Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Man, it's cold out here! I've been sitting on this roof staring at this club entrance for hours, and my target; the infamous Asami Ryuichi; still hasn't made an appearance. Quickly glancing at my phone I notice that it's almost eleven. Almost an hour after he usually shows up. Maybe I missed him going in? I could try to sneak in; I am stealthy enough I should be able to get in with no problems. I slowly stand up in order to remain unseen as I try to make my way off of the roof. I just hope I have enough time to make it to the club before it closes for the night. I need this scoop. If I loose this story I won't be able to eat this week. Living paycheck to paycheck is becoming tedious. It's even starting to hinder my performance on assignments.

Sighing heavily once I made it to the ground level I checked my phone again, and proceeded to quietly curse at how long it took me to get down the fire escape. Putting together a plan to sneak in; I ran as fast as I could in order to make it to the club before it closes for the night, or Asami leaves. After casing the place for this long I know that the entire building, inside and out; is equipped with a top of the line security system. There is almost no way in without being seen by the cameras or someone. If not the suited men that always seem to lurking around the perimeter, the patrons inside, then your issues will come from the patrons waiting to get inside.

It's not that I'm not confident in my stealth skills because that's not an issue. I've gotten into and back out of some tight spots before. The issue I'm facing is that there isn't a single inch of this building left unwatched by a camera or a person. Well, usually, every inch is covered. I was able to find a side door that was left unattended. Looking around myself and making sure that this wasn't some sort of set up I took a deep breath and entered. I raised my camera prepared to take any shots that seemed worth taking. Staying as aware of my surroundings as possible I followed the sound of loud music.

I was looking at the inside of club Sion. Asami Ryuichi's base of operations, and possible cover up for an underground drug ring. I'm here to figure out just what is going on here. How true or untrue these rumors actually are. I slowly make my way out into the bar area and look around taking in as much as I can. I took a few shots thankful that I'd remembered to already turn the flash off. It's not like the camera itself was inconspicuous at all; it is a bulky black professional camera that took me months to save up for. I made my way towards the back of the club where a dark doorway sat covering a narrow staircase. In order to get to it I would have to cut through the entire crowd and the most direct path seems to be right through the dancefloor. I know that this isn't where any underground business deals would be held during regular business hours, so my only hope for catching anything worth reporting would be to make it to the upper floors.

Without being to obvious about it I try to blend in with the crowd until eventually I finally make it to the doorway leading upstairs. Just as I took a step forward to go up the stairs I am pulled back into the crowd of dancers. The grip on my camera tightening as I'm tugged, spun, and pushed from person to person. I lost all sense of direction from being manhandled. I attempted to make my way to the edge to be able to see where I'm facing and to get out of this suffocating situation. Social situations aren't exactly my cup of tea. That's why I took a job that meant I had to stay hidden. I don't like people breathing down my neck or touching me. I may sound paranoid, but I don't trust people.

It seemed like every time I got close to the edge of the dancing patrons I was getting pulled back into the heart of the dancefloor. This kept happening until the club finally started emptying out. If it wasn't for someone saying they needed to head home since it was after three in the morning; I wouldn't even know what time it was when everyone started to leave. It wasn't until I was pulled backwards and turned to face someone that I realized that I had been caught and trapped.

'I'm screwed now.'

I was roughly pulled to the middle of the dance floor. "Hey!" I struggled against the two men dragging me. "Let me go!"

The fedora I was wearing to disguise myself was roughly pulled off my head. I turned to look to the left hiding my face as best as I could from the man in front of me. My arms were grabbed and yanked behind me painfully. I gritted my teeth to keep from alerting them to my discomfort. I won't give them the satisfaction.

"So, you're the pest that's been spying on my clubs?" The man in front of me asked. "You know, it's not good for business to have reporters snooping around." My chin was gripped tightly and I was forced to look at this man.

"A-a-asa-mi?" I questioned surprised to run into him. "Asam-mi R-ryuichi, right?" I never saw him come in and I've been posted on that rooftop for days to map out his schedule to a tee. I never once saw him enter this building today. I did see him leave it, but he never came back.

"I have a few questions to ask you." Asami stated leaning closer to me so that we were now eye to eye. "Let's start with-" He leaned back again thinking.

"Questions?" I asked still struggling against the hold on me. "I don't know anything; I'm just a lowly photographer; I get the shot's, someone else gets the story, and the credit." Even I could hear the pathetic defeat in my own voice.

"How did you manage to get in here?" A tall man in glasses standing behind Asami asked stepping towards me. "This is a member's only club."

"If you want the pictures; take them." I responded glaring at Asami. "They probably aren't even worth developing."

"How did you get in here?" Asami asked gripping my chin even tighter.

"Pure skill." I sarcastically answered glaring.

"Kirishima." Asami spoke nodding towards me. The next second my camera was ripped off my neck, and I found myself almost curled in the fetal position trying to catch my breath with my arms wrapped around my stomach.

After receiving Kirishima's knee in my stomach and a shove backwards making the two men behind me let go of my arms. I groaned at the impact of his knee, but landing harshly on the ground hurt too. I tightened my arms and managed to find myself in a sitting position. I pulled my knees closer to my chest and leaned forward so my head was on my knees. I finally let the pain I was feeling known on my face. That Kirishima guy has a hard knee. Footsteps approached me making me look up.

"Cocky boys like you might find themselves in less than favorable situations." He leaned forward enough to grab my chin and force me to look at him. "Especially when they're intruding into things that shouldn't interest them in the first place." He turned my head roughly as he let go of my chin taking a step back and standing straight. A position that made him look down on me.

'Prick!'

"I know that." I glared up at him. "I don't need some old-timer, like you, to tell me that." I heard the snort from behind me that was quickly covered with a cough when Asami looked up at him. Asami, however, had a smile on his face.

"Cheeky." Asami turned away. "How about we play a game?" He faced me with a smirk. "What do you say."

"I don't have time for games." I growled sliding away from him until I hit Kirishima's leg making me look up. "When can I get my camera back?" I reached towards it but he lifted it out of my reach.

"After our game."

"What?" I asked turning my glare on Asami again. "What do you want from me?

"Takaba, you should really be careful in this world." He remarked stepping closer to me again. "You never know which dark abyss you may fall into." How does he know my name?

"Hey Suoh, There's a good shot of you in here." Kirishima remarked looking at my camera. "I might save this one for you."

"Thanks." Was awkwardly responded by the blond standing to my left.

"J-just don't erase all of it." I practically begged turning to face Kirishima so fast I was surprised I didn't give myself whiplash. I grabbed his ankle forgetting about the pain in my stomach.

"Kirishima."

"Boss?"

"Find out what's so important."

"Family photos." I said quietly looking to the floor. "I-I'll play your s-stupid game, just d-don't delete them."

"Leave us." Asami ordered making the three remaining men leave. When did the others leave?

"W-what is t-this game?" I asked sliding away from him as he came closer to me. "If it's information that you want, I don't have any."

"Oh, no, I'm not out for information." Asami smirked again grabbing my hand when I held it up to protect my face when he reached out towards me. "I was thinking a more physical game." He pulled me to my feet. "If you win Kirishima gives back the camera and memory card, but if you lose you never see either again."

"There's no way I could beat you in anything physical." I almost yelled. "Since I know I'm going to lose, but I already agreed." I sighed looking at the ground again. "Can I ask that at least one specific picture remain untouched?" He nodded, and I told him the picture that had to remain untouched, and he agreed no matter the outcome of this game of his.

He lead me to the staircase I'd been trying so hard to get to earlier. I hadn't noticed it before, but there was an elevator positioned just before the staircase which he pulled me into when the doors opened. Somehow the blond man, Suoh, was standing there in the corner of the elevator. Asami nodded at him before pulling me into the elevator, and Suoh pressed a button making the doors close. Four. There's four floors to this building? I was pulled backwards and a sickly sweet smelling cloth was pressed into my nose and mouth. I held my breath for as long as I could, but it wasn't very long because of the panic I was feeling. My eyes widened when I inhaled and the realization of what was happening finally sank in. It was only a moment later that the drug took effect and I fell unconscious against Suoh.

***

I woke up again to water dripping from my hair. I looked up dazed to come face to face with Asami. It only took me another second to realize the position that I am in. 

"What the hell is this!?" I yelled. "Why am I tied up like this?" I inspected what I could see of the ropes around me and realized that I couldn't get out on my own. I have to be let out. I couldn't even tell how many ropes were used or where these knots started and ended. "Where are my clothes!?"

"Did you forget?" Asami asked placing his hand on my cheek before letting it trail down my neck. "You agreed to play my game."

"This isn't a game you perv!"

"Isn't it?" He asked as his hands continued to roam every inch of my body. "Although, you don't seem to be enjoying our game." He smirked and pulled out a clear vial before opening it and covering my mouth with his other hand so I could still breathe. "Yet." He held the vial just under my nose. "You will be soon enough."

My eyes widened when I realized he was drugging me again. By the time I realized it was to late not to breath in the scent. I couldn't place it, but it was intoxicating. My body seemed to be getting hotter. I could feel the blush forming on my cheeks and neck as my body kept heating up. He repeated that I'd 'start feeling good real soon' a couple times while his hands continued roaming my body. My heartbeat increased making it feel like it was trying to break out of the prison that is my chest. The heat all over my body and my pounding heart made it hard to focus on anything. I let out a groan and Asami turned his head to make eye contact with me.

"Ah, so you're starting to feel good now." He stated leaning over me so that our chests were touching. "Let's see what you can handle." He stated before stretching enough to be next to my ear. "What a perfect view you've given me." He whispered into my ear seductively before gently biting it making he twitch in places that shouldn't be responding to a man doing these kinds of things. "hmm, not exactly what I was hoping for." He trailed his tongue from my ear to my neck and kept going slowly until I finally gave a response he was looking for, a gasp. "That's it." He whispered making me shudder. He began to bite on the same spot that earned him the response as his hand was roaming my body again. I moaned out when he grazed the most sensitive part of my chest making him smile into my shoulder. He leaned away and stared at me. "Already hard?" He questioned running his hand up and down my inner thigh just barely grazing the very thing he was starring at.

"D-d-don't l-look." I stuttered turning my head and squeezing my eyes closed.

"Have you ever been teased here before?" He gripped me hard setting my entire body abuzz with sensations I'm not used to. I groaned and he smirked again. "I'm guessing not."

"D-don't t-touch."

"Oh, this is going to be so good for you now." He leaned forward and his smirk turned into a smile. "You're crying already." He glanced down before meeting my eyes as he leaned over me and did something that would shock me if I were in my right mind. He licked right above where his hand was on me tightly. "Not yet, Kitten." His grip tightened.

He continued to let his hands explore my body and elicit responses from me that I didn't want him to see or hear. After he got bored with what he was doing he completely stopped and pulled his hand away. When he did everything that was building up painfully came out and coated my stomach and the floor. He stepped away from me before leaving the room entirely. He came back shortly after, but when he did he had something in his hand. I quickly found out what it was when he secured it in my mouth and snapped it into place at the back of my head.

"You look so weak and helpless like this, Akihito." The smirk returned to his face. "I can't help but want to torture you right now." He continued right where he left off. "You're so responsive." He remarked after a few minutes. "And sensitive." He hummed which had me groaning around the bar in my mouth, and closing my eyes tightly as I came unglued for the second time. "Already." His hands roamed all over my body until he decided to stand behind me. He unclipped the bar pulling it from my mouth and holding it up before tossing it to the side.

"H-how?" I panted. "H-how can y-you d-do t-th-this?" I tried to turn my head towards him. "I-it's c-cruel."

"It's a good thing I'm just now getting to the fun part then." He pushed on my shoulders putting me face first into the floor.

"No!" I struggled against him. "Y-you c-can't!"

"Come on now, Kitten, this is the best part." He whispered in my ear as he pulled me up again but this time I found myself in his lap. "Let me hold you for this part." It's not like I have a choice in the matter.

His hand roamed my torso again completely distracting me from everything else. The intrusion caught me off guard even though I knew what he considered the fun part of this 'game' of his. I don't know how to describe the noise that left my mouth, but the closest I can get is a cross between a groan, whine, and a gasp. Once he got what he wanted from me he finally started to undo the ropes that I was tied up with. I no longer had any energy left to fight back so the process was quite easy for him. I could barely even keep my eyes open anymore.

"Oh, we're not done yet, Kitten." Asami picked me up and carried me to a bed before setting me down and positioned himself above me. "There's so much more to do still." For hours he did what he wanted with me as I was fighting against him, the drugs, and sleep.

"Remember Akihito, If you want to survive in my world; you'll need to wise up and keep your eyes open." He stood up straightening the suit he was wearing. "You need to see the real truth of the world." He stopped at the door and turned to face my semiconscious form. "If you can't you'll never know when you might fall into another dark abyss." I finally let my eyes close since he seemed to be done with his 'game'. "Until we meet again, Akihito, remember this; the pain and the pleasure that only I can give you."

Chapter Text

Three days I was trapped. Three days I was stuck in that 'game'. I was completely spent after the first day, but he kept the game going until he had to get back to business. His final parting words still ring heavily through my head.

'Remember this; the pain and the pleasure that only I can give you.'

He was right in a sense; only he has ever made me feel like that. Granted, no one else has ever had the chance to, but that doesn't change the fact that it happened. Those nights have been plaguing my mind constantly since I slipped from that room. I painstakingly slowly made my way home, and didn't even realize that I had forgotten to get my camera back from Kirishima until I found a camera bag with a note attached to it in front of my door. I looked at it confused before slowly kneeling down in front of it and pulling the note off of it. I opened it and read it twice before believing what was written.

**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**

Kitten,
You forgot to take your camera this morning.
I hope you will be pleased with your prize
from our little game.
Until next time.
yours,
Asami

**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**

My prize? What prize? I haven't gotten anything aside from lower back pain and all kinds of marks adorning my neck, shoulders, and torso. I looked around folding the note back and placing it in my pocket before pulling the bag closer to me. When I opened it I saw my camera, new lenses and attachments that I hadn't already owned, and an envelope that barely fit in the bag. The smile that graced my face couldn't be helped as I pulled the camera out and hugged it to my chest. I don't know what I'd do if I'd lost it. I let out a sigh of relief as I put the strap around my neck and let the camera rest in it's normal spot. I finally pulled out the envelope and opened it. I gasped, shocked, and the envelope fell from my hands.

"These-" I stared at the few pictures that fell out of the envelope when it fell. "These are the pictures." I whispered picking them up. "The pictures I didn't want deleted." I flipped through the pictures in the envelope and realized that every family photo that was still on the memory card was now sitting here in this envelope. Including the most important one; only this one is covered in plastic. Extra protection? "Asami?" I chuckled and shook my head when I finally saw the front of the envelope. 'Your prize, Kitten'. "Thank you, Asami." I said quietly knowing he'd never actually hear it from me.

I put the pictures back in the envelope, put the envelope back in the bag, and placed the bag strap on my shoulder before finally standing up again and unlocking my door. As soon as I made it inside I put my camera back in it's spot in the hidden cabinet that all of my photography stuff is in. After my apartment was broken into shortly after I'd moved in I built the cabinet so I never had to rebuy my cameras again. I had also turned my closet into a makeshift darkroom so I didn't have to pay to have my film developed. Financially speaking, it is cheaper to do it yourself; as long as you take care of the chemicals properly. I've since started to switch to all digital since film is getting so expensive now, but I haven't been able to bring myself to get rid of my dark room. I sigh as I glance at the doors of said dark room and back at the cabinet in front of me still standing open. I only have two film canisters left now. I supposed once they're both out I should be able to bring myself to be able to dismantle the darkroom. Once I've finished out what's left of the chemicals on developing these last two rolls of film. I sighed and put the canisters back in their place before closing the door again.

Making my way to my room I was more than ready to just go to sleep, but a hot bath was calling my name. I need to relax and try to get rid of some of this tension. I need to be able to move around freely or I won't be able to be as stealthy as my job calls for. I can't work right now I know that, but the longer I'm out of work the harder it's going to be for me to get by. I've already lost three days by getting caught up in Asami's little 'game', but I'm hoping that I can find somewhere for a temporary job to make up for it.

I settle on bathing and going to bed. I'm so exhausted that I couldn't tell you if it's physically or mentally to save my life. I think it's safe to say it's more physical since I nearly fell asleep in the bath. I might have actually fallen asleep if I'm being fair. Once I'd decided that I was clean enough I dressed in my dare minimum and dragged my feet to my room, and just plopped down on my bed face first; just ready to fall asleep.

***

I woke disoriented to a pounding on my door. I tried to ignore it, but it only seemed to get more rapid, and possibly rougher too. I sighed and finally willed my body to move.

"Hold your horses!" I called out and the pounding stopped. "What do you-" My question was abandoned when I noticed who was standing in front of me. "A-asami?"

"That's how you answer your door?" He asked eyes trailing my body.

"When I'm sleeping, yes." I answered confused.

"I like it." He smirked. "Though it makes self-control difficult."

"Huh." I glanced down and realized what he meant. "Ah!" I jumped away from the doorway and grabbed a hoodie that was laying on the floor by the door. "What are you doing here?" I asked sitting on the couch.

"No one has seen or heard from you in days." He responded stepping in and closing the door behind him.

"Who's fault is that?" I crossed my arms. "I was with you for three straight days." He looked at me with a blank look before stepping closer.

"What day do you think it is?" He asked quietly.

"It's Monday." I answered and for a split second he looked surprised before his blank look came back. "Why?"

"Akihito, it's not Monday." He clarified. "What have you been doing?"

"I already told you I was sleeping." I pointed out grabbing my phone off the table in front of me. "Wednesday, ten o'clock?" My eyes widened. "I've been asleep for nearly three days?"

"So it seems."

"I haven't taken a job in six days." I mumbled. "I need to find something or I'll lose my apartment." I started calculating how long I had left before my rent was due, and how many jobs I could pick up between now and then to get enough money. 'If I cut out any photography expenses, junk food, and get cheap foods I should be good.'

"Kitten!?" Asami was nearly nose to nose with me.

"Huh."

"What are you doing?" He asked sitting next to me.

"Math." I looked away from him. "I'm not making you tea or anything since you invited yourself." That just earned me a chuckle. My phone picked that moment to start ringing. "Takaba." I answered.

"Where have you been?" A fellow photographer yelled through the phone at me.

"I have to take this." I covered the phone so he didn't hear me and ask questions. "I've been at home." Asami decided to leave then.

"I haven't seen or heard anything from you in days." He never seemed to stop.

"I'm sorry." I apologized. When he reached the door Asami turned to face me. "I caught a cold during my stakeout and couldn't shake it." I lied staring at Asami making him smile at me before he left.

"If you're feeling better I have a story for you."

"Of course!" I practically yelled at him. "Where, when, and what's my target?" I asked.

"The Fixer, seven on Saturday, and the target is anyone and everyone you can get pictures of during the charity even going on." He answered.

"I'll be there." I stated hanging up on him.

I sighed and leaned back rubbing my temples to prevent the headache I could feel forming. I set to work trying to find a way to discreetly get into the event. I  was pleasantly surprised to see that there was a part time position available for event staff. I filled out the application and hoped to hear back soon. The event is Saturday so I need to hear back before then. Just in case; I was fully prepared to have to sneak in, or call in some favors.

Waiting seemed to be the worst thing for me to do. Asami seemed to invade every single thought in my head; no matter what the thought was about. I did get a phone call to let me know that I'd gotten the job. That was a welcome distraction. Short lived, but welcome all the same. I didn't have to waste any of my favors on this. Now, I just need to prepare myself for the job at hand. After spending most of the day Saturday preparing I felt more than ready for the job; both of them. I had to be both a waiter and a photographer tonight.

I had to be at The Fixer and hour earlier than the event to get briefed on how things were going to be ran. I'd already been told the event protocols Friday when I came in for an interview and Orientation for the job. My excuse for why I was only applying now was that I needed a job to support myself since I'm living on my own. The interviewer seemed to buy my reasoning. I'm not complaining; It gave incentive to put me on the event tonight. The only difference this event has that the others didn't. Conveniently, for me at least; we actually got to mingle with everyone else; as long as we had a tray with some kind of food or drink on it at all times. I can work with that.

I was exhausted by the time that the event started to wind down. Nothing really seemed out of the ordinary for a posh charity event. At least not until he made an appearance. There's no way he's been here the whole time because I'd made rounds and talked with everyone here, and I know he wasn't one of them. I can't ever seem to get a word out without stuttering when I'm near him. I was offering a woman a glass of champaign when he  appeared behind me and took one of the glasses off the tray.

"I'll take one." He'd stated making me freeze in place. "So, I see that you needed to get a part time job to support yourself." He remarked before raising his glass towards me and walking away.

'Was he just taunting me?'

He is the reason that I missed so much work in the first place. Well, mostly his fault. I was the one who slept for damn near three days, but that was a result of his 'game', so it's still his fault.

I glared at his back until one of the managers called out my name getting my attention. He just wanted me to help take out the trash. Helping turned into me actually making multiple trips to take out the trash on my own. I was on my way back out side for the fourth time when I was roughly shoved to the side and rudely told to get out of the way. I was going to retort back until I saw him hit the wall and a trail of blood being left behind. I rushed up to him trying to offer some assistance. He thrust a disk in my hands.

"Ryuichi, get this to Ryuichi." He struggled to speak.

"Ryuichi? Do you mean Asami?" I questioned.

"Asami Ryuichi, from club Scion, I was supposed to meet him here." He pushed the disk against my chest. "Hurry!" His hand fell from mine and landed on the floor at my feet.

"Help! Someone!" I called out hiding the disk and leaning towards the man. I checked for a pulse but found none which made me jump back landing hard on the tile floor.

I was frozen in shock when a police officer hauled me to my feet and started asking me questions. I didn't hear a word he was saying to me. He finally gave up after taking the camera I had on me and telling me to just head home. I don't even know when I put the camera in my pocket, but that's where he found it. I went into autopilot mode for the remainder of my shift before going home.

'What am I supposed to do with this?' I held the disk up and flipped it over a few times. I can try to get it to him tomorrow I suppose. If the man was trying to be secretive about it then it must be important. I hid the envelope with my photography equipment and tried to fall asleep. Tried being the definitive word.

***

When I saw that it was after nine o'clock I decided it was time for me to go to Scion. I wanted to get rid of this disk as soon as possible. I'm not a courier, and I'll be damned if Asami uses me as a pawn in anymore of his games. Getting dressed quickly I rushed to get this over and done with. I opted to leave my camera, phone, and backpack at home because I didn't plan to be out long.

I knew I was going to end up arguing with the men at the doors of Scion when I saw the look they gave me as I walked up.

'Great, just my luck.' 

I tried to approach them as calmly as possible, but they still found a reason to be hostile towards me. My clothes. I'm not dressed richly enough to enter Asami's precious Club Scion. Even if I'm bringing him something he's expecting.

"Maybe I'll just throw it away!" I yelled throwing my hands up, one holding tightly to the envelope. "Don't blame me if you get fired, stupid gorilla!" I yelled at the man who threw me down the six steps.

I peeled myself off the sidewalk and started walking away. The contents of this could hurt Asami, so throwing it away isn't actually an option. Why do I even care about if this can hurt him? I walked all the way to his apartment building and conveniently ran into the mailman just outside of the building. After a small pleading match with him I finally got him to deliver the envelope for me. I thanked him, and attempted to compensate him for the extra trouble I'd caused him, but he wouldn't take it.

I now just had to get back home, meaning I had to walk past Club Scion again, and it's going to be dark before I make it back home since it's already mid-afternoon.

'God, I'm going to be feeling this tomorrow.'

I didn't eat today, I’ve been walking all over town, thrown off the steps of Scion, and I'm exhausted. I'm not even halfway home yet. This walk seemed much longer today then it did the morning I left here. I thought about waiting for Asami here, but I didn't want to get arrested for loitering around the building. Taking a deep breath I set out towards home.

Unbeknownst to me I wouldn't be making it home. Just after sunset a black car pulled up to the side of the road letting two burley men out. One stood in front of me while the other hovered by the car.

"Takaba?" The man in front of me asked. "Takaba, Akihito?" I didnt respond so he looked between the man next to the car and me. "Asami, sent us to bring you to him."

"You don't look or act like Asami's men." I pointed out. "I will see him tomorrow, like I told him, hours ago."

"We have orders to bring you back." He answered after a second.

"That bastard can just wait." I growled.

"Mei." The man in front of me raised his hand. "You know what to do."

I attempted to bolt, but this Mei guy grabbed the back of my shirts, and tugged nearly strangling me with the tee shirt, and ripping the button up I had on over it.

"Let go of me, you asshole!" I screamed. "I'm going home!" I reached behind me and grabbed his hands trying to pry them off of my shirts. "Fucking ape, let me go!" I clawed at his wrists until he pulled me into his chest and covered my nose and mouth with a cloth until I collapsed against him.

Chapter Text

I slowly came to standing in a strange room with my wrists tied together above my head. Great, kidnapped again. I really hope this doesn't become a regular occurrence. I don't think I can deal with this on a regular basis.

"Good, you're awake." A short stocky man stated stepping in front of me. He started yelling in a language I didn't understand. Chinese, maybe, they look Chinese. When I just stared at him blankly he glared at me and punched my jaw. "Where is the disk?"

"I threw it away." I spit blood from my mouth. "Asami's goons wouldn’t let me see him, and It's not something that I want to get mixed up with, so I got rid of it."

The man punched my stomach knocking the wind out of me. "Where is it!?" He screamed punching my stomach again. When I didn't answer fast enough he punched me again.

"I'm not a part of whatever this is, so I threw it away when I couldn't get it to Asami." I answered finally able to speak. My answer wasn't what he wanted to hear and a thick wooden stick hit my stomach making me spit more blood.

"You're one of Asami's men!" Was yelled at me by someone else in the room. "We know you were given the disk!" My hair was roughly grabbed just before another punch met my jaw. "Return it! It's bad enough that it disappeared right from under our noses, but now you're hiding it from us!" A shower of punches, hits with the wooden stick, and a lot of hair pulling was my reward for not answering. "Do you wish to dishonor the Feilong family further?"

"Nothing I can do will ever be able to dishonor a family of Chinese origin." I answered trying to spit as much blood as I could. I hate the taste of copper.

A new person entered the room saying something in that same language I couldn't understand. Everyone seemed to freeze and turn to face him at the same time. The stocky man answered bowing to the newcomer. He glanced towards me and back before turning his gaze to everyone else in the room before settling on the stocky man again. I cringed when he punched the man square in the face breaking his nose and glasses at the same time. He said something before the man bowed again while holding his face and backing away.

"You're Japanese, aren't you?" He addressed me walking towards me. "You've got the trademark light and smooth skin." He ran his hand up and down my stomach before settling on my manhood through my pants and smirked. "You know a man's touch already." He smiled widely. The fingers of his left hand were dragging across my body while his right hand stayed where it was. He was getting reactions from me; not the same responses from me as Asami, but responses none the less, and that seemed to be enough for him. Until his eyes darkened. "Asami's touch?" His hand pushed into one of the forming bruises on my stomach. "Where is my disk?" He started to move his right hand catching me off guard as he started to step behind me.

"I already told your goons that I got rid of it." I glared at him. "How many more times do I have to say it?"

"So, you actually got rid of it?" He asked stepping closer to me once he was behind me and leaned over my shoulder to look in my eyes.

"Yes." I returned his eye contact. "Because of how I acquired it; I thought it was to dangerous to hang on to when I couldn't get it to Asami, so I threw it away."

"You threw it away?" He seemed surprised all movement in his hands stopping before they left my body completely.

"Someone died for it." I answered angrily. "That lead me to believe it couldn't fall into the wrong hands, and throwing it away seemed enough to ensure it doesn’t hurt anyone."

"Anyone or Asami?" He asked grabbing my chin as he came back to stand in front of me. "I'll make you forget all about him." He growled covering my nose and shoving what appears to be a cigarette in my mouth. "I'll play with you until you feel like talking." He kept the cigarette in my mouth forcing me to inhale it a few times. I lost count how many times.

Once he was pleased with how much I had inhaled he pulled the cigarette away and held it out for someone to take. After dismissing everyone else he pulled out a knife and my heart jumped into my throat. He leaned into me as he cut my hands free in a way that they were still tied together but not held above my head.

Most of what happened is a blur or just blank, like how and when my clothes were taken off, but I do know that Feilong was trying hard to get me to forget Asami, it failed; epically. When I called out Asami's name he seemed to get angry. Shouldn't I have been the one getting angry with the situation? I'm not the one who was assaulting him, putting fingers in places they don’t belong, drugging him, and holding him against his will.

It took the drugs a while to start to kick in but the headache they caused lasted longer than I would have liked. Aside from passing out they didn't share any of the same symptoms as the other drugs I'd been given in the last week. The last thing I remember was Feilong making me lay across his lap naked while his fingers explored every single inch of my body. I commented to him that my head hurt, and that I felt weird, but he kept me there at least until I passed out.

I don't know how long I was unconscious, but when I woke up again I was laying on a mat in what looked like a holding cell, and I was still naked with my hands tied. It took a moment before I heard footsteps coming towards the cell. I tried to appear unconscious still until I heard a very familiar voice.

"Rise and shine." I gasped and slowly sat up. "Hurry up, I'm busy." I attempted to hold my hands up to show him I'm still tied up.

"What do you want me to do?" I asked leaning to the side for him to see the chain. He chuckled and came in the cell with me. He wrapped his jacket around my shoulders before he knelt next to me and picked the lock to my cuffs. "Why did you come here?" I asked quietly. "I already gave you the disk."

"Right." He grinned. "The disk." After the cuffs fell from my wrist he helped me stand up and lead me to the door of the cell. As soon as we were outside of the cell he threw me over his shoulder.

"Hey!" I nearly shouted in surprise. "I can walk on my own!" I hit his back. "Put me down!" He ignored me and started walking. I shifted and saw a hallway littered with bodies behind us. "I'm not going anywhere with you!" I screamed hitting his back again and kicking the air trying to make him let me go. "Let me go you murderer!"

"Calm down and look closely they're not dead." He smacked my ass making me freeze. "Now be good so we can get out of here."

I just laid across his shoulder not having much fight left in me. Asami carried me until he came to a stop next to a car. He gently placed my feet on the ground and opened the car door for me.

"I don't need a ride." I grumbled turning away from him.

"You're going to take the train looking like that?" He asked with a smirk making me glare at him.

"I'm walking." I stated and turned away again.

I hadn't even moved a step when bullets whizzed past my head. I froze trembling when I saw Feilong pointing a gun at me. Asami was in front of me with a gun drawn before I even knew what was going on.

"Feilong!" He called out.

Feilong just turned and walked back inside. Not having the strength to hold myself up anymore I collapsed against Asami's back. He turned his head to look at me before sighing and wrapping his arm around my shoulders to help me into the car. I let him lead me into the car to shocked to care what was going on. To much has happened tonight. I feel like I'm just ready to shut down again. I sighed when my back hit the seat.

"Takaba sama?"

"Akihito?"

I let my head fall onto Asami's shoulder not bothering to care anymore. I need some sort of comfort right now, and Asami is right here. No one jumps in front of a bullet for just anyone. For Asami to do that I must mean something to him; even if he won't admit it to himself. I'm more than a toy or property to him. I pulled my feet under me and sighed as I leaned against him more. He shifted so that my head was laying in his lap, but he wasn't being obscene with it; I'm sure even he could tell right now wasn't the time. He was almost hugging my shoulders to keep me on the seat since I didn't have a seatbelt on. I couldn't seem to stop trembling, and I think Asami noticed because he started to rub patterns on my shoulder in a weak attempt to help calm me down. I've never been shot at before so I don't know how to handle this. I'm not a coward by any means, but I've never had to think about what would happen if I'd gotten shot at either, so it's not exactly something that I could prepare for mentally.

"Are you okay?" I tensed up not knowing how to answer that. How should one respond to getting shot at. Should I be okay? I don't feel okay. Not at all. This isn't a life I want to be a part of if I'm going to keep getting kidnapped, drugged, and now shot at too. I don't think I can take it. I know that this isn't something that I can dwell on and still be able to do my job. I have to get up close and personal with the crime lords in order to reveal their secrets. I can't do that if I'm afraid of what might happen to me. "Akihito?" Asami tilted my head so I was looking at him.

"I-I don't Know." I answered. "I-I've n-never been s-sh-shot at before." He sighed and continued rubbing my shoulders as he let my chin go.

"It's not something you get used to." He stated quietly. "I'm surprised you've never been shot at with your line of work."

"I'm sneaky." I remarked. "Usually." I added making him smirk.

"Didn't you find it oddly convenient that the side door was unmanned?"

"I did, but I was more worried about getting food for the week." I answered. "I had to choose between paying rent or getting food, and I chose to pay rent since I lost the story."

"You could always just stay with me." He suggested.

"No." I stated. "I can take care of myself."

He just hummed and the conversation dropped. I was nearly asleep by the time we arrived to Asami's apartment. I remember running down all those steps when I left here the first time I was ever here. I sighed at the memory of that day. Asami was pretty much carrying me through the lobby towards the elevator while Kirishima and Suoh followed close behind us.

"Kirishima." Asami said making me jump.

"Sir?"

"See if you can get some tea and honey." He glanced back at him when there wasn't an answer. "I want it tonight."

"I'm on it, boss."

"Once you bring it you two can have the rest of the night off."

"Thank you, sir." They responded just as the elevator doors opened.

All of us made our way to the apartment. Asami helped me into the bathroom, and started the shower before going back out to the living room where Kirishima and Suoh were waiting for him. I let the jacket around my shoulders fall to the floor before slowly stepping into the steaming shower. I didn't even feel the heat from the water hitting me. I didn't even hear when Asami came back in. I was just leaning against the wall as the water ran down my back. I feel so dirty after the events that transpired with Feilong.

"You're dirty wash yourself." Apparently Asami thinks the same thing. I didn't bother to answer him. He came in behind me and put his arms around me. "You know, you've done quite well in this world so far; for example, erasing the disk."

"It was blank?" I asked feigning innocence turning to face him.

"Are you trying to deceive me, Kitten?" He asked running his hands slowly down my chest. "That's going to cost you."

"Wait, Asami, didn't you just say that I'm dirty?" I asked quietly trying to cover myself from his roaming hands. "Stop."

"You didn't think that's all it was going to take for me to let you go, did you?" He asked with a smirk. "I'll make sure to purify every inch of you that he defiled." He pushed me until I was nearly lying flat on the floor of the shower and thrusted himself into me roughly.

"A-asami!" I shouted whether from pain or pleasure I can't answer.

"You really are something, you know that right?" He asked. "You took the rough treatment from both Feilong and his men, and you can still hold your head high."

"You're not much better than him." I panted out. "Even if I said no to this; it wouldn't stop you." He thrusted harder while his hands roamed my body before he pulled out and flipped me so I was now laying on my back.

"Exactly who is saying no to this?" He asked entering me again. "Now, don't go getting the wrong idea from this, Akihito, I just don't like sharing what's mine." His hands started to explore my chest again. "I've now gotten what's mine, and in this world I hold your freedom in my hands." He thrusted into me roughly and found exactly what he was looking for and proceeded to just pound into the same spot.

"H-how d-dar-re you?" I nearly shouted at him. "I'm n-n-a-ASAMI!" Asami picked my trembling form up before cleaning and drying my body before taking me to the bed I woke up in last week, and proceeded to have his way again not once but twice marking various parts of my body.

