Fall 2008

Asami hadn't touched Akihito for three days. Hell, he hadn't even talked to him, just threw him under house arrest until further notice and left him to rot in the penthouse while he left to go take care of his illegal business. Not to say that he didn't visit. The prick had come back each night, climbing into bed with Akihito for at least an hour before taking off again. It was unnerving; like Asami was trying to prove to himself that Akihito was still there.

It made Akihito wonder: had his little adventure affected the yakuza that much? Surely this wasn't the worst of his many mishaps. But, for whatever reason, his lover was being extra creepy-protective-silent and just extra Asami about the whole thing. Weird.

He tried talking to the guards about it; you know, the ones stationed in the penthouse to make sure Aki definitely followed the rules concerning 'house arrest'. They ignored him, for the most part, standing alert at every exit – even a few impossible ones. Windows, for example. They were on the fucking top floor, but whatever; apparently Asami's word was law.

Takashi was there, too, silently following Akihito around throughout his day. It was annoying, to say the least, but at least that guy talked to him.

"Look, just sit down, okay? I'm going to the living room once I grab a soda; why don't you scout ahead and check the perimeter or whatever? Take the couch."

Takashi just raised an eyebrow, following him into the kitchen anyway. "You don't get it," he lectured. "If boss finds that any of us," he motioned to the other guards, "Have been slacking off, he'll kill us." Akihito raised his head to shoot back an amusing retort, but Takashi stopped him. "Don't look at me like that, Aki. I'm not trying to be funny."

"Please," Akihito rolled his eyes, slamming the fridge door closed as he popped open a can of coke. "He's just going through a I'm having a nervous breakdown because I'm not god phase; he'll snap out of it in a week or two."

"Do you really believe that?"

"Duh," Akihito grinned, moving into the living room. No way he would admit what he was really thinking. "So just chill, and stop."

"Look, kid, I know you hate it, but just deal. Who knows, maybe it will be over within a few days," Takashi gave a small shrug, sitting beside him on the leather sofa. "You never know."

"Whatever," Akihito set his soda on the coffee table, picking up one of the remotes. "You wanna pla-"

"Takashi-san," the door opened, one of the guards from the hall sticking his head in. "Asami-sama is on his way up. He requests that Akihito be informed and standing by."

Takashi nodded. "Afirma-"

"What the hell, man? I'm right here!" Akihito yelled, tired of being ignored. The guard didn't give him so much as a nod before he returned to the hall, closing the door. Akihito jumped up, ready to give him a piece of his mind. "Why that-"

"Leave him," Takashi stood up beside Akihito. "Boss is coming; I'd say that's the start of some kind of change, right?"

Akihito didn't respond, just turned to look up at Takashi with wide eyes as the guard's words finally caught up to him. Suddenly, all the terrible scenarios he'd been creating and fearing for the past few days began to play over in his mind.

"Aki?" Takashi touched his shoulder.

"I… I…" Shaking his head, Akihito jumped into a run, dashing to the back hall, barreling towards the third door on the left: his makeshift dark room.

Takashi's foot caught the door just before it could properly latch and, more importantly, lock.

"What the hell, Aki?" he hissed, frantically trying to force the door open before the boss made his appearance.

"Move, Takashi!" Akihito shoved back, doing his best to battle Takashi's magical guard strength and barricade himself inside.

"Aki, c'mon man, the boss is finally coming up to see you. To talk, I'll bet you anything! Why're you running now?"

"After the job- and he's just so… and I can't!" Akihito rambled, his thoughts racing a mile a minute.

"Kid, if he wanted to-" Takashi suddenly cut himself off, the power against the door gone. Akihito slammed the door closed in surprise, falling against it. His ear to the wood made it all too easy for him to hear Takashi address someone as 'Boss'.

Akihito felt his heart drop.

He barely had time to scramble back before the knob rustled and the door swung open, Asami dominating the doorframe.

"Takaba," he growled, his eyes raking over him. "Must you defy me in everything?"

Akihito glared, letting his anger slip over him in autopilot while he tried to figure everything out. "Defy? What am I supposed to do – what is anyone supposed to do – when they find themselves under someone else's complete and stupid control?"

Asami bent forward slightly, reaching out and snapping Akihito to him, bringing them nose to nose. "They're supposed to submit, my dear Akihito. Submit, and play nice. But oh no, not you. For you, measures have to be taken."

