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It’s those eyes again. Samatoki knows them, he can pick them out in a crowded street and they’re always, always on him -- glinting in mischief and luring him in with pink lips curved in a smile. Samatoki has fallen prey to them one too many times (unwittingly, embarrassingly ) and he is not about to let this nameless stranger strike him out without even getting his own punch in. He’s Samatoki Fucking Aohitsugi, who does this punk think he is?“Oi.”Samatoki stands with his feet firm on the ground and his hold tight on his stalker. The pedestrian crowd passes around him and his captive, unwilling to disturb their strange standoff. The wrist in his grip vies to wrest itself free but Samatoki only clutches him tighter.With his sharpest grin, Samatoki asks, “And where do you think you’re going?”“Nowhere in particular.” He has the audacity to sound flippant, as if he hasn’t just been caught in the act of lifting Samatoki’s wallet out of his jeans. “You should invest in a wallet chain,” he adds without even a glance.Samatoki’s teeth grit together. “Or maybe you can stop pickpocketing me.”“That’s a bold accusation,” the punk points out, laughing at their joke of a confrontation.“Deny it to my face, I dare you.”Samatoki sees his lips curl at the corner; the way he turns appears to him in slow motion, vibrant green eyes arresting the whole of his attention. With his full profile in view, Samatoki feels the breath knocked out of him.At just a few centimeters short of Samatoki and with dark hair looking windswept despite the perfectly still day, the boy in his grasp radiates his own distinct atmosphere; anyone close enough would have no choice but to be caught in it.“I’m not a thief,” the boy insists, with full certainty and a smile that never dims. “I’m an info broker.”Samatoki tilts his head, unwilling to admit just how much more intrigued he is with this pickpocket after the reveal. “Is that so?”“It is. And it’s nice to finally meet you properly… Samatoki Aohitsugi-san.”“So you know me, but I don’t know you .” Samatoki steps towards him, “That doesn’t sound fair.” “Well, I do like fairness.” To his credit, the boy doesn’t back down, and instead leans closer as he grins, “Name’s Ichiro. Ichiro Yamada.” ++++++++++++++++++++++ “Did I not remind you to be careful, Ichiro-kun?”The question comes with mild exasperation. Ichiro is sure that the only reason his guardian isn’t pointing a sword at him is because there’s cake between them. (The Neapolitan Castella is a Katagiri Confectionary exclusive, with the esteemed qualities of looking and tasting like heaven. It would be the highest sin to besmirch it’s presence with blood)Under Jakurai’s piercing stare, Ichiro delays a pending bite of cake to answer. “I was being careful. I wanted to get to know him better before formally introducing myself -- maybe try for one of those meet-cutes, y’know? -- but he caught me off-guard. It was so unromantic.” He chomps on the soft chiffon but not even its sweetness can undo his frown.Jakurai does not know what a ‘meet-cute’ is but neither does he care. “Which means you were not, in fact, being as careful as you ought to have been.”Two other pairs of eyes meet but mouths remain sealed. Much as they hated for anyone to talk down at their big brother, Jakurai Jinguji is a special case. Both younger Yamadas know better than to speak up against their retainer when his strictness is out in full force. The concern comes from a good place, from Jakurai’s tender regard for them, and Ichiro is aware of that, too, it’s just that… Ichiro pouts, fork dangling from his mouth. “Wellll, I knew approaching him in public was safe. We had a nice chat, too! He might be interested in our intel services since I so very kindly offered.”“Really, nii-chan?”Ichiro’s demeanor quickly lightens when he addresses his brothers. “Yeah! I mean, I kind of proved a point when I lifted, like, two phones and a wallet from him. I was going for his new wallet yesterday when he caught on.”Jiro and Saburo laugh on cue; Jakurai arches a single eyebrow in perfect, wordless contempt, but he chooses to withhold any further comments on his charge’s ‘enthusiasm’ with regards to this particular mark. As he takes a sip of tea, a perfect blend to match the sweetness of the castella, Jakurai muses at how, in the company of this makeshift family, he doesn’t really feel as though he has retired even though it’s been years since he’s been on the field himself. Back then, it had never crossed his mind to set aside his sword at the relatively young age of 35 - yet here he is, guardian to three grown boys whom he considered his sons in all but blood. Maybe he could have raised them differently -- kept them from the less than honorable businesses that run this world -- but to veil their eyes when their childhood was spent in similar turmoil would have been a disservice. As he decided then, and upholds until now, the only way to protect them was to help them accept and adapt to these unsavory truths. They had taken to his teachings with reverence worthy of a religion, but retained their own identities, pursuing their own ambitions with the characteristic fervor of youth. By some miracle, these boys under his care grew up to be fine young men who seek out rainbows after every storm, and for that, at the very least, Jakurai thinks he’s done something right.Abruptly, the laughter stops - Ichiro, Jiro, and Saburo have all turned their attention to their phones.Normally, Jakurai has a policy against gadgets at the dining table, but when even the screen of his tablet lights up, scolding words still on his tongue. With a frown, he sets down his tea cup and swipes at the notifications, “It seems there’s a lost little rabbit snooping around our den.”“I’m on it,” comes Saburo’s brisk response. Lines of code scroll through one of the open windows, tracking the trespasser’s movements in real-time. The little rabbit icon is adorable, but not so how it hops through their niche of the deep web as if it was an open meadow, smartly avoiding the multiple fake leads meant to trap and infect potential invaders.“Aw, they’re looking me up,” Ichiro coos from across the table, scrolling one-handed through his own device that mirrors the display on Jakurai’s tablet. The alert informs them of pointed searches of their names, honing in on attempts to dig up their history and more personal information. “I haven’t changed my profile pic in forever, though. The little rabbit must think I’m still that skinny little brat.”Jakurai lifts a stern gaze to his oldest charge just as Jiro scowls at his phone and turns it to Ichiro, their database in view, “Nii-chan, this insignia--”“I know, I know,” Ichiro sighs. “Saburo, the command prompt.”“Sending. There. It’s yours.”“Thanks.” Ichiro taps a few buttons that turns the screen black then flashes a stylized image of a wolf. It fades to reveal the rabbit gone before it could burrow through their firewalls. A beat passes but the rabbit doesn’t reappear, probably wary that it’s being watched. What a smart rabbit, Jakurai thinks as he reviews its tracks.Jiro blows out a breath of relief and concedes to shooting Saburo a congratulatory finger-gun, but Jakurai isn’t so easily placated. “Should I be concerned about this?”“It’s fine, sensei,” Ichiro assures him. “I told you I had a nice chat with Aohitsugi-san. If the rabbits are doing his bidding, then it only confirms who he is, doesn’t it?” He slices himself another portion of cake. “I don’t think Saburo was able to crack that last phone I stole from him yet… I should play nice and return it, don’t you think?”At this point, Jakurai can taste the futility of trying to dissuade Ichiro from his plan, just as clearly as he relishes the remains of his tea.“You’re meeting him by yourself again, nii-chan?” Jiro voices their guardian’s concern as Jakurai expects him to, with how Ichiro takes a kinder approach to his brothers’ worries.“I don’t want to scare off our new client so soon, Jiro. I’ll be fine.”Jiro and Saburo share a look, and then turn as one towards Jakurai in a wordless plea for him to step in. His charges are usually behaved and despite their voracious appetite for business, they acknowledge their limits. Jakurai supposes, they could be thrilled with worse things.“Then allow me to monitor your transaction with this Aohitsugi-san,” he proposes, to Jiro and Saburo’s relief.“You’re chaperoning me?” Ichiro’s soothing smile sours. He looks the very picture of a child about to throw a tantrum and Jakurai knows exactly what’s going on his head. Something like ‘I’m not twelve, sensei, I can run my own errands!’ “Monitoring,” Jakurai emphasizes. “I’ll be out of sight but I’ll require you to wear a mic so I can listen in.” Why is written all over Ichiro’s face but he’s been dealing with this for years, he knows how to play his cards. In no way was his mild-mannered guardian a pushover, after all. “No video.”“No?” Jakurai tilts his head askance, curious at the deviation from their established protocol.“No video,” Ichiro repeats firmly, holding Jakura’s gaze as he lays down his terms. “I’ll tell you where we’ll meet so you can set up the recorders in advance but no cameras allowed.” Neither Jiro nor Saburo dare to make a sound. Jakurai allows an agonizing moment of consideration to pass before conceding. “Fine.” ++++++++++++++++++++++ The usual car, the usual space - it’s like Samatoki is asking for Ichiro to find him. He already knows that Samatoki cruises around this area, around this time of the day, around this day of the week. Ichiro knows the brand of cigarette he just snuffed out in a trash bin, how Samatoki goes through half a pack in a week. What Ichiro doesn’t know is why Samatoki seems to be dawdling at the park. He usually leaves after a smoke or two and right now, he isn’t even lighting up a new stick or fiddling with his phone like the other loiterers are doing.Ah. Could it be…?Ichiro takes care to adopt a casual pace, even putting his headphones on, even though there’s no music playing. Soon as he comes close enough, those demon red eyes flick over to him. Ichiro doesn’t even have to fake his smile, he pulls down his headphones so they hang around his neck and waves with genuine enthusiasm.“Figures you’d show up here, too,” Samatoki says in lieu of a greeting.“Were you waiting for me?” Ichiro sidles up to him so they both lean against empty bike racks, maintaining a friendly distance.“I got nothing else for you to steal,” Samatoki smirks, seeing Ichiro deliberately shove his hands into the pockets of his letterman. “Except maybe my time.”“Don’t sell yourself short, Aohtisugi-san~ I find plenty of value in you.” Ichiro’s eyes gleam above his wide smile. “But some time alone sounds nice. Have you thought about my offer? The Yamada Yorozuya can most certainly fulfill any order.”With the way Ichiro talks coupled with his looks – Samatoki pegs him at a fresh twenty, maybe twenty-one, definitely of legal and knowledgeable age – a certain other kind of proposition comes to mind, but Samatoki is quick to dismiss it. Just because they’re friendly doesn’t mean he can let his guard down. “Yeah, I’ve heard of you.”‘Heard’ is putting it mildly. Jyuto dug into their details yesterday (not before shouting his ear off about making friends with pickpockets) and duly informed Samatoki of the threat they possessed. ‘It’s littered with landmines,’ Jyuto had commented, looking more impressed than irate that his scouting had been cut short. The bastard had always been kind of a masochist, so Samatoki nitpicked the details that would be most useful to him.“Pretty good reviews for a startup, too. Why don’t we talk about this more over a drink?”“I know the best place!”With that claim, Samatoki gladly lets Ichiro lead the way. The short walk takes them just a few doors down from main street and up a short flight of stairs. The place looks quiet but curious rustling sounds come from within; the curling script on the signboard says Owl Café. Samatoki didn’t even know that owl cafés existed, much less that they could operate in daylight.Ichiro looks back once, gauging Samatoki’s reaction, before opening the door with a grin. The gentle jingling of chimes announces their arrival.“Welcome!” The staff has barely started her spiel when an owl flies over, sitting on Ichiro’s head, much to the young man’s delight.“Buchou!” The owl hoots in response. “Good to see you!” Green eyes point up but it’s doubtful whether Ichiro could actually see the bird.Samatoki is dumbstruck.“Ichiro-san, it’s been a while!”“Hey, Mina-chan,” Ichiro greets the staff with a friendly smile. “What have you been feeding him? Buchou’s really heavier.”“He’s a growing bird,” Mina replies. “Shall I lead you to your usual seat?”“Yes, please.”It’s a slow day so the café is fairly empty, there’s just this one other guy in a green coat arguing with the bird that’s stealing crumbs right off his cookie. They get seated and make their drink order -- a strawberry milkshake for Ichiro and a latte for Samatoki.“Does Aohitsugi-san want an owl, too?” Ichiro asks, holding up a laminated sheet that bears profiles of the café’s bird companions.Samatoki looks from Ichiro’s smiling face to the narrow-eyed owl nested on his head. “I’ll pass.” He returns the bird’s wary stare; it doesn’t look like the owls appreciate a sudden visitor like him. That, or it’s just extremely grumpy at being awake during daytime.“Suit yourself~” Ichiro sits back with the bird perfectly keeping its balance as he settles. Mina takes the menu, giving Ichiro a small bowl of owl treats in exchange before heading to the kitchens to make their orders. Once she’s out of sight, Ichiro digs something out of his pocket and places it on the table, sliding it over to Samatoki who immediately recognizes the gadget. “Look what I found for you!” It’s a smartphone – more specifically, the latest one he’d stolen from Samatoki about a week ago. It’s been meticulously put back together in an attempt to dispel any suspicions about its safety at the hands of the Yamada Yorozuya. ‘Found’ he says. Samatoki can’t help but grin at the open-faced lie being sold to him. Across the table, Ichiro’s smile is cheeky, not cocky, and the whole display is ridiculous enough for him to bite. “Well, thanks.”“Please forgive my past misdemeanors and let’s start over!”He’s really playing up his cuteness, isn’t he? Fine. “Consider yourself forgiven, Ichiro Yamada, but I gotta know one thing – why’d you target me, anyway?”“Now, see, I don’t tell on my clients. I’m a professional, you know!” Ichiro reaches up to feed Buchou a treat, looking weirdly content to have an owl on his head. “But I will say this -- Aohitsugi-san’s domain is a very profitable resource line. I hope you’ll be careful.”Nice way of saying there’s more than a few bounties on his head. The vagueness of Ichiro’s answer is a touch irritating, but Samatoki respects his discretion - it could be valuable, if he plays it right.He’s observant enough, Samatoki notices – when the silence stretches on after a beat, Ichiro puts his hands together, “Aw, come on~ Just give me a chance!” With a smile that oozes charisma to wheedle his way through, he continues, “I promise you won’t regret it!”Honestly, Samatoki is impressed. What kind of info broker gets caught and then asks to work for his mark? In that sense, what kind of idiot would actually consider hiring their mugger? Well, Samatoki corrects himself, they’re in a truce now, aren’t they? And accepting Ichiro’s proposal would technically make him his boss, so that’s gotta be something to hold over him. “Alright,” Samatoki decides, it shouldn’t hurt too much to give this Yorozuya a try. Ichiro’s already beaming like his birthday came early. Samatoki clears his throat, and tries not to be distracted. “Get me what you can about ‘easy R’ and his posse down in Shibuya.” That particular matter is by no means an easy job, despite its target and how loose yakuza-foot traffic is in the ward. At the same time, the assignment wouldn’t cause someone a limb or two, if they really knew what they were doing.“Shibuya?” Ichiro blinks, but shows no sign of apprehension, if he even felt any. “They’ve been keeping a low profile recently but sure, I can get you something.” He did hear that easy R had been recruiting lately, but for what, nobody can tell yet. Rather, nobody wants to find out. What an interesting request, as expected from an Aohitsugi. Ichiro is really looking forward to this job. “Free trial,” he winks. “We’ll discuss rates if you like the info and find yourself wanting to take us on again.”There’s a voice in Samatoki’s head that shit-talks him like Jyuto, calling him out for letting a gray-zoned info broker into his business but - Samatoki has got this. He grew up watching his father negotiate every deal into his favor. The talks back then didn’t always stay civil and Samatoki didn’t always agree with his father’s decisions, but it wasn’t his place to argue… not that it ever stopped him on multiple counts. Soon, though, he’d be the one calling the shots, and what’s one startup Yorozuya against his entire upbringing? “Your generosity is appreciated, but let’s see what you can do first before we get serious.” Buchou hoots, alerting Ichiro of their waitress’s return. His expression immediately smoothes into casual friendliness, looking up at Mina with a smile. “Oh hey, our drinks are here!”The quick turnaround isn’t surprising, but Samatoki has to pinch his own leg under the table as Buchou hoots again, accepting a treat from Ichiro. Did that owl just -- is the bird in cahoots with this guy’s operations? What the fuck.“Here’s your latte!” Ichiro slides the cup and saucer towards him, and Samatoki redirects his attention from the eerily intelligent owl to his drink. The latte art is neat, an owl silhouette to keep to the café’s theme, and there's even little bird footprints along the edge of the saucer. Samatoki takes a sip, careful not to scald his tongue. It's good, not too sweet or too strong.Across him, Ichiro contends with a towering strawberry milkshake, complete with Pocky sticks and a wafer stuck on top of the whipped cream. He slurps his drink happily, getting foam on his chin that embarrasses Samatoki enough to point it out.“Do you want to pet Buchou?” Ichiro offers when his milkshake has been drained enough to avoid overflowing.The owl had been happily staying put while Ichiro drank up but with Ichiro redirecting his attention to Samatoki, the bird's judging gaze is upon him as well. “I don't think the bird's thrilled with that idea,” Samatoki hazards.“Naw, Buchou is really friendly! And soft!” Ichiro proudly declares. “Here, let me show you.”Samatoki watches, with no small amount of anxiety that he hopes remains unnoticeable, as Ichiro takes the bird off his head like one would take off a hat and sets it on his forearm. He coos at it, tickling the bird under its beak, and then gushing even more when it nabs at his finger, faster than a blink.“Aww, look, Aohitsugi-san! This means he really likes me!”First of all -- who gave this pickpocketing info broker the right to be so cute. What in the fuckening blazes. Secondly, Samatoki is sure that affectionate bite will take on a deadly countenance should he attempt to do the same. Those big round eyes are daring him to make his move, and while he has faced off with plenty of tough bastards in defense of his turf, Samatoki has never entertained the thought of being challenged by a bird. “I'll… pass on the beak.” Samatoki knows when a fight isn't worth fighting and Jyuto would never let him live it down if he loses a finger to an owl, of all things. Ichiro looks sincerely disappointed, though, like Samatoki just told him he’d rather get run over by a truck than touch the feathery abomination. It makes his coffee taste like dirt water. Ugh. “I can, maybe, go for a cautious head tap, though?”Ichiro's frown instantly flips. How nice that Aohitsugi is willing to try! “Okay! Just be very careful.” In a bookshop across the street, Jakurai rolls his eyes behind the broadsheet propped up on his table as cover. His earpiece gives him clear reception on the audio from inside the owl café, which has made a sharp turn away from business. Ichiro's methods may be unconventional compared to what Jakurai would have done but he’d gotten the deal he wanted nonetheless. Next time however, Jakurai would have to insist on visual surveillance. Just listening to them like this makes everything sound like a weird first date. (One that’s going rather well, at that.) Samatoki would swear that he has never attempted anything more gently in his life - not even when he had to sneak takeout past Rio, who was making lunch with suspect exotic ingredients. The owl is still shooting mistrusting looks at him but it doesn't dare move with Ichiro watching their interaction so closely. Samatoki takes a deep breath, and then delivers the softest tap on Buchou's head…
Fwup.
