[Fic] VF AU: Therapy: With a Little Help
Happy birthday to mtarashidango! I hope you're having some fun this weekend, M! You deserve some rest and relaxation. *hugs*
Title: VF AU: Therapy: With a Little Help
Pairing/Characters: Asami/Feilong/Akihito, Tao, Kirishima, Suoh
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: None
Warnings: Fluff, AU, Happy Ending
Note: M mentioned wanting some happy endings, so I gave her a fic that I'd always meant to write for Therapy. This may or may not be the last fic I write for this universe, but if it is, it wouldn't be a bad place to stop.
"Oh I almost forgot, there's an exhibit I wanted to go to this weekend-- this really good photographer is showing at a friend's gallery. Do you want to go?"
Fei looked up with a smile from where he was precisely buttering his toast, enjoying the endless energy and excitement bundled in the man across from him. "I'd love to. Are you going to ask Asami?"
Akihito grinned. "He won't want to go. No nudes."
"Do you think? If it's something you love..."
Footsteps pounded down the stairs in the hall outside the dining room. Both of them sat up a little straighter, then glanced at each other sheepishly as they realized what they were doing.
"Ryu?" Akihito called out. "Aren't you going to at least have some tea?"
"I'll get some in the car."
"Will you be home for dinner?" Akihito's question trailed off as they heard the front door close. "He's been like this for a few days. Something is going on."
Fei snorted. "Do you think?" He recognized the look on Akihito's face and strove to cut it off. Whatever Asami was involved in, it was bound to be dangerous. "I'll look into it at the office today. He hasn't told me anything, but he can't keep it from me if I aim to find it."
"There are a couple people I could ask..."
"Like Sakazaki, you mean?" Feilong asked nonchalantly. "It's a shame he'll never have children now."
"Yeah, that was a freak accident, wasn't it? And boy has that made my job harder. After him and Mitasawa, people think there's some stupid curse following me around and they won't talk to me about anything!"
"Ah, well, I'm sure in a year or two it will die down. Until then, you can focus on other kinds of photography." And then we'll break the legs of the next person who tries anything with you... "But for now, leave it to me. I'll get something out of Kirishima. I'm not going to bother trying to get Suoh to tell me where they've been going; he's too smart."
"I couldn't believe it, the day he told me about his degree in mathematics. But he's not too smart. What are you going to do with a degree like that? 'Hi, I'm Suoh, I can add really well.' He'd be put out of a job by a calculator."
Fei smothered a laugh. "There's a little more to advanced mathematics than that, Akihito. But he didn't have a chance. Kirishima tipped Asami off about him way back when. He told me they were both at Toudai, though Kirishima was just finishing his MBA when Suoh came in as a Freshman. His appearance stirred everyone up. Asami swooped in and grabbed him. He paid for his entire education and his sister's, with the understanding that Suoh would work for him afterwards."
Akihito beamed with pride. "People who say he isn't nice just don't know about things like that."
"I adore you, Akihito. Don't ever change." Fei reached across the table and patted his hand. "At any rate, let me look into it first at the source. "
Later that night, they met in the hall upstairs. "It seems to have something to do with weapons in Eastern Europe. You know how he has a fetish for those old Czech guns."
"Huh. OK. It seems a little odd to be getting so worked up over them, but maybe he found some really good quality ones."
Tao happened to have his door open a crack and overheard them. They could be so naive. But he opened his laptop and started working.
Several hours later he was getting suspicious. He couldn't find anything. Since the first order of business was information gathering, he decided to watch and wait for a few weeks.
And so the topic died for a while. But Asami's odd behavior did not.
Fei and Akihito staged an intervention. They didn't bring Hamada in so they had no idea what they were doing. It mostly consisted of shouting like some bad afternoon talk show.
Akihito paced up and down the sitting room in front of the couch, where Fei and Asami sat, the first stiff with irritation, the second one slouched and annoyed.
"Ryu, you don't need to tell me what it is-- I know you don't like me to be involved in the business. But I want to at least support you. You're not sharing anything so I have nothing to support!"
Asami shrugged. "There's nothing to support. Just some tight deadlines to get some deals finalized."
Fei sat forward, an annoyed note to his voice. "And you're not letting me help because...?"
"Because this is a side deal that got out of control. You have your hands full covering all our other work, and that's more help than you realize. I can focus on this because I know you're taking care of everything else."
Fei sank back into the cushions, slightly appeased. Akihito flopped down into a chair across from them, still not satisfied, but silent for the moment.
Asami looked down the room to where Tao sat at a desk, seemingly unconcerned. "What about you, Tao? Are you going to pester me too?"
Tao blinked and looked up. "Me? No, I trust you. You're not stupid enough to not ask for help when you need it."
And thus all three of them were put in their places. They looked at each other ruefully and went about their day.
--
As soon as he was at work, Asami called Kirishima and Suoh into his office. "Close the door. Lock it. Not a word of this leaks to anyone, got it?"
They both nodded, eyes wide.
"Good. You're my two most trusted men. I've been told by my wiseass son that I'm not stupid enough to not ask for help when I need it. He's right. I need it and that means you. If we succeed you'll get bonuses of ¥100MM."
Kirishima gasped. Suoh blinked and said, "I think I speak for both of us when I say, Asami-sama, that the money isn't necessary. Knowing we're helping you is enough."
Before Asami could speak Kirishima cut in, "But we'll take the money!" They looked at him. "My parents are retiring. I want to buy them a nice house in Okinawa."
"How many do they need?" Suoh asked dryly.
"You'll get the money. Here's what I'm trying to do." As he explained his plan, he watched disbelief cross their faces. When he told them where he was in the process, he saw shock. By the time he'd finished, he saw belief. He had chosen especially well when he'd picked these two so long ago. "So you understand why Feilong cannot hear a word of this?"
"Of course, Asami-sama," Kirishima replied, confidence radiating through him. "And we'll do everything in our power to make this come to pass."
Suoh nodded. "Piece of cake boss, with you in charge. I can handle any numbers, and any leg breaking you need done."
"You are a man of unusual talents, Suoh. Any questions, either of you?"
"Shouldn't we bring Yoh in, Asami-sama? He could distract Liu-sama."
"He'd spill it in a second. He stays in the dark. Anything else?"
