[fic] VF: The Key to it All: Ch5
Title: The Key to it All
Pairings, Characters: Asami x Akihito, Feilong, Tao, Yoh, Mikhail
Rating: R
Spoilers: up to NT8
Warnings/genre: Continuation from NT8, romance
Day 7
The next night they waited in the study for a phone call telling them where they needed to go.
Feilong was dressed in one of his finest silk cheongsam, white with a large red and gold dragon coiled about his body. He checked his gun before putting it in the holster on his thigh.
Asami watched. "That's very sexy, the thigh holster."
"I find it's distracting to both men and women, and so gives me an advantage."
"You've learned to use your sexuality as a weapon. It's one of your greatest assets. Well done."
"I had before this, before you. You were just an aberration I couldn't control."
"Ah. You know they won't let you take that in, don't you?"
"Yes, but the holster will have the same effect."
Akihito stuck his head in the study door. "Do I really have to wear this?"
They spoke as one. "Yes."
He glared at Asami. "You just want to see me in this kind of outfit."
"What kind of outfit would that be, Akihito? Come in and show me what you're wearing."
"I don't want to - ahh!" He was shoved into the room from behind. "Tao you traitor!"
Asami's eyes narrowed. "You are not wearing that." Then he blinked in surprise, as if he hadn't expected to hear that from himself. "What I mean is -"
Feilong interrupted. "We know what you mean, lover. We want raw sex and distraction. He is that."
Akihito swallowed as he saw himself reflected in the glass. He just hadn't thought it would be so blatant. His shirt was a sheer gauzy white material, long, no buttons, so it hung open in front, revealing his torso down to just above his crotch, where the pants finally started. They were white silk, and skin tight. Feilong had insisted that he wear no underwear, and every line of every thing showed. The pants slid down into some ankle high white leather boots, heeled, with gold and diamond chains around them. Chains that matched the ones hanging low on his hips and around his neck and from one ear.
Asami crossed his legs.
Feilong laughed. "Don't even bother. Every man in the place will be nursing a hard-on, including the straight ones who won't be able to think straight at all."
"Akihito, come here."
He couldn't refuse. He felt like a whore, and he needed reassurance and hoped to god Asami would give it.
He stood before the wheelchair, blushing furiously.
"You don't have to do this."
His eyes flew up to Asami's face. Of all the things Asami could have said, that was the one that made him want to go. He stood up straight and stuck his chin out.
Asami's eyes held approval. "That's right. You're no whore. You're mine. And every time you feel their eyes on you tonight, you remember that they aren't fit to touch you."
Akihito smiled down at him.
"And when you get back you can dance for me in that."
"You are so...."
"Wonderful? Intelligent? Charming?"
"Predictable."
He heard Feilong laugh and was about to respond when the phone rang. They all froze, then Feilong reached out with a forced casualness and answered.
"Yes. ... Excellent. Of course I know where it is. ... One hour. ... I look forward to seeing you again." He hung up and turned toward his partners.
"They made a wise decision, the banquet hall at the China Club. It's on top of the Bank of China building." He directed them to a window, pointing out one of the skyscrapers. "There. Anyone would have a difficult time causing a scene there. Especially since everyone who's anyone wants to belong to it. It's quite exclusive."
"Do you?"
"Belong? Of course."
"No comment. So that means they'll get you coming or going, and most likely going since it'll give them a chance to get set up. Terrific. Well, it gives me a chance as well." He looked at them and they could already see wheels furiously turning in his brain. "Why aren't you getting ready to leave?"
Feilong raised an eyebrow. "I always make an entrance."
Asami rolled his eyes. "At least that gives me time to give you the transmitter, Akihito. Come here and bend down." Asami reached into the pocket on the side of his chair. When Akihito leaned over him, he held up what he had brought: a gold filigree collar and padlock. The collar had a chain attached.
Akihito scowled and Feilong laughed. "Oh, how pretty. I assume one of those jewels disguises the transmitter, and another the receiver?"
"No, just the transmitter. The receiver is attached to the back of the earring so he can hear. But they were both easy to place." He held the collar open.
Akihito stared at it, offended. He supposed it was part of the costume. But he didn't like what it implied. And he wasn't sure Asami would take it off him later.
Asami waited patiently. "Look it over, why don't you?" He placed the collar in Akihito's hands.
Akihito wondered if Asami was getting at something in particular, and peered more closely at it. He kept his face impassive as he took in what was there. There was a small key taped to the inner surface. And a small plate near it that held writing. His heart thudded as he read it. Twice. His eyes widened and they darted back up to Asami's face. Asami calmly returned his look.
He looked back down at it, then made the decision an instant later and snapped it into place around his neck. Not too tight. He could fit his fingers within to touch the key.
Asami had the look of a satisfied cat. He held a headset to his ear. "Whisper something."
Akihito whispered, "When I get home we're going to have a talk."
Asami's eyes flew to his. "I thought we might. But first things first."
He gave Akihito the other end of the leash with a pointed look. Akihito examined it and grinned.
Akihito walked over to Feilong, who raised his left hand for it. Akihito quickly snapped the filigree cuff at the end of the chain around his wrist. "I guess you're stuck with me until Asami sets us free."
Feilong's look of outrage made Asami smile.
"This could get us killed!"
"I trust you won't let that happen."
"You don't trust me to keep him. You son of a bitch. I'm trusting you with my life."
"Are you? You'll have Akihito. Chained to you. There's no way in hell I'd let anything happen to you. Not that I would have before. It's just extra insurance, Feilong. In case anyone else had ideas about separating you, which you have to admit was a distinct possibility."
Feilong sighed in resignation. "Yes, it was. Well, at least this will allow me to take him into the restroom and molest him."
"Hey!"
Asami didn't blink. "Akihito, just remember where that button is that administers an electric shock to the cuff."
Feilong glared. "There is no such button."
"Maybe. Maybe not. But wouldn't you hate to find out there was while you were taking a piss and holding your cock?"
Akihito snorted.
Feilong abruptly stood and started for the door, dragging Akihito with him.
Asami grabbed Akihito's arm and pulled him to a stop. "You will stay safe," he said softly. Then he wrapped his hand around Akihito's neck and pulled him into a deep kiss.
"Just so you look properly mussed." He smirked.
But his smirk turned to a look of concerned determination as Feilong dragged Akihito out the door. Akihito knew, because he didn't stop looking back until he could no longer see him.
--
Feilong, Akihito, and two guards rode the single elevator that went straight up to the top of the Bank of China building. They were alone in the wood paneled car. As expected, they'd been searched below, and the guards were so shocked by Akihito's appearance they only ran cursory glances over him, especially after he bent over, grabbed his ankles, and invited a cavity search. Asami was laughing in his ear at his brazenness.
Feilong's arm snaked around Akihito's waist and pulled him in close. "Asami was right. You look the part. Let's spruce you up a bit." He put his lips next to the collar and spoke loudly. "Akihito, your firm ass feels so fine under my hands."
Akihito clapped a hand to his ear as Asami swore loudly.
Feilong chuckled, then proceeded to nibble on his neck. He slipped his hand down Akihito's chest to the front of those pants, lightly stroking him through the thin fabric, right before he claimed his mouth in a deep kiss. Akihito moaned.
As Asami swore again, Feilong stepped back and the elevator doors opened onto a room full of Chinese men and women. Akihito knew he looked debauched, because as a one their eyes moved from Feilong to him along that chain, and remained on him in wide-eyed stares. Except for one man's eyes, which quickly moved back to Feilong. The eyes of the only Westerner in the room.
Feilong cursed under his breath. "Arbatov," he said softly.
Asami's response was, "Fuck. I'm on it." Akihito could hear his muffled voice speaking in the background.