Buchou does not bite Samatoki's finger off. (Miracle of miracles! Samatoki would hereafter deny any notion of fear towards the bird.)Ichiro beams, hooking his finger with Samatoki's and dragging it along the pliant owl’s head, “Here's Buchou's favorite petting spot! Ah, see, he closed his eyes! Awww~”Buchou indeed looks pleased but Samatoki finds himself at a loss, yet again. Is he really, in this moment, linking fingers with a guy and petting an owl? He almost wishes Jyuto was here to pistol-whip him back to reality. “He's, uh, well-behaved, huh?”“He is~ He'll worm his way right into your heart before you know it~” Samatoki still has misgivings on that prediction but he's gaining some confidence now that the scale of their interactions seem to be more balanced. “Can Buchou switch arms?” he asks, surprising Ichiro with his forward request.“Switch arms?” Ichiro repeats, “You wanna carry him?”Samatoki figured it was the next logical step. Besides, “He isn't fussing too much, so…” With the petting at a pause, Buchou has returned to staring suspiciously at him, but Ichiro… Ichiro's eyes are sparkling.“We'll have to borrow arm guards so Buchou doesn't accidentally scratch you,” Ichiro says in a rush. He whips around, calling for Mina’s assistance in lending them the necessary props.Buchou perches on Ichiro's head as they affix the leather guard on Samatoki's forearm. It looks badass, Ichiro informs Samatoki promptly, before instructing him to hold his hand steady as he coaxes Buchou down to it. Ichiro leans towards Samatoki conspiringly, “Buchou is heavier than he looks, but don't let it get to you~”Samatoki holds still until the owl has settled properly on his arm. Buchou is medium-sized compared to the other owls in the café but he really does weigh more than expected. It makes Samatoki wonder just how Ichiro manages to carry him atop his head so easily.Ichiro is cooing over Buchou again, calling him a good bird as he scratches under his beak. He turns that same adoring look at Samatoki, “Do you wanna feed him treats?” For the second time that afternoon, and despite the drink he’d just downed, Samatoki feels himself go parched. He swallows against the sudden lump in his throat and asks, “Why don't you show me how you do it first?” By this point, Jakurai has largely tuned out of the conversation. Their business talk was clearly concluded, and now they were simply - there's no other way to put it - playdating. He calls the waiter’s attention for another order of tea, and decidedly refrains from eavesdropping on his ward's date. “This is really fun, Aohitsugi-san,” Ichiro says as he feeds Buchou a treat. “We should do this again sometime!”“I'll expect that information on easy R soon, then.”Despite all his reservations, Samatoki ends up enjoying the rest of their stay. The place appears secure enough but he’ll get Doppo to double-check and do a sweep of the place later just to be sure.Buchou has grown more amiable towards Samatoki after a couple of owl treats but he makes a bit of a fuss once their allocated time is over. Ichiro is similarly reluctant to go but he leaves with a promise to visit again soon. Samatoki idly wonders why Ichiro doesn't just buy the owl since he's so attached to it, but what does he know about owl-keeping etiquette?“Right, then, Aohitsugi-san.” Ichiro turns towards him once they're back on the street, perfectly composed. “I'll call you when I've got your info ready! So please take care until then!”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“You used my information to get a date.” The unimpressed look Jyuto directs solely at Samatoki is in no way diminished even as it passes through the lens of his black-rimmed glasses.“It was so not a date,” Samatoki counters. “He didn't even let me pay for anything.”Jyuto snorts at this rejoinder, but his expression remains strict. His gaze slides past Samatoki towards the men in suits behind him. “Rio, Doppo, report.”“The owl café is secure,” Doppo starts. “No known yakuza group is backing their operations. The staff, other patrons, and the, uh, owls were just ordinary civilians. That Ichiro Yamada seemed genuinely interested in Boss, though.” Samatoki sputters, prompting Doppo to amend, “Interested in working for him.”“Still, we picked up a network blocking off frequencies surrounding Yamada,” Rio adds in a more sober tone. “It's likely that someone from his side was also listening in.”Given how hard it was to get even a scrap of information about them, Jyuto expected the other party to have monitored the meet up more closely. The lack of security on Yamada's person is more suspicious than reassuring. But that isn’t Jyuto's real issue. “Why are you even looking for another information broker? The Iruma have served as your family's intelligence branch for generations.”“There's nothing wrong with getting my own people,” Samatoki shoots back, arms crossed over his chest. “Doppo turned out fine!”“I highly approve of Doppo-san's hiring,” Rio says, making the shorter man hide a smile behind a cough.Jyuto looks at the three of them, despairing fate's dark humor for saddling him with responsibility over such hopeless cases. “Your father –”“Oh, come on!” Samatoki doesn't even wait for Jyuto's patented lecture, he's heard it a million times and he's sick of it. “Everything I own is from that bastard! Can't you trust me to find my own people, huh? When I succeed the family business I need people who I can trust.” People I can trust, he says. So he doesn't trust Jyuto, is that it? Because, Jyuto admits, his and his family's allegiance is to the Aohitsugi head and not to Samatoki himself. What an over-entitled brat … Still, it isn’t as if Jyuto can chew him out for not taking his clan responsibilities seriously. He has a very strong hunch, though, that this latest addition to Samatoki’s acts of rebellion is fueled by something more… personal.“Yamada can be a great asset,” Samatoki insists.A smile curls on Jyuto’s lips and he pushes his glasses up for effect. “I bet he has a great ass, too. What a coincidence.”Samatoki chokes.
Checkmate.
“I wasn’t checking him out like that!” ++++++++++++++++++++++ Three days later, Samatoki receives Ichiro’s update about completing his request. In the midst of Jyuto’s droll reports on the state of their Yokohama properties, Samatoki stood and all but rubbed his (recovered) phone in the family informant’s face, grinning at the ensuing looks of confusion, recognition, and indignation that flashed across sharp features.Before Jyuto could regain his bearings, Samatoki was already walking out of his office, calling for Doppo to book a certain café for an entire afternoon. He’s parked in front of the exact same building, at the prime spot to catch Ichiro’s attention as he walks up the street. “Hey,” Samatoki greets, earning a grin from under Ichiro’s hoodie. “Hey, yourself. Making us meet up here… Did you miss Buchou already?” The smile in Ichiro’s voice is audible; Samatoki avoids answering with a cough. “Shall we go in?”“Ah, I’d love to,” is Ichiro’s apologetic reply, “But I got somewhere to be right after this. No rest for the wicked, y’know?”“Not even for a coffee break?” Samatoki tries for cajoling instead of petulant. He is not pouting.Ichiro bites down on his bottom lip, looking between Samatoki and the building, visibly torn. “Sorry, I got a really tight sched today. So.” He produces a flash drive from the pocket of his hoodie, “Here’s the info on easy R for ya. Give me a call soon, okay?”Samatoki dumbly takes the item, because what else can he do? “A’ight. Thanks for this.”Ichiro’s smile returns. “Take care, Aohitsugi-san.” And then he’s off, leaving Samatoki staring after him.  Boss… Rio and Doppo, stationed in the next building over, share a look of sympathy. The slouch in Samatoki’s form is obvious even from afar. Once the informant is out of sight, they approach him with due caution.“We can follow him,” Rio offers. “See who else he’s meeting up with.”With a sniff, Samatoki straightens up his posture. “Nah. Let him do what he does.”“What about your café reservation?” Doppo asks.Samatoki curses halfheartedly. He’s definitely in no mood to be surrounded by birds of prey when Ichiro isn’t even around. “You two take it.”“But-”“That’s an order,” Samatoki’s voice is firm with finality. “I’ll stay in the car. Look over this… information.” He turns the flash drive over in his hand. “Gimme the laptop.”Doppo hands over the briefcase containing most of their surveillance collaterals. “Boss, are you sure–?”“Yes, yes, I’m sure,” Samatoki waves off his concern. “You two are on break for… two to three hours. Now, get! And don’t disturb me.”Unable to ignore a direct order, the two of them head into the building. Rio holds the door open for Doppo who confirms with the waitress the reservation under ‘Hākō-san’, which apparently included all twelve owls present. The waitress assures him that they could very well refund the extra amount (one or two owl companions are usually enough for one person) but once they’ve taken their seat, the birds flock to Rio of their own accord. He sits with owls perched on his arms and shoulders, with a couple of tiny ones even choosing to nest on his head. The lack of other human presence most likely led them to seek the most suitable candidate for maximum petting contact -- namely, the six-foot-plus Rio.Doppo holds up his phone to capture a rare smiling Rio on camera. They pick their food and drinks as part of the reservation agreement, and as the waitress leaves them, blushing to the roots of her ponytailed hair, a straggler owl lands on their table. It blinks its big eyes at Rio, looking half-asleep which is probably why it got there late. On finding no space left for it to roost, the owl hobbles over to Doppo’s side and makes itself comfortable on the armrest of his chair. Doppo sits up straighter once the bird resumes snoozing, leaning more of its weight on him.“You got one, too,” Rio says, amused.Doppo smiles and pets the owl gently. “The information checks out,” Jyuto confirms, face aglow from the light of his own laptop. He doesn’t even have to look up to know Samatoki is wearing that smug grin he’s been sporting too often since he met this thieving informant. “Told you he was reliable,” Samatoki says. “Perfect timing, too. I got a couple of leads that need verifying.”“Don’t get carried away, Samatoki.” Jyuto copies the files for sorting and hands the flash drive over with a stern glare. “Once I’m done with the reports your father is asking for I can see to those myself. Remember, that Yamada kid isn’t one of us.”‘He could be,’ Samatoki thinks, but he knows he’s pushed his agenda enough for today. The trick is not to bombard Jyuto with the idea that he completely rejects it. Occasional requests should be fine. He messages Ichiro ‘Good work’ and gets a GIF of an owl being petted not three seconds later. This pretty much sets the pace for all future correspondences. ++++++++++++++++++++++ “Oi. Jiro. Say something.”“What? Why me? You say something.” A sharp jab to the ribs almost makes him bite his tongue. Irked, Jiro retaliates with an elbow to Saburo’s arm.“Ow!”“You started it,” Jiro hisses.“I asked nicely,” Saburo hits him back.“Your tone wasn’t very nice,” Jiro shoves him away. “And you didn’t even say ‘please’.”Saburo nearly falls over but he regains his footing and growls, “Stupid Jiro!”“You’re stupid!”“You–!”The bathroom door opens before any more insults and punches could be thrown. “What’s going on?” Ichiro doesn’t look pleased, an expression thrown off by the square bandage patch on his right cheek. There’s a matching one stuck to the back of his left hand, and on his fingers are multi-colored band-aids with cartoon owl designs.Jiro and Saburo spring apart, standing to attention before their eldest brother – and keeping their eyes away from his bruises. “Nothing, nii-chan!”Ichiro stares hard at the both of them but neither would budge; in the end, he lets them off with a wave and a click of his tongue. “I could hear you two talking through the door,” he says, pulling on a t-shirt as he makes his way to the common area. “Any updates?”“I got surveillance footage on the pharmacy that uncle wanted eyes on,” Saburo speaks up, resolutely tearing his gaze away from the bandage peeking out from Ichiro’s collar. “A staff member meets with a rider in the alley behind the store every three in the afternoon.”“Heh.” Ichiro sinks into one of the many beanbags littered around the den. As he crosses his legs, his loose shorts don’t quite hide the fresh scrapes on his knee; Jiro worries at his bottom lip in silence.In front of where Ichiro and Jiro are sitting, the bank of monitors stacked together to create a super-wide display flash to life. “You got ID on the staff?” Ichiro asks, idly scanning the feed from the estate’s cameras.“I got both of them.” At his work desk, Saburo presses a few keys on his laptop that prompt one of the monitors to change its display. Instead of a view on Jakurai’s koi pond, it now shows a still image of the pharmacy’s back alley. “The pharmacist is Kinko-san,” Saburo elaborates, tapping some more commands that zooms in on the two suspects in a split-screen display. “The rider has a notable insignia on his helmet.”“I’ve seen that before,” Jiro squints.“It’s a group based in Nakano,” Saburo supplies with a hint of smugness. “I knew that,” Jiro mutters, crossing his arms. “Nakano’s not part of any drug route, though.”“It’s not drugs they’re dealing,” Ichiro says, frowning. “Good work, Saburo. We’ll send up their names to uncle and let them deal with it.”“Thanks, Ichi-nii.” Saburo returns the screen to its usual display.“Do we really leave it up to uncle?” Jiro asks, taking off his hat and twirling it around his hand. “I mean, Nakano’s right there , we can just–”“No.”Jiro’s mouth hangs open at the abrupt dismissal, even Saburo instinctively bites his tongue.“The streets are more dangerous than usual,” Ichiro explains. “Nakano isn’t ours to meddle with.” Neither is Yokohama, Jiro thinks of saying. He switches tracks instead – “They’re meddling with us, though.” Saburo watches his older brothers exchange weighted glances with mild – but mounting – trepidation.  Jiro never argued with Ichiro – never – but their oldest brother has also never been this restrictive with them before. Jakurai being strict is one thing, but Ichiro? Ichiro has always been the one to push the limits, eager to flaunt what they’re really capable of. At least, he was. “They’re meddling with uncle’s turf,” Ichiro says, straining to sound reasonable. He understands Jiro’s restlessness but he has to make him understand that acting recklessly isn’t the solution for this problem. “We got the intel they need, it’s not our job to interfere. Besides, we got plenty of other work that needs doing just within Shinjuku. Have you finished them yet?”“All done.” Jiro puts his hat back on with a huff. “We keep getting job requests from other wards, though, other groups in Bunkyo and Nerima, Chuo, even Shinagawa.”“I’m passing those over to Kuma-san–”“Not all of them.”Ichiro’s voice cuts at the interruption. He turns to Saburo who looks extremely guilty for talking out of turn but he holds Ichiro’s gaze nonetheless.Saburo feels Jiro staring as well, surprised that the youngest Yamada has taken his side. His dear brother probably forgot that confronting Ichiro was both their ideas. Even though the two of them have been arguing not even five minutes ago, Saburo draws some sort of strength knowing that they are facing this together.“You’re taking on the jobs yourself,” Saburo reveals what Ichiro had just been a tad careless to hide. Money – big money – has been rolling into their accounts, even though he and Jiro have only been contending with jobs of low- to medium-difficulty. He tries to keep the accusation in his voice to a minimum, releasing it in the minute tic of his fingers as he tangles them together. “I’m guessing not even Kuma-san wanted to take on some of those requests.”“Well…” Ichiro sinks further into his beanbag to avoid Saburo’s searing gaze. “Some of them involved getting a bit friendly with the ladies. And you know he can’t talk to 3D girls.”“Those injuries don’t look very friendly to me, nii-chan.” Jiro hunkers down until he’s at Ichiro’s level. More than angry, he looks worried. “So please, tell us what’s really going on.”“You always said we can rely on each other,” Saburo reminds him, coming up on Ichiro’s other side. “It’s not fair to keep secrets.”“Who’s threatening you?” Jiro asks, and Saburo adds, “Give us their names.”Ichiro looks between them, his defenses crumbling. “You two… you should know that valuable information never comes free.” They blink at him, unnerved for a second, then Ichiro opens his arms wide. “Give me a hug and then I’ll tell you.”Jiro and Saburo come up with matching grins, breaking the moment of tension. “Of course!”They get tangled up in a three-man embrace, reclining on two beanbags pushed together in front of their multi-screen display.“W-We were really getting worried, Ichi-nii!”“We didn’t mean to intimidate you or anything!”“’s alright, it’s my fault for making you guys worry in the first place.” Ichiro ruffles his brothers’ hair, staring up at the ceiling. They breathe in unison, the smell of strawberries from his shampoo lingering in the air. “Where do I start, though?”“I want names,” Saburo repeats, making Ichiro laugh.“I’m not giving you any.”“But Ichi-nii!”“Listen,” Ichiro keeps Saburo’s head on his shoulder, despite his struggling. “Our Yorozuya stands unaffiliated with any single organization. Even though we’re based in Shinjuku, we take job requests from many groups and not all of them are on good terms with each other. Some of them find out that we’re dealing info to both sides and get butthurt. They think we’re selling them out so they resort to bullying. Like that ever solved anything.”“But we’ve always been impartial about it,” Jiro points out, his chin digging into Ichiro’s shoulder as he pouts. “Isn’t that better? Pay the right price for intel and you’ll get it. Simple and done.”“Yes, well, some of them get antsy when they find out who else is getting info from us, which, you know, isn’t really their business.”There’s a minute of silence, broken by Saburo’s quiet thought. “Then… maybe if we officially ally with one group – a powerful one – then no one would dare complain about how we deal out information.”Ichiro grins. “I’m working on that.” “Aohitsugi-san! Did you know there’s a teeny-tiny owl that lives in cactuses? They're like, super fluffy and super cute!”The chat box pings with a new photo received. Samatoki raises a brow. “This is a baby. That’s what it’s supposed to do.”“No, no! That’s already their full-grown size! Adorable, right?” Ichiro’s grin is evident in his tone.“It’s a palm-sized harbinger of death.”“Hey!”“I’m kidding,” Samatoki says with an accompanying chuckle.Even with Jyuto’s caveat of using the Yamada Yorozuya’s services sparingly, that doesn’t mean Samatoki’s not allowed to just talk to Ichiro. There’s nothing wrong with getting to know your dealers – or broker, as it were. It’s all light conversations, usually to wind down at night, but something has been bothering Samatoki lately.“Keep talking like that and Buchou really won’t warm up to you!”Samatoki grimaces as he recalls how their last encounter ended with a less-than-friendly bite on his palm as he fed the owl some treats. It didn’t break through his skin but it still hurt. Samatoki is convinced it was punishment for daring to ask why the bandage on Ichiro’s cheek seemed to have migrated to his jaw. Ichiro had fussed over Buchou’s apparent mood swing, completely forgetting that Samatoki asked him a question.Samatoki isn’t blind. There’s no way to miss the various injuries popping up on Ichiro’s person every other time they meet. It’s concerning to say the least, and now’s as good as ever to actually get some answers without eerily perceptive birds interrupting them. “Oi, Yamada. About that time…” A sharp inhale that isn’t hidden by the background noise of pixelated explosions comes before Ichiro’s reassurance. “It’s nothing,” Ichiro insists, though his voice is nowhere as cheerful as before. “Just occupational hazards, you know? Maybe you can give me something more fun to do.”There’s a deliberate lilt in his tone right at the end. Samatoki’s imagination provides him a vision of Ichiro with a coy smile and a wink. It wouldn't be the first time Ichiro has attempted to play cute – and like all those other times, Samatoki has to fight to be able to speak again.“Just kidding!” Ichiro bounces back with a laugh. “I’ll deliver anything Aohitsugi-san requests. That’s a promise!”It's the fact that Samatoki knows Ichiro will make good on that promise that worries him. “Hey.” Samatoki holds his phone closer as if that would impress his words with more weight on Ichiro at the other end of the line. “I'm not trying to assert control over you but if there is a problem–” He pauses, just enough to let Ichiro know that he's not buying his bullshit avoidance, “–then you better take care of it before I have to step in. I need a live info broker, not a dead one.”“Don’t worry about it,” Ichiro readily replies. “If I go down so easily then I'll never be worthy of… um, my reputation! Yeah! So please place your trust in me in the future as well!”