A/N: Okay straight and to the point. Yes Mao's brother is in this chapter. No he is not the extremely overly protective brother he is in real life (or so I've been told), or in other fics. Why? Because I wanted to do something different. Will you guys want to kill me by the end of this chapter? That is a huge possibility. Do I regret ending this chapter where I did? No. Do I have reasons for doing so? Yes Do I have good reasons for taking so damn long with this chapter? Yes. Am I going to tell them? No.
Disclaimer: Need I direct you to the previous disclaimers?
Chapter 16: Confessions and Negotiations
Any other time, any other situation, Mao would have been overjoyed to see his brother. But this time, this time he was not exactly dreading it, he was just… He thought back to earlier that morning when he had found himself in Daisuke's arms and remembered how he had ended up in the situation in the first place.
That night he had been plagued with a nightmare so horrendous it had caused him to cry out into the night. Daisuke had awoken with him and managed to calm him down. As a thank you Mao had kissed the corner of Daisuke's lips. He could tell Daisuke was doing his best from turning his head to make it a proper kiss.
"I am sorry if this is torturing you." Mao had said.
"I told you I would wait. I intend to keep my promise." Daisuke had responded, "Let us just get some more sleep. We both have a big day tomorrow."
Mao had fallen back asleep snuggling closer to the other man, and slept the rest of the night with no nightmares to terrify him.
The remaining hours of the night Mao slept in Daisuke's arms and had wakened fresh in the morning.
He had ended up blushing so deeply he had been worried his cheeks would permanently take on the red shade. Daisuke thankfully had not commented on it. He only offered his roommate a smile and a sleepy morning greeting.
Due to the fact Daisuke had to arrive on the set early, he had tried to slip out of bed in hopes to not awaken Mao, but his efforts had been in vain. The two both decided it would be best to just start the day. Daisuke was looking forward to the day, however he was sure Mao was not.
"Are you sure you do not want Takeda-san to be with you?"
Mao had been in the middle of pulling his shirt over his head when Daisuke had spoken. He turned and pulled the piece of clothing off all the way, tossing it into the provided clothes hamper, "I am sure. Why, do you not believe I will be safe?"
Daisuke's expression darkened, "It is not just that Mao. I just-" He was unsure of how to express his worry.
"Dai-chan I promise. My brother will make sure I am safe. And if it will make you feel better I will text you when I see him and when I am on my way to the set." Mao said in hopes to calm his friend down.
"I suppose I can handle that. But I do have a favor to ask." Daisuke answered.
"What is it?"
"You said he wants to meet with you again after he has taken care of business, correct?" Daisuke quiered.
"Um, yes. He said he wanted to go to lunch with me to catch up and then afterwards he had some business to attend to here in Tokyo. But after that he said he wanted to meet up for dinner as well because he had something he wanted to discuss with me." Mao explained, "Why are you asking?"
"I need for you to let me know which restaurant you two will be attending. I want to be present during your dinner. I will be just out of eye and earshot though." Daisuke leaned against the wall, his arms folded across his chest, "And before you ask I have my reasons, and they are all goods ones, trust me."
Mao only shrugged. He had learned not to question the handsome actor and he was not about to start now, "Well, I do not have to meet with Shinnosuke until about 11, so I figured I would finish reading 'Blade of Shadows' again before I leave."
"No studying?" Daisuke asked quirking an eyebrow, "Color me surprised."
"Maseru-sensei said we all need to take one day a week where we give our mind a rest." Mao explained, "I am going to do that today. I do not think I will be able to concentrate anyway."
Daisuke only shrugged, "I admit it is strange not seeing you surrounded by your books." They were both interrupted when they heard two distinct meows, "I think we are being summoned." He chuckled.
"You go ahead and finish getting ready, I will feed them." Mao said as he walked out of the room and into the kitchen.
Daisuke watched his roommate and object of his affections do what he did best; leave him pondering on thoughts of worry and wonder.
