So, another chapter. I hope you guys enjoy it. Please, please, pretty please, with cherry on the top, leave your review if possible. My muse is quiet these days and it will help a lot. Thanks!

Warning: Long chapter. Grammatical error. Lemon.

Disclaimer: VF belongs to YA

Chapter 12. God Among Mortals

Kirishima was on the edge.

He didn't think he had ever felt this anxious his entire life; not even when he had been barely twenty and he'd had the enemies' gun pointed against his temple, unarmed with nothing but his wits to keep him alive. Damn, he'd prefer to face a gun point blank rather than this.

One of these days, he would seriously get an ulcer. Or worse, a stroke. And then he might die early and he didn't need to worry about all this mess anymore.

Or you can simply retire, he told himself. Get a nice house somewhere in the countryside, grow old, and die out of boredom.

But who did he fool by thinking that he could stop worrying over Asami-sama after his retirement? Gods knew Kirishima would never be able to sleep at night, wondering whether Asami-sama had eaten properly between meetings or whether his replacement picked up the powerful man in time for Asami-sama's next appointment. And then, Kirishima would die early out of worry.

Nope, retirement simply wasn't an option. If he had to die anyway, might as well do it fighting for what he believed for.

He forced himself to pay attention to his boss again, carefully trailing a few steps behind as he followed Asami-sama into The Collar. Tanaka-san, the manager of the establishment, was waiting for their arrival in the spacious lobby.

"Asami-sama," the former submissive greeted politely, instinctively keeping his gaze locked at Asami-sama's expensive Italian shoes. "Thank you for visiting The Collar. We have prepared your room as you requested."

Asami-sama merely nodded his acknowledgement, saying not a word as Tanaka-san led the way into Asami-sama's personal VVIP room. Not that his boss had much use of the room. With the brat having no interest whatsoever in the kinkier side of sex, the room was mostly left unused. It was a sad irony, really. Despite Akhito being such an adrenaline junky, the boy could be more vanilla than the Hagen Daz, especially with all the boy's weird obsession with normal life.

The closer they got to the room, the more nervous Kirishima became. As usual, he had been the one who did all the arrangement. He had given all specification required by his boss to Tanaka-san yesterday, with one minor adjustment late this afternoon. He knew that the loyal manager would follow his instruction to the letter. But still, Kirishima couldn't be sure that Asami-sama would be satisfied with what he had done.

"All okay?" he heard a deep, familiar voice asking, so quietly that no one but the two of them would hear.

Kirishima turned his head to glance at Liu Tao, his boss' second-in-command and Sion Group's COO. There was concern in the younger man's eyes. After spending 15 years serving Asami-sama side by side, they had become comrades. And family, if Kirishima had to be honest. It wasn't merely a sense of duty that had Kirishima nurturing Feilong's heir into the man that he was now. He viewed Tao as the younger brother he'd never had. And, if there was one other person besides Suoh who would understand all Kirishima's stress, it would be this man. But for once, Kirishima couldn't say anything to Tao. No, Kirishima had a promise to fulfil.

"All good," he said instead, taking a few deep breaths to calm his nerve. "Just my usual migraine."

Tao nodded, knowing fully well about Kirishima's notorious migraine. "Need a break? You can take a nap in one of the room. I am sure I can manage here alone. This is just a courtesy visit from the Morettis, anyway. Nothing too serious."

For a brief second, Kirishima seriously considered the option. It would be much easier that way: to hide until the storm was over. But if there was one thing that Kirishima hated more than a disorganised staff, it was a coward. And he was no coward.

So, he squared his shoulders and stood straighter, if that was even possible. Throwing a fond smile to show his appreciation for Tao's concern, he replied, "Nah, I'll be okay for a few more hours. Can't let the youngsters get all the fun."

Tao merely snorted at that and said nothing else. But Kirishima noticed the way the younger man walked closer to his side. Most likely, to make sure that someone would be there to catch Kirishima in case he collapsed again.

Collapsed. What an embarrassment. One that he couldn't forgive himself for. Stress, the doctor had explained later. Kirishima had no problem to admit his own weakness. He didn't care about his image as much as Asami-sama. So, he could easily accept the fact that he was now an old man. He had to be more careful of his diet and physical activities. There was also medicines that he needed to take daily to maintain his blood pressure. All those precautions were fine. What he couldn't accept was the idea that he could (and had been, on occasions) be a burden to Asami-sama.

Tanaka-san stopped in front of a polished wooden door. The good-looking manager opened the door before stepping aside. As Asami-sama walked into the room, Tanaka-san bowed deeply, with a posture that reminded Kirishima of the gracefulness of a cat, undoubtedly a legacy from Tanaka-san's years working as a rented sub in a BDSM club. In fact, that was how Tanaka-san had caught Asami-sama's attention.

Even after all these years, it was still strange to see the man's transformation from a strict and fair manager to a timid submissive whenever Asami-sama was around. But decades following Asami-sama had taught Kirishima that being a submissive didn't mean that someone was weak or stupid. He had met many CEOs, famous politicians, powerful businessmen and women, and many other professionals, with brain as sharp as shark teeth and confidence that matched Asami-sama's, who turned into a submissive the moment they stepped into the bedroom. Everything was fluid in the BDSM world. And Kirishima often wondered whether the blurry line that defined 'normalcy' was what made Akihito avoid the kinky lifestyle at any cost.

Inside the room, Antonio and Carina Moretti had been waiting with their trusted bodyguard, Valerio Ricci. The Moretti clan had been Asami-sama business partner for the last five years. The previous Don had passed away and his old consigliere had refused to accept his heir as the new leader of the clan, wanting to take over instead. It had been war between the two parties. And when the rightful heir had come to Asami-sama for help, the crime lord had decided to support the much younger successor instead of the old consigliere who had more power and resources. It was a risky gamble, but one that had been proven very profitable in the long run.

"Ryuichi, it is nice to meet you again," Carina greeted Asami-sama with a warm, but loose hug. A display of friendship and not dominance.

"Carina-" Asami-sama began before stopping abruptly.

His boss gently stepped away from Carina's arms and zoomed in his attention on a lean figure kneeling beside the sofa where Asami-sama would usually sit, just a few feet behind the powerful Italian couple. The boy was bowing his head respectfully, eyes staring at the floor in front of him. His leather shorts left nothing to the imagination. Beside that, he wore nothing else but a thick leather collar around his neck and a pair of matching braces on his wrists. Kirishima had to admit that the boy made such a beautiful display of masculine submission.

After a brief second of Asami-sama's silence, everyone's focus had turned to the male submissive as well. Even the Morettis were staring at him with confused expression. Beside Kirishima, Tao had completely stopped moving, frozen like a marble statue, most probably didn't even breath. Kirishima's heart began to race even faster, finally realising that agreeing to this stupid idea was actually a recipe for monstrous disaster.