“It's not you that I don't trust.” They both know how dangerous the underground can be; there’s no point pretending to be tough, when all it takes is a bullet to bring down even the most powerful men in the city. Why can’t Ichiro understand that Samatoki just wants him to be careful? “Don’t make me stake guards on you when you're working on my requests.”Ichiro drops the smile that Samatoki can’t even see. First, his brothers get worried, then Jakurai insists that he wean off taking jobs from Samatoki's crew (or else), and now Samatoki is hinting that Ichiro can't look after himself. The words are different, but they sting the same as his brother’s suspicions. All this time, Ichiro thought he’d been building Samatoki’s trust in him by delivering top-of-the-line intel but apparently that wasn’t enough. It makes his next reply clipped and cold with barely hidden resentment.“Thanks, but I can handle myself just fine.”“Then do it well.” Samatoki doesn't appreciate the snark. “I can't be associated with someone who can’t even protect his own hide.”Ichiro knows that. Why else would he be trying so hard to prove it?! He keeps that rebuttal in his mind, though, not wanting to escalate the brewing argument. “Maybe we should just talk another time,” Ichiro proposes sullenly.“Fine.”“Good night, Aohitsugi-san.” And he ends the call without waiting for Samatoki’s goodbye.That… did not go well, Samatoki knows. That was Disastrous. Shit. Given how Samatoki almost blew his fuse just now, though, he's pretty sure Ichiro wouldn't be all that enthusiastic to receive a call tomorrow. Or even the next day. Well, whatever. Samatoki can find something else to occupy his time. Rio and Doppo are more than happy to join their boss in beating up dissenters. (Let them try and contest Samatoki's authority again with both legs broken.) They are surprised that Samatoki's doing this for his new pet informant, though.“I am not doing this for him!”“Sure thing, Boss.”“Nuh-uh!”“Of course not.” ++++++++++++++++++++++ For whatever reason, Ichiro hasn't stepped out of the house for the past three days. Jakurai is glad that his ward has finally heeded his words and put the Yorozuya job queue on hold, but it makes him wonder how big the estimated threat is that Ichiro has voluntarily laid low. Once or twice, Jakurai has caught Ichiro typing furiously on this phone only to turn it off, heave, and curl up on the sofa, muttering 'Stupid, Aohitsugi-san’ into his three-set throw pillows -- customized to look like button pins in primary colors.That's just as good as an admission in Jakurai's book. It takes him less than thirty minutes to retrace the origins of the lost little rabbit that tried to hack into them all those weeks ago.The Iruma family is proud – prominent in law enforcement agencies in the public eye, entrenched amongst the most notorious yakuza groups on the inverse. They have been in the service of Yokohama's Aohitsugi family for generations, for as long as they’ve held positions in the upper echelons of the government. In what can only be deemed unchecked hubris, a direct number to the head of their intelligence operations is posted in the public records with seemingly no fear for repercussions. A quick cross-checking confirms that he is the man Jakurai is looking for, and he's right within his reach, too; the I.P. address traces back to just within the metro, quite a distance from their bayside city stronghold but that's a mystery for another day. It says something that Jyuto’s expansive network barely scratches the surface on the Yamada’s handler. The more that Samatoki engages with this startup yorozuya, the fewer are the responsibilities left to Jyuto. But, as this is Jyuto Iruma, it has never been a mark of good decision-making to allow him too much free time.Jyuto can admit that it was a mistake to directly ‘attack’ the Yamadas the first time. It was an unimpressive name, almost painfully common, not something that warrants such severe safeguarding as the ones he faced, and yet, not only did they manage to block him, but they chased him right out of their network. The nerve of those brats.  In his next approach, Jyuto is smarter – he has made acquaintances amongst Tokyo’s intelligence circle and a number of them have heard of and even dealt with the Yamada Yorozuya. From what Jyuto had learned from his peers, it isn’t Yamada he should be worried about. So when he receives a call out of the blue from Yamada’s handler himself, Jyuto is rightly confounded. He’s even more stunned when the man introduces himself as Jakurai Jinguji. Nobody just drops that name around these parts. Jinguji – the preeminent clan holding jurisdiction over Shinjuku, though they could very well seize control of the whole prefecture if they so desired. Their overlord’s magnanimous wish for a modicum of peace is the only thing holding back the wolves’ jaws. Despite the abrupt nature of the call, Jyuto politely agrees to meet in neutral territory over lunch, which means his entire day might as well be booked off. The waitstaff draws the sheer curtains close as Jyuto takes his seat, muting the sunlight while maintaining the scenic view of the cityscape outside the large windows. Their reservation is set for noon but Jyuto liked to be early on principle; considering his expected company, the habit is more pertinent than ever. He reviews some documents to pass the time, but all too soon the waiter announces the arrival of his guest. Jyuto looks up, expecting some foreboding figure to match the name -- his mental calculations of the Jinguji’s history of headships edging into the early 40s -- but instead he finds… a surprise. Jyuto stands for an appropriate greeting, not missing the shadow that diverges from the statuesque form of the man he has agreed to meet; he has no issue with Jinguji’s personal security detail, it’s expected of someone of his background. Rather, Jyuto thinks he should have insisted for Rio or Doppo to tag along with him for this meeting; he’s only alone because Samatoki is throwing a tantrum over some misunderstanding and needs the additional safeguard from trouble.“Thank you for agreeing to meet, Iruma-san.” Jakurai’s expression is perfectly cordial, not a wrinkle on his checkered suit, not a hair out of place. Jyuto inclines his head politely, “Likewise, Jinguji-sensei.” Jyuto had wasted no time in looking him up once he got the name. Jakurai Jinguji is a frequent guest among elite social circles, philanthropists and medical professionals, the kind of people that make Jyuto ill with their goodness. It’s a privilege, therefore, to know that Jinguji has personally reached out to him over matters that are less than savory.They confirm their lunch course with their waiter – the chef’s recommendation – and head on straight to business.“I would have preferred a private room for our discussion but unfortunately, they were all booked for today,” Jakurai starts, sounding apologetic even though both of them know he could have gotten some other party booted out with a drop of his name. He’s not the kind to do that, though, and he’s making it expressly clear to Jyuto. “I hope our current arrangement agreeable with you.”“It is,” Jyuto assures him, smiling. “The view is certainly… refreshing.”Jakurai’s gaze slides over to the windows where Tokyo’s skyscrapers appear stark under the noonday sun, even with the sheer curtains masking their finer details. He supposes there is beauty to be found in architecture but deferring back to his companion makes him realize that Jyuto’s rapt attention hasn’t left him. Oh? Jakurai considers him with a tilt of the head. He leans back, delicately sweeping his hair over his shoulder as he says, “Then, allow me to be forward, Iruma-san. The reason I asked to meet you is so that I can formally request for your group to cease all dealings with the Yamada Yorozuya.”Unexpected again. Jyuto sits back as well, his eyes catching on the cascade of Jakurai’s hair before he steels himself, steepling his gloved hands together over his place setting. “I won’t lie and say I’m particularly attached to their services, sensei. They do decent work, but they can afford to be more… thorough.” A corner of his lips quirk up, followed by a calculatedly blasé shrug of a shoulder. “Unfortunately, their employment rests entirely in the hands of my boss-to-be.”“Is that right.”Jakurai had acted on the assumption that Ichiro dealt with this Jyuto Iruma considering their similar line of work. The constant barrage of ‘Aohitsugi-san this and that’ was impossible to miss, but to think that Ichiro maintained a direct line to the man himself is… worrisome, to say the least. “It was all his idea.”“Then allow me to speak to this boss-to-be of yours,” Jakurai implores. “I have been wary of their partnership from the beginning and now… It’s gone on for far too long. The risk of association outweighs the benefits, you understand.”Jyuto knows that all too well, however– “Dissuading him is easier said than done. Samatoki seems to be rather fond of the yorozuya and I highly suspect that half the reason is because of the young man running it.” He pauses. “They do appear to be mutually fond of each other, if that’s any consolation.”Jakurai purses his lips, unable to argue that point. “Clearly. It’s not Ichiro-kun’s habit to take prospective clients to dates at owl cafés,” Jakurai says, not entirely defensive but he can see now how that first meeting led to this inevitability. The Aohitsugi heir couldn’t be that far from Ichiro’s own age (from the way he talks about him) and it is the folly of youth to be inconsiderate of the consequences of their actions. “But I digress. It seems that we share the same stance on this matter, Iruma-san. If you have a suitable plan on how we will deal with this, then I would like to hear it.”Jyuto takes a moment to drink up; it hasn't been a very long conversation but his throat is parched. He's used to snappy negotiations but even though Jakurai's disposition remained calm, it's easy to see that he's rather emotional over the matter at hand. Jyuto would rather get to know him more than discuss the hopeless case of separating those clingy children but it would be rude of him to dismiss his worries.Lucky for him, the waiter arrives with their appetizer and Jakurai proposes to postpone all business talk until they've finished lunch. Jyuto happily agrees, and lets his full attention turn to Jakurai instead. “I think it would be unwise to execute any plan at the moment,” Jyuto says at last, having gone through all the excuses in his mind while trying not to get too distracted with the way Jakurai Jinguji eats right in front of him. Such finesse and dignity, such precision. It's well to note that the Jinguji clan's claim to fame is their ranks of highly-skilled and specialized assassins for hire. Jyuto has no solid evidence save for what he has observed right in front of him but he’s fairly certain that Jakurai ranks highly within this army of cold-blooded killers. It bids much trouble for Samatoki (and Jyuto, by association) if he continues his affiliation with the Yamada Yorozuya which stands under a Jinguji’s guardianship. On the other hand… “They’re having a bit of a quarrel as I'm sure you're aware. I imagine it would be difficult to convince either of them to leave things as they are. We might need to, ah, convene again once they've smoothed things over.” Jyuto straightens his glasses, a wry smile of resignation curving his lips. “Better to end things on good terms for everyone involved.”Jakurai poses no objections. Their bill arrives and he signs off on it, not even giving Jyuto the opportunity to offer a split. He smiles, a touch consoling. “You can take care of it at our next meeting, Iruma-san. I'm looking forward to it.”“As am I.”They stand, preparing to leave. Jakurai offers his business card which Jyuto takes with a smile, letting their hands brush for a lingering moment.“Let's keep in touch.” “Hey, Boss, uh, are you two still not talking?”Far be it for Rio to question Samatoki's life choices, but an entire weekend has passed and they're pretty much left with shouting at jaywalkers. Unwilling to comment as dictated by his own personal sense of preservation, Doppo taps his umbrella on the pavement and keeps watch of the pedestrian lights.“Shut it, Rio.” Samatoki is going to break this impasse. Soon. Maybe.  Both Samatoki and Jyuto are uncharacteristically quiet during dinner. Doppo assures Rio that it probably has nothing to do with the food; Rio's cooking is delicious as always. Samatoki chews his food slowly, looking off into the distance, resolutely avoiding thoughts of owls and the boys who charm predators witlessly. Jyuto is in a similarly distracted state, peering into his dish as he puzzles at his delicate predicament. Figuring out how to split up Samatoki and Ichiro would put him in Jinguji's good books but it would also mean that their business is over and done. What to do? When Ichiro finally goes out of the house, it’s only to take on minor jobs like finding lost cats and doing grocery runs with his brothers. Of course, Jiro and Saburo notice his listlessness.“Nii-chan, are the yakuza still bothering you?”Ichiro sputters, covering it up with a laugh. “Wha- what yakuza? Who told you about those?” Sure, he’d complained about certain groups causing him trouble but he never dropped names. What the hell. Jakurai pretends not to notice the furtive glance Ichiro throws his way before huddling close with his brothers. Honestly. Acting like that just adds another reason to terminate whatever contract Ichiro has with Samatoki Aohitsugi. Too bad about Iruma, though. ++++++++++++++++++++++ “Ow!” Samatoki glares but Buchou is decidedly not intimidated, ruffling his feathers up at him. He's at the Owl Café again, figuring it the safest place for him and Ichiro to meet. Ichiro can't stay mad at him when they're surrounded by his favorite feathery heathens. Samatoki had finally scraped together the courage to call midweek, with an important job that can't be discussed thru email as his cover for meeting up in person.Despite the painful flimsiness of the excuse – Ichiro agreed.The café is much more crowded today but Samatoki had arrived early and reserved a table, even requesting for Buchou to accompany him while waiting. The bird is standoffish at best, as if he could sense the guilt gnawing at Samatoki and is being affronted on Ichiro's behalf. Samatoki tried coaxing him with owl treats and pets – which worked for a while, until he got distracted by the clock.Ichiro is late.Samatoki slides the bowl of treats at Buchou, luring him away so he can fiddle with his phone in peace. No new text or email. Shit. Ichiro's not standing him up, is he?It's only been five minutes, though. Samatoki might be overreacting. Maybe he just missed the train, helped some old lady cross the street, something. Ten more minutes. If Ichiro's still not here…Samatoki's phone buzzes with an incoming call but the display shows a different name than what he's expecting. He answers, irate, “Don't bother me right now.”“Sorry, boss.” Even through the phone, Doppo's voice comes across with an edge. “But we have a situation.” Ichiro sways, barely dodging the fist that comes at him. He's dizzy, something wet is stuck to the side of his face, and his knees are another knock away from giving in. There's one, two guys in front of him, two more are on the floor. Ichiro swallows and tastes blood. These bastards always like to gang up on him, don’t they? Wait. Wasn't there five of these guys? So where's –He doesn't finish that thought. A heavy blow comes from behind, bringing Ichiro to his knees. He puts his arms up in defense but that doesn’t stop the kick that sends him hurtling into a stack of boxes. Heavy boxes, if the dull thud from Ichiro hitting his head on them is anything to go by. Ichiro knows he has to get up, open his eyes, meet these assholes fist for fist – but there’s so much pain. His head feels like it’s going to split in half. Someone’s foot hooks under his stomach, carelessly flipping him over.“We warned you, Yamada. Next time you even think of conspiring with those Yokohama bastards, we’re cleaning you out. Can’t be dealing with a loose end, y’see.”Ichiro groans but he’s too weak to fight whatever it is that’s prying his arms away from his face. He flinches when something cold presses against his cheek, managing to open just one eye to confirm his suspicions. It’s a metal bat, probably the same thing that hit his back earlier, and it gleams with an unnatural thirst for blood.“You know what we do to traitors around here.”The goon towering over him starts to pull the bat back. Shit. Ichiro needs to get out of here, he needs to run, run far, he –He blinks, and the goon is gone.“Who the f– ack!”“Hey!”Thuggish cries echo down the alley, mixed in with sounds of intense fighting. Bodies slamming against walls and cracking bones, but not a single gunshot. Ichiro’s head lolls to the side finding some stranger in a suit taking on two goons with an umbrella. The lackeys standing guard at the entrance to the alley break their wall, intending to provide backup but they get run over by a motorcycle. A goddamn motorcycle, revving down this dingy place. The bloodloss must be getting to Ichiro. He’s daydreaming now, maybe he’s losing his mind, because the guy on that motorcycle looks a hell lot like Samatoki. ++++++++++++++++++++++ “Jinguji-sensei, it’s Iruma. I hope I haven’t caught you at a bad time.”There’s no way around it, Jyuto has to do damage control before the wrath of an assassin clan comes down upon them. Exciting as it may be to imagine, Jyuto is still very much attached to being alive (even if he spends a good portion of it cleaning up after reckless yakuza heirs). Over the phone, he explains in concise detail the riot that has gripped their humble headquarters in the past hour.Samatoki had called in advance, telling Jyuto to get a doctor in the house, and twenty minutes later he’d barged through the front door looking like hell itself, carrying an unconscious Ichiro, both of them bloody. Jyuto had prepared a room, anticipating the worst from such a hasty call, and the doctor immediately went to work treating Ichiro.Jyuto knows his apology won’t mean anything at this point since the meeting was between Samatoki and Ichiro, but he promises to get more detailed information from the attending physician as soon as possible.“Thank you for informing me, Iruma-san.” Jakurai never changes his tone from when he first picked up Jyuto’s call, but nobody can possibly be that calm after being informed that their ward has been attacked, and is in the care of, admittedly, an unallied family.  “But if I may ask for just one more thing.”“Yes. Of course.”“Who was it that ambushed Ichiro-kun?”Rio had given Jyuto a detailed report while Samatoki refused to leave the treatment room until the doctor had cleared Ichiro’s status. They weren’t able to name the offenders, but Jyuto doubts that the hitmen could have gone far. The brawl’s location is the most he can offer.“Very well. I’ll have someone take care of cleaning up.”Jyuto might have misheard it but did Jakurai say he’s sending one man to finish the job? One? Jyuto does his best to suppress a shiver. “I’ll be calling you in, half an hour, for that update,” Jakurai continues, unfazed by Jyuto’s awed silence.“Yes, alright.”“Until then, Iruma-san.” The next thirty minutes prove to be incredibly tense as Jyuto stands outside the treatment room with Rio and Doppo. He glances at his watch every five minutes until the doctor finally comes out, declaring that Ichiro is stable. Nothing broken, but a lot of visible bruises, plus a concussion. The cut on his temple was shallow, too, and posed no internal counterpart. Jyuto thanks the doctor profusely, promising more than enough payment for his work and silence.As Jyuto escorts the physician out of their headquarters, he gives specific orders for Rio and Doppo to bring Samatoki to his office. Twelve minutes left before Jakurai is scheduled to call and Jyuto still needs to extract every bit of information from Samatoki in order to deliver a satisfactory report. If they have to drag Samatoki kicking and screaming to his office then so be it. Jyuto walks fast, all but throwing the door open to see Samatoki seated in front of his desk, sullen. “What to do you want?” he snaps at Jyuto. “Ichiro’s still unconscious.”“Let him rest,” Jyuto retorts, moving to lean against his desk so he can stare down at Samatoki from a more imposing angle. “He needs it after what happened. Now, tell me – why did you arrange to meet up with Yamada?”“I had a job for him.”“A job?” Jyuto doesn’t believe it. “You were supposed to inform me of any job’s details before running off to that damn yorozuya. That’s what we agreed on. To control the information–”“I don’t have to tell you everything!” Samatoki lashes out, and his blood-stained clothes make him look all the more feral.“Yes, you do. ” Jyuto leans down, unafraid and equally menacing. “Because Yamada’s handler is going to call any moment now and I’m going to have to explain to him why we have his charge injured in our custody.”Samatoki hadn’t even been aware that Ichiro had a handler. “Since when were you in contact with them?” he asks, suspicious.“You’re not the one asking questions here,” Jyuto snaps. “You’re here to answer. So tell me, for what godforsaken reason did you really call him out?”Samatoki grits his teeth, breathing hard, the picture of sullen defiance.“You knew he was getting threatened for associating with you. All the intel lines within Tokyo are on fire about it and you still decided it was fine to rendezvous in some unsecured, public location. What were you thinking?!”“I was going to apologize!” Samatoki leaps to his feet, shoulders heaving. “We fought, alright?! I was going to make it up to him but then – those bastards. I’m going to fucking kill them!”In all the years they've known each other, Jyuto has never seen such deadly intent in those red eyes. Wild with emotion yet solid in resolve. He has a feeling that he'll be seeing this expression more and more often, too. Jyuto laughs, this young master is really set on keeping him on his toes.