Note: Shinoda Kenichi is he current Kumicho (godfather) of the Yamaguchi-gumi which is the organization, hailing from Kobe(Osaka) he is branching into Tokyo and East Japan.

"It is such a shame, you were fantastic, bloody fantastic. Oh well, there is always someone to replace you."

July (Osaka)

Fei emerged from Asami's building. There was an unusual cold bite in the air but then again it was after one in the morning. Lighting a cigarette he took stock of the surroundings, pulling his collar up against the chill before getting into his awaiting car. The wail of sirens was the backdrop.

Entering the building in such a flurry of disarray, it took Asami a moment to gather stock of the frightened faces of his employee's. He knew his face was flushed, his brow glistening with sweat, his heart thundering in his chest and the voice of the police in his ears. Gathering his wits about him, Asami put on his mask as the questions rolled;

"Had he known the young man found in his room? Did he know who had done it. Could he account for his whereabouts for the evening. Was it related to the the underground movement that was so unsettled of late. What was the young mans name and relation to him. Could he vouch for his staff."

Despite the seriousness of the situation Asami had the ability to control the situation to favor him. Snapping his fingers he summoned the receptionist to order all staff to the dining hall for questioning, yet he took the few precious seconds to reassure the young woman who's name or face he never knew. It was the very minor things like this that gained brownie points with the authorities and he would need all he could get. Without missing a beat he marched across the marble entrance heading for the lift to his floor telling security to work with the police to evacuate the remainder of the guests, the detective on his heels. Within the same breath of the elevator doors closing Asami readjusted his tie and smoothed back his hair, internally trying to came the chaos within his mind exuding a cool, calm, collected exterior. He was becoming the hunter not the hunted.

"Tell me officer?"

"Nishio."

"Officer-"

"Detective Nishio."

"Detective," Asami resisted the urge to eyeball him. "Can you tell me what happened?"

"I do believe I should be the one asking the questions."

"Well forgive me but I don't much appreciate receiving a call from my staff informing me that the police are raiding my hotel and then to find out that the has been a severe assault."

"You knew?"

"The staff informed me that they believed someone was hurt."

"Really?"

"Yes." Asami made eye contact. He needed to read this detective. He was by no means a young man, a well seasoned officer. Asami realized his choice of words would be vital giving that this detective would pick up on the mundane. Silence would be as equal to blabbering. A delicate balance.

The elevator doors binged and opened. The detective was the first to walk out.

"Interesting that." Nishio mumbled to himself, loud enough for Asami to hear.

Entering his apartment, he was met by the disarray of the living room. He noted where forensics had placed placards at points and places of potential evidence.

"Please refrain from touching anything, it is a crime scene after all."

"Indeed." Asami replied absent-mindly. There was spots of blood by the front door. Akihito's broken camera lay on the wooden floor. Making their way into the bedroom, Asami's stomach gave a slight lurch. The bed was saturated in crimson, soiled papers strewn everywhere, the room was in a complete and utter shambles. He felt a pang of fury at the silk ties, undoubtedly used as bounds in the head post and foot posts. Fei, the fucking bastard was going to suffer in unimaginable pain.

"A penny for your thoughts mister owner?"

"It seems I am as flummoxed as yourself detective."

"Sure you are."
"I don't much appreciate your air of sarcasm given the gravity of the situation that lays before you. Have you by any chance made any head way in the past half an hour as to who done this or want to do this?" Asami coolly replied catching the detectives eye once again.

"And yet you have not once asked since we met about who the victim was?"

" I know who the victim was. It was my own personal guest."

"And that would explain why there was a young man in your private apartment."

"I don't believe that is illegal."

"Quite right. Now may I ask you the victims name and what relation he is to you? Maybe you could shed some light on it for us Ryuichi-san."

"Takaba Akihito, he's originally from Tokyo but moved here about four months ago. He is a amateur journalistic photographer. I have previously employed him before. Giving that I am here on business I contacted him to meet up for a few drinks."

"An what would a man of your stature and social standing want with an amateur photographer?"

Asami raised his eyebrows in mock amazement,

"I was impressed by his work, I thought he deserved a fair shot at the major league and offered him an apprenticeship. I don't believe there is or was anything wrong with that."

"Did he take your offer?"

"No he decided to further his education."

"Do you have a close relationship."

"Define close."

"I'm sure with your education you know what I mean."

"Oh I know what you mean, what I want to know is what are you implying?"

"I didn't know I was implying."

"Yes we are close friends. Answer me this, how badly was he injured?"

It was now the turn of the detective to lock eyes with Asami.

"Where were you this evening?"

"I was in a business meeting downtown, you haven't answered my question."

"Do you have witnesses to vouch for your whereabouts.

"Yes."

"He was badly hurt. We need to question all your staff. Your free to go for now, don't leave Osaka, we'll be in contact for sure." The detective called as he exited the bedroom.

Yes the shit had hit the fan. Sui was destroying the last of the evidence of the slaughtered Burakumin but with the police on high alert it was only a matter of hours before that came to light. He had to get back to Tokyo and yet his heart was telling him he had to go see Akihito.

It is the call every parent dreads but as Akihito's mother put the phone down she was not as horrified as she would have expected. Ryuichi Asami. This man had corrupted her son. This man was going to pay with dire consequences. He would see the hatred that seethed from her entire body. Standing in the cold airport, the moist air whipping around her, drawing her coat closer to her. There the godforsaken man stood, not as tall as he did a week previous. He looked a beaten and drawn man but that would not deter her from trodding on him further. With her partner in tow she walked away from the private charter plane that care of Asami brought her onto Osaka soil and ever closer to her ailing son. They rode in silence to the hospital where they were greeted by more police. Where Akihito's mother felt reassured by the presence of the law, Asami felt more unsettled. It drew attention to an already fragile situation.

The pain was relentless. He could find no solace from it. It burned from deep within his core to his extremities like a constant scraper back and forth. No matter which way he turned, no matter which way he lay himself it emanated and no amount of gentle massaging abated it. They wouldn't give him painkillers, they thinned the blood, with the art mastery that Fei had carved in him he would bleed to death but at this fine moment in time he would have gladly bled to death on the high that was morphine. He felt his being been pushed beyond its limit. His body flushed from hot to cold as his body tried to ease his suffering. Resorting to the fetal position he rocked himself gentle from side to side. The motion ease nothing but helped distract from the pain. He longed for the gentle caress of his mother's hand but God love her she was not the most affection mother. Each exhale was one of agony that in the beginning was matched with a moan, that became a whimper and as his body reach total exhaustion, a ragged breath. Whatever they gave him to help him sleep was counteracted by the ferocious anger that was the pain. The odd dose of morphine only subsided it for the briefest respite but he could feel it humming in the background waiting, biding it's time when it could attack once again at full force. His eyelids, raw red in the dire need of sleep. His wounds strained to rip from the metal thread that held them together. The stabbing pain of his stomach that craved food, water, his body starved of fuel and yet repulsed by the very thought.

