A Secret to My Grave: Chapter 9
Title: A secret to my grave
Words: 2980
Pairing: Asami/Akihito
Disclaimer: All familiar characters belong to Yamane Ayano.
Summary: "Why didn't you tell me, Akihito? Why?" Asami snarl dangerously, hovering over Akihito. "Even if I told you, you can't fix this Asami. Not this time."
AN: Goodness me! Time flies so fast when you’re actually doing something. I was preoccupied with my last short semester. Had to sort out a few things, moving out of my apartment in uni, job hunting, driving class… and this Monday I have exams and I’m writing this. Hahaha! Seriously, I need to stop and catch a breath. Here’s the long awaited chapter! I still don’t have a beta-reader so beware~
Chapter 9: The Conflict
He didn’t particularly know how he got there. He was just… there. Staring almost sadly into those molten golden eyes that cuts deep into his soul. Those heated eyes that were laced with anger, sadness and a hint of betrayal. It was too much for his heart to bear. His gaze lowered, unable to challenge it head on. There was nothing he could do to stop it. They were too far gone now… both of them.
Was this the end? He thought. Will their estranged relationship hold on now? After all the deception, lies and manipulation… could this fragile relationship they had last?
A dark humorless laugh bubbles up in his chest at the thought. True, he was obviously out of his mind when he took those steps. He’d thought he’d made it out of love. To shield his most beloved from the inevitable truth that could break their world.
But was it really for love?
No, it wasn’t. It was for his selfish needs. He thought he was being selfless. Sacrificing himself for the happiness of the ones he hold dear. He fooled himself into believing it again and again.
But Asami… Asami had seen through it.
Now there they were, standing face to face with everything on stake. Asami lowering his armor that protected his being and emotions his whole life. In return, Akihito cast away the smokescreens he’s been deluding Asami with all these months. They bear their hearts for the other to see. Showing their most vulnerable state the other has ever seen.
This is it. The final move in their long winding game. No more lies. No more deception. No more manipulation.
There these two stood. Two people… two lovers… two hearts, but only one outcome: the decision.
Now the question that begs to be asked: Who’ll make the first move?
~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~
A few months earlier…
Akihito let out a big yawn as he snuggled deeper into the linens; wrapping the comforter around his body like a burrito to shield away from the cold air. His muscles ached in a good way. Seeing as he was stretched beyond his limits, actively indulging Asami in their nightly activities. It was a first for Akihito to admit that waking up like this wasn’t such a bad wakeup call after all.
Only then did he noticed the said golden eyed man was nowhere in sight.
What time is it? Akihito thought as he poked his head out of the warm confines of the comforter to look at the bedside clock. It was a quarter past eight in the morning. Kind of strange for Asami to be awake and about in weekends. Strange, but not surprising if he recalled the serious business the yakuza had to deal with last night.
Akihito thought he heard voices coming from the living room. He could recognize one of the voices even in his sleep. That deep baritone that sends pleasurable shivers down his spine… who else has that kind of hypnotic voice? No one aside from his bastard, that’s for sure!
Dragging the comforter along to cover up his nakedness, Akihito walk towards the door and peeked into the living room. True enough, Asami was there dressed impeccably minus the coat as it was draped at the head of the sofa Asami was sitting on. Ever so present, Kirishima and Suoh, sitting at opposite of Asami seeming to be buried in paperwork. As Asami sipped his hot coffee, Kirihima begins to efficiently note the important points of their finding and adding some changes when Asami place an input of his own. It wasn’t an unusual sight as they do this all the time. Especially if they need to be all secretive, not like Akihito cared since he’ll not be included in even if he asked.
But today, the scene warms up his heart as he saw two additional presence in the room. On Asami’s left was Faith, laying its head on its two paws, tail wagging left and right happily as Asami almost absentmindedly stroke Faith’s head. Akihito giggle as he notices Hope playfully nudges its nose at Suoh’s leg, trying to get attention and licking Suoh’s hand when he finally gives up and offers the said hand with a defeated sigh.