“What's so goddamn funny?” Samatoki demands, deflating a little.Before Jyuto can reply, however, a generic ringtone comes from his pocket. He takes out his phone and is unsurprised to see Jakurai's number, calling him right on the dot. Jyuto snaps his fingers, pointing at the vacated chair, “Sit and keep quiet, Samatoki.”Samatoki makes a face but obeys him nonetheless – he’s not under Jyuto’s thumb, not to that extent, but his curiosity wins out. What kind of person could it be, to get Jyuto fucking smiling at a time like this.Jyuto picks up before the second ring ends, and doesn’t sound at all breathless or perturbed as he speaks. “Good evening, sensei. I don't think I mentioned it earlier but thank you for taking action on the clean up.”“It’s no problem, Iruma-san. I've been anticipating this kind of retaliation for some time now, it's actually rather a shame that I was still unable to fully prevent it.”“Let's just consider it even for our rescue of Yamada-san from the initial attack, yes?”Jakurai chuckles, and Jyuto stands just a bit straighter. “As you wish.” Doppo enters the room after three knocks. He went to fetch Samatoki some change of clothes, as surely he wouldn't want Ichiro to see him all bloody once he wakes, but his boss is presently distracted. Samatoki is gesturing towards Jyuto while mouthing 'What the fuck?’ at Rio, who is similarly unsure of what to make of the scenario. Jyuto only wears that smile when he's stripping someone of their possessions and dignity, and right now, he’s being – perfectly civil.“I've spoken with the doctor who had treated Yamada-san and he reports no major damage. There are bruises and he has a slight concussion but he is expected to recover from it soon.”“In that case, he should be awake by tomorrow.”“Tomorrow?” Jyuto glances at his desk calendar, flipping the day sheet to check if he’d made any notations. He has a meeting with the Chuo group but he can move it around if needed. “I suppose so, yes. The doctor said a good night's rest should be enough for Yamada-san to recuperate, but he'll come back for a follow-up.”“There's no need for that, Iruma-san.”“Beg pardon?”“Although it’s not my formal profession, I am licensed for medical practice,” Jakurai says. That hadn’t showed up in Jyuto's digging but the fact isn't all that surprising. “If it’s all the same to you, I would like to conduct that check up on Ichiro-kun myself.”“Oh.” Jyuto lays his palm flat on the table for support but finds a pen underneath it; he grips the object instead. “So, you’ll be coming here tomorrow?”“Yes. I’d like to personally thank his rescuers, as well. I do hope you won’t find it imposing–”“Not at all,” Jyuto quickly assures him. He deposits the pen into a slot in his desk organizer, fussing with the paper clips and lining up the memo sheets to make everything even. He glances at the sitting area, and notices the other three staring. Jyuto clears his throat. “I’ll prepare a most hospitable welcome for your party.”  Rio was supposed to accompany Jyuto to a meeting tomorrow but with what he can hear from one side of the conversation, that plan is most likely cancelled. It looks like they’ll be expecting guests, instead. He shares a glance with Doppo, and they wordlessly agree on another sweep of their headquarter’s perimeters.Samatoki doesn’t seem all that bothered, either. The incredulous look he wore at the beginning has been replaced with some kind of understanding. He’s leaning back on his chair now, tight-lipped with his arms crossed. “Ah, I wouldn’t want to trouble you, Iruma-san,” Jakurai says. “It will only be me. And if Ichiro-kun is well enough, I’d like to take him back home where we can keep a better watch over his recovery.”“I understand. Then I’ll forward you our address.”They exchange the expected pleasantries before the call concludes. Jyuto puts his phone away with great care, but the look he levels at Samatoki is scathing. “What.”Samatoki huffs, cocking his head to bring out the full smugness of his smirk. There’s blood on his face, his entire appearance is a disgrace to his position, but none of that stops Samatoki from kicking the proverbial can all over the place.“Guess he has a nice ass, too, huh?”Jyuto goes scarlet. “You say one more word and I will fucking deck you.”“Yeah?!” Samatoki rears up, “You and what fists?” He looks pointedly at Jyuto’s hand, still resting over his breast pocket where he’d tucked away his phone.“You little shit.” Jyuto spits, squaring up and flexing his gloved hands. “I’ll show you what fists.”“Fucking bring it! ”Before they can make good on their threats, Rio gets in between them. “Please be considerate,” Doppo appeals in a calm, if tired, tone. “Yamada-san is recuperating. We don’t want to disturb him by making a racket.”Samatoki backs off, mindful of Ichiro over anything else, but he’s not about to forgive Jyuto’s hypocrisy. “Fine. But when I meet this handler of his, you are never going to live it down.”“Fine!” Jyuto shoots back. “But before that, I’m going to meet this Yamada kid when he wakes.”Samatoki makes to lunge at Jyuto for that but Rio’s arm keeps him in place. Jyuto steps back, the lenses of his glasses gleaming. “We are going to have a nice, long chat without you barging in.”“You son of a –”“Careful,” Jyuto tuts. “You don’t want this little incident getting to the big house, do you?”Samatoki doesn’t go limp in Rio’s hold, but it’s near thing. With a huff more suited to a child ending his tantrum, he pulls himself away and heads for the door.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Me and my brothers are orphans. Jakurai-sensei took us in when we were just kids and raised us as his own. Even then, I knew what he was and what he did, but there was never any talk about inducting us into his real family; not out of any sense of us not belonging there, but it’s more like he didn’t want us turning out the way he did. The fact that we went and acquainted ourselves with Tokyo’s underground network anyway might seem disrespectful - but, really, it’s not his fault! Some people just really have a knack for trouble, yeah?”Above the mute line of Jyuto’s mouth, the eyes that survey Ichiro from behind a pair of clear frames smile all too knowingly. Ichiro licks his lips and looks down at his hands, fisting the sheets on his lap as he continues, voice soft and laced with tenderness.“He’s only looking out for our own good. There’s no way we can repay him for everything he’s done for us, so we do our best to protect sensei in our own way. His decision to leave the, ah, business, and then house a bunch of kids… He shouldn’t suffer for that.” Green eyes narrow with determination, as if the words that follow were ones Ichiro had said many times before. “Sensei’s compassion isn’t a crime.” In a world like ours, Jyuto thinks, it may as well be . “So we scout the seedy underground and sometimes, a lot of times, that involves getting our hands dirty, too.” Ichiro steels himself without fuss, leaving the emotionally charged moment without a backwards glance to meet Jyuto’s gaze again. “But it’s getting harder. The better we get at what we do, the more danger we bring to him. Webs like ours weren’t meant to withstand the self-important ire of families who think they’re the only ones that matter. And it’s not fair - it’s not right that sensei goes down with us when that time comes…”Knowing the Jinguji clan’s reputation, Jyuto doubts they would let anyone from their family - even one that had ‘cut ties’ with them - fall against something so weak as the pettiness of spurned heads. But the fear is real for Ichiro Yamada, he realizes. He basically came up from nothing, had no real bonds to rely on, and his skills, though useful, are nowhere near strong enough a barrier. The fact that Ichiro is here after the favor he’s shown Samatoki is proof.“At first, I thought that Aohitsugi-san was a nobody,” Ichiro admits with a laugh. “I got a job asking for dirt on him, for a negotiation - standard fare. The guy has a Facebook profile, cruises around without armed guards, and sticks out like a blanched thumb with his hair…” He catches Jyuto rolling his eyes, and another laugh bubbles out from him, “It’s way too easy, right?”“And yet,” Jyuto prods, pointedly ignoring the flash of fondness that had flitted by at the sight of Ichiro’s charming, boyish smile. “And yet, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was something more to him. I gave our client something serviceable, and then dug a bit deeper for myself. And guess what I found?”The expressiveness of Ichiro’s eyes tempt Jyuto to tag him as a liability. Green eyes a tint brighter than his own shine with a hyper-awareness, one that tends to awaken upon sensing danger. Jyuto himself is in no way intimidated; but a lesser man, say, a man who looked at Ichiro Yamada and saw only a child that could be pushed around - that man would need to listen to his instincts.“He’s a real life king in the making. A ‘nobody ’? Fuck that noise… Tokyo may only hear whispers about the name Aohitsugi, but they’re as good as law in Yokohama.” He didn't need to tell that to Jyuto (he knows, he makes it so) but the acknowledgement of the family’s might puts the slightest crack in his strict expression.Confessing his modus shouldn't excite Ichiro so much but it brings back the euphoria he’d felt upon striking that gold mine. The faceless accounts chiding his naive self on the Plunder forums, the snide comments offering their sincere condolences to this hapless newcomer for picking worst family to cross in the entire bayside city -- they were practically rave reviews. The Aohitsugis had the local government whipped and other families thinking twice before starting fights. Samatoki Aohitsugi's life was made back there. Ichiro tips Jyuto a wink - very nearly coy if not for his age. “ So I thought to myself, ‘What’s the heir of that powerful clan doing all the way out here?’ It’s not something I can just dig up from the deep web, though, so I opted for a, hm, a different… a more personal approach.”“By making off with his wallet,” Jyuto concludes.“Well--”“And two phones.”“I returned one of them,” Ichiro protests but he clamps his mouth shut upon receiving a pointed look. He’d almost forgotten this was an Iruma he was talking to; even if the man never introduced himself by name, the very aura surrounding him demanded discipline in a way that’s different from Jakurai but no less potent. To further complicate things, Ichiro had woken up in an unfamiliar room wrapped up in bandages. Whatever comfort he found at being told that he was rescued by Samatoki had evaporated as soon as Jyuto started his questioning.“One,” Jyuto repeats with emphasis. “And what happened to the other?”Ichiro stares back, the tilt of his head reminiscent to an owl’s verbalizing the unsaid question of What do you think?  Jyuto grins. “And now you want to get into our good books. After you’ve sold information on us.”“I run a business,” Ichiro replies. “I’ll do anything for the sake of my brothers. And for sensei, too.”That last addition makes Jyuto arch a brow.“I’m decent in a fight but that isn’t always enough.” Ichiro shrugs slightly, his current state being enough proof of his words. “Dealing information is my forte. It’s true that I sold out Aohitsugi-san before, but I have never done anything like that ever since we started working together.” Bold words from someone with scattered loyalties he’d just admitted to, but Jyuto can’t deny his claims; he’d been watching them closely, after all. The Yamada’s might have come from humble origins but their present client base include some of the most dangerous groups in Tokyo, unforgiving of even the slightest transgression. Yet, Ichiro still came when Samatoki called. “Information is the one thing I can offer in exchange for our protection,” Ichiro continues, answering Jyuto’s unspoken query of why Ichiro would dare go to such lengths, even putting his life in danger. “And… if my information can protect Aohitsugi-san, too, then…” Then? Jyuto keeps quiet but Ichiro doesn’t seem inclined to say more. The interesting shade of red that colors his face tells Jyuto enough.Changing tack, Jyuto asks, “You know what Samatoki stands to inherit soon, yes?” He pauses, allowing Ichiro to nod in reply, before saying, “At this time, we can’t afford any trouble.”“Aohitsugi-san doesn’t need someone who couldn’t deal with trouble on their own, I know. I promise I won’t make this mistake again, so if you can just, strike it from our records, that would really set us back on track.”The honest, hopeful smile under a pair of bright, earnest eyes unnerves Jyuto more than he’d care to admit. Very few could afford to even look him in the eye when he’s interrogating them and still, this kid… 
Of all the rotten luck in this godforsaken city...
It would have been fine if it was just about money or prestige or passing sexual interest, but Ichiro’s entire demeanor makes those things highly unlikely. Jyuto subdues an imminent sigh. Samatoki sure knows how to pick ‘em. Before he could say another word, however, a loud banging from the door diverts their attention.“OI, JYUTO! FUCKING HURRY UP WHY DON’T YOU?!”Ichiro’s eyes go wide but Jyuto only releases that belated sigh. He foresees a headache-littered future if Ichiro sticks to his guns and keeps on with Samatoki, and it’s looking like a very real future with every impatient knock on the door. Jyuto stands, surreptitiously smoothing down his suit jacket. “That’s my cue, Yamada-san. I’ll let Samatoki in before he breaks down the door, but do keep your conversation short. Jinguji-sensei is waiting.”“Yes, of course, we--wait, Sensei is here?!” For the second time in as many minutes, panic takes over Ichiro’s features. “Why is -- What’s he doing here? Oh my god, he’s going to kill me, isn’t he?” Ichiro mutters about his fateful demise into hands for a moment, before whipping around to look at Jyuto as if he’d single-handedly enabled the fact. “Iruma-san! Why didn’t you tell me earlier? Shit. There’s no way I can hide these bandages...” Ichiro dives under the covers, resuming his muttering, “Shit shit shit I am so dead.”Inexplicably, Jyuto finds himself fighting the urge to sigh again at the thought of Jinguji-sensei seeing to what was essentially, a brat with good senses. Still, it’s not Jyuto’s job to calm him down so he takes his leave. Upon unlocking the door, he meets Samatoki in a brief but intense staredown.“I saw him,” Samatoki bites out.Jyuto doesn’t budge but he raises one perfect brow ever so slightly.“You are never living this down,” Samatoki hisses before elbowing Jyuto out the door and slamming it shut. A startled yelp comes from the blanketed form on the sickbed, abruptly making Samatoki feel sheepish. Ichiro may be awake but he’s still injured, which calls for a bit more delicacy in his actions. “Oi,” he calls in a softer tone, alerting Ichiro to his presence as he approaches the bed.Ichiro freezes but he doesn’t emerge from the covers. Hearing Samatoki’s footsteps come to a halt beside the bed, he curls into himself a little tighter. “I’m… sorry to be a bother.”“You should’ve told me,” Samatoki replies immediately. It’s not like he didn’t understand pride, but this situation was something else entirely.Ichiro makes a noise that’s a cross between constipated and dying, or both at the same time, burrowing further under the blankets. He always made sure he’s not getting tailed when he goes out but, “I was gonna be late to the café, I didn’t notice them come up.” Muttering excuses isn’t going to change anything, Ichiro knows. He’s put even more on the edge when he feels the mattress dip, Samatoki’s voice sounding louder and closer. Angrier.“I don’t tolerate punks who think they can mess with what’s mine.”“It won’t happen again,” Ichiro says, pleading and promising in the same breath, even if it comes out somewhat muffled by the covers. “So… please don’t joke like that, Aohitsugi-san.”“Who says I’m joking?” Jyuto isn’t here to filter his words but even when he’s angry, Samatoki always means what he says. “I’ll make damn sure this never happens again, alright? What kind of boss would I be if I let this kind of disrespect pass?” Wait… “So…” Ichiro hazards a peek, pulling the blanket a bit lower. “You’re not here to tell me our contract’s over?”“Hell no!”“Because, because that’s what Iruma-san made it sound like.”Samatoki bares his canines. “Would you rather listen to that guy or to me?”“To you, of course.” Ichiro doesn’t hesitate, a grin pulling at his lips when Samatoki visibly calms after hearing his confirmation. He lets his head poke out of his blanket cocoon, still clutching at its edges but clearly without the nerves that had plagued him only moments ago. “You know, you really sounded like a real leader just now. It’s… something.”“‘Course I did, I’m getting ready to be one.” Samatoki scoffs, ignoring the heat that has filled up his cheeks. “But I can’t do that with my eyes and ears laid low, now can I?” He shoots Ichiro a look.“Then…” Ichiro takes a sharp breath, practically throwing the covers off the bed as he sits up, straight-backed like he was never injured in the first place. “I’ll do my best to heal up quickly!” He laughs when Samatoki jumps a little in surprise. “I was really worried that this was it, you know? Goodbye, the end, all over, but -- I’m glad that it’s not!” Hearing Samatoki himself confirm their unchanged status has brought him immeasurable relief. “Maybe I should start calling you boss, too?”Samatoki had almost forgotten how blinding Ichiro’s smile could be, how animated and talkative he is. Even with bandages and more than a few cuts marring his boyish face, Ichiro exudes that unique charm making it near impossible for Samatoki to tear his eyes away. He puts both hands on Ichiro’s shoulders, leveling him with a look that’s less scolding than fond. “Oi. Don’t just move around, the doc said you should take it easy!”Ichiro does feel a bit dizzy from that sudden movement. He holds onto Samatoki, allowing himself to be coaxed back onto the fluffy pillows. “I’d like it if you heal up soon, too,” Samatoki says, hovering above him. “And as for that ‘boss’ thing… heh. Call me Samatoki-sama. That’ll do.”Ichiro wets his lips, teeth pressing down on his bottom lip as he tries out the name, “Samatoki-sama.”Samatoki grins and Ichiro returns it, his hands fisting lightly around Samatoki’s shirt.“Samatoki-”“Ahem.” Samatoki doesn’t immediately let up. He turns his head towards the doorway and meets the analytical look of one Jakurai Jinguji head on, lingering for a defiant moment before his gaze moves to Jyuto. “I’m not breaking the contract.”“We won’t be talking about that right away,” Jakurai replies, stepping into the room. “First, I want to make sure Ichiro-kun didn’t crack his hard head open too much.”The mellow tone is laced with just enough threat to dissuade either of the younger men from retaliating on instinct. Ichiro is just getting used to having Samatoki so close but he’s well aware that he should behave and not aggravate Jakurai at the moment. He releases Samatoki, urging him to cooperate with a brief nod. “Do what you must, sensei,” Ichiro says, gamely.Samatoki gives Jakurai space to work, but not too much, taking the seat Jyuto had been using earlier, instead of remaining on the bed. As the doctor worked, Samatoki gives the long line of his form a blatant look over before he shifts his pointed gaze at Jyuto.In his thoughts, Jyuto is already committing ritual murder of his employer’s son. That stare did not go unnoticed, but Jakurai chooses instead to ignore Samatoki and focus on checking his ward’s dressings. They pass inspection but he deems that an extra day of actual rest wouldn’t be amiss before Ichiro is returned to Jiro and Saburo’s loving care.Ichiro goes deathly still at the mention of his brothers.“Why yes,” Jakurai says, still in that mild tone of voice (that may or may not distract Jyuto enough to let Samatoki stick his tongue out at him in childish irreverence) as he packs up his tools. “I did tell them what happened. They’re very worried, Ichiro-kun.”Distress dims Ichiro’s expression. His phone is probably overflowing with messages -- wait. Ichiro looks around him. “Where’s my phone?”Samatoki clears his throat. “It got damaged during the fight.” He walks over, retaking his spot on the bed and handing over a ziplock bag with the remains. “You should still be able to extract files from it. I’ll get someone to buy you a new phone later.”“You don’t have to,” Ichiro begins, but all it takes is a look from Samatoki (chiding, daring, and pleading all at once) for Ichiro to relent. “But I’ll gladly accept Samatoki-sama’s generosity!”The adoring looks shared between them could afford to be more subtle in Jyuto’s opinion. Well, time to intervene before they get distracted. Again. “Since Yamada-san needs to be resting, why don’t you come with us for a while, Samatoki?” Jyuto is all smiles when Samatoki narrows his eyes at him. “Jinguji-sensei and I would like to hear more about that bold proclamation of yours from earlier.”It’s a challenge and Samatoki and Ichiro both know it. Ichiro would protest but he finds himself at the end of a similarly foreboding look from Jakurai.“You’re right,” Samatoki agrees, surprising them all with his lack of argument. “Ichiro needs to rest.” He meets Ichiro’s anxious gaze and pulls up a confident grin. “Don't worry, I'll be back soon.”If Jyuto thinks they can talk him out of this, then they've got another thing coming.