Feilong greeted a tall old man who approached. "Tu Yueh-Sheng. It is good to see you again. Forgive me for dragging my pet along, but you must understand that I couldn't leave such a peach at home, waiting to be plucked. I assure you, he's housetrained."
Asami's voice spoke into his ear, translating all this for him because Akihito had no idea what was being said. "That's the head of the Wo Group, and our most powerful ally in the room."
Tu barely glanced at him. "I'd heard you had claimed him from Asami. He is indeed a prize. When you get bored, perhaps you'd be willing to sell him?"
Feilong inclined his head. "Perhaps. For the time being though, I have no wish to be parted from this one. I will parade him before Asami right before I kill him."
Akihito shivered. The words sounded all too convincing.
Feilong stroked a long-nailed finger down his cheek and spoke in Japanese. "Cold, my pet? Or anticipating the day that happens?"
Akihito wanted to kick Feilong, but he remembered his role. He stepped forward and rubbed himself against Feilong's side. "Both. Warm me?"
Asami growled low in his ear.
Feilong patted his ass and pulled him along behind their host toward the long banquet table at one end of the room. Akihito felt self-conscious again for a second, but then he remembered Asami's words and walked through the room as if he were holding Feilong on a leash instead of the other way around. A murmur arose about him.
When Feilong sat, he directed Akihito to a space at his feet. "Sit. Stay." Akihito clenched his teeth against the sarcastic bark he so wanted to answer with, and instead gracefully sank to his knees and rested his head on Feilong's thigh, rubbing his cheek along the silk-clad muscle.
The white-suited blond Westerner sat in the chair beside him, placing Akihito between him and Feilong. "An affectionate little one, isn't he?" Akihito found his hair being stroked, then an iron grip tugged his head back off Feilong's leg. Tears started in his eyes. Feilong slapped the hand away. "Get your own pet, Arbatov."
"I've been trying, Feilong, but you just don't seem to like the collar."
Asami interjected, "Watch out for him Akihito. He'd like to kill you. He's obsessed with fucking Feilong."
Akihito lowered his eyes and swallowed. Great. That's all he needed.
Feilong's body had stiffened. A torrent of Cantonese was spilling from his lips. Asami wasn't translating. Akihito tilted his head slightly. He thought he heard something from the receiver. Arbatov was speaking again. His chain tugged as Feilong swiftly reached for his gun, coming up empty and swearing.
Arbatov was laughing softly. He grabbed the chain between them and pulled Feilong's wrist to his lips, kissing it right before Feilong's hand turned to scratch his face. Arbatov's voice turned soft and urgent, but he was interrupted by his phone ringing. He abruptly stood and bowed slightly, leaving the table.
Feilong was breathing quickly. Akihito unthinkingly stroked his leg, offering comfort. Feilong's hand rested on his head for a moment before returning his attention to the table.
His head jerked as Asami's voice spoke urgently in his ear. "Akihito, tell Feilong they're attacking here. We've locked down the top two floors, but right now you won't be able to get back in. I've got reports coming in from your site. Yoh's men have been seen there as well. And this is important - some of the men are westerners, speaking Russian. Our men are sticking to anyone obvious, but they won't know them all."
He hid his face against Feilong's leg. A worried whisper escaped his mouth. "Asami..."
"Don't worry about me. They won't get in here. They're fools to attack this place without a sure way of getting in. The other residents will have called the police by now. They'll have to retreat soon. Now tell Feilong."
Akihito sat, shaken. He hadn't really realized what he was getting into, the danger for all of them. His hand on Feilong's calf tightened. Feilong's hand fell upon his head again. Long hair brushed his cheek as Feilong bent slightly. "Akihito?"
He turned his head and looked up into Feilong's composed face, then got to his knees and slipped his arms around Feilong's long white neck, burying his face in it. "Asami is under attack, but he expects them to be gone soon. Yoh's men are here with Arbatov's. Asami has them covered when he finds them, but he knows he's missing some. He says expect to be attacked when we leave."
Feilong stroked his hair. "There's nothing to be afraid of, pet. I'll take care of you soon enough. Sit back down and be good, and you can have some dinner."
Akihito pretended to pout, then sat once again at Feilong's feet. Feilong said something in Cantonese to the others that had them laughing.
Asami's voice was soft and welcome. "Good work Akihito." Every time he heard him now, he felt a pulse of relief.
The dinner began passing more quickly. Asami couldn't take the time to tell him most of what was being said, though he clearly listened while directing men around Hong Kong. Akihito listened in, thinking that Asami sounded like his ideal of a general, never hesitating, always knowing what to do, imparting that confidence to his troops.
Akihito understood now why men followed him. At the moment, he felt like he could follow Asami to hell and be assured of getting back out. So he sat, calm, trying to do the only thing he could to help at the moment, which was be a pipeline for information.
Every so often Asami would take note of the conversation at the dinner, punctuating it with "Ah" or "Shit." And even an occasional "Well done, Feilong." When Akihito heard one of those, he patted Feilong's leg.
He looked up once to see Feilong's eyes meet his, amused. He blushed for thinking that Feilong needed his approval, but then Feilong rested his hand on Akihito's neck and stroked it softly by way of thanks, perhaps even to reassure him.
Things have changed with us. For all their sarcasm and sniping, I don't think these two can so easily go back to being enemies. Do you feel it now Tao? The hope?
--
Tao was feeling anything but hope. A little fear. A lot of anger. Even a small bit of envy toward Akihito and the fact that he was with Master Feilong. But he tried to push his emotions aside and help where he could. He ran food and drink to the guards, and he re-supplied their ammunition. He carried messages when people couldn't get them in other ways. And though he wasn’t aware of it, the sight of him working so hard gave heart to the men who then worked a little harder themselves.
The only place he'd not been was the study. Every time he ran past, he felt a little more guilty. Asami was an outsider, and he didn't like him. But he knew he was being foolish and uncharitable, for after all, Asami was helping his master.
The next time past the door he stopped and went in with some sandwiches and tea. Asami was at the desk. There were lines around his mouth and eyes. Tao felt really bad then, because he'd forgotten the man's injuries and knew he was in a great deal of pain. He set the tray on the desk, ran to Akihito's room and grabbed all the medication, then ran back to the study. He measured it all out, then stood next to Asami with it on the palm of one hand, water in the other.
Asami waved him away, still talking on two phones and listening to Akihito's transmission.
Tao shook his head and set all the medicine down but one pill. He held it out. "Antibiotic. Take it."
Asami scowled, but took it. Tao knew that was one of the easy ones, since it wouldn't affect him.
Tao picked up the greenish powder and mixed it in some water. "For your throat. You are talking too much. Take it."
Asami gave Tao a measured stare. Tao returned it. Asami drank the liquid.
Tao split the last pill in half, and held one of the halves out. "For your pain. Take it."
"No."
"You cannot function well if you are hurting this much. Half will not knock you out."
"No. It's an opiate. It will dull my thoughts."
Tao closed his fist and pulled it back. That was true. It wouldn't do to have him drugged like Master Fei on his pipe. Not when Master Fei's life was at stake. He remembered another choice, and opened one of the drawers on Master Fei's desk. Tylenol, for his headaches. He snatched the bottle, opened it, and shook two out. He held these out to Asami. "Tylenol. Take it."
Asami turned the bottle and noted the name. Amused, he took the Tylenol. "Done yet, little mother?"
"Not yet."
Tao brought over the sandwiches and tea, and stood there toe-tapping until Asami started eating. Though apparently Asami was very hungry, because the food didn't last long.
"Would you like more?"
"Coffee."
"I will get it. Asami, is he OK?"
"They're OK, thanks for asking. For now. We have to keep working hard to make sure they stay that way. Keep running supplies for the men, Tao. You make a difference with them."
