards Akihito. "Watch what you're saying. I didn't do anything!"

"I saw you slipping the pill into her drink!"

"You – you bastard!" The lady said, trembling slightly. She immediately moved behind Akihito when the man took a step forward.

"You're pathetic," Akihito sneered. "Just because she doesn't flirt with you, you resort to using cheap methods."

"Watch your mouth, you son of a bitch. I didn't –,"

The man halted when Toru caught his hand, gripping it hard. His cool eyes looked slightly downcast at the man. "I suggest you mind your language or I won't be responsible to what will happen."

The man staggered backwards. "You – you're threatening me?" He looked at Toru, then at Akihito. "I'm not afraid of you and your friends!" He snarled and made attempts to grab Akihito by his collar.

Keiichi and Ando were quick to step in but Toru had sharper reflexes. The man's hand barely reached halfway when Toru caught his wrist and gripped it into a painful twist. "Don't –," he said slowly, "—touch him."

By now, a few patrons had stopped dancing to look at them. The lady stood behind Akihito, glancing back and forth Toru and the man, as if she was worried about Toru getting hurt.

"You think you're the only one with a few moves?" The man snarled and shot his other fist forward. The amateur move didn't fool Toru. The guard feinted and finished off with a painful jab to his gut.

"Take one step forward and I'll break your –,"Toru paused when he saw the crowd parted for a single man to pass. "Asami sama," he greeted and bowed.

The golden eyes narrowed at the injured man before looking at the lanky guard protecting his lover. "Toru, what is going on here?"

"He tried to drug the lady with date rape drugs," Akihito defended, pointing at the man. "And when we confronted him, he attacked us."

"I—didn't! You bastard, show me proof that I did it!"

Akihito stepped forward. "Proof?" he grabbed the glass and slid it over. "Drink this and if you're not in heat after this, I'll kneel down on my knees and apologize."

"Takaba sama," Keiichi began, "You don't have to. We can handle him easily."

"Keiichi," Asami said and the guard froze. "Akihito's right. It's only fair for him to apologize if he was accusing an innocent man," he said easily despite his gaze was ice. "But, if we are right, how should you compensate us?"

"I – I –," the man stammered, looking away.

"Ando, take him to the table where Akihito sat just now," Asami ordered.

The man tried to escape but a sharp elbow jab on the stomach from Ando had him on his knees. Together with Keiichi, Ando dragged the man back to the seat, ignoring onlookers.

Akihito patted the lady's back, reassured her before escorting her outside to hail a cab. Then, Toru led him back inside and straight to his seat where Asami was already waiting. As the boy took his seat, he realized that the man was already on the floor, grunting in pain from the earlier jab he received from Ando. Asami had his guards formed a human barricade around the table so it was nearly impossible for the patrons to see what was going inside.

"I'm telling you, that fucking bastard accused me!" He shouted, pointing his fingers at Akihito.

"Toru, Ando," he ordered and the guards immediately stepped forward. Ando held the man from behind with a hand and used another to push his chin up. Keiichi passed the glass containing the date rape drug to Toru.

Without warning, Toru dumped the contents into the man's mouth, forcing him to swallow. The man fell onto his knees, choking and coughing violently. "You—you –," he pointed at Asami.

Kirishima moved from Asami's back to crouch in front of the man. He caught his finger, bending it backwards, far enough to cause pain but not nearly enough to break it. "I advise you to refrain from pointing your fingers at the boss or I'll break it, do you understand?"

He couldn't nod his head fast enough. The minute Kirishima released him, the drug took effect. He began to pant, his face flushed from the effect of the date rape drug as he tried to close his knees together to hide his erection.

"Take him out," Asami ordered one of the guards. "See that he's properly taught a lesson."

"Yes, sir."

As a victim of date rape drug, Akihito knew how the man felt. Fei Long fed the drug to him during his confrontation with the Chinese head mafia, causing him to have unexplainable reaction for hours. Akihito considered himself lucky, considering Asami was there with him until the effects of the drug wore off but he hated to be reminded how wanton he was at that time.

"Couldn't bring you anywhere without troubles, can I?" Asami smirked, sipping his drink.

"That's my line, bastard," Akihito said before turning to face his lover. "What the hell? Why did you allow assholes like him to come into your club with date rape drugs?"

Asami's eyes narrowed. "That's the reason why the manager had been dismissed."

"You serious?" Akihito asked, surprised with the piece of information. "You fired him?"

"I did," the crime lord answered casually. Standing up, he buttoned his suit. "I don't need incompetent employees."

Akihito stood up, removing his coat. "So, for you to still keep me around; that must have meant that I'm somewhat useful right?"

Asami nudged Akihito's chin up to match his gaze. "You are more than that, Akihito." He tugged the photographer to him. "Useful or not, you are mine and I have no desire to let you go."

The old Akihito would have retaliated about him being someone's possession but he knew that denial usually leaves him in bigger trouble with the crime lord so he didn't bother fighting back.

Damn it, it must be the alcohol, Akihito thought, finding it more embarrassing with the public display of affection than Asami's declaration. Apart from the shocked faces of the guards of Sion Osaka, Asami's personal goons pretty much showed no emotions. "So, are you done with work? I'm kinda starving."

"I have," he answered smoothly, "—and since you've been good, I'll give you a treat."

"I'm – I'm not a kid," he muttered and stood up from his seat.

Suoh and Toru had already opened a way for them to leave so Akihito found himself at the entrance of Sion without having to push his way out of the club. Since it made no sense for them to drive to the restaurant opposite the street, Akihito suggested that they walk.

"Damn, I wondered if there's still anything left. I know people queued for hours just to get a table." Akihito commented.

"They do," Asami said in a rather confident manner which made Akihito suspicious.

The photographer grabbed Asami's arm just as they were about to reach the restaurant. "Does that place belong to you?"

The smirk told Akihito what he needed to know.

Xx Business as Usual xX

Saying that the crabs tasted delicious would be an understatement. It was heavenly. Added that the boss himself made an appearance, the chefs threw in extras and made enough portion for the guards too. Akihito made everyone sat down to eat and while the rest were used to it, Keiichi sat in his place, unable to even swallow a single bite despite the scrumptious spread in front of him.

"That was delicious," Akihito commented as he walked out of the store into the crowded shopping street of Shinsaibashi. "It's a pity that there aren't any beaches nearby."

"Why do you want to go to the beach?" Asami asked.

Akihito walked along the street, stopping at the bridge where a group of tourists were patiently waiting for the Tonbori River Cruise ride. He turned, looked at the guards behind Asami, then at his lover. "The weather's nice," he said simply.

"There is a beach nearby, Akihito."

"You serious?" Akihito's eyes widened before dropping his glance. "Nah, I don't think we should. Forget it."