At Jyuto’s office, two additional seats have been pulled up in front of the rosewood desk, with a matching side table that holds a tray laden with fine china. Jyuto dutifully offers Jakurai a drink but is declined; they can both sense Samatoki’s impatience to get the talk started. Pursing his lips, Jyuto resigns himself to playing mediator. He takes the seat beside Samatoki, who sits boldly across Jakurai.“Samatoki, this is Jakurai Jinguji.” Jyuto is secretly pleased when Samatoki manages to remain unfazed upon hearing the name. “Guardian over the Yamada brothers.”“Our meeting is much overdue,” Jakurai says in lieu of a greeting. He wasn’t about to say ‘pleased to meet you’ given the circumstances. In fact, he barely holds any positive opinion of Samatoki at the moment; while he did save Ichiro’s life, it’s clear that he and Jakurai are at opposing ends of the bigger argument. Still, Jakurai believes they can come to a mutually-beneficial agreement.“I’d say the same but I didn’t even know you existed,” Samatoki replies and Jyuto suddenly wants nothing more than to cut off that impudent tongue. Is he trying to lose this negotiation on purpose?Jakurai smiles, but not kindly. “Experience has taught me that it is better to stand back and let the boys do as they please. However, certain incidents have made my intervention inevitable.” More than the target on Ichiro’s back, the mutual regard Ichiro has cultivated with Samatoki is a bigger cause for concern. Samatoki himself has already stated that under no circumstances will he break their contract - a brash proclamation, considering their situation. “I can no longer allow Ichiro-kun to act without a guarantee for his safety.”It was more polite than Jyuto preferred, but it suited the man whose expression eloquently categorized the message into a mandate that could not be denied. Personally, Jyuto thinks they can all agree on keeping Ichiro Yamada from Samatoki’s business and, subsequently, out of harm’s way.“Never mind me, but Ichiro has his younger brothers to think about. Given the turbulent climate, it would be best to restrict your interactions until Aohitsugi-san here is officially recognized as the head.”Being the head would grant Samatoki more power which he could use to look after Ichiro, but -- “My old man ain’t about to kick the bucket yet,” Samatoki drawls. “What do you mean we ‘restrict interactions’ until then? I need intel now.”“I believe Iruma-san is more than capable for that task,” Jakurai gives him a nod in acknowledgment. “Is he not your family’s intelligence specialist?”“He works for my father,” Samatoki spits out. “Ichiro will be working with me.”Jakurai understands, then, where Samatoki is coming from. They were both born into the business but unlike Samatoki, Jakurai had never held much interest in leading his clan. He hadn’t planned to retire so early either, but raising the Yamadas was the perfect opportunity to slip out. Samatoki, on the other hand, obviously can’t wait to take over.“There is another option, since you kids don’t know patience,” Jyuto speaks up, unable to help his admonishing tone. “Samatoki can officially take Ichiro under his wing as a yakuza.”He shares a look with Jakurai but the admiration with which they regarded each other is now tainted with disbelief.“For all the security that option offers, there’s also a higher risk for Ichiro-kun’s safety.” The mild rebuke in Jakurai’s tone has Jyuto ready to expound on his suggestion, but Samatoki gives them no room to argue. “No, ” he cuts in. “I’m not bringing him into the fold.” As one, Jyuto and Jakurai turn to Samatoki, the question in their gazes urging Samatoki to continue. “I’ll talk to him again about having bodyguards, I’m sure I can make him reconsider after what’s happened. I’ll put bodyguards on his family, too, if needed.” So much for a smart answer. Jyuto clicks his tongue, “Bodyguards for an info broker that isn’t officially integrated to the family? Do I need to explain to you how that just puts a bigger bounty on his head?”“He wouldn’t follow such orders meekly,” Jakurai agrees, his own experience with a much younger Ichiro remaining relevant to this day. “No matter how… fond … Ichiro-kun is of you, Aohitsugi-san.”“He will if I play it right,” Samatoki boasts. “I’m not going to stick guards like fences around him. I don’t want Ichiro to feel restricted. Think - shadow security.” It worked for him, Samatoki thinks, shitty as he is about being escorted around himself.Jyuto considers this. He does know someone that they can borrow from the Shibuya group -- the offer had been extended once before when Samatoki managed to liaise productively with them. A phantom guard, in the words of Shibuya’s ringleader.“That is… more likely to succeed,” Jakurai concedes. His own guard has undertaken such assignments on occasion, though it did help that he and the Yamadas have an amicable relationship Samatoki delegates Jyuto to coordinate with Shibuya, with the caveat that Samatoki could check this guard detail first before they take him on. Receiving no further objection, Samatoki declares the meeting over. He doesn’t even need to announce where he’s headed when he strides purposefully to the door. Neither Jyuto nor Jakurai are inclined to stop him, but Samatoki still pauses with one foot out the room. “You’re welcome to stick around, Jinguji-sensei,” he drawls over his shoulder,  “I’m sure Jyuto would be happy to… host you properly.” As Samatoki closes the door with deliberate slowness, Jyuto resolves to wipe the shit-eating grin off him during their next ‘chat’.A polite cough from Jakurai snaps Jyuto out of the potent fantasy of breaking Samatoki’s nose with the same force he was gripping the carved arm rest with. “If there’s nothing else to discuss, I do have other wards to return to.”Smoothing out his expression into a cordial smile, Jyuto offers, “Then how about some refreshments for the road?”The tea set is within sight, prepared with obvious care and still steaming hot. How could Jakurai refuse? “Very well.”Jyuto gets to work, pouring two cups and adding cream and sugar as per their preferences. He hands one to Jakurai, who accepts with a wan but no less arresting smile. Jyuto settles against his desk, cup and saucer in hand, and allows himself to observe the other man. An ex-assassin as Ichiro’s story had confirmed. Retiring isn’t usually an option in their world but here Jakurai sits, looking completely in his element in a yakuza household. Jyuto is all the more intrigued.“Thank you.” Jakurai takes a sip, humming appreciatively. They share the same taste in tea, it appears, perfect for calming the nerves. “Dealing with Samatoki on a daily basis has made tea a necessity.”Jyuto notes how his long but delicate lashes fan out, the way Jakurai’s tense shoulders relax as he drinks, the smile he presses against his own cup. After a moment’s silence, Jyuto ventures, “I couldn’t help but wonder how you deal with your wards, sensei. Yamada-san seems troublesome enough, if you’d allow me to be frank, and you mentioned he has brothers?”“Troublesome hardly covers it,” Jakurai says with a shake of his head. “All three of them are riots on their own and much worse when together. They age me so but I still consider myself lucky to have them.”The sentimentality is unexpected, moreso the accompanying warmth that spreads out from Jyuto’s chest that he’s certain has got nothing to do with the tea. He decides to change the subject. “I can arrange for Yamada-san to be escorted back to your residence tomorrow. I wouldn’t want to trouble you any further.”“Thank you for being considerate, Iruma-san, but I would prefer to bring him back personally. As the arrangement with Ichiro-kun’s guard is still in the works, I only have confidence in myself to protect Ichiro-kun in his current state.” Jakurai looks up at Jyuto as he sets down his empty cup in the tray. “No offense to your existing security details, of course.”“None taken,” Jyuto brushes it off amiably. “I do feel that things will only get more difficult from here on out. In that light, I do hope to build a… pleasurable acquaintanceship with you, sensei. For the benefit of us both.”Jakurai nearly scalds his tongue from the piping hot drink with an aborted sip. He takes great care to clean any stray drops off his lips before meeting Jyuto’s gaze. Those green eyes level him with a look, steady and bold, daring to toe the line of professionalism that they had set between them. Jakurai puts down his cup, sweeping his bangs to the side and tucking his hair behind an ear to avoid any distractions. “I would not be against that.”“Wonderful. And how many minutes do we have until your valet arrives?”Jakurai checks his watch to verify. “Ten minutes. He’s just idling around the area.” He tilts his head in query. “Have I overstayed my welcome, Iruma-san?”“On the contrary.” Jyuto takes Jakurai’s cup and saucer, setting them aside. He stands before Jakurai, feeling the charged atmosphere between them intensify. Electricity lances up his spine as clear eyes survey him, the smallest smile playing on Jakura’s lips. “I believe we agreed to let me take care of things at our next meeting,” Jyuto says, miraculously managing an entire sentence without losing his voice to a gasp. “And right now, the opportunity is upon us. Rest assured, sensei, I promise to be done on time.”Jakurai sits back, nearly chiding himself for his heartbeat picking up over a simple verbal exchange. He used to be able to manipulate and divert any come ons in his prime, having received his fair share of admirers, but perhaps his years are catching up to him, rendering him speechless at the offer. In any case, he’s not entirely opposed to being propositioned by a man sharp in both wit and appearance. Wetting his lips, Jakurai concedes, “Then, please.”Jyuto doesn’t waste a second, guiding Jakurai’s  legs open to create space for himself, gloved hand skimming up the neatly pressed trousers as he leans down. Jakurai’s eyes never stray, long lashes fluttering as Jyuto rests his palm flat over the clothed thigh. “Allow me.” Jyuto kneels.

Ten minutes later and not a second sooner, Doppo knocks at Jyuto’s door, announcing the arrival of Jakurai’s valet. He steps to the side as Jakurai exits the room looking oddly flushed and slightly dazed. Concerned, Doppo asks if he needs an escort but Jyuto is suddenly there with a hand on Jakurai’s lower back.“You may return to your post, Doppo,” Jyuto says as he closes the door. “I’ll see sensei off.”“Um. Sure, Jyuto-san.” Doppo notes but doesn’t comment on how Jyuto’s steps seemed devoid of his usual staccato rhythm as he leads their guest out. Doppo takes a moment to watch them leave, and catches the casual movement of Jyuto’s hand as it lowers even further down Jakurai’s back.
Well. 
Resolutely keeping his thoughts to himself, Doppo makes his way back to the guest room-turned-infirmary where Samatoki had taken on the role of caretaker in everything but name. Rio is standing outside the room when he gets there.“Jyuto-san has escorted Jinguji-sensei to his valet,” Doppo reports. “We’ll be leaving in a short while, as well.”“We?”Rio nods. “Yamada-san has given the specs for that new phone, getting it is our top priority.”“Shouldn’t one of us stay to keep guard?” Doppo asks, though he follows Rio automatically when the taller man starts walking.“Boss insists that they’ll be fine.”Doppo’s ears prick up, catching the sulk beneath Rio’s blunt responses. He says nothing for a minute, merely observing Rio in hopes of getting a clue. When they pass by the dining room, Doppo catches sight of the wall clock. “It’s nearing eleven. Should we prepare lunch before we go?” Shopping for a new gadget with an information broker’s specifics couldn’t possibly be done in just under an hour, Doppo thinks. A couple of steps pass with Rio offering no reply, prompting Doppo to call for his attention, “Dono?”“No need. They plan to order takeout.” Ah . So that’s the problem. Doppo tamps down on a smile, not wanting to appear insensitive. He walks a little closer to Rio, adopting a conniving tone. “Everyone’s so busy today. They probably won’t miss us much if we stay out a little longer.”Rio slides a curious look at him.“Let me treat you to lunch,” Doppo says. “There’s a new restaurant downtown, their turtle soup is getting popular. Or we can go for horumonyaki?”As Doppo continues to list off dishes that appeal to his unique taste, Rio’s stormy expression grows lighter until he finds himself grinning back. “It’s a bit far but do you remember the tempura place that served mentaiko?”The engaging question is encouraging; Doppo is glad to have Rio out of his funk. “I do.”“We can have lunch there, if that’s alright.”“Of course, dono. Let’s get ready.”

