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 Posted: Sun May 12, 2013 6:45 pm
The Aftermath
Michi didn't get a word in edgewise as the cousins fought but Akihiko ended up on the losing end and Michi was seriously pissed getting locked in this room. But...how the heck was he going to break down a solid oak door?
Outside the room as Yuuji walked down the hall and on his way, Ishi Rukuro remained quiet in a room near by.
Crystal met Yuuji in the great room further away from where her husband was hidden. They were a team after all. Her hands were on her hips as she approached the younger man, "So you're going to lock him up in this house? For how long Takagi-kun? It isn't like this is going to solve things weeks out."
Once he could barely hear her talking, Ishi Rukuro slipped out of the room and down to the bar door. "Alright. I'll have you out of there in a moment. Just be quiet in there." He pulled out a pocket knife and started popping the pins out of the hinges. As soon as he popped the pins he carefully nudged the hinged side of the door until he could pull it out.
Then he looked in at the two younger men with a smirk on his lips, "Do you know of a back way to the parking lot, Akihiko-kun? We'll take my limo. It's old...but bullet proof. And uses a ton of gas. But yeah...Crystal will keep Takagi-kun busy for awhile. She's good at that." The older wolf winked at the two men.
"Let's get going Akihiko. This is our chance." Michi patted Akihiko on the back thinking that Akihiko was getting to do what he needed. Maybe this was sort of like one of those level 20+ missions that Ko-kun never got to go on but it was Akihiko's chance to do the right thing even if Yuuji couldn't see it.
-------------
What wouldn't I do for King and Country...
Yes Sir!------------------------------------------------}:-  Asato Hiroki
Chairman's Secretary - Ohayou Productions
The world has....changed
In a dream...or was it a dream? Walking along Ohayou's hallways everything seemed wispy even in the well lit corridors. He held a stack of papers that flitted one by one from his hands. Should he run back and catch them as they fell? Didn't he need all this for....
His eyes glanced up at the door frame and he could see the name plate once more. 'Koyasu Aki - Chairman of Ohayou.' Everything was as it should be. He knocked on the door twice. The same way he had done for years. And the doors opened.
Hiroki Asato smiled at the man who he could barely see from behind the desk. "I made it... But....I think I forgot something behind me." He turned his head slightly looking back at the papers that were in a long line out the door beyond his line of sight in the mist.
"You're a too little early, Asato-kun." said the older man, who turned with a smile on his face. "I don't think you should be here yet."
To Asato he looked years younger. Had he just dreamt of old age. Maybe what had come before had been just a dream. A seriously strange and long dream. "Ah...sir, gomenasai. I didn't want to be late. I had this strange dream and you were in it..."
-:{------------------------------------------------No Sir!
...Where you Lead - that is the Path I Follow. Meanwhile, Kaito took in a deep breath as he looked at the body of Hiroki laying there. So pale. So...strange for a man he had been standing beside just hours before. "Yeah...umm.. Hiroki-san. You need to wake up. You've got a lot to live for. And so many that will miss you."
Kaito glanced at the instruments and while he hadn't had long with the Doctor, he could read some things. The vitals weren't strong...and that wasn't good.
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Posted: Sun May 12, 2013 8:52 pm
 
Akihiko was sorely tempted to go out the window... but before he could do that, the musician heard Ishi Rukuro at the door.
The man was going to help them?
Really?!
"Back way... we can go through the kitchen... there's a side entrance there." the young tiger spoke before sprinting back over to the chaise and picking up his glasses, quickly putting them on. "Follow me."
Akihiko was almost completely silent as he slipped down the hallway, away from the direction which Crystal was occupying Yuuji. Once in the kitchen the trio ran into the Koyasu butler... who unlocked the side door without a second thought.
He was loyal to the Koyasu family after all... and thus Akihiko outranked Yuuji easily.
Once outside it was easy to go through the garden and out into the drive where the limos remained.
"I'm in your debt again it seems, Ishi-san." Narcissus spoke as he got into the bullet-proof car.
A part of him worried about leaving Izzy behind... but... he knew his partner needed to stay away from the chaos for a while. Ruki didn't need to come... not with the small furry charge he'd taken over...
Besides, Yuuji might not follow just as fast simply because he'd have to guard the manager too. Might buy them some time.
Sighing, Yuuji rubbed the back of his head as he thought about his response. "No, it won't solve things weeks out... but it wouldn't hurt to keep him under lock and key for a couple of days, just in case. I want the chance to find out who the sniper was but it will take a little time for the police to get any answers. Truth be told... I may even be forced to seek out Matsumoto-san's bodyguard and see what he can tell me about the sniper he caught."
Walking over to the window, Takagi sat down on it's sill, back against the glass, as he spoke with Crystal. "I don't like keeping Akihiko in a cage. It's why he allowed his house to be bugged... so I don't have to be standing around every corner. But they were already followed once. Yammi-san was beat up. Now this... We TRIED to prevent anything from happening and still..." he shook his head before sighing. "If we can't find out the motive... we can't predict who they'll strike at next."
For a moment, Azriel hesitated again. His dark eyes followed Kaito before the young vocalist sat down on the edge of Hiroki's bed. He kept the megane-clad man's hand in his own, letting it rest in his lap.
"What do the machines say, Kaito-kun?" the bat asked, keeping his gaze locked on the unconscious man before him.
Aki smiled as he stood behind his desk, "Ah, Asato... that was no dream, you know. You've come here before your time. I had not thought you so eager to follow me here..." the elder Koyasu walked forward around the desk, moving to place a hand on Hiroki's shoulder very gently. "What is it that you think you have forgotten behind you? Surely it must have been important..."
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Posted: Sun May 12, 2013 9:50 pm
The Aftermath
Rukuro nudged the door back into place and tucked the pins back in. "Best to leave things sneaky."