"What measures?" Akihito asked, his narrowed eyes on Asami while his hands weakly worked at the fist holding him up by his shirt.

Asami gave him a wolf's grin, canines flashing in the dimly lit darkroom. "The best kind, kitten." Akihito visibly flinched at the pet name used in such a cold tone. "The best kind."

Asami dragged him out of the penthouse, and Akihito barely had time to appreciate being outside before he found himself thrown into a limo, closed off from the world once again.

"Put this on," Asami ordered, thrusting a red suit in his face.

"What-"

"Fine," Asami grabbed Akihito's waist, yanking him into his lap. Without a word, he thrust his hand into Akihito's pants, tugging them down with unnecessary force.

"Asami!" Akihito panicked, struggling to get away, but Asami kept him pinned, removing his t-shirt as well.

"Now," Asami talked into his ear. "Do you require assistance in dressing, as well?" The man loosened his grip slightly, honestly giving the other a choice.

Akihito gave an indignant huff, ripping himself away from Asami. Flying to the other end of the seat, he made a big show of putting on the blood-colored suit, glaring at Asami all the while.

"Good?" Akihito sneered, throwing his arms out in a mock-pose.

"Perfect," Asami nodded, his strong arms reaching for Akihito yet again.

"H-hey!" Aki protested, falling to the floor as he tried to stay out of reach. "What's the big ide-" A hand managed to grab his hair, using the hold to painfully steer Akihito up. "Ow, ow, ow, ow, owwww!" Akihito wined, blindly following the grip to keep the pain to a minimum. Damn, Kou was right – his scalp really was sensitive. Too bad the bastard knew it, too.

He found himself on his stomach in Asami's lap, the hand in his hair gone only to grab his arm and right him, making him back-to-chest with the bastard.

He kept him there for who knows how long, and soon Akihito's racing heart slowed to a soft, steady beat. Feeling brave, he glanced up at Asami, and asked, "And you're taking me where?"

He was surprised when Asami answered. "To a party, of sorts." A small grin tugged at the man's mouth. Akihito felt slightly sick at the thought of what could make Asami laugh in this mood. "There will be a number of guests – clients, business partners… Even a few less than desirable acquaintances. But understand, Akihito, that I expect you to be on your best behavior before all." Asami was staring down at him, the grin a fleeting memory.

Clearing his throat, Akihito shrugged. "Sure."

Asami gave him a look that clearly meant he wasn't impressed, and gently ran a hand over his arm. "Behave, and I'll take you somewhere nice after."

Akihito perked up at that. "We're talking somewhere outside, right? Not one of your, 'Oh, I'll take you to a place you've never been before' pick-up lines, yeah? Because I could really do with the fresh air."

"Yes," Asami kissed his forehead, apparently appeased.

"Cool," Akihito smiled, appreciating the lack of tension. "Can I bring a camera?"

Ah, and there was the tension again.

Asami didn't answer, but brought a hand up to tug the red jacket and white shirt down Akihito's shoulder, sinking his teeth into the pale skin underneath.

"Ouch!" Akihito hissed, the familiar act both a bringer of arousal and of pain. Asami grunted, removing his mouth to lick at the little blood escaping. "Should I take that as a no?"

"I'll be holding onto your cameras for a while," Asami told him slowly, as if expecting a fight. "Lest you get any more reckless ideas."

"It was a job-" And then Asami was kissing him; rough and angry and desperate. Teeth raked against his own as Asami moved against him, getting as close as possible. Akihito let him, relieved Asami was finally doing something familiar. But why did he wait so long? Why didn't he just fuck whatever lecture he was trying to give into him and move on?

"Asami-sama," a voice carried through a small speaker. "We're here."

Asami gave one last nip before breaking away, his eyes full of Akihito: all flushed cheeks and open red lips.

"Perfect," Asami said again. Akihito raised an eyebrow, breathing slowly as he straightened his jacket. Asami didn't reply, and when a guard opened their door, he left, waiting just outside for Akihito to climb out himself.

"This is a church," Akihito commented dryly, taking in the giant cathedral.

"How observant," Asami smirked.

"I think you mean, 'How ironic'." When Asami just looked at him, Akihito continued. "You know, a whole bunch of yakuza on holy ground…?" Akihito dropped it, realizing Asami wasn't going to get it any time soon. "Nevermind."