“You must allow me to return the favor next time,” Jakurai murmurs, allowing Jyuto to press a kiss to the back of his hand.Jyuto smiles, his lips grazing Jakurai’s knuckles. “I’ll hold you to that, sensei.”Jyuto holds the car door open for him, watching until the silver Lexus exits the perimeter before closing up and heading back in.Similarly, Jakurai watches Jyuto through the tinted car windows, only turning away once the gates are closed behind them. He settles back on the plush leather seat, shutting his eyes for a moment, filing away the occurences of the past ten minutes to be scrutinized at his leisure later on. As soon as he opens his eyes, a question comes from the driver’s seat.“How’s Ichiro doing, sensei?”Jakurai meets a golden gaze, curious and excited and sparkling. “He’s doing a lot better than expected,” he replies calmly. “But he’ll be staying here for another day to further recuperate. We’ll be collecting him tomorrow.”“Roger that!” Hifumi salutes, his other hand expertly weaving them through the traffic. “Back to the estate then?”“Yes, if you please. Were you able to scout the area properly?”“I did,” Hifumi confirms. “It’s ridiculously well-fortified, seriously, who puts security cameras in trees? But I guess that’s to be expected knowing who lives there.”“They are quite an interesting group,” Jakurai agrees. Samatoki Aohitsugi is arrogant and impulsive but he has heart, which is more than what Jakurai can say of his peers. It’s not so surprising to find that he’s got his own band of dedicated subordinates.Hifumi hums, tapping a many-ringed finger on the steering wheel. “I got something interesting, too! Snatched up one of the henchmen involved in yesterday’s incident for you to interrogate.”“Well done. I’ll see to our guest as soon as we get home.”“Right, right~ But before that, sensei, you might wanna cover up that hickey first.”“The wha-- oh.” Jakurai colors deeply, fixing the collar of his coat. Perceptive as always. “I trust that you’ll keep this little detail between us, Hifumi-kun.”“Of course!” Hifumi grins. “But you should be the one to break it to the kids.”Jakurai blinks. “I’m sorry? I hardly think it’s something to tell--”“About Ichiro, sensei,” Hifumi clarifies with a laugh, his eyes twinkling as he looks at Jakurai through the rearview mirror. “Better call them up so they can stop worrying.”“Ah, you’re right.” Jakurai retrieves his phone, shooting Hifumi a chiding look for teasing him before he presses Jiro’s speed dial.Jiro answers on the first ring. “Sensei!”Jakurai isn’t surprised - the younger Yamada brothers have been waiting for an update, ready to retaliate if their big brother wasn’t on the immediate path to recovery. Jakurai’s explanation calms them down, and while they’re crestfallen that Ichiro isn’t going home yet they perk up when they hear that Jakurai will be bringing him home the next day.“Can we come with you?” Jiro and Saburo plead together, and Jakurai understands their concern but he doubts it would be proper of him to keep bringing people in and out of other people’s homes. He would have to confer with Iruma-kun.“Who’s Iruma-kun?” Saburo asks, tellingly suspicious with the sharpness of his question. As far as the brothers were concerned, Jakurai deferred to no-one for any clearance whatsoever.Had he said that outloud? And with such a familiar honorific, too… “He oversees the headquarters where Ichiro-kun is staying,” Jakurai answers, pointedly refusing to meet Hifumi’s cheeky grin through the rearview mirror as he minimizes the call and keys in a message to the man in question.“I thought the one in charge was the Aohitsugi guy,” Jiro mutters, underscored by the clack of a keyboard in the background.“Think of him as Aohitsugi-san’s retainer,” Jakurai explains plaintively. While Jiro and Saburo were generally behaved, they still possessed the same unbridled curiosity and nigh unquenchable thirst for information that their eldest brother did. Still, Jakurai would rather avoid complicating things so early on.“Retainer,” Jiro repeats, toneless but with perfect enunciation, before going through the motions of ending the call and chorusing a goodbye with Saburo. As Hifumi would put it, Jakurai had ended up letting the hound chase the rabbit with just that one word alone. Considering the alternative, Jakurai prefers this turn of events.The rest of the afternoon Jakurai devotes to interrogating the henchman Hifumi had left in their basement. Hifumi spirits Jiro and Saburo away with promises of treats and gossip, allowing Jakurai complete privacy as he completes his task. It’s tiresome and gruesome but Jakurai extracts the pertinent details, learning the name of the perpetrators and all things specific. The group is one of the more aggressive newcomers on the scene, eager to climb to the top of the totem pole with no regard as to whose toes they’re stepping on. With a decisive slice of his blade, the screaming dwindles into quiet. Jakurai pulls off his surgical mask and gloves -- red stains blending in with the black leather -- and calls up some long overdue favors (of the no-questions-asked variety) to cleanse his hands of the matter at last.Serendipitously, the moment Jakurai deems himself presentable again, his phone chimes with a message from Jyuto, granting Jakurai’s charges permission to tag along to collect Ichiro the next day. Jakurai thanks him, and busies himself in the kitchen while waiting for his charges to return.   [ Thank you for your consideration, Iruma-kun. (ノ*゜▽゜*) ]Jyuto is alone with his laptop when he receives Jakurai’s reply. No one sees the curious parade of expressions - blank shock, confusion, bemusement - on his face upon reading the message. Likewise, no one notices how long Jyuto’s lips remain curved in a slight smile after he closes the message, perhaps not even Jyuto himself.  Dinner is a much more animated affair with Ichiro joining in via video call on his new phone. As soon as he finishes his food, however, a voice offscreen tells him it’s time to rest up.“But Samatoki-sama--!”“No buts, you’re still recovering.”Jiro and Saburo are immediately on the alert, watching the screen closely as Ichiro pouts. A pale hand reaches over, mindful of the bandages as it ruffles his hair, and Ichiro relents. Smiling to the camera, Ichiro excuses himself (citing a very strict nurse) and reminds his brothers to brush their teeth before bed. “I’ll be back home tomorrow for sure!”“We’re coming with sensei to fetch you!” Saburo blurts out. Ichiro blinks. “You are?”“Yeah! Sensei said we could!” Jiro nods. At the head of the table, Jakurai clears his throat. “Iruma-kun has allowed me to bring them along,” Jakurai relays. “Provided that they behave.”“We will!”“Promise!”Try as he might to act strict, there’s no hiding the soft smile Jakurai wears as both Jiro and Saburo turn matching angelic looks at him. Hifumi applauds their cajolery, proud of the kids for having perfected a most valuable bargaining weapon. Miles away, Ichiro feels his chest warm up just from watching them be so carefree. He loves his family more than anything and if he ever needs a reminder to keep at what he’s doing it’s this moment right here.The sound of the door opening then closing snaps Ichiro out of his musings. Samatoki is back, having gone out to put away their dinner trays.“Oi, Ichiro. You’re still not done with that?” Samatoki doesn’t bother muting his annoyance. He understands that Ichiro misses his family but it’s getting late. And besides, “I told you there’s something we need to talk about. In private.” He adds that last bit with emphasis.“R-Right!” Ichiro turns to his brothers, bidding them goodnight a second time before ending the call. Ichiro puts down the phone, smiling as it reverts to the homescreen featuring a generic background. He hasn’t had the chance to customize it much, prioritizing the phone’s security features so he could call his brothers and ease their worries. The ones who’d bought the new phone for him were Samatoki’s bodyguards; Ichiro didn’t think he had one, let alone two, but they were nice guys and Ichiro had thanked them profusely for coming to his rescue.“Your brothers sound nice,” Samatoki says, retaking his seat on the chair set up beside Ichiro’s bed. He had opted not to join in during their little livestream, staying out of view to eat and remind Ichiro to chew his food, but he’d learned plenty from just watching their lively interactions. Samatoki remembers Ichiro’s brothers vaguely from Jyuto’s background digging into the Yamada’s before but he didn’t expect them to sound so young.“They’re the best,” Ichiro gushes happily, sounding even more excited when he tells Samatoki that they’ll be coming with Jakurai to fetch him tomorrow. Tomorrow. Samatoki had stayed with Ichiro the whole day. Time had passed too quickly as they talked and avoided any mention of work. All too soon, Ichiro would be leaving. Tomorrow. He could probably argue for Ichiro to stay here until he’s fully healed but seeing his excitement at reuniting with his family summarily obliterated that idea.“Ah, sorry, you were going to say something?” Ichiro interrupts his own babbling (he’s aware that he tends to go on when talking about his brothers). Samatoki hadn’t tried to stop him, rather, his expression had relaxed into a sort of far-off look. It wasn’t exactly unfamiliar.Samatoki hadn’t left his side all day, making sure that Ichiro didn't overexert himself. He even let Ichiro read light novels off his phone when Ichiro complained about boredom. It’s obvious that Samatoki was holding back on saying something -- and as much as Ichiro liked having Samatoki’s undivided attention, he knows it’s at least partially a distraction from the real issue. Neither of them seemed to know how to breach the topic, until now.Samatoki clears his throat, making a point to meet Ichiro’s eyes. “Listen, when I said I wanted to meet yesterday to discuss a job… That was a lie.”Ichiro holds his breath.“I…” Samatoki’s gaze is heavy, burdened, and he looks away before he could get another word out. He seems to battle with himself for a moment, turning back to Ichiro with a look of utmost determination. “I care about you, alright? And maybe I said something wrong to make you mad the last time we talked about security issues but I’m not backing down this time.” Red eyes flash and it might just be Ichiro’s imagination, but Samatoki’s cheeks are looking kind of red, too. “I don’t want us to have another stupid fight about this, okay?”“It was a stupid fight, wasn’t it?” Ichiro bites his lip, “...Alright, Samatoki-sama. Let’s hear what you’ve got.”With Ichiro's concession, Samatoki lays out the plan he, Jyuto, and Jakurai had agreed on that morning. Ichiro listens, understanding now that needing extra security on him isn’t a sign of weakness or of Samatoki not trusting him enough. Maybe later he’ll unpack why it makes him happy that Samatoki is this serious about his safety.“So who’s it gonna be?” Ichiro asks, remembering that Samatoki had two bodyguards under his own command. “I wouldn’t want you to be unprotected.”“Jyuto mentioned getting a guy from Shibuya but he hasn’t given me concrete details yet.” Samatoki would interview the guy before they officially take him on but Ichiro can sit in, too, if he wants. See if they click, or if he has specifications of his own, just like when Samatoki asked what kind of smartphone he needed. Ichiro declines the offer, but he does ask Samatoki to pass along the guy’s name once he gets hold of it. Jiro and Saburo could do the background checking; since it’s about Ichiro’s safety, they wouldn’t skimp on any details.“Anyway, if Samatoki-sama says he’s good, then it’s fine with me, too.”The complete trust that Ichiro has put on him makes Samatoki puff out his chest. “I’ll make damn sure of it.” With that sorted, Samatoki would’ve liked to stay and savor Ichiro’s company a bit more but it’s getting really late; Ichiro needs plenty of rest to fully recover. So Samatoki bids him goodnight, memorizing the way he looked -- smiling, comfortable, safe -- before he leaves the room.“I look forward to meeting your brothers tomorrow.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“I’m sorry for getting Ichiro injured while on a job.”The declaration is startlingly loud, far from the greeting they expected upon setting foot into the headquarters of one of their highest-paying clients. He’s supposed to be the heir to some big name yakuza family but here he is, bowing before them in utmost remorse.“I’ll make sure it never happens again.”Jakurai quietly approves of the 90-degree angle bow, similarly keeping his amusement at Jiro and Saburo’s reactions to himself.“W-Well, Ichi-nii tends to run straight into risks sometimes,” Saburo mumbles, unnerved at the intensity of this apology. He looks to Jiro for backup but ends up surprised when Jiro pulls off his hat and bows back, equally stiff. “We’re grateful to you for taking care of him,” Jiro says, bangs hanging over ruddy cheeks as he stares at the floor.They straighten up at the same time and both brothers are surprised to find Samatoki grinning, red eyes gleaming. Ichiro’s not-so-candid photos do not do the man justice, in Saburo’s opinion. He forcibly stamps down on the creeping guilt of having messed with the guy’s phone way back then.“You’re a bit early, sensei.” Samatoki addresses Jakurai but he looks to the brothers as well, letting them know they’re free to speak up. “Ichiro’s still having breakfast in his room. Have you all eaten?”Jiro puts his hat back on just as Jakurai’s hands settle on his and Saburo’s shoulders. “Certain children thought skipping their meal would get them to see Ichiro-kun sooner, but I could hear stomachs rumbling the whole ride over.” Jakurai’s mild expression tinges with apology. “If it wouldn’t be too troublesome--”Samatoki is already waving his hand. “It’s fine, sensei. Rio cooked extra when we told him we were expecting guests today.”“Then I’ll leave them in your care.” Jakurai nods in gratitude. He gives Jiro and Saburo each a squeeze before stepping back. “I’ll go ahead and check on Ichiro-kun.”“Sure.” Samatoki’s gaze flicks over to what seems to be an empty corridor but after a second, a man in a suit steps up to Jakurai with a brief bow. Who the hell wears a suit indoors? Jiro thinks as the unnamed man leads Jakurai deeper into the house.Before they’re even out of sight, Samatoki turns to Ichiro’s younger brothers. “You two, follow me.”Jiro and Saburo shuffle after him, too busy staring at the man to pay attention to the rest of the house -- headquarters, did he call it? Samatoki Aohitsugi is far more fascinating than any architectural construct, anyway. They can make out faint lines under the light-colored aloha shirt, strokes of ink stretching over his back, the dark shine of studs and rings on both ears muted by the shock of platinum hair. This guy…“Here we are,” Samatoki announces. “Sit wherever you like.” He indicates the empty seats around a rectangular table, before shouting in the direction of the kitchens. “Oi Rio, I need breakfast for two, pronto.”A guy who’s way too muscular to be just a cook peeks from the kitchen. He wears a slight frown and a pristine apron, the rolled up sleeves of his t-shirt showing off impressive muscles. Rio looks past Samatoki to find dark-haired and green-eyed teenagers seated at the table, rightly concluding that they must be Ichiro’s brothers. “Coming right up, Boss.”Clinking pots and pans echo as Rio disappears back into the kitchen and soon, the table is filled with enough food for a small family. “Growing boys need lots of food,” Samatoki grins when he sees them staring at the spread. “Eat up.”The food isn’t bad at all, though Saburo seems to have a better taste for it than Jiro. Jiro swears it’s only because his appetite is affected by his anxiety on seeing their big brother again. They eat second servings at Samatoki’s insistence.“Ichiro wouldn’t stop talking about his ‘baby brothers’ coming to pick him up but you two don’t look that young, hah.” Samatoki joins them in a few bites, making conversation by guessing their age.“I’m already fourteen,” Saburo pouts, indignant at being called a ‘baby’ even though he knows Ichiro is just affectionate like that. “But if Ichi-nii’s already gushing about us then that probably means he’s fine now.”Jiro isn’t as easily assured, though. “Nii-chan works way too hard to provide for us, even with sensei around.” He looks right at Samatoki. “You said you’re going to protect him, right?” Jakurai had mentioned safety measures following the attack. Samatoki would say fourteen is too young but he’s been in the family business at a much younger age so he can’t comment on that. He can, however, answer Jiro’s question with certainty. “I’m serious about protecting Ichiro, which reminds me -- I still have to vet that guard we’re getting for him. Care to help me out?”“Of course!” Jiro and Saburo instantly straighten up, eyes alight with purpose.Heh. Samatoki is really liking these kids. Jyuto has given him the guard’s name earlier and he even scheduled a meeting; there’s more info to come for sure but Samatoki had promised Ichiro to get his brothers on it, too. “The potential guard goes by Phantom, mostly, and he’s affiliated with easy R. Ichiro had investigated the Shibuya group before so you two can start from there.”Saburo remembers them. Amemura Ramuda, especially…Jiro will verify Phantom’s identity with his network.“You can count on us!” they reply in unison. More than just proving themselves to Samatoki, they’re doing this for Ichiro’s sake, too. Ichiro might have bandages around his head but he’s pretty sure he isn’t delusional. He doesn’t say anything yet, though, still processing the evidence before him as Jakurai goes about his checkup.For one thing, Jakurai’s hair is in a ponytail, accented with a pretty bejeweled pin. He’s in a turtleneck, too, which wouldn’t be odd in itself but the collar is pulled up way too high to be comfortable in today’s dry weather. And lastly, there’s the cologne. It smells expensive, with a rich lingering note telling Ichiro that Hifumi himself had picked it out. And if Hifumi is in any way involved in Jakurai’s get up then there’s no doubt that Jakurai is looking to impress.The who is answered when, following a rapt knock on the door, Jyuto Iruma strides in wearing a suit fit for a candlelight dinner. “I hope you found everything in order,” he says by way of greeting, halting just behind Jakurai and casually placing a hand on the back of his chair.“Yes, I did. Thank you, Iruma-kun.”Jyuto hums, a smile curling on his lips as he no doubt inhales the potent cologne. He moves his hand to Jakurai’s shoulder, setting off a pink explosion over fair cheeks. In contrast, Jyuto appears perfectly composed. Smug, even, at having caused such a reaction.Ichiro looks between them, the hypotheses running amok inside his head colliding into an indisputable conclusion.The how, he assumes, is strongly linked to yesterday’s meeting. Ichiro did think they acted uncannily familiar, which led him to conclude that these two have most likely been in contact even before the ambush. The why is something he’d rather not know at this point in time. A loud cry of “Ichi-nii!” saves Ichiro from over-thinking the scenario before him.Jiro and Saburo launch themselves at their big brother, careful not to jostle Ichiro too much. The three of them collapse into a cuddle pile that (under normal circumstances) would be enough to give everyone in the immediate vicinity a toothache. Seeing Jyuto standing beside Jakurai, however, makes Samatoki scowl.Jyuto doesn’t remember calling for Samatoki so soon. Last he heard, he was entertaining their guests with breakfast in the dining room. Jyuto was hoping to catch a few more minutes alone with the good doctor but there’s nothing more he can do now that they’re here. Well, nothing except keep his hand right where it is. No amount of audible teeth-grinding or murderous thoughts could make Jyuto move that hand.“We missed you, Nii-chan!”“Thank goodness you're alright!”“Samatoki-san said he was getting you a guard!”“We'll help him investigate!”As Ichiro pats his brothers’ heads, thanking them and telling them they have his full confidence, Jyuto shoots Samatoki a most critical look. To think he's bringing even those kids into this. Jyuto would have made some scathing remark to remind him of the hierarchy of command that they have in this house -- Jyuto no longer trusts Samatoki to make sensible decisions on matters concerning Ichiro Yamada -- but then Jakurai speaks up, calm as ever. He reminds his wards to exercise due caution in their new assignment, inadvertently forcing Jyuto to hold his tongue.Fine. He’ll just have that talk with Samatoki later. And if a few punches happen to be thrown, then there’s no reason to let that little incident get out. ++++++++++++++++++++++ Phantom went by many aliases -- a jack of all trades across the districts -- but ever since he was picked up by Ramuda Amemura, he stuck to ‘Gentaro Yumeno.’ Discreet guard, highmark sharpshooter, and particularly slippery with hand-to-hand combat, he comes highly recommended when Jyuto rings up the Shibuya group to discuss the matter of setting up a security detail for a certain individual. ++++++++++++++++++++++ The job sounded boring on paper -- guarding some teenager because he got attacked by thugs -- but since a ‘very important business partner’ ordered it, Gentaro agrees to give it a try. Boss Ramuda seems very invested in this assignment.Two hours in on his first day, Gentaro is shoved into a back alley with brass knuckles in his face.“Why are you following me?!”Is this what Ramuda meant by ‘keep your guard up’? For a few precious seconds, Gentaro is paralyzed -- a normal person couldn’t possibly have known he was tailing them. He’s the Phantom for a reason. This isn’t the time to lose his head, though. “Would you believe it if I said it was for candy?”“Candy…?” That’s an oddly familiar excuse, but Ichiro is kind of paranoid being out and about at last. This guy looks sorta familiar, too, but he can’t quite place --Too late. A flicker of doubt is all it takes for Gentaro to reverse their positions.“Good boys should play nice with strangers,” Gentaro says pleasantly. As if he wasn’t pinning Ichiro head first against a brick wall with coarse graffiti sprayed all over it. “That is, if they don’t want to get hurt.” He hates having to report a hiccup like this to Ramuda but he’ll take this chance to get answers out of this kid as well.