"Any particular reason?" Asami asked, leaning against the hand rail as Akihito continued to look at the tourists boarding the boat for the cruise.

"When it comes to night beach stroll, I prefer to do it alone," he answered, smiling somewhat distantly. "No reason; it's just a personal preference."

It was a moment later when Asami spoke again. Eyeing his men around him, Asami ordered, "Kirishima, get the car ready.

Kirishima stepped forward, bowed. "Where to, sir?"

"The beach."

Akihito whirled around, surprised. "You serious?"

An arm behind Akihito's back, Asami led the boy to the end of the street where the car was parked. "You want to go, didn't you?"

Eyeing his lover skeptically, Akihito continued walking next to Asami. "You're being so nice that it's almost scary."

When Asami said nothing, Akihito continued walking, well aware for the first time that they are the center of attention. The group of guards in black sharp suits and Asami's killer good looks were enough to form a small line of female worshippers around the shopping street. Akihito thought he didn't look half bad today, considered he was still dressed in his power suit Asami picked for him that morning but compared to the yakuza, Akihito had a long way to go.

The latest BMW model was parked at a conspicuously prime location where Ando was already waiting. Ignoring a few gawkers, Asami led Akihito the front passenger seat.

"Sir?" Kirishima asked, "Are you driving?"

Asami nodded. "Bring the limousine back to the hotel. You can retire for the night."

Suoh stepped up beside Asami. "Boss, what about your security? At least allow me or Kirishima to accompany you."

"There isn't any need," Asami replied, climbing into the driver seat. Fastening his seat belt, he looked at his men gathering beside him. His secretary especially, had a very worried look. "Kirishima, I'll leave the new manager recruitment to you. Select a few capable candidates. We'll go through them when I return."

The secretary bowed. "Understood, Asami sama."

With a curt nod, Asami revved up the engine and drove the car away, leaving behind his worried subordinates.

Xx Business as Usual xX

Akihito gave a backward glance before gazing sideways at his lover. "You sure you want to leave them behind? Kirishima looked upset."

Asami replied with a casual smirk. "It's fine. I don't need them to be with me all the time."

The boy nearly snorted. "If you actually thought that way, why did you dump Toru and Ando with me all the time?"

Asami took a left turn into the freeway before putting the car on cruise mode. "Unlike you, I'm not rash. And I'm capable of protecting myself."

"I'm not rash," Akihito defended. "It's not like I went looking for trouble. They always come to me," he muttered and looked outside the window. Apart from the street lights on the freeway, there was nothing but darkness.

"If barging into Kuroda's club and confronting Fei long by yourself isn't rash, then redefine the word, Akihito."

"You –," Akihito looked away, finding it difficult to utter a suitable insult. He remembered how he went undercover in Kuroda's club to get a scoop for Ishida and got busted. He fractured his ribs and spent six weeks recovering.

It's not like he wanted those to happen, Akihito thought sulkily when he was reminded of Fei Long. Confronting the Chinese wasn't part of his plans and he wouldn't have done it if Tao didn't beg him.

"That's why Ando and Toru are hired; to keep you safe." Akihito heard Asami said.

Akihito didn't know if it was the alcohol but he blurted out the first thing in his mind. "You know, for you to do so much for someone like me, you must have love me huh?"

The question didn't seem to faze the yakuza. A single hand on the steering wheel, his other hand reached for the pack of cigarette, retrieving a single stick. He lit it with his zippo and took a long drag.

"I'm surprised you realized it only now, Akihito."

A straight forward confession was something Akihito least expected. He knew that the yakuza must have some sort of weird feelings for him. After all, who on earth would spent thousands of yen just to please someone?

Shit, what the hell am I supposed to say? Akihito was thankful that the lights were dimmed in the car or he'd be caught blushing. Tongue tied, he could only stare at his own lap.

"Cat got your tongue?"

"No, I – I was just –" Akihito mumbled, his cheeks turned crimson. Damn it, how could he remain so nonchalant?

Fortunately for Akihito, the car pulled to a stop at the parking lot. He was out of the car before Asami completely killed the engine and moved to the walkway. Resting his elbows on the handrail, he tried to look indifferent as he calmed his erratic heartbeat.

The beach was a flight of steps below, separated by a high wall. Not far away, stood a long rock walkway sprawled from the beach to a hundred meter into the sea.

A perfect spot for lovers to gaze at the stars, Akihito mused as he watched the waves beat gently against the base of the rock walkway.

The chill sea air marked an imminent change of season. With summer ending in a few days, the temperature had begun to drop. Even with his coat on, Akihito had to wrap his arms around himself as he braced the cool air.

He felt something heavy on his shoulders and realized that Asami had draped his trench coat on him.

"Thanks," he murmured, breathing in Asami's cologne on the coat as he savored the warmth, feeling oddly calm and comfortable.

Asami's lips curved in response. Akihito stole a quick glance at the older man before focusing his attention back to the sea. The crime lord looked anything but awkward. How on earth Asami could remain so composed after the confession was beyond Akihito's comprehension. He tried not to act too conscious, reminding himself that it shouldn't come as a shock. Didn't Toru tell him countless times that Asami was concerned about him?

"What are you thinking?"

Akihito jumped at the question. "No—nothing," he said nervously, without looking at Asami. "Just enjoying the breeze."

Asami took one last drag before stubbing the cigarette out in the nearby bin. "You're a poor liar, Akihito."

"Unlike you, I don't really lie –" he spurted out and yelped when Asami pulled him in for a kiss. Pushing him away, Akihito glared at his lover. "You know, I haven't actually confronted you about my high school reunion. You even went ahead and made changes. Why the hell did you do that?"

The golden eyes searched the photographer's, amused. "You said so yourself in the plane. I moved you to the Kurokawa Onsen because I can control the situation."

Akihito open his mouth to retort, then shut it again. "Toru told you that," he accused finally.

"I'm pleased you are getting more intelligent." Asami patted Akihito's head.

The photographer slapped his lover's hands away. "Don't make fun of me. Anyway, I don't intend to stay at Kurokawa for free. I'll pay you back."

Asami's eyebrow rose. "The onsen belongs to you, Akihito. What sense would it make if the owner has to pay for a night at his own place?"

"I don't care, I will pay you," he insisted stubbornly.

Asami stubbed the cigarette he was holding and held his palms outstretched. "If you insist, then pay up."

Slightly stunned and baffled, Akihito only stared at his older lover. Finally after a moment, the boy jammed his hands into his dress pants, only to realize that he left wallet in the backpack and the said object was currently with Toru.

Unwilling to lose, Akihito dug what he could find. His fingers closed on a small coin and without giving it much thought, he pulled it out, placing it on Asami's palms.

Asami's eyebrow rose. "Five yen?"