They shook their heads, and left with their tasks. Asami relaxed a little when he sat down-he knew they'd get their portions done. Tao was a smart kid, he thought proudly. It does help to share burdens.
Everyone noticed an immediate improvement in Asami's state of health. It lasted a few weeks. Then it again started to worsen as he worked longer and longer hours.
--
Tao sat in the study, tablet in hand, watching his dad. He pretended to be doing homework, but he'd finished hours ago. Now he was just watching trends on the American stock market, occasionally moving some investments. And watching the camera on the back of his computer, which was focused on Asami. He wasn't so stupid as to try to directly watch him.
If it weren't for the dark circles that were forming under his dad's eyes, he might find it all amusing. Asami sat there, not engrossed in papers and finances and work, but completely distracted by something.
The papers in front of him were in disarray, and he kept shuffling through them. And every ten minutes or so he'd reach into his suit coat for his cigarettes only to realize they were no longer an option, swing the chair about, stare out the back of the house into the garden, then swing back around and try again.
He was on and off the phone, talking to finance ministers and housing ministers and even the prime minister. He called in favors here and passed them on to people over there, getting more favors in return. Even Tao couldn't follow it, in part because he couldn't hear as well as he'd hoped. Asami kept his voice low, though every so often it rose slightly, something so uncharacteristic that Tao decided he needed to do something.
The next time Asami spun his chair around, Tao walked around to the window and stood next to him, putting his hand on his shoulder. Asami started.
"You know, Dad. If it were I in that chair, and you standing here, you'd give me a lecture that would blister my ears."
Asami turned his gaze to meet his son's, his eyes tired. "I thought you trusted me."
"You know I do. But I can see what this is doing to you, and I can't just sit over there and do nothing. I know you're able to handle it, but I don't like seeing the price you're paying to do it alone. Let me help."
"You can't, Tao. It has to be me. They won't listen to anyone else."
"Who, Dad? Are we in danger? You know it's best if you warn us."
Asami pulled him down onto his lap. "No, no it's nothing like that. Shit, I'm making a mess of this. I knew it would be difficult, but I had no idea the idiocy and stubbornness..."
Tao considered himself to be getting a little old to be held on a father's lap, but it was rare enough with Asami that he relaxed and snuggled against his dad's chest and put his arms around him. "I know I can't handle contacts, because who listens to a 16 year old boy? But anything behind the scenes, anything, and I'll help."
Asami only murmured, "I really have to get back to it." But the arms around Tao tightened and didn't let him go. They sat like that quietly for some time, and when Asami finally kissed the top of his head and released him, he stood and went back to the couch to keep vigil once more. Asami, at least, seemed a little more relaxed and attacked his work with a renewed concentration.
--
Fei lost his patience a few days later. He waited until Asami was alone in his office and Kirishima the guard dog had gone to the bathroom (which he didn't do for about 7 hours! Did the man have a bottle under the desk?) and he stormed Asami's office, closing the door and shoving a big chair under the handles.
He turned to find Asami watching him with a weary but amused look on his face. His jacket was off, his vest unbuttoned, his sleeves rolled up and he looked delicious.
"That's the first time I've seen anything other than exhaustion in your eyes in weeks. You're going to tell me what's going on now, or you're not leaving this office."
"Ah, so only Tao trusts me."
"Don’t play that game with me. If this is about trust, then where is your trust in your partners, your mates? Or is that only a word game too?"
A flicker of anger appeared in Asami's eyes. "You doubt my love?"
Fei's temper faltered. "No. Of course not. I've just never seen you so exhausted and I'm sitting across the hall working on some stupid plan to destroy a heroin route into Japan that has no meaning whatsoever and I'd rather be helping you. I love you. Let me help."
Asami sat back in his chair and considered him. "It's not my intention to drive you insane, so I will tell you this much: you actually are helping me." Fei started to protest and Asami held up a hand. "No, stop, I don’t mean by handling the work load, though you're doing that too. I mean what you're doing about the heroin. It's part of this. I need it to succeed or none of this will work."
Fei examined his face closely. "You mean that. You're not just distracting me. What are you involved in? This is huge, if that's only a part."
"It's huge. Do you know the story about the man who traded beans for a pot, which he traded for a chicken, which he traded for something else until he got what he wanted? Yours is one of the end pieces. I need it Fei. Get it for me. I know you can. And when this is over, you'll know everything. Trust me."
"I've trusted you before." Fei said mildly, coming around the desk.
"That was ten years ago!"
Fei's eyebrow went up as he sat down on Asami's lap, straddling him. "I was thinking of when I asked you to bring our son home safely, and you did. Of course I trust you. And I love you. Maybe I need to show you."
"You do every day," Asami murmured, right before they kissed. "That was good thinking, locking the door."
"See, you can trust me too. You'll get your heroin route closed. Later."
--
Kirishima waited impatiently outside Asami's office. Once in a while he rattled the door knob, but after he heard a moan or two he didn't bother. They wouldn't notice. At least, Liu wouldn't. Asami would, and he didn't want to annoy him with all the stress he was under.
When Liu finally came out he walked like a cat who'd gotten into the pantry and drank all the cream. He licked his lips as he passed Kirishima, giving him a sly look. "He'll see you now. You might want to bring some window cleaner. It got a little messy."
Kirishima didn't even blush about that anymore. He pressed a button by his phone and small door in the paneling by his desk slid opened. A prototype cleaning robot rolled out and into Asami's office. A yell came from within. Liu strangled a laugh. "You win this round, Kirishima."
He went into the office and dropped the latest acquisitions and sales reports onto the desk. "We've managed to get five more of the smaller items across the board and they're being delivered, with receipt of the next arranged."
Asami looked the pages over, sipping some tea, his eyes flicking to the machine cleaning the window. "Where did you get that thing?"
"Our weapons researchers in Prague. Two of them built this in their spare time and I bought all the patents. They're improving it at my command and working on versions that clean cars, elevators, laptops, hotel rooms, and small dogs."
Asami choked on his tea. "Ah, your French bulldog. I believe we apologized about that."
"Nevertheless."
"Cook at least will appreciate it. This report looks good. Go ahead and start on the next stage in acquisitions."
"I already have, Asami-sama."