Once they got out of the house and into the lot. Rukuro unlocked the car and let them get in. He started up the old limo and drove them quickly off the property before he started talking again. The sly old wolf then chuckled, "Don't worry about it. Takagi-kun is being over protective. Yeah. I know that there is a reason for it but keeping you from family isn't the right thing to do and...from all my years of experience, keeping you caged up isn't going to solve anything tomorrow, next week, or a year from now. Ohayou needs a different type of security I think. "
Inside the limo, the young men could would find all the leather creature comforts of and even a set of lounge lights that were in various colors. This car might have been from the 70s or early 80s and built like a tank. "I think I feel really....safe in here. Wait...is that a cassette player?" said Michi as he leaned over in the seat to check out the old radio dash in the back. "Wow....Look at this Akihiko!" He opened a small sliding compartment to reveal several old cassettes from various artists of many years ago. He pulled a few out and started looking at the titles. "These are ancient!"
"Hey! Don't go calling my music ancient!" hollered Rukuro as he drove. "Some of those are my own songs, youngsters.
-----------------
"Wouldn't hurt? And seriously what does it do? The sniper is in police custody right now. So whoever it is probably isn't stupid enough to try anything at the moment. Obviously the people involved took the time to plan this out. So I doubt a random hit is just going to happen." She brushed her blonde hair away from her eyes and studied Yuuji.
"And you don't know if any of those things are connected to this. I do understand that you want to keep Akihiko-kun safe but you can't lock him in a closet for the rest of his life. Whether he goes on tour and Hiroki-kun life is saved or he becomes the next Chairman of Ohayou, he has to be able to function. And he has to have the confidence that he can step out in to the world and face it. Locking him up, takes away his own ability control his world. You're suppose to be security to give him freedom to perform so he can live a life, not die in a cage you created." Crystal pointed out. She was quite forward in her opinion because she knew how much Yuuji protected his cousin but there were some extremes she couldn't justify.
"I do however I think that Ohayou's security needs to change with the times and find more specialized hands. Unfortunately, if you're running around a group of mobsters, and can't rely on the police, then the best tactic is to have a good offense and defense to match the situation." Crystal added as she walked over to a wall nearby and leaned against it.
What wouldn't I do for King and Country...
Yes Sir!------------------------------------------------}:- Asato Hiroki
Chairman's Secretary - Ohayou Productions
The world has....changed
"But you look great. And we have so much work to do. I know I'm a bit early for work but....eh? What I forgot?" He glanced back again at that paper trail, "Maybe I forgot all of the reports at my desk. Shimatta! But sir, I'm just so happy to be here with you. Working with you makes my life feel complete. Well...."
Something bothered him for a moment about that statement. Was there something else? "Not a dream....?" he questioned realizing that statement was odd, "But I've always been eager to follow you. Is there something wrong with that? I said I'd follow you to retirement. That's always been in my heart."
Just having Aki's hand on his shoulder was comforting after what seemed ages. But it couldn't have been ages. Weren't they talking about Akihiko just the other day?
-:{------------------------------------------------No Sir!
...Where you Lead - that is the Path I Follow.
Kaito bit his lips and looked at the machines again, "He's not in good shape. The vitals are really low. Like...mm...he's probably really far under or...he's not doing well. His body took a lot of shock from what happened." He didn't want to tell Katsu bad news but he certainly couldn't lie to his friend. "I hope to see these vitals pick up...but...I don't know."
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Posted: Sun May 12, 2013 10:15 pm
"Retirement?" Aki laughed at this, a smile on the older man's face. "Ah, Asato... my retirement came with a bit of a price, I fear. But you... you've your whole life ahead of you. I wouldn't want you wasting your time on an old man when there's much more for you to be and to do." Walking back to his desk, Koyasu pushed a button and watched as a television appeared from a wall nearby. "Look at them all... working so hard for their dreams..." Aki spoke with a smile. On the television played bits and pieces of recent concerts. The charity event saw Nakai playing his guitar. The club gigs showcased Izzy dancing... Michi with a gorgeous girl in a duet... His own grandson pouring everything he had into a song. But then it even flashed to show Azriel, in one of his less bloody numbers, head tilted back to the heavens as he sang and reached up. "Who's to help them reach their dreams if you're not there, hmm? Surely you would miss dodging a punch from my grandson every now and then... or the incredible work ethic of a manager turned vocalist... and I think, dear Asato, that there is a flightless bat who might just turn into an adorable kitten... that could be missing you right now." The image on the television changed, and while one couldn't see Hiroki himself exactly, one could see Katsumi sitting on someone's hospital bed holding a very familiar hand. Blue eyes looked to Hiroki and caught the man fast in their gaze. "Do you really want to leave Ohayou in my grandson's hands alone? The time for working for me is over, Asato. The time for following me... is over. You need to forge your own path. One that you believe in."
Blue eyes flickered over to glance at the cassettes and Akihiko smiled softly. "I have some of those actually..." he spoke before his eyes went back to watching the world outside.
"Ohayou needs a big a** bubble that no one can penetrate..." the musician whispered with a sigh. "And what would you suggest, Rukuro-san? This... all of this... dealing with Izo was a pain in the a** but now..." he shook his head slightly. "My need to make sure Asato is well overrides my own sense of self preservation... but if he hadn't been hurt... would I want to even take the risk of being out right now?"
Blue eyes closed and the young tiger leaned his head against the cold window. "I had a nightmare the other day... of losing Ruki... and when I woke up and saw him in the kitchen trying to make coffee, well I just wrote it off as my own insecurities. But now... now that's a scarier possible reality, isn't it? What if we're just shopping for groceries and suddenly he's gone? What if we're at dinner and he's enjoying desert in a cute little cafe... and then he's not? I just..."
Sighing, Akihiko sat up straight once more, running a hand through his hair. "Can I get off the roller coaster for a while, ne?" he asked with a hint of a teasing smile.
"I don't want more blood on my hands, Crystal-san." Yuuji spoke seriously, watching the woman closely. "I'm tired of playing the dark side of the board... especially when that side lost it's chess master. Akihiko doesn't understand where to play me, and Hiroki is beyond naive. You say our security must change but how? It isn't as if we're trying to guard the president of the United States or anything. We don't have the funds to manage an operation that grand... though at the moment I wouldn't mind it. Being able to lock down entire blocks would keep snipers away hopefully... but in the end it would still be a cage."