"I am the only person allowed to have you." He leaned in and kissed me roughly. "You should probably cry knowing that you belong to me now, Akihito." He growled in my ear as unconsciousness started to creep up on me. He pulled the blanket up to cover from my waist down. "You should realize by now; that you can only get deeper into this world, and it gets much more dangerous and darker the deeper you fall."

***

I woke up alone the next morning. After assessing the damage done last night; I slowly crawled out of the bed; nearly falling because my knees still seemed to weak to hold my own body weight. I realized that I needed to get out of here as soon as possible. I searched around for some clothes to wear in order to get home. I need to get back to work, so I can't let the events of the last few days get to me. If I let these things get to me then I'm showing weakness, and that's just not my style. I found his closet and took the most inconspicuous things I could find; a plain white t-shirt and a pair of black sweat pants. His clothes were way to big for me, but it beats walking home naked. Once I was dressed I realized that I didn't have an option for shoes since there's no way I can walk in his shoes. I snuck through the apartment, just in case Asami was still here, and made my way to the door before looking back towards the bedroom. I sighed and left.

I made sure to take the stairs since Asami always takes the elevator, and I didn't want to risk running into him, Kirishima, or Suoh first thing this morning. Walking down forty flights of stairs was already an annoyance. I tried to ignore my lack of shoes as best as I could while I ran home. I needed to change clothes before I tried to take on a new job. I had to make sure that I actually could get a new job since I've screwed up so many jobs lately. I plan to go directly to the office, and that means that I need to be presentable.

As soon as my apartment building came into view I sprinted the remaining distance. I couldn't wait to be in my own clothes again. I needed to eat something and get out to the office to find out if I could get another lead. I decided to shower while my food was heating up and found my thoughts wondering to Asami and what had occurred between us last night after he rescued me. The more I found myself thinking about the situations we've been in together I noticed that I wasn't finding myself all that upset with the events that had transpired in these last few weeks with him. I shouldn't be okay with these things, but aside from the assaults Asami hasn't done anything particularly bad since; as much as I hate to admit it; I did in fact enjoy the times we were together. After getting changed and eating quickly I left my apartment and took off towards the office.

As I was running towards the office I passed a familiar black car heading the other way. Asami. I didn't even acknowledge the car because I needed to get a story. I need to restock my kitchen. I ran all the way to the office not wanting to waste any time. The sooner I get a story the sooner I get paid. I stopped outside of the building leaning forward with my hands on my knees to catch my breath before walking in and making my way to the third floor. I always take the stairs because then I don't have to worry about getting trapped with someone in the elevator.

When I arrived to the third floor office I immediately spotted the backpack I'd left on the roof the night of my stakeout. I was a little surprised to see it here, and it seemed like they had no intentions of returning it if I didn't show up.

"Hey! That's mine!" I grabbed the bag pulling it to me. "I'm so glad it's okay."

"T-Takaba?" A familiar detective turned to face me. "What? What are you doing here?"

"Shouldn't I be asking you that, Yama?" I asked. "I work here."

"You've been missing for weeks." He answered. "I was worried about you."

"No, need to worry I'm still here." I pulled the backpack onto my shoulder and turned to leave while he finished talking with my boss.

"Takaba?" He asked stopping me. "Where you kidnapped?" He asked. "By Asami?"

"I trust you." I remarked quietly. "So I know there's nothing you can do about falling into their trap, or getting yourself mixed up with them." I turned to face him fully before sighing and walking over to the stairwell entrance. "I have no idea what your connection with them is, but I have no intention of being a part of that world." I put my hand on the door and froze. "I have no intentions of blowing your cover either." I added. "You've looked after me for years it's the least-"

When I turned to look at him again I came face to face with the barrel of his police issue pistol. Again? Another gun? Why is it all of a sudden I'm finding guns shoved in my face constantly? This time having a gun pointed at me wasn't even that scary; it actually angered me once I'd gotten over the shock. I was shocked that a man I'd trusted for years was now pointing a gun at my head. I trusted this man with my life.

"Takaba, this isn't a game." He glared at me. "I can't-"

"NO!" I shouted just as I was shoved to the side roughly.

I felt as my head bounced off the hard tile floor. It took a few minutes for me to get my bearings back, and when I did I saw black dress pants in front of me. What the hell just happened?

"Even If you hide the body the police are going to start closing in on you." Yama gloated. "I just brought your little gang to light, It's over, Asami."

"I'm afraid it's not." Another detective said coming out and pointing his gun at Yama. Asami helped me up, and handed me off to Kirishima to lead me out of the building.

Once I was out of the building I took off towards the harbor. I took off so fast even Kirishima couldn't catch up to me. He was following me, but he never caught up to me until I stopped and sat on the edge of the dock. He stayed a small distance away from me, but he kept an eye on me. I heard as he made a phone call, but didn't bother to pay any attention to what he was saying. I just sat there staring at the water in front of me. I was trying to wrap my head around what just happened. A detective that I've known for years and even took care of me just held a gun to my head. Was he actually going to shoot me?

It's not like it's unheard of for detectives to join forces with mobsters. I was just being used like a pawn. I didn't even see it coming. If Asami didn't show up when he did I probably wouldn't be sitting here right now.

"I trusted him." I sighed. "How could he do that so easily?"

"I don't know if he actually intended to pull the trigger or not, but-" Asami stated coming to kneel next to where I was sitting. "Well, I can see how it'd be hard on a kid."

"What the hell?" I asked facing him. "You use people all the time." I pointed out. "About before I'm not a pawn in your little game, so don't think that you can use me as bait anymore." I glared at him. "I will catch you." I stood up and he followed suit. "I won't go easy on you just because you've helped me, and when I do catch your ass you'll fall so hard you won't be able to tell up from down!"

"I look forward to it." He remarked ruffling my hair. "You know, maybe I don't mind being seen through your camera after all." He just walked away and stood next to Kirishima for a few seconds before they both walked away to the waiting black car.

"Asami!" I called out to him making him turn to look at me. "I'm not a damn child!" He just turned towards the car again.

I sat back down and stared at the water in front of me annoyed now that he didn't react to me. I'm still hurt that Yama sama pulled a gun on me though. I don't know what I'm supposed to be feeling from all of this. I kind of wish I'd just stayed at Asami's house this morning. Did I really just think that? I sighed, shook my head, and stood up to make my way back home. I was back on autopilot the whole way home. I almost got hit by a car when I fell off the sidewalk when someone ran into me and pushed me. I hit the ground hard and just laid there for a few seconds until I realized where I was. It took hearing the screeching of tires and a car stopping right next to me. I quickly scrambled back away from the street as the back door opened.

"Need a lift?" Asami asked smirking at me through the opened door.

"What?" I asked confused because I thought that he had left before I did. "Asami?"

"Need a lift, Kitten?" He asked again.

I slowly stood up and climbed in the car with him sitting across from him. I feel so out of place sitting across from him right now. I'm in jeans and a t-shirt with a thin jacket over it while he's sitting there in a three piece suit. Once we were out of the busy part of the city I decided that I had gone far enough with them. I tried to get Asami's attention to get him to pull over, but he never once acknowledged me he just stayed on his phone. I asked the driver to let me out after realizing that Asami wasn't going to listen to me. When I got out he stopped me to tell me not to jump into the street like that. It's not like I did it on purpose, or like I'm a child who was playing in the street. I took off towards my house as they went about their way.

Chapter Text

Once I'd showered and changed clothes to prevent myself from getting sick because it had started to rain before I'd made it home; and it had turned into a torrential downpour just as I'd entered my neighborhood; so by the time I got to my building my clothes were soaked through; I'd curled up on the couch in my living room wearing a thick hoodie and my warmest pair of sweat pants to stay warm. I was also trying to relax after the days events.

Running through said events I found my thoughts wondering to Asami, the times we'd spent together, and the things we'd done together. This didn't come as a surprise to me since he'd been invading nearly every thought I've had for the past few weeks since the night we met. What did surprise me however was how my body was responding to these thoughts. The longer I was lost in these thoughts the more it seemed my body reacted to them. It got to the point that I was so lost in thought that my hands were roaming my body just like Asami's had. I'd closed my eyes making myself get even more lost in my thoughts and making it feel like it really was Asami's hands instead of my own. It wasn't until I'd gripped myself that I'd realized just how lost I'd gotten in my thoughts. By this point thought I'd already done so much that I was almost desperate to find my release. After closing my eyes and a few minutes more of copying what the Asami in my thoughts was doing to my body I'd finally found my release with a loud moan.

I laid panting across the couch for a few minutes after I'd fixed my clothes. I decided to go clean myself up and change my clothes again. I kept the hoodie and t-shirt since they were still clean, but I had to replace the pants and boxers. I'd just sat back down when there was a knock at my door. I huffed and stood up glancing at my phone charging on the table.

Who could be here at three in the morning? I opened the door questioning if this intruder knew what time it was just to swallow my words as the man that keeps invading my thoughts was standing in front of me. A small puddle forming around his feet.

Why is he so wet? Doesn't he have a car?

"Asami?" I questioned stepping to the side allowing him room to come in. "Why are you here?" I lead him into the bathroom. "Why are you so wet?" I handed him a towel and took his suit jacket from him as I went to my room to get a hanger to hang it on so it can dry. Realizing I hadn't gotten any answers yet I went back to the bathroom to see a shirtless Asami drying his hair. "Asami, are you okay?" I asked quietly.

"I'm-" He cut himself off glancing at me. "I'm okay." He stated after a few seconds. "The car broke down, and I was around so I thought I'd stop here while Suoh and Kirishima are fixing it."

"It's pouring out." I pointed out. "Why didn't you stay in the car?" I asked. "You might get sick."

"Seeing you would be worth it." He stated making my eyes narrow at him.

"You didn't come here because your car broke down, did you?" I asked. "You're here for something else."

He didn't answer me verbally, but the way that his eyes trailed my body told me my answer. He came here with intentions. How did he get away from Kirishima and Suoh? I thought about voicing my question, but he never seems to give me straight answers to my questions. I just sighed and left him in the bathroom while I went to make tea for the two of us. I'd just finished with the tea when Asami came into the living room still shirtless. He sat on the couch next to me, and relaxed as I poured the tea before holding his out to him.

"I do have intensions for being here, but the car did actually break down." He answered. "Kirishima or Souh will call when it's fixed."

When I laid my teacup on the table he followed suit before grabbing my arm and pulling me on his lap. His arm snaked around my waist holding me in place. His other hand explored my torso making me feel things all over again. My imagination didn't do him justice at all. It only took him a few moments to elicit responses from me. When he decided that the couch wasn't the most comfortable place to toy with me; he picked me up and walked to my room. He kissed and bit my neck along the way making sure to leave mars on every bit of exposed skin he could reach. He nearly threw me on the bed before climbing over me. He pushed my shirt up to give himself full access of my chest which he proceeded to leave marks all over. It didn't take long for my mind to completely shut off, and me to get lost in the sensations he was sending through me. He at some point managed to get my shorts and boxers off without me noticing. His hands trailed all over my body before he finally gripped me.

"Still so responsive." He remarked smirking at me like he had the first time he touched me like this. "I can't say I'm surprised." He locked eyes with me. "No one else can ever make you feel like this."

"N-no one ever has." I fired back.

"I'm glad to hear that, Kitten." His smirk became a smile.

His hand wrapped around me started to move and my body seemed to react on it's own as it arched in time with his hand. Whenever he thought I was getting to worked up he would stop all movement or let go of me all together before leaning forward to kiss away any protests I was trying to make. He would occasionally make a comment about not releasing to soon or being so sensitive. He let his other hand explore my body as well before his fingers found their way inside of me making me cry out loudly. His eyes never left my face as his hands tortured me in the most painfully pleasurable way possible. After a few minutes of stretching me with his fingers he decided that wasn't enough and removed them making me cry out again. In a fluid motion I was flipped to my hands and knees as he lined himself up behind me before he gripped me again and stroked a few times. Once he entered; I let out a loud; pained cry, and my arms gave out underneath me, but he held me up with his free hand. He gradually shifted and sped up his motions until he found what he was looking for. A bundle of nerves. As soon as he found it; he kept hitting that same spot over and over again; until I couldn't seem to catch my breath enough to even make a noise. He paused for a few seconds before continuing again only this time he released his grip on me. He finally let me get the release I needed. I let out a loud strangled cry as I released making him smile to himself. He continued thrusting into me until he also found his release. Once he was content he pulled out and laid me down on my bed.

"You must be tired, kitten." He pulled his pants back on and turned to walk away, but without thinking I grabbed his hand making him look down at me. "Kitten?"

"Never mind." I stated rolling so my back was facing him. "I'm sure you can see yourself out." He just chuckled and walked out.

"Until next time, Kitten."

I just sighed as he left before letting sleep finally take over.

***

The next few weeks passed uneventfully since I didn't leave my apartment for much of anything aside from minor jobs. I didn't want to risk running into Asami or his men. It didn't take long for me to catch on to the fact that Asami had me followed. Granted it wasn't hard for me to get away from them, but it was annoying to have to lose them before I could adequately do my job.

Every time I went out for a job I had to go out of my way and use more energy than I normally would just to make sure I wasn't being followed. It's quite exhausting. Most nights by the time I get back home I'm dragging my feet and so tired that I don't even eat before I go to bed.

Hindsight being twenty-twenty it meant I was saving money by only eating once a day. With bouncing from job to job I don't have the time to get something to eat during the day either. I've been so busy with scoops these last few weeks that I've not exactly been taking care of myself, but once things calm down I can hopefully get back to a regular schedule and that will change.

I didn't have to worry about paying my bills this month since I'd been running myself ragged, and I actually had a good amount in my savings account now. It's nice to have a decent amount in my account for the first time in a long time. I don't know how much longer I can keep this pace up so I need to come up with a backup plan and soon. I need to still be able to pay my bills even when life settles down again. By that I mean that I don't want to have to live paycheck to paycheck anymore, but I can't keep this up either. I need a more stable income.

My job would be so much easier if Asami would stop having me tailed everyday so I didn't have to waste energy that I don't have on trying to get away from them. I don't understand why he's having me tailed anyway, none of my jobs have even pertained to journalism lately. I've been covering events and photo shoots for modeling agencies. Nothing that even relates to Asami or his underground business.

I'm pulled from my thoughts by my phone ringing from my pocket. I answered it without looking to see who was calling.

"Takaba." I answered with a sigh. 

"Aki-chan!" Kou screeched through the phone. "Where have you been?"

"Kou, how many times do I have to tell you not to call me Aki-chan?" I huffed. "I've been working."

"Takato and I were wondering if you wanted to meet up with us to catch up." He continued. "We will be at our favorite ice cream store at noon if you want to join us."

With that Kou ended the call. He didn't even give me a chance to answer before he hung up. I slowly got up and got ready for the day. I didn't want to go out for lunch since that meant that I'd be spending money I don't really have to waste. Sighing again I headed to the ice cream store at eleven thirty. I have no intention of ordering anything so I left my wallet at home. When I arrived it was easy to spot Kou and Takato thanks to the bright green headphones around Kou's neck and the loud 'Aki-chan' that Kou called out when he saw me walking up.

How many times am I going to have to repeat myself about them not calling me Aki-chan?

I paused and turned to leave not wanting to be called Aki-chan the whole time I'm here, but I didn't get very far since Kou predicted my move and rushed up to me grabbing my arm and pulling me to the table they were sitting at.

"Where are you trying to run away to Aki-chan?" Kou asked pushing me into a chair.

"Don't call me Aki-chan." I growled at him. "So what's up?" I asked. "You guys wanted to catch up."

"We were worried about you since we haven't heard anything from you in a while." Takato answered. "Where have you been?"

A waitress dropped their milkshakes off and asked if I wanted to order anything but I politely declined pointing out that I didn't bring any money with me.

"I've been working alot." I answered with a sigh. "Speaking of working I don't have to long before my next job since I still have to go home and get my camera."

"Why are you working so much all of a sudden?" Kou pouted. "We never get to hang out anymore."

"I have bills to pay." I stated simply. "Unlike you guys with regular income I have to take any and all jobs that come my way." I sighed. "How about we get together this weekend?" I asked. "To make up for my absences lately."

"We can go clubbing!" Kou cheered.

"We'll go to club Fixer." Takato suggested. "We can meet there around seven."

"That works for me." Kou and I stated at the same time.

"Saturday night is my only free night though." I added.

I noticed a familiar face at a table a small distance from ours pretending to read a newspaper. In actuality he was watching me. Of course I was tailed. I will just have to lose him on my way home or to the event this afternoon.

"We can work with that." They both remarked.

"I need to head out before I'm late." I stated standing up. "Let's coordinate later."

"Be careful Aki-chan!" Kou cheered standing up and hugging me tightly before Takato took his place and hugged me as well.

"I will." I smiled at them. "This job is a charity event so no danger there."

I left them and quickly made my way home grabbing my camera and taking off again as fast as I could to the event taking an unnecessarily long route to the hotel. It wasn't until I'd caught a whiff of the catering that I remembered I hadn't eaten yet today. My stomach growling loudly was my reminder. Of course it didn't go unnoticed by those closest to me, but I just smiled and proceeded to my spot next to the entrance. The longer I inhaled the various scents of food the more noticeable my hunger became. I can't eat and take pictures too so I resolved myself to wait a little longer before I could leave the event.

A few hours later as the event was winding down I decided that I could make my way back home. The problem that followed was one I should have seen coming. When I stood up from the last round of pictures I had taken I became lightheaded and stumbled. Gripping on to the edge of a nearby table to steady myself I sighed and placed my free hand against my forehead. 

Great just what I need right now.

I looked around once my vision cleared up hoping to see one of the men Asami had following me. Of course when I actually need someone's assistance is when no one is around. I slowly made my way back to the entrance trying not to use up more energy than I needed to. Definitely not in the mood for trying to shake the tail I knew would eventually catch up to me I very slowly and unsteadily took the most direct route to my apartment. I only made it a few blocks when I ran into someone. I made a rushed apology not even looking up at them before trying to walk away again. There's no reason I should be this fatigued after just one day of not eating.

"Takaba-sama?" The person I ran into grabbed my arm. "Are you okay?"

"Takaba-sama?" I questioned quietly before looking up at the man holding my arm. "Y-you're the guy who's been tailing me."

"Are you okay?" He asked eying me. "You've been stumbling around since you left the hotel." He put his hand on my forehead and huffed before putting his arm around my shoulders. "I'm taking you home, you're in no condition to walk."

"I'm fine." I shrugged his arm off. "I will except the ride though."

"Fine?" He asked watching me closely. "You're feverish and disoriented." He sighed again. "Asami is going to have my head over this."

"You don't have to tell him." I stated. "You could always just tell him to talk to me if he has an issue with my getting sick."

"Talking to you won't stop him having my head." He chuckled. "Not even you have that kind of power."

"You'd be surprised." I remarked as he opened the back door for me. "This is my fault anyway; I've been working to much lately, and haven't been taking care of myself like I should be."

"I'll make note of that."

"Don't, I can barely keep up with my bills as is; if Asami interferes with my job I'll be even worse off than I am now."

"Of course." He closed the door and got in the passenger side while the driver started the car.

"What are your names?" I asked leaning against the cold window.

"Tamiki." The driver answered.

"Takino" The man who helped me answered.

"Nice to meet you." I stated making Takino look back at me. "What?"

"You've made our jobs beyond difficult for the last few weeks and now it's nice to meet us?" Tamiki snapped. 

"You're not strangers stalking me now." I explained.

"That is a fair point." He chuckled. "We weren't actually stalking you though we are your bodyguards."

"Well, next time have Asami at least let me meet my bodyguards first." I pouted. "It worries me when random people start following me around."

"Given you're line of work that's understandable." Takino stated.

"You guys did good keeping track of me though; I've yet to be able to completely lose you guys." I complemented. "That was a complement."

"Thank you Takaba-sama." Takino looked back at me again.

"Please just call me Akihito." I sighed. "There's no need to be so formal."

"It wouldn't be right since you're technically our boss." Tamiki answered.

"I am?" I asked confused.

"Asami's orders are absolute though; so any order you give; as long as it doesn't contradict his; we have to follow." He explained.

"So I can't order you guys to back off?"

"Exactly." They simultaneously answered.

"Do you need anything before we drop you off at home?" Takino asked.

"I don't have any money on me." I remarked.

"That's not what I asked, Takaba-sama."

I glared at him. "If you have to follow my orders too can I order you to just call me Akihito?" I asked. "At least when it's just us."

"It's not professional." Tamiki stated. "You might as well get used to it."

"No, I don't need anything." I answered. "I just need to rest and eat something I'll be fine."

Takino looked back at me again before just nodding and telling Tamiki to proceed to my apartment.

"When do you guys get a break?" I asked randomly sitting up straight.

"Technically speaking; we don't."

"Would it be unprofessional for you to accept an invite for tea?" I asked. "You shouldn't be confined to a car just because you're following me."

"If Asami says it's okay I don't see why not."

They looked at each other before Takino pulled out his phone. He typed a message and waited for a response before pocketing his phone.

"He says it's okay, he will also be stopping by later to check on you."

"Of course he will." I mumbled. "You told him I'm sick, didn't you?"

"Something like that."

"Of course you did."

"We're here." Tamiki stated parking the car in front of my building.

They both got out and after scanning the area around us Tamiki opened my door. I slowly lead the way to my apartment. Once we arrived I unlocked and opened the door letting them enter before me.

"Make yourselves at home." I gestured towards the couch. "I'll bring your tea in a minute."

I made my way to the kitchen and started their tea before starting to make a simple dinner for us as well. I didn't have much, but I had enough to be able to make a simple ramen dish. It's light enough to not make me sick after not eating properly for the last few weeks. I brought the tea out to them before going back to finish the ramen. Once that was finished I brought a serving for each of us to the living room before sitting on the floor across from them.

"Dig in guys." I stated picking up a set of chopsticks.

We gave thanks for the food and all proceeded to eat. Once we were done I stacked up the bowls after making sure they didn't want seconds. We sat around getting to know each other for a while before there was a knock on my door.

"That'll be Asami." I remarked starting to get up, but Tamiki and Takino both beat me to the door.

"Tamiki, Takino." Asami greeted walking in.

"Asami." They returned.

"Akihito." Asami greeted when they met eyes.

"If you can call me Akihito can they as well?" I asked. "I feel weird having them call me Takaba-sama."

"It'd be unprofessional for us to call you by your given name." Tamiki stated again. "We've already been over this."

"If he orders it you have to listen though." I crossed my arms. "It makes me uncomfortable for superiors calling me as such."

"You are their superior." Asami looked at me.

"Then my request to be called by my name should be followed if it doesn't contradict any orders you've given, right?" I asked leading them all back to the couch and gesturing to it. "I made extra food if you're hungry, and I can get another cup for you."

"If you're offering I'd be happy to oblige." Asami smirked.

After making a bowl for Asami and getting another cup I returned to the living room and placed them in front of Asami. I filled his cup and excused myself to prepare for bed. This gave Asami time to get the report from my day while I had time to shower.

Once my nightly routine was complete I made my way back to the living room now sporting a white tank top and light gray sweats. I offered to let them stay the night since I have an early start tomorrow with back to back jobs that take up most of my day. Before they could argue I explained that Kou and Takato stay the night with me often so I can accommodate them easily.

With Asami's permission Tamiki and Takino agreed to stay, but they weren't tired yet so I got them situated so they could go to sleep when they were. Asami followed me to my room when I announced that I was heading to bed.

Shockingly this time he didn't try anything since I am feeling under the weather, but he did try to convince me not to work in the morning. I agreed to at least see if I was feeling up to it in the morning. He seemed happy with my response but eyed me suspiciously before telling me good night and leaving my room.

Chapter Text

Waking up the next morning I was slightly surprised by how bad I still felt. It hadn't occurred to me; in the moment; last night to consider that I might actually be getting sick when I made that deal with Asami. I sighed at that revelation because I realized that even if I wanted to go to the photoshoots today; I couldn't. Asami would find a way to stop me; even if I told Takino and Tamiki that I was feeling better. I'm sure they would know that I was lying.

I grabbed my phone and flinched at the bright screen as I checked the time. If I'm going to try to get out of these jobs today I need to make that call now so my boss can find a replacement or postpone it entirely. I made the call, and after apologizing multiple times, and being told I sounded terrible I have the day off. I sighed again and laid back in bed putting my phone back on the table next to me. I don't like losing jobs because that means I lose money too.

I decided to make some honey tea to try to sooth my throat which was making me sound like a chronic smoker robot. As soon as I stood up I could feel just how fatigued my body really is. My legs felt like lead and my heartrate was unusually fast because of the energy I was exerting that I didn't have to begin with. I huffed and plopped back on my bed waiting for my heartrate to slow back to a normal rate. I considered getting a hold of Asami or Takino to help me, but I know that would just lead to Asami getting all overbearing and protective like he does with every little thing. I slowly made my way to the kitchen and made my tea hoping to get back to bed before the others woke up.

Yeah, that didn't exactly go to plan. I turned around to Kirishima holstering his gun standing in the doorway of my kitchen. I guess I wasn't quiet enough.

"Kirishima?" I asked sitting at the table not wanting to go all the way back to my bedroom anymore. "When did you get here?"

"Shortly after you went to sleep, Asami-sama informed me you were sick so he was going to stay the night with you, Tamiki san, and Takino san." He answered coming closer to the table. "You sound terrible, I think you should go see a doctor."

"Kirishima, I haven't seen a doctor since I was a child." I glared into the cup in front of me. "I'll be fine in a couple days."

I laid my head on my hand and brought the steaming tea up to blow on it so I didn't burn my mouth. I closed my eyes and let out a sigh went the sweet drink hit the back of my throat. I was just glad to be able to drink something without causing my throat to hurt more. I jumped when I felt a hand on my forehead. I opened my eyes to be face to face with Asami who had his hand to my forehead staring at me intently.

"How are you feeling today?" He asked.

"I already called in." I stated in answer.

Asami's eyes widened and his hand went from my forehead to the sides of my neck where he prodded around before turning to Kirishima behind us. "Get my physician here."

"Yes, sir." He answered before leaving pulling his phone from his pocket.

"I don't need a doctor." I argued earning a glare from him. "I'll be fine in no time, really."

"Akihito." He growled making me lean away from him. "You can't see your friends like this; can you?"

"No, but they'll understand if I'm sick." I just shrugged. "It's not like they don't know how hard I've been working lately anyway."

"How hard you've been working?" He asked making direct eye contact with me. "So, you're like this because of work?"

"Not exactly."

"Explain, Akihito." He leaned back crossing his arms.

"I-I." I sighed and looked back into my tea before taking another sip. "I had to choose between my bills and food this month, so I didn't have enough to get more than ramen." I risked a glance at him and regretted it when he was glaring at me. "I-I have been s-skipping meals to make my food l-last longer." I finished quietly.

I took another sip of my tea and sighed when I met his glare. This is an argument I don't want to have with him right now. I laid my head on the table and groaned. I just want to go back to bed right now. It'll keep me from having to deal with him or the doctor. I got up and refilled my cup before heading back to my room. Asami followed me and sat on the side of my bed once I'd gotten settled again. I huffed and rolled so my back was to him.

"Do you have a thermometer?" He asked.

"No."

He sighed and left the room momentarily. I was trying to fall asleep again before he came back or the doctor showed up. Luckily this was the only thing that seemed to go my way today. I didn't wake up again for a few hours and to say Asami looked mad when I looked up at him was an understatement.

"Skipping meals?" He asked when I sat up. "When was the last time you had a full meal?"

"Ramen is a full meal for me." I answered with a shrug.

"That's not a meal, Akihito, that's a snack."

"It's a meal for me." I repeated. "Anything more and I get sick and it goes to waste."

"You're malnourished and dehydrated." He stated. "Doctor Yamagishi says it looks like you have an eating disorder." That bastard!

"I'm poor, Asami, not starving myself." I snapped. They can't judge me for circumstances out of my control.

He glared at me. I just huffed and crossed my arms returning his glare. I wasn't going to back down this time, It's not like I choose to eat cheaply. It's kind of forced on me since I don't have a steady income. It must be nice having more money than you know what to do with, so you don't have to worry about where your next meal is coming from. I rolled over and tried my best to ignore his presence. He wasn't getting the hint though since he never left. Kirishima came in a few times, but I just ignored him too. If they are all going to try and judge me because my situation is different than theirs then I don't need them.

"You guys can go whenever." I stated the fourth time Kirishima came in. "Business comes first." I added turning to face them. "I can take care of myself."

"No you can't." Asami retorted.

"Fine if you won't leave then I will." I started to climb out of bed but Kirishima was by my side pushing me back in bed before I could even stand fully. "Kirishima, move." I pushed against him. That was pointless. "Leave!" I raised my voice making Suoh, Tamiki, and Takino come in my room as well.

"Asami-sama?" Suoh asked standing close to him.

Asami just held his hand up and stared at me. I glared back at him. Kirishima glared at me when I pushed against his chest again. Kirishima grabbed my wrists and pushed me against my bed again.

"You need to relax." He growled at me.

"You guys need to stop judging a situation you know nothing about." I shot back.

"What?" He asked looking over at Asami.

"Hey, you're talking to me, not him." I snapped gaining his attention again. I saw Asami smirk from the corner of my eye. "You guys can't judge my situation when you're all high class socialites and don't have to fight to survive or eat on a regular basis."

"No one's judging you Takaba-sama." Takino stated stepping forward.

"Don't call me that!" I yelled making Kirishima flinch. "It's Takaba or Akihito, not Takaba-sama; got it?" I glared at each of them making sure they understood. "I don't like people assuming that my stature is what it is because they think I have some eating disorder." I settled my glare on Asami. "I have an active job so my body doesn't have time to store fat." I glanced at Kirishima who was still hovering over me. "Not everyone can look like your gorillas here." Tamiki laughed which quickly turned into a fake cough when Suoh glared at him. "If I was this buff it'd just look wrong." I pointed out nodding towards Kirishima as best as I could. "Is holding me down really necessary?"

"Are you done being a brat?"

"If I wasn't you'd think something was wrong with me."

"Something is wrong with you." He stated. "You're sick, and should be resting; not picking fights with everyone."

"If everyone would quit acting like they know what's best for me maybe I wouldn't be so pissed off!" I sassed.

"We just want to help you." Takino stated stepping closer to us again.

"I don't need help, I've been doing just fine by myself before any of you showed up." I pointed out. "For years I've been taking care of myself, I'm not a child who needs constant supervision."

"Why don't you stop being a brat, and just let us help you while you're sick?" Tamiki snapped glaring in my direction.

"You're on my turf." I pointed out angrily. "Your power out there doesn't apply in here." Suoh and Takino looked confused while Asami just smirked. "I make the rules here, no one else." I glared at Kirishima. "So get the fuck off of me before I embarrass you in front of your friends."

"Kirishima." Asami waved his hand. Kirishima let go of my wrists and I rubbed them, for his sake I hope they don't bruise from his tight grip.

"Now, get out." I pointed to the door. "There's plenty to keep yourselves entertained with out there."

"Feisty as ever." Asami commented once it was just us left in my room. "I see you're feeling better now."

"Just go." I sighed. "We can talk later."

"I'll hold you to that, Kitten."

"That's not my name." I grumbled and he smirked.

"Get some rest, Kitten." He left my room.

Didn't I just make a point of what my name is? Is he trying to piss me off?

*Asami's POV*

As soon as I closed the door to Akihito's room I glared at Kirishima. He bowed his head and stepped towards me. He knows what he did. No one touches what is mine, and He should know that better than anyone else. He's been my personal guard for years.

"It won't happen again boss." He said bowing to a perfect ninety degree angle. "I didn't think." I moved so I was standing in front of him. I saw his shoulders tense. "I was worried about his health and safety." I placed my hand on his shoulder and he nearly collapsed when his knees buckled. He settled on kneeling in front of me.

"Kirishima, Thank you." I said making him look at me in surprise. "If there is ever a next time; wait for my order before you act, or you won't get off so easily." I held a hand out to help him out of his kneeling position.

"Thank you, sir." He said bowing to me again. "I had received reports of how unsteady he was last night, and I was worried that he may get that way again if he stood to fast." He glanced up at me before bowing his head again. "We both know how stubborn he is, and that is what lead to my actions; I didn't want him to get himself hurt because he was ignoring his own body's warning signs."

"That is a fair point." I stated knowing full well he wasn't wrong, this wouldn't be the first time he's worked himself to complete exhaustion. "Stop bowing to me, Kirishima." I sighed and he straightened up Immediately.

"I apologize for acting to rashly." He apologized again, but he was still tense. He's still waiting for my wrath.

I sighed and grit my teeth; I didn't want to punish him for this because it's his job to ensure both mine and Akihito's safety. I quickly threw a right hook at him and he staggered before I watched as his glasses fell from his face broken. Well, that wasn't exactly what I had intended. I noticed the bleeding scratch on the side of his face from the glasses digging into his face when they broke. His eyes widened before he looked down at the remains of his glasses on the ground. He knelt down again and felt around the floor before finally finding all of the pieces. I've never realized how blind he is without his glasses. 

"Don't think I didn't catch the red marks on his wrists; If they bruise you will get more than broken glasses." I said trying to cover my concern for how helpless and broken my top guard and secretary looked at the moment. "Don't show yourself again until you get new glasses." I ordered. He bowed his head again and turned to leave only to fall over Akihito's camera bag at the door.

"Sir?" Suoh stepped up to my side and asked quietly.

"Tamiki."

"Yes, boss?" He stepped forward.

"Take Kirishima home, and stay there with him until he can go see an Optometrist." I ordered with a sigh. I can't let Kirishima's bad vision get out, everyone already knows he has glasses, but no one except us in this room knows how bad it really is without his glasses. "If any of this especially his sight without his glasses leaves this room I'll personally see to the culprit's torture."

"Asami?" Akihito asked standing in the doorway of his room looking terrified.

Suoh glared towards him and earned himself a glare from me in return. "If the condition of his vision without his glasses leaves this room it will cripple Asami's protection detail, as well as yours, and Scion by extension."

"What happened to his glasses?" Akihito asked looking at Kirishima as he stood up again. "What happened to his face?" He nearly shouted. He rushed to Kirishima and took his arm pulling him towards the bathroom.

"I punched him." I answered the same time Kirishima tried to say 'nothing'.

"Asami!" He nearly shouted at me. "You idiot; you should know not to hit people with glasses." Akihito scolded me with a glare making Tamiki and Takino both gasp; not used to the way Akihito talks to me. "If you broke the lenses glass could have gotten in his eyes, and then you would be hurting; because a blind secretary and guard will do you no good."

"Boss?" Tamiki asked glancing between Akihito and I nervously.

I just held my hand up as I followed them to the bathroom and watched as Kirishima nervously leaned against the counter with his hands at his sides unmoving. He seemed tense all over again. Akihito glared at me when he noticed I was standing in the doorway.

"You ever lay your hands on him again and I'll be sure you can't ever find me again." He growled at me in such a way that it even surprised me. "I don't like my friends being hurt."

"Friends?" Kirishima and I asked at the same time.

"Yes, friends." Akihito smiled faintly. "If you keep acting so possessive and rashly you may never find your way on that list, Asami."

"Takaba-Sama, please don't misunderstand the situation." Kirishima spoke up. "I deserved it."