"I hope you're aware of how much I appreciate your ability to anticipate not only the market, but my needs. You can leave the robot. "
"Thank you, Asami-sama. I'm happy to help." Kirishima smiled and blushed at the uncharacteristic compliment. Really, Asami-sama's thanks were all he needed.
--
Asami stumbled into the house at 06:00. The sky was just starting to lighten.
Akihito was sitting at the foot of the stairs with a blanket around him, asleep. He stirred as Asami walked toward him and sat up, blinking at his watch.
Asami just stopped and waited for it. Everyone else had been haranguing him, and Akihito was a master. It wasn't a bad thing, but sometimes it was tiresome.
To his surprise, he found himself being pulled up the stairs to his bedroom and made to sit at a table by the window. A warm bowl that smelled fragrantly of chicken was put into his hands. "Eat. I made it for you."
Akihito rarely cooked, but when he did it was delicious. There was something about eating a dish made especially for you by a lover, and he couldn't remember the last thing he'd eaten. The soup was gone by the time Akihito came back into the room.
"The bath is warm. Let's go."
Bemused by this motherly version of his firecat, he followed, allowing himself to be stripped, not minding the suit flung across the floor, noting that the watch he got for Christmas from Fei was treated with considerably more care.
He watched as Akihito began lathering himself up.
"Are you going to wash me too?"
"You'd better believe it." As soon as he was covered with soap, Akihito started rubbing himself all over Asami's body.
"Kirishima needs to make one for the bathroom too."
"What?"
"Never mind. Come here. Let me help."
As it turned out, that was one mess that cleaned itself up.
--
Things were more peaceful from there on out. Asami never told them a thing and never again asked for help, but they all offered it in their own ways. After he left his last meeting and was riding home in the car, he reflected on having accomplished the toughest task he'd ever set himself. He couldn't have done it without them. How apt, he thought.
He arrived home so early that day that the house was empty and he decided he'd catch a short nap. Instead he ended up collapsing upon the bed without removing his suit and fell into a deep sleep.
Kirishima had let Fei know the ordeal was over with, and Fei in turn passed word to Akihito and Tao; they all raced home. One by one they ran up the stairs and each found him in the bed, dead to the world. Fei undressed him, Tao covered him, Akihito put a stuffed bunny in his arms for old time's sake and took pictures.
Then they closed the door and left him to sleep.
He didn't wake up for two days.
When he did, Japan had changed.
--
"Fei, do you think...." Akihito was so overwhelmed it was all he could say.
"How? He didn't even... How would he be able to do this?" Fei was stunned, by knowing what it would have taken to have done this, what it had to have cost, and what had to have driven it.
Tao watched the television and smiled, pride and admiration overflowing in his heart as he finally understood. He knew his Dad could accomplish almost anything. He just hadn't realized that included the impossible. But apparently Asami could even do that when the motivation was love.
--
Asami woke up to a dim, quiet room. He was alone, which was odd. He was nude, which was not, except that he remembered falling onto the bed in his suit. He smiled, knowing that he'd been cared for by his quiet helpers and got up, preparing himself for what was to follow.
His cellphone was blinking. 54 messages. He ignored them and called Kirishima. "I've been asleep."
"So I understand. The news broke yesterday. You have accomplished the impossible once again, Asami-sama. Congratulations."
"You and Suoh have been of immeasurable help. You'll find additional gifts in your Swiss accounts, including the deed to a lovely house in Okinawa. And you have my personal thanks."
"Asami-sama..."
"I'll be in the office on Monday. Take some time off."
"Thank you, Asami-sama. And again, congratulations."
He hung up and took a few precious seconds to bask in the victory.
His peace was interrupted by a knock at the door. He didn't mind. "Come in, Tao."
The door cracked open and the boy slipped in, closing it behind him. "How did you know...?"
"That you monitor communications within the house? Please..."
Tao ducked his head, blushing. "I can only tell when they happen and from where. I haven't broken your encryption. Or tried! Your business is yours. It's just for security, so I know if someone is calling from our house who shouldn't be. So I happen to notice when someone calls who is allowed."
"Maybe we should give you a middle name. NSA, perhaps? Don't cross the line."
"You know I won’t. It's just that I realized you were awake and I had to come in to say..." he took a deep breath, then blew it out. "Huh, nothing seems adequate... I'm going to go to the library. Father and Akihito are downstairs. I'll tell them you're awake, okay? Good luck."
He turned to leave, but paused. "I can't believe you were able to do this. Sometime, not now, but in a few weeks, or months, you're going to sit down and tell me the entire story, and I'm going to tell you all the theories that have been running through my head these weeks, and we're both going to laugh our asses off. I really love you Dad."
"Tao..."
His son smiled. "I know you do." He closed the door softly behind him.
Asami rose and took a shower and started to get dressed. He pulled open the top drawer that held his underwear and pushed them out of the way. Three velvet boxes in different shades of blue sat side by side at the bottom of the drawer. He stared at them. He'd meant to give them last Christmas, it being the traditional time for such things, but it annoyed him because it wouldn't be real, not the way he had wanted it to be. It was then he'd decided upon his goal.
He'd started slowly, knowing he had to wear down all the opposition. He hadn't realized even then how much would be involved. But he'd never considered it to be impossible, because that would be admitting defeat. And the last couple of months... Well, it had cost him the entire drug trade, not just theirs but shutting down all corridors into Japan just to sway the prime minister. But that was something Akihito despised anyway so it wasn't that big a price to pay. And he could make the losses up in the massive influence he'd gained.
He was still standing there, staring into the drawer, when they ran into the room smelling of tea and cakes. He let his love for them overflow in his eyes, let them really see it, and held his arms open. They quieted at the strange sight, then Akihito grinned and ran toward him, throwing himself into his arms. Fei walked lightly across the floor, graceful as an impala, to pull his head down into a kiss so deep his heart was touched.
"You...!" Akihito said. "You!"
"Articulate as always, Akihito. But Ryuichi, really. For your next trick will you arrange world peace?"
Asami looked at them in horror. "Of course not! That would be terrible for business."
As planned they laughed, giving him a minute to gather his thoughts. For once he had no idea what to say. All this planning, and he finally reached this moment only to be speechless. He pulled them over to the dresser, Fei on his left and Akihito on his right, and nodded down. They peered into the drawer. Fei understood immediately. Asami heard his breath catch, and saw his hand cover his mouth.