If the willing sub had noticed their attention on him, he showed no reaction at all, waiting silently until he was addressed or permitted to speak. Just like the kind of submissive that Asami-sama always preferred.

"Is there anything wrong with the sub, Ryuichi?" Carina asked carefully, aware of the sudden tension in the room. Kirishima could see Antonio and Valerio placed their hands lightly on their chests, where their guns were hidden behind their suits. The female Moretti continued, "He has been waiting like a trained slave since we arrived here, so I didn't think much about him. I just assumed he was yours."

Asami-sama didn't immediately answer. But Kirishima noticed his boss' shoulders stiffened slightly, although it would be invisible to unfamiliar eyes. Asami-sama was furious and Kirishima's anxiety quickly turned into pure, unadulterated fear. He could feel the sweat drench his skin, the cruel pounding inside his head drowned by the way his heart slammed against his rib cage.

"What is the meaning of this, Kirishima?" Asami-sama asked with barely controlled fury. His cold and detached voice turned Kirishima's blood into ice.

Kirishima took a deep calming breath, trying to retrieve his usual composure. He truly hoped his voice was steady enough as he answered, "I humbly apologised for taking the initiative without seeking for your approval first, Sir. It was a last minute decision on my part. You have been…" He paused with a discreet glance at the Morettis, trying to find politically-correct words that wouldn't make his boss look weak in front of his allies, before continuing, "…tensed lately and I made the assumption that this will be the…perfect solution to help you relax."

No one made any sound after that. The Morettis looked confused, but politely waited for Asami-sama to gather himself. Or to dismiss the clearly unwanted sub. Or to put bullets into his presumptuous subordinate. Even Kirishima, who had been spending more than half his life with Asami-sama, wasn't sure what would happen next.

This was a gamble. One that he took to stop his boss from going back to the unhealthy habit of drowning his stress in long-hours-work, cigarettes, and liquor. His boss hadn't told him what had actually happened between him and his husband, but Kirishima had found hints from pieces of passing conversations with his boss. It wasn't difficult to add the two and two together. Akihito had hurt Asami-sama's ego. And this time, Akihito's rebellious spirit had become more of a poison than a charm. Asami-sama needed a break from all the control struggles between him and Akihito. For once, his boss needed someone who would willingly give him all the control he needed without bitching. So, when the opportunity presented itself, Kirishima had decided to grab it without much thought. Without asking for permission. He had to, before the stress broke Asami-sama.

Now, he just needed to wait for Asami-sama's decision.

He could do this. Patience was Kirishima's forte, after all. But, Asami-sama said not a word and did nothing.

Then, before everyone was suffocated to death in the long, heavy silence, Asami-sama walked to the poor sub. With one standing and the other kneeling on both knees, it was clear for everyone who was the one in control. But the boy did nothing to fight Asami-sama's dominance as the powerful man reached out, running his long fingers through the soft blond hair. The silent sub took the tender gesture as a permission to rest his head against Asami-sama's strong thigh, rubbing his cheek against the smooth fabric like a content kitten full of milk.

"Look up at me," Asami-sama commanded.

And the sub obediently looked up through his thick eyelashes, hazel eyes full with humble affection as if he was worshipping a God.

"Master," Asami Akhito purred.

To be honest, Asami had no idea what was happening. Questions exploded in his head like hundreds of fireworks that was lighted at the same time. He was struggling to stop himself from yelling at his secretary for putting him in this awkward position. But, he knew that it was Akihito to whom he needed to direct all the questions to.

Why? Is this another petty revenge to break my heart? Or am I truly forgiven? Does this mean that you still love me?

Then he froze.

Do I still love him? Can I forgive him? After the way he tossed my feelings like it was shit?

He had no answer. But one thing that he knew for sure was that at the moment, he couldn't afford to look uncertain in front of his allies.

What in all that's holy is happening here?

Surreal, that might be the word he was looking for. Had he stepped into a rabbit hole and entered the Wonderland? Or was this Neverland? Or even Narnia? Or the porno version of Hogwarts? Mizuki loved stories that involved any sort of fantasy worlds. When she had been much younger, the little princess had forced Asami to read her stories whenever he'd been home. The bonding times had rapidly increased Asami's knowledge in the different fantasy worlds.

"You scared me for a while there, Ryuichi," Carina said with an easy laugh as she took her place on the sofa opposite of Asami. Asami sat slower, buying himself a bit more time to decide what kind of appropriate response he could use to cover his own shock.

Carina seemed to be unaffected by the slight incident, although Asami was sure Antonio and Valerio were still in high alert, ready to kill and die to protect the woman. Carina was a strong lady in her early thirties, trained to defend herself since she was a toddler. Asami didn't think she needed any protection. In fact, he doubted anything could scare Carina Moretti.

But instead of pointing out that fact, he gracefully admitted his slip for 'scaring' the lady. "I truly am sorry, Carina. I was surprised, and as you already know, I don't react well to surprises."

Carina nodded affectionately, a blank look on her face as if she could still see the furious ghosts from their shared past. "That, I remember."

Now, Asami was kinda lost. For all his vast experiences in the underworld, he had never been in a business meeting with Akihito by his side. Should he introduce Akihito or not? Should he dismiss Akihito now? But they were all in a private room full of BDSM equipments at the moment. If there was one place where decorum mightn't be questioned as much, this was it. Besides, the Morettis wasn't one that cared much about propriety. Perhaps, those were the reasons why Kirishima had chosen this particular meeting to throw the surprise at Asami's face.

Fine. He would just take it in stride, for now.

He gently tugged Akihito's hair to make the kneeling boy-

A man, actually, he corrected himself. But I always call Akihito 'boy' in private, anyway. So, who cares?

-look up and face Asami's guests. Those hazel eyes stared at the Morettis submissively; no burning curiosity that always made Akihito initiate an unwanted investigation, no judgement for the Moretti's infamous reputation, no rebellious desire to be an equal. Akihito simply looked at the couple because Asami wanted him to. Pure and absolute obedience.

Gods, this is weird, Asami thought. And why does it turn me on at the same time? Do I actually want a slave instead of a fighter? Does this mean that Akihito isn't…the one?

Because no way in hell would Asami want to change Akihito.

"Akihito, I'd like you to greet Mrs. Carina Moretti and her husband, Antonio."

For a second, the docile look disappeared from Akihito's face, tainted by a glimpse of puzzlement. By mentioning Carina first, Asami had tried to give him a hint that Carina was the one of higher rank between the two. Akihito, who always stayed up-to-date with latest events and news, had to have heard about the Morettis before. But only few people knew that it was actually Carina Moretti, the daughter of the previous head, who led the Moretti clan as the new Don. And despite his own reputation, Antonio Moretti was content enough to support his wife from behind the scene. It was truly an unconventional arrangement where they came from. But Asami had known from the beginning that the couple wasn't a typical one. 'Normal' was a complex word that had many definitions in the Moretti couple's dictionary.