Akihito's eyes flared. "Just you watch Asami, I'll repay every single cent to you. Get Kirishima to send me the bill."

"I will remind Kirishima to do that," he answered before slipping the coin into his breast pocket.

"Jerk –"

The screeching sound of tires halted Akihito's sentence. He turned behind, expecting a collision between two vehicles as a result of some moronic drivers losing control. There were indeed two vans, but they didn't collide. Stopping beside Asami's luxury car, the doors to the van slid open roughly by a group of men in guns.

Xx Business as Usual xX

Asami realized he had been careless the moment he heard the screeching sounds of tires. Diving for cover behind his bullet proved BMW, he only managed to pull Akihito with him before rounds of gunshots being fired at their direction.

He hid himself between the tires and listened. From the number of shots, he deduced there were at least six gun men. He had two semi-automatic, both fully loaded but unless someone covered him, there was no way he could take all of them down at one once.

Beside him, Akihito remained still.

"Are you all right?"

His young lover nodded his head but Akihito's tense grip on his arm gave away his lies.

"Stay close to me," he ordered.

Peering near the bonnet, Asami managed to catch a glimpse of his attackers as they fired again. Asami covered himself before standing up almost immediately to fire a fatal shot at one of his attackers. He ducked then, knowing he'd be courting death if he were ambitious enough to take down all.

The situation was anything but delicate and with Akihito untrained in handling guns, Asami had to think of better options before the gunmen wipe him out. The brighter side, he already knew how many attackers.

Eight gunmen; one down, seven to go.

"Come out, Asami Ryuichi!" One of the men shouted.

Kansai dialect; meaning they're all locals. That certainly made things easier for him to track them down later – if he made out of this alive.

Asami looked at Akihito. He was trembling slightly but underneath those frightened eyes, there was flash of anger – his unwillingness to lose, his refusal to admit defeat.

"Akihito listen to me," he spoke in a low, controlled voice. "We need to get out of here."

"How?" came the single word reply.

"I'll shoot a few cover rounds and you get into the car. Start the engine and drive away."

Akihito gripped Asami's hands. "I'm not leaving without you," he said firmly.

Asami had to smirk at the boy's loyalty. "I told you before, Akihito. You're not getting rid of me so easily." He listened for any approaching footsteps and when he was satisfied that there were none, he continued, "Start the engine, Akihito. I'll come in once we're clear."

The boy nodded his head in affirmation.

"Good. On my signal, move."

Again, the boy nodded. Asami removed another gun from his hip harness, passing it to Akihito.

"NOW!" he roared.

He stood up, firing deadly shots at his attackers. Asami was confident his shots were accurate but with a hail of bullets firing consecutively at him, it was impossible dodging every bullet and took a bullet to his chest.

Still crouching, Akihito yanked the car door open the moment Asami gave his order. He was afraid. Hell, how could he not? But, he reminded himself that he survived his captivity in Hong Kong, survived Arbatov's men in the ship; so he wasn't going to give up to a bunch of unknown assassins.

Akihito crawled to the driver's seat, praying the expensive vehicle wouldn't give him any problems. The key was left in the ignition.

Perfect, Akihito thought. He begged the BMW to start as a few bullets hit on the bullet proof door. The beast kicked into life and Akihito cheered. In euphoria, he turned towards Asami, intending to call Asami to get in.

And he found Asami's right hand bloody as he clutched his chest from a gunshot wound.

"ASAMI!" Akihito yelled.

Asami fired his last shot before his wounds got the better of him. Collapsing on his knees, he managed to drag himself into the car before the gunmen advanced to their spot.

Akihito slammed his foot on the accelerator and sped off. Behind him, their attackers fired several shots on the rear windshields but the bullet proof glass proved to be solid enough to withstand the bullet attacks.

Akihito weaved the car to avoid the bullets, ran through a pothole in a process, causing Asami to groan from the pain.

"Asami, you ok?" Akihito yelled, taking quick glances at his injured lover.

He gasped, and almost lost control of the steering wheel when he saw blood gushing out of Asami's chest, soiling his white shirt and jacket. The crime lord was perspiring, his chest heaved as he struggled to stop the bleeding.

"Keep your eyes on the road," Asami ordered firmly. He looked at Akihito. "Drive back to the city. Call Kirishima for backup."

The lights behind him indicated that the gunmen were giving them a chase. With Asami critically injured, there simply wasn't time to think. Brushing away tears with the back of his hand, Akihito accelerated. He fished out his phone and dialed Kirishima's number, putting it on loudspeaker.

"Takaba sama," the secretary greeted after two rings.

"Kirishima!" Akihito all but shouted. "Asami is shot! There're a few people with guns and they came out of nowhere and –"

"Takaba sama, " Kirishima interrupted, his voice was equally as tensed and strained. "Is Asami sama conscious?"

Akihito glanced at Asami. His eyes were closed, blood continued to pour out like a leaking tap but he was breathing.

"Yes but he's weak. He got shot at the chest."

Akihito heard something he hadn't heard from Kirishima before. The secretary cursed.

"Where are you now?"

Akihito looked around but they were on a freeway so signboards were scarce. "I –I don't know. I'm on the freeway getting back to the city. They're chasing behind us."

"I'll track you down," Kirishima said urgently. "Takaba sama, listen carefully. Do not, I repeat, do not cut the line and Takaba sama–" he trailed off for a second before continuing, "look after Asami sama."

As if Kirishima could see him, Akihito nodded his head.

Xx Business as Usual xX

A few minutes ago, Sion Osaka

Kirishima sat in the manager's office, looking through employees' resumes as he pondered for suitable candidates to become the next Club Sion Osaka manager. The former manager had been dismissed, largely due to his incompetence in handling the club. The profits were steady but there had been too many problems with the authorities; mostly involved complaints on date rape drugs and fights in the club.

His boss might be the drug lord but Asami stuck strictly to cocaine and heroin. Cheap date rape drugs weren't his cup of tea. Even if he controlled the industry, it didn't mean that he wanted to mess up his own premises.

Kirishima looked at his selection again. He looked up; saw his longtime partner Suoh sat on the sitting area with Toru, Ando and Keiichi.

As usual, Toru looked calm and composed as he listened to the bulky guard talking. Ando, who was nervous when he was first promoted to Akihito's guard, looked relaxed and would occasionally nod his head in agreement. Keiichi, Kirishima noted, was the most awkward of the four. Kirishima supposed he couldn't blame the young guard for being nervous. Their last encounter had been unpleasant, with Suoh breaking Keiichi's nose on Asami's orders.

Rising from his seat, Kirishima decided he had enough scanning through his selection. He moved to the sitting area, took a seat on the only available space.

"Kirishima, you're done?" Suoh asked.

"More or less," he said, accepting a cup of tea from Ando.