It was the hand of Asami that in the irony of it all offered him the greatest comfort. The large warm hand that caressed his hair, that rubbed his tensed back, whose thumb stroked his eyebrow, who mopped his feverish body, who wrapped his shivering soul. The very hands of the man that had caused this situation.

Her eyes bore into his soul from the other side of the bed. For hours neither budged nor spoke. Akihito's mother scrutinized everything he did. He already had made his judgement. She was only a mother by title. Everything about her blatantly told him what she thought. Her distance from him told that she was wary, the flaring of her nose when he touched Akihito told that she was disgusted by the physical relationship they had. The crossed arms and legs were the last defense between herself and Akihito. And her posture told Asami that she did not want to be near her son. The doctor had quizzed them both about Akihito's drug use. Yes he was very mildly surprised but the mother was genuinely shocked that the had found large traces of cocaine in his system. Whatever closeness she had felt up until that point and disintegrated almost instantly. Her coldness knew no bounds. Her partner came and went sparingly preferring to wait outside.

As the long hours drew on Sui entered the room. Nodding in recognition of the mother he immediately bent over and whispered into Asami's ear. Exhausted, Asami straightened up, processing the information.

"What? You might as well tell me because I'm sure it involves Akihito." his mother snapped.

The two men looked at each other for the briefest second and Asami dismissed Sui.

You're right, it does involve Akihito. We know who done this to him. And we now know he wants to finish what he started. I know that it is not safe here, we need to get back to Tokyo."

"You mean, it's not safe for you and you need to get back to Tokyo. Get going you little chicken shit." Aki snarled.

"Listen woman. Akihito will not be killed. He will be tortured. They will cut his limbs off one by one using a blunt knife. Without me I can guarantee that. Even for a heartless power hungry bitch like yourself I'm sure you can understand that is not what you want for your son, your flesh and blood."

"Tell the police. As simple as."

"You really are blinded by your own retardiness aren't you? The police are corrupt. The mafia already have ties in the force. Why else do you think I have stayed here. The police here is equivalent to holding a neon sign over this room."

"And you are the knight in shining armor."

"I am all that stands between you and a painful death."

"You're so full of shit! You think I'm going to be as gullible? You think I am going to fall for that! I am a woman of the law! I know how it works."

"And that is why it is a failure. You stay here but I am leaving with Akihito. I am not going to let him suffer the same fate as yourself."

"You are the cause of his suffering! You are the cause of ALL f this you motherfucker! YOU WILL FIX IT!" Aki screamed.

"The SHUT the FUCK up and do as I say!"" Asami roared. "Sign him out. Gather your stuff and do one stupid thing and I will eliminate you myself."

The fire danced in his eyes as his soul mourned the loss of his beloved nephew taken by that bastard in the most humiliating way possible. Not only was he responsible for the death of his father , now he was responsible for the death of another member of his family. Fei watched as the embers floated into the early morning sky. A new dawn, a new day, a new purpose in life. The death of Ryuchi Asami.

His eyes fluttered open. He had been awake for some time, his brain had finally registered his muscles to awaken. The image of his mother was his first point of interest. The situation conformed to his ideals. The soft, caring, caressing hand belong to his mother who had rush to his beside in his hour of need. She was here and here she would make his world all better again. Piece it back together fragment by fragment. Yet why was she so far away? Why was she sitting by the window gazing out to the early sunrise. Why was she not holding his hand ushering words of comfort? And who's bloody and was resting on his head?

Turning slightly on the bed Akihito stared blankly at the fallen hand which was connected to the dozing body of Asami. He could feel the tears well up as he turned back to face his mother who was staring emptily at him.

"Mom?" he whispered, unsure.

"I'll get the nurse." his mother sighed heavily exiting the room.

Three words.

What. The. Fuck.

Indeed.

After the flurry that was the stream of questions, Akihito was left face to face with a councilor. This woman with her crisp clean outfit and scraped back hairdo blatantly asked him if he was suicidal. Akihito had to ponder. He was been followed by a yakuza business man that had raped him, threaten to kill him, bet the daylights out of him then bargained for his freedom with money while his arch-nemesis used his nephew to seduce him and then tried to do a Jack-the-ripper job. To put the icing on the cake his mother was on the verge of disowning him because he was gay and also dabbled in the odd illegal drug. That and he had no money, no job so was he suicidal?

"Did you do this to yourself?"

Akihito couldn't help but scoff.

"Yes, I clobbered myself on the head with my camera, then I dragged my unconscious ass to the bed and tied myself up, fucked myself and then proceeded to cut pretty pictures on my arms."

"I would kindly encourage you to take this seriously Takaba-san. I have heard things and seen things many of which sounded elaborate or mundane but were all done for attention. I need to know that you are not a danger to yourself or others before I can release you. So again, did you do this to yourself?"

"Asami, please tell this idiot what I just said."

"She needs to hear the words from you." Asami sighed. "It's a formality."

"No. I. Did. Not. Do. This. To. Myself. Is that clear enough for you or would you like me to write it out for you? Oh wait I can't, can I?"

"That is clear enough for me, I'll send in the police. Thank you for your time."

"Fuck I've had enough with the questions!"

When the woman left the room, Asami pulled himself closer to the bed.

"Listen to me Akihito, we have to get out of Osaka. I have a plane ready to get us back to Tokyo. Please just bear with it a little longer."

"Excuse me, I thought the police chief said you couldn't leave Osaka." Aki interrupted.

"Well if he had no grounds to hold me here, he can't and so far he's found nothing."

"Oh you are one confident bastard!"

"Oh shut the fuck up the two of you!What time is it?"

"Just coming up to nine a.m. You were found just after one a.m." Asami looked at Akihito intently before continuing. "A staff member was sent to check the room when no-one from my entourage answered my phone calls. She found you and alerted the authorities. The was no sigh of Fei but Sui has since received intel that the triads are on the move. Fei has set things into motion."

"What will he do?"

"I don't know. It's safer in Tokyo."

"What about Jai?"

"Again I don't know."