Sighing, Takagi shook his head, crossing his arms over his chest. "I just want him staying put until I can figure out what to do. How best to protect him and Izzy. Thankfully your nephew isn't putting up much resistance... I think the poor man's in shock."
Katsumi smiled sadly. "Sou ka..." he whispered, one thumb idly stroking over Hiroki's hand. "I've never tried to comfort the one in the bed before, you know. Not that I've had much comfort when I was in it... demo..."
There was something in the bat's eyes... something confused yet sad.
"He can't die... right? I mean... he's supposed to be mine... I never had anyone who was mine before... Did I do something wrong? Was it because I wasn't beside him? Should I have never let him leave?" dark eyes flickered over to Kaito, seeking answers to questions that he, in truth, knew his friend couldn't answer. "Is it... karma? Is it because I've done so many things bad that he's getting taken away? I can change... can't I? But... Asato's so warm... you know? I don't think I could sleep in my bed... if he wasn't there to keep me warm... I'd miss him..."
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Posted: Sun May 12, 2013 11:28 pm
The Aftermath
"Ohayou needs a good bluff...or a whole lot of money to make things happen. Get off the weak footing. Yeah...well, Izo is a hard nut to crack some days. But...I can say none of this was Izo's doing this time. He wouldn't have interfered with Aki's funeral. He had too much respect for your grandfather to do that. But as for what to do...well, you can run a company in a few ways. One, you run it like Izo gain power with a fist of iron and run the dark board." He let that notion sink into the young tiger before saying, "But...it's like the dark side of the Force. Once you're on it, it's hard to go back."
Then he glanced at his rear view mirror at Akihiko and then said, "Or you can run things like Aki and network your butt off until your enemies don't want to touch you. Aki had a great network that he really nurtured until the last few years. I am guessing his heart and other things kept him from keeping it fresh. However, that is the way you keep blood off your hands if you want to play a whiter board. I can't say it's pure because you've got to be savvy. But...it minimizes the amount of time your cousin has to be played for other more darker dealings."
"Aki invested all his knowledge of the business into Hiroki-kun but I think he expected you to be the one to use your charisma to nurture his old network to life."
----------
Crystal nodded and folded her arms across her chest. "The growing pains of new leadership ne? Well, Takagi-kun. When the board changes you need to review all your options but at the rate you're going you'll put this whole board in the black more ways than one. I'm sure that Aki had good ideas about how to address this. Because he knew what he'd be leaving behind before he passed on."
"No...you're not trying to protect the President. And you shouldn't have to protect him that tightly anyway. It might not take an entire change of security staff to bring about better results. But if you can cut the fat and then introduce a few key players under you, I think that you'd be running around less and sleeping more at night. That should give you money to do what you need within the budget." Crystal was shrewd and she was sure that there was fat in Ohayou's security that could be trimmed. Some things needed to be realigned and that would take time but it could be done.
"But yes...I think Ruki was a bit overwhelmed today. He is still working out things from Hawaii so I'm sure this was overload. Maybe I should buy him a kitten." She pondered that notion and tapped her lip. "Or is Akihiko a dog type?"
What wouldn't I do for King and Country...
Yes Sir!------------------------------------------------}:- Asato Hiroki
Chairman's Secretary - Ohayou Productions
The world has....changed
"Yes...retirement. Remember...we were going to go traveling." Hiroki answered with a bright smile, "Price?" he paused again trying to consider that. "But you've not even retired yet....and well you're not old. Look at you."
His eyes peered up at the TV as he walked over and caressed the edge of an all familiar chair. For a moment, he gazed on in disbelief because those things were...in his dreams. At least some of them. "Me...not there...you mean here. Because you're here. And...I'm still your secretary...and we have so much to...do...." He glanced back up at the TV as a few thoughts wouldn't stop nagging at him.
"Help them? They are already on their way aren't they? But...." he stopped again when Aki mentioned the bat....the kitten. His face held surprise and a moment of insecurity. Another memory rearing it's head at him...."I asked Akihiko if I should step down because...I fell for...Aki....how did you know?" Hiroki glanced around at the office he remembered so well and the paper trail behind him before looking back at Aki, "Akihiko isn't ready....but...will he ever be? Ohayou's always been your vision. How could I ever make a path without you? I thought I was going to retire with....you. "
"Am...I dead?" That question suddenly came to him as the thought of leaving Katsu...and Akihiko behind.
-:{------------------------------------------------No Sir!
...Where you Lead - that is the Path I Follow.
"Well...just keep talking to him. Sometimes that helps." Kaito replied and came closer to the bed. "I don't know...I wish I could answer that but...I mean, he...his body...have to choose to live. Mm...You didn't do anything wrong. That gunman did. Whoever, shot him is in the wrong. And...well Hiroki-san's a nice guy. So I can't think he'd have any real enemies. But, mm...karma? I suppose there is that. But...ah...you can change."
Kaito sighed because he could only think, Katsu was changing before they took him into the Pit. "Yeah...I guess he is warm. I mean well...not that I'm sleeping with him but I know you like it when he holds you."
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Posted: Mon May 13, 2013 12:10 am
"Yes... and no." Aki spoke seriously, his gaze keeping Hiroki fixed where he stood. "You're not dead... but you are deeply asleep. I've been watching, you know. Watching you and my grandson and... well... let's not speak of anything ill, hmm?" No... Koyasu Aki wouldn't tell Hiroki who murdered him. While it might have been is place... it wouldn't do any good now. Vengeance was not something the old tiger sought. "You see me as you want to see me, Asato. Guess you never liked the old me, ne?" Aki asked with a teasing smile before focusing back on the television. "Akihiko isn't ready, no. He's afraid and lonely and very much like the child I once consoled when his world was ripped apart. You're grieving... but you're stronger than my grandson. Of course I do expect you to listen to him. He's a keener ear for the arts than you. But I fear you remaining here with me, Asato... may topple my vision. Ohayou is yours, remember?" Walking over to a cabinet, the elder Koyasu poured a couple of glasses of fine brandy. He brought one over to Hiroki and handed it off. "You fell for a kitten, didn't you?" Aki asked seriously. "A very dark little ball of feisty energy. Just the thing you need to keep yourself feeling young and alive... I suspect... one day he will inherit his father's empire. But I also suspect he'll need help to do that." Blue eyes took on a bit of a mischievous glint. "Can you be Katsumi's Izzy Lucky, I wonder?" the older man shrugged. "It's just a theory of course but look at what wonders that manager has done for my grandson, hmm? Wouldn't you like to change Katsumi too? Wouldn't you like to be happy, Asato?"