"I'm worried about Asami sama," Suoh admitted as he leaned against the couch. "Going out at night unguarded isn't wise."

"He has enemies here, Suoh san?" Ando asked.

The chief security nodded his head. "He has enemies everywhere. The boss is an influential man and his enemies are always looking for opportunities to take him out."

Keiichi's inquisitive nature took over. "Why didn't Asami sama wipe them out? He isn't a man who'd wait and do nothing."

It was Toru who answered. "These people are cowards. They do not reveal their mask up front, too afraid of Asami sama's retaliation. But once they do, the boss would annihilate them."

Kirishima smirked. "Well said Toru. The boss is wise, Keiichi. Annihilate every clan wouldn't do us much good. The more support we have from these clans, the higher Sion will climb."

"The boss sure is scary," Keiichi mumbled.

Suoh patted Keiichi's back. "You already knew that long ago, didn't you?"

Keiichi could only nod as he remembered his days when he served Akihito.

Kirishima took pity on Keiichi and was about to reassure Keiichi that the boss no longer held grudge against him when his phone rang. He checked the caller, slightly confused. "Takaba sama," he greeted.

What he heard next had the secretary gripping his phone hard. "Takaba sama, is Asami sama conscious?"

At the statement, all four guards stood up, crowding around Kirishima. The secretary placed the phone on loudspeaker.

"Yes but he's weak. He got shot at the chest."

"Fuck," Kirishima cursed. "Where are you now?"

"I –I don't know. I'm on the freeway getting back to the city. They're chasing behind us."

Kirishima looked at Toru and the guard nodded his head, as if he understood Kirishima's unspoken order. He went the desk, grabbed the lap top and started tracking. As Toru's skilled fingers dance across the keyboard, Kirishima turned his attention towards Suoh.

It was sure convenient being a longtime friend and colleague. The bulky guard immediately ordered Ando and Keiichi to follow him and together, they went out to gather a team.

Kirishima turned his attention back to the phone. "I'll track you down. Takaba sama, listen carefully. Do not, I repeat, do not cut the line and Takaba sama–" Kirishima gripped the phone hard, "—look after Asami sama."

The secretary was certain his young boss nodded his head. He took the phone to the desk where Toru was working his magic.

"Toru –,"

"Found them," the lanky guard replied, pushing the lap top to Kirishima. All three red dots from Asami's and Akihito's phone; and Akihito's watch blinked on the screen, revealing their location.

Kirishima dialed Suoh's number from the office phone. "They're moving into the city via Hanshin expressway. Suoh, bring them back."

"Roger that."

Kirishima replaced the phone. "Toru, bring a few men with you and move out with Suoh and the rest."

The lanky guard stood. "What about you, Kirishima san?"

"Someone has to be here. I will make immediate arrangements for Kanzaki sensei to be flown here via a helicopter." Given a choice, the secretary would have headed out with his partner but he knew if he did, the entire operation would be unsuccessful. In every war, the army general must remain in the control room to assess situations and plan the next step. No exceptions.

"Toru," he called just as the guard opened the door. His eyebrows narrowed, muscles tensed. "Capture at least one alive."

Toru nodded. For the second time, Kirishima saw the same look Toru had on him when he requested to be in Koga's interrogations. Toru looked like he was thirsty for revenge.

Xx Business as Usual xX

Akihito's adrenalin was pumping. That was the only reason he could still focus on the road despite Asami bleeding next to him. The crime lord had gone silent, his breathing labored as he pressed his palm on his chest, in futile attempts to stop the blood gushing out.

He had no idea where he was driving but he knew he had to keep moving or the gunmen in the white van would catch up on them. Akihito was thankful that the BMW was built like a beast on the road. From the rear view mirror, Akihito judged that he had gained a solid distance from the van. He slammed on the accelerator, pushing the vehicle further to widen the gap between two cars.

"Takaba sama," Kirishima's voice rang out in the quietness of the car. "Is Asami sama all right?"

This time, it was Asami who answered. Taking the phone from Akihito, he held it firmly in his blood slippery hands. "Kirishima, eight gunmen. Five down, three on the chase."

"Sir, are you all right?" Kirishima repeated the question.

Asami groaned slightly from his injuries. "All locals; find out who leaked the information about my arrival in Osaka."

"Right on it, Asami sama."

Akihito took the phone away from his lover. Juggling a hand on his steering wheel and another on the phone, he spoke urgently. "Kirishima, I don't know where I'm heading. Somehow I managed to widen our gap but –"

"There shouldn't be any turns until you reach the city, saved for one that leads to the port. Be careful. Don't–"

"Too late," Akihito said, just as a panic bead of sweat formed on his forehead. "I just turned into the road. I'll turn back –,"

"No," Kirishima interrupted. "Too risky; Takaba sama. You'll run into them."

Akihito realized they were in bigger problem when the BMW he was driving stop at a huge metal gate with a rusty metal sign board that read, 'Container Handling Terminal'. He heard Kirishima barking instructions on the phone, presumably at Suoh or Toru but Akihito couldn't focus what the secretary said.

"I'm at a dead end, Kirishima," Akihito replied quietly.

"Suoh's ETA is about fifteen minutes. Can you hold them off till then?" Kirishima nearly shouted on the phone.

Asami struggled to sit up. "If they think they can kill me here, they'd be disappointed. Get Suoh here, fast."

"Yes, sir!"

Asami turned towards his lover. Akihito had gone pale, his hands gripped at the steering wheel hard as he stared at the closed gate. His usually fiery hazel eyes went blank, as if they had given up hope.

"Akihito, look at me."

The boy turned slowly at him. "We're getting out of here," the yakuza ordered.

Asami noticed the boy willed himself to calm down. He closed his eyes and for a second and when he opened them again, there was a flicker in his eyes. Weak, but it was there.

And for Asami, it was enough. He thought about remaining in the car but only a fool would stay quietly in a cage and let his enemies have their way with him. The car might be bullet proof but with consistent firing, there was no guarantee that the windows wouldn't shatter.

Akihito opened the door, came round to help Asami out of the car and together they walked into the terminal. They were lucky. The main gates were locked but the small door by the side wasn't. Akihito assisted his lover into the huge terminal where hundreds of containers stacked neatly.

"Speed up, they'll be here soon," Asami ordered.

Akihito was afraid to move fast, knowing every step he took would weaken his lover. Asami had already lost too much of blood from his injuries. If he didn't die from the bullet, he would by the loss of blood. But Akihito knew that they didn't have a choice so he quickened his steps into the maze of containers.

They had stopped somewhere in the middle when Akihito heard rattling sounds from behind. Asami sat down on the ground, leaning his back against a huge container, pulling Akihito close to him.

"Not a sound," Asami whispered, despite his breathing was getting slightly labored.