Considering Daisuke had still been paranoid about Mao being alone, Mao had agreed that Takeda could escort him to the station and stay just out of sight. Once Shunnosuke arrived Takeda was to report to the set so he could get any and all information for Mao later on.
Mao stood against one of the many pillars at the station checking the arrival times. Takeda was standing just a few feet away pretending to be looking at his phone. If his brother's train arrived on time, Shunnosuke would arrive in less than five minutes. That dreaded feeling he had experienced earlier was coming back but he forced it down.
Minutes later the announcement of the train's arrival echoed over the intercom and Mao pushed himself up from the pillar. The train coasted to a stop and the doors opened. Immediately Mao began scanning the crowds and he smiled when he saw Shunnosuke exit the train.
The smile disappeared when another familiar figure appeared in the crowd. He immediately turned in the direction of Takeda whom had started approaching him. He had seen him too.
"Mao, we must go." Takeda said.
As soon as Shunnosuke had walked up Mao grabbed his brother's hand, "Kyosuke what are you-"
"Nii-chan, please trust me!" Mao said as he looked to Takeda, "Get us out of here."
Daisuke had been looking at his phone for the past several minutes. Everyone in the room was focused on him and he could feel their eyes. He did not acknowledge them though; he could not.
"Watanabe-sama, is your phone that much more important then what we are discussing?"
Daisuke glanced up at Shimomura then adjusted his eyes to focus on Takemoto, "Pardon my rudeness but I need to step out for a moment."
"Watanabe-sama is everything all right?" Takemoto asked.
"I am not sure. My assistant should have contacted me by now." Daisuke responded as he stood up from his chair.
"I thought you said Hamao-kun was supposed to be meeting with this brother." Hinosaku said having stayed quiet during the meeting.
"That is true but according to what Mao told me earlier his brother's train should have arrived by now. And Mao promised me he would message me as soon as his brother was in his presence." Daisuke explained, "Mao would never go back on his word, so I think something may be wrong."
Morishiku shook his head, "If it will put your mind at ease, go ahead and give him a call we can-" he was interrupted when a phone rang.
Daisuke looked at the caller ID on his phone and immediately answered, "Mao? What? No, no. Wait, Takeda is with you, right? Okay, come to the studio, it is the safest place. No they will not argue, trust me. Okay, see you soon." He hung up the phone and looked at Hinosaku, "He is back."
Hinosaku immediately took action, "Okay, was anyone followed today? Anyone whom could tip off someone of our location?"
The location of the set for the movie had been kept under wraps to avoid press from leaking information that was better kept confidential. The only non-cast and crew- member whom knew about the location had been Keimiko and she had been sworn to secrecy.
"No. We all know the routine on how to avoid the press." Hiromi spoke softly.
"We want to avoid scandals too." Junko added before turning to look at Hinosaku and Daisuke, "Why is something wrong?"
"You all remember the incident with the fire a few weeks ago right?" Daisuke asked.
Everyone nodded.
"Well it seems the actual culprit was spotted at the train station by Mao. In fact I know he would have harmed Mao if he had been given the chance." Daisuke explained, "He already tried to once before." He turned to look at Morishiku and Takemoto, "It is why I insisted you allowed Takeda on the set."
"Wait, I thought the fire was an accident. Since there was no evidence behind Hamao-kun starting it." Hiromi said, "Well there was one witness but-"
"That witness was the man whom started it. Leiko Orochi." Daisuke practically spat the name as he spoke.
"Did you say Leiko Orochi?" Takemoto asked.
"Yes. Why, do you know him?" Daisuke asked raising an eyebrow.
"He almost ruined my last movie. The main actress' little sister was almost killed by the bastard, but we could never pin evidence on him." Takemoto responded, "If you had told us it was Leiko we would have insisted Hamao-kun stay with a body guard at all times."
"Wait if this guy keeps targeting people whom know actors, why is he targeting Hamao-kun?" Shimomura asked.