"Look at your face!" Akihito nearly shouted. "This could have been worse!" His glare turned to me again after he'd found the disinfectant. "You better hope for your sake the camera in that bag is fine, or I'll make your version of torture look like child's play." The look in his eyes told me he meant every word.

"I'll take full responsibility for any damages to the camera Takaba-sama." Kirishima bowed his head to Akihito.

He just growled to himself and grabbed Kirishima's chin lifting and turning his face to clean the bleeding scratches on his face. Only one of them needed covered so the process was quick. He glared at me before leading Kirishima towards the door where I was still standing before pushing him into me. "No, Kiri-chan, you won't." Akihito growled. "The possessive asshole who broke your glasses in the first place will be taking full responsibility, and so he can learn that all actions have equal and opposite reactions he will also be the one taking care of you until you can get your glasses replaced."

"Takaba-"

"Don't argue with me; sick or not I'm still pissed off, and if you're worried about my health and safety like you said; then do as I say." He commanded in such a way that even I found myself nodding at him. I've never seen him like this; it seems that my kitten is learning how to adjust to this life. "Asami, if my wrists bruise remember what I said earlier before you act rashly." His glare deepening as he passed me.

"Takaba-Sama." Kirishima reached towards him before letting his hand fall. "Thank you for your assistance."

"You're welcome, Kiri-chan." He responded with a smile before leaving us standing there. Me still holding Kirishima's arm while we both stare at his retreating figure in shock.

"Asami-Sama." Kirishima nearly whispered gaining my attention. "I'm worried about how much he's already starting to change after such a short time in our world."

"He was just betrayed and nearly shot by a close friend after years of relying on him." I responded. "That changes people." I sighed and helped him to Akihito's couch. "I just hope it doesn't change him to much." I admitted.

"He was never meant to be in our world Asami-Sama." Kirishima stated. "He was meant to look in from the outside; instead he crashed into it head first."

"No, I was quite literally pulled into it kicking and screaming, and every time I try to get out; I keep getting pulled back in." Akihito stated now closely inspecting the contents of his camera bag.

When he sighed and stood up again after zipping the bag I almost sighed myself since that meant that he'd found the camera in an acceptable condition. I watched him make his way to the kitchen where he stayed for a few minutes before returning with tea and making his way to his room again.

"Asami, if you plan on acting like a spoiled teenager please take it outside so I can sleep." He stated slamming the door behind him.

"Is he always like that?" Tamiki asked staring shocked at the door that had just been slammed.

"Yeah." Kirishima and Suoh both answered. "It seems he's a little more temperamental than usual today since he's sick." Suoh continued. "I've noticed; since we were told to look into him; that he gets more irritable if he's stressed or sick."

We were sitting around Akihito's living room waiting for the time to give him his medicine or for him to come out again for it himself. We were talking amongst ourselves until Kirishima's phone rang; he pulled it out and I could see the anger on his face when he looked at the screen out of habit before he sighed and answered it anyway. His eyes widened and his head turned towards me swiftly before he even had a chance to say anything.

"I'll relay the news." He said and hung up the phone. "We may have a problem."

Chapter Text

*Asami POV*

"We may have a problem." Kirishima stated facing me turning white.

"What is it, Kirishima?"

"Fei Long." He stated making my blood run cold. "He's plotting something."

"Asami-sama?" He asked glancing towards me. "What do you want us to do?"

"Increase Akihito's security detail." I commanded. "He has round the clock surveillance no exceptions."

"Consider it done." He nodded and glanced at his phone.

I sighed before going into Akihito's room quietly. When I noticed that he was sleeping soundly I felt myself relax the tiniest bit. As long as he's asleep he's not causing trouble. I took out my phone and made a few calls to get Kirishima's glasses fixed as soon as possible. The good thing about being me is that I don't have to wait for two weeks for his new glasses to come in. They will be here no later than tomorrow night. With the appointment set I glanced at Akihito again and made my way back to the living room where all four of my subordinates were staring at me.

"Asami-sama." Tamiki stood and bowed towards me. "Is Takaba-sama okay?"

"He is fine; he's sleeping." I sat next to Kirishima and put my hand on his shoulder making him flinch and the color drain from him face. "You have an appointment set up for seven tomorrow morning; don't be late."

"I-I won't." He stuttered which in and of itself was abnormal, but the thing that I noticed that no one else did was his trembling. After all I was still holding his shoulder.

"Kirishima, it's getting late why don't you try and get some rest?" He just nodded and leaned over so he was leaning against the arm of the couch.

I waited for a while to make sure he was asleep before continuing to talk with the others. I could tell that Kirishima fell asleep because he had started to snore quietly and he wasn't as tense anymore. Suoh pointed out that as soon as I moved he'd be awake again. Knowing he was right just made me sigh. We all need sleep at some point and I can't sleep just anywhere. After a couple hours of them talking about random things I decided it was time for me to get some sleep. "Suoh, make sure that you all get some sleep because you guys will be staying with Akihito tomorrow while Kirishima and I go to his appointment."

"I will, sir." He responded.

I stood up and sure enough Kirishima was awake in seconds. "Asami?" He looked in my general direction. "Sir?"

"It's okay, Kei." I patted his shoulder. "It's late and I'm just going to sleep." Akihito picked that moment to emerge from his room rubbing his eyes and flinching at the bright lights. "Never mind." I mumbled.

"You're awake?" Akihito asked finally taking in his surroundings.

"How are you feeling, Takaba-sama?" Takino asked standing to greet him.

"I'm hungry." He answered through a yawn and Takino headed to the kitchen.

I sat down again next to Kirishima and Akihito came and sat between us leaning against my shoulder. Suoh and Tamiki both smirked and looked away from us. This was definitely unusual behavior from Akihito, but I'm not complaining at all. A sick part of me wishes he'd get sick more often if this is how he gets, but the logical part of me knows that is an unreasonable and selfish thought process. I felt Kirishima shift next to me and a blanket was placed over my kitten. I helped him by pulling the blanket so it completely covered him. It wasn't much longer before my kitten was snoring quietly.

"Asami-sama?" Kirishima asked quietly.

"Hmm?"

"W-w-what." He sighed before sitting up and bowing his head. "Have his wrists bruised?" He finally asked making Suoh and Tamiki tense and look towards us.

I shifted the blanket and looked at the tender wrists in question. There were faint bruises on his left wrist, but I wasn't going to tell Kirishima that. He's already beating himself up for leaving marks in the first place, and he'd only freak out even more. I gently returned the bruised wrist and replaced the blanket before turning to look at him. His head was still bowed and he was blindly picking at his fingers; a nervous habit I'd thought he kicked years ago.

"No, they aren't." I lied smoothly.

His head turned towards me and he was glaring. "You don't have to spare me, Asami-sama."

"He's not, Kirishima-san." Tamiki stated. "This is Asami-sama you're talking to; coddling isn't his forte."

"I suppose you're right." Kirishima sighed.

Akihito shifted and ended up laying across Kirishima and me. after just a few minutes he rolled to face me kicking Kirishima's stomach in the process earning a grunt from the man. His slender arm snaked around my waist pulling the blanket with it. I glanced at him and let a small smile grace my face. He seemed so at peace; more so than he had earlier when I'd managed to piss him off. My kitten shifted again and Kirishima groaned making me look up at him as he brought his hand to cover his mouth. When I saw where Akihito's foot was I understood exactly what had caused Kirishima to groan. It's a good thing he's single was the first thought that went through my head.

Takino came back in and quietly reported that food was ready. I've never tried his cooking before. Hell, I didn't even know he could cook. Suoh asked if I wanted anything, but I declined not wanting to wake the sleeping boy on my lap. I wanted to savor this moment for as long as I can; there's no way he's going to do this voluntarily in the future. Suoh came back from the kitchen holding two bowls and placed one on the table in front of me and handed the other to Kirishima before leaving to the kitchen again. Conveniently Akihito curled his legs so that Kirishima could move. He took the opportunity without hesitation, but the grimace on his face when he stood tells me that he was still feeling the kicks from Akihito. He hissed when he sat at the table and Suoh and I both snorted at his discomfort.

"It's not funny." He complained placing the bowl on the table in front of him. "His feet are bony as hell, and that really fucking hurt!"

I shushed him when Akihito started shifting in his sleep. He groaned and rolled over again so he was essentially laying on his stomach; his left arm was still around my waist while his right arm was angled above his head next to my thigh, and he turned his head so that he was facing my stomach now; close enough for me to feel the heat from his breath.

"You get kicked in the balls by him and tell me how it feels." Kirishima grumbled quietly.

"What was that?" I asked making him tense up again.

"I-I umm, n-nothing." He said his eyes widening.

"You're already on thin ice you should watch yourself Kei." I reminded.

"So should you." Sounded quietly from my lap making me look down surprised.

"Kitten?" I was met with soft snores again. He talks in his sleep, cute. This may come in handy later if I want or need information he won't tell me. It may also be a problem too if he falls to far into my world.

"Asami-sama." Kirishima and Suoh both got my attention.

"I know." I stated glancing down at him again. "We need to make sure he doesn't find himself to deep into this world."

"Talking in his sleep could cause a lot of problems for you." Suoh stated glancing between me and the sleeping boy in question. "Especially since Fei Long is plotting something."

"I know." I sighed again.

"It can also be helpful to us as well given his profession." Kirishima supplied.

"If you don't shut up I'm kicking all of you out." Sounded from my lap again only this time a gentle smack to my back accompanied it.

"Are you awake?" I asked looking down at him.

"Since you don't know how to play nice; unless I coach you; I suppose I have to be." He said sitting up slowly rubbing his eyes. "What smells so good?" He asked looking around before spotting the bowl on the table. "Who cooked and with what?" He asked looking at all four of us. "I didn't have any food left after last night."

"I did." Takino answered. "Asami-sama had your kitchen restocked last night."

He turned to face me so fast that I was worried that he'd give himself whiplash. The glare on his face almost matched the one he shot at me the first time we met. His face was turning red and it made him absolutely adorable because he was puffing his cheeks and glaring making him look like an angry chipmunk. I couldn't help the laugh that slipped out making all four of my subordinates stare at me shocked.

"It's not funny Asami!" Akihito nearly shouted and balling his hands into fists and hitting the couch on either side of him like a child. "I can't afford to pay this back! My entire kitchen restocked!? It's never been fully stocked, and not to mention the fact I know you didn't shop cheap!" He got up and made his way into the kitchen and we could hear the cabinet doors slamming and the fridge opening and closing roughly. "ASAMI RYUICHI!" He shouted out making Tamiki and Takino jump drawing their guns on instinct. I held up my hand with a smirk and made my way into the kitchen to see a very angry chipmunk fuming in the middle of his kitchen. "Take it back." He growled at me.

"You can't return food." I pointed out calmly.

"Then send it with your gorillas!" He shouted. "They'd actually get through more of it than I ever could!"

"You need food Kitten."

"That's not my name!" He shouted stomping his foot like a toddler and pointing at the cabinets behind him. "I want all of you out of my apartment first thing in the morning and take all of this with you."

"Now, you shouldn't decline someone's good deed." I stated stepping closer to him. "Wouldn't want to be disrespectful, now would you?" I took another step towards him and he started to back away. "You could at least take this as a thank you for treating Kirishima's wounds earlier, or for feeding us since last night."

"What's the catch Ryuichi?" He asked still trying to keep space between us. "You don't do anything without expecting some kind of reward for yourself."

"You learn fast." I smirked successfully trapping him between the fridge and the wall. "This time there is no catch. You fed us and took care of us even while you were sick, so this seemed a reasonable thank you."

"How many times do I have to tell you that I don't want or need your money?" He asked much quieter now. "I'll except this time, but don't make a habit of flaunting your money at me."

I didn't say anything I just leaned in and stole a kiss before turning and walking away. My kitten just stood there stuttering over his words and blushing. When I made it to the threshhold I turned around and told him there was a bowl waiting for him on the table and he had to eat before he went to hide away in his room again. That earned me another growl from him but he started following me anyway. I heard a mumbled 'bastard' come from him making me smirk. He plopped down in Kirishima's abandoned spot and pulled the bowl to him. He gave thanks for the meal and ate it quickly before taking the bowls left unattended back to the kitchen and returning to his room with a bottle of juice.

"Don't forget to take your medicine." I called out just before he slammed the door. A few seconds later my phone buzzed. 

Akihito: Don't forget what I said, all of you out first thing in the morning. I want my apartment back to myself.

Asami: I won't we'll all be gone by seven.

Akihito: Good.

****

*Akihito*

Waking up I had a nagging feeling that something was wrong. Entering the living room I noticed that all five of them had in fact left this morning. The nagging feeling didn't end there though. Something was off about today, and for the first time since I started my career I was actually glad to have a few days off. At least I won't have to be paranoid while trying to do a stake out. Distractions cost money, and I can't afford that. I stayed home and worked on doctoring some shots I'd taken but hadn't sent in yet; anything to try to get rid of this nagging feeling. I'd even messaged Kirishima to make sure that nothing was wrong with him, Suoh, or Asami. Of course shortly after messaging him I'd gotten a call from Asami checking on me. The alarm I had set so I could meet up with Kou and Takato was just what I needed to get off the phone. I got dressed quickly, grabbed my phone, and found my wallet before I rushed out running to the restaurant we were planning to meet up at.

I waited for a while but neither of them had arrived or called me to cancel. I fished my phone from my pocket after waiting for almost an hour and dialed Takato's number. He didn't answer even after I called twice so I called Kou to try and figure out where they are. That same nagging feeling from this morning was back ten fold after neither of them answered. I started to get up to leave when someone sat next to me.

"Takaba Akihito." I tensed and froze at the familiar voice before slowly turning my head to look at him.

"Can I help you?" I asked.

"Do you remember me?" He asked smirking at me. "It has been a while."

"Yes, I remember you, Fei Long." I growled glaring at him as the memories of the last time we met flooded my head

"I want the disk." He responded putting his arm across my shoulders and leaning closer and talking quietly into my ear. "Your friends will suffer for your meddling if I don't get it back."

"I- what have you done to them?" I asked glaring at him. "They have nothing to do with this!" I pushed him away from me and called Kou again. This time he answered. "Kou! Where are you right now?" I asked not even greeting him.

"At the harbor like you said." He stated confused. "Takato is here too, you should get here soon, see ya later Aki-chan!"

"Wh-waht? I never-" The call ended cutting me off.

"Be careful what you say, you don't want to get them involved in this do you?" He put his hand over mine lowering my phone to the table.

"You're not going to do anything fucked up to my friends." I growled at him my glare intensifying.

"There's those eyes I love so much." He smirked. "The last time we met it didn't matter what was said or done to you; even after being drugged; your eyes kept the same fire." He gripped my chin and leaned so we were nearly touching noses. "How long will it take for me to get through to you and break you."

""How cowardly to involve clueless innocents." I bit back. "They don't know anything about the disk." I pointed out.

"Their at the harbor of their own free will, aren't they." He asked smirking again. "If you do what I want your friends can return home none the wiser."

"I-" I sighed seeing no way out of this. "What do you want from me?"

"Where is the disk really?" He asked leaning back. "I won't stand for things being stolen from right under my nose."

"I already told you I threw it away!" I nearly shouted.

"Really?" he asked leaning over me and running his hand up my side. "Lying to me will be bad for you and you little friends." He growled in my ear making me shiver.

"Fine!" I pushed him away. "I erased the disk and gave it to Asami."

"Finally." He smirked. "Well, I guess you need to get the data from Asami again." His eyes darkened and the grip on my hand tightened. "If you do than you, me, and Asami can be done with each other, but if you fail me your friends will die." I froze and felt as my whole body started to tremble as I lost all ability to speak. "I'll call you later to set up a time and place." After squeezing my hand again he got up and left. leaving my shell shocked form reeling at the table.

I have to get Asami to give me that data. That means I have to ask him for a favor. My friends lives are at stake here. I have to let my pride go and do whatever it takes to get him to give me the data. I doubt he will even bat an eye at the threat to my friends lives, but I have to try. My friends should have never had to deal with this just because they associate with me, and I was thrown into this world, but this is a common occurrence in this world. I've seen it so many times through my camera. If I can't get the data like he wants my friends will pay the price. How is that right!? 

I finally came back to reality when the waitress came to see if I was okay. I just nodded at her and sent a forced smile towards her. She sat a plate in front of me and told me it was bought for me, and that she was under strict orders to make sure I ate all of it. I nodded and started picking at it to get her to go away. When she walked away I just devoured it trying to get to Asami as soon as I could. While I was eating I called him and demanded that he meet with me. We agreed to meet at his hotel room just as I'd finished eating. I decided to be vague about what I wanted from him so he'd actually want to meet me. The waitress told me my drink had already been paid for when I tried to pay, and since I was in a hurry I didn't question it or try to argue it. Now isn't the time for that. I just noticed the sun had set when I made it outside and took off towards the hotel where Asami agreed to meet.

I was a panting, wheezing mess by the time that I'd made it to the hotel. I nearly collapsed when I got to the door before pulling myself together and trying to look as calm as possible. I made my way through the lobby ignoring everyone else around me. I took the time I had to wait for the elevator to catch my breath and collect myself. When the door finally opened in front of me I rushed in and repeatedly pressed the button for Asami's floor until the elevator took off again. When the door opened on the floor I sprinted until I found the door I was looking for and knocked on the door roughly. He opened the door with a scowl on his face I slipped past him and stood against the wall until he went to the window overlooking the city.

"About why I'm here." I started sighing because this isn't going to go my way I already know that.

"I was curious as to why you wanted to meet up and so suddenly too." He just lit a cigarette and blew the smoke out. "You wanted to talk with me."

"I need the data from the disk." I stated bluntly; I don't have time to beat around the bush right now.

"Why?"

"Because if I don't get it Kou and Takato will be killed." I balled my fists and glared at the back of his head.

"No."

"What!?" I nearly shouted.

"Why should I help save your friends lives?" He asked finally turning to face me.

"I already excepted that you wouldn't help me." I stated condescendingly. "If I don't get that data they will be killed, and it'll be my fault." I tried to hold my frustrations back but it was becoming harder to not completely lose it right now. "Just give me the data, please!" I fell to my knees roughly putting my forehead to the floor with a thump before sitting up slightly. "I'm begging you!"

There was a long silence in the room before he finally responded. "Pathetic." I felt my heart shatter thinking of all of the pain my friends were going to have to go through because of this man. "What exactly do you have to offer me in order to have grounds to beg me for your friends' lives?" I was trying so hard not to let the angry tears fall while listening to him. "Get up; you look ridiculous." He went to stand behind one of the chairs in the room. Use your head, Akihito; if Fei Long does kill your friends what would he gain out of it?" He asked glancing at me before turning to face the window again. "You were being played with because of your soft nature."

Just as I expected; he won't help me. I knew it was pointless, but I had to at least try before I go to my plan B.

"As I expected it was hopeless for me to count on you for anything." I stood up and turned to the door. "I won't give you the satisfaction of begging you anymore; goodbye, Asami." Just as I opened the door a hand shot out and slammed it shut again. "G-get the hell out of the way!" I yelled trying to push his arm away so I could leave he roughly pushed me against the door leaving his hand exactly where it was before grabbing my chin and making me look up at him.

"Does Fei Long or his organization know the contents of the disk they are trying so hard to get back?" He asked.

"I-I don't- I don't think so." I responded trying to think back to see if he ever disclosed anything to suggest otherwise. "He only saw the disk itself."

"Really?" He asked leaning away from me slightly. "So he has no idea what's on it." He stated and finally moved his hand from the door. "That disk contained information on black market affairs and the mediators that make the operation possible." He turned taking a step away from me before turning his head to look at me again over his shoulder. "If we hand that information over do you know how many people would die because of it?" He faced me fully again. "Can you make that decision, Akihito; can you choose between them and your friends?"

I felt the weight of what he was saying immediately. No, I couldn't do that, but my plan B makes it so I don't have to. My plan B makes it so that I'm the only one who gets hurt in this situation. No innocent bystanders. I don't know how to respond to that since I know I can't choose an option without someone losing their lives.

"I wouldn't be surprised if you said it was okay." Asami stopped my stuttering and mental monologue. "Do you understand the gravity of the situation that you are in, Akihito?" He asked when I couldn't form a complete sentence. "They are now involved because of Fei Long who will do anything to get what he wants, and because he thinks we are involved he is trying to use you to get to me." He pushed me down so I was sitting on the couch. "He will be aiming for your life like last time, it might be to late for them, but it's not to late for you."

"But my friends!" I shouted. "I have to save them!"

"Are they really that important?" He asked leading me towards the couch in the middle of the room.

"They are only wrapped up in this mess because they are associated with me; it's only right that I save them." I said quietly but loud enough that he could easily hear me.

"If that's your reasoning then I can't let you go." He stated pinning me to the couch with on hand on my shoulder. "Look at you; you're trembling; you're scared to death."

"Of course I am!" I uselessly pushed against him. "I'm not a part of your world so these situations are new to me!" I glared at him as a thought struck me. "What do you mean you won't let me go; it's not like you'd know or care if something happened to me anyway."

He smirked and leaned closer to me before planting a forceful kiss on my lips making me forget the rest of my argument. "Dear kitten, that's not your value." He roughly pulled my hand and dragging me to the bedroom before throwing me face down on the bed. He flipped me over before allowing his hands to roam my body as he kissed, licked, and sucked on my neck making me completely forget about everything except what he was doing to me. He was undressing me at the same time.

"A-asa-mi." I cried out as he gripped me making me turn into a squirming mess as his tongue explored my torso.

He got undressed as well before grabbing my hand and pulling me to the edge of the bed. I somehow found myself on my knees with him standing in front of me. "This is what you have to do if you want the title that Fei Long is trying to give you." He said holding himself in front of my face. If this gets me what I need I'll do it.

"I-I'm not y-your toy!" I argued even though I'd already resigned myself to do whatever it takes to save Kou and Takato.

I gave him what he wanted until he pushed me back on the bed and positioned himself over me. "You can try to be stubborn all you want, but I already understand how your mind works." He remarked lining himself up.

He thrusted in roughly making me cry out again. One hand held me down while the other explored the rest of my body and his moth encased me without warning driving me crazy with all of the sensations I was feeling at once. I couldn't form words at this point, and when sounds were leaving my mouth it was just broken moans and groans. Even after we both had reached our climax he didn't stop. He kept going even when I got a call from Kou asking where I was and If I was still coming to the harbor. Trying to talk to him while Asami was doing what he does best was the single hardest thing I think I've ever done. The most awkward part was when Fei Long came on the line just as my second climax hit. The time was given while I was trying to hold in my automatic responses to Asami's actions. Fei Long cut the call short, and Asami took the opportunity to take my phone and throw it out of my reach before switching positions and continuing where we left off. He switched positions making both of us climax an additional three times before my body gave up and I passed out from all of the strenuous activities. To be honest I probably couldn't even tell you my name by the time I'd passed out that's how fucked my mind and body was.

***

When I finally woke up again hours later it took me a few minutes to get my bearings and register where I was and what had happened. What have I gotten myself into. Was the main thought running through my head. I sat up and winced at the pain shooting through my lower back. This is just great. I thought before sliding to the edge of the bed. I slowly placed my feet on the floor and attempted to stand which just lead to me collapsing in a heap on the floor when my legs gave out from under me.

"Ow." I groaned face down on the floor. Of course that's the moment that Asami chooses to reappear wearing nothing but a robe.

"You're awake." He stated coming closer. This was the moment that I realized I was still stark naked.

"I need the bathroom." Was my brilliant response. He grabbed my arm and pulled me to my feet before helping me to the door leading to the bathroom. "I'm going to the bathroom, I can handle it from here." I stated before prying my arm from his hold and rushing to the door as best as I could. I leaned against the door for a few seconds before doing my business and deciding a shower might actually do me some good.

I took a relatively long shower trying to piece the days events together, and figure out what I've managed to get myself into for the sake of my friends. Upon returning to the bedroom with a towel around my waist and another one drying my hair Asami handed me a can telling me to drink it. I took it and went to sit on the edge of the bed. I still feel disoriented, but my legs and back feel much better than they did before my shower. I sighed as I sat there before looking around and realizing that we were still at the hotel. Why does he need a hotel room; it can't be just to meet with me. After downing about half of the soda in my hand I finally asked him about it. Of course his response was business related, and then Fei Long's reappearance in Tokyo came up too. I was starting to feel the effects of our earlier activities, and my snide remark to his name coming up was just how he gave me a time and place before I just couldn't stay awake anymore.

***

I woke up again hours later even more disorientated than I was the first time. At least this time the only pain I had was in my head. I glanced around me and realized that I'm still in the hotel room. What time is it?  My heart sank when I caught sight of the clock next to the bed. Ten minutes after I was supposed to be at the harbor with the disk. I sat up and had to steady myself because of the sudden movement. What do I do now? Are Kou and Takato okay? What happened for me to sleep until now; I was already awake once.

"Asami." I groaned putting my hand on my head and picking up my phone. Kou called me a bunch of times earlier, but I missed them. Thinking back I was either busy with Asami or running here for his assistance. Where is he?  "That bastard got me." I whined as I got out of the bed. "He drugged me!"

I had just gotten my boxers back on when there was a rough knocking on the door. If it was Asami he'd have a key card to get in. I called out to see who it was before even considering opening the door. The man behind the door demanded I open the door because he was a messenger here on behalf of Fei Long. After a few seconds I slowly unlocked the door. As I was reaching to open it It was thrown open and I was greeted with a gun to my head.

"Where is Asami?" The other gorilla stormed in the room pushing me back.

"Answer him!" The one with the gun shouted pushing the gun against my head.

"I-I don't know." I lied like I hadn't seen the message on Asami's phone earlier with a location.

"Boss, the boy is here, but Asami isn't." Another man stepped forward and held his phone out towards me. "Talk to the boss." When I didn't immediately take the phone the first guy came and grabbed my hair pulling my head back roughly. "Talk." He ordered after turning the phone on speaker and holding it out towards me.

"Where is he Akihito?"

"I-I d-don't know." I stuttered and the gun was pressed harder to my head. "He left sometime earlier."

"You didn't follow him?" Fei Long asked sounding annoyed. "You are like his pet aren't you?"

"I was unable to f-follow h-him." I answered remembering what we'd done to make following him impossible. "H-he wasn't going t-to give me the data you're looking f-for anyway." I added.

"I actually thought you'd gotten scared and took off since you weren't answering." He stated and the gun got pished against my head again. What is with this guy?  "So I was right; you wouldn't be able to steal it from him."

"Where are Kou and Takato!?" I yelled after taking the phone from the goon and turned the speaker off. "What have you done to them!?"

"I'm fairly certain I was clear in my instructions when I told you when and where to meet me with the data." He replied making my heart sink even more than it had when I realized I was late. "I'll give you one last chance to save your friends." He said like he wasn't playing with people's lives. "While you two were in bed together did he say anything?"

"N-not that I can recall." I said quietly knowing that my last chance to save my friends is slipping away from me. "Th-there wasn't any r-real t-talking going on."

"So, you were to busy bedding him." He stated.

"Tell me what you've done with my friends!" I demanded. "You'll pay if you've hurt either of them, you bastard!" In seconds I received a hard smack to the side of my head with the pistol sending stars across my vision and knocking me to the floor as I dropped the phone. "What the hell!?" I yelled holding my head where the hit connected and glared up at the gorilla as I picked the phone back up. "That really hurt You-"

"Aki-chan!" Kou shouted out. "We tried to escape but failed."

"I'm sorry Akihito."

"Takato! Kou!" I called back more than relieved to hear their voices. "Are you hurt?" I stood up again taking a few steps away from the men iin the room with me.

"I guess I don't really need them If I have you." Fei Long said just as the prick who pulled my hair grabbed my arm roughly. "Asami will definitely come for you."

"If you hurt either of them I'll never tell you a thing." I growled into the phone. "Guarantee their safety or you get nothing out of me." Fei Long straight up laughed at me which only succeeded in pissing me off. "Fei Long." I warned. "I'm not kidding, not a word of information until they are free."

"Then I'll release one of them." He stated.

""Both of them, or I won't tell you exactly where he is." I growled. "I suppose that if you no longer want to know where Asami is than we no longer need to be having this conversation, and you can just let my friends go." He laughed again.

"I suppose that I have underestimated you, Takaba Akihito." He stated. "I'll let them get a taxi, is that suitable enough for you."

"Yes."

"The information, Akihito." He commanded.

What can I do? If I don't give him the information my friends' lives are at risk. If I do give him the information Asami's life is at risk; and whoever the message came from. I sighed and squeezed my eyes shut before muttering the only information I could remember "Lotus-" I had to stop to think of the number I'd seen attached to it. "-three fifteen."

I felt as my knees gave out just before the phone was taken from me and the pistol wielding gorilla was left here staring at me as the other two left. Asami is in trouble, and it's all my fault. There's no fixing this. To save my friends I've endangered two more lives. That's not how things were meant to go. That Definitely wasn't my plan B.

"Hey kid!" The gorilla called out pulling me from my thoughts. "Were you even listening?" I just shook my head and he sighed pulling me up from the floor and sat me on the couch before sitting next to me as I spaced out again. I felt him cuff my hands together, but I just didn't care my mind was just stuck on Kou, Takato, And Asami's safety. I suppose that there's not much I can do about it now. "Kid?" He asked getting my attention again.

"I'm not a kid I'm in my twenties." I pointed out. "Is that why you're so uncomfortable sitting here with my dressed like this?" I asked leaning back against the arm of the couch. "Is a naked male's body that awkward for you?" I asked in a snarky manner.

"Shut up!" He yelled standing so he was facing me. "It's because I was ordered to stay here and guard you after the boss got the information he wanted from you." He huffed. "I'm just wondering why such a dirty whore is worth all of this trouble." He shot back enraging me on the spot but I somehow managed to control it.

"It's funny you say that since your boss has also had me in his bed." I shot back. "So what's that say about him?"

The gun was shoved in my face again. He shouted something in Chinese. "Don't you dare think about insulting the boss again."

"When you think about it he's really not all that different from Asami." I stated ignoring the gun in my face. "They both like to tie up their conquests stripping them of any pride they may have, and then they have their way with them, and once they're done just leave them behind." The gun was shoved into my throat.

"One more word and you're done for!" He shouted. "The only man the boss has ever cared about in that way is Asami!" He's been with Asami too? That's probably how he knew I had been as well when we last met.

"Oh, but he's not." I pointed out. "Otherwise he would have killed me last time we met, he missed me on purpose."

"The boss can't possibly want someone like you for company when he has someone like Asami around." He remarked stepping so he was standing over me still pointing the gun at me. "He has special plans for Asami, this time he-" I kicked out and he dropped like a ton of bricks. 

Slipping my hand out of the loose cuffs I quickly replaced them on his wrists after kicking his gun away from us. I quickly went to the bedroom where my clothes were still on the floor and finished getting dressed before going back to the couch. I made sure that the gorilla couldn't do anything else to me by taking a tie I'd found and using a complex knot I'd learned to tie his hands together even more. I'd just managed to get him face down on the floor when the door flew open and yet another gun was pointed at me. Suoh?

"S-suoh?" I asked dropping the end of the tie that was still in my hand.

He scanned the room and nodded before another guard entered the room and took the man I'd tied up with him. Suoh and I were left in the room together. "Come with me Takaba-sama." He said gruffly. "It's not safe here." Yeah you're telling me.

I went to the door and slipped into my shoes. I followed him out of the building and to a car where he held the back door open for me. I slipped in and he closed the door after me. I wanted to ask about Asami, but I couldn't bring myself to since I didn't exactly feel like I have the right to. I am the one who endangered him in the first place. I just sat silently staring at my trembling hands while Suoh drove. I finally looked up when we stopped and he got out. He opened the door for me again, but I hesitated before getting out.

"Takaba?" He questioned.

I stepped out and looked around where we were. It's Lotus. My eyes were drawn to the car full of bullet holes and missing windows. "S-suoh?" I asked as we walked towards the building. "W-w-what h-happened here?"

We kept walking until we came up to a group of suited men who were loudly coordinating a plan to track Fei Long. Unconsciously I partly hid myself behind Suoh at the sight of the group. Once they'd coordinated a plan and orders were issued all but one of the men left. "Asami-sama, I'm sorry, but you didn't give me orders in regards to him; so I brought him to you." Suoh reported before walking away.

"A-Asami?" I questioned not believing he is standing in front of me. "Y-you're s-safe." Relief flooded every fiber of my being until he spoke.

"Fei Long had me."

"I-I know." I stuttered. "It's m-my f-fault he found y-you." I bowed my head in shame and guilt until he came closer to me. "I-I deserve whatever it is you d-decide to do to me." I said weakly when he reached towards me. He grabbed the front of my shirt and pulled me towards him.

"You owe me for this." He growled. "I'm already considering restricting your freedom for this." He tilted my head so I was looking right into his eyes. "Join me in the darkest part of hell." He connected his lips with mine roughly. He used my shocked gasp to plunge his tongue in my mouth and explore every inch of it before pulling away and letting go of my shirt slowly.

"Asami?" I questioned wondering if he was just planning my demise at this point. "Me...a-and...you-" I was cut off by my forgotten phone ringing in my pocket. "I answered without even look at the screen still keeping my eyes on Asami. "Hello?" I greeted and almost immediately perked up at hearing Kou's voice. "Kuo!" I nearly shouted finally shifting my eyes from Asami. "You're okay/" I asked much more quietly this time. "What about Takato?" He assured me that they were both safe and asked me to meet them. "I'll be there soon." He asked how I was when I assured him the third time that I'd be there soon. "I-I'm okay." Asami glanced at me as he lit his cigarette; probably knowing that was a lie. "Yes, i'm on my way now, Bye see you soon." I turned towards Asami again and let him know that I was going to meet up with Kou and Takato.

***

"Aki-chan!" Kou called out just as I caught sight of them. "You're alright!"

We all ran towards each other before joining in a group hug together. Aside from red marks and some stickiness left on Kou's wrists they were relatively unharmed. I sighed as we pulled out of the hug. Takato was scanning me probably looking for my injuries; which I'd thankfully covered when I got dressed. I kept an arm around each of them as we decided to walk towards a diner for breakfast. Just as we arrived I caught sight of a familiar car driving past us. Fei Long! I'm not letting that bastard get away with what he's done to my friends.

"You guys go ahead." I stated following the car as it kept going. "I've got some unfinished business to take care of."

"Aki-chan, please be careful." Kou stated before entering the diner.

"Akihito, I know your a magnet for trouble, so make sure you stay safe." Takato said before following Kou.

I took off in a full sprint making sure to not lose track of the car. I followed them into a parking garage I took note of what hotel we were entering before continuing after them. I waited to see who actually got out of the car before alerting Asami. I don't know what I'm going to do if it is Fei Long, but I know I'm not going to let him get away with the shit he pulled yesterday. I found a wall that gave me the perfect vantage point and leaned against it. I swiped a hand across my forehead wiping away the sweat making me realize I didn't remember to take my medicine yesterday, and I still haven't had a chance to take it today. I could tell my fever was coming back, but I was more concerned with payback right now. I was pulled from my thoughts by a door opening. I glanced around the corner and saw as Fei Long stepped out of the car. Fei Long!  I texted Asami now that I know Fei Long is really here. It was at that moment that I sneezed alerting the men to my position. I barely had time to stand before one of the men had a hold of my arm.

"Let go of me!" I struggled to pull my arm from his hold but he wouldn't let go of me. Id managed to headbutt him making him release his hold as he fell to the ground. It gave me the perfect opportunity to pull the gun I had hidden in my waistband. "Move and I'll shoot!"