Akihito felt his hands and clothes damped, and realized they were Asami's blood. He covered a hand across his mouth to stop himself from sobbing, knowing that it simply wasn't the time to be emotional.

Damn it, how could they reach so fast?

Closing his hand on the small gun Asami had given him earlier, Akihito pulled it out. Asami had gone silent, listening to the gunmen's footsteps. Akihito joined the task and strained his ears for any signs that the gunmen was near.

"Fuck. We should've taken him down just now!" one of the men shouted in frustration.

"That Asami is one tough bastard. He took down five of ours!"

Akihito jumped at a loud thud. The man must have kicked one of the containers in anger.

"When we find that bastard and that boy toy of his, we'll make sure to empty all our bullets on them!" another man snarled.

"We better or the oyabun will dump our bodies in Osaka bay," the first man said again.

Akihito gripped his gun tighter as he heard the men's footsteps approaching. He wondered how many minutes have passed since he last talked to Kirishima. In haste of the moment, the photographer left his phone in the car, cutting all communication with the secretary.

The sounds of footsteps were getting closer and with every step, Akihito got more anxious. Then, everything went silent. Just as Akihito thought they were cleared, he saw two men standing in front of them.

How the men came to stand in front of them was another question altogether. The man, both uniformly dressed in jeans and black t-shirt, gleamed as they aimed their guns directly at Asami.

Akihito didn't think. Instinctively, he pushed Asami aside just as the men open fire. He fell facedown, clutching his arm and screamed.

Asami pushed his battered body up, fired his last shot at one of the men.

"Jin!" the man knelt down, shook his dying comrade. By now, the third man joined them and he too, looked equally shocked. They stood up, strode over and pointed the gun at Asami's face.

"You son of a bitch; die!" He snarled.

Akihito's limbs felt heavy and painful but the adrenalin started kicking in so he grabbed the gun Asami had given him and fired. His aim was poor and only managed to disarm one of the men by grazing his arm.

"So, you're still alive, huh?" the man smiled, pointed his gun at Akihito. He turned to Asami. "I'll kill your boy toy in front of you, Asami Ryuichi –" he laughed before turning serious, "—then I'll kill you!"

"ASAMI!" Akihito yelled, throwing the gun to his lover. The act caught both men off guards. The man who was pointing his gun at Akihito changed his aim but it was too late. Asami caught the weapon and fired.

Xx Business as Usual xX

The man watched his last comrade fell and lost control. Losing his focus, he began shooting at Asami but since he was blinded by rage, he missed every shot.

"NO!" Asami heard his lover shouted.

The boy leapt towards him, trying to shield his body against the hail of bullets. Asami caught Akihito before any of the bullets hit him and together they fell on the floor with Akihito pinning beneath him. Asami rolled away quickly to a crouching position.

Shit, he was losing too much blood from the gun shot. He didn't think the bullet was deeply embedded, nor did it hit any of his vital organs but he had been moving too much. Asami felt he was slowly losing his bearings and if Suoh didn't come soon, they wouldn't make it out alive.

The assassin fired his last shot, realized that he had missed and pulled out another gun behind his waist band.

Asami stood up, facing his attacker. If he were to go down, there was no way he'd do it like a coward. Akihito surprised him yet again by scrambling up on his feet. His lover moved to the front, stood eagle spread.

"You'll have to kill me first, you bastard!" Akihito shouted.

Someway along the way, Akihito had stripped his jacket, leaving him with his white shirt and dark pants. His untucked white shirt, soaked with Asami's blood; torn. There was dirt, sweat and blood on Akihito's face. His eyes, determined and fiery, met his attacker's bravely. Asami thought he never seen the boy looked more beautiful.

"That's enough you bastard," came a familiar voice Asami recognized as his guard.

"Suoh –," Akihito said, slumping down to the ground and turned to Asami. "The cavalry had arrived."

"You won't be so lucky next time!" The man snarled.

Suoh punched him full on his face, knocking him off his feet. "You won't be even alive when we're done with you," he snarled. Crouching then, he yanked the man up by his collar, aiming his gun between his eyes. "Get ready; many of us here are dying to have a piece of you."

The bulky guard pushed him away, leaving him cowering in pain. "Secure him," he ordered his stunned subordinates.

As the guards took the gunman away, Toru went to check on Asami's wound.

"Toru, how is he?" Suoh asked worriedly as he kept his gun.

"Bullet is not deeply embedded; doesn't look like any of the vital organs were hit," the lanky guard pronounced worriedly. "We have to get him to the hospital immediately."

Toru turned his attention towards his master. "Takaba sama, are you hurt?"

Immediately, the boy's hands went to his arm. Adrenalin faded; Akihito crouched as pain began to register.

"Are you shot?" Toru ripped Akihito's sleeves away.

"Is he all right?" Keiichi joined Toru, worry etched all over his face. "Did the bastard shoot Takaba sama?"

"Grazed him," Toru said darkly. "He needs disinfections and stiches."

The limousine arrived after the guards were ordered to break the padlocks of the main gate by force. Toru helped Asami into the car and climbed in with Akihito and Suoh. Ando and Keiichi took the front.

"I better call Kirishima," Suoh muttered.

"I'll do it," Toru offered. He dialed for the secretary's number, putting it on loud speaker.

"Toru," Kirishima's tight voice greeted.

"Kirishima san, we got the bastard. Asami sama and Takaba sama are on their way to the hospital."

There was a breath of relief from Kirishima. "Kanzaki sensei's ETA is twenty minutes. NT hospital Osaka had been notified. The chief surgeon is waiting. I'll meet you there."

"Understood," Toru replied, just as Akihito called out Asami urgently. His boss was already unconscious.

Toru checked for pulse. It was getting weaker. "Ando, hurry up!"

Xx Business as Usual xX

The lights on 'Operation in progress' sign came to life as soon as the doors to the emergency door closed.

Akihito sat on one of the plastic chairs offered in the waiting area. He stared at his hands. Soiled with blood – Asami's blood, the photographer thought. Closing his eyes, he clasped them together, bringing them to his forehead as he recalled the earlier events. It felt like an endless nightmare, only that it was real.

He looked at the operation theatre again and fought back tears, knowing it'd be pointless for him to cry but damn it, he felt like sobbing. He moved slightly and was reminded of his own injuries when his arm stung.

"Takaba sama, you need medical attention," Toru said gently.

The logical thinking would be to get his wounds treated as he waited for the operation to end but damn it, he didn't feel like going anywhere.

"Your wounds need to be treated," Akihito heard the guard said again.

Reluctantly, the photographer stood up and allowed Ando and Keiichi to lead him to the examination room where two doctors and nurses stood waiting.

Xx Business as Usual xX

Toru watched Akihito disappeared into the room with his colleagues. He had never seen Akihito looked so wretched. Sure, the photographer had his moments but he was always optimistic.