Akihito looked Asami directly. "You don't know or you are not telling me?"

"I don't know and won't know till my people take stock." Asami answered clearly.

Asami left the hospital room for a breather. No sooner had he rounded the corner he could hear his name been called sharply. An unfamiliar voice. Asami turned slowly as detective Nishio came to a halt before him. The man seemed quiet agitated.

"Problem officer-I mean detective?"

"Listen you son-of-a-bitch, I will find you and what your doing and I will hang you for it!" the detective snarled in a low voice as not to be overheard.

"Come again?" Asami replied carefully.

"You're free to go. For now."

"Oh." Asami casually answered. "Well, it only took you eight hours. I suppose I shouldn't condemned your wonderful police work, I mean eight hours...the actual culprit could be well out of the country. Good work detective. Very good work, now if you don't mind I have a plane to catch."

Asami doubled back on himself. He had to get Akihito and company back to Tokyo. His mind ticking over trying to source how they got a lucky break. Detective Nishio was like a blood hound and would not have gave up that easily.

Within the hour they were boarding his private plane for Tokyo. As Asami ascended the steps while supporting Akihito, Sui came up from behind and whispered in his ear;

"Sir, the Kumicho has requested your presence."

"Shit..." Asami paled slightly, 'Why is he here in Tokyo?' "We'll head straight there when we get these secured."

"Yes sir."

The Kumicho was the source of his luck. But at what cost? For the Kumicho to step in to Asami's own matters was serious.

Back in Tokyo Akihito felt a small sense of relief as they travelled in the familiar late-morning traffic to Asami's apartment. His beloved dive belonged to someone else and it was now he seriously regretted giving it up. He wanted nothing more than to collapse into his own bed in his own place. Yet here he was still relying on others. His mother, silent and detached beside him and her partner blending in with the upholstery of yet another priceless Merc. Across from him Asami looked lost in serious thought. He looked tired and aged. For a man in his early thirties he looked like he had the whole world pressing down on his shoulders. And yet Akihtio could not muster sympathy for him. They arrived, his mother and partner followed Sui like sheep, Asami helping him to the elevator. His mothers coldness was beginning to irate him. He wasn't a walking disease.

Once the were settled, Asami had a quick shower and changed into a new suit. Sui had also freshened up.

"Where are you going?" Akihito asked.

"To see my boss."

"Ha! Ryuchi Asami is a minion after all." Akihito laughed coldly.

Asami held his stare for a moment. He had no come back. He was only a minion, but a very successful one with a shit load to lose in the next hour. Akihito was still unbelievable naive. Asami's lingering stare unnerved Akihito. His eyes darted to his mother who sat out on the balcony. He suddenly wanted to tell her that she would get no sunshine because the sun hit in the evening. The sun was best through the master bedroom and how delightful the sunset was over the horizon as the natural light gave out to the artificial light of Tokyo. He wanted to tell her that in the quietness even this far up you could hear the birds sing before they retired for the night on the roof garden. Akihtio started. This apartment had brought him so much pain and so much joy. It was here that his world began to unfold and expand. Asami had shown him things and a life he could have only dreamed of but also had crushed him numeral times. It angered him that she sat vacantly, not absorbing the beauty around her and how she had created a barrier between them in a matter of hours without even uttering a word. She had shut him out just like she shut the patio doors between them. Akihito snapped his head to where Asami had stood staring. He was gone. Desperately he got and hobbled to the front door. Sui was gone too. He felt panic rise. What was that stare? What was that look in his eyes?

Asami could feel the dread lodge in his chest as they entered intodowntown Tokyo. This district was the Kumicho's personal area. There was that air that nothing dare happen on these streets for that would mean answering to the man himself. Even, himself who held a respectable rank within the Yamaguchi's hierarchy felt the foreboding as they entered his lush home which was something like entering a time warp. A gem hidden in modern Tokyo with it's landscaped gardens and ancient architecture.

Asami entered the inner sanctum of the house, Sui fell back into line providing a respectable distance from his master but close enough should he need him. The Kumicho was waiting in the room sitting by a low table on the floor. One half expected him to be dressed in a traditional kimono yet he sat in a red leather jackets and dark jeans. He wore a grave expression as he made eye contact. Exhaling a mouthful of smoke he motion for Asami to kneel before him. Bowing deeply, Asami lowered himself to that of the level of his master and then lower again.

"It has been brought to my attention that there has been a disturbance of the peace under your command. What have you to say for yourself?" his voice rumbled deeply as he spoke in a slow fashion as if emphasizing the subject matter. He was not one to pussy foot around.

"It is true my Lord. I have failed to quickly quell an upsurgence of-"

"Two weeks. After this length of time you still have not solved the problem. Do you find this acceptable?" he cut Asami short.

"No sir."

"Is it beyond your capabilities?"

"No sir."

"Then why have you not solved it?"

"There was a small complication-"

"A small complication. A building with slaughtered Chinese triads and Burakumin that suddenly burned down and has the police sniffing around it like blood hounds?"

"..." Asami knew better not to speak.

"The fact that I have to step in to clean this mess up calls you abilities into question. I am deeply disturbed by this. I have known you since you were a child. You showed me such potential. That is why at your age you are head of the Tokyo Zaibatsu. And yet you go and pull this."

"You look tired Ryuchi, so very tired. This hiccup is the result of an underlying problem. I want to know what it is, who it is because I want to help you solve it, get you back in the game. You are too valuable to be removed as a result of this." the Kumicho continued.

"Who is she? Who is this Aki that you are so infatuated about that you turn Osaka upside down and inside out? I want to know about her, I want to know why she makes you so crazy."

"...She is a he sir, Takaba Akihito." Asami paused.

Silence ensued save for the sound of trickling water and the birds in the gorgeous garden.

"You know I am just out of jail Ryuichi and in that place I had a lot of time to time on an array of matters. Business expansion, staff reform and so on, yet, I cannot condone such a vile and unnatural relationship. Whatever this experiment or curiosity of yours is will end now. I have solved your legal issues with the police only because it was infringing on my land. You will have to pay me back dearly for this and how you are going to do it will also solve your problem. You are to leave here when we are finished and you are to head back to the hotelfrom which you came. You are to get rid of the boy, in whatever sense you take from my meaning and that you see fit. You live on the top floor for instance. It will not be difficult to do given he is just out of hospital. When you are done you are to release the pre-determined press statement and start repairing the damage you have caused to my business for money is power Ryuichi and you are to find that triad and destroy them and those involved. Stray from what I have personally set out for you and you will lose more than a few digits. Do you understand? Remember this, my eyes and ears are now sharper given I'm no longer in a twelve by eight."