Asami could practically hear Akihito's thinking cogs working extra hard to fit all the pieces into place. A part of Asami felt relieved that his husband hadn't turned into an empty doll. Another part was relieved that he had felt relieved about that fact, because it meant that he still wanted Akihito's normal self. And then, there was a small part of him that doubted Akihito's ability to act as Asami's more submissive partner. Could Akihito defer to Asami and his associates with respect and accept Asami's judgement and direction without question as the situation required?

When he began to worry that this was all too much for Akihito to do without causing a scene, Akihito said softly, "It is nice to meet you, Mrs. and Mr. Moretti."

The timid tone sounded strange in Asami's ears. He still didn't think he would want to hear it all the time. But for now, he had to admit that his cock had taken interest quickly. Too quickly, in fact.

"Carina, Antonio, this is Akihito, my husband," he said. Then, noticing the way Carina raise her perfectly styled eyebrow, he continued as if he hadn't considered to stop himself from uttering the next words, "and sub."

He prayed to all Gods that Akihito wouldn't throw fit just because of those stupid labels. But to Asami's complete surprise, Akihito merely closed his eyes and gave a quiet sensual sigh, as if the introduction had pleased him as much as a mind-blowing kiss.

Shit. But that simple reaction was certainly hot as fuck.

Pretending to be unaffected by Akihito's display of submission would be much, much harder than Asami had originally thought.

"And a damn sexy one too." Carina commented, openly staring at Akihito with a knowing smile curling her full lips, eyes lingering longer than appropriate at certain body parts.

Akihito blushed beautifully, like an innocent virgin in her first night with her new husband. A soft gradient of pink painted Akihito's fair skin from the tips of his ears down to his chest.

Holy. Mother. Of. God.

If Asami didn't know better, he would think that Akihito had somehow found a way to blush at will just to test Asami's control over his own libido. His cock throbbed and he was sure that the Morettis would soon notice his swelling manhood. He barely stopped himself from grabbing Akihito and mounted the boy like a feral animal during mating season. Barely.

Does Kirishima seriously think that this stunt will solve my marriage problem? Perhaps, he just wants to make me a fool in front of my allies.

Because if Akihito kept behaving like this, the Morettis watching or not, Asami would shoot his loads right here, right there. In his fucking pants. Like a horny teenager.

Asami shrugged, trying to act as nonchalant as possible. "Akihito has his moments."

But none of the Morettis replied. Both seemed to be as enthralled by Akihito's sensuality as Asami had been. The couple were now leering at the lithe, kneeling figure from top to bottom. Wicked desire was thick and heavy in their eyes. Asami couldn't even imagine what kind of perverted fantasy the couple had in their dirty mind, since the Morettis were known to be quite…adventurous. Compared to them, Asami's preference was nothing but vanilla with a single scoop of mixed flavours.

Well, at least, he wasn't the only one who had gawked like a boy watching his first porn. It made a part of him feel better. But another part, the insanely possessive side, wanted to growl and bellow 'Mine!' before dragging Akihito out of here and fuck him senseless like an uncivilised caveman.

Carina snapped herself out of the lusty haze quicker than her husband. She laughed, although her cool demeanour had definitely shattered a little. "Oh my, I must apologise, Ryuichi. But I have rarely seen one who blushes so beautifully after such a simple, although honest, compliment. It is so…refreshing to see. I have to admit it rouses my inner sadist. I can't imagine how you can go to work every day, leaving this lovely creature on his own. I don't think Antonio and I would ever leave the bedroom if he was ours."

Asami couldn't help but preen at the compliment. The idea that Akihito had made such an impression on his associates, people who was used to the best of everything in the world, made him want to gloat. Pride swelled inside him, flooding him with a rush of power that made him feel invisible. Powerful. Undestructible. It felt good. So damn good.

Ah, so this is how it feels, he thought, to be able to have his partner by his side, not having to hide anything.

But how long would Akihito stay if Asami kept him by his side at every opportunity? Until Asami's next order to eliminate someone who annoyed him? Until the next bribe Asami paid to one of his partner-in-crime? Or maybe, until after he saw the real content of Asami's many warehouses?

Akihito would run to the hills faster than an illegal whore running from the cops.

But for now, it was safe. The meeting with the Moretti wouldn't discuss any important details. It was just a courtesy visit from the couple, anyway.

A rustling sound from behind the Moretti couple caught his attention. Valerio Ricci had slowly shifted, moving deeper into the shadow at the further back of the room. The bodyguard had a notorious reputation. The young man barely spoke. He could also stand still like a statue for hours, not a finger moving. Asami wouldn't have been surprised if someone had told him that the man didn't even need to blink or swallow. He wasn't a man, the gossip said, but a weapon. A killing machine that had no understanding in the idea of empathy or human connection. Or so Asami had also thought initially when they had first met. Now, he knew better.

"Stop fidgeting, Valerio," Carina ordered in a stern voice. Antonio merely shook his head, smiling in amusement. Valerio froze. But the man didn't say anything. As usual.

Beside him, Asami could feel that Akihito had stiffened slightly, although his husband still held his submissive position as gracefully as before. Akihito had to have recognised Valerio Ricci, the person who had killed the Moretti's enemies in cold blood, sniping more than a dozen of them, one by one like the pro that he was. Not that the police could find any proof. But it was an open secret in the underworld.

The Ghost was how people called Valerio.

Then, to Akihito's further surprise, Carina said coolly, "Kneel."

Akihito's eyes widened in shock as he watched the masculine man, lean yet covered with muscle, walked towards Carina and Antonio before kneeling between the two of them submissively, hands crossed at the wrists behind his back, head bowed just enough to show his respect, and chest out to display his powerful torso.

"Close your mouth, boy," Asami told his husband with a chuckle. "I don't think a fly would taste good in it."

Antonio bursted into laugh. "Oh, I am sure there are a few more preferable options than a fly, Ryuichi. Aren't there?"

The male Moretti petted Valerio behind his neck before saying fondly, "Our dearest Valerio feels insecure easily. It seems Carina's comment about tasting your boy has made him…restless. We always have to remind him how much we love him before he goes into panic."

Poor, poor Akihito. If his husband's eyes widened even more, it would soon pop out of its socket. The Morettis wasn't the kinkiest out there. But even then, they had to be far beyond Akihito's standard of normalcy already. And watching such a strong man knelt willingly, with a longing expression that would touch anyone's heart, would be a novelty for his husband. Akihito somehow always had the idea that submitting was a sign of weakness, a notion that Asami could never understand.

"Restless is an understatement," Carina scoffed, but her green eyes were full of affection. "I swear, Valerio, if you ever run away without a word again, just because of a passing comment I make, no matter how earnest my comment is, I will keep you inside your dog cage for a whole week. No break."

Hmmm. Apparently, it was still possible for Akihito's eyes to widen a bit more. And his breaths were short like he was trying to stop panting.