Asami didn't push him, and instead turned to a guard standing by. "Where is Kirishima?"

"Here, sir," Kirishima called out from across the courtyard. Jogging up to them, he apologized. "It appears many of the guests are upset sitting in the left row, sir. They claim they aren't here for the bride, and do not think the left properly shows their loyalty-"

"Wait a minute," Akihito protested. "You mean someone is getting married?"

Kirishima frowned slightly, opening his mouth to speak but Asami cut him off.

"Yes," Asami said with a smirk. "Why else would we meet here?"

"I dunno, I just- damn. You brought me to a yakuza wedding? No wonder you didn't want me to have a camera." Akihito shook his head in surprise.

"…Yes," Asami agreed slowly. "Kirishima, if you would escort Akihito?"

Kirishima nodded, bringing an arm around Akihito's shoulders to steer him inside.

"What about you?" Akihito called.

"I'll see you inside," Asami waved playfully.

Kirishima didn't take him very far; just to a small room, with a bunch of mirrors and a small stand in the middle.

"What? Do I not get to watch?" Akihito fussed. Kirishima said nothing, but surprised Aki when he moved in front of him to mess with his hair. "Um, Kirishima?"

"Takaba…" Kirishima sounded weird; hesitant. Like he didn't know what he should and shouldn't say. "For once – for just today – take everything at face value." Now he was pulling at Akihito's clothes, straightening them. "Don't over-think it and assume it's a trick, or ploy-"

"Don't over-think what?" Akihito furrowed his brow, completely lost.

In the background, dulled by the doors, the bridal march began. Kirishima suddenly linked arms with him, but not before he looked him dead in the eyes, and told him, "This."

Before Akihito could even begin to figure that one out, Kirishima took him out of the room, down a small hall. A large set of doors opened up before them, and Akihito was hit with a sudden lurch of unease as he realized everyone was staring at them.

He snapped his head up to look at Kirishima. What was he thinking! They were totally stealing the bride's moment! He had half a mind to dive into one of the empty isles and plant himself down like nothing had happened, but then Kirishima started to move, taking Akihito with him.

They walked down the isle - looking for a seat, Akihito assumed. He didn't know how Kirishima could just walk so casually; he himself was rigid, no doubt with a blush dominating his face. It was quiet, save for the bride's music, and everyone was still looking. He couldn't wait till they were seated and hidden within the crowd.

But suddenly they were passed the pews, standing before the priest and, and-

Asami?

The music stopped.

Akihito's jaw dropped, his eyes searching the bastard's amused face. He felt Kirishima release his hold, watching him leave to stand behind Asami, next to Suoh. A voice in his head whispered Best Man, but he didn't pay it any mind. Hell, he barely noticed Takashi standing where the Maid of Honor should be; he was too busy trying to grasp the situation.

In the end, the priest broke him from his daze.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God, and in the face of this company…" The old man rambled on, reading from a bible in his hands. Akihito kept looking between him and Asami, and even snuck a peek at the audience. There were hundreds of people – families – in attendance. He recognized a few from some stakeouts he'd taken earlier in his career, back before it had became so hard to take jobs. Were they all criminals?

"…so long as you both shall live?"

"I do." Asami's deep voice shocked Akihito, and he snapped his wandering gaze up to his. Asami just stared right back, looking at him with… What the fuck was that? Adoration?

Suddenly, the minister turned slightly to Akihito, making eye contact every time he looked off the page. "And will you, Takaba Akihito, have this man…"

Akihito didn't know what to say. This was… This was… He gulped, looking at Asami.

This was not what he expected.

"…and in health, as long as you both shall live?"

Akihito just stared at Asami. What was all this? The 'measures' Asami had been talking about? Was he trying to trap him? Wouldn't be a surprise; the bastard was always trying to lock him down. So what, was this his last chance to get away?

"Takaba-san?" The priest whispered. Asami just smiled.

Giving a lopsided grin, Akihito breathed out a laugh and said, "I do?"

"Ah, well," the priest closed the bible, looking relieved. "If you would please face each other, and take one another's hands."

Asami turned, taking Akihito's hands in his.

"What God has joined," the priest began, nodding at Suoh as he produced two rings. "Man must not divide…"

Suoh handed them off to Asami, who gently lifted Akihito's hand and slipped a gold ring onto his finger. Akihito marveled at the weight. Lifting his hand higher, Asami kissed his knuckles, looking into his eyes the entire time.