"Go ahead." Fei Long taunted. "Shoot me, if you have the stomach for it." I gripped the trigger, but couldn't bring myself to actually shoot him. When nothing happened he sent a well aimed kick to my jaw knocking me to the ground and disorienting me just long enough for my hands to be tied behind me and roughly dragged into a nearby room.

"Our business was completed, Akihito, why are you here?" Fei Long asked pushing my shoulders so that I was face down on a table.

"Our business has only begun, Fei Long, you abducted and hurt my friends." I stated trying to fight against his hold on me. "I will make you pay for that, you bastard!"

"Oh, on the contrary Akihito you will be the one paying me for the trouble you are causing me." He countered roughly tugging on my arms making me stand again. "I'm going to kill you and make an example of you for Asami." I backed into the wall behind me as he raised his gun at me. He shot barely missing my head. "Awe, you moved."

"Killing me will mean nothing to him." I stated glaring at him. "I'm nothing but a toy for him, remember?"

"You really are an idiot." Sounded from behind Fei Long. Asami! He came. "You're business is with me, Fei Long."

"Who invited you to this little party, Asami, I know I didn't." Fei Long turned to face Asami. "One pest is already to many." He stated before pulling me in front of him and holding me against his chest. "Or is it that you're here for the pest?"

"So cowardly, using him as a shield." Asami remarked.

"I have no use for him anymore here you can have him back." He pushed me towards Asami roughly, but I started falling before I made it making Asami catch me. "You outsmarted me when we last met, now I can return the favor." I was shoved just as gun shots rang out.

"A-asa-mi?" I called out when I looked up to see him kneeling holding his arm. "Asami! You're hurt!"

"Get out of here." He pushed me behind him. "Now!"

"To be distracted like this how foolish of you." Fei Long said before raising his gun towards me again just as another shot rang out. I was to busy paying attention to Asami to notice Fei Long behind me until he yanked me up by the back of my shirt. "I'll be taking him with me; come and get him if you can, Asami."

"What!" I struggled against his hold. "I'm not going anywhere with you!" I yelled. "Let me-" A sharp pain on my neck followed by unconsciousness cut my protests short.

Chapter Text

*"You can have him back." Fei Long pushed me towards Asami roughly making Asami catch me. "You outsmarted me when we last met, now I can return the favor." I was shoved just as gun shots rang out.

"A-asa-mi?" I called out when I looked up to see him kneeling holding his arm. "Asami! You're hurt!"

"Get out of here." He pushed me behind him. "Now!"

"To be distracted like this how foolish of you." Fei Long said before raising his gun towards me again and another shot rang out.*

I have watched myself and Asami die on loop repeatedly for so long I'm certain that I have found my way to hell. I didn't think that I'd done anything in my life to warrant going to hell. Not unless you count my betrayal of Asami and then picking a losing fight. I suppose that does mean I deserve hell. At least Asami will have one less thing to worry about now. His life will be much more simple now. Fei Long was right I'm nothing more than a pest.

*Two gun shots ring out.

"A-asa-mi?" I called out seeing him on the ground holding his arm. "Asami! You're hurt!"

"Get out of here, now!" He pushed me behind him as another shot rang out.

"Asami!"*

I caused Asami to get hurt because he was protecting me. I sent the information to him that put him there in the first place. I should have just went with Kou and Takato instead of trailing Fei Long. He would probably have just left Tokyo and there wouldn't have been anymore issues. At least not at the time. Of course I just had to make matters worse because I wanted revenge. I ruined everything.

*"You can have him back." Fei Long pushed me towards Asami roughly making Asami catch me just as gun shots ring out.

"A-asa-mi?" I barely manage to cry out before I start to choke on my own blood. "A-a-sa-m-mi."

"To be distracted like this how foolish of you." Fei Long said before raising his gun towards me again and another shot rings out.*

***

I jolt awake, and I'm momentarily disoriented before the events that have been playing back to me incorrectly finally flood my mind, and I realize with an overwhelming since of disappointment that I hadn't actually died and went to hell. I can't see anything it's to dark here, but I know that I'm not dead because there's to much pain, and I can tell that I am laying on a hard surface and that my hands are still tied behind me. The problem is that my body keeps trying to force me back to nightmarish sleep. Try as I might I couldn't fight it off for long.

"What-" I managed to quietly mumble before falling unconscious again.

***

I don't know how long this pattern of just barely there consciousness and  unconsciousness plagued by torturous nightmares lasted for between the dark room and the cage I was put in, but by the time I was actually able to stay awake for any amount of time I had no energy to even try to sit up on my own. Just turning my head was a tall order. How long has it been since that day? 

"Akihito?" A man in a black suit asked coming to kneel in front of the cage I'm in. All I could manage was a groan in response. "Are you actually awake now?" I turn my head as best as I could to try to look at more than just his shin. "Akihito." When our eyes met his widened and he gasped. "H-hang on, j-just try to s-stay awake for me." He stuttered standing up and walking away. He started talking in Chinese; a language I still didn't understand. Except my name-that I understood. I let my head roll to the side again not able to keep it at the same angle anymore. "Akihito!" He called out before talking in that same language again. "I need you to stay awake." I felt his hand on my shoulder shaking me.

A new younger sounding voice joined his just as I managed to force my eyes open. He knelt next to the man who was watching me worried and glared at me before saying something making the mans eyes widen again before he held his hand out to the child. He said something about Asami catching my attention.

"A-as-sam-mi?" I barely managed gaining his and the child's attention. "A-as-sam-mi." I painstakingly slowly reached toward the man in front of me. "Y-you c-came?"

The man cursed and turned towards the kid again before demanding him to give him whatever he was asking for. I didn't actually see it, but I figured it was the key to the cage when I saw it open before the man rushed to my side picking me up. I was trying to stay awake as long as I could, but I seemed to just me fighting another losing battle. I was merely catching glimpses of our surroundings as I was carried. We stopped at a door while he waited for the kid to open it for him.

"Tao!" He yelled when the door didn't get opened. The child huffed before opening the door. I was carried into the room and placed on a very soft bed making me sigh at the comfort.

The all to familiar voice of Fei Long sounded and I felt as my pulse increased; the only reaction I could physically have. "F-fei-"

"Don't speak, Akihito." He interrupted turning my head so I was facing him now. "Save your energy, Yoh is getting you something to eat." He sat next to me on the bed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause you this much damage."

"F-fei-" I groaned at the effort it took to even talk.

He looked at me with wide eyes before placing his hand to my forehead and pulling it away quickly. He left my side for a few seconds before returning again and placing a wet towel on my head. Again I sighed; this time closing my eyes at the comfort it gave me.

"Don't sleep yet; not until you eat something." He said making me open my eyes again. "Good boy." He gave a small smile I tried to glare at him which just made him laugh. "At least you're not broken."

There was a quiet exchange between Fei Long and the kid before I heard the door slam making me wince at the noise. I squeezed my eyes shut and managed to lift my hand up to my throat to try and talk again.

"Sh-shot?" Was all I could manage from what I was meaning to say.

"I'm fine, Akihito." He pulled my hand away from my throat. "Didn't I say to save your energy?" I opened my eyes just to glare at him earning another laugh.

The door opened again and Yoh returned with Tao following behind him. Yoh helped me to sit up and pulled me so that my back was propped up before sitting in front of me. He held a cup in front of me and nodded when I didn't take it right away. Fei Long said something to him before he moved closer to me and held the cup up to my mouth. I inhaled the scent of tea before opening my mouth enough to sip from the cup. I could feel the path the warmth took, and slowly reached for the cup.

"Not to fast!" Yoh and Fei Long both commanded. I took a few more sips before letting Yoh take the cup again.

He put the cup on the table next to the tray I hadn't even noticed yet, and picked up the bowl that was sitting there. He proceeded to feed me until I didn't feel like I could eat anymore. He sighed looking into the soup that I'd only managed to eat half of it.

"I-I'm sorry." I said quietly making all three of them look at me before I looked down at my hands.

"Akihito?" Fei Long grabbed my chin and made me look at him. "Why are you apologizing?"

"I-I didn't f-finish it."

"It's understandable." He assured me as Yoh handed him a small medicine cup. "Take this and get some rest." He held it out to me and I carefully took it from him careful not to drop it. I made a face at the taste. "Swallow it, or it won't help." I swallowed it and Yoh held the teacup out to me again.

"T-thank y-you."

"Get some rest Akihito." He gestured at the bed and Yoh helped me. "I'll wake you up in a few hours for more medicine."

"W-what about y-you?" I asked glancing at the bandage on his stomach.

"I've already taken mine." He answered putting the freshly wet towel on my head again. "Now rest." I didn't argue; I just tried to relax and quickly fell asleep again to the three of them talking.

***

*Fei long*

I watched Akihito sleep; concerned for why he's in the condition he is after only a week of being here. His temperature is way to high and his lack of energy tells me he was already sick when I took him. I know that he's stubborn because of the whispers I've been hearing about him since out first meeting, but he should definitely not have been running around picking fights with entire mafias. I'm glad to see that his color is coming back, but his face is still flushed.

"Yoh, I want a full report on him before he wakes up again." I ordered. "I also need to know if he was treated for any illnesses recently."

"Yes, boss." He left leaving Tao here with me.

"Is he okay?" Tao asked stepping closer to Akihito's sleeping form.

"That's what Yoh is going to find out for me." I had to give this boy credit; even in his delirious state he was still worried about me. "You really are to kind hearted for this world, Akihito." After continuous reports of him sleeping and occasionally calling out for Asami in his sleep; I'm going to assume he's been having fever dreams. He even confused Yoh for Asami when he woke up. Their hair is the only remotely similar trait they share. His condition makes it easier to keep him in line, but I would much rather have the stubborn, cheeky Akihito back. I do love a challenge after all. Akihito shifted and the towel slid off his forehead. Just as I reached for it Tao beat me to it and replaced it. "Thank you." I gave him a small smile. "You can go back to whatever you were doing if you want, I can handle him."

He glanced between the two of us a few times before nodding and leaving. I sighed and glanced at Akihito's sleeping form again before trying to get up from the bed without waking him. He's tossing and turning; must be having another fever dream. With the flailing around he's doing it's no wonder he can't keep any amount of energy. Maybe I can get him to talk about these dreams he's having. This can't be good for him, and I need him as he was if Asami is going to come for him.

Yoh came back with a folder and handed it to me. I opened it to see several pictures of him at various ages and flipped through them until I found an obviously recent picture of him.

He's always had good looks. I noted with a slight smile.

I finally decided to read the report.

Date of Birth: May 5
Age: 23
Blood Type: O
Occupation: Freelance photographer/Investigative Journalist
Annual Income: Unstable
Birthplace: Kanagawa
Residence: Tokyo
Family: None (orphaned as an infant, foster parents deceased)
Height: 175 cm
Weight: 60 kg
Shoe Size: 27 cm
Arrest Record: Multiple counts of shoplifting between the ages of five and ten. Booked but never charged for fighting at the age of seventeen.
Known Associations: Asami Ryuichi, Club Sion, Various modeling agencies, newspapers, and magazines

Notes: Stubborn, Naïve, and argumentative. He has authority issues. His favorite foods are grilled meats, junk food, and seaweed salad while his least favorite foods are onions and tomatoes. His most treasured possession is a camera that his foster father gave him. Spends most of his free time tinkering with his cameras and accessories. He is fairly athletic; a fast runner, can jump or climb quite efficiently, and is quite flexible as a result. Though he has no real training or experience he can hold his own in a fight. His actions and choices are often influenced based on those he cares most about; often leading him into troubling situations. Exhibits signs of PTSD, depression, and prone to anxiety attacks. Has a history of anorexia. 

Written in Yoh's clumsy writing at the bottom of the notes section: Was treated for malnourishment, a high fever, fatigue, and chest congestion two days prior to coming to Hongkong.

"He was sick and still running around like he was?" I asked looking up at Yoh. "It also seems that Asami hasn't been taking good care with his pet for him to be malnourished." I pointed out.

"Now that we know what's wrong with him we can accurately treat it." Yoh pointed out.

"Do it." I glanced at Akihito. "He needs to wake up soon for more medicine anyway." He nodded and left the room.

Tao returned shortly after with a tray and sat it on the table in front of me. "Lunch." I nodded and leaned forward a bit letting a hiss escape at the pain that rippled from the wound. "Fei Long!" Tao rushed towards me and pushed my shoulders so that I was leaning against the back of the couch.

"I'm okay, Tao." I assured him.

"You should be resting!" His voice raised. "Why did you give your bed to that jerk!" This time he yelled and I glared at him as Akihito groaned from my bed.

"Tao." I warned. "His condition is worse than mine." I glanced at the boy in question. "He just so happens to be the key to everything I've been working towards; so treat him right, he hasn't done anything to deserve otherwise."

"He hurt you!" Was his very loud response as he stomped his foot and threw his hands like a child having a fit. "I don't like him!"

"Fei Long?" The new voice startled us both making me turn to see Akihito leaning against the bed for support.

"Akihito, you should be resting." I stated.

"So should you." Both of them said at the same time.

"I'm fine." Akihito added quietly.

"Fine?" I asked. "Have you seen yourself?"

"I've had worse." He stated. "Give it a couple days I'll be right as rain."

Yoh walked in at that moment and froze at the door at the scene in front of him. Akihito's eyes widened at the sight of him and he released the bed post that was helping hold him up, taking a step forward he crashed to the floor. Yoh handed the bag in his hand off to Tao and rushed to Akihito's side. I stood and made my way over as well just as Yoh helped him to sit up.

"That hurt." He groaned quietly holding his shoulder.

"You really should stay in bed for the time being Akihito." Yoh sighed turning Akihito's head and inspecting his face. "Tao get a first aid kit." He started pushing Akihito's shirt off his shoulders but the boy tensed and pushed at his hands weakly. "I need to take a look at your shoulder." Yoh explained and Akihito dropped his hands. Akihito flinched several times as Yoh inspected the shoulder, but the yelp he let out when the back of his shoulder was touched was so unexpected that both Yoh and I reacted to it.

Tao returned with the first aid kit. Once Yoh was satisfied with the inspection of Akihito's injuries he sat back. "I need to take this shirt off too." He said and Akihito tensed all over again. "I need to stabilize your shoulder or it wont heal right."

"N-no." He whined in response.

"If it doesn't heal fight you might not get the strength back in your hand." I explained and his eyes widened before he looked at his hands and agreed. Yoh dressed the wounds and wrapped his shoulder before putting his shirt back on him and placing him back in the bed. "Still stubborn even when he's out of it." I noted to myself.

"Eat and take your medicine then you can go back to sleep if you want." Yoh explained before coming to help me stand up again. He lead me to the other side of the bed and told me the same thing.

Akihito was already starting to fall asleep again, but I could tell he was fighting it. Tao brought the tray he'd brought in to me while Yoh went to get food for Akihito. Tao stayed standing next to me watching the two of us. When his eyes settled on Akihito he glared and crossed his arms. Akihito wasn't paying enough attention to notice; he was still fighting to stay awake.

"Here, take mine." I held the plate out to him. "It's already cooled so you don't have to wait or worry about burning your mouth."

"NO!" Tao shouted making both of us jump just as Akihito started to reach towards the plate.

"Tao, that's enough." I growled not even turning to look at him. "I already told you he hasn't done anything, so don't be a brat." I lifted the plate and held it towards Akihito again he glanced at Tao before looking back at the plate in my hand. "Tao go do your homework." I fixed him with a glare.

"IT'S NOT FAIR!" He shouted and stormed out of the room.

Akihito looked from me to the door and back again confused. I gestured to the plate He looked down before shaking his head. "I've already eaten today."

"You snacked." I stated. "You need real food in your system."

"I don't know if I can." He mumbled.

"Will you try?" I sighed lifting the plate again and he nodded. I fed him until Yoh came back and took over after replacing the almost empty plate with a full one and telling me to make sure I eat as well. He reminded me that we both need to take medicine and rest so we can both recover quickly. Akihito looked like he was going to be sick which was concerning since he hadn't eaten much in at least a week. "Akihito." I gently grabbed his shoulder making him look at me. "You don't have to eat it all."

Yoh put the plate down and stared at Akihito for a few seconds before going to pick up the bag he'd handed to Tao earlier. "Take these and get some rest."

After glaring at the bag as Yoh pulled the medications out of it and then shifting his glare to the bottle in Yoh's hands Akihito looked back at me. Aside the fear in his eyes seemed so foreign. There wasn't fear in his eyes when we met the first time, or when he held me at gunpoint, but now there was. Why is he so scared of medicine?

"It's for your illness." I simply stated and he looked back at Yoh who was holding the medicine out to him and a cup of tea. After taking the medication Yoh helped him to lay down again and within minutes he was asleep. "Keep a close eye on him Yoh." I ordered before eating and taking my own antibiotics before laying down myself.

This kid is definitely going to be a handful.

Chapter Text

*Two months later*

*Akihito*

For nearly a month I've been locked in this cage only getting crumbs to eat, two chances to go to the bathroom, and whenever Fei Long wanted his fun with me. Except the one day my shoulder was put into a sling for an undisclosed amount of time. I haven't spoken to anyone except Fei Long or Yoh in weeks. I stopped trying to talk to Tao whenever he brings the near empty trays to me. At this point I think I'm going to go insane if I can't get away from here.

I can't take much more of this.

Not only did he tattoo me without my permission, but he keeps starting fights with me over Asami just to have something to get mad about. Hell, I remember the argument that Fei Long and I got into which lead to me being locked in this cage like an animal. It keeps playing in my head. It happened right after he forced me to please him because he wanted to know what made me so valuable to Asami.

***

"Why?" I asked quietly.

"Why what, Akihito?"

"Why did you make me do that?" I asked glaring at my hands.

"Because you are Asami's toy." He smirked when I looked up at him. "You mean a great deal to him if he took shots for you, and I simply wanted to see if you were really worth it." 

"You're sick!" I glared at him standing with my fists clenched.

"You enjoyed it too, Akihito." He stated gesturing to my splattered torso. "There weren't any drugs used this time." He pointed out. "What's your defense."

"I-" I didn't have a logical defense. "I-"

"Exactly, Akihito; you're just as sick as me."  He smirked standing in front of me. "You're just a masochist aren't you?"

"I'm nothing like you!" I shouted at him. "You and Asami are exactly the same!"  I shoved at his chest. "I hate you for what you've done!"

"How dare you?!" He shoved me knocking me off my feet. "I am nothing like Asami!" He gripped my chin tightly making me face him. "To be compared to such a despicable man, and by such a swine as yourself."

"If the shoe fits, wear it, Fei Long." I snapped with a glare and he pushed my face to the side with enough force that I was laying in the floor now.

"I wonder what Asami sees in you." He walked slow circles around me. "You're nothing more than a pretty face; there's nothing special about you."

"You think I don't know that?" I sat up still glaring at him. "I don't need to be reminded by the likes of you that I'm worthless!"

"I could just sell you off to the highest bidder." He held my face again. "There's bound to be someone looking for a pretty little play thing."

"What would you have to bargain with then?" I asked trying to hide the fear I felt at his threat. "If I'm so valuable to Asami why would you just throw me away."

"You aren't the only important thing in Asami's life." He remarked letting go of my chin.

"Than just let me go home!" I yelled. "You bastard!"

He punched me knocking me to the floor again before kneeling in front of me holding his wounded stomach. "You don't seem to understand the gravity of the situation you are in." I winced when he grabbed my jaw. "Angering me isn't in your best interest."

"Neither is being here." I stated quietly.

"That's the smartest thing I've heard you say since I met you." He commented standing up. "Perhaps you aren't so useless after all."

I jumped to my feet. "You bastard!" I shouted earning a harsh glare and another shove landing me right back on the floor. I just stood again. "It's not like I chose to come here!" I pushed his shoulder. "I'd be home or out on a job right now if it wasn't for you!" I shoved him again. "I'd be with-" I cut myself off and backed away from him.

"Asami?" He sneered. "You'd be with Asami?" He pulled me closer to him and gripped my chin yet again making me grit my teeth from the pain. "I have no intentions of returning you to him, you are merely a pawn in a larger plan to take him down."

I don't know what I was thinking, or if I was even thinking, but I lunged at him with intensions of hitting him, but that failed epically when he side stepped and sent his elbow into the center of my back roughly making me yet again wind up on the floor and irritating my already hurt shoulder from the impact. 

"YOH!" He called out angerly with a foot on my back. "Lock him up until he learns his place." A swift kick to my ribs had me gasping for breath just before Yoh forced me to my feet and hauled me to the cage cuffing my hand to one of the bars.

***

*Present*

That was nearly a month ago, and now I'm confined to a cage like an animal with my hands cuffed together for days at a time until Fei Long gets bored, needs to vent stress or anger, or if he just wants to prove his power over me.

I don't even bother to try and fight Yoh anymore when he comes to get me since I know it's pointless, and I just don't have the energy to. I don't get but scraps and crumbs for food because Tao eats whatever food he's supposed to be bringing me before it ever gets to me. It's starting to take a toll on my body, and I don't think anyone has noticed yet because nothing has changed in weeks.

"Akihito?" Yoh asked quietly kneeling in front of the cage eyeing me closely. "Are you okay?"

"Does Fei Long want to see me?" I asked avoiding his eyes and question.

"Not tonight." He answered. "I was told to relay to you that he has some business to take care of that will have him away for a few days, and to behave while he's gone."

"It's not like I can do anything anyway." I sighed. "I'm tired Yoh." I said quietly. "I-"

"Akihito?" He interrupted me. "Don't give up yet." Was all he said before standing slowly and walking away again.

***

Two days. It was two days before I'd seen either Yoh or Fei Long again. I was surprised to see Fei Long instead of Yoh, but I wasn't even in a condition to acknowledge him when he entered the room; much less show any surprise that I felt. He looked worried when he saw me, but again I gave no response again only slightly tilting my head to look at him better.

"What happened?" He asked sounding angry making me flinch slightly since I had no idea what he was talking about.

"I-" I cleared my throat and tried again. "I don't know."

"What happened while I was gone, Akihito?" He asked and I just looked at him confused before he sighed opening the door and stood back allowing me to leave.

I feel like this is some sort of test. Almost a month of eating scraps and he expects me to be able to leave on my own? Is it that he's not aware?

He knelt down to meet my eyes better and reached a hand out to me. I slowly reached for it and he pulled me towards him. He wrapped his arms around my shoulders before pulling me from the cage. "You're under my personal care now." He growled making me tense. "Yoh!" Upon Fei Long's shout Yoh burst into the room gun drawn making me jump and burry my face into Fei Long's side. He tightened his hold on my shoulders as he talked with Yoh in Chinese. It sounded like he was getting angrier as the conversation progressed. I risked looking up again before gently tugging on the edge of Fei Long's sleeve making him look down at me.

"Shouldn't y-you be r-resting?" I asked quietly.

"I'm fine." He answered before nearly dragging me out of the room. He gently lead into his room again. "I was not aware that you'd been neglected, Akihito, and I will fix this." He sounded angry, and for the first time in a month it wasn't directed at me.

"I t-thought you were d-doing it on purpose." I responded looking down at my unsteady feet. "T-Tao was only giving m-me scraps a-and crumbs." He stopped walking making me almost fall. I looked up at him for a second before looking at the floor. "Don't be mad at him, p-please?"

"Why shouldn't I be mad about you purposely being starved for weeks, Akihito?" I could feel the glare boring into the back of my head.

"I-I deserve i-it." I said barely audible.

"What?" Both men asked as Fei Long turned me so that I was facing him.

"I DESERVE IT!" I shouted landing a weak hit on his chest before Yoh grabbed my wrist tightly, to tightly; it felt like he was going to break it. "Ow! Ow! Ow!" I couldn't help the cries that left my mouth.

"Yoh!" He said something to him in Chinese.

He let me go with a shove and I lost my balance. If Fei Long hadn't been holding me up I would have been on the floor. I seem to be spending so much time on the floor nowadays. They proceeded to argue in Chinese and eventually Yoh left and Fei Long lead me to the couch in his room, but I just slid onto the floor instead of sitting on the couch.

"Akihito-"

"I'm s-sorry." I said quietly. "You w-were shot b-because of m-me." I continued with a sigh. "I-I'm sorry."

"Yoh will be back soon with your lunch." He avoided my apologies.

I nodded and laid my head on my knees hugging my knees to my chest. I just stayed like that until Yoh came back with food almost ten minutes later. I know Fei Long was watching me the whole time because I could feel his eyes on me. Even while I picked at the food in front of me he was watching me. I pushed the plate away and wrapped my arm around my knees again. Laying my head on my knees I just sat there while they stared at me for a few minutes before they started talking in Chinese.

If they didn't want me to know what they were saying why didn't they just leave me in the cage?

I was starting to dose off by the time either of them addressed me, but I was so close to sleep that I just ignored them. I intend to sleep most of my time in here away. My pretense of being asleep was probably made more believable by me somehow not jumping or flinching when they addressed me. I felt a blanket get placed over my shoulders as they continued talking. I was woken up a few hours later by the need to vomit, but since I didn't know where a bathroom was I opted for a nearby trashcan. Fei Long and Yoh were both at my side in seconds. Yoh was running his hand up and down my back while Fei Long just had his hand on my shoulder. They waited until I had finally stopped vomiting and dry heaving to hand me a towel and ask if I was okay. I just nodded not trusting my voice. 

I hate being sick.

Yoh held a bottle of water out to me. I took it and rinsed my mouth out before greedily gulping most of it down. They both yelled for me to slow down, but it soothed my throat so I didn't until it was taken away from me and Fei Long repeated that I needed to slow down or I'd make myself sick again. After making sure I was okay again Fei Long helped me to my feet before leading me over to his bed making me tense and initially try to back away.

"Not today, Akihito." Fei Long said quietly. "Just rest here until dinner." I let him push me towards the bed. If he tried anything it's not like I could stop him anyway; even if I wanted to. "Get some sleep; I'll wake you up in a couple hours."

***

*Fei Long*

"Yoh, dispose of that and bring me Tao." I ordered once Akihito had fallen asleep again. "Make sure to tell him to be quiet this time. If he wakes Akihito up again; like last time; I won't be so forgiving." I glanced back at Akihito sleeping on my bed.

Poor kid doesn't belong in this world. What the hell is Asami thinking keeping him by his side. The kid is tough, that's undeniable, but he doesn't have what it takes to survive long in this world. He is far to trusting and kind hearted. He's going to get broken, and when that happens he's going to shatter. It's already starting.

Asami, you fool.

I sighed just as Tao came in. When I fixed my glare on Tao he cowered away and looked at the floor. "Look at me!" I growled at him. "Have you been starving him?" I gestured towards the bed where Akihito was still sleeping. His silence gave me the answer I already knew. "He's useless if he's dead, Tao!" I raised my voice and glanced at the bed making sure I didn't wake him up. "As of today he is now a guest here, and he will be treated as such." He didn't respond. "Am I clear, Tao?"

"No!" He shouted in response. "He's mean! He hurt you, and he's always complaining; even in his sleep, and-" I was in front of him in seconds, but just as I was going to slap him my wrist was grabbed.

I looked up shocked to see Akihito holding my wrist. His eyes were glassy like he was trying not to cry. "Please don't." His voice cracked. "He's just a child." He moved so that he was between a trembling Tao and me. "Violence isn't always the answer."

"Tao, go to your room, we'll talk about this later." My eyes never left Akihito's as I gave the order. His eyes clouded over like he was remembering something from the past; his past. "Why did you interfere?"

"He's a child." He said quietly. "He's not your child which means he's either your ward- entrusted to you, or adopted."

"How do you know he's not mine?" I asked surprised that he noticed so quickly.

"He looks nothing like you, and he has no similarities in features to like like he would be a relatives child." He pointed out like it's obvious. "I will protect him for as long as I am here; even if that means going against you."

"You are full of surprises." I smiled at him. "It'll be fun breaking you."

"You can try." He snapped. "It won't be easy." He let go of my wrist. "Leave Tao out of your stupid games."

He just turned and left the room as Yoh came in. He looked between me and his retreating form before coming over to me. I just smirked because Akihito just gave me a challenge, and meet it I would. I will win this game, Takaba Akihito.

"Yoh, keep an eye on him, and do not interfere if he tries to spend time with Tao." I commanded making him look at me confused. "I want them to get close." I stated. "He just showed a weakness, and it'll be easily manipulated."

"You don't intend to hurt Tao do you?" He asked eyeing me suspiciously.

"Of course not."

"Then how are you going to use him against the boy?"

"I have time to figure that out." Psychological warfare; the easiest way to get the toughest of men to break.

***

*Akihito*

I was slowly wondering around the halls when I found Tao in a room by himself crying. I knocked gently on the partly opened door before pushing it open and stepping in slowly.

"Tao?" I asked kneeling in front of the boy sitting on the edge of the bed. "Are you okay?" He looked up at me and the tear tracks on his face broke my heart.

"Why are you here?" He asked in perfect Japanese. If I wasn't so worried about him I'd probably be annoyed as hell fight now.

"I heard you crying." I answered quietly. "I wanted to make sure that you're okay."

"Why do you care?" He asked rudely.

"Because no child deserves to be treated like that." I looked down at my hands. "No matter what they've done." When I looked up at him again he looked confused. "What's done is done, it's best to leave the past in the past."

"You're not mad because of what I did?" He asked looking confused again.

"No, I deserved it." I answered. "I may not have been the one who hurt Fei Long, but I am the one responsible for his wound." Yoh picked that moment to come into the room. I stood up blocking Tao from his view and glared at him. "What do you want?"

"Fei Long would like to speak to Tao." He stated trying to look around me but I blocked his view.

"Not alone he's not." I argued.

"It doesn't concern you." He stated stepping closer. "You'd do well not to mettle in clan business." He reached towards me but I slapped his hand away. "You'll only anger him anymore than you already have."

"It's a risk I'm willing to take." I growled. "If Fei Long has an issue with me he can take it up with me; not Tao." I glanced behind me before glaring at Yoh and laughed in his face. "Oh, I get it now; it's to hard for him to control me." I taunted. Yoh glared and rushed me grabbing my throat tightly.

"Mind your words!" He spat in my face.

"So it's true?" I asked in a strained voice trying to breathe. "He only goes after those weaker than him." His grip tightened a fraction and instinctually I grabbed his wrist at the same time that Tao tried to push him away from me. "Tao! Don't get involved."

"I should add stupid, and a hero complex to your information." Yoh smirked tightening his hold again completely cutting off my air. "How long can you go without air?"

"I-I hit a n-nerve." I choked out.

"You disrespectful brat!" He lifted me so that my feet were barely touching the floor.

"Yoh!" Fei Long walked into the room just as my vision was going dark.

Yoh punched my stomach taking what little bit of air I had. He threw me to the side and glared down at me as coughed and tried to take as much air as I could. "Damn punk." He sneered kicking my leg.

"You-" I couldn't catch my breath, no matter how hard I tried. I felt the strength leave me as darkness completely took over my vision. "-bastard" I crumpled to the floor when the arm I was supporting myself with gave out.

***

*Fei Long*

"Take him to my room and properly restrain him." I ordered.

"Yes, boss."

"Yoh." I stopped him turning to look at him over my shoulder. "Don't go that far with him again; he needs to remain undamaged."

"Understood." He left with an unconscious Akihito over his shoulder.

"Tao, make friends with him." I ordered. "Do whatever it takes to get close to him."

"Okay." He looked confused.

"Make friends with him, and I'll forget about your earlier discretions and disobedience." I assured and watched as his eyes widened.

"Really?"

"Of course, now go see to dinner, our guest is going to need all of his strength when he wakes up." He nodded and scurried away. "He's definitely going to need every ounce of energy he can get."

***

Almost an hour later he finally came to, but when I looked in his eyes they were different. Lifeless and dull. This isn't the Akihito that I took from Asami. The bruises on his throat are concerning, and aside from saying Tao's name upon waking up he hasn't made a sound. He's just staring blankly at nothing. He's hardly even moved. Granted, I know it's a little hard to move when your tied up, but after he woke up he just laid there. That was almost two hours ago.

This is definitely not normal behavior for him from what my men have told me of him. As a matter of curiosity I untied him just to see if he was going to react, but all he did was turn on his side. I don't know what to do with him.

Deciding to just get on with what I needed to do I just left Akihito in my room and made my way to my office. I need to catch up on my neglected work. Three days worth of damage control, missed calls, reports, and paperwork is what awaited me. This is the part of being the leader that I hate the most. The desk work. I'm a more hands on type of person, so being in the thick of it is where I prefer to be. I always have.

I was informed by Yoh that Akihito finally did something besides just lay there staring into space after he'd received his dinner. Hours later I was also pleasantly surprised to learn of Tao sitting in my room with him trying to make friends. From what was reported Akihito still hasn't spoken; I hope Yoh hasn't caused damage to his throat. I'll give it a day or two to see what happens.

It has crossed my mind that the depression or PTSD mentioned in his background check might be flaring up. I just know that it's going to make playing games with him much riskier now. I can't break him to much or Asami won't come for him. Although, if he doesn't come for him I guess that means that I can just keep Akihito for myself. Even if Asami does come; if my plans work out I'll still be able to keep Akihito for myself since Asami will be eliminated once and for all.

***

It took a few days before Akihito was back to his regular argumentative self. It worked out on more than one front since it gave more time for him and Tao to become closer, he was eating regularly now without issue, and He officially has my mark on him so even if he manages to escape the estate no one will help him; he's stuck in Hongkong. The tattoo on his hand is actually what it took to get him to speak again, and speak he did; he was absolutely livid about being branded and made sure that it was made known quite loudly. He is allowed to roam the estate freely as long as the chores I set for him are completed. With some convincing from Tao he is also learning Chinese.

Of course, I had to have my fun with him nearly every night, so most days he wakes up late. For someone who is as athletic as he is he has no stamina. It's almost comedic. Two rounds is all he can stand before he falls asleep. It begs the question; what does Asami see in him. Having Tao get close to him worked out better than I expected. Threatening to not allow them to see each other anymore was all it took to get him to cooperate and agree to meet me whenever I wanted him to.

Chapter Text

*Akihito"

I somehow managed to convince Tao to play hide and seek so I could try and get away from him long enough to try to escape. I don't know what I'm going to do if and when I get out, but I have to try. I can't stay here any longer without doing something. Part of why I've waited so long is because I needed my shoulder to heal. When Yoh told me what he knew about why Fei Long is doing this I had decided that I had to get away from here. No matter what happens he has no intentions of returning me to Japan. If I don't do something I'll be trapped here.

Making it out of the compound itself was the easy part, it was deciding what to do and where to go afterwards that had me at a total loss. I don't know anything about China. I also have no idea where I am. I made sure to stick to the shadows while trying to find something that would be helpful in aiding my escape. It wasn't until I found a pier with a market in front of it that I had any real hope of being able to get away.

My hope was faltering quickly when people were pushing me away from them and telling me to get lost, but it completely shattered when a man froze as he was going to hit me and his eyes widened before grabbing my wrist. He pulled my hand closer to him roughly before inspecting my hand and throwing me backwards. I was confused until I looked down to see the tattoo Fei Long had put on my hand. The man was yelling so fast that I only caught bits and pieces of what he was saying until he tried to shove money into my hands. I refused to take it and backed away from him trying to explain that I'm not actually one of Fei Long's men. He wasn't listening so I just turned and ran to the pier.