Antonio snorted. "It will just excite him, my dear. It won't be a punishment if he has a hard on the whole time."

Gently, as if she was handling her most precious jewelry, Carina caressed Valerio's arm up to his neck, before clawing the bare skin there hard enough to leave marks. "Oh, trust me, darling, he won't have a hard on by then."

Valerio simply closed his eyes. From the look of his bulging pants, he was undoubtedly enjoying the attention of his owners. The threats did nothing to dampen his erection so far. In fact, as Antonio had mentioned, it seemed to excite the young bodyguard. The affection between the three of them was as clear as day.

Akihito had obviously noticed it too. And, to Asami's further surprise, his husband's cock had harden slightly, straining against the tight leather short.

Could the day get even weirder, Asami thought.

The scene in front of them had obviously turned on his husband. Why? They had watched a BDSM performance for Asami's birthday before, and Akihito had done nothing but flinch at the sound of the whip. His husband hadn't felt aroused until Akihito had taken a look at Asami's own erection. And only then, Akihito'd had an erection. Compared to the show, this was nothing. So, why did the Morettis affect Akihito now? What was the difference? Was it the threesome? Or the idea of having a woman with them?

Asami was about to get jealous when he realised the answer.

Their love at each other. The obvious care they had for Valerio despite the harsh threats. The tenderness in their eyes and caress, even though they gave him pain afterwards. Perhaps even the trust they had for each other. And their obvious respect for Valeio, even when the man was kneeling at their feet.

Asami felt stupid now. He should have known. After more than 15 years of marriage, he thought he had known everything about his husband. Apparently, he was wrong. Or perhaps, Asami had just forgotten.

It wasn't money that could touch Akihito's heart. Nor the privilege that came with control. Nor sex, no matter how kinky or vanilla. Akihito didn't care about the political intrigue that would win the game. He didn't give a shit about those expensive gifts. And a display of power would just make Akihito snorted in disgust.

The only things that Akihito understood were the invisible things that only few could appreciate and even fewer could understand.

Kindness. Care. Trust. Respect.

Those were Akihito's currency, the only language that Akihito could understand. Asami could buy Akihito every branded watch in the world out of love, and Akihito would never get it. He could assign dozens of people to protect the love of his life, and the man himself would just hate Asami for it. He could work himself to the bone, doing everything he could to provide his family with the best things the world could offer; and he knew from experience that nothing would kick him out of their bed faster than long-working-hours.

Suddenly, he began to see the problem. Up until now, they had been talking in different languages, with no translator and subtitle. Both were trying their best to guess what the other was saying by reading each other's body language. But that wasn't real communication. Things could easily get lost in translation; important things, like how much he loved Akihito.

Everything started to make sense now. Akihito had been feeling insecure. Perhaps, Akihito thought that Asami hadn't truly loved him. All because Asami didn't show his love in a language Akihito could understand. Akihito loved it when Asami treated him as an equal, keeping him informed and asking for help. For Asami, it would just lead to an argument, and arguing felt like a waste of precious time that he could spend strengthening the protection layers around their family. Akihito preferred to talk every time they had a disagreement, while Asami deemed everything was solved after sex. Akihito wanted sweet apology, and all Asami gave him was an insanely expensive watch, as if he wanted to bribe his younger husband.

If he was to use his own analogy, all his actions lately had shown 'body language' that, based on Akihito's own dictionary, would be translated as disrespectful at best, and unloving at worst.

Shit.

No wonder Akihito had been throwing a fit.

"The last delivery is perfect, as usual, Ryuichi," Carina's voice broke Asami's train of thoughts. The powerful woman was still caressing Valerio's skin absentmindedly, her long fingers leaving Valerio with waves of shiver.

Asami forced himself to focus back into the task in hand. "I am glad it was up to your expectation, Carina."

Carina tilted his head, green eyes focusing on Asami as if she wanted to see his very soul. After a long silence, she asked slowly, "What do you know about Yakenonokarasu?"

That last single word was enough to still everyone in the room. Everyone, but the Morettis and their beloved lover.

"How do you hear about him?" Asami asked instead.

Carina sighed. "His middleman tried to approach me. He wanted make me an offer so that I would replace you."

With a stronger force that he meant to, Asami pulled Akihito into his laps, long legs straddling Asami's thighs. The younger man moved without a protest, letting Asami position him so that Akihito's back was towards the Morettis. Gentler, he pushed Akihito's nape until the boy rested his chin on Asami's left shoulder. He rubbed his palm's against the bare skin of Akihito's back, trying to sooth the younger man despite Akihito's meek reaction.

If he had to kill the Morettis, he didn't want Akihito to watch it. There was only so much things he could share with Akihito in a day without Akihito going into a panic attack.

"And how did you respond?" he asked Carina coldly.

Carina looked at him with a matching icy glare. "I return loyalty with loyalty, Asami Ryuichi. I won't be here, sitting with my husband, our lover openly kneeling at our feet, if I want to kill you or your husband that you so obviously want to protect."

Asami held his breath. His body was still in the instinctive mode to hide Akihito.

Carina softened slightly. "I understand your feeling, Ryuichi. I really do. But I won't betray you. I owe you not only my life, but also those of my lovers', and Carina Moretti always pays her debt."

Asami was stunned for a while before he managed to calm himself and gave a steady, "Thank you."

She shrugged like it was nothing. "No problem. Just watch your back. Whoever this Yakenonokarasu is, he is good. I tried to track down his middleman and found nothing at all. Otherwise, I would have brought you a gift."

Tension leaving his body quickly, Asami gave a loud laugh. Leave it to Carina Moretti to bring a prisoner in bondage, ready to be tortured to death, and call it a gift.

Antonio grinned as the mood quickly became more relaxed. "Now that the serious stuffs are out of the way, when will the fucking start?"

Leaning against Asami's body, with face facing the wall, Asami heard Akihito scoffed at the question.

Thank God all that submissiveness wasn't permanent, Asami mused.

The moment the door was closed and they were finally alone, Asami had believed that the charade would have been over.

Never had he been so wrong in his life.

Sitting on the plush leather sofa, he stared at Akihito, who was back to kneeling patiently in front of him, head bowed respectfully, arms crossed behind his back. Speechless wouldn't be enough to describe Asami's current state. Dumbfounded was probably more appropriate.

At last, after an hour of polite small talks, they had been able to leave the Morettis alone, with an excuse of wanting to give the horny couple the full service of the Collar, courtesy of Asami Ryuichi. The couple had seemed to be thrilled by the prospect. The Collar had a reputation among the richest and kinkiest community all over the world.

Poor Valerio will be all sore tomorrow, Asami thought with cruel amusement. Then, his gaze caught his own sub -his husband- and the now familiar dread came back. He was too tired for another yelling match and the realisation made him feel old. He hated the feeling.

"What are you doing, Akihito?" asked Asami with a defeated sigh.