"Do I like him holding me... or do I just like the warmth he provides?" Azriel whispered softly, thinking over the question himself.
Did he like Asato... or did he like the protection?
Two very different things after all.
"I'm a creature of the dark... and yet all I want are the warm rays of the sun. Funny, ne?" Katsumi reached his free hand out, gently stroking the side of Hiroki's face with black nails. "Someone hurt that which is mine... and they will pay... just like the last man... But not right now. No... Right now, Asato is more important than my own lust for vengeance."
Sighing softly, Katsu moved on the bed just enough to place a soft kiss to Hiroki's forehead. "I wish I could hold him... but I'm afraid of messing up one of these machines..." he sighed again, looking to Kaito. "He'll live. He has to. Because the gods wouldn't take him away from me." there was an obvious darkness in that black gaze. "They know what horrors I'd do if he was gone from my side..."
Katsu knew...
He'd kill and kill and keep on killing in the depths of the PIT until he drowned in the blood of those who stood in his way. A mad flurry of claws and fangs and chilling laughter coated in scarlet splattered gore.
Because Hiroki was HIS... and if he was taken away...
Azriel would make it so no one had any toys anymore...
"Inu ka?" Yuuji thought about that for a moment. "Mmmm... I don't think he has a preference. He's never had a pet but... Akihiko seems to enjoy all animals as far as I can tell. He probably would feel a need to protect them... if, you know, he wasn't like he is right now. Kind of surprised he ignored the kitten actually..."
Shrugging his shoulders, Takagi stood up again. "I need to make sure he hasn't done anything stupid locked in that room. Not that Michi would let him, but..." the man focused his dark eyes on Crystal. "I'll add 'go over security' to my big-a** list of things to do. I had thought this was resolved after the kidnapping incidents with Izzy and Akihiko but... we've still holes I suppose. Maybe I should hire some overseas muscle too..." he tapped his lip for a moment. "I don't know Aki's wishes on this matter. If he told anyone, it would've been Hiroki and now... well... I'm just a man in the shadows, Crystal-san. And lately, I haven't been very good there either. I'm used to being a pawn. Old habits die hard."
"I won't play a dark board." Akihiko spoke suddenly, his blue gaze fierce on the matter. "Ohayou won't play a dark board. Because I won't tie Ruki to something like that... and a contract would tie him there in a heartbeat. I can put on a mask easy as ojisan. I can charm his network if I have the right direction to point myself in... but I don't want Yuuji's hands stained darker than they are now. I don't want my hands stained with any blood... because how could I face your nephew with that?"
Sighing, Akihiko crossed one leg over the other at the knee. He was frustrated and tired and worried and sad and angry and just wanted to sleep!
"I won't run things like Izo. Ojisan wouldn't have wanted that. I've seen what Izo's fist of iron does to an innocent man... to a helpless child... Asato's sister, Yuuji's son, Ruki, myself... my little brother... no... I won't let Ohayou turn into that. Once this sniper incident settles down, I'll get to work on ojisan's contacts and networks."
Music would be put on hold...
Rest and a moment of respite would have to wait...
Narcissus would work and work and work day in and day out until Ohayou's defenses were shored up.
He only hoped Izzy would understand...
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Posted: Mon May 13, 2013 9:42 am
The Aftermath
"Just leave him alone for awhile with Michi. If you keep picking at him you're just going to set him off more.It's only been a short time. Besides if he's talking with Michi he's probably getting a lot off his chest and there is no need to get in the way of that, is there?" She stood up from where she was leaning as she tried to make sure that Yuuji didn't go to see that room too soon. "Why don't you go get cleaned up...give them a little while to focus on other things. Give yourself a little time to refocus too."
Then she tilted her head and smiled a little, "Yes, they do but you're going to have to get out of the habit of being a pawn. Aki's wishes....mm...I'm sure the will come to light soon enough. Although until then, I think going through your security is the best option. "
It was then Izzy walked in with the kitten curl up in his hands. "I want to take a nap...can I use Akihiko's room? Awh...this little guy is sweet. But he yacked up a little fur ball and now is all tuckered out."
Crystal grinned and looked at her nephew. He really was needing some recovery time, "Oh...I doubt he would mind and Yuuji was about to go get washed up so he can show you the way there if you don't remember it, Ruki."
Izzy glanced from Crystal to Yuuji, "Oh...ok..." Yes Ruki needed some quiet time to reboot.
-------------
"Alright so if you're not going to play a dark board then you need to dig around and find out where Aki kept his contacts list and info on them. You need to educate yourself and Hiroki-kun on those people. Those people are probably running grey boards. Stuff happens but ultimately doesn't involve you. If you know what I mean. No body is innocent but most people aren't as black as Izo." Rukuro paused there and then made a stop at a light.
While waiting for the light to change he added, "Since Aki didn't leave you this information, he might have left it with Hiroki. Hiroki may not know he has or maybe he does and just hasn't had time to access it. If not, then it's someplace that Aki would be sure you'd eventually look. He probably didn't leave it with Yuuji just because of what Yuuji deals with. You never want to give your assets too much power. You're the weakest of the 3 core pieces he's assembled right now. So there has to be something that he expected you to use and get up to speed."