I ran all the way to the end before stopping and taking a deep breath. I looked out over the vast ocean in front of me. I can't keep this up anymore. I can't bare to continue being a pawn; used, manipulated, and abused to fill Fei Long's every whim anymore. I need to know what happened to Asami; is he alright? Did he survive his wounds? His wounds caused by me. He was shot because of me even after I betrayed him.

"I will get back to Japan, back home, and back- back to Asami." I said quietly. "Even if I have to swim back I will." I grabbed the railing in front of me. "I will find my way back no matter what!" Just as I was going to climb over the railing I was yanked backwards onto the ground roughly. Since neither of my feet were on the ground it wasn't hard to throw me off balance.

"You can't!" Tao yelled at me as I slowly stood up. "If you leave Fei-sama there won't be anyone left for him." He hit my chest as he yelled. "Besides you can't just swim back to Japan."

"Tao?" I asked before pulling him into a hug. "I'm sorry I worried you." I whispered into his hair just before I was roughly pulled back and dragged back to Fei Long's estate. I only fought weakly against them. Any sliver of hope I'd had is now gone.

***

"So, you tried to run away?" Fei Long stated once I was pushed to my knees and into a bow in front of him. "First Yoh, and now you; this seems to be a trend nowadays."

"Yoh!?" I asked leaning up in surprise. "He's gone?" I was roughly pushed back into a bow.

"Yes, and I have a suspicion as to where he ran off to." He answered. "If that does happen to be the case then-" He cut himself off and dismissed everyone from the office. He went and sat behind his desk.

"Just let me go." I said quietly standing before moving so that there is nothing between us. "I just want to go home." I bowed to him again.

"Have some dignity and save the begging, Akihito." He said angrily.

"I know the reason you took me, and it had nothing to do with the disk, or the information." I stood in front of him again making direct eye contact.

"What do you think it is that you know?" He asked looking surprised.

"I know you want revenge on Asami because you feel that he is responsible for the murder of your father. Even without proof that he actually had anything to do with it." I was watching him closely. "I know that you feel betrayed, used, and manipulated by Asami; and despite all of that you still have feelings for him." I stepped away from him when he stood up towering over me. "I'm not mad that you took me after learning that, and the help you've given me, but I can't continue to live like this." He stepped towards me and I backed into the bookcase behind me. "I'm sorry for what happened to you in the past, Fei Long."

"Don't pity me, Akihito!" He shouted leaving barely an inch of space between us.

"Isn't it time that you just let the past rest and stop drowning in your own self pity!?" I raised my voice and he took a step back as he scoffed.

"You sound just like Yoh-"

"If you'd be my friend I wouldn't allow you to do this to yourself!" I stepped away from the shelf towards him. "I can see how lonely you are, and it's sad to see, but you won't change anything because you don't want to let the past go!" I sighed and grabbed his shoulders gently making him look down at my hand with the tattoo on it. "I know that you aren't a bad person, Fei Long. I can see it in the way that you treat your people and Tao." I made direct eye contact again not daring to break it until he actually listens and hears what I'm saying to him. "I know that you lost you father in a terrible way, but you have no proof that Asami actually had anything to do with his loss. For all you know he could be innocent." I could feel tears stinging my eyes but refused to break our look. "Now you've brought an innocent into all of this." I added quietly before finally looking away from him. "So, just let the past go, and stop all of this, please."

"Akihito-?"

"No one should ever be alone!" I shouted meeting his eyes again. "No one!" I glared. "Everyone needs friends; even you and Asami!" I gripped his shoulders tightly. "I want to be here for you if you'd let me, but you make it so damn hard to know where we stand all because of your apatite for revenge!"

"It's okay, Akihito, don't worry about me anymore." He said quietly taking hold of my tattooed hand. "You've already done so much for your friends, I cant deny that." I looked into his eyes again. "I've never met such a kindhearted, reckless, and foolish person like you; it's refreshing to know that all of the world hasn't been corrupted yet."

"Uh." I dropped his hand. "Thanks, I think."

His phone picked that moment to ring from the desk where he had left it. He turned away to answer it. He didn't say anything. He just stood there holding the phone to his ear until he said a name that gave me a tiny droplet of hope. "Asami?"

"Asami!?" I asked rushing to his side, but he held a hand up silencing me.

He stood there again as he listened to the other end of the line. He glared at nothing in particular before glancing at me and then glaring again.

"I'm not surprised." He'd stated. So Yoh did go to Asami. "Since you never showed up after what happened I had assumed that you no longer cared about your precious Akihito anymore, or his fate."

To know that was always a possibility was one thing, but to actually hear someone; other than myself say it hurt. I stepped back from him with unsteady legs. No. Asami can't leave me here. He wouldn't. Would he? Maybe he's tired of rescuing me all the time; like some kind of damsel in distress. I snapped out of my thoughts in time to see Fei Long's eyes widen as he tensed before looking around and finally his head snapped to look at me.

"Fei Long?" I stepped closer to him but he leaned away from me making me step back again. "What's wrong?"

"Fine, Asami." He turned away from me completely. "You win." He leaned against his desk. "The meeting will be on my ship." He gave a half hearted chuckle. "Isn't that a fitting place? On a ship, where there's no way of escape; for you, or for me."

"Fei Long!?" His last comment filled me with instant dread. he carelessly tossed his phone on the desk and turned to face me.

"Will you stay with me Akihito?" He asked grabbing my hand. "From here on out?"

"What?" I asked confused. "You kidnapped me and now you want me to choose to stay here?"

"You don't want to?" He asked. "Asami seems to want you after all." He stated looking out the window across from his desk. "He plans to use the deed to my casino in Macau to get you back."

"So go get it back." I stated stupidly. "If it's important to you than go get it back! Tao was hurt because of this deed, right? Shouldn't you do everything you can to get it back?"

"There's no point, Asami already has it." He stated quietly, he sounds like he's given up. Without thinking I smacked him. It was a cheap shot but it snapped him out of his depression. He's just angry now.

"We can go and ask him to give it back!" I yelled. "Nothing good will ever come of holding grudges like this!"

"The deed was passed down to me by my father." He stated angry. "For Asami to take it so lightly is an insult on my family name."

"God! You're more hopeless than me!" I shouted throwing my hands up as he sat in one of the chairs by the window. I followed him and leaned over him holding his shoulders. "You have shit troubling you, but you won't deal with it directly!" I yelled. "You just want to try and exact revenge so you kidnap an innocent bystander, and for what?" I push against his shoulders as I feel the angry tears in my eyes. "You won't ever get your answers this way Fei Long!"

"Aki-"

"No! You have to try to talk to Asami!"

"You don't seem to understand the situation." He stated. "We're past talking now."

"Because you made it that way! Why are you so intent on taking the one path to self-destruction?!" I screamed pushing on his shoulders even more. "What's the fucking point?!" I stood up and turned to the window.

"Akihito, why are you crying?" He asked coming to stand beside me after a tense silence. "It wasn't for revenge on Asami that I asked you to stay by my side." He said quietly. "I meant it, I need someone as honest as you around me, but now I see that I can't keep you in this world any longer." I looked over at him confused. "I have done terrible things to you and your friends, and yet here you are crying because of me." He placed a hand gently on my shoulder. "As you said, it's time to settle this."

"What?" I asked wiping the tears from my face.

"Prepare yourself, Akihito; You're going home." He turned away and left me standing there dumbfounded left his room.

***

I only had to wait for another month before I was told we were leaving in a few hours. I don't know much of what happened in that next month since I went on auto pilot, but I know Tao is sad to hear that I am leaving. I have assured him I don't know how many times that I will make sure to visit him when I can. To assure him Fei Long has even made it a point to give me his phone number.

The closer our departure time came the more nervous I felt about seeing Asami again. The last time we'd seen each other I'd betrayed him and not even an hour later got him shot. I jumped like I'd been electrocuted when he came and told me it was time to leave and that I would be going with two of his henchmen instead of him for the trade off. He told me to say goodbye and left without a second glance. 

"Fei Long!" I called out as he left Tao's room.

"Come on, brat; we don't have all night." One of the men pulled me to my feet and dragged me from Tao's room. He looked at me with tears running down his face and eyes so broken no amount of gold would be able to fix them. I remember the incident that happened the night I tried to run away; how I saved his life.

***

Yoh was in my room when we got back. After yelling at me about being so reckless and endangering even more people he was called to Fei Long's office. Tao and I were told to come too. As an added measure my hands were bound behind me 'incase I get any funny ideas'.

I didn't have a clue what he meant until we actually made it to Fai Long's office. Someone had betrayed him. An important document had been stolen and turned over to the enemy. Fei Long had all of his top men in the office by the time we arrived. With what little Chinese I knew I still couldn't fully understand everything that was being said.

Each man was ordered to have their palms scanned by a blue light as Fei Long explained that he had taken precautions in the event that one of his men decided to try and betray him. He started with Yoh, and by the time he'd gotten to the third man standing in front of Tao and I all hell had broken loose.

As soon as the man started to beg and sprout nonsense as he was thrown to the floor with his hands behind his back another man was reaching for a gun but Tao tried to tackle him before he was pushed off of the man and kicked to the floor roughly.

I looked to see if he was okay, but he was unconscious, and in that instance I'd seen red. I lunged at the man my shoulder meeting his ribs with a satisfying crack. I only managed to throw him off balance for a fraction of a second before he also kicked me to the floor. My head hit the floor filling my vision with white spots. He proceeded to kick me a few more times before drawing his gun on me.

Just as he was going to shoot my face was covered in blood. It took me longer than it probably should have to realize it was the man's blood and not mine. His body fell in front of me, and I slowly lifter my eyes to see Yoh with his gun aimed at where the man was just standing. Looking as stoic as ever.

After getting cleaned up for the most part Fei Long had us go get checked out in the hospital. I had a wrap around my head two on my wrists and one on my right bicep. Tao just had a wrap around his head. Once Tao woke up he'd apologized for getting in the way, and for the first time I'd seen the softness in Fei Long that made him so attached to him.

Once the gravity of the situation hit me as we were leaving Tao's room my legs gave out from under me, and I tumbled to the floor. Fei Long helped me to stand before leading me to the car waiting outside with Yoh standing in front of it. Once we were in the back and moving is when Fei Long finally spoke.

"Akohito?" I didn't answer. "Are you okay?"

"No, I'm not." I'd responded quietly. "To- to be able to sh-shoot someone so e-easily." I looked at my hands in my lap. "I- can't believe it."

"Akihito, if Yoh hadn't acted that would have been you."

"Wh- how- why did I get caught up in something so dangerous?" I stuttered trying to put my thoughts together.

"Why did you attack him?" Fei Long asked. "You knew there were plenty of other people around who could have dealt with him." He pointed out. "So why did you put yourself in that position when such reckless actions weren't needed?"

"Tao got hurt." I answered fiddling with the wrap that covered my right hand.

"But why, Akihito, it's not like you have anything to gain from what you did."

"My actions aren't based on personal gains!" I raised my voice and glared at him finally looking him dead in the eyes. "All of this time you've kept me and you still know nothing about me, Liu Fei Long." I spat his name at him.

"How-"

"To have someone so special to you get hurt, and then watch a man die in front of you seconds later without even blinking!" I threw my hands up before letting them hit my lap again. "It's like you have no feelings at all!"

***

Twenty minutes later I was getting roughly lead around a luxury casino ship as more memories of the next few days crept into my mind. How Fei Long manhandled me once we'd gotten back to the estate. 

***

Yoh had brought me into Fei Longs room to ask if he should just let me be for the night, but Fei Long told him to leave me there.

"He can join me for a drink." He answered and Yoh left the room.

Joining him for drinks never happened. He got tired of me just watching him drink and asked what I was looking at before complementing that I looked good in Chinese clothes and offering me to become his personal servant.

"You defied me today, Akihito, by trying to escape." He stood up staggering a little. "You know Akihito, I'm just like you." He pulled me to his chest. "I do have emotions, and they are my driving force; just like you."

"You're drunk." I stated pushing against his chest. "Let me go!"

He just pulled me to him again before leaning closer to meet my eyes. "I'll admit that I do things differently." He stated before using a finger to turn my head when I looked away from his eyes. "But even someone such as you should know that I don't take kindly to betrayal."

"Ow! I said-Ow!" I pushed against his chest again. "I said let go!"

I managed to break his hold a little but he just grabbed my wrist and pushed me into the wall. "Why do you fight it?"  He asked standing so we were face to face. "Is it because of Asami? Because I was the one who hurt him?" He leaned closer to my ear. "You must know that fighting me only makes it that much more enjoyable for me." I froze my eyes going wide and my mouth open unable to form words. "Give me what I want, and I'll forgive your defiance today."

"I'm tired of you fucking me to get your frustrations out, Fei Long!" I snapped when he leaned back from my ear. "Whenever something doesn't go your way, you're worried about something, or things just aren't going your way; you fuck me!" I yelled leaning towards him. "All that does is dampen the feelings in the moment, and all you're trying to do is preoccupy yourself with something else!" I stepped away from the wall to get closer to him. "Life doesn't work like that, Fei Long!"

"Am I really moping that much?" He asked surprising me that he actually listened to my rant. "If you can understand then comfort me." He finished his drink and looked at me again before grabbing my face and kissing me. The drink I thought he finished went into my mouth and I swallowed it before coughing from the harshness.

"What the hell?" I choked out as he tore the front of the shirt I had on pushing me against the wall.

"If you want, I can hold you while you remember." He whispered before I felt two of his long fingers enter me roughly. I went back to the last night Asami and I had spent together. He had made me forget everything. I was trying to go back to that night so I didn't have to feel so repulsed by this.

***

"This is a pointless and profitless exchange." The guy pulling me along stated.

"For you it is." The one behind us stated as a gun shot rang out and the grip on my arm loosened.

"What the hell!?" I shouted looking down at the man who was pulling me. "Y-You traitorous rat!"

"Watch it, or I'll put a bullet straight through you pretty little head." The other man shoved his gun under my chin before removing it when I nodded and smack the side of my head.

I woke up again to several people speaking in a language that I didn't understand. My hands are bound behind me and I'm blindfolded. I felt panic course through me before someone said something and my blindfold was taken off.

"Who are you?" I asked at the same time as the young blond man in front of me spoke. Looking around I don't recognize anyone in the room. The man leaning against the table in front of me crossed his arms before glancing behind him at the man leaning against the wall. "Where am I?"

The man in front of me uncrossed his hands and came to kneel in front of me as he said something. When he was in front of me he grabbed my chin and tilted my head from side to side. He said something else but this time I picked Asami's name out of the jumbled mess of gibberish he was saying. He'd started to stand again before smirking and pulling my shirt open as he spoke again. He let his hands explore my torso before they roamed lower and he shifted me in his arms to pull my pants down. What is with people and manhandling me lately? He was talking to the man against the wall, and  I was suddenly hit with a thought from one of the many fights that Fei Long and I had gotten into over the last few months.

 We could get a good price for you on the market; there's always old geezers looking for young tail like you, and when that happens you won't care about Asami anymore. It won't be him you're craving; it'll be the drugs that they fill you with.

I suddenly stood up and backed away from the man who was holding me. Three other men moved to surround me as the young man continued talking. I turned in a slow circle looking at all four of then men around me. I lunged trying to get through a gap between two of the men in an attempt to get to the door. My arm was grabbed tightly and I was thrown back to the center of the circle of men. I yelled at them to let me go as I lunged again but this time I received an elbow to the back of my neck knocking me to the ground. I groaned when I hit the ground before sitting up again, and yelling at the man in front of me; demanding him to take me to Asami. He glared at me before I was picked up roughly and tossed at the man leaning against the wall. "Why can't I go home?" I asked looking up at the man holding on to my arms. Upon an order from the young blond I was roughly dragged into a room and tossed on a bed as I continued to yell; demanding for my release. Demanding to go back to Asami; back home.

"Let me go you bastards!" I shouted after I turned so that I was now on my back leaning on my elbows to look at the men in front of me. "What have I ever done to any of you?" The big guy who dragged me into the room turned to glare at me before leaning towards me.

"If you don't stop talking like we can't understand you I'll make sure you pay for it." He pushed on my shoulder making me partly turn as he tied my feet together. "If you aren't mindful of your actions and words Asami will pay the price for it."

"Asami?" I questioned. "What do you plan to do to him?" I yelled and he grabbed the sides of my open collar roughly.

"You know looking at scum like you makes me sick." He pulled my shirt bringing my face close to his. "Seducing men to get whatever it is you want in life, no matter the cost."

"That's not-" A foot on my crotch painfully cut off my argument with a cry of pain.

"This is punishment for trying to make me sin like your precious Asami." The young man from before came in the room and they started to argue before the big guy left the room pushing past him.

After an unknown amount of time of me yelling for my release and being ignored I somehow exhausted myself to the point that I found myself passing out. Whether it was from exhaustion or from boredom I couldn't tell you, but I can tell you a slap to the face and a phone call is how I came to again.

"Hey!" A rough slap to my face had me trying to force my eyes open. "Wake up and talk to him." confused I just stared at him through blurry eyes.

"Akihito?" That voice! It's Asami's! I glanced between the man and the phone in his hand several times before he roughly removed tape from my mouth I hadn't even noticed.

"A-asam-mi?" I asked quietly when the phone was held up to my ear. "Y-you're o-okay?"

"Of course I am this is nothing for me." He stated like getting shot not only once but twice was no big deal.

"P-people were sh-shot." I pointed out remembering the man who was shot in front of me. "I-in front o-of me."

"They're probably dead, Akihito." He stated with a tone in his voice.

"Asa-mi, t-take me h-home." I said quietly before the phone was pulled away from me. "Asami!" I called out as the man left with the phone. "Asami!" I shouted even louder.

With my hands and feet bound I couldn't do anything to get the phone back, and this just made me feel that much more helpless, and useless because of the position I am currently in. Not that my situation would be any better if I wasn't bound, but my position of being passed around as a trophy to get to Asami is a position I'm tired of being in. I'm nothing but a hinderance to Asami and his life's goals as long as I'm this vulnerable, and still in his life. I still don't understand why Asami wants me in his life.

After another long while the big guy came back into the room and I asked him if I could go to the bathroom since I hadn't been to the bathroom in I don't even know how long. He warned me not to try anything before untying me and leading me to the bathroom. I tried to get him to wait for me but he followed me inside anyway. It wasn't until I panicked because of the blood mixed in with my urine that he finally left me on my own. I really need to make sure that I get a check up if and when I get back to Japan. It seems all of the kicks, knees, and punches to my stomach are starting to catch up to me. When I came out of the bathroom the man grabbed my arm and lead me back to the bedroom again; this time he was much more gentle in my handling as he pushed me to the bed. I laid down again trying to alleviate some of the pain in my abdomen. I groaned quietly as I tried to get comfortable enough to not be in pain anymore. It seemed like an eternity before the man returned again, I was quite close to passing out again from the pain I was in when he came in and threw a pile of clothes at me.

"Get dressed, I'm taking you to the trade off." He stated.

"Can I go to the bathroom again?" I asked wanting some privacy.

He lead me to the bathroom again with the same warning not to try anything as before. It's not like I'm going to risk my rescue when it's this close by trying to escape. I got changed, but my thoughts wondered and I found myself relieving myself thinking of Asami before washing my hands and making my exit again.

"That took a while." The man stated. "Were you fantasizing about Asami while you were in there?" He asked and I aimed as punch at him but missed. He grabbed my wrist before throwing me to the floor and strangling me. I gripped and scratched at his wrists trying to release his hold on my throat for several minutes before his eyes widened and he jumped away from me. "Let's go." He ordered while I was coughing trying to catch my breath. "Mikhail won't mind if we're a little early, and if he does I don't care I'm tired of babysitting your ass."

After a minute or two I was able to catch my breath and slowly stood up again a bit unsteady. He had a hold of my arm as he lead me through a maze of hallways and stairwells. I didn't recognize anything until we made it to the deck of the ship. I was pulled to a stop and turned to face the way we came. "Stay quiet and you'll be returned to Asami's men." He stated before pulling me into his chest and placing his hand around my throat again before putting a gun to my head making me freeze. "Don't and you won't live another minute."

Chapter Text

We waited for a few minutes before I saw Kirishima making his way down the stairs we had just taken. I never thought I'd be so happy to see one of Asami's men, but in this moment I couldn't help the joy that flooded through me at the sight of him. He stopped a few feet away from us and without thinking I called out to him interrupting the man next to me.

"Kiri-chan!" I stepped forward only to be pulled back by my shirt choking me again.

"You're alone." The man stated. "You have the deed?" Kirishima held up a familiar blue folder. "Give it to me."

"No!" I shouted lunging towards Kirishima just as he held the folder towards us and two shots rang out. "Kirishima!" The folder fell next to him as his body hit the deck. "Kirishima!" I shook his shoulder and he turned his head to look up at me before he slowly handed the folder to me and fell unconscious. "Don't worry Kirishima I'll distract him." I said quietly picking up his gun and standing up facing the man.

"Give me the deed you perverted scum!" I aimed the gun at him.

"You'll pay for what you've done!" I shouted and he just stared at me before coming closer and I pulled the trigger making him fall as well. "Don't mistake my quietness as weakness you bastard." I stated before turning to find Asami or Fei Long to return the deed. Just as I was going to run something tripped me. I turned to see the man holding my ankle.

"I'm surprised you actually pulled the trigger; I didn't think you had the balls to do it." He pulled on my ankle and I kicked out with my other foot making him let go of me. "I love when my prey runs; it makes for more interesting sport." He called out as I ascended the stairs.

"You sick fuck!" I yelled back still running. I don't know where I'm going or what I'm doing, but I do know that he is right behind me, and he is going to do whatever it takes to get this deed. With that thought in my mind I ran as fast as I could down the hall just barely missing getting shot. I looked behind me seeing him pointing a gun at me as he followed me before someone shot his arm from behind and yelled for me to run.

The voice sounds familiar, but I cant place it; who was that?

I ran as fast as I could before finding the door to another deck and quickly blocking it with a nearby chair as more men chased and shot at me. I guess the movies aren't entirely wrong; bad guys really are terrible shots. I ran to the back of the ship trying to find any sign of Asami Fei Long or one of their men. I'm not cut out for this life, and the fatigue that I'm feeling is proving just how out of my element I really am right now. It didn't take me long to find myself at a dead end at the back of the ship. Not knowing what to do I looked around in a panic as men were closing in on me with the man from before leading them. I'm trapped. Where is Asami? I can't possibly find him on a ship this big.

"Asami!" I shouted out in desperation; hoping to at least see him again before I'm killed over a piece of paper.

"Akihito!" I heard from above me making me look up.

Just as I looked back at the men in front of me I saw a gun pointed at me. "No!" I shouted just as the shot rang out and I felt pain in my shoulder before my head and back slammed onto the deck. My vision blurry and fading to black just as I heard multiple shots ring out before I felt someone shaking me. I could faintly hear my name being called and my face was being smacked gently. I just wanted to let unconsciousness win so that this nightmare could be over, but somehow my brain registered that the voice calling out my name belonged to Asami.

"The bullet only grazed you." He sounded relieved. "You have nothing to worry about."

"A-as-sa-mi?" I questioned turning my head to see if he was really here. "Asa-mi?" Once my brain cleared a little I felt the pain in my shoulder. "That asshole shot me!" I whined rolling onto my side holding my arm.

"It only grazed you, you'll be okay." Asami stated and I sat up facing him.

"A-asami, w-why did you wait so long to c-come f-for me?" I nearly yelled at him. "I waited!" This time I did yell. "I waited for so long for you!" I threw myself into his chest hugging him as tightly as my injures would allow. "All I could do was wait for you!" I pulled him tighter against me starting to cry. "I tried to escape but didn't stand a chance against Fei Long's men." I gripped the material of his jacket. "I waited for so long, and you just showed up now, you jerk!" I was nearly sitting in his lap at this point. 

"I'm sorry, Akihito." He said quietly.

"If you wouldn't have come I would have never forgiven you; you bastard!" I yelled pushing against him weakly until he pulled me back into his chest holding me tightly.

"Don't ever hurt me like this again, Akihito." He said holding the back of my head so my face was against his chest. "I was afraid that I made it to late."

I really hope that this is real, and I didn't die when I got shot.

"Asami?" I leaned back enough to be able to see his. "This is real?" I asked. "You're really here?" Instead of answering me he pulled me into a passionate kiss and hugged me tightly.

"Asami, if things end like this I'll become a laughing stock." Fei Long said from behind him.

"I figured as much." Asami stated pertly turning to face him as he raised a gun at him. "Shall we end this here and now Fei Long?"

"Stop!" I shouted pushing his arm down and standing between them in the same second. I don't know how or why but I was protecting them from each other.

"Akihito?" Fei Long asked quietly. I turned so that I was holding a hand out to both of them.

"I don't fully know what happened between the two of you in the past, but you've both resigned yourselves to neither kill or be killed by the other; so why not just let the past rest?" I said loudly. "I'm returning the deed to you Fei Long." I stated picking the forgotten folder up as both men looked at me shocked. "And mark my words; I'm not a pawn in your games to get to one another; so stop using me!" I growled at them. "Asami, take me home, I'm tired." I added quietly.

"Farewell, Akihito." Fei Long said as he turned to leave before looking at me again. "Perhaps we could have been friends in another life."

"Perhaps." I sighed as Asami put his arm around my shoulders gently before leading me to a boat that was waiting for us. "Kiri-chan!" I said loudly running to him and pulling him into a tight hug. "I'm so glad that you're okay; I thought he'd killed you!" I glanced up at him. 'I'm sorry I lost your gun, but I was so mad, and didn't think I just took it." My legs gave out when I realized I'd shot someone. My hands were trembling and Kirishima followed me to the floor and put an arm around me just as Asami came into the room looking at us surprised. "I shot him, that guy, I shot him, I shot someone." I mumbled to myself. "I've always looked in on this world from behind my camera, I never thought I'd be in the thick of it, and actually pulling the trigger on someone." I looked up at Kirishima again to see he looked pained. "I shot someone." I said quietly as I looked back down at my trembling hands.

"Kirishima, give the order to leave." Asami ordered kneeling next to me. "Akihito, are you okay?" He was talking to me like I'm some kind of a fragile animal. "I need to treat your wounds." He stated when I didn't respond to him at all. "Akihito?" He turned my head so I was looking at him.

"W-why am I j-just n-now reacting?" I questioned quietly almost to myself.

"You're in shock." He stated taking my hand and lifting me to my feet just to have to catch me when I tried to take a step since my legs still can't support me. "Akihito?" He knelt in front of me again before pulling his phone out and walking away. He was gone for a few minutes before he came back and held his phone up in front of him and saying my name again. "Is this what you meant?"

"Yes."

"He can't walk."

"I'm not surprised." There was shuffling on the other side of the phone. "Last time he was like this it took days before he was back to normal."

"Days?" Asami asked sounding concerned.

"Hold on I have an idea." More rustling could be heard. "Give him your phone."

Asami tried to hand me his phone, but I wouldn't take it. I just stared blankly at the object. Getting the hint he just held it up so that the screen was facing me. Almost immediately after my face came on screen Tao did as well. Asami was watching me closely, and I wasn't sure what exactly he was looking or waiting for.

"Akihito?" Tao asked. "What happened, are you okay?"

My eyes trailed over the phone to look at Asami. "Yes."

I felt like I couldn't catch my breath. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't seem to get enough air. I started to feel dizzy when Fei Long took the phone from Tao. "Asami, what did you tell him?"

"He wanted to know if Tao was on the ship with us."

"So you told him?" Fei Long nearly yelled. "You're an idiot, Asami!"

"Just fix him!" Asami yelled making me jump.

"He's having a panic attack, you moron!" Tao and Fei Long both yelled at the same time in both Japanese and Chinese. "You don't just fix it, either pull him out of it somehow or let it run it's course." Fei Long added.

"Akihito, Tao is fine look. See for yourself." He turned the phone to face me again. "See he wasn't anywhere near where he could be hurt."

"Takaba, I'm okay, really." Tao said taking the phone from Fei Long so his face was the only one I could see. "I stayed in Fei Long's room the whole time, in fact I still haven't left." He turned flipped the camera so it showed a table covered in books. "I've been working on my school work, and even got a lot of it done."

"Fei Long, you idiot." I grumbled quietly once I found my voice again. Asami snorted and smirked.

"It seems we're both idiots, Liu." He stated.

"Why am I an idiot?" He asked defensively.

"You brought Tao to something you were intending to turn into a gun fight!" I shouted taking the phone from Asami roughly. "That's more irresponsible than me trying to run from an entire mafia in their home country!" I glared at the screen. "If you ever risk his life like this again I'll make sure that you're enemies are the least of your worries, I've warned you about hurting him once already." I pointed out. "I won't warn you again."

"Are you okay now Takaba?" Fei Long asked.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" I shouted gripping Asami's phone tightly. "You brought Tao to the ship!" If looks could kill he'd be in trouble right now. "I watched three people get shot in front of me tonight, not including myself!" I turned my glare to Asami. "I got kidnapped twice, bet up, and shot because of your stupid games!" I tossed the phone towards Asami. "And you ask me if I'm I okay? I'd have to be insane if I'm okay after all of this shit!"

"Well, that was easy." Fei Long stated and I ripped the phone out of Asami's hand who looked confused.

"Fuck you, and you're bullshit games Fei Long!" I shouted hanging up on him before throwing the phone back at Asami. "Fucking bastard!" I grumbled crossing my arms.

"Can I treat your wounds now?" He asked pocketing his phone and standing in front of me. "I can have that tattoo removed too."

I just nodded at him and he picked me up taking me to the couch across the room. He was wounded himself he shouldn't be straining himself to take care of me. He's going to reopen his wounds if he isn't careful. Kirishima came in with a first aid kit that he gave to Asami and a box of pocky that he gave to me. I just sat the box next to me which made both him and Asami stare at me.

"I don't want to choke because you don't know how to be gentle." I pointed at the first aid kit in his hand.

"You aren't one of his men he'll be gentle with you." Kirishima stated standing behind the couch over Asami's right shoulder.

"Kirishima." Asami growled.

"Shouldn't you be resting?" I asked. "You got shot twice, and lost consciousness an hour or so ago."

"I'm fine Takaba-sama." He stated turning his back to us as Asami started to patch up my wounds. 

"He's had worse before." Asami added. "His car is more dangerous than Yuri's aim."

"Yuri?" I asked. "What's a Yuri?"

"Did you hit your head?" Kirishima asked turning to look at me.

"Yeah, when I got shot, why?"

"You don't know who Yuri is?" Concern filling his voice.

"I never learned his name, none of them actually, at least not until Mikhail's name was mentioned just before we made the trade." Asami glared at the bandage he was wrapping around my torso and shoulder. "What?" I asked glancing between them.

"You were held captive and he didn't even tell you who he was?" Asami asked.

"No, was he supposed to?" I asked confused.

"He's a bigger idiot than I thought." Asami sighed.

"Asami." Kirishima stated turning to face us better.

"I know, inform Suoh, and make sure that we aren't interruptued." He ordered and Kirishima made his exit.

"Asami." I looked up at him. "Why would Fei Long risk Tao like that?" I asked playing with my fingers. "He knew I wasn't going to try anything, so using him to get to me again wasn't needed, not tonight."

"Would you have acted as recklessly if you knew that he was on the ship?"

"No." I answered with no hesitation. "Of course I wouldn't, what if he was hit with a stray bullet?" I asked. "He's an innocent child, and his life could have been ended because of Fei Long's actions today." I could feel as my breathing became unsteady again. "Fei Long risked h-his l-life for an i-in-nsurance p-policy?"

"It's okay, Akihito." He stated wrapping me in a tight hug. "Tao is safe, and if it helps at all, Akihito; you actually lead the firefight away from where Tao was." He explained trying to calm me down. "You had the fight on the oposite end of the ship from where he was."

"W-why risk it in t-the first p-place?" I asked gripping onto his sleeves tightly. I could feel the tears running down my face in streams like rivers flowing from my eyes as I tried to process everything that had happened tonight as well as Fei Long's neglect of Tao's saftey. I burried my head into his chest for a second before sitting up and wiping the tears on my face. "You were shot b-because of me." I pointed out as I started crying again.

"It's okay, Akihito." Asami stated drying the tears on my face. “Why are you crying?”

“Because I was the one who lead you to Fei Long to get shot in the first place.”

“Why don’t I make you forget all about him?” He asked and I found myself naked on his lap in what seemed like seconds. He didn’t prep me at all before he thrusted deeply into me making me cry out in both pain and pleasure.

“Make me forget.” I begged him. “Make me forget what he did to me.”

“Oh, I will.” He answered by thrusting into me again making me temporarily lose the ability to speak. “That I promise you, Akihito.”

“All I-I’ve been able t-to th-think of i-is you.” I managed to respond. He thrusted harder so that he was all the way in me before he stopped allowing me to adjust to the intrusion.

“I have also only been able to think of you.” He responded as he started to thrust into me rhythmically.

It didn’t take long for me to release all over both of our chests. As I was coming down from my high; he shifted our positions so that I was laying on my back on the couch and he was hovering over me. He started to thrust into me again not letting me fully recover before round two. We continued until the sun had started to rise. After switching positions at least three times and no breaks I collapsed against the couch barely able to keep my eyes open as I came down from the high that only he could give me.

“Get some rest, Akihito, you are safe now.” Asami pulled a blanket up to my chin. “I’ll still be here when you wake up.”

“Promise?” I asked as I let my eyes close finally.

“Of course, Kitten.” He answered before kissing my forehead. “I will always be here from now on.”

***

A few hours later I was woken up and told we were boarding a plane. I was confused until I realized that we would have to fly to Japan from here. I slowly climbed from the car pulling the jacket around my shoulders tighter as I walked behind Asami with my head down before stopping at the bottom of the steps to enter the plane.

“Akihito?” Asami turned to face me as I looked up at him. “Are you alright?”

“I can’t just pretend like the last few months just didn’t happen.” I stated quietly. “I’m a different person now, and I don’t know what that means, but I know I’m not the same Akihito that was taken to China.”

“We can get you back to normal together.” He held his hand out to me.

“I can survive anything as long as you’re by my side.” I admitted taking his hand. He lead us to two seats and we buckled in. I leaned my head on his shoulder. “I don’t know what the future holds, but as long as you’re in it I can handle anything it has to throw at me.” I sighed and closed my eyes trying to fall asleep before takeoff.

“You’re stronger than you think, Kitten.”

“Keep calling me Kitten and you’ll see just how strong I really am.” I remarked earning a chuckle from him as I slowly drifted into unconsciousness.

***

"Kiri-chan!" I stepped forward only to be pulled back by my shirt choking me again.

"You're alone." The man stated. "You have the deed?" Kirishima held up a familiar blue folder. "Give it to me."

"No!" I shouted lunging towards Kirishima just as he held the folder towards us and two shots rang out. "Kirishima!" The folder fell next to him as his body hit the deck. "Kirishima!" I shook his shoulder and he turned his head to look up at me before he slowly handed the folder to me and fell unconscious. "Don't worry Kirishima I'll distract him." I said quietly picking up his gun and standing up facing the man.

"Give me the deed you perverted scum!" I aimed the gun at him.

"You'll pay for what you've done!" I shouted and he just stared at me before coming closer and I pulled the trigger making him fall as well. "Don't mistake my quietness as weakness you bastard." I stated before turning to find Asami or Fei Long to return the deed. Just as I was going to run something tripped me. I turned to see the man holding my ankle.