"Yes sir."

"Good, now begone from my sight."

Exiting the house Asami got back into the car. Sui drove around the corner and came to a stop. He knew his master well.

"Sir?"

"Go have a smoke."

"Yes sir."

Asami listened as Sui's footsteps faded away. With a shaking hand he fumbled to get a cigarette of his own out of the packet and light it. Taking a long drag he pulled up the arm rest that revealed brandy and glasses. He messily poured himself a generous amount of the amber liquid and finished it in one. Taking another measure he drank this at a slower pace. All was quiet save for his uneven breathing.

"Fuck." he said quietly to himself.

"Fuck. Fuck! FUCK!" he half cried, half screamed slamming his head against the back of the drivers seat. He cried yet he shed no tears. He trembled as he tried to lock all of his emotion back into to that little chest in his heart. He was a yakuza. He was a man of honor. He could not show weakness. His own emotional turmoil could wait till he was ready to deal with it.

As if knowing that his master had collected himself together, Sui returned to the car and fired up the engine. Catching a glimpse of Asami in the rearview mirror he was his own cool, calm, collected self save for a slight deadening of the eyes.

"Home sir?"

"Indeed. I need you to bring Aki and her partner home immediately. Have the Kumicho's press statement ready to go.

"Yes sir, I'll have one of the other men leave them home before we get there."

"Excellent."

"And Sui?"

"I never heard what happened."

"Thank you."

Akihito roused as the front door of the apartment opened. Some of Asami's men entered, Sui was not one of them.

"What's going on?" he enquired.

"We've been ordered to move you all back to your homestead. There we will provide twenty-four hour protection till this current situation is rectified. You sir, however, have the option of staying here."

Akihtio listened as his eyes followed as they crossed the apartment to the balcony where his mother and partner had taken refuge and shut themselves out of the present. He watched his mother tiredly arguing before giving in when her opposition provide no come-back. His mother entered into the living room, she was still wearing her scarf and coat, save for gathering her bag she was ready to go. Rising from the couch carefully, Akihito straightened himself out.

"When will Sui and Asami return?"

"They are currently enroute. The boss as requested that all concerning parties should be vacated before his return."

"What so the cunt wouldn't have to deal with us anymore? He's sadly mistaken if he thinks this is over." muttered his mother with much venom in her voice.

"If that's the case you had better get going." agreed Akihito.

"Yes sir." nodding.

He watched as his mother reached the door, following her partner. Having crossed the boundary, she finally took stock of his lack of movement.

"What the fuck are you doing?" she asked trying to refrain from rising her voice.

"I'm not going. It's safer if I stay here. Fei would only use you as a last resort against me."

"You...I thought this whole thing was between Fei and Asami and you been the pathetic idiot, stayed in the middle of it. Aren't you the cause of it all? Are you deaf, they just said that Asami wanted us all gone before he got back? All, including you. What's stopping either one of them putting a bullet in your head thus bringing this drama to and end! Cop the fuck on and lets go!"

He tried swallowing the painful lump lodged in his throat. His mother was speaking the truth, nothing was stopping either party from eliminating him but he was doing this for her. He was protecting her by not been near her and he had a bad feeling Asami would snap and shoot her because right now he really felt like doing that. Instead, been the caring son that he was and burying every hurtful statement, action and reaction she had made towards him over the past few hours he walked towards her and embraced her cold rigid body.

"No matter what you say or do, I love you mom."

Neither the embrace or words of comfort were returned. She tightened her coat around her as she turned and walk away. He watched her enter the elevator wishing she would she glimpse back. All she offered him was a hesitation in her step before she stepped in but the doors binged closed. He was comforted by the fact that she and her partner were aided by five burly men while the last remaining bodyguard took position right in front of the door. Akihtio gave him a corner of a smile before quietly shutting door listening for the click of the lock. He rested his forehead against the cool of the door. The apartment was painfully silent but the tension was gone. A slight weight was lifted off his exhausted shoulders. Akihito shuffled slowly to the bedroom. Evening was upon them and the sun was shifting to the bedroom side of the building. He inhaled the familiar scent of Asami, past the bed to the balcony doors. He faltered slightly at the handle. His heart beating heavily in his chest.

'It's not the same apartment.' he kept reminding himself as he stepped into the warmth of the evening sun. A light fresh breeze encompassed him. He lowered himself onto the edge of the deck chair and shivered despite the heat. It was all too familiar as he looked back into the bedroom half-expecting Fei to emerge. Turning back to the sunshine he closed his eyes against the glare and tried to relax and absorb the heat.

Asami stood in the bedroom looking out relishing at the stillness of the situation. Part of him was glad Akihito stayed and the other part was filled with dread. He understood what the Kumicho wanted but Asami was have a rare moment of weakness because despite everything he loved Akihito and he respected him. Enough to sacrifice his position, his life. Moving to the door way he took position alongside Akihito and watched the sun set over the horizon of high-rises.

As the coolness of the night took over both moved into the warmth of the living room. Sui had place food, drink and a bag on the coffee table. Asami picked at a bowl of stir-fried vegetables before opening a beer. Akihito forced plain rice down his throat resisting the urge to gag. He went to grab a beer but flinched as he tried to stretch his arm out. Asami picked up a juice bottle, opened it and place it beside Akihito who cut him a look. Opening the bag Asami pulled out pill boxes, glancing at the prescriptions took the allocated amount and placed them beside the juice bottle. Taking a swig of beer he motion for Akihito to take them. Glaring he swallowed them dry before downing the juice. Heaving, he fought them back down.

"We need to change your dressings." Asami spoke for the first time since returning.

Akihito studied his bandaged arms for the first time and gave in. He turned to Asami who offered him a cushion. He watched as Asami gently removed the blood stained ones and let out a low moan when he saw the mangled sight that was his arms. He felt light headed and queasy but met Asami's eyes. He kept staring straight into them till it abated slightly. Asami resumed his careful ministrations and Akihito took in the wider view that was Asami's face. His features had softened since the departure of his mother and of his staff. He actually looked human, an equally tired and pained human. Akihito took stock of himself as he took a sharp intake of breathe as pain shot through his tensed body.

"Sorry." Asami answered softly.

Was he feeling pity for this man?