As the light changed, Rukoro was thoughtful for a moment, "Akihiko, don't think that you're not going on tour again or doing music. You've a few months before you're physically ready to go out and tour. So you can use that time to sync up with that network as soon as you find the list. And...mm... if Hiroki is well, he'll be able to help with easier connections and run the company. If he passes, I'll lend a hand until you can hire someone to help you run Ohayou." The older wolf figured between Crystal and himself they probably could run Ohayou and MeKA for a period of time. Of course Rukuro would consider a buy out of Ohayou at that point. However, it would give Akihiko a short time to figure out what he wanted to do.
The hospital was about 10 minutes away now....
What wouldn't I do for King and Country...
Yes Sir!------------------------------------------------}:- Asato Hiroki
Chairman's Secretary - Ohayou Productions
The world has....changed
"So....I'm just asleep?" His dark brown eyes seemed confused but accepted the logic all the same. Why would Aki lie? "Watching us, sir? You've seen what's been going on? I wish I could say things were going smoothly..."
"I never could picture you as old even when you really started to show it,"
His smirked and then put a hand in his pocket to pull out a handkerchief to wipe his brow. It was a red handkerchief. Why was it red? "I never was very artistic but I don't know how I'm suppose to step into your shoes. I never really wanted your shoes. Ohayou....is mine...but how am I suppose complete against Izo and the others?" He had been a Queen on a chess board but never the master of that board. He had the knowledge of the company but there were things he didn't have. "I always wanted to follow your vision..."
But his eyes glanced up to the TV even as Aki brought him the brandy and asked a very different question. "I....did....fall for a kitten." His cheeks blushed slightly with the thought. "He is ...all that. But I'm not sure what he sees in an older man like me. Although, his world is so dark and I don't know sometimes if....he really feels the way I feel."
He sipped the brandy finally. "Mm....your favorite year. Seems like the best of everything is here right now between us. I don't feel so heavy with responsibility." It felt so familiar and warm. This place...this office, having Aki standing there and just the conversation between them. Perfect in every way but one.
"Me...be his Izzy Lucky?" Hiroki caught that mischievous gaze knowing what it meant. He smiled thoughtfully and looked up at he images floating by of that young man holding his hand out there. "Do you really think I can change him? I'd...like to be happy for a change. I'd like..." His eyes watched the younger man knowing that his heart wanted those years with Katsumi. "It's strange Aki, but when you left so suddenly, I never got that chance to say good bye. And even now, I still don't want to say it. I just wanted us to retire together...you and I. But I can't retire yet....can I....?"
He could almost feel a touch on his forehead...something warm?
-:{------------------------------------------------No Sir!
...Where you Lead - that is the Path I Follow.
"Nothing wrong with wanting things you haven't had. You were in the dark a lot longer than me." Kaito looked around at the equipment and then at Katsu. "You could probably hug him from this side. At least his upper shoulders." He wanted to help comfort Katsu and although he knew that these vitals were bad, he hoped that something would spark life in Hiroki's form.
"Well yeah...umm..maybe it's better to ask the gods for help rather than threaten them." Kaito grinned a little but inwardly he prayed Katsu hadn't angered some deity in the midst of this. They didn't need any extra bad karma on a bad situation. "Think positive thoughts."
"Maybe you should tell Hiroki all about what's waiting for him when he gets home. I don't know but maybe if he's got some motivation he'll start responding?"
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Posted: Mon May 13, 2013 10:19 am
"Things don't always go smoothly nor would I expect them to. As for Izo... well... I think now you hold the greatest card again him, Asato." Koyasu pressed a button on the remote for the television and the screen flashed from Katsu to show the spider sitting patiently in the hospital waiting room. "If you have fallen for the kitten... draw him to you. The underhanded side of Matsumoto may not strike at you as long as you have Katsumi's favor. Then again he may. He's always been a hard man to read." Aki pointed to the screen as he spoke. "For now, let the spider make more money than Ohayou. In a year, Izo will make his first move against you and with his darker dealings you won't be able to stop it. Let it run it's course... and then fight for the company and the people you employ. I kept the spider at bay through knowledge. He now has that knowledge." Smiling slightly, Aki glanced at Hiroki. "You will let him take Takagi, because that is what he wants, and then you will stand your ground just as I always have. You and my grandson would really make an unstoppable team, Asato... but you need to teach him. With your business savvy and his charm, you will make Ohayou strong again. But it takes time." The elder man sat down in the chair behind the large oak desk. "Or you can protect Takagi and prepare for the hurricane that will follow. But my advice to you, Asato... is draw the kitten into your fold... because one day that boy will de-throne the spider and Ohayou needs to be there when it happens." Idly, Aki swirled the brandy in his glass, blue gaze watching it swish within. "You have to let go, dear Asato. Let go of me and press forward. Stop thinking, 'what would Koyasu-san do?' and instead take the reigns I have given to you. If you follow me now, think of the ones you will leave behind. Are you really ready to do that?" Aki's fingers pressed the remote again, showing the people who were important in Hiroki's life. "Will you leave them all to their fates... or will you find the strength I saw when I first hired you as my secretary... and help them? You've so many choices, Asato-kun... and so many people who rely on you, though you may not yet realize it. You'll never know the kitten's heart if you run now... will you? Death is not happiness. It is a time of reflection. I sit here and I watch while those I've left behind struggle and it is more painful than if I were still alive... because I am powerless to help ease their suffering. Would you be happy like this, Asato? Do not be so eager to follow me... when there are those who cherish you left behind."
"I've never asked the gods for anything. Why would I start now?" Katsu asked, glancing his friend's way. "Asato... needs motivation... demo..."
At this the young man sat back, tapping his chin in thought with one black nail. What would motivate the unconscious?
Smiling softly, Azriel very VERY carefully, laid down beside Hiroki. He kept hold of that one hand, but his other gently caressed the older man's face. His lips were right next to the elephant's ear as the bat began to speak softly.
"You'll come back to me... won't you, Asato-kun? We can be warm and lazy, you and I. Wouldn't you like that? To stay in bed, just the two of us, and not worry about anything outside the door? You were supposed to show me the ocean, remember? How can you do that if you don't wake up?"