Tao blinked. He had never expected to be noticed, much less complimented by Asami.
Asami raised an eyebrow. "A good general notices all his troops."
A troop? Him? His back was a little straighter as he walked to the door. A troop. And one who made a difference. He turned and saluted, then scampered back to his duty, this time eager to help where he could.
I see what you mean, Akihito, about hope.
--
Dinner was done, alliances struck, or so Akihito assumed, because no one was killing anyone else. The people had slowly left the banquet room until only Feilong's group and Tu's group were left.
Akihito stood and turned, pretending to adjust his clothes, so that he might speak softly without anyone seeing. "Asami, they're all gone except for us and the Wo's."
"Good. We were better off waiting until the other groups left, since we couldn't be sure of them. Let me hear what's going on."
Asami resumed translating for him, at least in part. "Tu knows about Yoh's men below. He's also seen mine, though Feilong has told them they're his. Tu is offering his protection, for the two of you, at his estates for the night. Hmm. Tell Feilong to take him up on it."
Akihito stepped in close to Feilong and looked up under his lashes. "Master, do we have to go home right now? I want to stay out and play."
Feilong turned his head to stare at him.
"Please? Isn't there any place else we can go?"
Feilong tilted his head. "Master Tu has invited us to his house. Would that be adequate to your needs, my pretty slave?"
"Yes, Master. Thank you." Akihito knelt and kissed the edge of Feilong's cheongsam, as Feilong accepted the invitation. "How was that?" he whispered.
Asami responded quickly. "Well done. Remember your little act though, because every 'Master' I hear is going to be repeated in private for me."
Akihito was a little annoyed, but mostly turned on. "Really?" He looked up at Feilong. "I adore you, Master." Feilong blinked down at him. Asami growled in his ear. "I can't wait to get you under me." Still looking up at Feilong, Akihito replied, "I can't wait until we're alone."
Feilong's eyes narrowed and he cuffed Akihito's head lightly. "Stop that. Let's go."
Tu and his entourage were headed for the elevator. They sent two guards down first. When the clear signal came, the two mafia leaders entered the car, with Akihito and four guards in front of them.
"Stay close," Feilong murmured into Akihito's ear. As opposed to...? Akihito looked up at him and jerked his chain lightly. Feilong pinched his ass.
The elevator ride seemed to take forever. By the time it came to a stop and the doors released them, Akihito's hands were sweating a little from the nerves. Feilong's soothing hand at his waist had helped a little. A mere week ago it would have been hard to believe this man would protect him, but he knew it to be so now. Nonetheless, if their opponent had taken down Asami and left him in such bad shape, what chance did the few of them have?
As they stepped into the lobby and retrieved their weapons, Akihito looked up uncertainly. "Feilong. Er, sama. Are you sure...?"
Feilong spared him a glance. "Hush. Don't distract me."
Asami spoke into his ear. "Just stay alert Akihito. There are several of our men in the lobby already, and more outside. You should see a group of them near the door. Here."
Akihito heard Asami speaking in Cantonese. There was a group of shifty looking men on their approach. One who was holding a phone to his ear turned and bowed slightly to him. His eyes were mocking. It was clear he had been instructed by Asami to acknowledge Akihito, though he didn't enjoy it.
"Thanks," Akihito said quietly, seemingly to the man but really to his lover.
"This will be over with soon, and then we can go home." Asami's words lightened his heart far more than Feilong's presence did.
The group had reached the doors outside. Akihito could see the limousine awaiting them. He breathed a sigh of relief.
Tu's men were at the doors, holding them open. More were outside on the pavement, scanning the surrounding areas.
As he stepped outside, the night air was cool and soothing on his heated skin. A bug zipped past his ear and he swatted at it with a hand.
The guard behind him crumpled.
He stopped in his tracks, his head turning in horror as he realized that had been no bug. A persistent jerking at his neck made him turn toward its source. Feilong's pistol was out. He was shouting in Cantonese, pulling Akihito toward the car. There were shots ringing out on all sides.
Akihito felt strangely calm. Everything seemed to be moving so slowly. He looked down. Tu was laying in a pool of blood at their feet. He watched as the thick red liquid slowly spread across the concrete, making little rivers along the cracks of pavement.
Someone punched him in the stomach. He bent over with the force of it, confused. No one had been near him. And it was numb, not painful. He touched it, feeling dampness. Where was the water coming from? As he fell to his knees, he raised his hand to examine it for answers. Red.
"Akihito." There was a buzz in his ear, but he didn’t have time to listen.
Feilong stood just above him, staring at his hand as well. Their eyes met, and Akihito saw sadness. Something nudged his mind. There was something he had to remember before it was too late. Akihito's eyes traveled to the chain jerking between them. Then he knew.
The buzz in his ear wouldn't quiet. "Akihito!"
Akihito slipped his fingers into his collar and pried the key away from the inner surface. But his fingers weren't working right, and they were slippery from the blood. The key fell from his grasp. No! I won't lose that.
"Answer me!"
He wrapped his hand in the gauze of his shirt, and picked the key up. He fumbled at first as he tried to place it into the lock, but at last it slid home. He turned it with a click. The collar popped open and fell away. Feilong was free. Feilong could escape.
"Akihito, damn you, don't give in. Don't you fucking do this. Someone get over there! If he dies I'll have your heads!"
He fell to the side. The shouting in his ear continued. Asami, he realized. Asami, it's OK. I'm just tired.
He looked up into the night sky. Strands of black swirled through it, like fast-moving storm clouds. Feilong. Feilong was still standing over him. He was no longer using his gun. He spun the collar on its chain using it like a weapon, fighting those foolish enough to get in reach.
Akihito saw him jerk, and the white silk of the cheongsam slowly began changing, like time lapse photography, a red cloud appearing over the head of the dragon. Feilong's weight suddenly crushed him. He couldn't breathe.
The voice still rang in his ear. "Fuck! Don't we have anyone left?"
Asami. I love you.
"Akihito! Please..." The voice cracked, then strengthened. "I'm coming. Just hold on. I’m coming."
Everything went black.
--
Feilong jerked awake, cold water shocking him into consciousness.
"That woke him up."
He blinked, clearing the water from his eyes, taking in his surroundings. A large plain room, concrete walls. A garage? A basement?
There were two men standing over him, four more grouped off to the side, talking.
"Awake now, princess? Damn, I thought I'd get to kiss you." The men laughed snidely.
Feilong just looked at them. He'd heard a lot worse, from a lot better. Low class boors.
"What did you say?"
Oops.
"He said we were half-assed whores!"
Well no, actually... His thoughts were interrupted by a kick to his side, causing fresh pain to radiate from the bullet wound in his shoulder. The new bullet wound, not to be confused with the old one, or the oldest one.
He giggled, then stopped appalled. Mafia lords do not giggle.
"I'm glad to see you're taking this so well."
His breathing stopped for a second as he focused on the new figure crouching above him, peering down. Mikhail. Hatred burned all humor away.
"Good eyes. If that hate doesn't keep you alive, nothing will."
Mikhail stood abruptly. "I'm taking him back to my place. This building isn't adequately protected. His men could break in here at any time."
The men began arguing with him. Yoh's men.
Mikhail's eyes turned hard. He pulled a pistol out of his coat and shot one of the guards in the head. The others fell silent. "Perhaps my Cantonese wasn't clear, so sorry. Let me try again. I'm taking him with me, now. I'm sure you understand me better, no?"
Feilong struggled to speak. "No. Akihito. Alive?"
Mikhail didn't glance away from Yoh's men. He spoke to Feilong in Russian, knowing the others wouldn't understand. "Still worried about that one? His body's over there. I doubt they'd bring him if he were dead."
"Him too."
"Fuck him."