"Done." Asami informed after a short while. Akihito noted that he took his time. The older man stood, cracking his back as he done so. He started clearing the coffee table. He pack the medical supplies back into the paper bag. He brought the food to the kitchen where he covered and refrigerated the uneaten food and binned the rest. Akihito made a second attempt at taking a beer but was too slow as Asami pulled it from his grip and replaced it again with juice.

"What's the deal?" Akihito broke his silence.

"You of all people should know the result of mixing alcohol and pills."

"Whatever." he grumbled opening the apple juice.

Akihito shifted on the couch to make himself more comfortable as he rested his back on the arm rest and tenderly stretched his legs out in front of himself. Asami returned with a blanket and mimicked Akihito slow they were sitting facing each other, their legs partially intertwined. He flung the blanket up to open it out and let it fall down over their legs. To be honest Akihito wasn't comfortable with this set up. It was very cosy cosy. And Asami didn't normally do such things. After a night of passion he was on rare occasions lucky to get a 'cuddle', which was generally a precursor to more sex. He didn't have the energy to have a heart to heart right now. Luckily for him Asami wasn't in the mood for talking. He took Akihito's foot and removed his sock and began to massage it and his tender ankle. Now this he had done before and the man and some extremely talented fingers and the tension oozed out. Akihito began to drift off and barely registered the movement of his other foot receiving said attention.

For Asami it was more therapeutic than anything. He was petrified his young lover would want to talk, to want answers given the intimacy of their current position. He solution, foot massage, he knew from experience there was only two ways to shut Akihito up, screw him to oblivion or massage him. He melted into the furniture. Guaranteed peace. It gave him time to come to a decision as he watched his calm relaxed features. Something he hadn't seen in months.

Sleep never came to him, only a deep sense of relaxation. When Asami stopped massaging his feet and ankles he became aware of himself once again. He cracked one eye open. The room was in darkness save for the lamp in the corner. The curtains and all were drawn yet Asami who was fast asleep across from him had never moved. He assumed Sui had done so. His phone vibrated in his pocket. He held his breath and listened. Asami was breathing slowly and heavily with that click of the tongue with each intake of breath. He was in a deep slumber. Fishing his phone out of his pocket it was from and unknown number. Double checking the time it was midnight. He let the phone ring out, unsure. The caller rang a fourth time, he must have been out of it more than he had previously thought, but this time Akihito answered.

"Hello?"

There was a moment of silence.

"Takaba?"

"Jai!"

"Yeah, can you talk man?"

Akihito's heart hammered in his chest as his stomach twisted.

"You ok? Where are you?" Akihito stammered quietly, aware of his company.

"I'm in Tokyo. I heard you left Osaka, I thought you went back to your old apartment but when I got there it was empty. I didn't realize you had kept that place. Where are you?

'He never got rid of my old dive!' Akihito's mind racing watching Asami.

"Where are you now?"

"Still at your old place, I let myself in with the help of your neighbor, hope you're not pissed?" Jai asked tentatively.

'That daft old bag!'

"Are you ok?"

"I'm...yeah I'm ok...well as well as I can be after your ex. bet the shit out of me."

"I'm sorry about that." Akihito smiled.

"He's got some anger issues."

"Yeah, yeah he does." Akihito allowed himself a quiet laugh.

"You around the area? Can you meet me? I want to talk, I mean you need to vent this whole situation out, it's totally crazy."

Akihito felt like he swallowed a rock. He wanted desperately to see Jai to see that he was physically ok but it was after midnight. If he waited till morning Asami certainly wouldn't let him go. He'd probably kill Jai...to get to Fei.

'Shit!' His mind finally kicked into gear.

"What about Fei?" he asked, his voice cool. "What about your uncle?"

"Why? He's in Kyoto with work?" there was confusion in his voice.

Akihito looked at Asami carefully. He could have been lying earlier with the Jai/Fei connection. He was in an extremely fucked up place when all that went down. Asami was a pro, he could have manipulated the information to turn him against Jai so he would come running back. This could be all to win him back into his good books. The sudden caring, the bending over backways to make things right, the putting up with his emotional meltdowns. Normally he would have sneered it off, went about his business, came back for a fuck or as his mother said put a bullet in his head. Was this just another elaborate plan? Or was Asami telling the truth?

"Takaba? You still there?"

It could be suicide or it could be a chance to getting his sanity back. Either way he was standing on his own two feet and taking control of his life back, properly this time.

"Yeah, I can meet you. I'll come to my place. You alone?"

"Yes...well no, your neighbors cat is stalking me and freaking me out."

"Ha! Careful he bites."

"Just like you huh?" Jia replied softly.

"Just like me." Akihito smiled, hanging up.

He carefully disentangled himself from the slumbering Asami, clenching his jaw as he was aching all over. The painkillers were wearing off. He eyed the paper bag but decided against it as it might wake him. He shuffled into the bedroom and took one off Asami's wooly jumpers from the wardrobe and slipped on his battered sneakers. He paused throwing and idea around in his head. Stifling a cry he stretched to get the rosewood box from the top shelf of the wardrobe and threw it on the bed. He removed the handgun, pocketing extra clip. No he didn't really know how to use one but he wasn't going empty handed. More content in his choice he slipped out the front door. Sui rose from his seat.

"Did Asami keep my old apartment?"

"Yes he did."

"Can you bring me there? I want to get some more clothes but don't want to go on my own."

"The boss has bought clothes for you, like he always has..."

"I know Sui but I've had the shittiest few days of my life and I really just want something old of mine, nostalgia given that even my own mother has turned her back on me. Please?"

"Fine, I'll just clear it with the boss." Sui hesitantly agreed.

"Don't, he's fast asleep, you of all people know he needs to rest."

"It'll be quick, lets go."

'That was easy.' "Thanks."

He didn't think it but there was a small feeling of home sickness as he passed through all too familiar streets but as they drew nearer this was replaced with a growing sense of fear and anticipation. Akihito was damn glad he had Sui, Asami depended on him the most.

"Do you have keys to get in?" Sui asked as the pulled into a parking space.

"No, my copy is back in Osaka or wherever you all dumped my stuff. I'll just pop into the neighbor next door, she always has a copy...unless the locks were changed?" Akihito caught Sui's eye, raising an eyebrow.

"No the locks are the same." Sui replied as he opened the door.

"Wait! What are you doing?"

"Going up with you."

"No your not, this crazy old hag will probably call the police if she catches sight of you!"

"Why?"

"Because you look exactly like a yakuza bodyguard." Akihito said, rolling his eyes at the obvious.

"Oh. Well stay in view at all times and I'll follow up when you get the key."