The wounds didn't look serious to Toru's untrained eyes and the only thing that would jeopardize Asami's condition was the operation. Toru pushed the thought away, knowing that his boss was in the best hands. Adding that Kanzaki sensei had rushed inside a moment ago with his team, there was no way the operation wouldn't be successful.

His thoughts were interrupted when he heard approaching footsteps. Standing up, he bowed at the Kirishima and Suoh.

"Kirishima san," he greeted.

The usually calm secretary looked tired and worried. "How is the boss?"

"He's still in surgery," Toru replied.

Kirishima joined Suoh, taking a seat opposite the bulky guard. Removing his spectacles, he pinched the bridge of his nose before putting them back. He stood up, and the Kirishima Toru once knew was back.

"Suoh, what's the status of the gunmen?"

"We caught one," Suoh leaned against the chair and folded his arms. "To be accurate, there was only one left."

"The boss took all of them out?"

"Yes, Takaba sama mentioned in the car that he only managed to hurt one of them."

Kirishima nodded his head. "What about the gunman? Where is he?"

"Detained at the warehouse; I had the men guarding him round the clock."

The muscles of Kirishima's face tensed. "Asami sama suspected someone in the company leaked our arrival here to our enemies."

Immediately Suoh stood up, his fists clenched. "Did you find the rat?"

"No, I needed more time. I was in the midst of combing through the list when the call came in. I rush here immediately."

Toru curled his hands into fists. "Kirishima san, let me help you."

Kirishima glanced up at Toru, pursed his lips. "I'll take up on your offer, Toru."

Shedding his jacket, Toru rolled up his sleeves, an indication he was in working mode. "Let's get started."

Xx Business as Usual xX

Between Kirishima's and Toru's god-like skills, it didn't take long for the both of them to identify the culprit. It wasn't easy, considering they had to filter through hundreds of emails but Toru managed to identify a mail with suspicious heading sent out by one of the employees to an unidentified mail.

The contents of the mail were innocent enough. It usually wouldn't rouse any suspicions since it only contained numerical text but Toru knew better. The message was painfully obvious they matched Asami's arrival time at Sion Osaka.

When Toru presented his findings to Kirishima, the secretary's expression darkened. From the looks of him, Toru deduced that he knew the culprit well.

"Haruma Kyou" Kirishima announced in front of his subordinates. "Find him and bring him to the warehouse with the gunman," he ordered the group of men in black.

The group of men looked at each other with uncertainty. Finally, one man stood out from his line and dared himself to ask. "Sir, Haruma Kyou, the manager of Sion Osaka?"

"Former manager," Suoh corrected as he walked to the front where Kirishima stood. "Find him and I want him alive," he barked and the men rushed out of Asami's NT hospital office.

"Suoh, where is Takaba sama?" Kirishima asked as soon as they were left alone.

"He's still with the doctors," Suoh replied as he sat on the visitor's chair next to Toru.

"His injuries?" he directed the question at Toru.

"Ando reported that he sustained only minor injuries."

Kirishima acknowledged the report, eased himself on Asami's desk and let out a long sigh. "We've been too careless, Suoh."

Toru caught Kirishima's regret in the statement. He was about to reply when Ando walked in with Keiichi and Akihito. Donning a hospital garment, he wore a sling across his hands to support his injured arm. Akihito's other hand held a bloodied coat – Asami's trench coat.

"Takaba sama," Toru stood up and bowed.

"How's Asami?" he whispered as Ando guided him to Asami's swivel chair.

"Still in surgery," Kirishima replied. "Kanzaki sensei has arrived with his team and they're inside."

Akihito covered his hand across his face. "I'm sorry," he whispered and quickly wiped the angry tears away.

The apology caught everyone off guard, including Toru. He had never seen Akihito so vulnerable, not even when he had his fights with Asami or when he smashed his precious camera.

"Takaba sama?" Toru moved forward, placing a hand on Akihito's shoulders.

"It's because I said I wanted to go to the beach that Asami went without you guys," his voice hitched. "—because of my selfishness, Asami got –," Akihito broke off, finding it difficult to continue the sentence.

"It isn't your fault," Kirishima interrupted. "Someone in Sion had betrayed us, Takaba sama. Even if you didn't go, Asami sama's enemies would have gotten him through other means."

"But the fact is Asami got shot," Akihito stood up, his voice broke. "You said so yourself, Kirishima. We have been too careless. If I didn't –"

"Takaba sama," Toru cut in. "If you want to put it that way, we're equally to be blamed. We're Asami sama's guards. If anything, we should take the rap for our failure."

Akihito slammed his hands on the table. "You were merely acting on Asami's orders. It was me who –,"

"No," Toru answered flatly. "The fact that we're his guards remains. We failed the boss."

"The hell you did!" Akihito raised his voice.

Finally, Toru thought, there was temper. "How could you have known that we'd be under attack?" When the photographer remained silent, the lanky guard moved nearer to Akihito. Meeting Akihito's hazel eyes, he said, "Exactly. We wouldn't know. Just like you didn't know that your suggestion could lead to this."

Kirishima took it as his cue to speak. "Asami sama will be all right, Takaba sama."

It was a long pause before Akihito finally spoke, "I'm tired, Toru," Akihito whispered, closing his eyes in defeat. "Can you leave me alone for a while?"

It was a request Toru couldn't refuse. Nodding his head at his seniors, they emptied the room to offer the boy some privacy. Just before the guard closed the door, he took one last look at Akihito and immediately thought of Asami's wrath when he learns what happened.

Xx Business as Usual xX

The first thing Asami saw when he opened his eyes were the bag of blood hanging above him.

"Welcome back, Sir," Asami heard Kirishima greeted. He turned to his left and noticed the secretary and Suoh stood smiling. "I've called Kanzaki sensei. He should be coming in any minute now."

Asami nodded. Raising his hand to his chest, he winced at the sharp pain of his wound. So he did survive the gun shot, he mused. "Where's Akihito?"

"He's sleeping in the room, Asami sama. He hasn't slept since you were brought in last night," his secretary answered.

Asami eyed the closed door. The suite he was staying resembled a small apartment. He had the architect designed two rooms with attached bathrooms and a kitchen in the hospital suite, knowing that it would be easier for his subordinates to remain close to him if he were to be hospitalized.

"How is he?"

Kirishima took a chart on the table, passing it to Asami. "Fortunately, the bullet merely grazed his arm and needed no more than a few stitches. He has few cuts and bruises on his body and sir –" the secretary hesitated.

Asami's eyebrow narrowed at his secretary's hesitance. "What happened?" his voice was icily cool.

Kirishima eyed Suoh before looking at his boss again. Standing straight, he reported Akihito's outburst to Asami. The secretary missed no details and by the time he finished reporting, Asami's mood had darkened.

