Akihito adjusted the lens of his camera, making sure it was focused on the criminals that were exchanging briefcases in the alley he's in. He'd been tailing this group for weeks, collecting evidence for his latest crime exposé. Hidden behind a dumpster a distance away, he clicked the shutter, capturing the damning evidence.

Just as he was about to take another shot, a heavy hand clamped over his mouth, and he was dragged backward. The camera slipped from his fingers, clattering to the ground. Akihito mentally prayed that nothing is broken or he is so going to kick these thugs' ass.

"What do we have here?" a gruff voice snarled in his ear. "A little spy?"

Akihito struggled, kicking out and managing to land a blow on his captor's shin. The man cursed but tightened his grip. Two more thugs appeared, one picking up Akihito's fallen camera.

"Well, well, what's this?" the thug sneered, scrolling through the pictures. "Looks like you've been busy, haven't you?"

"Let me go!" Akihito shouted when he finally managed to get his mouth free, but it was no use. They were dragging him toward a waiting van. He thrashed and struggled, but they were too strong.

"You're a feisty one, aren't you?" one of the thugs said, leering at him. "I like that."

Akihito's heart pounded as he realized another danger he was in. "Get your hands off me, you pervert!"

The thug holding Akihito tightened his grip. "Why so angry? We can have some fun before we decide what to do with you."

"Leave me alone!" Akihito kicked and squirmed, but the thugs only laughed, enjoying his helplessness.

Suddenly, a sleek black car screeched to a halt at the alley's entrance. The door swung open, and out stepped Asami Ryuichi, his eyes cold and dangerous.

"Let him go," Asami commanded, his voice like steel.

The thugs froze, recognizing the powerful man before them. "W-we didn't know he was with you, Asami-san," one stammered, releasing his grip on Akihito so fast that make Akihito stumbled and land on his butt.

"Now you do," Asami replied, his gaze never leaving Akihito. "Leave before I change my mind."

The criminals scrambled into their van and sped off, leaving Akihito disheveled and cursing them in his mind. Asami approached him, extending a hand. "Are you alright?"

Akihito slapped his hand away, standing on his own. "I had it under control."

Asami chuckled. "Clearly." He picked up the camera and handed it back to Akihito. "You're lucky I found you when I did."

"Yeah, well, I didn't ask for your help," Akihito snapped, snatching the camera. "What are you doing here anyway?"

"I have my ways of knowing where you are," Asami said, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Creepy stalker much?" Akihito muttered, brushing himself off.

"As fascinating as your snappy comeback is, Takaba Akihito, I think it's time we discussed something important." Asami's tone turned serious.

"Discuss what?" Akihito asked, warily eyeing the powerful man he just met for the second time.

"As you know, our last meeting was... memorable," Asami began. "But I believe I didn't make myself clear enough."

Akihito's eyes widened. "You're not going to—"

"Marry me," Asami stated, stepping closer. "I can offer you protection, resources, and a life beyond anything you can imagine."

Akihito gaped at him. "Are you serious? Again? We've been over this. Twice now! I'm not marrying you!"

Asami did not back down. "Give me a reason then."

"I'm not a damsel in distress waiting for a knight in shining armor," Akihito retorted. "And who are you to demand reason from me?"

Before Asami could respond, Akihito took advantage and threw a smoke bomb he kept, a gift Takato had given him for emergencies whenever he does a stakeout, and dashed toward a fire escape ladder.

"Damn it," Asami cursed, waving the smoke away. His bodyguards immediately came to his side. "Asami-san!"

But by the time the smoke cleared, Akihito was already scaling the ladder, his camera slung over his shoulder. He looked back, sticking his tongue out at Asami before disappearing over the rooftop.

Asami stood there, a mix of frustration and admiration in his eyes. "Takaba Akihito," he muttered to himself. "Next time, I won't let you escape."

VFVFVFVFVFVF

Ryuji's eyes were wide with excitement. "Papa, you're so cool! You're like a ninja! But why did you say no again?"

Akihito dramatically sighed, "Because, Ryuji, your Daddy was being a little too pushy."

"But he saved you from the bad guys!" Ryuji exclaimed.

"Yes, he did," Akihito admitted, glancing at Asami, who was listening with an amused smile. "But sometimes, you need to make sure you're ready for something as big as marriage."

Asami leaned in, wrapping an arm around Akihito's waist. "And sometimes, persistence pays off."

Akihito rolled his eyes, playfully elbowing Asami. "Yeah, yeah. But it took a lot more than just persistence."

Ryuji beamed, looking between his parents. "Per-sistence...? Should I try that with Kou-chan?"

"Please, no." Akihito said exasperatedly.

Asami chuckled ruffling Ryuji's hair as he usually does. "Now I think it's your bedtime already, we'll tell you the rest of the story next time."

Akihito shaking his head. "Not if I can help it."

"Too late," Asami teased, pulling Akihito closer. "You're stuck with me now."

And despite his protests, Akihito couldn't help but smile, knowing that he wouldn't have it any other way.

VFVFVFVFVFVF

The next day,

At work Akihito received a call from a bewildered Takato who were babysitting Ryuji at that moment. Takato frantically asking why his son keep asking for a smoke bomb.

"-and he said he want to be persistence! Should I be worry?" Takato asked. Akihito just facepalmed.

TBC