"It is a long story, one that should not need to be told." Daisuke answered as he headed towards the door, "I am going to wait for Mao. Oh, his brother will be with, but do not worry he will not say anything trust me." Without waiting for an answer Daisuke left the room and Hinosaku followed obediently.
Hamao Shunnosuke had arrived in Tokyo with plans to have lunch and dinner with his beloved younger brother and take care of some personal business as well. Those plans had been put to a temporary halt as Kyousuke, along with a man he did not recognize, insisted he follow them and not ask questions. Considering the reservations he had made for lunch where not for another hour he figured he would humor his brother and had indeed followed along. But the way his little brother was acting, Shunnosuke could tell something was not quite right. He only hoped it would not take too much time though.
"What did Watanabe-sama tell you?" Takeda asked as he glanced at Mao through his review mirror.
"Dai-chan said to go to the studio. Remember no outsiders know the location so make the detours first." Mao responded after pocketing his phone. He turned to look at his brother, "I am sure you have questions, but please trust me when I saw I can't answer any not right now."
Shunnosuke quirked an eyebrow, "Am I allowed to know where we are going at least?"
"I will tell you but after we get there. It is a safe place though do not worry." Mao said in a reassuring voice. But he was not sure if he was reassuring himself or his brother.
"Mao, I thought he disappeared." Takeda said as he took a few more turns before back tracking and heading in the direction of the studio.
"He did. After the fire we-"
"Whom are you talking about?" Shunnosuke asked, "Do you mean the man whom claimed he was a witness to the fire at your apartment building? By the way, where are you living now? You have not-"
"Nii-chan, please. I cannot tell you anything. Not yet. Just wait until we get to where we are going. I promise I will explain everything then, but not a minute sooner." Mao requested.
As soon as they pulled up to the studio lot, Mao barely waited for Takeda to park the car before he dashed out of the vehicle and into Daisuke's waiting arms. It was true he still could not full accept Daisuke's romantic feelings for him yet, but that did not mean he would not accept the protection from him. He felt selfish for doing so but knew Daisuke would not care.
Daisuke held tight to the younger boy, "Mao. Oh thank goodness you arrived safely. I was so worried. Tell me, are you okay?"
Mao shook his head, "No, if Nii-chan and Takeda-san had not been there I do not know what would have happened."
"He did not hurt you did he?" Daisuke asked tightening his grip, "If he did I-"
"No, no I'm okay. I think he saw Takeda and knew he could not do anything." Mao said as he turned his head to see his brother standing there utterly confused.
"Well let us get inside and we can explain everything to your brother. I am sure he has questions."
"That is an understatement." Shunnosuke said as he took in his surroundings, "Where are we?"
Mao turned to look at his brother, "Nii-chan, please wait until we get inside before you expect any answers."
Something was wrong; Shunnosuke could tell just by the way his little brother was pleading with him, "Very well Kyo-chan." He followed the others into the building and immediately took in his surroundings.
"Hamao-san, I promise we will explain everything." Daisuke said as he tightened his grip on Mao's hand before leading them down the hallway.
Shunnosuke noticed the gesture and immediately felt the need to break the two apart. What stopped him was a hand on his shoulder. He turned around to see Takeda shaking his head.
"Trust me you do not want to get between those two."
Shunnosuke was about to protest but noticed the way the older man was looking at his brother, "What exactly is going on between those two?"
Takeda sighed, "I am afraid that is something only they can explain. I admit even I do not know all the details. But I can tell you one thing; Watanabe-sama cares deeply for your brother. I am sure it is obvious by the way he is being protective of him."
"Nii-chan?"
Shunnosuke looked up before stepping forward, "Yes, Kyo-chan what is it?"
They had reached a room with the door already ajar, "Nii-chan, I promised I would answer your questions, but I cannot promise I will be able to answer all of them. But do you trust me?" Mao asked softly.
"Kyo-chan if you are in any danger you need-"
"I promise you here and now your brother is safe, and so are you." Daisuke said as he opened the door further, "Please come inside and we will explain everything."