"Master?" Those hazel eyes peeked timidly through long eyelashes.

He scoffed at the title, suddenly feeling weary of the game. "Stop it. We both know you have no interest to call me that."

In a blink, the demure Akihito was gone, replaced by a fidgeting one who looked at him with guilt all over the face. Suddenly, Asami wanted the meek Akihito back. Anything to avoid the emotional argument that he could feel had just begun. He really, really, really had no energy left today for a painful heart-to-heart conversation. Or couple's quarrel. Or anything, really.

"I-" Akihito started, but then stopped. "I just…thought-"

As if he had lost his courage, Akihito didn't say anything else. The younger man bowed his head deeper and squeezed his hands together, so tight until the skin turned white.

Then, Asami saw the tears dropping onto the plush rug and his heart, if he ever had one, broke. No more pondering over things that he had no answer of, he opened his arms and said softly, "Come here. I won't discuss this without being able to look at your face."

Akihito leaped into his embrace like a frightened kitten. "I am sorry, Ryu, I am sorry," his husband repeated over and over again, like a mantra that would chase all the ghosts away.

Slowly, Asami wrapped his arms around Akihito's waist, keeping it loose so it wouldn't feel threatening for his distressed husband. He didn't want to upset Akihito further.

"Whatever for?" he asked softly.

Akihito shook his head sadly. "For…everything, I guess."

He looked up at Asami, and the regret Asami saw in those hazel eyes made him want to keep Akihito tight to his chest and to never let him go again. "I didn't understand what you were doing, Ryu. I still don't. There're so many things about you that I still don't know; it's hard for me to understand what's happening. I just know that…you've changed. You grew distant, spent more and more time in the so-called business trips, and got irritated easily."

"But then, for a while, I thought, we were fixing it. Then other things began to change as well. The twins got busy with I-don't-know-what. Nao locked himself in his room. Rikiya brought that bitch-" he froze when he noticed Asami's arched eyebrow. But then with a pout, he continued, "Well, she is a bitch!"

"I didn't say she isn't," Asami said calmly.

"Then, why didn't you say anything?! Why did you allow Rikiya to date her?"

Akihito waited for his response, but Asami simply stared back at his husband. Nothing he said now would appease Akihito's pain. It would just hurt the younger man more.

"Please, Ryu," Akihito finally begged. "Help me understand."

Finding no way out, Asami decided to give Akihito his reasoning, one that wouldn't reveal his business arrangement with Takamiya. This was the excuse that he had been pondering every time he felt guilty for using his son to buy them time. "Because I am Rikiya's father, Akihito. I am not his owner or his boss. I can't tell him to date or not to date anyone he wants. He is his own man," he paused when he noticed Akihito was now returning his arched eyebrow. "Okay, okay. Maybe he is not yet a man. But he has his own thoughts and heart. And I can't blame him for that. When I was his age, I wouldn't listen to anyone as well."

Akihito snorted, a soft sound that made Asami miss home. Their home. When was the last time he had gone home?

"You are more than three times his age and you still won't listen to anyone," Akihito retorted with a playful punch against Asami's thick chest.

Asami gave his husband a teasing smile. "See? You just proved my point."

For the first time that night, and perhaps for weeks, Akihito smiled at him. "Smart-arse."

"Stubborn," he answered without missing a beat.

"Asshole," Akihito replied back.

"Beautiful," he said with a straight face.

"Jer-" Akihito stopped. "W-what?"

"Brave. Curious. Clever. Stubborn. Strong. Naive. Kind. Do you want me to continue? Because I can go on for the entire night if you want me to," Asami whispered gently with a tender kiss against the tip of Akihito's cute nose.

For the second time today, Akihito blushed, just as beautifully as the first time. Looking away to hide his embarrassment, Akihito stammered, "Wh-what are you talking about, bastard?"

Asami let loose an amused laugh that only made Akihito pout.

"Just practicing a thing or two that I learnt today," Asami said with suppressed chuckle to placate his husband.

But, it just made the pout grew more sullen.

Trying not to irritate Akihito more, he softened his grin a notch. "It doesn't mean I didn't mean every word."

The blush deepened into a darker shade of red. Succumbing to temptation, Asami run his fingers along the high cheek bone, admiring the beautiful masculinity of his husband. Even after all the years together, his desire for Akihito was still as strong as ever, if not more.

"You are just making fun of me," Akihito sulked.

Asami kissed that full, pouty mouth. "Why do you think so?"

"You don't…" Those hazel eyes darted around the room, staring at everything but Asami. "…you don't say things like that…"

The words 'when we aren't in the middle of sex' left unsaid.

He deserved it, he guessed. Embracing Akihito close to his heart, Asami released a sigh of regret. "I am not a man of many words, Akihito."

"That's one way to put it," Akihito muttered under his breath.

Tired, Asami rested his forehead against Akihito's shoulder. He felt Akihito nuzzling his hair and smiled from the warm feeling the simple gesture had triggered deep within him.

"I just…didn't understand the need for comfort words, Akihito. It doesn't hold the same value in my world. Most were said insincerely, anyway. So, what's the point? I always believe my actions…do the talking better."

Akihito's hands began rubbing his back. It felt nice. Soothing.

"I provide for you. I protect our family. I give you all that I can give: wealth, safety, privileges, and the normalcy that you crave, as much as I can give. Everything I can think of. Everything, until I don't know what else to give."

Until I am drained, he thought before he could stop himself.

"I don't know what else to do to make it…enough, for you." he added wistfully.

Asami felt relieved after admitting the ugly truth. Even when it also made him feel pathetic at the same time. For once, he just wanted to lie down and be taken care of. Like a child who cried for his mother's affection when he was sick, Asami wanted -no, needed- Akihito to pamper him.

And it seemed that Akihito understood. This time, his husband accepted the raw truth with a cool head. It made Asami feel safe to lay his weak side in front of Akihito, the fragile and vulnerable side that he didn't allow anyone but Akihito to see. Everyone needed him to be the powerful crime lord that he was. They wanted him to lead, to solve problems, to make decision, to judge, to punish, to reward, and above all else, to make no mistake. But Akihito accepted him even without all that, even when he was sick and grumpy, when he was being unreasonable and irritable before his morning tea, when he was being foolish when dealing with their kids. You could only hide so much of your true self when you lived with a person. Through all that, Akihito still loved him. And all his husband asked in return was being treated with love and respect. Was that too much for him to give?

Perhaps, Asami had taken Akihito's love for granted up until now.

"I am sorry," Asami whispered. "I just want to make you happy. But it seems I always do the opposite."

"Wait, what?" Akihito suddenly pulled away from Asami to study his face. His husband's shock was apparent in that pretty face, hazel eyes wide and mouth open.

Asami frowned. He thought it was obvious that he wanted Akihito to be happy. Was Akihito that dense? "I want to make you happy-"

"No. No. Not that. Before that."