God knows what evil deeds they’re planning, but the serious atmosphere was reduced by fifty percent now that the two dogs were slowly diverting the group’s attention. It’s a giggle worthy scene in Akihito’s book. Who would’ve thought yakuzas to be playing with dogs while discussing whose head that’ll be served on a silver platter that day?
If only there’s a “Yakuza Weekly” magazine. Akihito would definitely send this photo to the publisher just for the heck of it. Spread the love as they say. He wonders what Asami will do to that company if it really does get published. There’s no wondering what’ll happen to him! That perverted yakuza really needs a new hobby…
~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~
“The IP was traced back to an IT company owned by the Kanzaki corp. I’ve set up a meeting with Kanzaki Hideo at 3pm this evening at Miyagi. He seems to be unaware of the security breech and willing to work with us to find out the culprit” Kirishima reported his findings while sending Asami’s schedule using Bluetooth to his boss’s phone.
Ever since Sion’s server was infected by a malware, they had avoided using any computers or websites that was connected directly to Sion’s database. The malware didn’t appear malevolent, as it was like a bug that was programmed to run in the background. When Kirishima digs deeper, that is when he found out that it was a spyware. A type of hacking that would enable a third party to have control over the computer, copy relevant data and monitor the user’s screen.
Sion security system was programmed to automatically detect such spyware and delete it upon recognition. It was impossible for the spyware to be transferred from outside source as the only way was if the spyware was downloaded into the server. No such transaction has took place within the last six months. The only other way was an inside job. Someone from Sion has directly transferred the spyware into the main database server and group it as harmless when the system asked for permission to run the spyware.
With Asami’s permission, Kirishima had to cut off the main server that has been withholding Sion’s business dealings and transaction data for years to avoid a deep security breech. Thankfully, the virus was detected on the early stage and it was prevented. Asami had ordered to keep the security breech on low and maintain a front of aloofness even among their colleague.
Asami instructed they had set up a dummy server to avoid any suspicions and alerting the hacker. Now they’re feeding them with false information and slowly, but surely, luring the culprit into a trap. It’s a tedious work, but with high probability of success.
“Can we trust him, Asami-sama?” Suoh spoke up his concerns regarding the upcoming meeting with the Kanzaki heir.
“If Kanzaki was the mastermind, he wouldn’t be so easily traced. Besides, he’s not someone who is willing to be in deep waters with me” Asami replied simply while placing the coffee cup on the table.
“What if it’s a reverse psychology tactic? Maybe we should observe more and tread this carefully, Asami-sama” it was Kirishima’s turn to voice his uncertainty over the plan.
“Or maybe you’re thinking too much, Kirishima” Asami teased with a knowing smirk, clearly withholding something from Kirishima and Suoh. Kirishima knew that Asami wouldn’t be overly confident unless he is certain that the cat is already in the bag even before the deal was officially sealed.
“Asami-sama, it would be wise if you shed on some light. Marching us blindly into the battlefield would jeopardize the whole operation” Kirishima diligently replied, clearly unamused by his employer’s secrecy at this time.
“Telling you now would definitely jeopardize the whole operation” Asami countered back, his tone becoming serious. “Don’t you trust me, Kirishima?”
Taken aback, Kirishima replied “Of course, Asami-sama. With my life”
“Good. Then trust my words. Kanzaki is not the one. Bronislav wouldn’t be able to use him even if he wants to” with a final nod, Asami stood up and retreat towards the master bedroom.
Kirishima and Suoh could only gape after the retreating back. It wasn’t like Asami to act secretive with them. Their employer would usually drill the plan into their brain until they could practically do it in their sleep. It’s like grasping straw in this one.
“You have any idea what he’s planning?” Suoh whispered when the bedroom door closes behind Asami.
Kirishima could only shook his head. “God knows what’s inside that man’s head.”