"I'm surprised you actually pulled the trigger; I didn't think you had the balls to do it." He pulled on my ankle and I kicked out with my other foot making him let go of me. "I love when my prey runs; it makes for more interesting sport." He called out as I ascended the stairs.

I heard as his quick footsteps followed me making me increase my speed as much as my body would allow me to. This time when he shoots at my retreating form he doesn't miss. I feel every ounce of pain as the bullet tears through my back making me drop to the floor struggling to breathe.

***

I jolt awake still struggling to breathe. Not recognizing where I am I start to panic thinking I'd been kidnapped again. Looking around me I finally spot a sleeping Asami next to me. I relaxed a little, but I still couldn't seem to get my breathing fully under control. I continued to look around; finally taking in my surroundings, and realized that we were still on the plane. 

"Takaba-sama?" Kirishima asked standing beside me looking down at me with a look of concern. "Are you alright?"

"I-I don't know." I answered quietly glancing at Asami. "What about him?"

"I'm not the one having nightmares." Asami answered for Kirishima. "You should be resting right now."

"You were awake this whole time?"

"He's a light sleeper, even more so when traveling, and now that you're here too it's even worse." Suoh came to stand behind Asami handing him a glass and a cigarette which I grabbed before he had a chance to take either of them.

"Not until your wounds heal." I stated downing the scotch from the glass and handing it back to Suoh as I coughed at the bitter taste. "Alcohol is a blood thinner, and nicotine doesn’t help either."

"Takaba-" Kirishima was cut off as Asami held up his hand and smirked at me.

"You're wounded too." He stated. "You just contradicted yourself."

"You shouldn't still have yours; mine are new; there's a difference."

"All the more reason you shouldn't be drinking either, your wounds are only a few hours old." Asami remarked gesturing to my bandages. "If I can’t drink my own scotch, I'm at least getting that cigarette."

"Fine." I held it out to him. "No alcohol though."

As he lifted the cigarette to his lips Kirishima leaned over me and produced a lighter; lighting it for him. "Asami-sama is it really a good idea for him to be drinking right now?" He asked standing straight again. "We don’t know how this is going to effect him."

"It's fine Kirishima, I can handle him." Asami answered eyeing me. "He won't be any trouble tonight."

"Yes, boss." He responded stepping back.

"I'm tired." I stated laying my head on his shoulder again. "No drinking even if I fall asleep." I remarked closing my eyes. "I'll know if you do." I added with a sigh.

***

*Asami*

We stayed in silence until Akihito's breathing leveled out. It wasn't to much later that he was letting out quiet little snores. I was just watching him when Kirishima informed me that all of the arrangements were made and our course had been changed.

I just hope it's not to much of a shock for Akihito to not wake up in Japan. I have no intentions of waking him up when we land. He needs all the rest he can get. 

"Kiri-chan." Akihito tensed and his face went from peaceful to pained in seconds. "No." Kirishima froze staring at him. "Kirishima." I glanced from Kirishima to Akihito and back again not listening to Akihito anymore. "-Distract him."

"The ship?" Kirishima asked nearly silently. "He's dreaming about the trade when I was shot in front of him." I glared at him even though it wasn't directed at him. "He told me as I fell unconscious not to worry that he'd distract Yuri."

"He protected you?" Suoh asked.

"So it seems." We both answered.

"Yuri was so focused on the deed that he didn’t stop to finish me off." Kirishima remarked. "He could have left the deed and just ran, but he took the one thing Yuri was after; so he didn't have a choice but to chase him."

"Like I said their greed will be their undoing." I stated and looked back at Akihito. His face was now relaxed and peaceful again, but I know from before that he will be awake in a few minutes when his dream gets to the point of the night where he was shot. "Kirishima, go and make some tea." He nodded and turned to leave. "He's going to need help sleeping through the night." I hinted.

Not long after Kirishima left he screamed himself awake sitting up straight. Looking around frantically his eyes landed on me and I saw nothing but fear until it was replaced with confusion, something I didn't recognize, and then happiness.

"Asami?" He asked quietly. "It was just a dream?" He added even quieter before he was in my lap hugging me tightly. "I watched you die." He burried his face in my neck.

"I'm fine, Akihito." I ran my hand up and down his back. "Nothing happened to me on the ship." The collar of my shirt became damp from his tears.

"You shouldn't have been there in the first place." Is he blaming himself? "None of you should have."

"Akihito?" I held him at arms length. "None of this is your fault."

"All of this is my fault." I barely heard his answer.

He stood up and walked away. He nearly ran into Kirishima as he came back. All three of us were surprised when he knelt in front of Kirishima. Kirishima nearly dropped the cup in his hand before composing himself again.

"Asami-sama-"

"He needs to do this, Suoh." I cut him off. "He's blaming himself. He's trying to atone for his mistakes the only way he knows how." I explained watching the scene in front of me. I'm not pleased to see him on his knees for another man, but I know he needs this to help himself heal from these last few months.

"Akihito-sama?" Kirishima finally spoke kneeling in front of him.

"Don't call me that!" Akihito finally met his eyes and if I wasn't so familiar with Kirishima I would have missed the slight widening of his eyes before he covered the shock. "I don’t deserve it."

I stood from my seat and made my way to the back of the plane walking past the two of them. "Did you make the tea?"

"Yes, boss." Kirishima held the cup up. "There's more in the kettle."

"Make sure he gets some in order to calm his nerves." I left the room with Suoh following me.

"Boss, is it really a good idea to drug him this soon after everything that's happened?" He asked quietly once the door closed behind us.

"It's for the best." I answered with a sigh.

"I know it'll make him more manageable, but mentally; what is it going to do to him?"

Before I had a chance to respond Kirishima burst into the room looking panicked. Suoh and I both rushed back out of the room to see Akihito slumped on the floor. I knelt next to him and checked his pulse and breathing; both were weak but present.

"What happened?" I demanded. "It shouldn't have been that quick."

"If he would have drank it normally or even sipped it; no it wouldn’t have been, but he drank the whole thing at once."

"And you let him!" I shouted fixing him with a glare.

"I didn't have a chance to stop him." He answered.

"How much?" Suoh asked.

"I based it on what Yamagishi gave him when he treated him, so ten milligrams." He explained.

"Ten?" Suoh knelt next to me examining Akihito. "He's going to be out for a while." He stood up again. "All we can do now is make him as comfortable as possible until we land."

I sighed and rolled him to his back. I stared at his comatose form for a few seconds before standing and glaring at Kirishima. "He doesn’t take medications so his body always reacts to them in the most extreme way." I had his collar in my fists as I pushed him into the next room kicking the door shut behind me and nearly throwing him against it. "That's why he's so responsive to everything!"

"That's why I only used ten." He answered not even trying to break my hold. "Yamagishi gave him fifty; with factoring in his weight loss, what he's been through, and the nightmares causing sleep deprivation I didn't think that was the needed amount."

"Don't think I missed the mark on the side of his face." I pushed him harder into the door. "He'd already hit his head on the ship, Kirishima!"

"Boss, we're landing soon." Suoh's voice sounds through the door. "We need to take our seats."

"You are going to wait on him hand and foot until his guards meet up with us." I pushed against him again before pulling him away from the door and going back to Akihito's side.

I sighed and picked him up bridal style taking him back to the seat he was in before. I buckled him in and took my seat buckling myself in as well. I put my arm across his shoulders to keep him sitting up when we landed. I sighed again realizing that I'm going to have to carry him through the airport. I'm glad that the second flight is much shorter and directly to our suite.

"You're security team is in place." Kirishima said quietly from behind me. "We can go whenever you're ready." He added before going to the back of the room again.

"Asami-sama, don't you think you should go a little easier on him?" Suoh asked glancing at Kirishima's retreating form.

"What would you do if this was someone you cared about, Suoh?" I questioned gesturing to Akihito.

"You ordered it." He pointed out. "Kirishima was following your orders, he can't help how Akihito's body reacted, and from what I heard; he only gave Akihito a fifth of what Yamagishi gave him before." He sighed kneeling in front of me. "I apologize for speaking out of turn, but you have to at least consider that he was trying to be cautious."

"Suoh." I sighed. "I can't let anything else happen to him." I finally looked back at Kirishima and saw just what Suoh meant. It's written all over his face. "I know that Kei's punishment from me isn’t going to be anywhere near as hard on him as Akihito's broken trust in him is going to be."

"Asami, you know as well as I do he's not his best when he's distracted." He glanced towards Kirishima again. "He hasn't blinked once since he took his position. I'm not sure he's even seeing anything right now."

"Kirishima!" Akihito shouted making all three of us jump. Kirishima started to take a step towards us but froze and stayed where he was. "Asami!"

"Will he be able to wake himself up?" Suoh asked sounding panicked. "Kirishima, will he be able to wake himself up?"

"I don't know."

"No!" Akihito choked out and I had an idea of what he was seeing.

"We will wait until this passes and then we will head to the other plane." I stated unbuckling Akihito and pulling him into my lap. "We can't have him shouting in the middle of a crowded airport."

He seemed to calm down again when I held him, but I know that this nightmare is nowhere near over for him. I wanted to go back to Hong Kong and make Liu pay for what he's done, and then go to Russia and find Mikhail and make him pay for what he and Yuri did. I couldn't do that since Akihito is here and needs us right now.

"Ryuichi?" I looked down again and brushed his hair from his face.

"I'm right here Kitten."

"Even drugged he talks in his sleep." Suoh stated. "We are going to have to be very careful with him."

"I know." I grumbled at the same time Akihito mentioned being cold. "Let's go. If he can tell that he's cold then he's probably not in a nightmare right now."

We made our way off the plane, and into the airport without incident, but all three of us were on edge the whole time. We were all just waiting for another nightmare to start. Luckily the only thing that Akihito said was that he was cold. I slipped his arms into the sleeves of my jacket he still had around his shoulders and buttoned it to keep it from opening and revealing his bandaged chest. We only waited about twenty minutes before we were allowed to get on the small plane to take us to the island.

I placed Akihito on the bed and stripped him to his underwear. I covered up to his waist with the blanket before allowing Yamagishi to see him. As he was being treated I attended to business I have been neglecting. A while later Yamagishi came and reported Akihito's condition to me. The tattoo has been removed, he is still under weight, and he needs plenty of rest. He left information with Kirishima about his treatment plan before leaving.

"You'll see to it that he follows that." I ordered Kirishima leaving no room for argument or disagreements.

He nodded before reading over the packet. I got back to work.

***

*Akihito*

Where in the hell am I and why am I here?

Chapter Text

The first thought that went through my head when I finally woke up was 'where in the hell am I and why am I here?' I of course got no answer since I woke up in the room on my own. I hadn't even had a chance to look around before the door opened and Kirishima came in just to freeze.

"Akihito?" He whispered finally finding his voice. "Are you really awake?" His eyes wide.

"Kirishima?" My voice cracking from lack of use. "Where are we?"

"I'll let Asami explain." He answered leaving the room again quickly.

Only a few minutes passed and the door was thrown open again. Dressed unusually casually stood Asami with Kirishima, Suoh, Takino, and Tamiki standing behind him. Takino and Tamiki were smiling while the other three were stone faced as always.

"You've finally decided to wake up." Asami stated crossing his arms and leaning against the door frame. "It's about time."

"And who's fault was that, asshole?" I demanded sitting up. "You had Kirishima drug me!" My voice raising causing it to Crack and sound even more hoarse. "Don't you have any other tactics to use?"

"Are you asking to be tied up next time?" He smirked pushing off the doorframe and I'm sure I resembled a tomato.

"No!" I glared at him flustered. "I just want everyone to stop fucking drugging me all the damn time!" I threw my hands up in the air before fixing Asami with a glare. "You going through Kirishima to drug me is not only pathetic, but it also proves to me that I can't trust anyone around you."

Takino and Tamiki both gasped, Kirishima closed his eyes sighing, Suoh stared at Kirishima, and Asami just smirked at me.

"You are starting to learn, Kitten." I huffed because of him calling me Kitten.

"Where are we?" I looked outside. "It's not Japan." I faced Asami again.

"A private island resort." 

"For how long?" I sighed. "I just want to go home." I whined quietly.

"Until your wounds heal." He answered.

"What?" I asked. "How long's that going to take!?" I pulled the blanket off of me and glared at all of the bandages. "Why are there so many!?" I looked at Kirishima and Asami panicked. "I was only shot once, and it wasn't even that bad!"

"Akihito-sama-"

"Don't call me that!" I shouted; interrupting Takino before looking away from them. "I don't deserve it." I quietly added.

"Akihito, I don't think you want to have to explain your condition to your friends." Asami stood next to the bed looking down at me. "We will be here as long as it takes for your hand to heal at least." He sat on the side of the bed.

"Fine." I grumbled putting the blanket back over me. "I'm going to sleep then; there's no since and wasting a chance to sleep comfortably." I laid back down. 

"You should eat something." He stated after a few minutes of silence. "You've been unconscious for days, and the fluids you've been getting aren't the same as solid food." He added when I started to argue. "Let's go." He stood up and walked towards the door.

"Where are we going?" I asked not moving.

"Lunch."

"Lunch?" I looked around for a clock not finding one. "How long has it been since we were on the plane?"

I sighed since no one was left here to answer my questions. I slowly stood up and made my way to the door. Along the way I made sure to put on the familiar black jacket that was draped across the back of a chair. I didn't want to risk everyone seeing me in nothing but boxers and bandages. I don't think that I can handle seeing anyone else getting shot. When I started feeling dizzy I found a chair and sat leaning forward with my head in my hands. I could feel the heat around my eyes and ears that alerted me to the fact that I was dangerously close to passing out.

"Are you Akihito?" I slowly looked up to see a man I didn’t recognize standing in front of me glaring down at me. "Takaba Akihito?"

"I just woke up so I couldn't have possibly done whatever it is that you're pissed off about." I sassed instead of answering him.

"So, you aren't the one who lead Asami-sama to Fei Long to get shot?" He crossed his arms. "Leading to months of stress, neglected work, opening and reopening wounds, lost deals, and unnecessary trips?" He continued when I didn't answer. "You aren't the brat that's been getting in the way and ruining everything Asami-sama has worked so hard to build?"

I just slowly stood up and tried to walked away from him. Would he really be stupid enough to say all of that knowing there is a possibility that Asami could come in and hear him at any moment?

"You being here is a bonus, stay away from Asami-sama, and let him heal so that we can return to Japan."

Yes, he is that stupid. I noted to myself as another intense wave of dizziness decided to hit me. I tried not to let it show, but I know that it did when I subconsciously put a hand on my forehead and huffed closing my eyes. The man stepped forward only to freeze when I responded to his remark.

"If I ever got what I wanted in life; I'd have never even left Japan in the first place." I said quietly finally opening my eyes to look at him. "For the record; I know I'm a burden; I don't need to be reminded constantly of my worthlessness." I added loud enough for him to hear clearly. Unfortunately Kirishima happened to walk in at that moment.

"Is there a problem here?" He stood between us; looking at the man who was still glaring at me, but had uncrossed his arms. "Akihito?"

"No, Kiri-chan, there's no problem." I answered. "We were-." I paused realizing that I have to lie or risk this man's life. "-just getting to know each other." The man's eyes widened when I blatantly lied to Kirishima. "I got light headed and he was making sure I was okay."

"Don't lie to me Akihito." He sighed. "You're terrible at it."

"But I'm not lying, ask him yourself if you don't believe me." I crossed my arms. "I have no reason to lie to you Kiri-chan." I turned, but he grabbed my arm.

"I'll take you to the dining room." With an arm around my shoulders Kirishima turned to face the man again. "Go patrol, and don't think that he will be able to lie your way out of punishment again."

"Kiri-chan." I whined making him look down at me as I attempted my best puppy dog eyed look. "Can't we just forget about it? Just this once?"

After a few minutes he finally sighed and agreed before leading me towards the dining room; the bewildered man standing there shocked.

"Akihito-sama why did you lie for him?" He asked once the man left.

"Kirishima." I warned.

"Sorry, Akihito."

"Do you really think I can handle anyone else getting hurt or killed because of me right now?" I questioned.

"Good point."

"I appreciate the vote of confidence in my mental stability though."

We just made it to the dining room as another intense wave of dizziness decided to hit me. I leaned heavily against Kirishima as I placed a hand against my forehead and closed my eyes tightly. I'm glad Kirishima was holding my shoulders because I would be swaying if he wasn't.

"Takaba-sama!" Rang out from various directions before I felt various tight grips on my arms.

"I'm fine." I brushed them all away. "Just dizzy is all."

"Asami-sama?" Kirishima asked still holding on to me with an arm around my shoulders.

"I'm fine Kirishima." I pushed away from him before stumbling my way to the nearest chair and plopping down into it.

I could feel everyone's eyes on me and tried to ignore it but I couldn't seem to focus on anything else except the feeling of being watched. I suppressed the urge to sigh as no one said a word for so long that I decided to break the silence.

"If I was told to join you just to be stared at by everyone; I'm leaving." I commented before trying to stand up.

"You're going to sit there and eat something." Asami said as Tamiki held me in place with a tight grip on my shoulder. Thankfully he knows my left shoulder is wounded, so he was holding on to my right shoulder.

"I'm not hungry." I lied like he couldn’t see right through me. As I  placed my right arm on the table. Tamiki let go of my shoulder making it a bit easier to relax.

"Don't lie to me." Asami growled.

"But I'm not lying." I argued. "I'm tired." I continued whining like a child would. "I just want to take a nap." I laid my head on my arm.

"Eat and then you can go to sleep." He commanded. "You can rest until the food arrives." He added as I closed my eyes.

I just hummed in response to him. Since I just wanted to sleep. The more I sleep the quicker I'll feel better. I must have managed to fall asleep because I had to force my heavy eyelids open when a plate was put in front of me. The smell of the food had me straightening up again as I covered a yawn.

"Akihito?" Asami got my attention making me look at him before looking away again when I saw the anger in his eyes. "Clear your plate-"

"Then I can sleep?"

"Yes, Kitten, then you can go back to sleep." He sighed.

"Thank you." I quietly stated pulling the plate closer to me. The room was silent and I could feel everyone's eyes on me again. "Please stop staring at me." I stated before picking up the fork and slowly eating the contents of the plate.

"Asami-sama." Takino spoke from behind me making me jump not expecting him to be there. "The soup you requested."

"It's his." Asami said making me look up at him with wide eyes. "Don't worry; it hasn't been tampered with." I eyed the bowl when it was placed next to the plate. "At least try the soup, Kitten."

"It smells so good." I stated quietly after inhaling the aroma once the bowl was directly in front of me. I replaced the fork in my hand with a spoon and slowly ate the soup. Before I knew it; I'd eaten half of the soup. I glanced at Asami before I pushed the bowl away from me. "I don't think I can eat anymore."

"You ate more than I thought you would." He remarked. "I'm impressed."

"Asami-sama, shouldn't we change his bandages before he goes back to bed?" Tamiki asked stepping forward as I started to stand before sighing and sitting back down at his words.

"Kitten, do you have the energy for a bath?" Asami asked gaining my attention.

"I think I can manage it." I answered quietly.

"Afterwards, you can go back to sleep if you still want to." He remarked. "After your wounds are bandaged again." He added. "You do need your rest."

"What about you and Kirishima?" I questioned trying not to anger him anymore than he already is. "You're both wounded too." I pointed out. "Shouldn't you guys be resting too instead of worrying over me?" Asami nodded and Kirishima came and sat next to me.

"Where is this coming from, Takaba-san?" He asked as I glared at the bowl in front of me; debating on eating more of the soup to avoid this awkward conversation.

"I should be the last person you worry about." I nearly whispered. "I'm nothing in comparison to you or Asami." I pulled the bowl closer to me once again, but Kirishima put his hand on my wrist when I reached for the spoon again.

"Aki-chan, this isn't your fault." He stated gripping my wrist tighter. "None of it."

My glare intensifying as he talked. "If I didn't take the scoop none of us would be here, and I wouldn't have caused three people to get shot." I pointed out. "I got caught and because of that I ended up with the data Fei Long wants, my friends lives were put at risk, I risked all of your lives, then after that I was taken after Fei Long and Asami shot each other because I gave Asami the location, and then after everything I'd already done and been through you were shot trying-"

"Stop!" Kirishima practically yelled, roughly grabbing and turning my chin so I had no choice but to meet his angry eyes with my own surprised sad eyes. "To think a brother of mine can be so foolish."

"Brother?" I questioned quietly my eyes widening. "Brother." I repeated even quieter to myself looking away from his angry eyes.

"Yes, Aki-Chan, brother." He reiterated letting go of my chin. "Though, no brother of mine has ever been so self-depreciating and foolish." He continued. "Of course it's going to sound like you're to blame for everything when you put it like that."

"If it's not true then why does everyone keep telling me that I'm nothing but a worthless burden?" I asked. "Or that I'm ruining everything Asami has worked so hard to build, or even telling me that I'm nothing more than a pretty face?"

"Because they are jealous of you." Asami spoke up. "Because of your association with us, with me."

"But they were going to sell me." I responded barely audible making Kirishima's eyes widen. "They wanted to me to go to the highest bidder; even if that meant a creepy old guy who would pump me full of drugs."

"Aki?" Kirishima gasped pulling me into a tight hug. "We would never let that happen, and if by some random chance they managed to; you can guarantee that we would have found you."

I could feel the dizziness coming back as I tried to process what he'd just said. It would have been to late by the time they'd showed up. They took so long to even reach out to Fei Long that he had plenty of time to actually sell me. Even with how short of a time I was with the blond guys they could have easily done the same thing and no one would have known until it was to late.

"Y-you can't guarantee th-that." I stuttered out leaning heavily against Kirishima since he was still hugging me and closing my eyes trying to just let the dizziness take over.

"Akihito?" He asked pushing me back before I felt myself being picked up as Kirishima let go of the hug. "Oh, you poor thing." I heard him say quietly as I was carried out of the dining room.

***

*Asami POV*

"Kirishima, report." I snapped returning to the dining room where Kirishima was still frozen staring at the door. "Kirishima." I said louder gaining his attention this time. "Report. What the hell just happened?"

"They were going to sell him." He said quietly. "To the highest bidder."

"Who?" I demanded.

"He didn't say." He answered. "He collapsed against me before I could ask."

"Find out." I ordered. "Whatever it takes." I made my way to the head of the table again.

"Asami?" Suoh got my attention as he sat to my left. "We're going to need to up his protection."

"I know." I answered. "Kirishima, get on that as soon as we get back to Tokyo."

"Of course." He nodded before coming to sit on my right and taking out his phone and typing furiously on it. 

"You remember what I said about not touching him without permission, right?" I asked glaring at him after the three of us sat in silence for a while. The only sound between those of us still in the room being his vigorous tapping against the phone in his hands.

"I do." He answered before slowly looking up and meeting my glaring eyes. "I'll accept any punishment you see fit to issue for my actions." He stated not breaking eye contact with me. "I just ask that you wait until Takaba-sama isn't around."

"Of course." I commented darkly. "Why did you do it?" I continued shifting my attention to the door when movement caught my eye. "You know the repercussions."

"You know the repercussions if you hurt him." Akihito stated making Kirishima jumped at the sound of his voice.

"You should be resting." Kirishima, Suoh, and I all said at the same time.

"You told me to take a bath first." He answered quietly playing with his fingers while looking at the floor.

This isn't normal behavior for him. I am considering getting Yamagishi to talk to him to see what we can do to bring him back. I sighed and stood making my way to him. He flinched when I grabbed his hand.

"Do you want some help?" I asked.

"I would feel better with help." He answered. "I'm in no condition for your perverted tendencies though." He finally looked up at me; a small spark in his eyes. "If you can control yourself; I'll allow you to help me."

I couldn't help but chuckle at him, but nodded before leading him back to the bedroom. I dismissed Tamiki and Takino who were both following us when we entered the bathroom. I don't want anyone else seeing what is mine. After helping him undress and removing his bandages; I helped him into the bathtub that was already filled halfway with steaming water. He sighed as he settled into the water seeming to relax some. I washed him as gently as I could; trying to ignore the rage building at the sight of his various bruises and wounds.

He hissed or winced a few times, but somehow still managed to keep his eyes closed for most of the bath. If I didn't know any better; I would have thought he'd fallen asleep, but his breathing is what told me otherwise. I let him just lay in the warm water for a few minutes while I grabbed a thick fluffy towel and robe for him.

"I can't go through that again." He stated finally sitting up again. "Have you ever had to live in constant fear?" He asked turning his eyes towards me.

"Yakuza, remember?" I asked at his absurd question.

"Oh yeah, that was a stupid question." He gave a quick small sad smile slightly looking down before meeting my eyes again. "I had to be so careful about how I spoke, moved, or even breathed. If I didn't; I would risk being sold to some creepy old guy who would just use my body and pump me full of drugs." His voice was rising, and I was starting to vaguely understand why he's acting so differently right now. He's trying to process everything. "I don't know what to do anymore." He finally stated as I helped him out of the bathtub.

"What do you mean?" I asked drying him off gently before pulling the robe over his shoulders before drying his hair.

"I don't know who I'm supposed to be anymore." He huffed before balling his fists. "I know I can't go back to who I was, but I don't like who I am now either." He puffed his cheeks; like he does when he's angry, and narrowed his eyes; That fire trying to flare up in his eyes, but as soon as he started to feel something he smothered it again.

"You just need to be yourself, Kitten." I Remarked fishing for a real reaction from him.

"I don't Know if I even know who that is anymore." He responded quietly. "I'm so confused, I'm so lost, and I don't know what I'm supposed to do or feel anymore." When his hands started trembling I knew I needed to reign him in and quickly. "I'm not weak; this isn't me!"

"You're right." I agreed making him look up at me confused. "You're not weak, and this isn't you." I commented only deepening his confusion based on his slight head tilt. "What you need right now is some quiet time to relax and collect yourself. Hopefully, it will help you be able to think on and process everything that has happened recently." I explained and his eyes lowered again. "That doesn't mean to continue blaming yourself for everything that's happened either." I added in a warning tone.

"But-"

"No!" I snapped cutting him off abruptly when I felt rage course through me. "This isn't you're fault." I grabbed his chin and made him meet my eyes. "None of this can possibly be your fault."

"Yes it is!" He rushed out.

I quickly covered his mouth. "No, it's not!" I yelled before I sighed trying to reign in my anger. "Akihito, I pulled you into this world, but the story you were chasing was a set up, you can't forget that." I reminded him in the softest voice I could muster as i removed my hand from his mouth. "You have been through so much in such a short time, and you can't keep taking everything on all by yourself." I pulled him into a hug. "Akihito, you are only one person, and this world will change and break you; if you allow it too."

"I'm fine, Asami." He stated after a few seconds.

"That's a lie and we both know it." I remarked but gave a ghost of a smile at his argument. "Maybe I need to punish you for lying." I leaned back to see his reaction.

"You're wounded!" He gasped and tried to push me away. "You need to rest and recover; not fuck someone senseless!" He continued still trying to push me away. "Not to mention that I need to recover too." He added significantly quieter.

"That's true, but I do know how to make you forget everything." I pointed out smugly.

"Yeah, but I'm not in any condition for any strenuous activities right now."

"We've got plenty of time, Kitten." I responded placing my hand on his cheek and gently kissing his lips. "With you; I can be a patient man." I smiled a real smile; not a smirk.

"Thank you." He returned my smile before glancing at his arm. "Shouldn't we bandage this?"

I slid the sleeve of his robe down far enough to see where the bullet grazed his arm before pulling it up again. "It should be fine as long as you don’t open it again."

"Good thing I plan on going to sleep then." He shrugged. "If I'm asleep I can't get into any trouble."

I helped him get to the bed, and pulled the thick white blanket up to his waist once he was comfortable. I placed a gentle kiss to his forehead telling him good night before turning to leave the room again. I hadn't even managed a step before he grabbed my hand. I wanted to smile when I thought back to the night months ago in his apartment when he did the same thing.

"Akihito?" I looked down at him. "I can stay until you fall asleep." I added when I saw the look on his face. It was somewhere between sadness and fear. I haven't ever seen his eyes look like that; he looks so broken right in this moment. "If you'd like."

"Just stay for a few minutes, please." He said quietly loosening his grip on my hand.

"Of course." I gave a small smile sitting on the edge of the bed looking down at him.

"Thank you." He shifted and I took hold of his hand again.

"Get some rest, Kitten." I ran my fingers through his hair, and smiled at him as he sighed and visibly relaxing more.

It wasn't long before he was breathing deeply, but I didn't want to wake him up by moving to soon. I know that if I free my hand from his before his grip loosens he'll be awake in seconds. This does give me time to plan how to get him back to how he was before Fei Long came around. Kirishima came in nearly twenty minutes later to check on us. Akihito shifted when the door opened, but luckily he stayed asleep. Also, lucky for me; he let go of my hand at the same time. I slowly stood up to not shift the bed before meeting Kirishima at the door.

"I want guards at every possible entry point to this suite." I ordered after he closed the door behind us. "Tamiki and Takino are to be on him at all times no further than ten feet away unless specified otherwise by me."

"Of course." Kirishima remarked.

"Get a camera here as soon as you can." I added before we hit the kitchen. "Nothing to fancy; I want it to be something familiar to him."

"I can have one in an hour."

"Do it." I ordered sitting down and pulling out a cigarette and lighting it. "Be particular about it, but remember you have until he wakes up in about an hour."

"I'll be back before then." I just waved him away not caring as long as he followed orders.

"I'll be in my office when you get back report to me as soon as you return." I added before he made his exit. "Suoh, I want eyes on Mikhail and Fei Long at all times."

"Of course."

"I'm going to do some work before he wakes up." I huffed putting my cigarette out. "Make sure someone knows to have dinner ready for him when he wakes up."

Suoh nodded and we both left the kitchen. I went to the room that is my temporary office while we are here. In order to not let my mind wonder; I buried myself in the reports I have been neglecting for months. I was so hyper-focused on the reports and documents in front of me that I somehow ended up blocking out everything around me. I jumped and nearly shot Kirishima when he set a bag on the edge of my desk. I was on my feet in seconds with my prized pistol pointed at him.

"If you plan to shoot me you might want to take the safety off." He sighed giving me a look. "I've never seen you let your guard down like this before." He remarked. "What has you so out of it; I've known you long enough to know that this isn't just because of work."

"He's broken." I stated placing the gun on the desk. "He's scared of everything, and I don't know how to be around him."

"Permission to speak freely, Asami." I just looked at him confused before opening the bag he sat on my desk.

"Don't you always?" I asked pulling the camera and some accessories out of the bag.

"I was letting you know that you might not want to hear what I'm about to say by asking." He sighed when I just waved a hand for him to continue. "He's spent the last four and a half months being threatened with being sold off for any little indiscretion, beaten up, and told repeatedly how he's nothing more than a pretty face." He sighed again and came to stand in front of me. "Asami; I'm only guessing here, but he's not used to being valued for the person he is anymore, and he needs some time to adjust; my suggestion would be kid gloves for the time being."

"Kid gloves?" I questioned more to myself than him. I've never used kid gloves before. "Wouldn't that just piss him off?"

"Would you rather him fighting you or scared that you're going to sell him to the highest bidder just because he simply breathes the wrong way?" Kirishima stated sounding annoyed.

"What's best for him?" I asked after putting everything back in the bag and sitting back in the chair while Kirishima leaned against my desk in front of the bag. "I don't want to rush his adjustment, but I don't want him to wallow for to long either."

"Why not ask him what he needs?" Kirishima asked. "He might be in enough of a state to actually tell you." He added when I looked at him like he was crazy. "The camera might be a good starting point; it's something familiar, and he's already passionate about photography."

I sighed and glared at nothing; knowing that I'm the one who needs to tread carefully now. He feels like he's the one that needs to, but he's not, and I want nothing more than to be able to show him that. I just don't know how to show him in such a way that he'll understand exactly. Our worlds are so vastly different that my normal means of getting what I want just won't work here. I don't like not having control of the situation; more so when the situation involves Akihito. I feel so uneasy with him this unstable since we haven't made it home yet. Something seems off with him, and I have a feeling it's more than just post traumatic stress.

A scream pulled me from my thoughts. Kirishima and I both looked at each other for a second before we both rushed to Akihito's room. The sight we walked in on had my heart breaking. Akihito was thrashing around, panting, sweating, and calling out for me to help him in his sleep. This is the worst I've seen of one of these episodes get. The swarm of guards cleared a path for Kirishima and I once they noticed I was frozen by the door. Kirishima discreetly gave me a light push and I snapped back to reality. I quickly made my way to Akihito and sat on the edge of the bed. A well timed punch landed against my chin and I heard several gasps from the group of guards gathered around the door. I tried not to react to the punch because I know he's not aware of his surroundings right now, and if I react the guards around us are going to blow this way out of proportion making him feel even worse about himself and this whole situation.

"Kirishima, Suoh." I stated dryly glancing behind them. They immediately ushered everyone except Akihito's personal guards out of the room.

"Asami-sama, he'll be okay right?" Takino asked glancing between the two of us several times.

"Once I can get him to relax and wake up; yes, he will be." I answered him and he decided to leave with Tamiki following as well. "I hope." I added quietly looking down at the boy next to me.

"Remember what I said and you'll both be just fine." Kirishima stated handing me the bag I didn't even realize he was holding. "We'll be just outside the door if either of you need anything" He added as Suoh and he both stepped out before closing the door behind them.

I turned to look at the sleeping boy next to me. Not knowing what to do with myself because he seems to relax whenever I'm near him, but I have a lot of neglected work to finish still, and knowing that he needs my undivided attention right now is the most unnerving thing I've ever felt. I need to be so many things, in so many places, and at the same time I need to keep my Yakuza life away from Akihito. I want to wake him up so that I can get back to work, and hopefully finally get it done, but I know he hasn't been getting enough sleep since we've been here. Yes, I know he's been unconscious for most of the time we've been here, but that isn't the same thing as sleeping or resting naturally. Sighing again I start to get up only to feel a pull on the back of my shirt; turning I see Akihito holding on to the bottom of my shirt half asleep still.

"Kitten?"

"Asami?" He questioned letting go of my shirt. "Why are you here?"

"I wanted to leave this for you." I answered only half lying holding the bag out to him. "I was hoping you'd be asleep when I dropped it off, Kirishima picked it out, I hope it's suitable until we get back to Japan."

He looked at me confused before sitting up and slowly taking the bag from me and looking into it. He looked up at me again before pulling the camera out.

"This is for me?" He asked quietly. "I haven't held a camera in so long."

"It's yours, we thought you'd like to have something familiar while your here." I answered ruffling his hair while he inspected the camera. "It was Kirishima's idea to get you a camera."

"Thank you." He looked up at me and I could see a spark of his old self showing through his eyes and smile.

"You're welcome Kitten." I smiled when his eyes darkened a little. "You should come and try to eat something." I added before making my way to the door. "You shouldn't miss dinner since you didn't eat much earlier."

"Sushi?" He asked quietly sitting up turning the camera around in his hands as he continued to inspect it. 

"Consider it done." I responded. Before he was stolen away im sure he could eat a whole tuna by himself. I just hope sushi is something that will get him eating like his old self again. "Come out once you're ready, there's clothes in the closet for you." I added standing to leave again.

"Asami." I turned to face him and a flash temporarily blinded me. "Perfect." He smiled looking at the little screen on the camera before turning it to face me. "My Asami, finally let me take a picture." He remarked quietly; like he didn't mean to say it out loud. "This really is real."