His frown grew deeper as he tried to remember what exactly he had said. "…I am sorry?"

Akihito's jaw dropped even lower. Quickly, the blond covered his mouth with both palms, trying to muffle the gasping sound of his disbelief. "Jesusfuckingchrist. I can't believe this."

Asami simply raised an eyebrow.

"Did Asami Ryuichi just say that he was sorry? That Asami Ryuichi?!"

Asami rolled his eyes, just like Mizuki did every time Akihito told her that a pretty girl shouldn't sulk.

"Wow. I thought this day would never come. Well, as I live and breath! Apparently, he does say sorry!"

Asami finally grinned at the exaggerated surprise. "I am that much of a bastard, huh?"

Akihito gave him a fond peck on the lips. "But you are my bastard, so it is okay."

"Hmmm," Asami hummed his contentment. He could live with that. "Will the bastard get a real kiss tonight?"

Instead of answering right away, Akihito gave him teasing butterfly kisses along his jaw. "If he would tell me about this Yakenonokarasu, he might."

Asami groaned his protest. His first instinct was to tell Akihito that it was nothing for him to be concerned about. The habit to protect his husband from the harsh truth of his world was too deeply ingrained. If Akihito knew nothing, he would be safe. But then, Asami remembered how desperate Akihito was to understand Asami's actions. And out of a sudden, Asami wanted Akihito to understand, to be on his side, to support him as an…equal partner. In every parts of his life.

Well, surely giving some general idea wouldn't hurt.

"He, or she, is a newcomer in the underworld, an idiot with a dream to be the top dog and a penchant for being all mysterious," he said sourly. "Like the Takamiyas hasn't given me enough headache."

"That bad?" Akihito asked, but his fingers hadn't stopped massaging Asami's scalp with tender caresses. The soft lips delivered more loving kisses on Asami's face. Oh god, it felt so good.

He closed his eyes instinctively, trying to maximise the pleasure he felt from each carefully placed pressure on his scalp and face. "Moretti isn't the only one he approached. He swayed another associate of mine. Killed three others. Destroyed a few warehouses full of goods. I have suspicion that he was also the one who had blabbed to the authorities."

Akihito's gentle fingers pressed a particularly tight muscle behind his neck and Asami groaned in chaste pleasure.

"Oh god," Asami gasped. "There."

"Here?" Akihito mumbled as his long fingers coaxed Asami's tensed muscles to relax. The only response Asami gave was by resting his head below Akihito's chin, allowing more access for his husband to work on his tired body.

"But, doesn't the Takamiyas suffer similar loses because of Yakenonokarasu? Or are they immune to his attack?" Akihito asked after long minutes of comfortable silence that was only interrupted every once in a while by Asami's quiet moans.

"Everyone suffers from Yakenonokarasu's ambition," Asami sighed, knowing fully well that Akihito wouldn't stop the questioning until his husband truly understood what was going on. "But the Takamiya Group always likes to fish in troubled waters. They see the chaos as an opportunity to expand their territory, not caring the consequences for anyone, even themselves. They attacked some minor groups and allied with a traitor from Fukuda-gumi. The whole clan now works for Takmiya. If it wasn't because of this Yakenonokarasu, I would have destroyed this entire group of idiots!"

The revelation brought back endless frustration Asami had felt for the past few months. For all the man's faults, Hayashi Taro of Fukuda-gumi had been a good friend. They had watched each other's back for decades, a friendship that had been born from the moment they had met each other for the first time. There had been many hardships and struggles, tests against their solid trust for one another, but they had conquered it all. And now Taro was dead, his son and wife became prisoners in their own house, and his clan was forced to work for an asshole. Asami couldn't even do anything to avenge his friend's death; although he had no doubt now that it was Yakenonokarasu who had been the one behind the murder.

In the end, we are all nothing but pawns of fate, Ryuichi, Taro had told him decades ago, when Asami had asked Taro's reason for obeying his old man's order to take over the clan, despite Taro's dream to live a different life. A life that was far from the violent world Taro had lived in until his death. If his friend had lived the life he had wanted to before he'd become the Kumicho of Fukuda-gumi, would he still be alive? Would Asami still be able to visit him for a few drinks as he complained to his friend about all the intricacy of the underworld?

It was too late now, no point wondering about the what-ifs.

There was a moment of silence as Akihito contemplated what Asami had told him and Asami began to wonder whether he had said too much. Did he scare Akihito?

When he was working on the words that might help to lighten the mood, Akihito suddenly said, "You are right. Those guys are idiots."

"Oh?"

"This Yakenonokarasu and the Takamiyas made you their enemy. They are dead men walking." The hazel eyes that met his were filled with smug confidence. There was no fear. Simply blind faith that Asami would somehow find a solution for this problem. That in the end, Asami would win and the bad guys would be defeated. Even if now, the odds seemed to be against him.

Akihito's trust in him made Asami feel like he was the strongest man on earth. Omnipotent. A god walking among pitiful mortals. Renewed strength flooded him like rain in the desert, filling him with wild desire to smash his enemies like one would crush an annoying insect. His muscles tensed with all the energy, swirling within him like storms and thunders, but for once, he felt at peace.

As long as he had Akihito, he could crush hundreds, thousands, even millions of enemies.

"Mine," he growled as he looked at his husband with newfound resolution. The sound alone made his chest vibrated with excitement.

Anxiety and weariness were quickly replaced by lust. The power that filled him was as intoxicating as the purest liquor, burning him from the inside out. It demanded a display of control. The urge was so strong he felt heady.

"Yours," Akihito purred with a proud expression that caught Asami's breath. "Always yours."

Asami's heart rate accelerated as he claimed that soft lips. He had expected more struggles before Akihito would give in, as his husband usually did. But being the unpredictable creature that he was, Akihito dished out another surprise tonight. As if sensing Asami's need for control, the younger man quickly surrender to Asami's sadistic side. With a moan, his husband opened his mouth obediently, letting Asami invade the warm space within with rough, demanding tongue. It was a brutal, yet passionate kiss, one that melted even Asami's ironclad heart.

"Ryu," Akihito gasped when they finally broke apart for air. "Please."

The younger man was breathless with anticipation. His pupils had turned a few shades darker out of desire. The blond hair was mussed from Asami's tight grip during their kiss. The pink lips were slightly swollen after being sucked so thoroughly. Akihito looked so sexy Asami didn't think he could last long. Not after the long separation that they had endured for the past few weeks.

"It is 'Master' for you tonight," Asami growled as he tugged Akihito's hair violently. Akihito's eyes widened for a brief moment and Asami immediately put up gentle smile to soften the harsh words. There was no hesitation in Akihito's eyes as he nodded, silently giving Asami his consent. But silent consent wasn't enough for Asami. Not tonight. If they wanted to fix their relationship, they needed to learn to communicate properly, no matter how embarrassing or pathetic it was. And this would be a start.