“I can be good,” Ichiro grins. “But not for you, Mr. Stalker.” With adrenaline-fueled strength, he pushes himself off the wall, creating some distance between the two of them; there’s not much of it to speak of in this cramped alleyway but Ichiro can make do. Jakurai would get SO MAD if he gets injured again so soon, not to mention Samatoki. They’re squaring off to attack -- even this stalker is brandishing his own weapon now -- when Ichiro’s phone rings.It’s Samatoki’s personal ringtone.Gentaro smiles (not that he actually stopped smiling from the start) and gestures for Ichiro to take the call. “I promise I won’t run off,” he says, easing out of his fighting stance. “Candyman’s honor.”Ichiro pins Gentaro with a glare, even as he puts up a smile to answer. “Ayo~ Ichiro speaking~” Samatoki is seated in a café, the morning rush is over and the house music is turned low so as not to interfere with the leftover patrons’ chattering. Still, he hears something odd in Ichiro’s greeting. He sounds out of breath. “You okay over there?”“Fine.” Ichiro replies quickly. Too quickly.“Are you sure?” It’s been a week since the incident and Ichiro had been dutifully keeping him up to date with his recovery. Still, a churning feeling in Samatoki’s gut says it’s still too soon for him to get back on the streets. That is, if he was alone, however… “The security detail on you is supposed to start today.” Gentaro sees the exact moment when Ichiro arrives at some realization because he freezes up before resuming his replies. Ichiro’s guilty gaze even flicks away, giving Gentaro the opportunity to check his own phone. He hits Ramuda’s Line shortcut and types out -- Compromised. Target made contact.  “Okay, so, don’t be mad,” Ichiro adopts a sheepish tone, looking between his phone and Gentaro (who waves at him, smiling). “But I might have ambushed a guy just now, who might be this guard you’re talking about. Brunet in period clothing? Says his name is Candyman?” He held a pen knife to my throat, Ichiro doesn’t say.“...”A burst of laughter comes from Samatoki’s end of the line but Ichiro doubts he’s the one laughing. It’s too high-pitched and carefree. A sudden thud delays it for maybe half a second but it returns, full force.Ichiro is squirming in his shoes while the seemingly endless and impossibly loud snickers fill up the silent alley. Samatoki cuts a glare at his companion -- a petite pink-haired figure who evidently does not have any qualms about rolling on the floor in haute couture.“That’s him!” Ramuda giggles. “He messaged me just now, too!”Samatoki pinches the bridge of his nose, returning his attention to the call. “Yeah, that’s your guard.” Gentaro’s smile twitches. Someone will be getting decaf blends all week.“I-I’m really sorry for thinking you were a stalker!” Ichiro turns to him, blushing and sputtering. “I shouldn’t have attacked first. I’m just, really on the edge today. Please forgive me.” He covers up the phone with one hand, attempting to control the volume, but it does very little in muting the shrieking laughs.“There’s no apology needed,” Gentaro assures him. It’s not Ichiro’s fault that his boss is like that. “If anything, I humbly request your pardon for my threatening you in retaliation.”“Oh! Sure! I mean, uh, pardon granted. W-We’re cool.”Gentaro duly sheathes his weapon within the many folds of his attire. “If there are no more complaints, I shall resume my duty, Ichiro-sama.”“Just ‘Ichiro-san’ is fine… and yes, of course, you may continue.” Ichiro just has a couple of errands to run for Jakurai today. “It’s nice to meet you… er… Your name isn’t really Candyman, is it?” Ramuda, who has just caught his breath, dissolves back into giggles.Samatoki sighs, “His name is Phantom.”“You should’ve told me that,” Ichiro mutters.“I did tell you that,” Samatoki counters.“You didn’t even give me a heads up that the guard was starting today!” Gentaro clears his throat. “I prefer to go by Phantom, Ichiro-san. Please go about your day as usual. I’ll stick to my post and refrain from bothering you.”Ichiro nods, dropping the petty argument with Samatoki as he does. Gentaro steps back to the street, blending with pedestrians in the blink of an eye. How he manages to do that while dressed like an Edo-period scholar is way beyond Ichiro’s comprehension. “Ah. I forgot to ask for his number.”“And why would you need his number?”“So we can coordinate stuff? Obviously.” Ichiro raises a brow even though he knows Samatoki can’t see it. “I’ll send over Phantom’s contacts!” Ramuda volunteers, giddy at this rare sighting of a green-eyed Samatoki. “Great, thanks!” Ichiro keeps away his brass knuckles, getting ready to head out again when a thought makes him pause. That wasn't Samatoki just now, was it? “Um… Samatoki-sama? Is that Ramuda-san with you?”He recognized the voice once the inane laughter finally died down. “Ye--”Samatoki is left growling as Ramuda skips away with his phone.“Hiiiii, Ichiro-kuuuun! It’s everyone's favorite Ramuda-chaaan! Long time no deals!” “Ah! Ramuda-san! Thanks for the help!” Ichiro has had a few… encounters… with easy R before. All he can say is that it never hurts to be friendly with the local groups.“Mm mm! Rackin’ up big trouble now, are you? My how you've grown!”“Who? Me?”“Of course, you!” Ramuda giggles. “I remember when you were just a wee thing helping oldies sweep their yards~ Now, you even have little Samatoki here worrying! Just what exactly are you up to these days?”“Oi! Give that back!”Ichiro listens to a brief scuffle, biting back a smile until Samatoki comes back on the line.“I’m hanging up,” he says. “Before this damn gremlin makes more of a ruckus.”“Meanie!” Ichiro hears Ramuda cry in the background.“Okay.” Ichiro takes a breath. “Thanks for calling.”“Nn.”“I'll be busy with jobs now that I'm back,” Ichiro says. “Couldn't let my brothers take the more sensitive ones and they kind of piled up, but if Samatoki-sama has a request…”The level of priority Ichiro had placed him on is impossible to miss but Samatoki doesn't have a big request at the moment. (He'd rather avoid overworking Ichiro, too, seeing as he has only just recovered from an injury.) “You focus on your work,” Samatoki tells him. “I got a few names I want you to keep tabs on -- nothing deliberate, but if their names come up I want to know where.”“Roger that, Samatoki-sama! I'll get going now. Later~” Samatoki keeps his phone after sending Ichiro the list of names to look out for but he maybe lingers a few seconds, enough for Ramuda to glimpse at his wallpaper -- a decidedly wacky photo of a bandaged up Ichiro posing beside an unaware Samatoki.Ramuda settles back on his seat, cushioning his chin on a palm as he levels Samatoki with an intrigued look. “I gotta say,” he begins. “This is quite an arrangement, Samatoki. I don't normally sublease my people to other groups but… Having an intel agent escorted and making him look into your dad's business…” Ramuda recognized the names on that list. “Any reason you're not tasking Jyuto with this work?”Samatoki snorts. “That guy? He's getting a little too busy these days.”Ramuda's eyes shine. “What kind of busy are we talking about? Do I have to lock up my network? Or is it something more… personal?”“Personal.” Samatoki shudders. “Way too personal.”“Oohhh, do tell Ramuda-chan more~! Did he get back with the Director General? I heard she never takes exes back -- no exceptions -- but if Jyuto were to grovel …”Samatoki takes a long sip of his latte, thoughtful. He lets Ramuda go wild with speculation. None of it comes close to the bomb he's about to drop. “A Jinguji.”The smile on Ramuda's face freezes. He answers in a careful tone, dripping with faux sweetness. “Sorry? I must’ve misheard you~”“Jyuto’s got himself a sadist,” Samatoki says, a clear distaste in his tone. “A retired sadist who supposedly left his clan--”“Hold up!” Ramuda interrupts. “Are you, are you talking about Ichiro-kun's handler?” Nobody just cuts ties with the Jinguji family and gets to keep their name, let alone their life. In fact, Ramuda knows of only one person who has done it. He didn’t think Jakurai still got involved with the underground and he’d certainly hate to think of Jakurai getting involved in the biblical sense.“Yes.” Seriously. Does everyone know about the handler thing save for Samatoki? 'Cause it's not his fault that Ichiro presented himself as perfectly independent. There's no ignoring the fact now that he knows it, though. “We're being very civil.”“Heeeeehhh… You've made some pretty powerful alliances, Samatoki.” Ramuda's lips curl into a grin. “If other groups find out, you might need additional security details yourself.”Samatoki scoffs. His father already knows and he's the only one Samatoki cares to piss off. The others can be dealt with easily enough; it's why he's counting on Ramuda. Things will be easier once Samatoki takes over the family business, but for now… he's as safe as he can get. ++++++++++++++++++++++ Shibuya district is fickle. Aohitsugi senior doesn't deal well with Ramuda's uncle who heads the place in name. Samatoki, having immersed himself amongst the Tokyo underground, knows that they will be valuable allies when it counts. Gossiping is the best way to get Ramuda’s attention. If you can't have frivolous chats with Ramuda, he trusts you even less with serious matters.Ramuda believes that personal interests can outweigh any family loyalty. Samatoki, for example, is all about this Ichiro of his. It was smart of him to come to Ramuda for that favor, likely a calculated move. Ramuda knows all the ins and outs of Tokyo’s underground and his gut tells him there’s something more to Samatoki’s agenda than meets the eye. He’s counting on Gentaro's observations on Ichiro to complete the puzzle. ++++++++++++++++++++++ The room temperature is cooling but the smell of sex lingers. A broadcaster on TV reports pertinent movements in the Japanese stock market, masking the sounds of the running shower.Jyuto's phone buzzes. He was just about to light up a cigarette but he quickly decides against it when he sees who's calling.“Aohitsugi-sama.”“What's this I hear about Samatoki butting heads with the Kururugis?”
Ah.
Jyuto makes to push up his glasses but finds them missing from the bridge of his nose. (They're folded neatly on the bedside table.) His posture straightens subconsciously.“The Kururugis were found disposing of undesirables at the Washiho turf,” Jyuto relays with great effort at keeping the exasperation from his tone. He knew this call was coming. “Samatoki chose to extend help to the Washihos--”“And since when were they so friendly, ah?!” “Well--”“It's not just the Kururugis either. The Minato groups are complaining about him turning down business proposals.”“Samatoki found the proposals unfeasible,” Jyuto explains. “He has arranged to negotiate but--”“But nothing!” Aohitsugi interjects. “Why is it that other people bring me these news when you're supposed to be keeping watch over him? Are you covering up for him?”“Not at all,” Jyuto replies quickly.“You better not. Your father would be rolling in his grave if generations of service ends up obsolete with you.”“That’s highly unlikely.”“Really? He's been plotting right under your nose and you didn't even know it! Word is there's some upstart broker dealing information to Samatoki.”
Ichiro Yamada.
“I’m… aware of the matter.”Jyuto is always keen, but now he listens extra close. Aohitsugi senior’s explosive temper is nothing new but it's been quite some time since it's been this deadly.“I don't know what that boy thinks he's doing but it needs to stop now.”“I'll have a word with Samatoki--”“Don’t bother. The Kururugis will be sending a message for me that he won't be able to ignore.”“...”“Boy needs to know his place!” Aohitsugi continues. “And you need to get your act together, Jyuto.”“... Yes, sir. But there's something you need to know about Samatoki's hired info broker…” Steam billows out the door as Jakurai exits the bathroom in a fluffy white robe. His long hair is carefully wrapped in a matching towel. When he finds Jyuto sitting immobile on the bed, however, his soft expression pinches with concern.“Jyuto-kun?” ++++++++++++++++++++++ Guarding Ichiro proves to be more interesting than what the job description entailed. Gentaro has had to fend off hitmen whenever Ichiro strolls into another territory -- which is to say, 80% of the time. The Families of Tokyo seem to be aware with whom Ichiro is particularly cozy with and not all of them are happy about it.Ichiro insists that he's still a free agent; it's just that he can't help being a preferred business now, can he? Still, Ichiro takes note of those who are being fussy about his alliances -- some of them have already cut ties with him upfront. He invites Gentaro over so they can compare notes on who's targeting him behind his back.“We have an encrypted communication line--”“Yeah, but we have food.”
Touché.
Gentaro clears this first with Ramuda who all but pushes him to go ahead and ‘play nice!’Instead of just Ichiro, however, there are two other Yamadas seated at the dinner table. Black-haired and green-eyed, it’s almost impossible to tell the three brothers apart.“Seems rather informal,” Gentaro comments about their set-up but he shrugs and takes his seat anyway.“We’re part of the business, too, Gentaro Yumeno,” Jiro sneers at him, using Phantom’s present name to drive the point home. Not to be outdone, Saburo pipes up. “Also, it’s dinner time and we’re hungry.”“We can talk while we eat,” Ichiro adds gamely, handing Gentaro a bowl of rice. “Sensei can’t nag us about manners when he’s not even here,” he mutters as an aside.With that, their 'business-dinner’ starts off. Various gadgets are propped up on the table -- another thing that Jakurai doesn't allow but, again, he isn't there to scold them. Saburo has a spreadsheet loaded on his laptop, listing the Yorozuya's client pool in three separate columns with a fourth one containing the names that Samatoki had wanted eyes on.Halfway through dinner, Hifumi comes bouncing in. “Hey kids~ Dinner on time, I see. Good, good.”“Hifumin!” The boys straighten up but make no effort to hide their work. “We thought you were with sensei.”“I was! But he sent me back after meeting with you-know-who .” Hifumi waggles his brows.“They're being very unsubtle,” Ichiro points out, frowning. His brothers nod in agreement.“Well, I'm personally very happy for them! Do you know how hard it is to set up a Tinder profile for an ex-assassin?” Hifumi drops onto the space between Jiro and Saburo. The position puts him directly across an unfamiliar face but Hifumi's smile doesn't waver. “Oh, hello ~ Who's this pretty boy?”“He's nii-chan's guard,” Jiro says.“One of Ramuda's men,” Saburo adds, emphasizing the name in warning.“Nice to meet you!” Hifumi extends a hand studded with glinting accessories. “Call me Hifumin!”“Phantom.” Gentaro shakes the proffered hand with a smile.Ichiro passes a new rice bowl to Hifumi and their discussion devolves into gossip, giving Gentaro more material to report to his boss.As the brothers clean up after dinner (“See how well-behaved they are?” Hifumi preens like a proud parent.) Gentaro follows Hifumi outside under the guise of a cigarette break. Ichiro scrunches his nose, disproving of the habit, but he ultimately leaves them to it; today is his turn to wash the dishes. Jiro and Saburo put away their gadgets; the three of them will be having a deeper discussion about their collective findings later.Once out of the brothers’ sight, Hifumi lights up a stick and casually reloads his gun. He smiles at Gentaro who ventures, “They sent you back for a reason.”“It's taken care of.”Gentaro wouldn't expect anything less from someone who serves the Jinguji family and it's not just anyone of them, either. Jakurai Jinguji is arguably the most skilled assassin the clan has ever produced. According to Ramuda, that is, but Gentaro has his doubts. Only the sharpest blade could ever hope to control such a blood-thirsty clan and since Jakurai has chosen retirement, it most certainly couldn’t be him. “Your loyalty to your boss is admirable… considering that he has officially withdrawn from the frontlines.”“Well~” Hifumi drawls, cocking his head sideways. “Sensei’s wards are stirring up plenty of trouble on their own. I'm glad I stuck around…” Golden eyes look Gentaro up and down in a critical assessment. “I hope Ichiro isn't being too troublesome.”“I've come to think that trouble is Ichiro-san's natural diet.” Gentaro puts a finger to his chin, thoughtful. “But it's manageable.” For now. Over the past couple of months, the increasing frequency of attacks on Ichiro are considerably abnormal for a suspected yakuza liaison. Gentaro says as much to Ramuda once Hifumi shoos him away for the night.(“I'll babysit,” is what Hifumi told him with a wink.)Gentaro concludes that the Aohitsugi heir had foreseen all of this happening, hence the special guard. Ramuda thinks it's about time to review some of the clauses in their contract. Samatoki isn't the only one playing this little game, after all. “I haven't seen you in a while, Samatoki-sama! You're not purposely avoiding me, are you? Sure, there's like a bajillion mobsters tryna get me but Phantom deals with them real quick!”Samatoki chuckles at the statements coming in one right after the other, as if Ichiro can't say them fast enough. “Normal people aren't supposed to sound excited when they find out they're being targeted.”“It gives me a lot to go on!” Ichiro explains, not the least bit ashamed. “Phantom takes them out as soon as I notice them, anyway, so it's all good!”“Right, of course.”“Anyway,” Ichiro continues. “There's a specific reason why I called…”“Hm.”“We noticed that these hits largely come from groups affiliated with the Aohitsugi family.”Samatoki takes in a sharp breath, audible enough through the phone that Ichiro hastily adds “N-Not all of them!”Ichiro chews on his bottom lip. “And I know Samatoki-sama can't be the one sending them after me so, I mean, it's most probably…”“My father.”“...Yeah,” Ichiro squeaks. “He seems mighty concerned about your liaisons…”“Concerned?” Samatoki barks out a laugh. “I’d say he's feeling threatened.” And that's exactly what Samatoki wants. He drags Samatoki into this life and now he's getting mad when Samatoki turns out to be the better player. “Don't worry,” he assures Ichiro. “Just give me their names and I'll pay them a nice visit.”Samatoki doesn't immediately hang up once Ichiro gives him the information, though. Not only is Ichiro's list numerous, it also includes a handful of significant names. Samatoki takes note to prioritize those. He's silent for a moment, then he laughs.“What's so funny?” Ichiro asks.“I just realized I'll need to renew Phantom's contract,” Samatoki shares; he can't afford not to, honestly. “Try not to ambush him again, alright? Guy's just doing his job…”Ichiro groans. “I was hoping you've forgotten that, already… I've been very nice to him since then!”“Even I hadn't had the gall to do that when I was your age.”“Yeah, right.” Ichiro makes his disbelief clear with a huff. “Tough guy like you probably did more embarrassing stuff!” His voice turns coy. “And you should totally share them with me so we'll be even~”Samatoki hums while he thinks. “Nah, I was a pretty standard brat back then. Ran off on my own, crashed bars, picked up girls. I am proud that I grew out of those habits.”“That sounds very much like you! But despite all that you have a very clean record! I know ‘cause I've checked!” Perks of coming from such a powerful family, Ichiro supposes.“They may not be on record but Jyuto will never let me forget them.”Ichiro doesn't doubt it. Meanwhile, he distinctly remembers the terror of waiting for Jakurai to bail him out the first time.Samatoki chuckles -- he would've loved to see that. Ichiro has become synonymous with 'fearless’ in his book, making Samatoki wonder what he was like way before they met, younger and without all those slick moves. If his brothers are anything like him (and Samatoki has dealt with them enough to know that they are) then they must still be riots. The door to Ichiro's room is slightly ajar. He had rushed in there after saying that he's going to report their findings to Samatoki. Naturally, Jiro and Saburo couldn't resist peeking.If they didn't know who Ichiro was talking to, they would've thought he was flirting, laying on his stomach like that while hugging an owl plush to his chest, his legs swaying in the air. Samatoki times his drink with Ichiro's responses. The whiskey bottle is a quarter drained already.“But they're lovable riots!” Ichiro protests. “And I'm gonna make sure they don't make the same rookie mistakes I did. They're asking to take on some of our more dangerous jobs now, you know, but I can't allow it just yet.”Being protective isn't bad, but Samatoki thinks Ichiro should trust his brothers more. “They learned from the best, didn't they?”“I do trust them! I just… I don't want them growing up so fast…”Samatoki gets that. His mom takes care of his sister better than he ever could.“Aha! Samatoki-sama's precious but elusive little sister!” Ichiro wonders what she's like. He didn't see her or any other family members during his brief stay at Samatoki's place from that time.“They live in the main house down in Yokohama.” Samatoki sounds just a tiny bit wistful, mentioning the place. “She's pretty tough, but I haven't seen her recently… Mom, too.”Ichiro doesn't quite know what to say. It's clear that Samatoki misses them but recent findings have convinced him that there's a very clear tension between Samatoki and the head of the clan. “You could try calling them?” he meekly suggests. “If you can't see them in person, calling them is the next best thing, yeah?”Just like what we're doing, then. The very thought makes Samatoki's face heat up so he doesn't dare voice it out. “I'll do that tomorrow,” is what he says instead. “It’s getting late. You should be sleeping.”“What are you saying, it's only -- oh.” Ichiro swears it was 8:30 just five minutes ago but the clock says otherwise. He supposes time really flies when the both of them are enjoying their talk, if a little too much. “Well, I'm not sleepy yet but maybe Samatoki-sama can keep chatting until I fall asleep.”That's far from the most unusual request Samatoki has ever heard from Ichiro (being dragged to an owl café to conduct business is at the very top of that list) but doing that is kind of…Ichiro belatedly catches on to the implications as well, blurting out, “O-Only if you're not too busy, though! Ah, but maybe you have to get up early tomorrow… In that case, I'm sorry for the stupid request, I'll just--”“It's fine. It's no big deal -- I mean.” Samatoki puts down his drinking glass so he can run a hand through his hair. “Sure. We can talk until you fall asleep.”He fumbles to find a safe, casual topic and ends up talking about his own bodyguards. They're one hell of a team but it did take some time (and a lot of various mundane adventures) before Rio and Doppo became a functioning duo. Some fifteen minutes later, he hears Ichiro's breaths even out and he spends some time just listening to it, synchronizing, before hanging up.