Fei's face turned up to his, his eyes bright. "Do you mean this? Are you sure?"
"Why else do you think I've done this?" He pulled the boxes out and handed one to each of them. "But are you sure, Fei? It's for real now in every sense, for the world to see. And it's for life."
In answer, Fei opened the box, snatched the ring out, and tossed the box over his shoulder. It was an intricate braid of metals, three colors of gold running through it, red, yellow, and white. The red was dominant. Red for a dragon's fire. It fit him perfectly.
He held his left hand up and admired it. "You spent some time thinking about the design. It's beautiful, Ryuichi." He looked up, his eyes full. "You know there was never any question in my mind if I would. I just never thought we could. You really must tell me how."
"I will. But for now..."
"For now I love you both. I was lonely for such a long time. Now I have a home, a true home, and a son-- does Tao know?" At Asami's nod he said, "Of course he does, the little wizard. And I have you two, who see me as I am and love me despite it."
"Stop that."
"I do see good things in myself these days. Whenever I want to see myself I use the mirrors of your eyes."
"As you should." Asami took him into his arms and kissed him again, this one a promise that was bright and full of joy.
They'd heard nothing yet from Akihito. He was standing a little to the side, still staring down at the box he'd been given. The velvet of his box was unopened, and darkened with drops of water.
"Akihito?" Asami reached out and gently touched his shoulder. Fei went to his side and wrapped his arms around him.
Akihito wiped tears away but it was useless. They kept falling. "I w-wanted you to l-love me for so l-long. And n-now you do. And I love you so much."
He raised his head, rubbing his hand across his eyes, and looked at Fei. "Both of you. I love you both so much." He wiped the tears that fell anew. "Dammit why can't I stop crying?"
Asami's eyes softened and he pulled Akihito's back against his chest. He took the box from Akihito's limp hand and gave it to Fei. "Would you do the honors?" Fei smiled and took the ring, tossing the second box after the first. It was the same design as his ring, only the yellow gold was dominant. Yellow for the sunlight.
Fei cleared his throat. "Perhaps I should ask if you agree to this?" He sank to one knee. "My dear Akihito, I have long admired from afar your noble mien and elegant beauty and can only hope that you might consider my hand - Ow!" He glared up at Asami. "You didn't have to kick me. Fine. To the point then."
He took Akihito's hand. "Akihito, will you marry us? I think it's safe to say for both of us, that you are the best thing to ever happen to us and we love you deeply. You have saved our lives. You have performed the miracle of making Ryuichi human. It is only right that you take responsibility."
There was no answer. Asami bent his head to the side to see what was wrong. Akihito seemed a little dazed still. Asami looked at Fei. "Just put it on him before he has the chance to say no."
Fei looked up in horror. "I can't do that!"
A strangled laugh from Akihito caught their attention. "I can't believe you two. Of course I'll marry you."
He tilted his head back and looked up at Asami. "For better or for worse."
They kissed gently, Asami recalling all the kisses they'd shared. Of all of them, none had been so sweet as this.
Akihito stepped back, then turned to Fei and pulled him to his feet, murmuring something between them that made Fei's eyes shine.
Then they turned as one. "And your ring?"
"Ah." He lifted it from the box, which he set on his dresser. This ring was of course the same, but predominantly white gold. White was all the colors, now that he had them. He slipped it on the ring finger of his left hand. "There."
Akihito's eyes widened. Fei's eyes narrowed.
"There?"
"That's it? All that work for this moment and that's it?"
"The work speaks for itself. You two have said everything else. I don't need to repeat it."
"You do if you want sex tonight."
"And any other night."
They stared at him with folded arms.
"Welcome to married life, hmm? Is it too late to change my mind?" Normally he could take one of them, but he was practically naked and Fei would fight dirty.
He cleared his throat. "I'll always take care of you both. I'll protect you with my life. You'll never want for anything."
He stopped hopefully and they waited expectantly.
He sighed. "You know I don't say this easily." He looked down at the ring on his finger. "I never thought I'd wear something like this for anyone. I considered people to be bound to me and I to them by duty and fear. Marriage and love, they weren't options, ever."
He raised his hand, turning it so the band caught the light, watching it reflected on their faces. "I never thought such a thing would look right on me. I never thought it would feel right." He took a deep breath and finished what he had to say, "But it does. And it feel like if I took it off --if any one of us did-- nothing would be right anymore."
They were both smiling now, happiness radiating from them. He felt no small amount of relief, though he'd never admit it. Good. Now just to make sure they understand...
He folded his arms smugly. "And so I won't allow it to be any other way. You are both now completely officially in the eyes of the government, mine. Every time you look at those rings, remember who you belong to. Forever. Now. Come here." He held out his hands.
Akihito and Fei looked at each other.
Akihito spoke mildly. "It would be more effective if he weren't naked."
"Yes, he always has a presence, but when he's standing there with nothing on, you just want to do things to him."
"Though that part actually makes you want to listen to him and go over there."
"I agree. Nothing personal, but it will be a far more entertaining night over there where he is."
Asami rolled his eyes as they finally gave in without him saying a word and came to him. "I can see that you're going to require some more training."
Fei looked at his partner. "Akihito. We can't possibly let him set the tone for this marriage."
Akihito grinned. "Ah."
Fei spun low, his leg catching Asami in the back of his knees before he could react, sending him toppling in the direction of the bed. A little extra push while he was midair landed him square on the mattress.
He'd known Fei would fight dirty. They were lucky he had them just where he wanted them. For better or for worse.
--
And with the passage of the new marriage act, Japan became one of the most socially progressive nations in the world. Anyone could marry, any genders, any sexes, any number of them for any period of time, so long as they could legally consent to the contract. The public and world responded so well to the change that reform upon reform followed, granting freedoms from constraints that had started to chafe at the human race.
It is little wonder then, that Japan became a center for a peace movement that actually started to work, bringing some of the world's longest-lived conflicts to an end. After reading about yet another, Asami tossed the paper aside in disgust. Another pair of customers lost. Some thanks for all his hard work.
His eyes lifted at a burst of laughter. Across the room Fei and Tao were playing Scrabble with Akihito, who was filling the board with filthy words that he kept misspelling. He let their happiness settle over him. They were his family. His. Forever.