~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~
A black limo swiftly came to a halt directly in front of Miyagi. They arrived perfectly on time with Suoh’s driving skills. Kirishima didn’t book out the whole place like usual to make the meeting seem more natural and inconspicuous. He did however book a private room and if shit hits the fan, Kirishima has blueprints of the emergency exits inside the restaurant engraved in his brain.
Kirishima and Suoh was a bit skeptical over it, but since Asami had asked them to trust him, there’s nothing else they could do now. Kirishima hopes that it wasn’t just a wishful thinking to waltz inside the restaurant without checking the parameters for any threat to his boss’ life.
“Don’t be so stiff, Kirishima. Learn a bit from Suoh. He’s handling this quite well” Asami mused while arching his eyebrow at the stiff secretary.
It wasn’t as easy as it looks. Suoh might look calm, but Kirishima knew that he was currently blocking off the urge to make a parameter sweep to avoid any surprise attack. His face might not show it, but the twitch in his right hand every now and then definitely is! He’d worked with Suoh long enough to know his quirks. And right now, even the blonde bodyguard is unsure of what to expect from Kanzaki.
When they arrived at the private room, there were no signs of Kanzaki’s bodyguards. Usually in meetings like this, there should be at least one that will stand at attention at the door. Does that mean Kanzaki didn’t bring any or he doesn’t have any bodyguards in particular?
Kanzaki was already seated on one of the chairs when Asami announce his arrival. On his right was a woman in a black suit, Kirishima presumes her to be Kanzaki’s secretary, that quickly stood up and bowed in respect towards Asami.
She then turned towards Kanzaki and politely said “Kanzaki-sama, Asami-sama has arrived” while gesturing towards Asami. Kanzaki stood up and shook Asami’s hand before they settled around the table. A waitress came to take their orders before politely excusing herself to place the orders.
“Asami-san, what is this security breech I’d been informed about? Is it true that it was traced back to my company? Before anything else, I assure you Asami-san, the Kanzaki corp has not aided the culprit in any way… that is unless we’re unaware of it” Kanzaki begins diplomatically.
He seems to be truthful with his words, but Kirishima was not swayed. In any case, he’ll see where this discussion will go.
“Sion was infected with a certain type of malware that sends our information to a third party. We traced back the hacker’s IP and it leads to your company, Kanzaki-san. As simple as that” Asami spoke calmly.
“I’m sure you know that I won’t be stupid enough to do such deeds and leads it back directly to my doorstep” Kanzaki replied, unsure of how to actually address the matter. It was not a small matter when a company as big as Sion had a security breech. They could lose billions in a blink of an eye. Serious matters such as this should not be taken lightly.
“And besides, you hold the decision on whether I will stay on top of Kanzaki corp. You can topple me any day if I do something as stupid as this” Kanzaki added, contemplating on why he was being put in a difficult spot.
“I know you won’t, Kanzaki-san. That’s why I’m about to propose a deal. I’m certain that one or some of your employees are working with a man that I’m after. Even my men at Sion has been swayed by him and it’s not impossible that he’s using the same method with yours” Asami replied, leaning against the table as Kirishima pour sake on the cup Asami was holding.
“What are you proposing?”
“I want to send in one of my men to your company and infiltrate your server to trace the culprit. With your permission of course. We can only do so much from the outside. The inside however, is a different story. Your company system blocks any further interference from tracing the user IP, that’s why we could only obtain information up to your company’s IP” Asami explained, it was only courtesy to ask for permission from Kanzaki to look into his company’s server. It wasn’t a proposal, it was a demand. Even if Kanzaki didn’t give his permission, Asami will send his men to get what he wants any other way. It was just a way to be polite by saying: we’ll do this whether you like it or not.
“Do I have any other choice?” Kanzaki replied, defeated. “How do you want this?”