"Say it," Asami commanded, pulling the blond strays wrapped around his fingers harder. Akihito arched his back, baring his naked neck to accommodate the rough handling.

"Yes…" There was a gasp as Asami licked the long column of Akihito's neck before Akihito sighed, "…yes, Master. Anything you want. I am yours."

Mine.

God, he could get used to this.

"Good boy," he praised before releasing Akihito's hair. Cupping the blushing cheeks, he gave Akihito a quick kiss before forcing Akihito to meet his gaze. He needed Akihito to be able to look into his eyes, to see the raw truth there, to sense his sincerity. At least, the roleplaying would make everything less awkward for him. And, hopefully, for Akihito as well.

"Tonight, we will set a few new set of rules and it will apply every day from now on to, well, forever," he explained slowly.

A deep frown immediately filled Akihito's face. His husband looked worried, as if he was expecting to be told to kiss Asami's shoes as a form of greeting, or other similar nonsense. But thankfully, the young man stayed quiet, listening.

"First, I will try my best to keep you…ah, as informed as possible. You will at least have the general idea at all times of what is going on. Not in detail, of course. But, I promise I won't keep you in the dark again, if that's what you want."

It took a second or two before what he said sank into Akihito's brain. Akihito's eyebrow arched into sky in amazement. And then, when he noticed that Asami was being serious, Akihito's arms reached out to circle Asami's waist in loose embrace. There was gratitude in those hazel eyes.

"Thank you, Master," he whispered in an unsteady voice, like he would break down if he talked any louder. "I'd love that very much."

Concerned, Asami lifted Akihito's chin with his fingers. He needed Akihito to be sure that this was what the younger man wanted.

"It might mean that your life won't be as normal as you always want, boy. I have some….unpleasant secrets, ones that you might not want to know."

He let the younger man mull over this and was glad to see that Akihito seriously thought about the idea before nodding with firm resolution in his hazel eyes and a cheeky grin gracing his lips. "Unpleasant secrets? Like when you come home with stain of blood in your pants? Or like when there was a missed call in the middle of the night from an unknown number?"

Asami narrowed his gaze at Akihito. "Something like that," he answered finally. "Although it will be just the tip of the entire iceberg."

Akihito shrugged. "Ry- I mean, Master…I sleep, wake, and live with you. I do your laundry, prepare your meal, take care of your home and children and have sex with you for more than a decade. And I am a damn good journalist. I see details, and when there is anomaly to your usual patterns, you can be sure I notice it. I might not know specifically what's inside your closet, although I have no doubt you have a pile of fucking skeletons in there, but I get the gist."

"I have been thinking these past weeks. If I could change the past, would I change it so that I wouldn't meet you? And I realised that I wouldn't. I would, and will always choose you. There are many reckless things in my past that I regret, but meeting you isn't one of them. So, please, trust that I won't run away just because you aren't this perfect guy-next-door that I dreamed about when I was a teenager. If normal is everything that matters to me, I wouldn't have chosen you, would I?"

I would have chosen Arata instead, those hazel eyes told Asami. It still stung, even after all this years. But, Asami appreciated Akihito's honesty.

"It is a deal, then," Asami confirmed with a small smile.

"It is a deal, Master," Akihito agreed with a grin. "So, can we move on to the next rule?"

Asami chuckled. "Trust works both ways, boy. So, the next rule is for you to trust me whenever it involves my business. If I told you to stay, you stay. If I told you to run, you run. Just like a soldier in the middle of a battle needs to obey his commander. It will be chaos if every soldier is as naughty and stubborn as you. Please trust that whatever I told you to do, I do it out of love for you and our children."

Akihito didn't say anything for a while, but then slowly nodded. "It sounds fair. But just when it involves your business."

Asami snorted. "I won't tell you how to take care of the house, that's for sure. You can have full reign of everything else."

"Deal," Akihito said quickly. Slightly too quickly in fact, that it roused Asami's suspicion. Did he just make a deal with the devil? But then, Akihito ground his hips against Asami's groin, and all else was forgotten. "Anything else, Master? Or can we begin the main event?"

Asami groaned at the delicious pressure. It had been too long. Far too long.

"Just that-," he gasped through gritted teeth. "-I owe you a reward for being such a good boy tonight."

The grinding stopped. "A reward?"

Asami's lips twisted into a dark smile and he nodded. "Indeed. A reward, boy."

So that you will never question my love for you again, he added silently.

Akihito had decided that it was a mistake. He shouldn't have trusted Asami's version of a 'reward'. He should have known that it would be wrapped in some sort of sick pleasure-pain torture. This was a stupid mistake that he would never repeat in the future.

He was lying on his back, his wrists and ankles tied spread-eagle to the bed posts by soft silk ropes. The cotton that covered the mattress was soft against his skin, but he had lost track of his surrounding a long time ago. He was burning hot with desire. His naked body glistened with sweat. His eyes blurred with tears.

How long has it been since Ryu started this stupid game? An hour? Two?

He felt fingers running over the non-permanent ink that covered his chest, stopping at his left nipple to tease the bud of sensitive skin until he whimpered in desperation.

"I like this one the most," Asami said casually as he traced the words that he had written on Akihito's fair skin more than half an hour ago. "'Because Akihito looks so damn cute when he pouts' is the best reason why I love you. Don't you think so?"

Since Akihito had doubted his love, Asami had decided it would be best to write down all the reasons why he loved Akihito. "So, that you won't doubt my love anymore," Asami had explain with an evil leer.

On my body, of course. As if there is no more paper left on earth! That damn bastard! I shouldn't have let him tie me in the first place!

To Akihito's utter disbelief, there was a jar of body paint and a whole set of brushes inside one of the drawer. The brushes varied in sizes and types: big, small, soft, hard. What kind of a pervert who had the first idea to use something so innocent as a tool of torture, Akihito would never know. But he knew he would never again look at Mizuki's paint brushes the same way as he did before this Asami's twisted game.

Asami played those brushes like an artist. He had used the soft one to write one reason along Akihito's under arms, where Akihito was ticklish. Then he had swapped for the hard one to write another reason around Akihito's right nipple, rubbing the sensitive areola on purpose. The evil bastard even drew stick figures that were supposed to be the twins and Mizuki around Akihito's belly button, making Akihito squealing and squirming the process. Never had Akihito known that his body had so many erogenous areas; each would tingled in ecstatic frenzy as Asami created lines, characters and shapes on it.

The worst had been when Asami wrote along the length of Akihito's cock, ending the sentence with a big dot on the top of the thick head. The touch of the extra small brush around the sensitive glans had turned Akihito into a mindless creature with nothing but carnal desire in his mind. His body had fought the restraint in hope of getting its release. 'Because you are the way you are.' was what Asami had claimed he'd written there. But honestly, by then, Akihito wouldn't care even if Asami had written 'Because you are stupid'.