Akihito was lucky that the bullet merely grazed him but it wasn't his injuries Asami was concerned about rather, it was his lover's post-traumatic stress disorder. Vicious nightmares and his sudden fear for the tiniest things were among Akihito's sufferings. And it was something Asami could not care to see again.

Sensing his boss's unhappiness, Kirishima quickly continued, "Toru managed to persuade Takaba sama and his mood has improved since then. He looks perfectly all right but—," Kirishima paused and took a deep breath, "— last night, he screamed himself awake."

The machines monitoring his heartbeat and pressure suddenly spiked, causing his subordinates in the room to be alarmed. Kirishima was thankful Kanzaki sensei chose that particular moment to arrive.

"How are you feeling, Asami sama?" The doctor smiled gently as he took out his torch.

The crime lord took a deep breath to calm his raging heartbeat before replying, "Tired, but well enough."

He allowed the doctor to check his eyesight, blood pressure and his wounds and watched the doctor scribbled notes on the chart.

"You're lucky to be alive, Asami sama," Kanzaki said as he passed the chart to Asami. "The bullet went straight to your heart and if it were an inch deeper, it would have penetrated your heart, resulting instant death."

The doctor slid his hand into his white coat, pulling out two small sealed transparent bags, passing them to Asami. One contained the removed bullet and the other, a five yen coin.

"Your savior Asami sama, –" the doctor pointed at the bag containing the coin, "—is this."

"A five yen coin?" Suoh and Kirishima stepped forward to examine the coin.

Asami looked at the coin and offered a small smirk. It was the same coin Akihito had given him when he demanded to pay for the onsen trip. The original 5mm wide hole in the middle of the coin was now wider, with the edges around the hole jagged as a result of being forced apart.

Kanzaki went on explaining. "The bullet passed through the coin and as a result, slowed down the speed of the bullet. Instead of hitting right in your heart, it stopped centimeters away from it."

"What are the odds of a bullet passing through this tiny hole?" Suoh asked, looking at the defect coin, amazed.

"A million to none," Kanzaki murmured. "That's why I said you're an incredibly lucky man, Asami sama." The doctor inspected the wounds again. Satisfied, he slipped the torch light back into the coat. "Your vitals are good. I prescribe at least three days of bed rest and you can be discharged."

"Kirishima, arrange for Kanzaki sensei and his team to be flown back to Tokyo."

Kanzaki bowed, murmuring his thanks and left.

"Sir, pardon me for asking – how did you get that coin?" Kirishima asked.

The crime lord smirked. "Akihito gave it to me at the beach." He placed the coin back on the table before eyeing his subordinates. "Did you find out who Haruma has been feeding information to?" Asami's voice clipped.

Suoh stepped forward, folded his arms. "We haven't started interrogating the assassin but based on Toru's information, Haruma is in contacts with the Imagawa-kumi."

When Asami raised his eyebrow, Kirishima continued. "The Imagawa's all shared the same tattoo; a tiger on the left arm."

"Sir, I've also instructed the men to detain Haruma at a separate warehouse. How do you want us to proceed?"

The crime lord smiled almost evilly. "Detain them for a few more days. We're in no hurry, are we?"

Kirishima pushed his spectacles up, matching Asami's smile. "Indeed we're not, sir."

A scream from the room drowned whatever remaining questions Asami had for his secretary. Recognizing the voice as his lover's, he heard a loud thud before a rushing of footsteps to the bedroom door.

"Asami!" Akihito shouted, just as the door flung open. His hazel eyes panicked for a moment until he saw the crime lord staring at him. "You're awake," he said, relieved.

Realizing that Asami needed some privacy with Akihito, Kirishima and Suoh excused themselves from the suite to join Toru and Ando outside.

"Come here," Asami commanded softly.

Akihito obeyed, holding a back a sob as he got closer. "How's your wound?"

"It's nothing to be worried about."

Running his hands across Asami's wounds, Akihito whispered, "I'm sorry."

It was rare for the photographer to apologize and when he did, he usually did it almost tearfully. "My rivals had their target locked on me the minute I landed in Osaka so even if I didn't go to the beach, they'd find a way to get to me."

"But –"

Asami passed the bag containing the coin to Akihito. "Here."

Akihito took the offered item, brushing his tears with the back of his hand as he did. "What's this?"

"The coin that you gave me at the beach," Asami said and watched his lover's eyes widened. Indeed, the boy was smart enough to deduce the rest himself. "Without it, the bullet would have gone straight to my heart."

Akihito held the coin tight, pressing it to his forehead. The tears fell as he muttered something incoherently.

The crime lord caught Akihito's hands and yanked the photographer to him. "Now that you know the truth, why are you still crying?"

Pushing the older man away, Akihito covered his face. "I don't know, you jerk! I thought I've become a burden to you – putting your life in danger, then all of a sudden, you gave me the coin and now I'm confused whether I'm helping or endangering you. "

"Did you intentionally want me harmed?"

Akihito looked up, his eyes widened. "NO! What the hell are you talking about?"

Asami pulled his lover's hands, made him sat on the queen size hospital bed. Nudging his chin upwards, he gazed at Akihito's teary eyes. "As long as you do not betray me, it doesn't matter. Do you understand?"

Akihito nodded glumly.

"If you do, why are you still confused?"

It was a while before Akihito answered. "I'm not, you bastard."

Asami smirked. For Akihito to be calling him names, it was a sign that the photographer was returning to his normal self. He reached out to pull the boy for a kiss and surprisingly, Akihito didn't resist.

"Climb on top of me," he ordered when he broke the kiss.

Akihito narrowed his eyes into slits. "You're not thinking about sex, aren't you?" he said but complied anyway.

The crime lord hooked a single arm around Akihito's waist. "No, but since you suggested –" he paused, slipping his hand into the boy's shirt and pinched his nipple gently.

His lover's voice hitched, a sign he was aroused. "No – you're injured!"

"Then, you'll have to do the job," he suggested.

The boy blushed, realizing just what the crime lord was suggesting. "You horny jerk." His hands trembled slightly from mortification as he moved to part his hospital robe. When Asami's amused gaze stared at his, Akihito grabbed the robe again, in attempts to cover himself.

"No, leave them."

"Bastard, you made me do stupid things," Akihito muttered as his cheeks went a shade darker. "No, maybe I'm the one with a few loose screws in my head."

Asami watched the boy desperately trying to cover his nakedness with the robe. The bandage around Akihito's arm reminded Asami about the wounds he sustained during the earlier incident. Akihito had once again, proven his loyalty towards him by protecting him from his assassins.

The fact that Akihito had leapt towards him, protecting him from multiple rounds of shots was evidence enough. That alone, made Asami's lips curved with satisfaction.