"Him too."
"Why? Do you love him?"
Feilong didn't even have to think. "No. He's a responsibility. A friend."
Mikhail's shoulders lost some stiffness. "The fact remains, my dear, that I can't carry the both of you, and speed is of the essence." He bent down on Feilong's right. "Put your arm around my shoulder."
Feilong stared at him obstinately.
Mikhail spoke urgently. "Look, we get you out of here alive, and then we can come back for him. But if we stay you're both dead."
"Not just the both of them, Arbatov. Add yourself into that too." A new voice, speaking Cantonese.
That voice turned Feilong's blood to fire. He struggled like an animal to get to his feet, to destroy the man who was trying to destroy him. Mikhail, his eyes like shards of ice, gently pushed Feilong back down and stood over him.
"Yoh. What an unexpected pleasure."
"Unexpected I believe. Pleasure I doubt. Just what are you up to, my friend? I know you want him, but I thought we agreed upon a specific order to things."
Mikhail shrugged. "Can you blame me? He's not in good shape. I wanted to protect my investment."
Yoh approached them, men in tow, their guns trained on Mikhail and Feilong.
"Feilong. You realize this is nothing personal, I hope. You just had something I wanted, and have been mistreating it. Baishe was being run into the ground because of your obsession with Asami and his toy."
"Speaking of which..." Yoh looked about. His eyes narrowed as they found Akihito's form and took in his condition. He spoke sharply to his men. "Why isn't he being better cared for? Has a doctor seen to his wounds? Get them taken care of, immediately!"
Feilong looked at Yoh with a knowing smirk. "Obsessed much?"
Yoh turned back, his cheeks slightly flushed. "Not at all. He's a valuable hostage until I get Asami. You should at least be pleased that I'm getting your revenge for you. You seem to be incapable of even that."
"On the contrary. My revenge is complete."
Yoh stepped closer. "How can it be? Asami is still alive."
Because, you stupid prick, I have what I wanted all along, except revenge on you. And no matter what happens here, Asami will see to that. Feilong closed his eyes and said nothing.
"Delusional. I see. Well I suppose it's kindest if you die believing that."
"What do you mean, die? We had a deal." Mikhail's voice was cold with anger.
"Which you broke, and in so doing, you've given me the freedom to kill him. Really, Arbatov, it's a bad idea to let him live. Asami did, and look at what happened there."
Feilong found all of this chatter to be annoying. They didn't know the first thing about him or Asami. Imagining it would be so easy to get rid of either of them. The best had tried. He should know. He was one of them. He started laughing.
The two men arguing over him stopped for a moment.
"He's lost it. You see? There's no point in trying to save him now."
"Would you agree to that if I used that same reason to get rid of the boy?"
Feilong didn't like that line of conversation. "Leave Akihito alone."
"Still with us, hmm? Not for long. Peng, get him the hell out of here."
"Peng," offered the Russian. "If you try, you're dead."
"Peng, do it."
A gunshot rang out, followed by a thud. In the silence that followed, he heard the soft clicks of safeties being flicked off.
Not again. I wonder if they'll hit the same spot. If I'm lucky it will go through the same hole. All the holes in this shoulder are beginning to get embarrassing.
He watched as Yoh pulled his gun, Mikhail kicking it out of his hand a moment later, then landing a solid punch on the Chinese man's jaw.
Oh good one, Mikhail.
Yoh was knocked to his knees by the force of the blow, and his men took the opportunity to rush in and grab the Russian. They held his arms as Yoh approached and began hitting Mikhail with strong blows to his body.
Ooh. Feilong watched one hit Mikhail's chest, leaving him hanging for a minute. That's got to hurt. What is he thinking, fighting like that?
Mikhail raised his head and saw Feilong staring and gave him a bloody grin, right before he redoubled his efforts and broke free. This time his charge carried Yoh to the ground.
But he was already in bad shape, and when one of the men kicked him in the kidneys he fell on his stomach next to Feilong.
Why does he bother? What could be worth it?
"Well," Mikhail wheezed, "that didn't turn out quite like I'd wanted."
Feilong had turned his head and was staring at him. "Idiot."
Mikhail grinned again and spit out some blood. "That's the nicest thing you've said to me all day." He tried to get up again and got another kick for his troubles. "Ah, that one hurt." He lay still for a moment before trying yet again.
"Mikhail... Why?"
Mikhail stilled. "That's the first time you've ever used my first name. And you know why, though I doubt you'll admit it." He climbed to his feet, and stood there swaying over Feilong. "I'll not stop fighting for you as long as there's a breath in my body."
Feilong felt confused. He shouldn't like hearing that, especially from this man, but he wanted to hear it again.
Yoh entered Feilong's narrowed field of vision. "Or you won't stop as long as he's alive, I suppose. So I'll just end this fiasco here and now. I'll kill him first Arbatov, so you can die knowing you failed him." He pointed a pistol at Feilong.
Feilong observed all this, slightly detached. "Try to hit the same hole, would you? One scar is intriguing, but having four is just sloppy."
Yoh paused, then shook his head. "What a waste you are."
Feilong smiled slowly. "Yoh. You are so dead. I wish I could stick around to see it."
"Feilong. You don't have anyone to take revenge for you. You don't even have any friends left alive in this town, if you had any to begin with."
"You're dead wrong about that, Yoh."
Yoh's eyes widened. A shot echoed through the room.
Feilong laughed right before he passed out.
--
Akihito was shivering on a cold floor next to a concrete wall. He had been fading in and out of consciousness for some time. He'd heard Feilong arguing with that Russian, something about him because he heard the name Akihito. He'd wanted to cry but couldn't summon the strength.
The Russian had shot some men, but it hadn't helped anything. Violence never does, he thought.
Arbatov and Yoh had fought, the Russian never accepting defeat, getting pounded to the ground like Asami must have been just a week ago.
Asami. He listened to his earpiece whenever he was conscious, but had heard nothing. He'd give anything to hear that hoarse voice one more time.
Another shot rang out. Akihito's eyes jerked back to the center of the room. Yoh stood with his gun pointed at Feilong.
No! Not Feilong! Not when we'd gained so much.
But Yoh was the one who fell to his knees, a look of surprise on his face. More gunshots echoed through the room, and the men, having nowhere to hide, started dropping.
Soon no one was left standing except for the Russian, who was crouched protectively over Feilong, gun in hand. And one man who stood in the doorway on the other side of the room.
Asami.
Men began pouring into the room around him, but Akihito saw only him. He was bloody. He was dirty. He was exhausted. He was beautiful.
Akihito cried out wordlessly and their eyes met across the room. Joy, relief, concern, emotions he'd never seen on that face, all flitted across it before Asami leaned against the wall, closed his eyes and set the mask back in place. He straightened and walked carefully through the carnage to sink to his knees beside Akihito.
Asami's fingers reached down to trace along his cheek, stroking it gently.
He moved his hand, catching Asami's eye. Akihito opened his bloodied fist, then closed it again possessively. Asami's eyes were shocked into showing all he felt again, just for a moment before he rapidly blinked it away.
Then Asami saw the wound, and he barked out orders. "Get those paramedics in here!"
His hand took Akihito's in a vice grip. "Just a little longer. You can hang on. You're strong, Akihito. I'd never love anyone who wasn’t strong."
"Did he just...?"
Akihito tried to speak, but before he could talk, the paramedics squeezed in around him, speaking rapidly in Cantonese, poking him with needles and IVs, and prodding him and shining lights. He kept shaking his head, trying to see Asami whose hand had been torn from his by the activity but he'd had been carted off by a few paramedics of his own. Questions would have to wait. Asami would be there when he woke up. He was sure of it. And he intended to wake up. Akihito closed his eyes yet again and fell into a deep sleep.