It had been a promise that Katsu remembered... and yet a lot of surrounding details about the ocean were muddled.
Seeing Izzy walk in, Takagi smiled. "You really do like kittens, ne? I..." but then he stopped, dark eyes flickering to Crystal.
That smile turned to a darker smirk and the man actually laughed.
"Rukuro-san sprang him, didn't he?" Yuuji spoke, turning fully to the woman, his hands on his hips. "Why am I not surprised... You've been distracting me here. Telling me to show Izzy to Akihiko's room gave it away. You're too eager to get rid of me, Crystal-san."
Sighing, Takagi looked to the man with the kitten. "Your koibito is going to be in trouble when he gets home. Demo... if he's with Rukuro-san... then I've a feeling I shouldn't worry." walking over, Yuuji put an arm around Izzy's shoulders and started guiding him to the door. "Let's get you comfortable for now, ne Lucky-san?"
Sure, it didn't make the man happy that the Ishis had just pulled on over on him. He was rather pissed about that to be honest. But what could he do? He'd get cleaned up then get to work on the security issues they seemed to have. Rukuro could hold his own, as was evident from how the man had acted during the sniper's attack.
It didn't sit well that Akihiko was out... but Yuuji wasn't about to go fetch him and drag the young tiger from the hospital kicking and screaming.
His cousin's temper tantrums would land him in the hospital himself if he wasn't careful.
"Ne..." Yuuji glanced at Izzy. "Akihiko's violent sprees really have lessened, ne?"
After all, the fact that Takagi hadn't been flat out decked in the bar was proof of that.
"And where do you stand on the grey board?" Akihiko asked casually, watching Rukuro's reflection in the rear view mirror. "You don't play the black side, but I know you don't play the white either. I'm not that naive."
Being called 'weak' didn't sit well with the young tiger... but then again, the older man was right. Hiroki had the skills to run Ohayou and Yuuji had the ability to hide in the shadows. Akihiko just made money... seemed that's all he could do... Course, wasn't that what networking was about? Narcissus could make money on a stage and Akihiko could bring in contacts and investors from his grandfather's contacts.
"The first person getting a call from me will be your brother." Narcissus eventually said, glancing out the window again. "He knows something he's not saying... and I've no doubt that he's one of my grandfather's contacts because he was at the funeral. What I'll start with is the funeral registry itself. Even if ojisan didn't leave me a list... his death gave me one now... didn't it?"
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Posted: Mon May 13, 2013 12:12 pm
The Aftermath
She just smiled as Yuuji spoke neither denying or confirming. "I just think you should go take a shower."
Izzy nodded, "I do. This one is...very cuddly. It's been awhile since I've had any pets around." Izzy seemed out of it. Well, more like he was not paying attention to anything but the kitten. He didn't realized that Akihiko was gone until he finally paused, "Akihiko went out?" he yawned and nodded to Yuuji, "I'm sure he'll be ok." As they walked off, Izzy thought about Yuuji's question for a moment, "I think so...he's trying harder to change those things."
Crystal watched the two men leave the room then gave Rukuro a quick text, Situation diffused. Ruki going to take a nap with Kitten. He's Ok. Although Y-kun will scold A-kun but I'm sure that is nothing new.
Rukuro glanced at his phone as they parked then tossed it over to Akihiko to read. "So you're mostly in the clear. But as for me... I left Japan to dig out of the dirt. Yeah...I'm grey but I might have gone black had it not been for my lovely wife. She's good at keeping me good..." he smirked then added as he unlocked the car, "I know how to move the pieces here and I've still connections here that I keep up. Just in case. All about networking and knowing how to play your cards."
Then he put his hand on the latch to open the door. "Smart idea...maybe that is what Aki intended all along. And as for my brother, if you do talk to him, just make sure you prepare yourself and don't ask too much right away. Nurture the relationship before you broker for information. Ruki and he don't get along but I know he cares in his own way even if I don't agree with his methods."
Rukuro then slipped out of the car and looked up at the hospital. "Let's go inside."
What wouldn't I do for King and Country...
Yes Sir!------------------------------------------------}:- Asato Hiroki
Chairman's Secretary - Ohayou Productions
The world has....changed
Hiroki listened to the advice and in some ways Aki was right. Katsumi was probably Izo's choice for the throne of Smash. Strange to think that but it could very well be true. But on one point, he didn't agree.
"I can't just let Izo have Takagi Yuuji. Hideo is a live and he may one day remember his dad. I don't want to be the one handing his father over to Izo and then having to explain to that child years later why he doesn't have a father." The Elephant was stubborn on a few ideas and this one was among those. Although he didn't know that the knowledge that Aki handed Izo was Takagi.
I guess I'll weather the storm. And...mm...as for the kitten. If he and I can continued as we were I think that his world would become a happy place. My world...would be a happier place. But..." he wasn't sure what that kitten in the TV remembered of him, their love or anything else. However, he remembered he promised the Katsumi he knew to be there...help him if things went wrong.
Then for some reason, he remembered another promise...the ocean and a trip he was suppose to plan for them... Was he going to fail to keep those promises? Slowly he finished up the brandy and set the glass on the bar.
"I guess I'm not ready to do that...leave them behind that is. But...." he glanced up at the TV. "I don't know what happened to me, I don't know how to stop people from hurting those I'm trying to help. And...I want to know his heart. I want to spend a life time with him, if he'd let me. But I wish you hadn't left me so soon. I would have been happy to have followed you always."
The office seemed less vibrant...a dull cast was slowly coating everything around him except the paper trail at his back but he walked nearer to the man and put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed. "I guess I wouldn't be happy like this. And I hope you find peace Aki...I hope you'll come back for me when it's my turn." he said warmly but softly not still not wanting to leave...but knowing that he couldn't stay. If Death were only reflection for Aki was it due to regrets in life? Karma? Why? He couldn't ask those questions...he doubted any answer would come. "I'll do my best for your vision...and mine, Aki."
Hiroki paused for a moment and felt a strange tug upon his heart as if something were calling to him. He glanced back at the paper trail..."I really should pick those up...but...is there anything I should tell Akihiko?"