There was not many skin left without ink on it. And Akihito began to dread where Asami would write next.

"Ma-master," he tried again to beg for what felt like the hundredth time. "P-please…got it…already."

"Did you?" Asami asked conversationally.

Akihito nodded his head frantically. By now, he would do anything just to make the torture stop.

"Let me come!" he pleaded.

Asami simply sighed, feigning doubt. "See? This is why I can't be sure that you understood why I love you so damn much. Your head is clouded now. I don't think you even remember what I wrote for the past few hours. Perhaps, we should trace each of them again."

Akihito began to sob. He could barely breath, the ache in his groin sharp as he tried to get more air into his lungs. He wanted to come. But each time he got closer to the edge, right before he fell into orgasm, Asami would stop him with a tight, painful squeeze around his cock.

"Let's repeat it one by one. Every single reason. What do you think, boy?"

"No. No, please," he cried. "I…I got it!"

Asami stroke his cheek tenderly and Akihito could feel Asami's own manhood straining against the fabric of his pants. "Are you sure you got it, Akihito?"

Another frantic nods. Please. Please. Please.

"And you won't doubt my love anymore?"

He shook his head so hard it might snap. God. Oh, god. Please.

Asami let out a long sigh, as if this would have to be enough for now. "Okay. If you said so, boy."

"Yes! I said so!" Akihito shouted in frustration.

To Akihito's horror, Asami tilted his head like he was reconsidering the decision again. "I still think that perhaps we should repeat a few sentences-"

He lost his patience then. "Repeat it and I will strangle you in your sleep, you bastard!"

Asami laughed. Without another word, he quickly released Akihito's ankles from its binding. Akihito didn't even struggle when Asami lifted his spread legs, folding Akihito's body so that he could plunge deep into Akihito's tight opening in a single push. Asami savaged his lips to muffle his scream as he waited patiently until the pain became more bearable for Akihito. Then he started to move.

The sex was feral. Asami held nothing back while he ravaged Akihito's body as if he wanted to split Akihito into two. It was hard and rough. And yet, it pushed Akihito closer to orgasm faster than anything.

Another stroke. Another push.

He could feel Asami's heart race against his chest. Fingers gripped his legs so painfully he knew he would have bruises tomorrow. Asami pressed his face against Akihito's right ear before he murmured breathlessly, "I. Love. You. Never. Ever. Doubt. That." Each word was punctuated by powerful, mind-numbing thrust.

And Akihito fell headlong into his orgasm. His world exploded, muscle unconsciously squeezing Asami's cock until the man growled in pain. Asami trembled and Akihito felt warm liquid begin filling his channel in pulses.

Then, it was all black.

Kirishima let out a relieved sigh as soon as the office door was closed behind him. His shoulders sagged in weariness and his heart still run a hundred miles a minute. But he knew that the hardest part was over.

And it went pretty well, he thought with a small hopeful smile. Things could have gone worse. Much worse, considering with whom he was dealing with. Thankfully, agreeing to Akihito's insane plan hadn't costed him his life.

Suddenly feeling terribly worn out, the loyal secretary moved with grim determination towards the plush sofa at the furthest corner of the office rooms. There was only one thing his brain could think of at the moment, and it was to rest his tired ass.

I am too old for this bullshit, he scowled inwardly. If that brat dares making more trouble for Asami-sama tonight, so help me, gods, I am going to kill him and dump his fucking body in the Tokyo bay myself.

Grunting as he sat heavily on the sofa, he sunk against the soft material. "Oh, this is much, much better," he murmured absentmindedly, massaging his temple with exhausted long fingers.

The soft, muffled movement that answered his comment reminded him that he wasn't alone in the room. Tanaka-san, the manager of the Collar, had left his office for Kirishima and Tao to rest in private. But instead of relaxing, the younger Liu quickly walked towards the small bar where Tanaka-san kept all his most expensive liquors. There was tension in Tao's shoulders, with chin exaggeratedly lifted and posture as stiff as a fucking rod. The young man's expression was stoic, emotionless, business-like. And when he poured whiskey into his glass, Tao stared firmly on the amber liquid, as if the meaning of life was written there. Without a word, the younger man deliberately took three deep draughts before refilling.

Kirishima sighed. He was really, really, really too old for all this emotional shit.

"You do realise that what you drank just now isn't water, don't you?"

No reply. Unless the sound of Tao downing another glass of hard liquor could be considered an answer. Not that Kirishima was expecting any. Without a pause, Tao quickly refilled his now empty glass.

Ah, the gift of youth, Kirishima shrugged with regret. At Kirishima's age, drinking whiskey as fast as a toddler drinking his milk like what Tao did would surely send him to the emergency room within seconds.

"He belongs to Asami-sama," he said softly with a soothing tone, trying to ease the hard truth into his headstrong colleague's thick skull. There was no need to elaborate whom they were talking about. Tao's infatuation with Asami-sama's younger husband was an open secret among Asami-sama's inner circle. "It is for the best that they make up."

Tao made a sarcastic chuckle that didn't sound humane. His voice was bitter as he scowled, "Making up? By kneeling nearly naked at his feet like a slave, grovelling for forgiveness?"

"I didn't see Akihito grovelling for forgiveness," Kirishima said simply. "Did you?"

The younger man turned around abruptly, his expression sharp with fury. "What kind a man treating his own husband-"

"Silence!" Kirishima yelled. He didn't mean to shout. In a way, Kirishima could understand the younger man's frustration. Letting a person that you loved go for another person wasn't easy. Having to stand and watch your beloved kneeling at another man's feet was even harder. Most men wouldn't be as patient, or as strong, as Tao.

Or as loyal, he mused. Throughout human history, misplaced desire had killed greater men, destroyed kingdoms, and started unnecessary wars. Kirishima needed to stop Tao before the man did anything stupid. They didn't have time for this ill-suited jealousy, not when they needed to be on top of their game. The tiniest crack of trust was all their enemies needed to wipe out Sion Group for good. And Kirishima couldn't allow that to happen.

"Don't hurt yourself, and him, by thinking such thoughts," he advised calmly, keeping his voice even so that he wouldn't upset the younger man further. "It will do none of you any good. He is happy. Isn't that enough?"

"Happy, for now," Tao growled with such anger as if the words burnt his tongue. "Until the next time Asami-sama's arrogance shred him to fucking pieces."

Kirishima stared hard at Tao. The black, relentless orbs that glared back at him told Kirishima that the younger man was currently beyond all reason. There was a haughty look in those eyes; a mad expression of a tyrant who believed that he could do nothing wrong.

Lips curling into a sad smile, Kirishima commented slowly, "Oh, I see. And…are you so sure that your arrogance won't shred him to, as you so eloquently put, fucking pieces?"

With a renewed headache pounding behind his forehead, Kirishima watched in silence as the younger Liu stormed out of the room, hands clenching into such a tight fists it was a wonder the man did't leave a trail of blood behind.