"Dai-chan what about-"
"Do not worry they are taking a small break. Takemoto-san and Morishiku-san have agreed to do some more research on the victims of him. Turns out Takemoto-san has also had trouble too. And Hinosaku-san is doing a quick patrol of the area. He will be back soon though. But we both know this was the safest place for this. I can guarantee you the movie will continue as planned." Daisuke said, "Do not tell me you have changed your mind about-"
Mao shook his head, "No of course not. I still want to do it. But my brother needs to hear everything first."
Shunnosuke blinked once, twice, "Okay, I need an explanation; now. What in the world is going on?"
"You may want to sit down for this." Another voice spoke up; it was a female voice.
Mao turned to the voice before running into Keimiko's arms, "What are you doing here? He could have targeted you too!"
"But he did not. He does not know I am here." Keimiko said before glancing up at the newcomer, "Oh, is this-"
Mao let go and walked over to his brother, "Keimiko, I'd like you to meet my brother Hamao Shunnosuke."
Shunnosuke's eyes widened and realization, "Wait, you, you two are-"
Daisuke smiled, "It seems your brother is finally catching on." He leaned against the wall, "I wondered why he did not recognize us."
"You are friends with Urasaki Keimiko and Watanabe Daisuke?" Shunnosuke asked.
"More than friends actually." Keimiko smiled, "We are practically family now."
"I, I think I need to sit down." Shunnosuke said before collapsing into the nearest chair.
"I think it is time we explained a few things." Daisuke spoke up as he took a seat across from Shunnosuke, "But first, please let us get everything out in the open before you ask any questions or jump to any conclusions. There is a chance a question you already have could be answered in the explanation."
Shunnosuke nodded.
"Well first off I know Sumiko-chan reads the articles about Dai-chan as often as she can. I know she is still a fan." Mao started.
"Yes, actually that was one thing I was going to ask you about; the article." Shunnosuke spoke up.
"That question we will answer now." Daisuke said, "You see, I have taken Mao under my care after he was attacked by his previous employer."
"I see." Shunnosuke nodded, "I know I promised to wait to query unto the end but, may I ask now whom is your employer Kyo-chan?"
"He is actually." Mao said gesturing to Daisuke, "I am his assistant now."
"He is being well taken care of I assure you." Daisuke said, "I felt very protective of him after the man he had called his boss attacked him."
"Wait! He what?!"
"Dai-chan stopped him before he could do any real damage, I promise." Mao said, "But I have been having nightmares, although not of that incident."
"But back to the article." Keimiko said having stayed quiet until now, "You see Hamao-san, it seems a certain individual whom has taken a liking to targeting celebrities had mistaken your brother and Dai-chan as a couple."
"Dai-chan took me shopping after my apartment was robbed." Mao explained, "But I think I may know whom could have done that too. It is just a guess though. I am not about to point any fingers without evidence."
"We will discuss that later. Anyway," Daisuke said before turning back to look at Shunnosuke, "After the whole incident of running into that individual, Keimiko and I had to cook up a plan. To the public eye, she and I are currently dating."
"Are you really?" Shunnosuke asked despite promising no questions until the end.
"No. But it was your brother's idea." Keimiko said, "To the public eye Mao is currently my cousin and my 'boyfriend's' assistant. "
Shunnosuke turned to look at Mao whom nodded, "But, then what happened at your apartment and whom was that guy we were running from at the station?"
"The individual we mentioned is a man by the name of Orochi Leiko. He has been targeting celebrities by going after the person closest to them. In my case it was my fan club president."
"So he went after my brother because you two became close?" Shunnosuke asked.
"I honestly had no idea about Orochi. And I honestly did not know I would grow this close to your brother. But I promise you I-" Daisuke began.
"How close are you?" Shunnouske suddenly asked.
Daisuke his lip before turning to look at Mao, "I love him."