"Yes mother."

"I'm serious."

"Fine."

Slowly ascending the steps, he eyed his old apartment carefully. The was no sign of life or of lights but Jai could very well be in the living room at the back which would be impossible to tell unless he went around the back. Aware of the late hour he knocked lightly on the neighbors door knowing the doorbell frightened her. After a few moment he heard the strained voice of the old woman.

"Ikari-san, it's me Takaba Akihito-kun, I know it's late but I'm just back from a long trip and I've forgotten my keys to my apartment. I was just wondering if I could get me spare set off you please?"

"Takaba-kun? Dear I already gave you your spare keys earlier." the old lady called through the door.

"Me? I'm sorry, I forgot! Sorry for the disturbance Ikari-san and for the lateness of the hour."

"Youth, so forgetful these days, Takaba-kun be sure to feed Kiki for me."

'Kiki? Oh the damn cat.'

"Of course, goodnight Ikari-san."

Backing away from her door slowly he reassured himself by feeling the handgun lodged in the back of his tracksuit bottoms. Turning around and leaning over the balcony slightly he pretended to wave a key at Sui, who flashed his headlights. Akihito held up his fingers to signal two minutes. Standing in front of his front door he nearly lost his nerve but was reassured Sui was within shouting distance. He pushed down on the handle which went with his weight. He slowly pulled the door open. It was dead silent inside as well as dark. Opening the door another few inches he nearly jumped a mile when Kiki, the ginger cat, came dashing out. Reeling in the pain of tensing and trying not to jump he gathered himself. Taking one step in it didn't smell like home. It didn't feel like home.

"Hello?" he called out.

"Hello?"

"Sir."

"Where is he?"

"As you thought, back at his old apartment. I'm parked right in front, he didn't want me to follow him."

"Did you trace the call."

"They are working on it. Was a pre-pay, don't yet know who the caller was or the content of the call."

"Unfortunately I can't help you there Sui."

"Not a problem sir."

"Bring him to wherever he wants to go. I'm two blocks away."

"Yes sir."

The apartment was empty save for a note. It was Jai's handwriting. It asked him to meet at the docks. Akihito leaned against the wall. It was a trap. Was it Jai, Fei or Asami setting it up?

Asami sat pondering in his car. He was wondering who was behind this Fei or the Kumicho. Fei and it could be messy, the Kumicho and he was heading to his dishonorable death.

Asami pulled out his ringing phone frowning at the caller id.

"Akihito?"

"It's a trap isn't it? This is the end one way or another?"

"Yes. Who was the caller?"

"Just answer me this, honestly. Is it you?"

"No. I have just as much to lose as you tonight."

"It was a note, to meet at the docks."

"Chinese territory." 'Perfect cover for a showdown...' "Who was the caller?"

"Jai."

"..."

"He said Fei was in Kyoto on business."

"..."

"Asami?"

"..."

"Sir? I recommend the two cars and I will call for back up. Intel shows movement in the downtown area as well as the docks. It stands at both sides of the coin. Your driver is my understudy. I personally would be more content switching drivers sir."

"Your leaning more towards heads Sui?" Asami replied snapping out of his trance

"Yes sir."

"What's going on?" Asami could hear Akihito in the background.

"Very good Sui, half an hour then we'll all go in, in the mean time get back to the office, I want everyone suited up properly, we need to get a coherent plan together and put him back on."

"What?"

"I'll explain everything when we get back ok?"

"...yeah."

"And Takaba."

"Yeah?"

"...never-mind."

Akihito could sense the rise in tension as he sat in Asami's chair behind his mahogany desk, it truly was a magnificent piece of furniture but was overshadowed by what was sitting in front of him. Leaning more over the photo's and documents that sat in front of him he looked at himself from four months ago. Pictures that apparently sourced from Fei. They weren't professional but there were many of him over a period of a month. He couldn't help but feel violated. Even when he thought he had escaped he was still been followed just like he was in Tokyo. He was living in a false sense of freedom in Osaka. Glancing over the documents it was something got to do with the sale of land on the docklands. The very place they were headed. Lost in thought he sat back into the plush chair.

Having fitted on a bullet proof vest, Asami redressed, throwing a second vest onto the couch.

"Fei orchestrated all of this?" Akihito spoke.

"To a certain degree, I spent four months searching for you after you left that nice bill for me. And despite all my resources I couldn't find you. Then out of the blue Fei rings, trades the sale of the docklands with your apparent discovery. He showed me those photo's and had your address. Eye for an eye. What I didn't know at the time was the there was an upsurgence in the Chinese triads in this area as well as the Burakumin in Osaka. Whether it was entirely or partially orchestrated by Fei, I plan to find out tonight. However while I got caught up with you, things deteriorated. So much to the point that my boss felt the need to step in."

"This the reference to heads and tails?"

"Heads my problem, tails Fei's problem."

Akihito fell silent.

"Here stand up, I'll help you put this on." Asami said while picking up the second bullet-proof vest.

"You expecting a fight?"

"I'm expecting what I always expect and am going prepared as I always do."

Asami tightened the velcro straps at the side and helped Akihito put his wooly jumper back on. As Akihito turn around to walk back to the desk Asami pulled the handgun from his tracksuit bottoms. Whipping around Akihito stared uneasily at the older man.

"You're very fond of taking things that are mine, you know that? You think I wouldn't notice an empty rosewood box?" commented Asami as he double-checked that the weapon was loaded and the safety on before holding it out.

'Yeah well...you keep leaving me unprepared...for everything." Akihito replied taking the weapon back.

"Keeps things interesting. Remember keep the barrel pointed away from yourself and preferable from me too."

"Yeah think I got that."

"And make sure the safely is off, tends to help."

"Hopefully I won't be needing it."

"..."

Asami opened the door to his office beckoning Sui in.

"Got intel sir."

"Excellent. Akihito go down with the others to the cars."

Akihito left the office, Asami and Sui absorbed in maps and photo's. The feeling of insignificance was beginning to creep up on him again as he looked back briefly into the office as the door closed over. He followed a handful of his men down to the carpark level. Emerging from the elevator what lay before him was indeed impressive. A fleet of black identical cars with five identically, impeccably dressed men and in some cases women to each car. Akihito couldn't help but feel nervous as the scale of it all was become more and more apparent. A ding in the background drew his attention back to the elevator. Out emerged Asami and Sui. Asami scanned what lay before him. His presence oozed authority and confidence. Sui quickly and quietly handed out paper.