Ah well, he'd find another way to make money. Some things were just worth the trouble.
~end~
Title: VF AU: Therapy: With a Little Help
Pairing/Characters: Asami/Feilong/Akihito, Tao, Kirishima, Suoh
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: None
Warnings: Fluff, AU, Happy Ending
Note: M mentioned wanting some happy endings, so I gave her a fic that I'd always meant to write for Therapy. This may or may not be the last fic I write for this universe, but if it is, it wouldn't be a bad place to stop.
"Oh I almost forgot, there's an exhibit I wanted to go to this weekend-- this really good photographer is showing at a friend's gallery. Do you want to go?"
Fei looked up with a smile from where he was precisely buttering his toast, enjoying the endless energy and excitement bundled in the man across from him. "I'd love to. Are you going to ask Asami?"
Akihito grinned. "He won't want to go. No nudes."
"Do you think? If it's something you love..."
Footsteps pounded down the stairs in the hall outside the dining room. Both of them sat up a little straighter, then glanced at each other sheepishly as they realized what they were doing.
"Ryu?" Akihito called out. "Aren't you going to at least have some tea?"
"I'll get some in the car."
"Will you be home for dinner?" Akihito's question trailed off as they heard the front door close. "He's been like this for a few days. Something is going on."
Fei snorted. "Do you think?" He recognized the look on Akihito's face and strove to cut it off. Whatever Asami was involved in, it was bound to be dangerous. "I'll look into it at the office today. He hasn't told me anything, but he can't keep it from me if I aim to find it."
"There are a couple people I could ask..."
"Like Sakazaki, you mean?" Feilong asked nonchalantly. "It's a shame he'll never have children now."
"Yeah, that was a freak accident, wasn't it? And boy has that made my job harder. After him and Mitasawa, people think there's some stupid curse following me around and they won't talk to me about anything!"
"Ah, well, I'm sure in a year or two it will die down. Until then, you can focus on other kinds of photography." And then we'll break the legs of the next person who tries anything with you... "But for now, leave it to me. I'll get something out of Kirishima. I'm not going to bother trying to get Suoh to tell me where they've been going; he's too smart."
"I couldn't believe it, the day he told me about his degree in mathematics. But he's not too smart. What are you going to do with a degree like that? 'Hi, I'm Suoh, I can add really well.' He'd be put out of a job by a calculator."
Fei smothered a laugh. "There's a little more to advanced mathematics than that, Akihito. But he didn't have a chance. Kirishima tipped Asami off about him way back when. He told me they were both at Toudai, though Kirishima was just finishing his MBA when Suoh came in as a Freshman. His appearance stirred everyone up. Asami swooped in and grabbed him. He paid for his entire education and his sister's, with the understanding that Suoh would work for him afterwards."
Akihito beamed with pride. "People who say he isn't nice just don't know about things like that."
"I adore you, Akihito. Don't ever change." Fei reached across the table and patted his hand. "At any rate, let me look into it first at the source. "
Later that night, they met in the hall upstairs. "It seems to have something to do with weapons in Eastern Europe. You know how he has a fetish for those old Czech guns."
"Huh. OK. It seems a little odd to be getting so worked up over them, but maybe he found some really good quality ones."
Tao happened to have his door open a crack and overheard them. They could be so naive. But he opened his laptop and started working.
Several hours later he was getting suspicious. He couldn't find anything. Since the first order of business was information gathering, he decided to watch and wait for a few weeks.
And so the topic died for a while. But Asami's odd behavior did not.
Fei and Akihito staged an intervention. They didn't bring Hamada in so they had no idea what they were doing. It mostly consisted of shouting like some bad afternoon talk show.
Akihito paced up and down the sitting room in front of the couch, where Fei and Asami sat, the first stiff with irritation, the second one slouched and annoyed.
"Ryu, you don't need to tell me what it is-- I know you don't like me to be involved in the business. But I want to at least support you. You're not sharing anything so I have nothing to support!"
Asami shrugged. "There's nothing to support. Just some tight deadlines to get some deals finalized."
Fei sat forward, an annoyed note to his voice. "And you're not letting me help because...?"
"Because this is a side deal that got out of control. You have your hands full covering all our other work, and that's more help than you realize. I can focus on this because I know you're taking care of everything else."
Fei sank back into the cushions, slightly appeased. Akihito flopped down into a chair across from them, still not satisfied, but silent for the moment.
Asami looked down the room to where Tao sat at a desk, seemingly unconcerned. "What about you, Tao? Are you going to pester me too?"
Tao blinked and looked up. "Me? No, I trust you. You're not stupid enough to not ask for help when you need it."
And thus all three of them were put in their places. They looked at each other ruefully and went about their day.
--
As soon as he was at work, Asami called Kirishima and Suoh into his office. "Close the door. Lock it. Not a word of this leaks to anyone, got it?"
They both nodded, eyes wide.
"Good. You're my two most trusted men. I've been told by my wiseass son that I'm not stupid enough to not ask for help when I need it. He's right. I need it and that means you. If we succeed you'll get bonuses of ¥100MM."
Kirishima gasped. Suoh blinked and said, "I think I speak for both of us when I say, Asami-sama, that the money isn't necessary. Knowing we're helping you is enough."
Before Asami could speak Kirishima cut in, "But we'll take the money!" They looked at him. "My parents are retiring. I want to buy them a nice house in Okinawa."
"How many do they need?" Suoh asked dryly.
"You'll get the money. Here's what I'm trying to do." As he explained his plan, he watched disbelief cross their faces. When he told them where he was in the process, he saw shock. By the time he'd finished, he saw belief. He had chosen especially well when he'd picked these two so long ago. "So you understand why Feilong cannot hear a word of this?"
"Of course, Asami-sama," Kirishima replied, confidence radiating through him. "And we'll do everything in our power to make this come to pass."
Suoh nodded. "Piece of cake boss, with you in charge. I can handle any numbers, and any leg breaking you need done."
"You are a man of unusual talents, Suoh. Any questions, either of you?"
"Shouldn't we bring Yoh in, Asami-sama? He could distract Liu-sama."
"He'd spill it in a second. He stays in the dark. Anything else?"
They shook their heads, and left with their tasks. Asami relaxed a little when he sat down-he knew they'd get their portions done. Tao was a smart kid, he thought proudly. It does help to share burdens.