A part of him felt closure for being able to see his boss...friend....a dream he could never have beyond his own fantasies within...one more time.
-:{------------------------------------------------No Sir!
...Where you Lead - that is the Path I Follow.
Back in the room, as Katsumi spoke in the Elephant's ear, it wiggled. Something noticed Katsumi even though it was a very small reaction. A very slight shift occurred in Asato's breathing. For a moment the vitals started to fluctuate just a little.
Kaito peered at the vitals and then back at Katsumi, "I think he responded! Did you tell him something important?" Or maybe it was the warmth against flesh. Kaito didn't know but there was definitely a response.
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Posted: Mon May 13, 2013 12:47 pm
"Then choose your path and stick to it. It may be wise to ask my grandson why Izo wants Takagi. You should be prepared for anything... and don't be afraid to question everything." Aki spoke with a slight smile. He put his own hand on Hiroki's shoulder. "I failed you and Akihiko both in the end, and though it wasn't my intent... I am sorry for leaving you sooner than I promised." Glancing to the television, the older man inclined his head toward it. "See. My grandson is coming for you." Aki spoke as the image of Akihiko and Michi getting out of Rukuro's limo sprang to life. "The last two tigers will be at your side when you wake. I suppose... it is fitting." his blue eyes sparkled slightly as he looked back to Hiroki. "You always did have a thing for tigers." Suddenly, the elder Koyasu pulled his one-time secretary into a tight hug. "I'll gladly come for you when the time is right, Asato-kun. Then we can drink and talk about old times. Until then..." pulling back, Aki looked into Hiroki's eyes. "Watch over those you love. Keep to your convictions and the path you choose. And... if you can... tell my grandson that he has made me very proud." The scenery started to fall away around them, leaving just the two men and the paper trail. Even now, Aki was becoming somewhat transparent. "You are truly the son I wanted and never had. Sayonara, Asato-kun." And then Aki was simply gone... leaving Hiroki and the trail of fallen papers and nothing more.
Sighing, Akihiko handed the phone back, "I'm not some kid to get scolded. He can yell at me all he wants. Doesn't change the fact that this is the right thing to do in the end now, does it?" the musician asked, getting out of the limo.
For a moment, his blue eyes shifted to take in the world around them, banishing the sudden fear that someone might strike at them at any time. The young tiger headed into the hospital at a quick pace then.
"It probably was ojisan's intent. Crafty b*****d. But you're right, Rukuro-san. I can't just speak with Ishi-san half cocked and without a plan. I'd like to avoid bringing his son up at all since this is business and not personal. I would like to know however, how he knew to warn Ruki in the first place..."
Once inside, Akihiko wasted no time finding out which floor and room Hiroki was in. However, he was quite surprised at who he found in the waiting room just outside the ICU unit.
"Matsumoto-san?" Narcissus spoke with a raised eyebrow. "I hadn't expected you to be here..."
"The change is welcome. If all I get is a pulled on collar these days or a shove, I'll be happy." Takagi spoke with a half smile before putting a hand on top of Izzy's head.
"Are you alright, Lucky-san? I mean... really alright? I know that Akihiko isn't here right now but... you can talk to me if you need. In fact, I might be better at listening than my cousin is at the moment." Yuuji said, still smiling softly as he opened the door to Akihiko's old bedroom. "Your aunt asked if Akihiko preferred cats or dogs. I don't think he has a preference but... I think she wants to get you a little pet after seeing you with that kitten."
Dark eyes were fixed on Hiroki as the bat pushed himself up to hover just above the older man. "That's it, Asato-kun... you must really want to go to the ocean with me, ne?" Azriel smiled softly before pressing a gentle kiss to the corner of Hiroki's lips, mindful of the medical equipment. "Come back to me, Asato-kun... Come back and I can keep you warm and we can smile and laugh and talk about anything you want to. I won't leave your side. Just wake up, ne?" leaning down, Katsumi whispered softly into the elephant of Ohayou's ear so only he could hear. "Asato-kun... Okiro... Sore meirei da..."
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Posted: Mon May 13, 2013 3:56 pm
The Aftermath
"I'll be alright. I just need..need sleep. I feel sometimes like butter over too much bread. Just a little thin. But..nothing like Bilbo. I've got less bread. I just want some time to become human. Spend it with Akihiko. Let him grief, let us move on. Not big requests but it seems that we've had no chances."
He snuggled the little kitten who was pawing at his hair. "Owch! I think something fuzzy like this running around the house would help Akihiko too. But...we'll see."
Ruki walked into the room and set the kitten down on the bed before curling up on it himself. He drifted off so fast that he didn't notice when the kitten nested in his hair.
----------
"Yeah...well I hadn't expected to be here myself but Azriel is here as requested. The room's down the hall just a few door."
"I'll stay here with Michi." said Rukuro knowing that and ICU room shouldn't be crowded with people. "Let me know if anything changes and if you want some thing to eat. I don't remember if I had breakfast this morning."
"Then why don't you and Tanaka-kun accompany me to the cafeteria." Izo offered as he got up, "We can scope out the local cuisine."
They left Akihiko to go see Hiroki. But Michi looked back just making sure that the man would be ok without him.
What wouldn't I do for King and Country...
Yes Sir!------------------------------------------------}:- Asato Hiroki
Chairman's Secretary - Ohayou Productions
The world has....changed
"Ask Akihiko...mmm...ok..well I'll do my best." He wanted to see that slight smile and warm gaze for so much longer but time seemed to be running out. "You did your best, Aki...I don't think that was failure. Just wish..." But he stopped mid sentence looking at the TV. "The brat...mmm...I think they are both brats. I guess a lot like you, ne?"
Yes, he always had a thing for tigers and it seemed to be his undoing at times. So he could only shrug his shoulders with acknowledgement and smile a little with his own dark eyes and small wink to first tiger he loved. "Yeah I suppose I do." He'd miss those blue eyes so filled with a mischievous sparkle.