--
Chapter 6
Pairings, Characters: Asami x Akihito, Feilong, Tao, Yoh, Mikhail
Rating: R
Spoilers: up to NT8
Warnings/genre: Continuation from NT8, romance
Day 7
The next night they waited in the study for a phone call telling them where they needed to go.
Feilong was dressed in one of his finest silk cheongsam, white with a large red and gold dragon coiled about his body. He checked his gun before putting it in the holster on his thigh.
Asami watched. "That's very sexy, the thigh holster."
"I find it's distracting to both men and women, and so gives me an advantage."
"You've learned to use your sexuality as a weapon. It's one of your greatest assets. Well done."
"I had before this, before you. You were just an aberration I couldn't control."
"Ah. You know they won't let you take that in, don't you?"
"Yes, but the holster will have the same effect."
Akihito stuck his head in the study door. "Do I really have to wear this?"
They spoke as one. "Yes."
He glared at Asami. "You just want to see me in this kind of outfit."
"What kind of outfit would that be, Akihito? Come in and show me what you're wearing."
"I don't want to - ahh!" He was shoved into the room from behind. "Tao you traitor!"
Asami's eyes narrowed. "You are not wearing that." Then he blinked in surprise, as if he hadn't expected to hear that from himself. "What I mean is -"
Feilong interrupted. "We know what you mean, lover. We want raw sex and distraction. He is that."
Akihito swallowed as he saw himself reflected in the glass. He just hadn't thought it would be so blatant. His shirt was a sheer gauzy white material, long, no buttons, so it hung open in front, revealing his torso down to just above his crotch, where the pants finally started. They were white silk, and skin tight. Feilong had insisted that he wear no underwear, and every line of every thing showed. The pants slid down into some ankle high white leather boots, heeled, with gold and diamond chains around them. Chains that matched the ones hanging low on his hips and around his neck and from one ear.
Asami crossed his legs.
Feilong laughed. "Don't even bother. Every man in the place will be nursing a hard-on, including the straight ones who won't be able to think straight at all."
"Akihito, come here."
He couldn't refuse. He felt like a whore, and he needed reassurance and hoped to god Asami would give it.
He stood before the wheelchair, blushing furiously.
"You don't have to do this."
His eyes flew up to Asami's face. Of all the things Asami could have said, that was the one that made him want to go. He stood up straight and stuck his chin out.
Asami's eyes held approval. "That's right. You're no whore. You're mine. And every time you feel their eyes on you tonight, you remember that they aren't fit to touch you."
Akihito smiled down at him.
"And when you get back you can dance for me in that."
"You are so...."
"Wonderful? Intelligent? Charming?"
"Predictable."
He heard Feilong laugh and was about to respond when the phone rang. They all froze, then Feilong reached out with a forced casualness and answered.
"Yes. ... Excellent. Of course I know where it is. ... One hour. ... I look forward to seeing you again." He hung up and turned toward his partners.
"They made a wise decision, the banquet hall at the China Club. It's on top of the Bank of China building." He directed them to a window, pointing out one of the skyscrapers. "There. Anyone would have a difficult time causing a scene there. Especially since everyone who's anyone wants to belong to it. It's quite exclusive."
"Do you?"
"Belong? Of course."
"No comment. So that means they'll get you coming or going, and most likely going since it'll give them a chance to get set up. Terrific. Well, it gives me a chance as well." He looked at them and they could already see wheels furiously turning in his brain. "Why aren't you getting ready to leave?"
Feilong raised an eyebrow. "I always make an entrance."
Asami rolled his eyes. "At least that gives me time to give you the transmitter, Akihito. Come here and bend down." Asami reached into the pocket on the side of his chair. When Akihito leaned over him, he held up what he had brought: a gold filigree collar and padlock. The collar had a chain attached.
Akihito scowled and Feilong laughed. "Oh, how pretty. I assume one of those jewels disguises the transmitter, and another the receiver?"
"No, just the transmitter. The receiver is attached to the back of the earring so he can hear. But they were both easy to place." He held the collar open.
Akihito stared at it, offended. He supposed it was part of the costume. But he didn't like what it implied. And he wasn't sure Asami would take it off him later.
Asami waited patiently. "Look it over, why don't you?" He placed the collar in Akihito's hands.
Akihito wondered if Asami was getting at something in particular, and peered more closely at it. He kept his face impassive as he took in what was there. There was a small key taped to the inner surface. And a small plate near it that held writing. His heart thudded as he read it. Twice. His eyes widened and they darted back up to Asami's face. Asami calmly returned his look.
He looked back down at it, then made the decision an instant later and snapped it into place around his neck. Not too tight. He could fit his fingers within to touch the key.
Asami had the look of a satisfied cat. He held a headset to his ear. "Whisper something."
Akihito whispered, "When I get home we're going to have a talk."
Asami's eyes flew to his. "I thought we might. But first things first."
He gave Akihito the other end of the leash with a pointed look. Akihito examined it and grinned.
Akihito walked over to Feilong, who raised his left hand for it. Akihito quickly snapped the filigree cuff at the end of the chain around his wrist. "I guess you're stuck with me until Asami sets us free."
Feilong's look of outrage made Asami smile.
"This could get us killed!"
"I trust you won't let that happen."
"You don't trust me to keep him. You son of a bitch. I'm trusting you with my life."
"Are you? You'll have Akihito. Chained to you. There's no way in hell I'd let anything happen to you. Not that I would have before. It's just extra insurance, Feilong. In case anyone else had ideas about separating you, which you have to admit was a distinct possibility."
Feilong sighed in resignation. "Yes, it was. Well, at least this will allow me to take him into the restroom and molest him."
"Hey!"
Asami didn't blink. "Akihito, just remember where that button is that administers an electric shock to the cuff."
Feilong glared. "There is no such button."
"Maybe. Maybe not. But wouldn't you hate to find out there was while you were taking a piss and holding your cock?"
Akihito snorted.
Feilong abruptly stood and started for the door, dragging Akihito with him.
Asami grabbed Akihito's arm and pulled him to a stop. "You will stay safe," he said softly. Then he wrapped his hand around Akihito's neck and pulled him into a deep kiss.
"Just so you look properly mussed." He smirked.
But his smirk turned to a look of concerned determination as Feilong dragged Akihito out the door. Akihito knew, because he didn't stop looking back until he could no longer see him.
--
Feilong, Akihito, and two guards rode the single elevator that went straight up to the top of the Bank of China building. They were alone in the wood paneled car. As expected, they'd been searched below, and the guards were so shocked by Akihito's appearance they only ran cursory glances over him, especially after he bent over, grabbed his ankles, and invited a cavity search. Asami was laughing in his ear at his brazenness.
Feilong's arm snaked around Akihito's waist and pulled him in close. "Asami was right. You look the part. Let's spruce you up a bit." He put his lips next to the collar and spoke loudly. "Akihito, your firm ass feels so fine under my hands."
Akihito clapped a hand to his ear as Asami swore loudly.
Feilong chuckled, then proceeded to nibble on his neck. He slipped his hand down Akihito's chest to the front of those pants, lightly stroking him through the thin fabric, right before he claimed his mouth in a deep kiss. Akihito moaned.
As Asami swore again, Feilong stepped back and the elevator doors opened onto a room full of Chinese men and women. Akihito knew he looked debauched, because as a one their eyes moved from Feilong to him along that chain, and remained on him in wide-eyed stares. Except for one man's eyes, which quickly moved back to Feilong. The eyes of the only Westerner in the room.
Feilong cursed under his breath. "Arbatov," he said softly.
Asami's response was, "Fuck. I'm on it." Akihito could hear his muffled voice speaking in the background.