Akihito tried not to shake too much as he took the other ring from Asami. Putting it on the man's ring finger and pushing it up, he tried to draw his hand away. Asami held on.

"I now pronounce you husband and, er, husband-"

Wife, Asami mouthed, grinning at the face he got for it.

"You may now kiss the – uh – groom."

Asami pulled Aki close and the photographer could barely hold back an eye-roll. As if he ever needs permission.

He was slightly startled when the audience began clapping – really? An applause at a wedding? – but did his best to ignore it.

The rest was a bit of a whirlwind. Asami accepted a few congratulations from some businessmen, leaving Akihito's side for a moment to mingle with his world. Kirishima and Suoh followed, not about to leave Asami-sama alone in this crowd, but Takashi stayed behind.

"You scared me for a minute there," he laughed, clasping Akihito on the back. "You looked like a deer caught in the headlights; thought for sure you were gonna run or throw a fit or something."

"Yeah, well," Akihito grumbled. "I'd say I handled it quite well for a guy who didn't have any warning."

Takashi gaped at him. "You mean boss didn't…?" Akihito shook his head. "Fuck." He breathed. "He really likes to take gambles on you, doesn't he?"

Akihito snorted. "He's lucky I didn't-"

"Akihito."

Aki started, twisting around to stare at a man he had hoped to never speak with again.

"F-Feilong," he stuttered. Takashi's head shot up in recognition at the name. Grabbing Akihito's shoulder, he yanked him back, getting between the two.

"Feilong-san," Takashi gave a small bow. "I understand that you were invited, but I think I am right in understanding that Asami ordered no contact with Akihito."

"He did indeed," Feilong nodded. "But given our…" he looked Akihito up and down. "…history, shall we say? I wanted to wish him luck with the rest of his life." Tossing a box of pocky at him – that Takashi caught – Feilong smiled at Akihito. "You'll need it."

Still smiling, he turned to leave, not bothering to speak with Asami. Takashi inspected the pocky box, even going so far as to open it, before handing it to Akihito.

"As if," Akihito scoffed, throwing the thing in the garbage. "Who knows what drugs he's put in it?"

"Who put drugs in what?" Asami asked, rejoining Akihito.

"Nothing," Akihito shrugged. Raising an eyebrow, Asami shot a pointed look at Takashi.

"Feilong-san offered Akihito-kun a box of pocky, sir."

Akihito could swear Asami's eyes widened. He looked down at Akihito. "Feilong?"

"Eh," Aki shrugged. "It was no biggie. Takashi stepped in."

"Hm," Asami didn't sound happy.

They didn't stick around for too long after; apparently, there was somewhere else Asami wanted to be.

"You couldn't have given me the slightest bit of warning?" Akihito complained, flopping onto the limo seat.

"I didn't want to give it away," Asami chuckled.

Akihito lifted his head, giving him a serious look. "Weren't you worried I'd say no? In front of all of your subjects?"

"Come now, Akihito," Asami picked up his legs sprawled out on the seat and placed them in his lap. "We both know you can't say no to me. And that is precisely why I wanted everyone there: all of my subordinates, my rivals. They needed to know who you were; that you were off-limits."

Akihito frowned. "But won't they come after me now? It's like you're taunting them."

Asami's voice was confident as he replied, "They wouldn't dare."

Akihito was quiet for a few minutes before he whispered, "I almost did, you know. Say no. It's a little scary, agreeing to be with someone for the rest of your life."

Asami chuckled again, not the least bit offended. "For a wild cat like you, I imagine what you said took a great deal of courage. But don't worry, I'll make it worth the risk." Leaning over, he ran his fingers through Akihito's hair.

"So now what? Back to the penthouse?"

"No," Asami smirked. "We're going to the airport. I promised you fresh air, didn't I?"

"Hell no!" Akihito blurted. "No, no, no! I am not going on another vacation with you where I just sit around and wait for you to molest me all day! No!"

"But my kawaii Akihito," Asami purred. "We have to take a vacation – we deserve a Honeymoon."

Akihito could swear his ass was aching already.

xXx

And here you go, part 2 of my wedding story. PLEASE let me know if something isn't IC; I hate it when you read a story but spend the whole time frowning because it's SO off.

Also, about the seating during a wedding: generally, you sit on the right to show you are there for the groom, and the left to show you're there for the bride.