“Simple, I just want an employee ID card and a full access of your database. Set up a cubicle for my man so that he could blend in. I don’t want to alert anyone on your side, so we’ll be keeping this low and do this as real as it gets” Asami relay his instructions and plans.
“That’s it? I thought I would have to do more than that” Kanzaki replied. Bewilderment evident on his face.
“If you start investigating, it’ll raise a red flag even before we could find the culprit. I don’t want him to run. It’ll be a hassle and I need it done as soon as possible. I need to settle this once and for all”
The food arrived before Kanzaki could reply his piece. Asami excused himself to the restroom, Kirishima and Suoh immediately stood to follow him. They didn’t go far when Asami shrugged off his coat, asking them to do the same. Confused by Asami’s strange request Kirishima just stared while Suoh slowly unbuttoned his coat. It took Kirishima a few seconds to actually follow Asami’s request and they soon head back to the room.
Kanzaki was politely waiting for them to return as he didn’t touch any of the food. Confusion was evident on his face when he saw all the men had taken off their coats. Kanzaki look over his secretary, she was about to gesture towards Asami when Asami signals her and point towards Suoh.
“Kanzaki-sama, Asami-sama is on the left” the secretary said while pointing towards Suoh.
Kanzaki look over Suoh and laughs. “What are you playing today, Asami-san? Thankfully Akiko is with me, so you can’t trick me today. Please, have a seat so that we can finish discussing.” Kanzaki gestures towards Suoh to take a seat. The seat Asami had just recently vacated.
Now, both Kirishima and Suoh could only gape. Not quite understanding what had actually transpired.
~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~
“Face blindness” Asami simply state while smoking his favorite Dunhill. They were now seated inside the limo, Kirishima and Suoh trying to understand what had happened with Kanzaki. It was definitely a weird experience as Kanzaki had genuinely thought Suoh was Asami. Not until Asami corrected him at the end. Even when it was obvious how different his stature and voice was from Suoh, Kanzaki couldn’t identify the two even if it was staring at his face.
“Hideo was one of my investment. I held fifteen percent of shares in Kanzaki corp then. When Kanzaki corp’s board was picking the heir, they favor Hideo’s step brother more than him because of his condition. I saw Hideo’s potential and approach the Kanzaki’s head. Propose a way so that Hideo could inherit the company. We make a deal. Hideo gets Akiko, my secretary then; to be his eyes, while I signed off my fifteen percent shares to Hideo so that now he can be the highest shareholder. Of course with a condition attached.” Asami said with a satisfied smirk, as of relieving one of his victories from the past.
“What was the condition, Asami-sama?” Intrigued, Kirishima asked with genuine interest.
“If Akiko ever deems Hideo to be unfit to resume his position, all the shares that Hideo holds; including thirty percent he inherited; will be revoked and will be restored to me”.”
“That’s what Kanzaki-san means when he said he can be toppled over by you” Kirishima nodded, finally understanding his boss’ scheme. “It was all a calculated move to get a hold of the company?” Kirishima asked in amazement.
Asami’s smirk widens as he cast his gaze outside of the window. The sun was setting and it was getting dark fast. The last sunrays were shyly bidding goodbye as it wave passed the skyscrapers, casting elongated shadows that formed an abstract art on the roads. Asami’s smirks turned into a genuine smile as he remembered that a certain someone would definitely love to see such a view. He wonders what mischievous things his kitten was up to right that exact moment.
“Asami-sama” Kirishima interrupted his thoughts. “As per request, I have separated the guards and isolated them for almost eighteen hours now. How should we proceed?”
“Good. They should be agitated and anxious enough” Asami replied as he began to construct a plan for his next step against Bronislav.
~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~A~
Hehehe, I know you’re disappointed that Asami is still in the dark about Aki’s condition. But I had to make sure that everything is in order for that revelation. To build up a plot and there’ll be an epic proportion of betrayal in Asami’s view. I’m just gonna say that Bronislav is a master of mind manipulation and you’re so gonna hate him. Ufufufufu~