Feilong greeted a tall old man who approached. "Tu Yueh-Sheng. It is good to see you again. Forgive me for dragging my pet along, but you must understand that I couldn't leave such a peach at home, waiting to be plucked. I assure you, he's housetrained."
Asami's voice spoke into his ear, translating all this for him because Akihito had no idea what was being said. "That's the head of the Wo Group, and our most powerful ally in the room."
Tu barely glanced at him. "I'd heard you had claimed him from Asami. He is indeed a prize. When you get bored, perhaps you'd be willing to sell him?"
Feilong inclined his head. "Perhaps. For the time being though, I have no wish to be parted from this one. I will parade him before Asami right before I kill him."
Akihito shivered. The words sounded all too convincing.
Feilong stroked a long-nailed finger down his cheek and spoke in Japanese. "Cold, my pet? Or anticipating the day that happens?"
Akihito wanted to kick Feilong, but he remembered his role. He stepped forward and rubbed himself against Feilong's side. "Both. Warm me?"
Asami growled low in his ear.
Feilong patted his ass and pulled him along behind their host toward the long banquet table at one end of the room. Akihito felt self-conscious again for a second, but then he remembered Asami's words and walked through the room as if he were holding Feilong on a leash instead of the other way around. A murmur arose about him.
When Feilong sat, he directed Akihito to a space at his feet. "Sit. Stay." Akihito clenched his teeth against the sarcastic bark he so wanted to answer with, and instead gracefully sank to his knees and rested his head on Feilong's thigh, rubbing his cheek along the silk-clad muscle.
The white-suited blond Westerner sat in the chair beside him, placing Akihito between him and Feilong. "An affectionate little one, isn't he?" Akihito found his hair being stroked, then an iron grip tugged his head back off Feilong's leg. Tears started in his eyes. Feilong slapped the hand away. "Get your own pet, Arbatov."
"I've been trying, Feilong, but you just don't seem to like the collar."
Asami interjected, "Watch out for him Akihito. He'd like to kill you. He's obsessed with fucking Feilong."
Akihito lowered his eyes and swallowed. Great. That's all he needed.
Feilong's body had stiffened. A torrent of Cantonese was spilling from his lips. Asami wasn't translating. Akihito tilted his head slightly. He thought he heard something from the receiver. Arbatov was speaking again. His chain tugged as Feilong swiftly reached for his gun, coming up empty and swearing.
Arbatov was laughing softly. He grabbed the chain between them and pulled Feilong's wrist to his lips, kissing it right before Feilong's hand turned to scratch his face. Arbatov's voice turned soft and urgent, but he was interrupted by his phone ringing. He abruptly stood and bowed slightly, leaving the table.
Feilong was breathing quickly. Akihito unthinkingly stroked his leg, offering comfort. Feilong's hand rested on his head for a moment before returning his attention to the table.
His head jerked as Asami's voice spoke urgently in his ear. "Akihito, tell Feilong they're attacking here. We've locked down the top two floors, but right now you won't be able to get back in. I've got reports coming in from your site. Yoh's men have been seen there as well. And this is important - some of the men are westerners, speaking Russian. Our men are sticking to anyone obvious, but they won't know them all."
He hid his face against Feilong's leg. A worried whisper escaped his mouth. "Asami..."
"Don't worry about me. They won't get in here. They're fools to attack this place without a sure way of getting in. The other residents will have called the police by now. They'll have to retreat soon. Now tell Feilong."
Akihito sat, shaken. He hadn't really realized what he was getting into, the danger for all of them. His hand on Feilong's calf tightened. Feilong's hand fell upon his head again. Long hair brushed his cheek as Feilong bent slightly. "Akihito?"
He turned his head and looked up into Feilong's composed face, then got to his knees and slipped his arms around Feilong's long white neck, burying his face in it. "Asami is under attack, but he expects them to be gone soon. Yoh's men are here with Arbatov's. Asami has them covered when he finds them, but he knows he's missing some. He says expect to be attacked when we leave."
Feilong stroked his hair. "There's nothing to be afraid of, pet. I'll take care of you soon enough. Sit back down and be good, and you can have some dinner."
Akihito pretended to pout, then sat once again at Feilong's feet. Feilong said something in Cantonese to the others that had them laughing.
Asami's voice was soft and welcome. "Good work Akihito." Every time he heard him now, he felt a pulse of relief.
The dinner began passing more quickly. Asami couldn't take the time to tell him most of what was being said, though he clearly listened while directing men around Hong Kong. Akihito listened in, thinking that Asami sounded like his ideal of a general, never hesitating, always knowing what to do, imparting that confidence to his troops.
Akihito understood now why men followed him. At the moment, he felt like he could follow Asami to hell and be assured of getting back out. So he sat, calm, trying to do the only thing he could to help at the moment, which was be a pipeline for information.
Every so often Asami would take note of the conversation at the dinner, punctuating it with "Ah" or "Shit." And even an occasional "Well done, Feilong." When Akihito heard one of those, he patted Feilong's leg.
He looked up once to see Feilong's eyes meet his, amused. He blushed for thinking that Feilong needed his approval, but then Feilong rested his hand on Akihito's neck and stroked it softly by way of thanks, perhaps even to reassure him.
Things have changed with us. For all their sarcasm and sniping, I don't think these two can so easily go back to being enemies. Do you feel it now Tao? The hope?
--
Tao was feeling anything but hope. A little fear. A lot of anger. Even a small bit of envy toward Akihito and the fact that he was with Master Feilong. But he tried to push his emotions aside and help where he could. He ran food and drink to the guards, and he re-supplied their ammunition. He carried messages when people couldn't get them in other ways. And though he wasn’t aware of it, the sight of him working so hard gave heart to the men who then worked a little harder themselves.
The only place he'd not been was the study. Every time he ran past, he felt a little more guilty. Asami was an outsider, and he didn't like him. But he knew he was being foolish and uncharitable, for after all, Asami was helping his master.
The next time past the door he stopped and went in with some sandwiches and tea. Asami was at the desk. There were lines around his mouth and eyes. Tao felt really bad then, because he'd forgotten the man's injuries and knew he was in a great deal of pain. He set the tray on the desk, ran to Akihito's room and grabbed all the medication, then ran back to the study. He measured it all out, then stood next to Asami with it on the palm of one hand, water in the other.
Asami waved him away, still talking on two phones and listening to Akihito's transmission.
Tao shook his head and set all the medicine down but one pill. He held it out. "Antibiotic. Take it."
Asami scowled, but took it. Tao knew that was one of the easy ones, since it wouldn't affect him.
Tao picked up the greenish powder and mixed it in some water. "For your throat. You are talking too much. Take it."
Asami gave Tao a measured stare. Tao returned it. Asami drank the liquid.
Tao split the last pill in half, and held one of the halves out. "For your pain. Take it."
"No."
"You cannot function well if you are hurting this much. Half will not knock you out."
"No. It's an opiate. It will dull my thoughts."
Tao closed his fist and pulled it back. That was true. It wouldn't do to have him drugged like Master Fei on his pipe. Not when Master Fei's life was at stake. He remembered another choice, and opened one of the drawers on Master Fei's desk. Tylenol, for his headaches. He snatched the bottle, opened it, and shook two out. He held these out to Asami. "Tylenol. Take it."
Asami turned the bottle and noted the name. Amused, he took the Tylenol. "Done yet, little mother?"
"Not yet."
Tao brought over the sandwiches and tea, and stood there toe-tapping until Asami started eating. Though apparently Asami was very hungry, because the food didn't last long.
"Would you like more?"
"Coffee."
"I will get it. Asami, is he OK?"
"They're OK, thanks for asking. For now. We have to keep working hard to make sure they stay that way. Keep running supplies for the men, Tao. You make a difference with them."