Everyone noticed an immediate improvement in Asami's state of health. It lasted a few weeks. Then it again started to worsen as he worked longer and longer hours.
--
Tao sat in the study, tablet in hand, watching his dad. He pretended to be doing homework, but he'd finished hours ago. Now he was just watching trends on the American stock market, occasionally moving some investments. And watching the camera on the back of his computer, which was focused on Asami. He wasn't so stupid as to try to directly watch him.
If it weren't for the dark circles that were forming under his dad's eyes, he might find it all amusing. Asami sat there, not engrossed in papers and finances and work, but completely distracted by something.
The papers in front of him were in disarray, and he kept shuffling through them. And every ten minutes or so he'd reach into his suit coat for his cigarettes only to realize they were no longer an option, swing the chair about, stare out the back of the house into the garden, then swing back around and try again.
He was on and off the phone, talking to finance ministers and housing ministers and even the prime minister. He called in favors here and passed them on to people over there, getting more favors in return. Even Tao couldn't follow it, in part because he couldn't hear as well as he'd hoped. Asami kept his voice low, though every so often it rose slightly, something so uncharacteristic that Tao decided he needed to do something.
The next time Asami spun his chair around, Tao walked around to the window and stood next to him, putting his hand on his shoulder. Asami started.
"You know, Dad. If it were I in that chair, and you standing here, you'd give me a lecture that would blister my ears."
Asami turned his gaze to meet his son's, his eyes tired. "I thought you trusted me."
"You know I do. But I can see what this is doing to you, and I can't just sit over there and do nothing. I know you're able to handle it, but I don't like seeing the price you're paying to do it alone. Let me help."
"You can't, Tao. It has to be me. They won't listen to anyone else."
"Who, Dad? Are we in danger? You know it's best if you warn us."
Asami pulled him down onto his lap. "No, no it's nothing like that. Shit, I'm making a mess of this. I knew it would be difficult, but I had no idea the idiocy and stubbornness..."
Tao considered himself to be getting a little old to be held on a father's lap, but it was rare enough with Asami that he relaxed and snuggled against his dad's chest and put his arms around him. "I know I can't handle contacts, because who listens to a 16 year old boy? But anything behind the scenes, anything, and I'll help."
Asami only murmured, "I really have to get back to it." But the arms around Tao tightened and didn't let him go. They sat like that quietly for some time, and when Asami finally kissed the top of his head and released him, he stood and went back to the couch to keep vigil once more. Asami, at least, seemed a little more relaxed and attacked his work with a renewed concentration.
--
Fei lost his patience a few days later. He waited until Asami was alone in his office and Kirishima the guard dog had gone to the bathroom (which he didn't do for about 7 hours! Did the man have a bottle under the desk?) and he stormed Asami's office, closing the door and shoving a big chair under the handles.
He turned to find Asami watching him with a weary but amused look on his face. His jacket was off, his vest unbuttoned, his sleeves rolled up and he looked delicious.
"That's the first time I've seen anything other than exhaustion in your eyes in weeks. You're going to tell me what's going on now, or you're not leaving this office."
"Ah, so only Tao trusts me."
"Don’t play that game with me. If this is about trust, then where is your trust in your partners, your mates? Or is that only a word game too?"
A flicker of anger appeared in Asami's eyes. "You doubt my love?"
Fei's temper faltered. "No. Of course not. I've just never seen you so exhausted and I'm sitting across the hall working on some stupid plan to destroy a heroin route into Japan that has no meaning whatsoever and I'd rather be helping you. I love you. Let me help."
Asami sat back in his chair and considered him. "It's not my intention to drive you insane, so I will tell you this much: you actually are helping me." Fei started to protest and Asami held up a hand. "No, stop, I don’t mean by handling the work load, though you're doing that too. I mean what you're doing about the heroin. It's part of this. I need it to succeed or none of this will work."
Fei examined his face closely. "You mean that. You're not just distracting me. What are you involved in? This is huge, if that's only a part."
"It's huge. Do you know the story about the man who traded beans for a pot, which he traded for a chicken, which he traded for something else until he got what he wanted? Yours is one of the end pieces. I need it Fei. Get it for me. I know you can. And when this is over, you'll know everything. Trust me."
"I've trusted you before." Fei said mildly, coming around the desk.
"That was ten years ago!"
Fei's eyebrow went up as he sat down on Asami's lap, straddling him. "I was thinking of when I asked you to bring our son home safely, and you did. Of course I trust you. And I love you. Maybe I need to show you."
"You do every day," Asami murmured, right before they kissed. "That was good thinking, locking the door."
"See, you can trust me too. You'll get your heroin route closed. Later."
--
Kirishima waited impatiently outside Asami's office. Once in a while he rattled the door knob, but after he heard a moan or two he didn't bother. They wouldn't notice. At least, Liu wouldn't. Asami would, and he didn't want to annoy him with all the stress he was under.
When Liu finally came out he walked like a cat who'd gotten into the pantry and drank all the cream. He licked his lips as he passed Kirishima, giving him a sly look. "He'll see you now. You might want to bring some window cleaner. It got a little messy."
Kirishima didn't even blush about that anymore. He pressed a button by his phone and small door in the paneling by his desk slid opened. A prototype cleaning robot rolled out and into Asami's office. A yell came from within. Liu strangled a laugh. "You win this round, Kirishima."
He went into the office and dropped the latest acquisitions and sales reports onto the desk. "We've managed to get five more of the smaller items across the board and they're being delivered, with receipt of the next arranged."
Asami looked the pages over, sipping some tea, his eyes flicking to the machine cleaning the window. "Where did you get that thing?"
"Our weapons researchers in Prague. Two of them built this in their spare time and I bought all the patents. They're improving it at my command and working on versions that clean cars, elevators, laptops, hotel rooms, and small dogs."
Asami choked on his tea. "Ah, your French bulldog. I believe we apologized about that."
"Nevertheless."
"Cook at least will appreciate it. This report looks good. Go ahead and start on the next stage in acquisitions."
"I already have, Asami-sama."
"I hope you're aware of how much I appreciate your ability to anticipate not only the market, but my needs. You can leave the robot. "
"Thank you, Asami-sama. I'm happy to help." Kirishima smiled and blushed at the uncharacteristic compliment. Really, Asami-sama's thanks were all he needed.