I messed up his hair and chuckled. Of course it's real. I had barely lowered my hand from his hair before we were both on the floor. His arms were around my neck hugging me tightly. Kirishima and Suoh both rushed in the room; both with guns drawn. I turned my head to look at them, but my chin was grabbed and I was meeting Akihito's eyes before he leaned in and kissed me gently.

"Mine." He said quietly laying his head on my chest with a sigh. I turned to face Kirishima and Suoh to see they both left again. "I'm hungry." He wined just as his stomach growled loudly.

I chuckled at the timing.

"Let me see your phone." He sat up and held his hand out until I handed him my unlocked phone. He laid his head on my chest again before holding the phone above us and gave a goofy smile as he snapped a picture. "To commemorate a new chapter together." He stated handing my phone back to me. "I want a copy of that."

"After dinner I'll be sure you get one." I chuckled at him. "Get dressed while I make arrangements for dinner, and meet me in the lounge room."

"I don’t want to put clothes on." He pouted sitting on the bed as I stood in front of him.

"Then you're not leaving this room." I answered lifting his chin making him look at me. "You don't get dressed; you don't get sushi."

"Fine." He grumbled. "Why isn't the robe good enough? Clothes are so constricting."

"Because I don't want anyone else seeing what is mine." I answered before leaving the room.

I don't want him looking as pitiful as he did when he came to the kitchen earlier. I still have to decide on a punishment for Kirishima for putting his hands on what belongs to me. I'm tempted to make him Akihito's personal guard for a week or so because he trusts him so much anyway, but I don't want to push them closer together either. Actually, that might be exactly what it takes to make sure they don't get to close to each other. I don't want to have to search for another secretary right now. Kirishima is the best at everything he does after all.

"Kirishima." I huffed as I sat in the lone chair in the living room.

"Asami-Sama?" He questioned handing me a brandy.

"You will be Akihito's personal guard for the time being." I would have laughed at the look of horror on his face if Akihito were more like his old self.

"Of course, sir." He mumbled before taking his spot by the door again to wait for Akihito to appear.

"Suoh, let the chef know that a request for sushi has been made for dinner." I stated waiting for Akihito. "And it had better be the finest he's ever made."

"I'll take care of it." He answered before leaving.

"This is your punishment, Kirishima."

"Sir?"

"I can't hurt you, but you still need to be punished." I growled out just as the distinctive click of the door opening.

Akihito walked out with his robe still on and a pout prominent on his face still. When I raised my eyebrow he shifted the robe enough for me to see a loose fitting pair of gym shorts; that were dangerously low on his waist, and a tight tank top. He quickly covered himself before coming to stand next to me. He crossed his arms and met my eyes.

"Why is Kiri-chan in trouble?" He asked looking angry and sad at the same time. I could see an underling layer of fear in his eyes too.

"He disobeyed a direct order." I stated paying close attention to his eyes. I watched as his eyes swam with various emotions before settling on anger in seconds. "Twice." He turned his head so fast an owl would be jealous.

"Kiri-chan!" He nearly shouted. "After all the times you've told me Asami's orders were law; how could you?" He uncrossed his arms and looked at the floor. "I'm disappointed; I thought you were one of his truest allies."

"Don't say that, Akihito." I said grabbing one of his hands. "His punishment is light since; in the heat of the moments he did what he thought the situations called for."

"So, why is he being punished for making a decision that best fit the situations?" He asked turning back to me. I was at a loss for words at the sadness in his eyes. "Isn't that what a top guard and secretary are supposed to do; especially for someone like you; who is trying to rule the entire underworld?"

"Yes, but-"

"No, no buts; he did exactly what you expect of him, so why should he be punished for finally being able to meet your unrealistic expectations?" He seemed to be getting worked up, so I pulled him into my lap.

"This is as light a punishment I can give someone." I explained. "He disobeyed the same direct order twice, and I let it go the first time; I can't do that again, or he may disobey it again when I'm in less of a forgiving mood."

"Why are you so afraid of your most trusted secretary failing you like that?" He asked looking between a confused Kirishima and I before looking at his hands, and back up at me. "If he can't make split second decisions based on the situations he's put in; why would you want him as your right hand man?"

I couldn't deny that he had a point, but I couldn't let Kirishima get away with freely touching him twice now; one of those times in an intimate way. I just sighed and lifted his chin when he looked down again. "Like I said, Kitten, this is an easy punishment, as punishments go; he's not suffering physically."

He sighed and laid his head against my shoulder. An awkward, but comfortable silence fell over us as he clung to me before he finally tilted his head so he could whisper to me so no one else could hear him; I barely even heard him.

"Please don't hurt Kiri-chan." He held me tighter. "I know I'm in no position to ask anything from you, but please don't hurt him."

I gave a tiny nod that he could feel because of how close our heads were. What he is failing to understand is that Kirishima's punishment is in fact as light as it gets in terms of what I've done to people who have hurt him, planned to hurt him, or even touched him in the past.

"Kiri-chan?" Akihito called gaining Kirishima's attention and pulled the same stunt he did with me to get a picture of him. "Thanks!" He cheered turning the camera to look at the screen.

"So, you've gotten a picture of all of us." Kirishima stated.

"No, or did you forget that you deleted the picture I got of Suoh?" He grumbled pouting again.

"Asami-Sama, dinner will be ready-" Suoh started and was interrupted by another flash filling the room.

"This means I now have a picture of you all." He said turning the camera to show Kirishima. I heard a growled groan escape Suoh. "And you can't delete these." He stuck his tongue out and shifted so his face was hidden from the others. "Don't let them delete these." He asked nearly silently. "Please." His hands fisted around my shirt.

"Of course not, Kitten." I patted his back gently. "Suoh, Kirishima; none of the photos from this island are to be tampered with; even after we leave." I glared at the both of them.

"But-" Suoh started but another glare from me stopped him.

"Asami." Akihito whined so quietly I almost missed it.

"Do I need to repeat myself, Kazumi?"

"No, Asami-sama." He answered as his hands turned to fists. "Dinner will be ready soon." He turned and left the room quickly.

"I'm tired." Akihito stated quietly after a short while of silence. To be honest I'd thought he'd started to doze off already.

"Dinner will be ready momentarily, Takaba-sama." Kirishima pointed out glancing at his watch.

"You shouldn't miss dinner." I added patting his head again. "You'll never fully recover if you don't take care of yourself; that means you need to eat regularly and keep hydrated."

"I know, I just all of the sudden felt tired, I didn't even realize I said anything out loud." He sighed looking up at me again after a few seconds of silence. "You know that you didn't have to be so mean to him, right?" He asked gesturing to the door Suoh went through. "The picture actually came out really good too." He picked up the camera and pulled up the photo before holding it out to me.

I took the camera from him and looked at the picture in question. He wasn't wrong It really was a good picture. Suoh looked like he was smiling because of the timing of the picture. He actually looks younger when he smiles. I hummed before handing the camera back to him and he looked up at me with bright eyes. I gave a hint of a smile at seeing that fire back.

"Can we go explore after dinner?" He asked catching both Kirishima and me off guard since he'd just declared he was tired moments ago.

"Akihito-Sama is that really a good idea?" Kirishima asked. "You just said you were tired."

"So, I got a second wind." He said defiantly. "Besides fresh air might do me some good."

"I will accompany you if you still feel up to it after dinner." He bowed and sighed.

"I will go with you to, kitten, I haven't seen much of the island since I bought this villa." I stated and he smiled a real smile for the first time since we reunited.

"Dinner is ready." Suoh announced from the now open kitchen door.

Akihito tensed before standing from my lap. Kirishima tensed momentarily when he swayed, still seeming unsteady on his feet. Standing behind him I placed a hand on his uninjured shoulder and he flinched.

"Let's go eat!" He called out in his fake cheerful voice before taking off to the kitchen. Watching him squeeze past Suoh was kind of comical. Suoh, Kirishima, and I all watched as he retreated into the dining room connected to the kitchen.

"Asami-"

"I know, Kirishima, I saw it too." I sighed before making my way to the dining room myself. When we finally made it to the kitchen I almost ran into Akihito who was frozen just inside the door. He was staring at the table looking stunned. He jumped when I chuckled at the look on his face. "What's wrong?" I asked stepping around him.

"What is this?" He asked quietly.

"Dinner, you wanted sushi." I stated confused on what the problem is.

"I can see that, but why is there so much?" He asked. "There's no way that we can eat all of this! Not even your gorillas could eat all of this!"

I smirked when I heard a growl escape Suoh. "My gorillas didn't ask for sushi, you did, and I wanted you to be able to experience the best this island has to offer." I responded. "So come and enjoy it, kitten."

"I'm not a kitten." He grumbled moving to sit down in the chair closest to him. "If any of this goes to waste I'll be very disappointed." He added gesturing to the table in front of him. "Why don't you guys get Tamiki and Takino and join us?" I glanced at Kirishima giving a nod and he pulled out his phone.

"They will join us shortly." He stated sliding his phone back in his pocket. "Why don't we start without them since it may be a bit?"

"No, we'll wait." Akihito stated as the three of us who were currently in the room sat down. "It's rude to invite someone to dinner and start without them." He stated looking over at Kirishima as he sat next to him. "I would think you already knew that."

"My apologies Akihito-Sama." He remarked. "I was only trying to take the setting sun and you wanting to explore the island into consideration."

"Thank you, but it's still rude." Akihito countered. "I'm sure we can explore tomorrow if need be. I can stay close to here for fresh air."

"Asami-sama." Tamiki and Takino both bowed when entering the room.

"Take your seats so we can start." Akihito stated picking up his chopsticks. "Itadakimasu!" He called out once everyone was seated and dug in. The rest of us had quietly repeated his thanks before also eating.

I wasn't surprised at the fact that Akihito ate a lot, but I was surprised that he had eaten so much so fast and not shown any signs of getting sick. He hadn't eaten much at all since the cruise ship, so for him to eat so much so fast I was expecting him to at least be dealing with a stomach ache or feeling nauseous. He seems to be in a much better mood now so I'm not complaining. He even managed to get a picture of Tamiki and Takino who were sitting across from him. Their picture wasn't as flattering as Suoh's ended up being; Tamiki was in the middle of taking a bite while Takino was chewing. To say that they both were less than pleased with having their picture taken is an understatement.

"Deal with it." Suoh had snapped. "He has at least one picture of all of us." He sighed. "They are not to be tampered with either on Asami-Sama's order."

"It's not like you could get the camera from me anyway." Akihito stated sticking his tongue out at Suoh. "I don't let my cameras out of my sight, and if I do they're very well hidden."

"Damn brat." He grumbled under his breathe so Akihito didn't hear him but I did, and I kicked his shin under the table. "Ow!" He jumped hitting his knee against the underside of the table. "Bit my tongue." He lied when everyone looked at him. Glaring down at the bowl of rice in front of him he huffed. 'sorry, boss' so only I could hear him.

I hummed at him in response while watching Akihito interact with the others. He was laughing at something Tamiki had said, and watching as his whole face seemed to light up because of it made everything seem right in this moment. When both Tamiki and Takino nodded at him he smiled and held the camera up as they both smiled back at him.

"Why did it have to be a camera?" I heard Suoh grumble when the flash went off again. I glared over at him but he was still glaring at the bowl of rice in front of him.

"Asami, can we go to the beach?" Akihito asked pulling my attention back to him. "Sunset is the perfect time to walk along the beach."

He looked so hopeful that there was no way I could say no. He cheered when I agreed before standing and rushing out to go find shoes. Kirishima followed behind him, and I noticed that he hadn't even touched any of the food in front of him. I sighed knowing that he didn't eat because he didn't want to be distracted. He has been very adamant about guarding Akihito while we are here. Even though Akihito's guards met up with us before he woke up; he has been trying to make up for his blunder on the plane. I know Suoh was right about it not being Kirishima's fault, but he should have been more careful. I just can't let the incident go so easily.

"Did he even eat?" Suoh asked voicing my thoughts.

"No." Tamiki answered. "He didn't even touch his chopsticks."

"Asami-Sama, is Kirishima okay?" Takino asked looking from me towards the door and back again. "He's seemed off since I got here."

"He messed up, and now he's going overboard to fix it." Suoh answered before I could.

"Asami-Sama, Akihito is waiting for you in the living room." Kirishima announced from the door before leaving the room again after I nodded at him.

***

*Akihito*

Standing on the beach at sunset with Asami was possibly the most surreal experience I could ever have, but I couldn't seem to shake the feeling that this is just a bubble for us. That as soon as we leave here life is going to go right back to the same hectic, unpredictable, and dangerous mess it was before. That thought was bringing my mood back down so I stepped away from Asami and Kirishima and climbed a small rock wall before standing at the edge looking out over the ocean. I handed my camera to Asami before taking off ahead of them, so I had to make due without it; holding my hands up with my fingers making a square in front of me. I loved the way the colors were blending together in the sky so after a few seconds I lowered my hands to just enjoy the view. After a minute or two I held my arms out to either side of me and closed my eyes just enjoying the moment of peace and quiet.

"Akihito, it's getting dark." Asami stated ruining my bliss. "We should head back to the suite."

I sighed dropping my arms and turning to face him. I didn't want to go back to the suite yet, but I know that if he wants to go back than there isn't anything I can say or do to change his mind. I slowly made my way off the wall since it was harder to see where I was going in the darkness. Once my feet were on the sand again Asami took my hand.

"Do we have time for a snack before going to bed?" I asked looking up to meet his eyes.

"I can have something prepared."

"What happened to the left over sushi?" I asked narrowing my eyes.

"I gave the order for the guards to each take a break at some point and eat." He answered me.

"Will they listen?" I asked. "Kirishima didn't even eat when he was told to, and you were in the room with him."

"You noticed?" Kirishima asked freezing to stare at me.

"I was sitting next to you." I answered confused. "You never once even reached towards your chopsticks; not to mention your rice bowl was still full when I left." I crossed my arms. "If I have to eat so do you, I don't want a guard who can't take care of himself guarding me or Asami." I stepped closer to him. "Here I thought you were supposed to be the best of the best." I sighed and turned around to walk beside Asami again.

"And I'm the mean one?" He asked when he wrapped an arm around my waist. "That was harsh coming from you."

"Well, the truth hurts." I remarked with a shrug. He let out a small laugh, but even though he doesn't laugh often I could tell something was off about it. "What?"

"Nothing." He stated. "I'm just glad to see you're getting back to your normal sassy self."

I didn't know what to say to that so I didn't say anything. Was I really that different? I didn't think that I was acting that much different than I used to. I do know that I'm not the same as I was before I was taken, but I am still me. I'm just a little different now is all. How could anyone go through all of this and still come out the same on the other side? I'm not like Asami; I'm not supposed to be a part of this world in the first place. I was only ever meant to look in from behind my cameras. I'm not cut out for this world. What can Asami possibly want to keep me by his side for? It's not like I have anything to bring to the table for a man who can buy anything and everything he wants at the drop of a hat. I can't see him going out of his way for me just because our bodies fit so well together. How am I nothing more than a pretty face when I have skills? I know those skills aren't particularly helpful in the underground world. Yes, I can get information and incriminating pictures, but what good is that going to do in Asami's world? I can't even go out by myself without something happening or without bodyguards.

I was pulled from my thoughts by tripping over the steps to get back into the suite. Asami caught me easily and helped steady me before asking me if I was okay. I just huffed and pushed his hands away going inside on my own. I'm not some fragile piece of porcelain. I'm not going to break easily. I made my way to the room I've spent all of my time in, and unintentionally slammed the door shut behind me. Huffing I plopped down on the bed and laid back sighing. I can't keep pretending to be fine when I'm not, but I can't have everyone freaking out every time I'm around either. I'm in a no win situation all because Asami wants to keep me around as a pet. I'm not an animal! I'm a person, and I deserve to be treated like one.

I turned my head when I heard the door open just to see Asami standing there with my new camera in his hand. He held it out towards me but I didn't move. He sighed and stepped into the room laying it on the table next to the bed. He left again without even looking at me. Maybe he is starting to see that there is no reason for keeping me around. No, he's already staked his claim on me, that's never going to change. I'm trapped. At leas when we get back to Japan I'll be able to go home. I'll be able to breathe again. No, that's probably not true either. He will always have eyes on me. I need to get more creative with ways to lose my guards.

"What are you thinking?" Kirishima asked some time later making me jump.

"Nothing." I lied.

"You are a terrible liar, Akihito-Samma." He remarked holding a plate out to me. "The snack you wanted."

"I'm not hungry anymore." I lied again. "I'm just tired." I laid back down. "Why don't you eat it?" 

"I don't really care for sweets." He stated. "This was prepared specifically for you."

"What's wrong with it?" I asked eying the plate. "The only time something seems to be specifically made for me there's some kind of drug in it." I sat up to face him again. "It makes me easier to deal with, right?" I asked moving to the edge of the bed. "I am always just causing trouble and getting in Asami's way after all." I stated taking the plate from him and setting it on the table next to the camera. "I get it, and don't worry; I  do know my place, Kirishima, and it's not anywhere in Asami's world." I walked passed him and left him standing there while I went to hide away in the bathroom. "Much less by his side." I added before closing the door.

I decided since I was already in here I might as well take a shower, and if I know anything Kirishima is going to report that exchange to Asami. The last thing I need right now is to have to deal with an angry Asami. I showered quickly and after getting dressed made my way back to the now empty room And picked at the snack that I just realized was a giant cinnamon roll. If this is a snack to them it explains why there was so much sushi for dinner. I didn't even finish half of it before I couldn't eat anymore. I decided to try and fall asleep before Asami came back in the room so I laid down throwing my arm over my eyes.

I knew the moment Asami entered the room even though I was almost asleep. The atmosphere of the room shifted, and I was right about him being angry. I heard him sigh before I was being moved and the blanket was being pulled over me. He sighed again before kissing my forehead and telling me to sleep well and leaving the room again. It wasn't long after that I actually fell asleep. The last thought to go through my head was that I know Asami isn't going to let my mental lapse go unnoticed.

***

*Asami*

I heard the bedroom door slam closed just as Kirishima and I made it inside the suite. I just sighed looking at the door before going to my office. I don't feel like fighting with him right now. I sat at my desk and realized I still had his camera in my pocket. I took it out and looked at the pictures I took of him on the rock wall. The first was when he was standing with his arms out and his head tilted back slightly. The second he was visualizing a picture.

"Go make him something to eat." I ordered Kirishima and stood again to make my way to the room to give his camera back to him.

When I got to the door I waited for a minute or so before going in so that he had a little more time to calm down before I went in. I didn't have to worry about a fight because when I opened the door he was laying on the bed and slowly turned his head to see me. It didn't seem like he was actually seeing me though. I held the camera out towards him but he didn't even shift in the slightest. He's letting his mind wonder again. I walked over to the table next to him and placed the camera down gently. I could see out of the corner of my eye that he was following me with his eyes but he didn't say a word. What is going through his head?  Not looking for an argument or fight I left even though leaving him alone was the last thing I wanted to do after seeing him like that.

After making to to stop and tell Kirishima to make sure that Akihito's snack was something sweet I went back to my office and tried to get something done. I had managed to make a considerable dent in the neglected work before I was interrupted a while later. 

"Asami-Sama." Kirishima knocked on the open door before entering.

"What is it Kirishima?"

"Sir, I don't mean to interrupt, but while Akihito-Sama is showering I feel I should report that it doesn't seem he is getting better, mentally." He answered coming to stand behind me. "He won't eat because-" He stopped and I looked up at him. "Because he thinks it's drugged."

"Is it?" I asked raising an eyebrow at him.

"No, but there's more." He stated. "He also brought up something about knowing his place."

"What?" I asked even though I heard exactly what he said.

"He told me not to worry that he knows his place, and-" He sighed. "-and he knows that it isn't anywhere in your world." He sighed again before stepping away from me. "Much less by your side."

"Have you gotten any closer to figuring out who threatened to sell him yet?" I asked knowing that who ever threatened him would be where these thoughts originated from.

"I've narrowed it down to Fei Long, Yuri, or their subordinates because Mikhail doesn't know Japanese." He answered.

"If you have to ask him who threatened it." I ordered. "I want answers so I know how to help him."

"Of course."

"Not tonight, we don't need his mind wondering to much." I sighed. "Do whatever it takes to find out before you ask him." I stood in front of him. "Focus only on this, Tamiki and Takino can guard him." He nodded and left the room.

I followed after him to go check on Akihito. When I got to the room I realized he was trying to fall asleep. I sighed and crossed the room to pick him up and pull the blanket back before laying him down again and pulling the blanket over him. I noticed that he did actually eat some of the 'snack' Kirishima made for him. I sighed again grateful he at least tried to eat. I placed a gentle kiss to his forehead before standing and taking the plate.

"Sleep well, Kitten." I left the room making my way to the kitchen to wrap up what's left of the cinnamon roll Kirishima made for him. I know he'll be mad if it gets wasted.

"Asami-Sama, do you need something?" Suoh asked coming into the kitchen behind me.

"I need to wrap this for Akihito." I gestured to the plate in front of me. "He'll be mad if this much food gets wasted, and that's not a fight I'm ready to get into with him." I stated. "Speaking of did the guards eat?"

"To my knowledge they did." He answered opening a cabinet and handing me the cling wrap. "The only left overs that I know of is Kirishima's portion, some rice, and another small portion for whoever wants it."

"Be prepared for a rough few days, Suoh, He's letting his mind wonder again." I sighed placing my hands on either side of the now covered plate. "I have Kirishima looking into who threatened to sell him, but I don't know what having that information is going to do to him."

"He talks in his sleep, so why not just ask him?" He asked leaning against the counter next to me. "Have Kirishima ask him because your voice will probably wake him up if you do, and he sees Kirishima as a brother."

"Let him know; Akihito should be asleep by now." I ordered.

He pulled out his phone and texted Kirishima. Within a minute he had a response. He sighed and turned the phone towards me. 'I don't have to ask him. I know who it was. I'm checking to see if anyone else made the threat before I report in.'

"That's a relief." I stated. "Asking him while he's sleeping would probably trigger a nightmare."

"I'd rather not have to witness another one." He stated. "How's your jaw?"

"It's fine I barely even felt him hit me." I answered. "He's not wrong that he's stronger than he looks." I added to lighten the mood that settled over the room. "He wasn't even conscious and managed to do what no one else has been able to do since I was a kid."

"That's frightening and impressive at the same time." Suoh gave a small chuckle. "You need to make sure to keep focused even when Akihito is around."

"I Know; even when he's unconscious." I huffed putting the plate in the fridge before turning to Suoh. "Tell Kirishima to meet me in my office when he's done."

I left the kitchen to go back to my office while I waited for the answers from Kirishima. Focusing on the paperwork in front of me was more difficult than it should have been. I was finding myself having to reread sections multiple times before I could even understand what I was reading. I couldn't seem to get my mind to stop wondering back to Akihito and his condition. I decided to take a break and got a glass of brandy and lit a cigarette before going outside to try to regain control of my thoughts. I need to finish as much of the work I have here as I can before we go back because I know that there is so much more waiting for me at Scion. Once I finished off the brandy I made my way back inside after putting out the rest of the cigarette when I walked past the ashtray by the door. By the time I made it back to my office I felt like my mind was significantly clearer than it was before I took the break. I decided to just get back to work while my mind was still focused. Checking over the documents I couldn't seem to focus on before moving on to the remaining paperwork was a good idea because I almost agreed to a business deal that would have cost me millions. I'm thankful that I didn't sign any of the documents before taking a second look at them.

I was nearly finished with all of the paperwork when Kirishima finally reappeared. He looked annoyed; which isn't normal for him; he usually wears either a straight or blank face. Just as I was going to ask him what he found he said the last thing I was expecting him to say.

"Call Yoh in the morning." He growled out. "He will have a list of names for you." He looked like he was trying to keep control as his hands balled into fists repeatedly.

"What else?" I asked and he closed his eyes, gritting his teeth, and fisting his hands again. "Kirishima?"

"Fei Long threatened him with it during an argument after forcing him to-"

"I'll be making more than one call in the morning." I cut him off. "There's clearly some things Fei Long needs to answer for."

"You should know that the argument lead to a physical altercation followed by confinement for over a month which was detrimental to his health." He informed looking like he was just barely holding it together. "It was shortly after this that he decided that Tao was going to become a tool to control Akihito. Akihito had protected Tao even though he didn't even have the strength to stand up by himself."

"That sounds like him." I remarked. "That does kind of explain what he meant when he said he'd already warned Fei Long about hurting Tao before on the boat."

"It just pisses me off to keep finding out what has been happening to him these last few months." He said taking a few deep breaths. "They tortured him for months! Starvation, physical and sexual assault, and mental abuse!" Watching him lose control for the first time in over a decade is not something I was expecting. "What kind of condition would he have been in if we waited any longer or showed up any later?" He asked looking away from me. "I'm glad that they didn't break him, and after learning everything I have in the last few hours I'm surprised that he's not broken." He sighed and met my eyes again. "It is very important for us to recognize that he is in fact damaged, and that this isn't going to be easy to fix."

"Kirishima, I don't know what to do to help him." I admitted.

"Pull back." A voice sounded from the door making us both turn and see Takino standing there next to Suoh. "He needs to feel like he can in fact be himself." Takino continued. "Think about what all he has been through since meeting you, how much he's overcome, and evaluate how you've all been treating him since he's returned." He stated glancing from Kirishima to me. "All you've shown him is that you have little faith in him and his ability to overcome."

"Takino-"

"He's right." I cut Kirishima off. "You're absolutely right, Takino." I stood to better face him. "We haven't exactly given him a second by himself unless he's sleeping, and even then we have to wake him up to pull him from his nightmares."

"So, to him; it's like someone is always watching over him because someone is there when he falls asleep, when he wakes up, and then when he's up and about there's always someone or all of us there." Suoh remarked, pointing out the obvious. "We haven't even seen how he is after his nightmares because as soon as he see's one of us he puts up a front, or we're already there by the time he wakes up so he just acts like nothing happened."

"So, we just act like nothing happened the next time he has a nightmare?" Kirishima asked getting angry all over again.

"No, we just need to stop coddling him like he's a child instead of a grown man." Suoh explained. "He needs to feel like he's not being held captive anymore; not just told."

"Won't leaving him on his own make him feel like what he's been told and thinking is true?" Kirishima argued clearly not liking the Idea.

"He's already letting his mind wonder, and there's nothing we can do about that, but he needs to be able to breathe." Suoh retorted. "He's never going to get better if he doesn't get the chance to try to heal in the only way he knows how." When we all just stared at him he rolled his eyes. "Really guys, he needs to be able to run around, he needs to get into stupid easily avoidable situations, and he needs to cause trouble like he always has."

"But-"

"You will still guard him, but much less obviously." I interrupted Kirishima. "Let him be himself; only step in if he is in real danger."

"Of course, sir." Takino bowed before turning to inform Tamiki of the new orders.

"Suoh, Kirishima inform the others to pull back from Akihito." I ordered making them both bow and leave the room.

I went back to working for a while before a shrill scream tore through the otherwise silent suite. I jumped at the volume and the clear pain that filled the scream. It took everything in me not to rush to Akihitos side, to wake him up, and pull him from his nightmare. There's nothing I can do about his mind torturing him, but I would still give anything to be able to protect him from this torment. As another pained scream tore through the suite I unconsciously found myself standing ready to go to him. I have to leave; I can't be here while he's suffering and just do nothing. Leaving the office had Kirishima by my side in seconds. He started to say something just as Akihito screamed again, and I noticed I wasn't the only one struggling to not go and wake him. Some of the men covered their ears, some just winced, and the rest breathed deeply while closing their eyes or just closed their eyes.

"Kirishima, anyone who can't stand to be in here is to be relieved for the night, no judgments or punishments will be placed upon them for leaving this suite." I ordered in the steadiest voice I could muster. "I myself will be at the beach if I am needed." I turned and left not waiting for a response. Just as I stepped outside another scream tore through the suite; thankfully the door closing muffled the sound, but it didn't completely silence the scream. I made my way to the rock outcropping that I had just took pictures of Akihito standing on a few hours ago. I went out to the edge where he was and knelt down trying to ease the stress and anger I was feeling from Takino's plan. After a while I switched into a sitting position; crossing my ankles, placing my elbows on my knees, and putting my head in my hands. I hate not being there for him right now because the last thing that I want is for him to add stock into his wondering thoughts. I hate everything about this idea, but I also know that I need to let him have his space to feel normal again. I hate everything about this stupid idea.

"It's for his own good." Sounded from behind me.

"That's easy for you to say; you don't even like him." I huffed not bothering to turn around.

"It's not that I don't like him, Asami, I just don't like how much of a distraction he's been for you since we caught him at Scion."

"Who is still there?" I asked ignoring his confession.

"Takino, Tamiki, and Kirishima." He came to sit next to me. "I know this was partly my idea, but this seems the worst I've witnessed his nightmares get."

"Suoh, can he handle going through this on his own?"

"I don't know, but I told Kirishima to let me know if his screams turned into something more discernable than just shrieks." He sighed. "I'm worried about what it will do to him if he starts calling for one of us and we don't go to him." He put a hand on my shoulder. "Asami, after tonight I don't think we should make him suffer his nightmares on his own anymore."

"I was already thinking the same thing." I finally looked at him. "I can't sit there and just listen to him in pain like that."

"So, you neglect your own safety, and come to the beach alone?" He asked looking at me pointedly. "Asami, you should know by now you getting hurt isn't going to help him."

"I didn't neglect my safety." I pointed out. "I told Kirishima where I was going before I left the suite; I actually expected one of you here sooner."

"I was holding Tamiki back from going to wake up Takaba-Sama." He answered with a sigh. "He hates this plan probably as much as you and Kirishima." He continued. "I had to explain the plan to him to convince him not to wake Takaba-Sama."

"We-" I stopped as Suoh's phone rang.

"Kiri-" He jumped and pulled the phone away from his ear, and I could distinctly hear my name being called by Akihito.

"I'm waking him up." I stood and turned to go back to the suite.

I heard Suoh tell Kirishima we were on our way back, and that I was going to wake Akihito up. I can't imagine trying this experiment again after this. I won't allow it if someone even suggests it. Not even in the future if anything should happen to cause him to have nightmares. This was hell for me to go through, and since we don't know what he's seeing in his dreams; I can only imagine it's hell for him too. I want to formulate some kind of punishment for Suoh and Takino since this was their idea. Walking in I could see what Suoh meant about Tamiki hating this idea as much as Kirishima and I; He looked ready to kill someone. I can't say I blame him since I had to leave in order to keep myself from doing exactly that. I patted his shoulder as I walked by on my way to the room to end all of our suffering.

"Never again." I growled as I passed Takino. "Kirishima get some cold water for him."

I took a deep breath to prepare myself for whatever I was going to see walking into the room. Before opening the door I looked back at Suoh and saw him grab Tamiki's arm before he could even attempt to move. I noticed he was trying to pull away. He even resorted to stomping on Suoh's foot which did nothing to help him. Unfortunately another scream came from Akihito just as I opened the door making all of us wince. I entered the room and quickly closed the door behind me. The angry boy who shoved me off him outside was long gone when I laid eyes on Akihito. Hair matted to his forehead by sweat, blankets wrapped around his waist and right leg covering nothing else, and his tight grip on the sheets under him turning his knuckles white. I rushed to the side of the bed and shook him awake just as he started to scream again. When shaking didn't work I pulled him into my arms and hugged him to my chest tightly.

"Akihito, wake up." I said quietly rocking him gently. "Come on, Kitten, I'm right here just wake up and open your eyes." I can't tell you if it was the grip on my shirt or the nails digging into my chest that I felt first, but it was enough for me to know that Akihito was at least waking up. "Akihito?" I tilted his head so I could see his face. He was sleepily blinking his eyes at me. "Are you okay now?" I asked making sure to keep my voice soft and quiet.

"Asami?" He buried his face in my neck and hugged me back tightly. "I'm sorry."

"What for? I asked confused.

"Based on how my throat feels I wasn't as quiet during my torture as my dream self was." He answered. "And for earlier."

"Don't worry about any of it." I messed up his hair, and because of his sweat it was sticking up when I moved my hand away. "Kirishima should be here in a minute with some water for your throat."

"Thank you." He mumbled. "I hope I didn't wake anyone."

"You didn't." I informed him. "Akihito, tell me what you were dreaming about." I felt his entire body tense up. "I just want to be able to help you or at the very least understand what's making you have these nightmares."

"Everything." His simple answer spoke volumes even if he didn't. "I couldn't seem to wake myself up."

"I should have been here sooner." I stated hugging him closer to me.

"Where were you?" He asked innocently.

"Sulking on the beach." I answered, there's no need to hide it from him. "I need to clear my head and think about some choices I made these last few days."

"What choices?" He finally looked up at me.

"How to go about helping you mainly." I smiled down at him. "I realized that what you need at the moment is some space, and you can't have that with guards breathing down your neck day and night."

"What?"

"I ordered the guards to back off for the time being." I answered and his eyes widened.

"Is that safe?"

"No one knows where we are, so yes." I petted his hair back down. "I need to let you heal instead of trying to rush it." His stomach picked that moment to growl loudly. I chuckled and lifted his chin so we met eyes. "Would you like to finish off the sushi or your cinnamon roll?" I asked him.

"Sushi." He answered quietly.

"Can you walk?" I asked as he started to untangle himself from the blanket.

"I don't think so." He sighed. "My legs feel heavy."

"I'll carry you." He looked over at me his hand freezing on the blanket.

"You shouldn't be doing any heavy lifting." He pointed out quietly.

"I already carried you." I pointed out. "I can do it again."

"We can wait for my legs to cooperate with me." He finished untangling himself. "I'll walk on my own."

I nodded and he sighed laying his head on my shoulder again. He made sure that he wasn't irritating either of my wounds. I don't think he realizes the mental strain he's under right now is much worse than any of the physical wounds that I'm dealing with. I just smiled down at him and denied that I'm in any pain. That's a lie after having to listen to his pain filled screams. Of course I'd never tell him I was here when his nightmare started, and as far as he needs to know I wasn't; I was already on the beach by then. He huffed blowing warm breath on my neck sending a shiver down my spine. I looked down at him to see his eyes staring at nothing in particular.

"What are you thinking?" I asked caressing his cheek gently. His eyes shifted to mine and he just shrugged.

"Everything and nothing." He answered after a few seconds. "I have so many things running through my mind, but I can't really seem to focus on any of them." He huffed again before turning his face more towards my neck and I could feel the damp stickiness on his forehead when it connected to my neck.

"Would you like to shower?" I asked earning a nod from him. "Alone?" I clarified when he didn't even attempt to move. He shook his head this time making me look down at him as best as I could. "Are you sure?"

"I want to forget."

I couldn't help but smile at that simple sentence because he just asked me for the one thing I've been holding back from. He just gave me permission; not that I really need permission, but if I want him to get back to how he was I need to be gentle with him for the time being. I asked if he was sure that's what he wanted to clarify that I hadn't just heard what I wanted to hear. When he answered in the affirmative I put out the stipulation of eating first because he's going to need all of the energy he can get. He agreed knowing exactly what's going to happen before, during, and after his shower. I'll have to make sure to tell the others not to disturb us after we eat. After a few more minutes he decided it was time to go eat and climbed out of my lap.

"Let's go eat."