Tao blinked. He had never expected to be noticed, much less complimented by Asami.
Asami raised an eyebrow. "A good general notices all his troops."
A troop? Him? His back was a little straighter as he walked to the door. A troop. And one who made a difference. He turned and saluted, then scampered back to his duty, this time eager to help where he could.
I see what you mean, Akihito, about hope.
--
Dinner was done, alliances struck, or so Akihito assumed, because no one was killing anyone else. The people had slowly left the banquet room until only Feilong's group and Tu's group were left.
Akihito stood and turned, pretending to adjust his clothes, so that he might speak softly without anyone seeing. "Asami, they're all gone except for us and the Wo's."
"Good. We were better off waiting until the other groups left, since we couldn't be sure of them. Let me hear what's going on."
Asami resumed translating for him, at least in part. "Tu knows about Yoh's men below. He's also seen mine, though Feilong has told them they're his. Tu is offering his protection, for the two of you, at his estates for the night. Hmm. Tell Feilong to take him up on it."
Akihito stepped in close to Feilong and looked up under his lashes. "Master, do we have to go home right now? I want to stay out and play."
Feilong turned his head to stare at him.
"Please? Isn't there any place else we can go?"
Feilong tilted his head. "Master Tu has invited us to his house. Would that be adequate to your needs, my pretty slave?"
"Yes, Master. Thank you." Akihito knelt and kissed the edge of Feilong's cheongsam, as Feilong accepted the invitation. "How was that?" he whispered.
Asami responded quickly. "Well done. Remember your little act though, because every 'Master' I hear is going to be repeated in private for me."
Akihito was a little annoyed, but mostly turned on. "Really?" He looked up at Feilong. "I adore you, Master." Feilong blinked down at him. Asami growled in his ear. "I can't wait to get you under me." Still looking up at Feilong, Akihito replied, "I can't wait until we're alone."
Feilong's eyes narrowed and he cuffed Akihito's head lightly. "Stop that. Let's go."
Tu and his entourage were headed for the elevator. They sent two guards down first. When the clear signal came, the two mafia leaders entered the car, with Akihito and four guards in front of them.
"Stay close," Feilong murmured into Akihito's ear. As opposed to...? Akihito looked up at him and jerked his chain lightly. Feilong pinched his ass.
The elevator ride seemed to take forever. By the time it came to a stop and the doors released them, Akihito's hands were sweating a little from the nerves. Feilong's soothing hand at his waist had helped a little. A mere week ago it would have been hard to believe this man would protect him, but he knew it to be so now. Nonetheless, if their opponent had taken down Asami and left him in such bad shape, what chance did the few of them have?
As they stepped into the lobby and retrieved their weapons, Akihito looked up uncertainly. "Feilong. Er, sama. Are you sure...?"
Feilong spared him a glance. "Hush. Don't distract me."
Asami spoke into his ear. "Just stay alert Akihito. There are several of our men in the lobby already, and more outside. You should see a group of them near the door. Here."
Akihito heard Asami speaking in Cantonese. There was a group of shifty looking men on their approach. One who was holding a phone to his ear turned and bowed slightly to him. His eyes were mocking. It was clear he had been instructed by Asami to acknowledge Akihito, though he didn't enjoy it.
"Thanks," Akihito said quietly, seemingly to the man but really to his lover.
"This will be over with soon, and then we can go home." Asami's words lightened his heart far more than Feilong's presence did.
The group had reached the doors outside. Akihito could see the limousine awaiting them. He breathed a sigh of relief.
Tu's men were at the doors, holding them open. More were outside on the pavement, scanning the surrounding areas.
As he stepped outside, the night air was cool and soothing on his heated skin. A bug zipped past his ear and he swatted at it with a hand.
The guard behind him crumpled.
He stopped in his tracks, his head turning in horror as he realized that had been no bug. A persistent jerking at his neck made him turn toward its source. Feilong's pistol was out. He was shouting in Cantonese, pulling Akihito toward the car. There were shots ringing out on all sides.
Akihito felt strangely calm. Everything seemed to be moving so slowly. He looked down. Tu was laying in a pool of blood at their feet. He watched as the thick red liquid slowly spread across the concrete, making little rivers along the cracks of pavement.
Someone punched him in the stomach. He bent over with the force of it, confused. No one had been near him. And it was numb, not painful. He touched it, feeling dampness. Where was the water coming from? As he fell to his knees, he raised his hand to examine it for answers. Red.
"Akihito." There was a buzz in his ear, but he didn’t have time to listen.
Feilong stood just above him, staring at his hand as well. Their eyes met, and Akihito saw sadness. Something nudged his mind. There was something he had to remember before it was too late. Akihito's eyes traveled to the chain jerking between them. Then he knew.
The buzz in his ear wouldn't quiet. "Akihito!"
Akihito slipped his fingers into his collar and pried the key away from the inner surface. But his fingers weren't working right, and they were slippery from the blood. The key fell from his grasp. No! I won't lose that.
"Answer me!"
He wrapped his hand in the gauze of his shirt, and picked the key up. He fumbled at first as he tried to place it into the lock, but at last it slid home. He turned it with a click. The collar popped open and fell away. Feilong was free. Feilong could escape.
"Akihito, damn you, don't give in. Don't you fucking do this. Someone get over there! If he dies I'll have your heads!"
He fell to the side. The shouting in his ear continued. Asami, he realized. Asami, it's OK. I'm just tired.
He looked up into the night sky. Strands of black swirled through it, like fast-moving storm clouds. Feilong. Feilong was still standing over him. He was no longer using his gun. He spun the collar on its chain using it like a weapon, fighting those foolish enough to get in reach.
Akihito saw him jerk, and the white silk of the cheongsam slowly began changing, like time lapse photography, a red cloud appearing over the head of the dragon. Feilong's weight suddenly crushed him. He couldn't breathe.
The voice still rang in his ear. "Fuck! Don't we have anyone left?"
Asami. I love you.
"Akihito! Please..." The voice cracked, then strengthened. "I'm coming. Just hold on. I’m coming."
Everything went black.
--
Feilong jerked awake, cold water shocking him into consciousness.
"That woke him up."
He blinked, clearing the water from his eyes, taking in his surroundings. A large plain room, concrete walls. A garage? A basement?
There were two men standing over him, four more grouped off to the side, talking.
"Awake now, princess? Damn, I thought I'd get to kiss you." The men laughed snidely.
Feilong just looked at them. He'd heard a lot worse, from a lot better. Low class boors.
"What did you say?"
Oops.
"He said we were half-assed whores!"
Well no, actually... His thoughts were interrupted by a kick to his side, causing fresh pain to radiate from the bullet wound in his shoulder. The new bullet wound, not to be confused with the old one, or the oldest one.
He giggled, then stopped appalled. Mafia lords do not giggle.
"I'm glad to see you're taking this so well."
His breathing stopped for a second as he focused on the new figure crouching above him, peering down. Mikhail. Hatred burned all humor away.
"Good eyes. If that hate doesn't keep you alive, nothing will."
Mikhail stood abruptly. "I'm taking him back to my place. This building isn't adequately protected. His men could break in here at any time."
The men began arguing with him. Yoh's men.
Mikhail's eyes turned hard. He pulled a pistol out of his coat and shot one of the guards in the head. The others fell silent. "Perhaps my Cantonese wasn't clear, so sorry. Let me try again. I'm taking him with me, now. I'm sure you understand me better, no?"
Feilong struggled to speak. "No. Akihito. Alive?"
Mikhail didn't glance away from Yoh's men. He spoke to Feilong in Russian, knowing the others wouldn't understand. "Still worried about that one? His body's over there. I doubt they'd bring him if he were dead."
"Him too."
"Fuck him."
"Him too."
"Why? Do you love him?"