That hug...he wasn't sure he had ever felt one so tight. One he returned and wished he would never have to let go. "I'll look forward to it." Tears were in his eyes because the sensation was so warm so real. "I shall...I shall, Aki."
His fingers tried to cling to that fading form. His boss, his friend...the one he had chosen to follow. The one....that he couldn't follow anymore. The last words caused those tears to run like rain on his face. And that red handkerchief seemed lost with the mist. So he wiped his eyes with his hand and turned to reach down picking up the first piece of paper.
"Come on now...you're late brother. Come on! Let's run." A thin hand grabbed his up and dragged him forward along the paper trail path. The papers clung to his feet as he ran along with...her. His heart pounded with the thought of seeing her run. Something she couldn't do for most of her life.
And here...now....as the papers started coating his body and eventually he couldn't see the road ahead. Her hand upon his with one last squeeze was gone. Replaced by a voice in the darkness. One simple instruction...one he could do?
It was at that moment his body took a deeper breath and slowly his eyes creaked open.
-:{------------------------------------------------No Sir!
...Where you Lead - that is the Path I Follow.
"Katsu!" Kaito glanced from the man to the monitors. "His heart rate is up!"
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Posted: Mon May 13, 2013 4:35 pm
"I'll be fine, Michi-kun." Akihiko spoke with a smile, pointing down the hall. "Because I'm pretty sure there are security guards in front of Asato's door. Go with Rukuro, ne? Demo..." and at this he leaned close to his friend, whispering in a voice that only the physical therapist could hear. "Watch what you say with Izo around, ne?"
Blue eyes glanced at Izzy's uncle. "Take good care of Michi-kun for me, Rukuro-san." the young tiger spoke before turning on one heel and heading down the hall.
"Asato..." but Katsu wasn't paying any attention to Kaito.
Because there was something happening that no machine could tell him.
Those eyes were opening...
He didn't really realize he was crying... and truth be told the young man didn't feel sad so crying would've confused him if he thought on it any longer.
But there was a very large kitten grin on the bat's face as he looked down into the older man's slowly opening eyes.
"Okairi... Asato-kun..." Katsumi whispered, refusing to take his eyes from the man before him.
Even when the door opened and his older brother stepped in... the bat didn't move.
Akihiko walked over silently, watching for a moment. Azriel suddenly took notice and at first his hands tensed, the bat ready to spring and protect Hiroki.
But he saw blue eyes behind unfamiliar megane... that were slightly red and held tears of their own.
"A...kihiko..." Katsu whispered before focusing back on Hiroki. "Ne ne, Asato-kun... look who came to see you? Akihiko and Kaito-kun are both here with me. We were worried about you..."
Of course Azriel made no move to get out of Hiroki's bed.
And strangely, Narcissus didn't comment about it either. He just smiled slightly, glad that his friend was waking up.
After all, he had feared the worst.
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Posted: Mon May 13, 2013 5:58 pm
What wouldn't I do for King and Country...
Yes Sir!------------------------------------------------}:- Asato Hiroki
Chairman's Secretary - Ohayou Productions
The world has....changed
Asato blinked and his eyes flicked over to the voice to see dark eyes. Dark teary kitten eyes. His lips were very slow to make words and it felt like forever before they came out, "Katsumi...."
His lethargic body didn't move much because he felt like a weight was still on him. But his eyes then followed over to see those blue once looking down at him. "Hi...Aki..hiko..."
He sighed softly and turned his head to find fuzzy dark hair. That made him happy. His arm while heavy scooted slowly along so his hand could surround that smaller frame. "Are you...cold?" he asked Katsumi as if he should be the one warming him up but seriously, he probably was a little cooler than Katsu at the moment.
Meanwhile, Kaito watched the machines. "Heart and vitals are popping back up into a safer place. So glad to have you back Hiroki-san."
For a moment, Hiroki squinted and then looked at Akihiko again, "You came in Ishi-san's old limo...didn't you?"
-:{------------------------------------------------No Sir!
...Where you Lead - that is the Path I Follow.
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Posted: Mon May 13, 2013 6:09 pm
Akihiko smiled softly. "Hai. Rukuro-san brought Michi-kun and I. How did you know?" he asked, finding it rather odd that Hiroki would jump to that conclusion.
Even if said conclusion was correct.
Almost like a kitten, Katsumi lay down next to Hiroki once more, pressing gently against the older man's body before bringing the hospital bed's blanket up to rest over them comfortably.
"I don't want to move too much because I don't want to dislodge one of your machines but..." the bat shook his head slightly, unable to tear his eyes away from the man laying beside him. "No... I wasn't cold. I was hoping to warm you up a little, baka."
Blue eyes watched the odd display. Well no maybe it wasn't that odd because Akihiko had wanted to do that very same thing to Izzy when he was in the hospital. But seeing Azriel there like that...
Narcissus focused back in on the man in the bed. "Yuuji-kun locked Michi-kun and I in ojisan's bar! Rukuro-san undid the hinges and let us out while Crystal-san kept him occupied. Oh and Ruki is taking care of your guest."
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Posted: Mon May 13, 2013 6:26 pm
What wouldn't I do for King and Country...
Yes Sir!------------------------------------------------}:- Asato Hiroki
Chairman's Secretary - Ohayou Productions
The world has....changed
"Nngh...I..saw you coming out of the car." answered Hiroki as he flt thta warm smaller body just in the right place next to him. Then he smiled a little, "I'm suppose to warm you up...." As if he really could. No Katsumi was plenty warmer than himself right now and if Hiroki could have rolled over he would have body hugged that warmth.
"Takagi-kun locked you up?" For a moment the man looked baffled by the concept but then the last word had him really confused. For a moment he didn't say anything until he finally realized what 'guest' meant. "Ah...yes. I hope that he's ok. I ...didn't get to...talk to him after the funeral." Obviously he didn't want Katsumi to know yet.
His eyes looked up to the ceiling for a moment holding on to visions beyond that paper trail. "I must be a workaholic even in death....I followed a paper trail back here..."
-:{------------------------------------------------No Sir!
...Where you Lead - that is the Path I Follow.
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