"I'll make this quick for I have briefed you all already. Sui is handing out a manifest which holds addresses of key figure heads relating to the Chinese triads, the Burakumin and also as it has come to our attention, rival clans. This is a coordinated task, timing is everything. The police are on alert. Keep it simple, keep it quick, cover your tracks and return to the safehouses and stay there until you are contacted. Move out."

"Wait, are we the only ones going to the docks?" Akihito asked baffled as all the cars exited through different exits.

"We're keeping it low key." Asami replied climbing into the car.

"Really? And the best part of twenty blacked out cars leaving the same location at the same time isn't conspicuous at all? Akihito counted joining him in the back.

"The police detective Nishio from Osaka has kindly given the police chief here the heads up, therefore we are giving them something to keep them busy with. We will only have a short amount of time before we too are join on the docks."

"But you are gonna be nailed?"

"How so?"

"Eh with your 'coordinated tasks'."

"You underestimate me Takaba."

"But what about your pep talk?"

"Only two cars are assigned jobs, the rest are pure diversion, we weren't a hundred percent if carpark or he cars were free from bugs." Sui cleared the air as he pulled the car out of the carpark onto the early morning streets of Tokyo.

"You sure you're up for this?" Asami asked Akihito as they pulled up to a warehouse on the docks.

The younger man nodded his head not trusting his voice as he grew more and more uneasy.

'Too late to back out now anyway.'

"I'll have your back."
Sui killed the engine and lights and they rolled to a gradual stop. The sound of the tires crunching on the concrete and the smell of salt air assaulted their senses. They emerged from the car silently both men scanning the area carefully. There was a cold wind coming off the bay. Akihito shivered and felt the reassuring tightness of the vest. His fingers ghosting over the bulge of the gun now relocated to his hip, hidden by the oversized wooly jumper. Asami adjusted his suit jacket, cracking his neck in the process, Sui adjusted his tie.

"Ok. Our time starts now." Asami breathed taking the lead, his shoes crunching on the moist ground and as they entered the poorly lit warehouse, his footfalls echoed through the expanse. They came to a halt scanning. There was a loud cranking noise and the buzz of electricity as the florescent lights flickered into life. Sui was armed and ready, Akihito tensed further, stepping closer to the two men.

"Please. Lets skip the dramatic entrance Fei." Asami called out.

"My my Ryuichi, always to the point." Fei's familiar voice echoed but became stronger as he emerged from behind crates.

"We meet again and you have you little silver fox back, how delightful."

A gunshot cracked though the air.

"How fucking rude! You could at least be courteous to the effort I put in!" Fei snarled.

"Sorry." Asami replied deadpanned cocking his gun. "Where are my manners?"

"Still as smug as ever I see. So how do we want to settle this?"

"Yes, well I was curious as to that myself."

"You cost me a lot of my men in Osaka."

"The Burakumin? The weren't your men, the were cheap labour, if anything I should be paid given I footed the bill for the cleanup of said vermin."

"Ah however, a little birdie told me it wasn't you, it was the Kumicho. I say, he mustn't have been very happy to get out of jail and straight into your mess now was he?"

"Where's the boy? That was an impressive feat I will admit."

"My dear nephew? He's right here." Jai stepped out of the shadows behind Fei, "Your increasing blindness to everything around you was most intriguing given you were so desperate to get silver fox back."

Akihito started seeing Jai. He came into full view of Fei but froze. Fei the sadistic bastard, stood there leering, a cocky smile forming on his face.

"How is my little canvas?"

"You motherfucker!" Akihito snarled pulling the gun from his waistband. His arm was throbbing and he fumbled to take the safety off.

"Put it away!" Asami urged through gritted teeth. Sui taking stock as two personal bodyguards stepped forward near Fei.

Fei raised his eyebrows in slight surprise before throwing his head back and letting out a hearty laugh.

"Shut the fuck up! I'll kill you!" Akihito shouted.

"No, no, no! You remain silent you insignificant piece of shit." Fei began, his voice serious. "You see this is my grand finale-"

"Give the dramatics a rest." Asami sighed.

"No! You see Ryuichi your trying to hide behind your bravado. You don't want to focus on the fact that you've failed. The mighty Asami. You fell into my trap." Fei walked up to Asami, Jai close behind him. "Lets be honest for once why don't we?"

"Lets break it down. Poor heart broken Asami, desperate because he couldn't find his little fuck buddy. So overjoyed he was when I provided him with a photo and a location, so much so you could see beyond your own dick as you skipped your way to Osaka for your heartfelt reunion. Oh how mightily painful it must have been to find you had been snubbed for a college student. You. A successful businessman, replaced. Your ego must have come crashing down and so warped your delicate heart became as you sought out revenge. Oblivious to what was really going on around you. Your de-throning. While we were amassing status you were reducing to the savage you are, slaughtering all those poor immigrant workers. And then there was my nephew Jai. Have you told dear Akihito how you thought, in retrospect, how you slaughtered him, decapitated him to reclaim your honor'? Did he" Fei asked addressing Akihito.

"What?" the young man's voice cracked.

"Did he tell you how that night he killed with his own hands two dozens men and women? How he burned down that building as it was the only was to quickly clean up the river of blood he had created. How he had 'Jai' on his knees and slit his throat and watched him drown in his own blood before decapitating him. The same night he returned to cuddle you?"

"What?" Akihito tried to remain upright but faltered slightly stumbling away from Asami's side.

"Oh? Seems like someone is finally hearing the truth."

"Is it true?" Akihito asked, his eyes glazed. "Asami! Is it true?"

Asami stood as straight as ever. A slight clenching of the jaw but otherwise unfazed.

"That is not the whole story."

"Please, if you are going to try and justify your actions because otherwise you would have lost a bit of territory to us or to rival gangs, don't." Fei cut in.

"Yes I would have lost land. And that was unacceptable."

"That's it? That's your side of the story?"

"Fei, you are disillusioned to think that this was all a result of your finely orchestrated plan but-"

"But nothing Asami. You wouldn't have-"

"You are nothing!" Asami roared. "We were one day away from finding it all out for ourselves. The only thing you provided was Akihito's location. Everything else was a fluke that seemed to neatly fall into place for you."
"Don't rain on my parade! I am no lesser than you!"

"Answer me! Did you do what Fei said Asami!"

Asami half looked at Akihito. "'Yes I did because it is what I do."

"Ugh!" Akihito gagged. Jai held out a hand to steady him intertwining his fingers with the others.

"Get a grip, you can't be that naive." Asami coldly replied.