Feilong didn't even have to think. "No. He's a responsibility. A friend."
Mikhail's shoulders lost some stiffness. "The fact remains, my dear, that I can't carry the both of you, and speed is of the essence." He bent down on Feilong's right. "Put your arm around my shoulder."
Feilong stared at him obstinately.
Mikhail spoke urgently. "Look, we get you out of here alive, and then we can come back for him. But if we stay you're both dead."
"Not just the both of them, Arbatov. Add yourself into that too." A new voice, speaking Cantonese.
That voice turned Feilong's blood to fire. He struggled like an animal to get to his feet, to destroy the man who was trying to destroy him. Mikhail, his eyes like shards of ice, gently pushed Feilong back down and stood over him.
"Yoh. What an unexpected pleasure."
"Unexpected I believe. Pleasure I doubt. Just what are you up to, my friend? I know you want him, but I thought we agreed upon a specific order to things."
Mikhail shrugged. "Can you blame me? He's not in good shape. I wanted to protect my investment."
Yoh approached them, men in tow, their guns trained on Mikhail and Feilong.
"Feilong. You realize this is nothing personal, I hope. You just had something I wanted, and have been mistreating it. Baishe was being run into the ground because of your obsession with Asami and his toy."
"Speaking of which..." Yoh looked about. His eyes narrowed as they found Akihito's form and took in his condition. He spoke sharply to his men. "Why isn't he being better cared for? Has a doctor seen to his wounds? Get them taken care of, immediately!"
Feilong looked at Yoh with a knowing smirk. "Obsessed much?"
Yoh turned back, his cheeks slightly flushed. "Not at all. He's a valuable hostage until I get Asami. You should at least be pleased that I'm getting your revenge for you. You seem to be incapable of even that."
"On the contrary. My revenge is complete."
Yoh stepped closer. "How can it be? Asami is still alive."
Because, you stupid prick, I have what I wanted all along, except revenge on you. And no matter what happens here, Asami will see to that. Feilong closed his eyes and said nothing.
"Delusional. I see. Well I suppose it's kindest if you die believing that."
"What do you mean, die? We had a deal." Mikhail's voice was cold with anger.
"Which you broke, and in so doing, you've given me the freedom to kill him. Really, Arbatov, it's a bad idea to let him live. Asami did, and look at what happened there."
Feilong found all of this chatter to be annoying. They didn't know the first thing about him or Asami. Imagining it would be so easy to get rid of either of them. The best had tried. He should know. He was one of them. He started laughing.
The two men arguing over him stopped for a moment.
"He's lost it. You see? There's no point in trying to save him now."
"Would you agree to that if I used that same reason to get rid of the boy?"
Feilong didn't like that line of conversation. "Leave Akihito alone."
"Still with us, hmm? Not for long. Peng, get him the hell out of here."
"Peng," offered the Russian. "If you try, you're dead."
"Peng, do it."
A gunshot rang out, followed by a thud. In the silence that followed, he heard the soft clicks of safeties being flicked off.
Not again. I wonder if they'll hit the same spot. If I'm lucky it will go through the same hole. All the holes in this shoulder are beginning to get embarrassing.
He watched as Yoh pulled his gun, Mikhail kicking it out of his hand a moment later, then landing a solid punch on the Chinese man's jaw.
Oh good one, Mikhail.
Yoh was knocked to his knees by the force of the blow, and his men took the opportunity to rush in and grab the Russian. They held his arms as Yoh approached and began hitting Mikhail with strong blows to his body.
Ooh. Feilong watched one hit Mikhail's chest, leaving him hanging for a minute. That's got to hurt. What is he thinking, fighting like that?
Mikhail raised his head and saw Feilong staring and gave him a bloody grin, right before he redoubled his efforts and broke free. This time his charge carried Yoh to the ground.
But he was already in bad shape, and when one of the men kicked him in the kidneys he fell on his stomach next to Feilong.
Why does he bother? What could be worth it?
"Well," Mikhail wheezed, "that didn't turn out quite like I'd wanted."
Feilong had turned his head and was staring at him. "Idiot."
Mikhail grinned again and spit out some blood. "That's the nicest thing you've said to me all day." He tried to get up again and got another kick for his troubles. "Ah, that one hurt." He lay still for a moment before trying yet again.
"Mikhail... Why?"
Mikhail stilled. "That's the first time you've ever used my first name. And you know why, though I doubt you'll admit it." He climbed to his feet, and stood there swaying over Feilong. "I'll not stop fighting for you as long as there's a breath in my body."
Feilong felt confused. He shouldn't like hearing that, especially from this man, but he wanted to hear it again.
Yoh entered Feilong's narrowed field of vision. "Or you won't stop as long as he's alive, I suppose. So I'll just end this fiasco here and now. I'll kill him first Arbatov, so you can die knowing you failed him." He pointed a pistol at Feilong.
Feilong observed all this, slightly detached. "Try to hit the same hole, would you? One scar is intriguing, but having four is just sloppy."
Yoh paused, then shook his head. "What a waste you are."
Feilong smiled slowly. "Yoh. You are so dead. I wish I could stick around to see it."
"Feilong. You don't have anyone to take revenge for you. You don't even have any friends left alive in this town, if you had any to begin with."
"You're dead wrong about that, Yoh."
Yoh's eyes widened. A shot echoed through the room.
Feilong laughed right before he passed out.
--
Akihito was shivering on a cold floor next to a concrete wall. He had been fading in and out of consciousness for some time. He'd heard Feilong arguing with that Russian, something about him because he heard the name Akihito. He'd wanted to cry but couldn't summon the strength.
The Russian had shot some men, but it hadn't helped anything. Violence never does, he thought.
Arbatov and Yoh had fought, the Russian never accepting defeat, getting pounded to the ground like Asami must have been just a week ago.
Asami. He listened to his earpiece whenever he was conscious, but had heard nothing. He'd give anything to hear that hoarse voice one more time.
Another shot rang out. Akihito's eyes jerked back to the center of the room. Yoh stood with his gun pointed at Feilong.
No! Not Feilong! Not when we'd gained so much.
But Yoh was the one who fell to his knees, a look of surprise on his face. More gunshots echoed through the room, and the men, having nowhere to hide, started dropping.
Soon no one was left standing except for the Russian, who was crouched protectively over Feilong, gun in hand. And one man who stood in the doorway on the other side of the room.
Asami.
Men began pouring into the room around him, but Akihito saw only him. He was bloody. He was dirty. He was exhausted. He was beautiful.
Akihito cried out wordlessly and their eyes met across the room. Joy, relief, concern, emotions he'd never seen on that face, all flitted across it before Asami leaned against the wall, closed his eyes and set the mask back in place. He straightened and walked carefully through the carnage to sink to his knees beside Akihito.
Asami's fingers reached down to trace along his cheek, stroking it gently.
He moved his hand, catching Asami's eye. Akihito opened his bloodied fist, then closed it again possessively. Asami's eyes were shocked into showing all he felt again, just for a moment before he rapidly blinked it away.
Then Asami saw the wound, and he barked out orders. "Get those paramedics in here!"
His hand took Akihito's in a vice grip. "Just a little longer. You can hang on. You're strong, Akihito. I'd never love anyone who wasn’t strong."
"Did he just...?"
Akihito tried to speak, but before he could talk, the paramedics squeezed in around him, speaking rapidly in Cantonese, poking him with needles and IVs, and prodding him and shining lights. He kept shaking his head, trying to see Asami whose hand had been torn from his by the activity but he'd had been carted off by a few paramedics of his own. Questions would have to wait. Asami would be there when he woke up. He was sure of it. And he intended to wake up. Akihito closed his eyes yet again and fell into a deep sleep.
--
Chapter 6