"Indeed, for you to do so much for me, you must have loved me that much," he said on purpose and watched Akihito's cheeks flushed. The fiery hazel eyes that Asami loved flared as he met Asami's golden eyes.

"You conceited – hnnn –"

But Asami didn't allow him to continue. With a tug, he pulled his lover close and locked their lips together.

Tomorrow there will be hell to pay for the traitor and his attacker but now, Asami decided that he'd enjoy some time with his lover.

Xx Business as Usual xX

Omake – PART I

Outside Asami's president suite, five guards gathered around the waiting area. The entire floor had been cordoned off since Asami's arrival and aside from selected personnel; no one was allowed on the floor.

Kirishima, Suoh, Ando, Toru and Keiichi sat across one another, enjoying a moment of peace.

Keiichi was the first to ask. "How is Asami sama?"

"He has woken up but wasn't too pleased when I told him about Haruma ratted on us," Kirishima answered.

Suoh added, "Judging from Asami sama's reactions, I predict Haruma and the guy we caught will die a painful death," he paused to look at Keiichi's reactions before continuing, "The young boss woke up screaming just now."

"Screaming?" Keiichi repeated.

"Nightmares; after Cambodia, Takaba sama had them frequently. Many times, Ando and I rushed into the bedroom, thinking that there were intruders," Toru explained.

"Asami sama despised traitors and those who were brainless enough to harm Takaba sama? They received the worst punishment," Suoh explained.

"I heard from the others what happened to Chey and the former chief accountant of Sion. Is it true that –," Keiichi halted, looking at the closed doors of Asami's president suite before continuing, "—the boss sliced their bellies open with Katanas?"

Suoh and Kirishima shuddered slightly as they remembered the punishments. "Yes, Suoh and I were there," the secretary confirmed.

Keiichi covered his hand across his mouth, trying to stop the bile from forming.

"Be thankful you were spared, Keiichi," Suoh gave his junior a friendly smack on the shoulder. The bulky guard checked the time and noticed it was time to check on the guards on duty. Ando offered to go with Suoh and Kirishima took the chance to excuse himself to handle some work in the office.

As Keiichi sat alone in the sitting area with Toru, he stared at the lanky guard. After Asami dismissed him as Akihito's guard, he heard from colleagues about his successor. According to the gossips, Toru sailed through the interviews with Asami and was exempted from guard trainings at Sion.

Curious, Keiichi had tried to gather as many information as possible about Toru but even after hours of digging, he found nothing except that he was an ex-military who excelled in martial arts and tactical skills. Nothing special, Keiichi thought since he excelled in both himself.

A week later, during a night drinking session with his fellow colleagues, one of them spoke of how Toru had to take out Minagawa during his interview. Keiichi wasn't sure if his colleague was exaggerating when he said Toru was calm when he pulled the trigger but looking at the guard in front of him now, he had no doubts that his colleague was speaking the truth.

The news about The Fixer and Cambodia came shortly after and once again, Keiichi found himself in awed of the guard he had never met before. Even if he loved Akihito back then, he wasn't sure he could pull the trigger to his head or take a couple of bullets for Akihito.

Keiichi would be lying to himself if he said he wasn't jealous. He wondered just how good Toru really is and started thinking if he would be able to meet the legendary guard for a one-on-one challenge.

Now that Keiichi had finally met him, whatever hope he had of competing with Toru were crushed. He watched him worked and noticed Toru lived up to his name. He wasn't just good; Keiichi thought, Toru was excellent.

Keiichi looked at Toru again. "Toru san, I heard from others what happened in The Fixer and Cambodia."

The lanky guard showed no emotion. "Some things are blown out of proportion, Nakahara san."

Keiichi shook his head. "Call me Keiichi," he said before continuing. "You're being modest, Toru san. You're really as fearless as they say. I saw how you work. No wonder Asami sama has confidence putting Takaba sama in your charge."

If there was one thing Toru wasn't good at, it would be receiving compliments. "I was merely doing my job."

"I heard about the Koga incident too. The juniors were gushing about your swordplay and said that even Asami sama was impressed."

"Those were only Kendo moves," Toru said. "From what I heard from Kirishima san, you're excellent too. It's unfortunate you had to be transferred."

"Toru san –," Keiichi began awkwardly. "Did you hear the reason why I was removed as Takaba sama's guard?"

Toru nodded. "I heard from Kirishima san."

Keiichi looked embarrassed. "I was pretty much an idiot back then." His hands automatically went to his nose, remembering the pain he sustained from his beating. "That was a grave mistake on my part and one I care not to repeat."

"Are you still in love with Takaba sama?"

The question had Keiichi's dark brown eyes widened. "No. After the incident, I thought about it long and hard; and arrived at the same conclusion every time. I admit I was infatuated with Takaba sama for a while but it wasn't love."

Toru's dark eyes bore no expression at the explanation and merely nodded. "And are you satisfied with the way things are now?"

Keiichi's lips curved. "Yeah; I'm really glad that I was given a second chance. I still want to be useful to Sion." He looked at Toru. "I want to hone my skills, Toru san. Who knows I'll be able to spar with you one day?" Keiichi stood up, offered his hand to Toru, "When that day comes, will you fight with me?"

Toru took Keiichi's hand, shook it firmly and offered a genuine smile. "I'll look forward to that, Keiichi san."

Omake - PART II

"Sir, you're looking for me?" Toru asked as he stood next to Asami's hospital bed.

Japan's top crime lord sat on the hospital bed, propped with giant pillows and a blanket covered to his waist. His chest was bare except for a huge white bandage on the left side of his chest. Attached to his hands were drips and a device to monitor his heart beat and pressure.

Asami nodded, his golden eyes cool. Beside him, Akihito slept peacefully, with a hand wrapped across Asami's waist.

"Your report?"

"Sir, after monitoring Nakahara Keiichi during these few days, I found no reason to believe that he is still harboring interests on Takaba sama. I spoke to him briefly and he admitted that he was merely infatuated. Nakahara expressed his remorse and showed genuine interests in serving Sion."

Pleased, the crime lord turned to his secretary. "Kirishima, promote Keiichi as the manager of Sion Osaka."

"Certainly, Asami sama," the bespectacled secretary answered before moving closer to his boss. "Sir, what do you plan to do with the Imagawa kumi?"

Asami curved a thin, dangerous smile. He played with Akihito's hair, traced his fingers along the boy's sleeping face. After making sure that his lover was sound asleep, he said,

"We'll annihilate them."

Owari

---

A/N: Did you expect the confession from Asami and/or Akihito? I always wanted to write Asami acknowledging his feelings for Akihito but I can't think of a better way to do so without making him OOC. I hope that was acceptable.

A/N 2: Can't promise when I'll update but I promise you I'm not abandoning this fiction. Thanks for reading!

Thank you so much for taking time to read and review!

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