"Answer me this Fei, who was that 'Jai'?"

"Another nephew of mine and I will have my justice for his death. He was just as important to me as Jai."

Fei shoved Jai away grabbing the bent over Akihito and pulled a blade to his throat. In an instant Sui and Asami had their guns trained on Fei and Fei's bodyguards on them.

"Maybe I'll finish what I started." Fei threatened.

"Let him go."
"No."

"You want me? Do you want me!"

"Trading your life for his, very heroic but I doubt that will put you in his good books. No Asami I want you both."

Asami trained his gun away from Fei putting a bullet in between one bodyguards eyes. The other reacted firing at Sui who dropped, rolled and countered. Akihito tried to struggled free in the sudden commotion dropping his gun which Jai instantly grabbed and in such close quarters fired. Everyone froze momentarily taking stock, looking at one another for a reaction. Shots were fired in the background as Sui eliminated his opposition but not before he was seriously wounded in the foot and shin in opposite legs.

Akihito's eyes widened as Asami's brow knitted together in a frown. Jai shot again and Asami fell backwards. Jai went for a third shot but Akihito flung both arms up despite Fei's arm choking him and his both arms screaming in pain. The shot hit a light but there was a secondary sickening sound of metal hitting bone. Akihito reeling into Fei as blood splattered across his face. His eyes met Asami and scanned down to see him holding a gun. Akihito snapped his head back to Jai to see him slump on the spot. His eyes wide with shock and a deep crimson hole in his forehead. Fei let out a guttural sound and shoved Akihito hard. The younger man fell sharply on top of Asami who quickly pushed him off letting off another round catching the retreating Fei in the back of the thigh. Fei stumbled and pulled out his firearm, he fired but missed trying to get his feet under him again.

"Sir!" Sui shouted but was quickly silence by another shot.

Asami struggled to get his balance, aimed again. Fei had come to a complete halt but Asami could not see beyond him.

Fei raised his hands ,dropped the gun and turning his head he called over his shoulder "Checkmate."

Instantly white spots dance before his eyes as a searing burning pain exploded on his neck. His hands automatically went to his neck to stem the flow of the hot precious red liquid that seeped freely through his interlocked hands. His legs gave way and he hit the cement floor with a sickening thud. He could feel the gurgling beginning in his throat. He time was running out fast. He knew those shoes as the came into his failing sight and he knew that suit as his shooter hunched down beside him.

"It is such a shame, you were fantastic, bloody fantastic. Oh well, there is always someone to replace you."

Shinoda Kenichi, the Kumicho swept Asami's bangs away from his moist face.

"When I ask you to so something you had better do it. Asami I'm running the show and there is only room for one at the top." the Kumicho sighed exhaling cigar smoke.

Asami gurgled blood as he tried to speak. The Kumicho stood disinterested, their conversation was muffled. As they shifted Asami stared straight across the stained cement floor to Akihito who was lying beside the dead Jai. Dread filled Asami's stomach as the Kumicho stood over his lover. He prayed that he had timed it right and that detective Nishio would pull through for him. Old fashioned or not the detective wanted to go into retirement with a bang and thus Asami setup the most tasteful of bait; the head of a Chinese Triad and a reason to put Kenichi, the head of the Yakuza back behind bars all in one foul swoop. The sudden disorganization of the group and the change of lighting to an alternating red and blue allowed Asami the smallest of smiles on his face. The gamble had just paid off.

'That, Fei, is how you really do it.'

Akihito lay deathly still. Jai was dead. Killed for a second time by Asami like all those murdered souls before him. Yet Asami lay across from him out of arms reach and he was terribly torn. Asami wasn't moving, his white face pressed against crimson cement. Tears trickled from his deadening eyes that were now fixed on his own conflicting eyes. Did he want this man to survive or not? The great and powerful Asami was failing.

Oh how conflicted he was.

"Asami hold on, please, hold on!" Akihito urged, his voice barely audible as he inched closer to him. Every fiber in the body screamed in protested but he was beyond feeling at this point. He let go of the cold hand of Jai and reach for Asami's. He roughly grabbed the older mans hands as he slid closer through his blood.

"You fucking son-of-a-bitch hold on!"

Akihito had finally grown a pair and that made Asami smile a tiny bit more and that was how the good detective would find him. With a smile on his face.

November (Tokyo -Asami's offices)

"Sir, we've received word that the cargo has been intercepted in China."

Asami looked up, his elbows rested on his mahogany desk, his hands rubbing the faint ache in his neck. His fingers ghosting over the healing scar. Slowly a grin pulled at the side of this mouth.

"So...the fantastic Mr. Fox has finally took the bait."

"Your orders sir?"

"Write the cargo off as collateral. Prepare the next cargo, time to reel in this son-of-a-bitch." Asmai replied thoughtfully. He picked up his ringing phone and Sui watch as his boss' eyebrows arched high on his face.

Without a word Asami rose from his chair grabbing his suit jacket off of the back. Sui followed taking the lead, opening doors and calling the lift. They made their way to the buildings entrance. The winter sun was low in the sky cast a cold eerie glow about the place. Sui fell back upon seeing who the visitor was.

"Akihito...to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I'm keeping this short." Akihito said, holding out an envelope. Asami looked between him and the ominous piece of paper. Given that Akhito was not going to shed any light on its content, Asami took it. It felt bulkier than it looked. Without asking he opened it.

"It's the one million yen I originally owed you." Akihito pointed out just as the older man was opening the envelope.

"Huh...consider your dues paid." He answered ever so slightly taken aback.

"Precisely. So this is it. I have and want nothing more to do with you."

"What? Are you breaking up with me!" Asami laughed.

"Call it what you want. This is goodbye. Kumicho."

Asami stared hard into Akihito's eyes. His stomach was twisting rather uncomfortably.

"Alright." Asami exhaled watching his breath,

"Sui, smoke. Anything more on the cargo?"

Asami had already turned his back to Akihto and was heading back towards the building taking a drag as he went.

Not once did he turn back.

Not once did Akihito wane as he parted.

The two men had finally and irrevocably went their separate ways.

Fin.

A/N: I know it has nearly been a year since I last post on this story. However leading up to Christmas of 2010 I had to deal with the loss of an extremely close family member and my coming to terms with that took precedence over everything else. I want to thank those who have followed this story from the start, I know who you are as I have read the kind reviews. I only hope that after such a long wait it lives up to your expectations. I know I have been off the site but Shadow Shadowsong if you are reading this I hope you are well and I am thinking of you my dear.