--
Asami stumbled into the house at 06:00. The sky was just starting to lighten.
Akihito was sitting at the foot of the stairs with a blanket around him, asleep. He stirred as Asami walked toward him and sat up, blinking at his watch.
Asami just stopped and waited for it. Everyone else had been haranguing him, and Akihito was a master. It wasn't a bad thing, but sometimes it was tiresome.
To his surprise, he found himself being pulled up the stairs to his bedroom and made to sit at a table by the window. A warm bowl that smelled fragrantly of chicken was put into his hands. "Eat. I made it for you."
Akihito rarely cooked, but when he did it was delicious. There was something about eating a dish made especially for you by a lover, and he couldn't remember the last thing he'd eaten. The soup was gone by the time Akihito came back into the room.
"The bath is warm. Let's go."
Bemused by this motherly version of his firecat, he followed, allowing himself to be stripped, not minding the suit flung across the floor, noting that the watch he got for Christmas from Fei was treated with considerably more care.
He watched as Akihito began lathering himself up.
"Are you going to wash me too?"
"You'd better believe it." As soon as he was covered with soap, Akihito started rubbing himself all over Asami's body.
"Kirishima needs to make one for the bathroom too."
"What?"
"Never mind. Come here. Let me help."
As it turned out, that was one mess that cleaned itself up.
--
Things were more peaceful from there on out. Asami never told them a thing and never again asked for help, but they all offered it in their own ways. After he left his last meeting and was riding home in the car, he reflected on having accomplished the toughest task he'd ever set himself. He couldn't have done it without them. How apt, he thought.
He arrived home so early that day that the house was empty and he decided he'd catch a short nap. Instead he ended up collapsing upon the bed without removing his suit and fell into a deep sleep.
Kirishima had let Fei know the ordeal was over with, and Fei in turn passed word to Akihito and Tao; they all raced home. One by one they ran up the stairs and each found him in the bed, dead to the world. Fei undressed him, Tao covered him, Akihito put a stuffed bunny in his arms for old time's sake and took pictures.
Then they closed the door and left him to sleep.
He didn't wake up for two days.
When he did, Japan had changed.
--
"Fei, do you think...." Akihito was so overwhelmed it was all he could say.
"How? He didn't even... How would he be able to do this?" Fei was stunned, by knowing what it would have taken to have done this, what it had to have cost, and what had to have driven it.
Tao watched the television and smiled, pride and admiration overflowing in his heart as he finally understood. He knew his Dad could accomplish almost anything. He just hadn't realized that included the impossible. But apparently Asami could even do that when the motivation was love.
--
Asami woke up to a dim, quiet room. He was alone, which was odd. He was nude, which was not, except that he remembered falling onto the bed in his suit. He smiled, knowing that he'd been cared for by his quiet helpers and got up, preparing himself for what was to follow.
His cellphone was blinking. 54 messages. He ignored them and called Kirishima. "I've been asleep."
"So I understand. The news broke yesterday. You have accomplished the impossible once again, Asami-sama. Congratulations."
"You and Suoh have been of immeasurable help. You'll find additional gifts in your Swiss accounts, including the deed to a lovely house in Okinawa. And you have my personal thanks."
"Asami-sama..."
"I'll be in the office on Monday. Take some time off."
"Thank you, Asami-sama. And again, congratulations."
He hung up and took a few precious seconds to bask in the victory.
His peace was interrupted by a knock at the door. He didn't mind. "Come in, Tao."
The door cracked open and the boy slipped in, closing it behind him. "How did you know...?"
"That you monitor communications within the house? Please..."
Tao ducked his head, blushing. "I can only tell when they happen and from where. I haven't broken your encryption. Or tried! Your business is yours. It's just for security, so I know if someone is calling from our house who shouldn't be. So I happen to notice when someone calls who is allowed."
"Maybe we should give you a middle name. NSA, perhaps? Don't cross the line."
"You know I won’t. It's just that I realized you were awake and I had to come in to say..." he took a deep breath, then blew it out. "Huh, nothing seems adequate... I'm going to go to the library. Father and Akihito are downstairs. I'll tell them you're awake, okay? Good luck."
He turned to leave, but paused. "I can't believe you were able to do this. Sometime, not now, but in a few weeks, or months, you're going to sit down and tell me the entire story, and I'm going to tell you all the theories that have been running through my head these weeks, and we're both going to laugh our asses off. I really love you Dad."
"Tao..."
His son smiled. "I know you do." He closed the door softly behind him.
Asami rose and took a shower and started to get dressed. He pulled open the top drawer that held his underwear and pushed them out of the way. Three velvet boxes in different shades of blue sat side by side at the bottom of the drawer. He stared at them. He'd meant to give them last Christmas, it being the traditional time for such things, but it annoyed him because it wouldn't be real, not the way he had wanted it to be. It was then he'd decided upon his goal.
He'd started slowly, knowing he had to wear down all the opposition. He hadn't realized even then how much would be involved. But he'd never considered it to be impossible, because that would be admitting defeat. And the last couple of months... Well, it had cost him the entire drug trade, not just theirs but shutting down all corridors into Japan just to sway the prime minister. But that was something Akihito despised anyway so it wasn't that big a price to pay. And he could make the losses up in the massive influence he'd gained.
He was still standing there, staring into the drawer, when they ran into the room smelling of tea and cakes. He let his love for them overflow in his eyes, let them really see it, and held his arms open. They quieted at the strange sight, then Akihito grinned and ran toward him, throwing himself into his arms. Fei walked lightly across the floor, graceful as an impala, to pull his head down into a kiss so deep his heart was touched.
"You...!" Akihito said. "You!"
"Articulate as always, Akihito. But Ryuichi, really. For your next trick will you arrange world peace?"
Asami looked at them in horror. "Of course not! That would be terrible for business."
As planned they laughed, giving him a minute to gather his thoughts. For once he had no idea what to say. All this planning, and he finally reached this moment only to be speechless. He pulled them over to the dresser, Fei on his left and Akihito on his right, and nodded down. They peered into the drawer. Fei understood immediately. Asami heard his breath catch, and saw his hand cover his mouth.
Fei's face turned up to his, his eyes bright. "Do you mean this? Are you sure?"