Shunnosuke was on his feet ready to charge only to have Mao push him back and stand between the two older men, "Kyo-chan if he has harmed you in anyway I swear I-"
"Dai-chan has done nothing wrong Nii-chan. His feelings for me are genuine I know that. I just cannot return them, not yet." Mao said turning his head slightly, "I asked him to tell me why he feels the way he does, but now I think I know why. But I need to hear him say it in his own words, just not yet. " He turned back to look at his brother, "First we need to get rid of this threat. This man has been targeting too many individuals; too many innocents. And I will not be targeted as well, not anymore."
Shunnosuke focused his gaze on Daisuke, "I do not know much about you, only you are a talented actor, one whom could pull off an upstanding performance in convincing me my brother would be safe with you. I am willing to believe that this is not an act and a genuine decision on your part if you can prove to me here and now how you feel about my brother."
"Nii-chan! Dai-chan does not need to-"
Daisuke placed a hand on Mao's shoulder shushing him, "If your brother asks for prove I will give it to him." He stepped forward, "Mao is my world now. He is the reason I wake up and the reason I sleep so I can wake up again to see him in the morning once again. I feel protective of him. I know as his brother that role belongs to you, but I only wish to assist you in that role if you will let me. I see the kindness and determination in Mao's eyes. I see his potential to be anything and anyone he wishes to be. And I am willing to sacrifice everything if it means making your brother happy."
To say Shunnosuke was shocked would be an understatement. He had always wanted to make sure his little brother's other half in life, be it man or woman, would be suited for him. Someone who deserved him. Hearing that the famous actor and favorite actor of is wife's Watanabe Daisuke was offering everything he wanted for his brother on a silver platter was almost too much to believe.
"I see it in your eyes. Your words are genuine and true." He said softly, "You do love my brother don't you?"
Daisuke nodded, "Yes, although I have only known him for a short time I fear my heart could never beat for another. I know-" he scoffed at himself, "I know that sounds like a cheesy line from a script, but it is true. I admit as an actor some dialogue does stay with me and I use it without really realizing it."
"It is not the words but how you choose to say them." Shunnosuke said, "And I know those are not the words spoken from reading them from a script but from your heart."
"Nii-chan, are you saying if I chose to date Dai-chan you would approve of us?" Mao asked softly.
"I am saying I would give him a fair chance. It seems he has saved your life therefore he deserves a chance." Shunnosuke replied.
"Actually he has saved my life. He pulled me from the fire at the apartment and literally breathed new life into me." Mao said.
"Now, I am sure you are just exaggerating." Shunnosuke chuckled.
Mao shook his head, "I am not."
Shunnosuke's eyes widened, "You, you truly did save him?"
Daisuke nodded, "Yes, after I pulled him from the fire he was not breathing. The paramedics tried to resuscitate him but gave up. I knew he could not be gone so I tried myself. I was not going to lose him."
"So in other words, Kyo-chan you owe this man your life." Shunnosuke said his eyes still wide as saucers.
"I am willing to accept your brother's heart." Daisuke responded pulling Mao back against him wrapping his arms around the younger boy's shoulders, "But only if and when he is willing to give it to me and not a minute sooner."
Shunnosuke focused on his brother but Mao's eyes were closed and he seemed content to be in the older man's arms, "Tell me then. Where exactly are we?"
"Oh this is the studio for the upcoming two part movie 'Blade of Shadows'." Keimiko said smiling. She had been observing everything, taking in all the details and thinking hard. She heard everything Daisuke said about her little 'cousin' and was determined to speak with Shunnosuke alone about their 'family member's happiness and safety.
Little did they know she had become more determined then ever to stop Leiko, especially after what she had just learned. She unfolded the paper and reread the contents.
If you do not want either of them harmed
you will tell Watanabe to surrender the role
of Mamoru to the one whom truly deserves it.
Otherwise it will be more than just a fire.
A/N: As I said most if not all of you are going to want to kill me. As for those of you whom may think Mao is being stubborn, I have worked out when he will return Daisuke's feelings. It will be worth the wait trust me. I am aiming this to end around chapter 20 and if and only if requested I may write a sequel too. 3 reviews = chapter 17.