Chapter Text

*Akihito*

"Let's go eat." I stated making my way off his lap and the bed once I had normal feeling back in my legs. I turned to face him only to come face to face with his chest. Tilting my head back so I could look up at him I gave a small smile before I surprised him by pulling him into a tight hug. "Thank you, Asami." I said quietly before letting go of the hug and hightailing it out of the room. I almost ran into Kirishima who was standing there with a glass of water; hand raised like he was about to knock on the door. "Kiri-Chan!"

"Takaba-Sama." He greeted holding the glass out to me.

I couldn't help the hurt that coursed through me at him calling me Takaba-Sama like everyone else. I just stood there frozen not even acknowledging the glass between us. Didn't he call me his brother just yesterday? What changed? What did I do to deserve to be downgraded again? Did I only imagine it? A hand on my shoulder stopped me from voicing any of those thoughts. I suppose it's for the best that I don't question it. It'll save him unnecessary trouble in the future. I quickly took the glass from him, and walked past him.

"Did you ever eat?" I stopped turning to look back at him. "Don't bother trying to lie; you know I'll find out." He just turned to face me not answering my question. "If I get the truth from someone else I'll make your time being my guard absolute hell."

"No, Takaba-Samma, I haven't." He answered bowing slightly.

"Asami?" I questioned turning my gaze towards him.

"Join us Kirishima." He ordered not breaking eye contact with me. "You will eat this time." He added and I gave a small smile before I turned towards the kitchen again making my way to the dining room. Asami joined me in the dining room while Suoh and Kirishima prepared food for us.

"Asami?" He only hummed looking up at me since I hadn't sat down yet. "What's wrong with Kiri-Kirishima?" I asked going to stand next to him. "Unless I imagined it he called me his brother, but now it's back to Takaba-Samma again." I sat in his lap hiding my face in his neck again. "What did I do?" I whined quietly.

"Nothing, Kitten, you didn't do anything." He answered his hand making circular patterns on my back. "It's nothing you did."

"What did you do then?" I asked lifting my head to look up at him.

"Nothing." He stated. "He's been quiet since I came back from the beach."

Suoh came in with our plates then and laid them both in front of Asami. He gave a quiet 'enjoy' and left the room again. I glanced down at the plates before turning to look at him as best as I could. I have questions but I don't want to make him angry by asking them. I don't need him thinking that I care for Kirishima in a way that I don't. The last thing I want to be a cause for is more innocent people getting hurt. Sighing I leaned towards the plate that obviously had less on it and plucked up one of the pieces of sushi. Turning so I didn't make a mess on Asami's suit while eating; I leaned over the table. Asami put an arm across my stomach so I didn't risk falling. We sat in comfortable silence before Kirishima finally joined us just as I finished my own plate. There wasn't much on my plate when I started, but I wasn't all that hungry to begin with so it didn't take long to finish it. Asami hadn't started eating yet so Kirishima would have some company. I turned so I could lay my head on Asami's shoulder again.

"Are you tired?" Asami quietly questioned.

"No, I just don't want to hold my head up anymore." I could sense his eyeroll at my comment. My body however made a liar out of me when I yawned only a few seconds later.

"Not tired at all." Asami messed up my hair before starting to eat his own food.

All I did in response was try to get as close to him as I could. There's no way he's going to complain about me willingly sitting in his lap. I couldn't help the smug feeling that washed over me at that thought. It helps knowing that I could ask for the moon right now and he would do whatever it took to make it happen. No, I won't do that, but it's nice knowing that I could. I hate presents and surprises in general, but expensive presents or surprises are even more awkward for me to accept. there's no way I could ever ask for the moon because there will never be something I can afford in exchange for it. I was brought up with the principal to exchange gifts of equal or greater value. The only problem with that is as soon as Asami decides to give me a gift I'll have to get him one too, and there's nothing in my price range that I could get for a man who could easily get anything he wants when he wants it. Trying to relax still I shifted again and now I'm basically laying against his arm and shoulder. My forehead now against his neck. I close my eyes and let out a breath as I finally started to feel myself begin to relax. There wasn't any sounds besides the two of them eating for long enough that I had almost fallen asleep in Asami's lap before they started talking. It started with Asami wanting a report and Kirishima giving a detailed report of things going on back in Japan, things Asami wasn't around for here, and what he has found out about Fei Long and Mikhail's plans. Listening to his report could have put me to sleep on it's own. I didn't hear much after his report because I stopped listening when I got bored.

***

I must have actually dozed off a bit at some point because I woke up again as Asami stood up. I initially tensed at feeling like I was falling, but quickly relaxed when Asami told me I was okay. Apparently I lied about being tired. I didn't even feel tired until listening to Kirishima's report.

"How do you listen to Kirishima's reports all the time?" I questioned. "What I heard of it felt like I was back in a math lecture."

"Sometimes it does feel like that." He agreed. "Details are important though."

"Details are boring though."

"The reports are tailored to Asami-Sama's requirements." Kirishima grumbled as he turned away from us at the kitchen door.

"So you're the reason he's always in a mood?" I huffed looking over Asami's shoulder to see him freeze before he kept walking shaking his head.

"Are you trying to pick a fight with him?"

"If it gets him back to himself, yeah."

A smack to my ass was the only sign of his disapproval to my shenanigans before I was dropped on the bed. I let out a squeak when I landed. He was standing next to the bed with his arms crossed over his chest.

"Why exactly are you trying to pick a fight with my secretary?" He asked raising an eyebrow at me. "Are you trying to piss him off?"

"I don't need to try to hard to do that with anyone." I pointed out propping myself up with my elbows. "If he's yelling at me at least he'll be acting normal again."

"He's not someone you should be picking fights with."

"Because he's oh so scary." I scoffed.

"Akihito." He growled in warning. "Don't go picking fights you can't win."

"Then I guess there goes a majority of our conversations." I pointed out.

"You forget that I know how to stop you from arguing." He smirked before climbing over me so we were now eye to eye and I was laying flat against the bed again. He ran his hand up my side under my shirt before letting it wonder around my chest.

"We should shower first." I managed to squeak out as my shirt was pulled over my head.

"As you wish." He picked me up and carried me to the bathroom.

It only took him a few seconds to get my shorts off. I was regretting not putting boxers on earlier right about now. Asami was slowly getting undressed himself. It seemed like he was slowly undressing on purpose; like he was putting on a show. Sly bastard knows exactly what he's doing. He came to stand in front of me once he was done. His hand cupped my cheek before he tilted my head back to meet his eyes. I didn't miss the smirk on his face. So, he was doing it on purpose. He leaned in and kissed me deeply. When we finally broke apart for air I was trying to catch my breath as he went to start the shower. Once the temperature was right I got in and attempted to wash away the sticky layer of sweat that had settled on me from my nightmare. Attempted being the operative word because as soon as Asami joined me I was pushed up against the cold shower wall.

"Do you still want to forget?" He breathed in my ear before gently biting it.

The shiver that went down my spine seemed to be answer enough for him because he moved to my neck and, I'm sure; started leaving marks. My body seemed to be reacting faster than my mind could process what he was doing to me. Before I knew it I was turned to face the wall while he held my hands to the wall in one of his while the other explored my body. When he first inserted himself in me I felt nothing but pain, but it quickly turned to numbing pleasure once he started moving. After that I couldn't seem to even think about anything besides what he was making me feel. After we painted every inch of the shower and Asami helped me actually shower I was carried to the bed. This time he was much more gentle with depositing me on the bed. That however was where the gentleness ended. I found myself being manhandled into angles I didn't even know my body could make. By the time Asami decided that enough was enough I was fighting and epically losing against sleep. Asami cleaned me up before pulling the blanket over me as I laid on my stomach sprawled out; To exhausted to move.

"Good night, Kitten." Asami said quietly before moving some of my hair away from my forehead and kissing my temple gently. "Rest well." He added before leaving the room as I finally let my exhaustion take over and passed out.

***

*Asami*

"Kirishima, my office, now." I ordered as soon as he picked up my call. "Bring what you've found about Fei Long and Mikhail's movements." I hung up without waiting for a response.

Sitting on the couch in my office playing back the last few hours with my kitten in my head put a smile on my face. He used my given name which means he had thoroughly embraced the pleasure I was giving him. He will surely be asleep for sometime. I had decided to inspect and clean my gun until Kirishima showed up. I couldn't be more content with how the day ended.

"Asami-Sama?" I glanced up from my gun to see Kirishima standing by the door waiting for my orders.

"I need you to keep an annoyingly close eye on Akihito; at all times." I commanded. 

"More so than we already are?" He pulled his phone out and started tapping away on it.

"Yes." I growled. "The information." I held my hand out and he handed me the files. After looking through the files I glared at him. "None of this is news." I pointed out.

He sighed before opening one of the files and pointing to a specific piece of information. "This is." He stated before stepping back and letting me read what he had just pointed out.

"This is a problem." I remarked. "How reliable is this information?"

"As reliable as our spy." He answered. "So, either he's reliable as the day we sent him in or he's turned on us."

"We need more eyes until we know without a doubt, and this needs to be kept from Akihito." I remarked knowing that Akihito can't take learning about this right now when he's just starting to show signs of being back to himself. "Kirishima." I stopped him from leaving. "If Akihito is picking up on you acting different; without his cameras; then it's too obvious."

"I'll correct that." He bowed and left.

I stayed in my office until the sun started to rise. I was trying to plan for when we return to Japan. Most of my plans hinge on being able to keep Akihito under control though, and I don't see that happening. His ability to find and get himself into trouble, his job choice, and his blatant disregard for his own personal safety makes keeping him safe and off of my enemies radar quite difficult.

***

*Kirishima*

That damn brat had to pick now of all times to be perceptive. I wasn't exactly hiding it, but usually he doesn't seem to pick up on things unless he's seeing it through his cameras; anything right in front of him goes unnoticed. How he managed to see past his own traumas to notice a change in anyone else is beyond me.

"Damn brat." I growled quietly sitting on the edge of the bed in my room. "Why does he have to make things so difficult for me?"

Since Asami pointed out he's noticed a difference I'm assuming that's why he was trying so hard to annoy me earlier.

"What a pain." I sighed laying back throwing my arm across my eyes.

***

My phone ringing brought me out of the light nap that I'd managed to slip into. Sighing, I sat up answering without bothering to look at the screen. I'm so tired, and not in the mood for dealing with anything pertaining to Akihito right now.

"Kirishima." I stated flatly.

"My office." I sat up straight at the sound of Asami's voice on the other line sounding annoyed. "Now."

"Be there shortly." I stated sliding my shoes back on. With a sigh I left my room making my way to Asami's office.

Nothing good can come from him ordering me to his office this early in the morning. It's either related to Scion or Akihito which means I'm in for another long grueling day with very little sleep. I stopped to collect myself before entering the office after a quick knock. I didn't bother waiting for a reply after knocking since he ordered me here in the first place.

"Asami-"

"Sit." He gestured to the couch. This isn't normal. Something big must have happened. "I want you to go back to Japan; Scion is losing money, and I want to know why."

"I'll get right on it." I answered wanting to sigh but knowing that if I did; I'd have to deal with Asami's wrath. "What about Akihito?" I asked walking over to stand next to his desk. "He's going to notice my absence, and aside from you I'm the only one who can calm him down."

"I can handle Akihito." He answered glancing over at me. "You leave tonight."

"Yes sir." I stated turning to leave. "I'll make the preparations."

Leaving his office I wanted nothing more than to just go back to my room and sleep for a few days. Akihito doesn't get just how easy he has it right now. He just has to exist while the rest of us have to run around like chickens with our heads cut off because of him and Asami's obsession with him. I know that I need to keep up my stoic persona otherwise Asami and him both end up noticing, but thankfully I'm headed back to Japan tonight so it's not going to be an issue for to much longer. At least not until they also return to Japan. That'll be nice for a while at least. I need to make sure that I have better control of my emotions before they get back for sure.

***

*Akihito*

I woke up to my own scream, but I don't remember what scared me in my dream. It took me a few seconds before I could get my breathing under control and untense my muscles. I laid in the dim light from the rising sun for a few minutes before finally sighing and climbing out of bed and heading to the bathroom for a shower to wash away all of the sweat from my nightmare. I just stood under the warm water trying to piece together what had happened in my nightmare, but the more I thought about it or the harder I tried to remember the worse my headache got with no real results. I was startled from my thoughts by a hand on my shoulder.

"Akihito." The deep baritone made me jump and spin around quickly almost slipping. If it wasn't for Asami's quick reflexes; I would have fallen.

"Asami!"

"If you wanted to be in my arms so bad all you had to do was say so." He gave his usual smirk.

"Perverted bastard!" I shoved at his bare chest. "I'm showering, get out!"

"Hardly." He scoffed. "You've been in here long enough that you've used up all the hot water."

"I'm quite comfortable actually." I responded even though I'd started shivering.

"You're shivering."

"That's because you surprised me." I stated still trying to push him away from me.

"Akihito, this water is ice cold." He stated.

"I hadn't noticed." I remarked boredly.

"What were you thinking so intently about?" He asked sending me back to the nightmare I can't quite remember. "I had to call your name before you even noticed my hand on your shoulder."

"Nothing." I lied unconvincingly.

"Need a real distraction?" He asked running his hands over my chest.

"No!' I denied quickly, but as usual it didn't matter what I said since my body betrayed me.

"Really?" Raised eyebrow and smirk in place he continued his exploration of my body. "Your body disagrees." As I tried to argue he prevented it by capturing my mouth with his own.

He picked me up with ease and we left the suddenly cramped shower. He didn't break the kiss until we'd made it back to the bedroom. "Asami." My voice sounded whiny even to me. His simple response was dropping me on the now wet bed and climbing over me. "The bed's getting wet." I complained as I stopped him with a hand on his chest.

"It'll dry." His hands started their exploration again before he latched onto my neck and trailed down my chest leaving marks as he went along.

"A-Asami." I breathed as he continued along purposely ignoring the one place he knows is begging for his attention. "Please!"

"I thought you didn't want this." he stated pulling away and leaning back on his knees with his signature smirk in place again.

"Y-you bastard." I huffed in response.

"Calling me names now?" He made no move to continue just kept smirking at me.

"Asami." I sat up on my elbows to face him better.

"What do you want, Akihito?" He asked leaning towards me slightly. "Say it."

"I need you." I answered him quietly. "Take me relentlessly." I continued before he could say or do anything. He smiled down at me as he pushed my shoulder gently until I was laying down again.

"Prepare yourself, Akihito, you won't be getting any sleep tonight." His deep voice whispering in my ear sent shivers down my spine.

"Wasn't planning to." I responded just as he positioned himself.

Chapter Text

*Akihito*

No sleep was accurate. The sun was just coming up when I finally passed out from exhaustion and overstimulation. Of course, Asami being the smug perverted bastard that he is just had to point out that I should have more stamina than him since he is the older of us. My brilliant response to him was a simple but irritated huff.

*Asami*

I waited for Akihito to fall asleep before trying to get a little sleep myself. I only got a few hours of sleep, but I could tell that it was much needed even though I still felt tired when I woke up again. It only took me a few seconds to realize what had woken me up when I turned my head and saw that Akihito wasn't in bed next to me. Placing my hand on the empty spot next to me the bed felt cold which told me that he hadn't been there for a while. How did he manage to get out of bed without waking me? I got out of bed and quickly got dressed before going to look for him. 

After getting dressed and searching for Akihito; it only took a half hour for me to find him. He was standing on the edge of the rock wall we had come to yesterday. His camera in his hand trying to find the right angle for a picture he wanted to take. He seemed at peace; like he was in his own little world; at least until my phone rang making him jump and turn to face me.

"This better be important." I answered not even looking to see who was calling.

"It may not be important to you, but I know a certain someone who will be disappointed if he learns I called, and you did not let me talk to him."

"Tao, don't talk to him like that." Sounded from the background.

"Can I speak with Aki?" He asked shyly.

"Give me a moment." I sighed looking back to the wall he was standing on to see him standing a few feet away from me instead. "It's for you." I held the phone out to him and he looked at it confused. "It's Tao." His eyes lit up and he nearly tripped over himself as he rushed forward to get the phone.

"Hello?" He answered. "Tao?" The smile on his face when the child answered told me that I am going to have a difficult time keeping Feilong and him away from each other from now on. "I'm okay. How are you?" I took his place on the wall to give him some sense of privacy.

When did he learn Chinese? It's not very good, but he was speaking to Tao in Chinese. Was Feilong planning to keep him if I hadn't contacted him when I did?

"That's great, Tao!" Rang out making me glance at him to find the first real smile lighting up his face since we were on the ship. "I will call you when I get a phone, I promise." He laughed. "I need to give Asami his phone back now. I promise I will keep in touch. Bye!"

He looked up at me still smiling and made his way back up to the top of the wall coming to sit next to me.

"Here." He held my phone out to me. "Thank you for letting me talk to him."

"You don't have to thank me for that." I answered him with a small smile. "So what were you taking pictures of?"

"The fish." Pulling the camera from his pocket he pressed a few buttons and held it up to me. "This one is my favorite."

I looked down to see the picture was a pod of dolphins jumping out of the water. He clearly utilized the camera's zoom in order to take the picture. The dolphins don't come close to here.

"This is a great picture." I stated handing the camera back to him.

"There's more. I'll show you later; that is if you want to see them." He tucked the camera back in his pocket.

Since I need to keep him distracted while Kirishima is leaving I can humor him for a bit. I just nodded and wrapped my arm around his slim waist. "Let’s go eat." 

"What's for lunch?" He asked smiling up at me. I suppose I should have had him talk to Tao sooner. As much as I hate to admit it; talking to Tao seems to have been the best thing to draw him back to being himself.

"What do you want for lunch?" I asked and his smile turned into a thoughtful expression.

"Well, we are on a tropical island, why not try some of the local foods." He answered after a few minutes. "We still haven't explored the island yet, and street food is usually the best."

"Street food it is." I remarked. Keeping him distracted is going to be easier than I expected.

"I need to freshen up before we go exploring though. I feel kind of sticky." He remarked pulling out of my hold on his shoulders and rushing towards to suite. "Just a few minutes and I'll be ready." He called out pushing the door open and disappearing inside.

I had just settled into a conveniently still shaded chair on the patio when Kirishima came to stand next to me.

"What is it?" I asked not even turning to look at him.

"All arrangements have been made, and I will be in Tokyo by six this evening." He answered. "I will have the problem solved by the time you return."

"Keep me updated on what is happening." I ordered.

"Of course, Asami-Sama." He bowed his head. "I need to pack and get to the airport."

I just waved him away as I lit a cigarette waiting for Akihito to return. As much as I need to keep him distracted, I do not want to be surrounded by a bunch of people without any extra guards. I know that I need to get Akihito to feel like he is free to be himself, but how much can I actually let my guard down? With Akihito in the state that he is I feel the need to protect him even more. Akihito came back out, and his hair was still wet and sticking out in random directions.

"You should dry your hair a bit more, so you don't get sick." I stated when he came to stand in front of me.

"I'm letting it air dry." He huffed. "Drying it takes so long, and I'm hungry." He complained before running his hand through his hair. "Let's go." He turned to walk away, but I grabbed his hand and pulled him, so he fell into my lap.

"We aren't going anywhere until your hair gets dried more." I stated dropping a towel that was folded on the table next to me on his head.

"Asami." He whined swatting at my hands as I dried his hair more. "We are going to explore, and it's so hot my hair will dry pretty quickly, so we don't need to worry about me getting sick."

"Akihito." I warned pulling the towel away from his head so he so see me clearly. "Do you want to see the island?"

"I do." He answered looking down at his hands that were now stationary in his lap.

"Then your hair is getting dried." I continued drying his hair until I felt that it was dry enough for us to be wondering around the island. He used his fingers to smooth his hair out again as he stood from my lap.

"Let's go, I'm hungry." He cheered and walked away.

Watching him run and jump around while taking pictures of the wildlife and scenery around him made me realize that trying to keep him locked in anywhere would not work, he has to much pent-up energy. All that energy but no stamina. I let out a small laugh which made him turn to look at me.

"What?" He asked finally lowering the camera as he looked around us.

"Nothing; just a thought I had." I shrugged knowing if I voiced the thought I would be dealing with an angry Akihito, and I just don't want to deal with that yet. "It wasn't important just a random thought."

"You laughed, I never hear you laugh." He smiled watching me closely.

"Yes, it does happen sometimes, Kitten."

"Stop calling me Kitten." He whined turning and walking away again. "Hey, old man! Keep up!" He turned enough to look at me as he took off running again.

"I'll show you who's an old man." I grumbled as I followed behind him at the same speed not in a rush to get anywhere in particular; even if Akihito is in a rush to see the market and town. I expect many more pictures to be taken once we do hit the town though. Even though we have at least a week left here I'm sure that he will be in a rush to see everything all at once. Not to mention taking pictures of everything. "Just wait until we get back to the suite."

***

After spending hours wondering around the small island and seeing everything there was to see we were finally on our way back to the suite. This time an exhausted and well-fed Akihito was the one struggling to keep up with me. His camera had been handed to me for safe keeping after he dropped it for the third time. He was dragging his feet so he kept stumbling. As much as I want to pick him up so we would get back quicker; I wanted to use this to my advantage to spend time with him without others around. Not that I care what they think or feel about us, but I know that he does, and even though it makes for some interesting sport when showing him any affection; I would rather have his genuine reactions than his guarded or overdramatic ones.

"Asami." He called making me turn to look at him only to find him pushing himself off the ground. "Can we take a break?" He asked looking like a wounded kitten as he looked up at me. "I'm tired." He pouted when I didn't answer but sat next to him on the ground.

"You spent hours running around and eating junk food of course you're tired." I put my arm around his shoulders careful of his wounds. "You're still healing, you shouldn't be exerting yourself like this."

"I've been in worse shape than this before." He argued leaning into my shoulder. "I usually just push through it, but right now I just don't want to be strong." He huffed and leaned away to look at me. "I can't do that though because if I do I'm afraid that it will be to easy to do it again."

"Akihito, I meant it when I said that you are stronger than you realize." I stated leaning towards him so that our foreheads are touching. "Look at all you've been through, and not just since you met me; I mean your whole life." I pulled him into a tight hug. "You are one of the strongest people that I've ever met."

"What about you, Fei Long, Kirishima, and Suoh?" He asked and I couldn't help the chuckle that escaped me.

"I said one of the strongest; did I not?" I pointed out.

"You did but with a list like that I have to be at the bottom of it." He sighed again. "It's not that I don't have faith in my abilities; I just know that everyone has their limits, and I've surpassed mine so many times that I know one of these times it's going to break me completely."

"I'll be right here to help you through if that moment ever comes, Akihito." I remarked holding him at arms length so that I could look him in the eyes for him to see the sincerity for himself. "You are mine now, that means that you are my responsibility to take care of and protect even from yourself."

"I'm still not an object, Asami."

"That doesn't change that you are mine."

"As if I have a choice." He grumbled pushing my hands off his shoulders. "Even if I managed to get away; you would just send your gorillas to come track me down and bring me back before chaining me up to make sure I couldn't try to escape again." He stood up and turned so his back was to me. "I wouldn't have a chance against you or your men."

"You are learning." I stood next to him. "I wouldn't chain you up though; it would be to tempting."

He smacked my shoulder. "Pervert."

"We should head back." I stated as he yawned. "You should get some rest after the day you've had."

He just nodded and we continued walking back to the suite. He looks ready to pass out at any moment which normally wouldn't worry me, but he is still injured, so the last thing we need is him passing out and adding more injuries to what he's already trying to heal from. We spent the rest of the walk back in silence until my phone rang just as the suite came into view. I glanced at the screen to see that it was Kirishima calling. He must have landed in Japan.

"Asami." I answered the phone trying to keep Akihito from seeing who was calling.

"I just arrived at Scion." Kirishima informed me. "I will give a full report as soon as I can."

"Get it done." I ordered hanging the phone up.

"What's wrong?" Akihito asked looking at me expectantly.

"Nothing that can't be fixed before we return to Japan." I answered vaguely. "It's nothing to be worried about."

"If you say so." He mumbled walking ahead of me.

I watched as he turned and went to the stone wall instead of going inside. He should be going to rest not climbing things. Especially not things over water. I stopped and watched him sit on the edge of the wall before continuing over to the suite. I considered sending a guard to keep an eye on him, but I decided against it in order to give him some much needed time alone. 

Suoh met me at the door with a report of the day. Aside from Kirishima leaving nothing of any importance seemed to have happened while Akihito and I were out today. I did run the idea of having Yamagishi talk with Akihito by Suoh, but he countered the idea by saying that I should ask Kirishima to talk to him instead first. I agreed to think about it, but I don't see him fully opening up even to Kirishima simply because he is one of my men. After making sure that he knew where Akihito is and not to let anyone disturb him unless necessary I went to my temporary office to get the last of my work finished.

Try as I might I couldn't seem to stay focused for any significant amount of time because of my mind wondering to Akihito and ways to help him recover. I did eventually get through the rest of my work, but it did take a lot longer than I had intended for it to take. I sent a message to Suoh to look into more guards for Akihito seeing as he is a magnet for trouble everywhere he went. It was early morning when I finally left my office. Tamiki and Takino were both standing in front of the door when I came out. Takino had his fist raised like he was going to knock on the door before I opened it.

"What?" I asked eyeing them both.

"We were told to tell you that breakfast is ready." Tamiki answered. "We were going to tell Takaba-sama next."

"Has he come back yet?" I questioned them.

"He was out by the pool earlier this morning." Takino answered. "He should still be out there."

"I will let him know." I dismissed them before going to the pool to find Akihito. "Akihito?" I called out when I didn't initially see him when I stepped out on the patio.

If I was anyone else I would have missed the small bubbles on the surface of the water. Knowing what that could mean I ignored my own safety and dove into the pool. It didn't take me long to spot what I was looking for and I swam as fast as I could to get to him. As soon as I could I wrapped my arm around his chest and pulled him towards the surface. I could feel the panic rising in me as I laid his unconscious and limp form on the ground at the side of the pool. I could feel as my wounds were irritated by climbing out of the pool but I ignored it and immediately started compressions on Akihito to try and save him after finding that he wasn't breathing. A fair amount of the guards had gathered around us by the time that he coughed up the water making me turn him onto his side quickly. I breathed a sigh of relief when he started to breathe on his own relatively normal. I faintly heard Suoh calling for Yamagishi behind me as I pulled a dazed Akihito into a tight hug.

"What the hell happened?" I asked him as gently as I could manage in the moment.

"I don't know." He answered after a few seconds. "My body just felt heavy all of a sudden." 

"Why were you even in the pool alone?" I asked feeling my panic turning to anger because of him swimming by himself.

"As if you'd let someone else see me without a shirt." He scoffed before coughing harshly. "Not to mention that the only person I saw between coming back and deciding to go for a swim was Takino, and he can't swim, so I didn't even bother to ask him." He finally hugged me back and buried his face in my neck as the gravity of the situation seemed to finally sink in for him. "You were working so I didn't want to bother you since you lost all day yesterday because of being with me."

"You're okay now." I comforted him quietly as I rubbed his back gently still not releasing him from the tight hug yet. "You wouldn't have been bothering me, Akihito." I assured him. "No matter what I will always have time for you."

"Yamagishi will be here in a few minutes." Suoh informed us as he handed me a towel. I wrapped Akihito in the towel and picked him up as Suoh dismissed all of the guards around us. He followed us closely to our room. "He says not to let Takaba-sama fall asleep until he has had a chance to examine him and make sure that there is no water left in his lungs."

"Why was no one out there with him?" I demanded turning to face him.

"I'm not sure, sir. I wasn't here until a few moments ago." Suoh answered. "I was taking care of what you asked me to last night." He continued. "I apologize that it took longer than I had expected it to."

"Did you get it done?" I asked as he glanced at Akihito curled up on the bed behind me.

"I have potential candidates picked out." He answered. "I can't train them until we return, but even then, the number may go down even more."

"I don't need more guards." I heard from behind me.

"They aren't going to guard you like Takimi and Takino." I explained. "They are more of eyes around the city so that if something happens and Tamiki or Takino can't get to you in time." He rolled his eyes at me.

"So, I will have paid stalkers?"

"You won't even know they're there."

"Again stalkers." He huffed and pouted.

"I'm not leaving your safety to chance, Akihito." I remarked. "If people find out you are associated or your importance to me, they may use you to try to get to me, and vice versa if they think you care even the slightest about me." I explained trying to choose my wording carefully.

"Fine." He huffed again. "I'm sorry." He added as he rolled to his side facing away from me.

I glanced at Suoh and we both sighed knowing exactly where his thoughts were. It's going to take a lot of time and patience it seems before he is back to his usual troublesome self. I know I need to be patient with him, but it is infuriating to see him like this because of what they have done to him. I need to find something to take my anger out on soon so that I don't accidentally take it out on Akihito or in front of him. If I did that it would send his recovery backwards, and that is the exact opposite of what we need to happen. He's already making progress since he seems to be able to be on his own. Aside from the incident in the pool. I know that it can happen to anyone, but it doesn't help ease my mind any. What would have happened if I hadn't went outside when I did keeps playing on repeat in my mind and it's making the whole matter worse. I want to punish everyone who was here at the time for even allowing it to happen, but since he didn't tell anyone that he was going swimming in the first place; how can I put the blame on any of them? Whether he was fully telling me the truth or not I don't know right now because I haven't left him alone to check the surveillance cameras yet. I would know if he had found any of the cameras because he would have made such a fuss about them if he had.

"Asam-Sama." Suoh pulled me from my thoughts.

"What is it?" I asked looking back at him.

"Yamagishi should be here any minute now." He answered.

"I'm fine." Akihito stated turning to face us again. "I don't need a doctor."

"I'm not risking it." Both Suoh and I responded to him; Suoh harsher than necessary.

 "Why are you like this?" He huffed. "If I wasn't okay, I wouldn't be here talking to you right now."

"That's not necessarily true." Suoh stated. "Dry drowning is a thing you know?" He asked. "It happens because water gets trapped in your lungs and goes unnoticed or untreated."

"If you say so." Akihito huffed pouting yet again.

"Keep sticking that lip out and I'll put it to use." I smirked at him making him quickly drop the pout.

"How can you say that with a straight face?" He nearly yelled throwing his hands up.

"Because I am me." I shrugged.

"Shameless." He shook his head at me.

Suoh's phone rang, and he quickly answered it before letting us know that Yamagishi has arrived and that he was going to let him in. It only took a minute or so before he was back. I was anxiously waiting for him to let us know what Akihito's condition was. Granted it didn't take him long of listening to his heart and lungs to tell me he was fine; all things considered; it still felt like ages waiting for him to finish his examination. It was quite possibly the longest ten minutes of my life so far. Physically he was given a clean bill of health. I was advised to not let him swim alone for the time being at least. Like I was ever going to let him go swimming alone; much less anytime soon. Even with Akihito pouting about not being able to go swimming alone I agreed with Yamagishi. Even if I am the one who has to supervise him. He probably won't be doing much swimming if I am supervising him, but at least that minimizes the chances of him possibly drowning or nearly drowning again. I really wanted to point out that he was pouting again, but I didn't want him to lose it because Yamagishi is here. I just shot him a look and he quickly stopped pouting but still kept his arms crossed in front of him while glaring at me as best as he could. Yamagishi did leave medication to give to him before letting Akihito go to sleep and a dose for when he wakes up again to better ensure his safety. He made sure to remind Suoh and I to feed him more as he is still underweight before trying to walk past us. I grabbed his arm and asked him to wait for me outside as there was something I wanted to talk to him about before he left. That something being Akihito's mental health and how to help him, but I didn't want to mention it in front of him. The last thing I need is him freaking out because his thoughts run rampant even more than they already do. He nodded and left us in the room.

"Are you tired?" I asked Akihito sitting on the edge of the bed. I received a simple nod from him so handed him one of the doses left for him. "Take this and you can rest." I handed him the glass of water on the table beside the bed. Shockingly he took it with no arguments. "I need to have a word with Yamagishi, get some rest." He just simply nodded again and placed the cup back on the table next to him.

"I don't need a babysitter, Asami, I'll be fine." He glared when he picked up on the fact, I didn't mention Suoh leaving as well.

"Wherever I go Suoh goes, so you can rest easier." I lied to him since there are cameras in here, and we can still easily keep an eye on him, even if we aren't actively in here with him.

"Good." He grumbled and rolled to his side ignoring both of us leaving the room.

"I'll be back to wake you for lunch." I stated before closing the door behind Suoh as he stepped around me. "Suoh, make sure someone is at this door, and meet us in my office."

"Yes sir." He took off to find Akihito's guards as I made my way to my office with Yamagishi.

When we got to my office I pulled up the feed from the suite to keep an eye on Akihito before actually getting to the point of why Yamagishi is in my office right now. We spent a couple hours running through ideas on how to help Akihito back to normal again as well as how to combat his nightmares. So far, the only thing we seem to agree on is not making it obvious that we are trying to help him, to make sure he is as comfortable as possible no matter what is going on, and to have him stick to some form of a routine. We can't force him to be who he used to be, but we can indirectly try to get him back to that point. I have a shadow of a hope that this whole situation will help reign him in a little and make him more manageable. I don't see that happening though; not with how stubborn he is. Even Suoh and Kirishima both seem to have his doubts about his mental state. To be honest I would be surprised if they didn't. Kirishima has been more vocal and open about his thoughts though. Yamagishi did agree to speak with him if the need should ever arise, but he feels that it should only be a last resort since Akihito does seem close to Kirishima and me. We did ask about him talking in his sleep, and thankfully it shouldn't be an issue as long as he stays oblivious to things that I don't want others to know about. That's at least something I don't have to worry about for the time being. He almost seems to be avoiding anything to do with my underworld dealings. When the feed showed signs of him waking up; I dismissed Yamagishi and made my way to the suite to check on him while Suoh went to have a light lunch prepared. At the last second, I decided to wait for him to come out instead because I didn't want him to suspect cameras being in the suite and having to deal with the resulting fight if he did. I made myself comfortable on the chair in front of the door so he wouldn't have to go far if he decided to look for me. I didn't have to wait for long before he found his way out of the room and plopping down in my lap. I don't know what he was dreaming about, but if this is his reaction, I can't say I'm arguing it.

"Sleep well?" I asked wrapping an arm around his waist. He just hummed as a response and laid his head on my shoulder. "How are you feeling?"

"Hungry." He answered yawning. 

"Suoh is seeing to lunch." I informed him. "It should be ready soon."

"Good." He yawned again like he hadn't just been asleep for a few hours. 

"Are you still tired?"

"No, I'm still waking up." He answered. "Not everyone can be bright-eyed, and bushy tailed as soon as they wake up like you and your gorillas can."

"We're not gorillas." Suoh said from the doorway making Akihito jump.

"Fine, goons." He mumbled making me chuckle at his antics. "I'm not going to stop calling you gorillas though."

"Lunch is ready." Suoh stated before turning to walk away.

"Let's go eat!" He cheered jumping up and going to the dining room. "I'm starving!" He added just as he opened the door. "Come on Asami!" I chuckled quietly to myself and stood to follow him.

Lunch was just a simple spread of the leftovers that have been stored since we arrived. Akihito seemed to notice this as well since he mentioned being glad nothing was being wasted since the chef always makes so much extra food. I kept a close eye on Akihito as he ate until he deemed himself full and insisted the guards around us ate what was left. I followed him to the living room and sat across from him as he laid on the couch. After only a few minutes he had slipped into a peaceful nap.