"Why else do you think I've done this?" He pulled the boxes out and handed one to each of them. "But are you sure, Fei? It's for real now in every sense, for the world to see. And it's for life."
In answer, Fei opened the box, snatched the ring out, and tossed the box over his shoulder. It was an intricate braid of metals, three colors of gold running through it, red, yellow, and white. The red was dominant. Red for a dragon's fire. It fit him perfectly.
He held his left hand up and admired it. "You spent some time thinking about the design. It's beautiful, Ryuichi." He looked up, his eyes full. "You know there was never any question in my mind if I would. I just never thought we could. You really must tell me how."
"I will. But for now..."
"For now I love you both. I was lonely for such a long time. Now I have a home, a true home, and a son-- does Tao know?" At Asami's nod he said, "Of course he does, the little wizard. And I have you two, who see me as I am and love me despite it."
"Stop that."
"I do see good things in myself these days. Whenever I want to see myself I use the mirrors of your eyes."
"As you should." Asami took him into his arms and kissed him again, this one a promise that was bright and full of joy.
They'd heard nothing yet from Akihito. He was standing a little to the side, still staring down at the box he'd been given. The velvet of his box was unopened, and darkened with drops of water.
"Akihito?" Asami reached out and gently touched his shoulder. Fei went to his side and wrapped his arms around him.
Akihito wiped tears away but it was useless. They kept falling. "I w-wanted you to l-love me for so l-long. And n-now you do. And I love you so much."
He raised his head, rubbing his hand across his eyes, and looked at Fei. "Both of you. I love you both so much." He wiped the tears that fell anew. "Dammit why can't I stop crying?"
Asami's eyes softened and he pulled Akihito's back against his chest. He took the box from Akihito's limp hand and gave it to Fei. "Would you do the honors?" Fei smiled and took the ring, tossing the second box after the first. It was the same design as his ring, only the yellow gold was dominant. Yellow for the sunlight.
Fei cleared his throat. "Perhaps I should ask if you agree to this?" He sank to one knee. "My dear Akihito, I have long admired from afar your noble mien and elegant beauty and can only hope that you might consider my hand - Ow!" He glared up at Asami. "You didn't have to kick me. Fine. To the point then."
He took Akihito's hand. "Akihito, will you marry us? I think it's safe to say for both of us, that you are the best thing to ever happen to us and we love you deeply. You have saved our lives. You have performed the miracle of making Ryuichi human. It is only right that you take responsibility."
There was no answer. Asami bent his head to the side to see what was wrong. Akihito seemed a little dazed still. Asami looked at Fei. "Just put it on him before he has the chance to say no."
Fei looked up in horror. "I can't do that!"
A strangled laugh from Akihito caught their attention. "I can't believe you two. Of course I'll marry you."
He tilted his head back and looked up at Asami. "For better or for worse."
They kissed gently, Asami recalling all the kisses they'd shared. Of all of them, none had been so sweet as this.
Akihito stepped back, then turned to Fei and pulled him to his feet, murmuring something between them that made Fei's eyes shine.
Then they turned as one. "And your ring?"
"Ah." He lifted it from the box, which he set on his dresser. This ring was of course the same, but predominantly white gold. White was all the colors, now that he had them. He slipped it on the ring finger of his left hand. "There."
Akihito's eyes widened. Fei's eyes narrowed.
"There?"
"That's it? All that work for this moment and that's it?"
"The work speaks for itself. You two have said everything else. I don't need to repeat it."
"You do if you want sex tonight."
"And any other night."
They stared at him with folded arms.
"Welcome to married life, hmm? Is it too late to change my mind?" Normally he could take one of them, but he was practically naked and Fei would fight dirty.
He cleared his throat. "I'll always take care of you both. I'll protect you with my life. You'll never want for anything."
He stopped hopefully and they waited expectantly.
He sighed. "You know I don't say this easily." He looked down at the ring on his finger. "I never thought I'd wear something like this for anyone. I considered people to be bound to me and I to them by duty and fear. Marriage and love, they weren't options, ever."
He raised his hand, turning it so the band caught the light, watching it reflected on their faces. "I never thought such a thing would look right on me. I never thought it would feel right." He took a deep breath and finished what he had to say, "But it does. And it feel like if I took it off --if any one of us did-- nothing would be right anymore."
They were both smiling now, happiness radiating from them. He felt no small amount of relief, though he'd never admit it. Good. Now just to make sure they understand...
He folded his arms smugly. "And so I won't allow it to be any other way. You are both now completely officially in the eyes of the government, mine. Every time you look at those rings, remember who you belong to. Forever. Now. Come here." He held out his hands.
Akihito and Fei looked at each other.
Akihito spoke mildly. "It would be more effective if he weren't naked."
"Yes, he always has a presence, but when he's standing there with nothing on, you just want to do things to him."
"Though that part actually makes you want to listen to him and go over there."
"I agree. Nothing personal, but it will be a far more entertaining night over there where he is."
Asami rolled his eyes as they finally gave in without him saying a word and came to him. "I can see that you're going to require some more training."
Fei looked at his partner. "Akihito. We can't possibly let him set the tone for this marriage."
Akihito grinned. "Ah."
Fei spun low, his leg catching Asami in the back of his knees before he could react, sending him toppling in the direction of the bed. A little extra push while he was midair landed him square on the mattress.
He'd known Fei would fight dirty. They were lucky he had them just where he wanted them. For better or for worse.
--
And with the passage of the new marriage act, Japan became one of the most socially progressive nations in the world. Anyone could marry, any genders, any sexes, any number of them for any period of time, so long as they could legally consent to the contract. The public and world responded so well to the change that reform upon reform followed, granting freedoms from constraints that had started to chafe at the human race.
It is little wonder then, that Japan became a center for a peace movement that actually started to work, bringing some of the world's longest-lived conflicts to an end. After reading about yet another, Asami tossed the paper aside in disgust. Another pair of customers lost. Some thanks for all his hard work.
His eyes lifted at a burst of laughter. Across the room Fei and Tao were playing Scrabble with Akihito, who was filling the board with filthy words that he kept misspelling. He let their happiness settle over him. They were his family. His. Forever.
Ah well, he'd find another way to make money. Some things were just worth the trouble.
~end~