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Just when they’ve finally singled out the common denominator behind the attacks, the hits on Ichiro stop. It doesn’t happen all at once, but over the course of the next week, Gentaro notices a significant decrease in altercations.Could they possibly know that Ichiro has found out about them? Or did they just give up? Neither option sit right with Gentaro who’s been weaseling his way around this business for years. Ichiro may not know the Aohitsugi head personally but a man with that much power can’t possibly just quit on a whim. He’s up to something and they’re going to find out what.With the list of names Samatoki has provided, Ichiro turns the gameboard around. Where he had been the one under scrutiny before, this time he takes to watching his assailants. Family heads regularly going out to meet isn’t something out of the ordinary but shrine visits? Multiple shrine visits with various combinations of family members and representatives?“Hey Gentaro… this is fishy, right?” Ichiro has been up all night, compiling CCTV footages and tracking down who went where.“It’s a disturbing pattern,” Gentaro agrees, suggesting that they pursue the leads even further. “Once we have enough evidence, we’d best let Samatoki-sama know.”“Yeah.” Ichiro wants to tell him now but Samatoki has been too busy these past few days that he hasn’t picked up any of Ichiro’s calls. From what he could gather, Samatoki is doing a cleanup of his turf. Ichiro leaves a voicemail telling Samatoki to call him back soon.Gentaro advises Ichiro to get some shut eye in the meantime. “I’ll keep watch.” ++++++++++++++++++++++ “What the hell did you do this time?”Samatoki meets Jyuto’s seething rage with indifference. He’s tired and he stinks. Rio and Doppo aren’t in a much better state but they stand alert behind him, nonetheless.“You know what, I don’t care,” Jyuto dismisses his own question with a wave of his hand. “Go shower and change into something presentable. Your father wants to see you.”That gets Samatoki to react. “He’s here?!”“Don’t be stupid,” Jyuto scoffs. “You’re being summoned to the main house. All of us--” He eyes Rio and Doppo. “--are expected to be there by three this afternoon.” Samatoki figures his father to be mad, enough to demand his presence at the compound where he’s usually not welcome unless it’s a holiday or some other important show of a united front.The atmosphere in the house is somber when they arrive, not even the servants dare to look at their party though they remain duly accommodating. Samatoki would take offense at the lukewarm treatment but he’s got something else on his mind. Since he’s here, he might as well visit Nemu and his mother after dealing with whatever it is that his father has to say. He’ll take photos and show off his little sister; he’s been thinking about how he doesn’t have a recent photo with Nemu ever since Ichiro inadvertently brought her up in their call a week ago. He misses them, more than he would ever admit, and… he wants Ichiro to get to know her, too. Somehow. He’s got a good feeling that they’ll get along. With that plan, and a warmth in his chest, Samatoki steps into the room where his father awaits.He never makes it out of there. ++++++++++++++++++++++ “Rio! Doppo!”They hear Jyuto shout their names in panic but neither men can answer, occupied with the onslaught of adversaries -- as one, the household staff who had welcomed them drew out various weapons, a timed attack that Rio could only assume is synchronized with whatever’s happening inside the meeting room.A pair of burly men charge at Rio, slamming the breath out of his lungs, choking him. But on the flip side, the impact breaks them through the shoji doors, bringing Rio right into the heart of the action. He sees Samatoki struggling, pinned down by even more henchmen while the head of the clan, Aohitsugi senior, looks on, indifferent. Rio pushes against the heavy weight of the goons on him, pummeled with punches until a thick wet splat hits his chest, bringing with it a strong smell of iron.“Dono, get up.”That’s about as much time Doppo can spare before he’s engaged by another attacker, two, then three, coming from all sides now that the barrier between the two rooms has been broken down. Rio shoots one enemy in the head, reloads, then shoots another one. They fight their way towards Samatoki but the henchmen there are more armed, more dangerous, just… innumerable. It’s impossible.An angry cry comes from the far end of the room just then -- “He’s escaping! Don’t let Iruma get away!”Rio makes his decision.Doppo aims to stab the hand that grabbed his shirt but when he realizes it’s Rio he stops.“Fall back,” Rio commands through gritted teeth as the punches keep on coming. “This calls for Romeo.”Pupils dilated, Doppo thinks to argue but after a split second he nods. He makes to escape as soon as Rio releases him, pulling out a gun that he has always kept as a last resort to shoot his way out of the compound. Doppo isn’t a local of Yokohama like the other three. He doesn’t know his way around, he only knows what Rio has taught him. There’s one thing Rio had always made clear -- in the event of a fallout, they were to rendezvous at a certain brothel near the docks. It’s not easy to shake off his tails but Doppo perseveres, killing anyone who comes too close. Only when he’s two hundred percent sure that there’s no one left running after him does Doppo dare venture to his true destination, but even that takes some time because, again, Doppo isn’t familiar with the landscape.By the time he does get to the brothel, it’s already well past midnight. He’s aching all over yet numb to his bruises. Doppo knocks on the backdoor, providing a password that gets the door opening a little wider.A buxom woman looks him over, sympathy in her heavily powdered features. “You're damn lucky, aren't you? Aohitsugi-sama’s goons just left. Come on in.”She leads him inside, keeping Doppo in the shadows as they go up a flight of stairs and into a bedroom at the end of the hall.Jyuto is already there with a matron tending to his wounds. He thanks the woman who brought in Doppo, then he turns to him.“Where’s Samatoki?” is the first thing Jyuto wants to know.“I -- We couldn’t get to him,” Doppo admits, the initial cheer he felt at finding an ally gives way to weariness, hinging on despair. “Rio-dono told me to escape so I -- I did.” Doppo chews on his bottom lip, his bowed head tilting further in shame. “Both of them got captured. For all we know, they could be--”“Aohitsugi-sama won’t kill Samatoki,” Jyuto cuts off that thought with a sharp dismissal. “Not without an audience, at least.”The matron finishes bandaging Jyuto’s arm and calls on Doppo to take the space Jyuto had just vacated. She clicks her tongue at the state of his clothes, making Doppo pull them off so she can check for injuries that need immediate treatment.Jyuto itches for a cigarette but the room is non-smoking. He leans against the wall instead, looking more haggard than Doppo has ever seen him. Pushing back the wayward bangs falling into his face, Jyuto relays, “Aohitsugi-sama decided that he won’t be ceding the title to Samatoki.” He pauses, expression darkening further. “He also decided that I was obsolete.”Doppo stares. “You…? What does that mean?”“It means we need to get out of here as soon as you’re patched up,” Jyuto answers.“And go where, exactly?” Incredulous is only the very tip of what Doppo is feeling. “Samatoki-sama and Rio--”“Would get no help from us as we are right now.” Jyuto talks over him, not in the mood to be interrupted. “If we’re going to save them, we’re going to need more people.” Jyuto figures that if Aohitsugi senior really was serious about stripping Samatoki of his power, then he’ll probably go after his allies, too, and most of them are in Tokyo. Traveling by car is a no-go given that they’re deeply entrenched in enemy territory; Jyuto expects that all vehicles heading out of the prefecture will be thoroughly inspected and they’ll be shot full of holes before they even make it to the highway if they were found.So they take to the sea. Doppo thought they were already being discreet but they’re met with gunfire not even five minutes after docking. This isn’t the welcome Jyuto had coordinated with his contacts. He hates to admit it, but they’ve probably been sold out. Very few groups can deny a request from the head of the Aohitsugi family, and if his influence has already spread this far -- able to overturn allegiances that Samatoki took years to cultivate in just one night -- then they’re really, utterly done for.It’s nearly daybreak yet neither of them have slept a wink, pumped full of adrenaline as they once again find themselves running for their lives. Doppo discards the gun once it runs out of bullets, switching places with Jyuto so the latter can cover his back as they run through rows and rows of warehouses at Hinode Pier. The place is more familiar to Doppo but that doesn’t make it any easier to hide when their pursuers are equally well-versed with the area. Navy skies tint with rust as they make their way to the parking lot. They’ll be out in the open if they charge ahead but more importantly, there are plenty of parked cars they could ‘borrow’ to get away from this wretched place. Their eyes meet, understanding the plan without so much as a word exchanged between them. Jyuto loads a fresh magazine and nods.Blinding headlights trap them, unable to move a single step against the intense brightness.“Fuck,” Doppo curses, holding a hand up in a vain attempt to block it out.“There you are!” A chirpy voice exclaims. “I was just about to -- hold on.”Two gunshots ring out.Jyuto flinches reflexively but finds no wound on his person -- no new ones, at least. Then he hears a couple of heavy thuds fall closeby.“Where was I?” The mysterious voice continues, silhouetted by the headlights.Jyuto squints. “You’re…”“Wait a second! Doppo?! Is that you?!”“Turn the damn lights off!” Doppo spits out.“Oops!” With a flick of his hand, the car’s headlights dim to reveal a grinning Hifumi. “Say, why do you have a katana?”“Anger management,” Doppo replies without thinking as his eyes adjust. When he sees the man who had saved them, however, his annoyed expression mixes with suspicion. “Why do you have a gun?”Hifumi twirls the weapon, cocking it one-handed before pointing it at something on the far left then shooting, all the while never taking his eyes off the two men in front of him. He pays no attention to the dying groan of the henchman he just shot. “I’m here to pick up something for my boss,” Hifumi smiles disarmingly. “You should come along, though.”Jyuto and Doppo look at each other. This is… unexpected… to say the least but it sure beats hotwiring some random car. Hifumi drives like a madman, which, on the plus side -- loses their pursuers in the asphalt maze of the city streets; on the down side -- it makes Doppo’s stomach want to empty itself on the back seat. They arrive at a sprawling Shinjuku estate just as the first rays of sunlight break through the clouds. Hifumi ushers them in, taking extra precautions on closing up the gate.Jyuto and Doppo have both kept away their weapons but their expressions remain carefully guarded. A statuesque figure greets them at the foyer, clad in a white robe that reminds Doppo of a doctor’s coat at first glance.Jakurai wears a pinched look, the only crease in his otherwise impeccable appearance. “Come this way.” He leads them to a sitting room where an expansive medical kit is opened on a low table. Two young men look up at their arrival -- Ichiro’s brothers, if Doppo remembers right.“How--?” Jyuto starts but Jakurai merely holds a palm up, halting him.“Questions will be answered later, Jyuto-kun, I must insist on checking for injuries first and foremost.”The corners of Jyuto’s mouth twitch like he wants to argue but in the end he says nothing else. He sits divested of blood-splattered clothes for the second time in less than twelve hours, allowing Jakurai to assess the damage.“You there.”Doppo startles at being addressed.“Come over here so we can see to you, yeah?”“Jiro!” The shorter one hisses, possibly going for discreet but missing it by miles. “Your bedside manner is atrocious.”“We’re not even at a bed side.”“That’s not the point--!”“Uh, excuse me, is here alright?” Doppo is half-way seated on a cushion, setting his umbrella down beside him.“That’s right,” Saburo affirms, deciding that attending to their guest is a better use of his time than arguing with his brother. “Oh, but you should have left your umbrella at the entryway.”Doppo grips the umbrella’s body tighter when Saburo attempts to take it. “Sorry, but, uh, this isn’t… I mean, it’s a katana. I can’t just--”“A real katana?” Jiro leans in, wide-eyed.“Y-Yes.”“Let’s see it, then!”“Jiro!”“What?” Jiro raises a brow. “You’re curious, too!”“Well, yes, but…”Doppo resolves their argument by partly unsheathing his weapon. “It’s a little dirty right now, but I usually take time to clean it everyday.”“Whoaaa…”“The modified sheath was my partner’s idea,” Doppo says, his eyes darkening by a fraction before he blinks it away, sealing up his weapon after another moment. “It’s a good disguise.”“It’s pretty cool, too,” Jiro commends.“The estate is locked up and secure!” Hifumi announces with his lively entrance. “Hey, Doppo, doing alright?”“Fine,” Doppo answers.Seeing that Hifumi is there to keep watch on Jyuto’s companion, Jakurai calls Jiro and Saburo over to assist him. The bandages applied to Jyuto beforehand have loosened a little due to the most recent altercation at the pier. They weren’t done very well to begin with by his expert standards but he’s not going to waste time pointing out the wrongs when he can be righting them. Jyuto has also sustained additional injuries but it’s all minor, nothing Jakurai can’t patch up.“So this is why you never show up to our high school reunions.” Hifumi makes small talk, nudging Doppo’s side.“...Ow.” Doppo’s body is cooling down, the aches it has dismissed before in favor of non-stop fighting now vie for immediate attention but he knows to wait his turn. The doctor seems to be taking extra care in reapplying the bandages to Jyuto. In the meantime, Doppo grabs his own shoulder, rolling his arm around the joint to belay any stiffness. “Can’t exactly show up to places when I’m legally dead,” he tells Hifumi, bland like he was just commenting on the weather. Hifumi blinks, tilting his head a little. That was one way for civilians like them to join the yakuza. “Kiiiind of extreme, but to each his own, I guess.” He shrugs. “I just tell them I work for a handsome multi-millionaire.”It’s not exactly a lie, Doppo has to admit.“You know each other, Hifumin?” Jiro asks.“We were highschool sweethearts!” Hifumi’s smile is knocked off with a haphazard punch from Doppo.“Childhood friends,” Doppo corrects. “We never dated--”“But it definitely felt like we broke up back then!” Hifumi sniffles. “Growing apart with your closest friend is so sad, y’know!”“You started hanging out with skeevy rich people, I couldn’t stand--”Hifumi clears his throat, a raised brow is all he needs to point out how hypocritical that statement is now that they’re apparently in the same boat. Doppo flushes darkly. “A-Anyway, that’s the past. It’s… nice to see you again, I guess. Thanks for rescuing us back at the pier.”“Aww, you’re welcome, Doppo!”“I didn’t expect you to come to our aid.” Jyuto finally speaks up, unable to keep quiet with Hifumi and Doppo’s boisterous discussion happening within earshot. He stares right at Jakurai, not at all minding the thin crack running through the left lens of his glasses.“I was worried,” Jakurai replies without pausing in his work. “The kids caught some concerning incidences in their monitors and reported them to me. I knew I had to act.”It’s unbelievably endearing to hear Jakurai talk about his charges as ‘kids’ even if they are technically teenagers already. Still, Jyuto feels odd. Jakurai couldn’t have known that he and Doppo would dock at Hinode Pier at the specific time that they did. When did Jakurai know that he was in danger? How long had he been on the lookout? Those kids of his, too. They had all these things prepared and it’s only about five in the morning.Jyuto is haggard and sleep deprived. It would have been better if he took some time to mull over these coincidences but being who he is, he can’t just stop when he feels like he’s on the cusp of a huge revelation. He purses his lips, wetting the chapped skin with his tongue. “I apologize, we’ve been on the run since yesterday afternoon. I… didn’t know who I could trust given the situation.”The look Jakurai casts over him is loaded. Beseeching, one could say. “Have I given you any reason not to trust me, Jyuto-kun?”His overloaded brain refuses to process the magnanimity of emotion in those clear eyes. “I had thought that… what we had was… a purely physical relationship…”“...”“... My mistake,” Jyuto fumbles.Had Jyuto been more aware of his surroundings, he would have caught the outraged looks on Jakurai’s wards, or even the the stock-still shock that paints Hifumi’s usually animated features. Instead, his focus remains solely on Jakurai who’s kindly gaze has lowered, addressing the limb he’s bandaging rather than Jyuto himself.“If that is truly how you see us,” he shares in a low tone for only Jyuto to hear. Jakurai is exceptionally wary of their unwitting audience. “Then I cannot continue our present relationship in good conscience.”The room’s rapidly dwindling mood is shattered with the sudden bang of the shoji door. “Sensei! I got… news…” Ichiro pauses at the threshold, staring at the assembled group. His frown deepens at seeing Jyuto and Doppo’s injured state but he doesn’t seem surprised that Samatoki isn’t with them. Gentaro appears right behind him, ushering him inside for privacy and closing the door as Ichiro begins explaining what he has found. Gentaro’s boss Ramuda had gotten the news first. The message was delivered late last night to Ramuda’s uncle -- the figurehead of the Amemura clan. Allies and partners of the Aohitsugi family were being called to attend a formal ceremony at the Yokohama estate in two days’ time.“Said he wants to clear something up regarding the line of succession,” Ichiro relays what Ramuda had told him via the most urgent and untimely phone call in recent memory. It definitely sounds foreboding and with Samatoki missing, Ichiro has to assume the worst.Jyuto nods, corroborating Ramuda’s tip with what had been discussed at their meeting with Aohitsugi senior yesterday before things went awry. Samatoki is most likely being held captive until such a time when his own father will determine his fate. And it looks like he plans to do so with the heads and representatives of prominent yakuza clans as audience. The order to dispose of Samatoki’s subordinates is probably a good indication of what’s in store for him. Jakurai distances himself from Jyuto once he finishes redressing his wounds but a pale hand catches his wrist at the last moment.“Give me some time to think,” Jyuto pleads with him while everyone else is sufficiently distracted, muttering about the state of affairs down in Yokohama. “I understand if you can’t aid us any further because of this, but--”Jakurai breaks eye contact and looks to Ichiro.Ichiro has no idea what prompted such a dismissive response from his retainer. He’d thought those two were getting along exceptionally well, but for whatever reason Jyuto has fallen out of Jakurai’s favor. If they’re having personal problems, then Ichiro doesn’t want to meddle. At least, not until the bigger crisis is over. “Of course we’ll help,” he tells Jyuto with conviction. “They can’t just imprison Samatoki like that.”“They can if there’s going to be a new heir,” Jyuto counters sharply. What else could Aohitsugi mean by ‘clearing up the line of succession’? “So if you’re looking to get in with the family then you’d best start cozying up to the new guy.”The implication makes Ichiro’s stomach twist into knots. “It’s not the family that I’m after!” He snaps, surprising the entire room save for maybe Jakurai who maintains an impassive expression. Ichiro counts to three to calm himself, belatedly realizing that Gentaro has grabbed his sleeve. “It’s never been about that, I… I’m doing this for Samatoki-sama.” His voice grows steadier, challenging Jyuto to further object his decisions.“There you have it, Iruma-san.” Jakurai barely even glances at him when he says it. With an even briefer nod to excuse himself, Jakurai heads over to where Doppo is seated so he can tend to the latter’s injuries. Jiro and Saburo follow after him, both sending disgruntled looks over at Jyuto. Hmph. He should know that Jyuto is in no position to reject any sort of help. What Jyuto really wants is to get back at Aohitsugi senior for discarding him so carelessly after he’d been pretty much raised to serve his family. In a sense, freeing Samatoki would benefit him, too, so Jyuto ultimately offers no further argument on the matter. Jakurai’s sudden formality with him is worrying but with the wound still so fresh, it would be best for both of them to resolve it after Samatoki is freed. That suits Jyuto just fine.Gentaro should have brought popcorn for all this unexpected drama but he’s got something better -- an update from Ramuda. He clears his throat to garner attention. “If we’re going to go on the offensive, Boss Ramuda can get us limited access to the ceremony.”“That’s good enough,” Ichiro confirms. “We just need to plan our attack.” As much as he wants to lead the charge, he knows that he’ll be a liability when it comes to direct combat, so -- “Sensei…” Ichiro still doesn’t know what the real score is with Jakurai’s sudden distance with Samatoki’s retainer but amongst all the people gathered here, there’s no doubt who has the most prowess. “If I can ask for a favor just this once…”Jakurai finishes dabbing some disinfectant over a bullet graze on Doppo’s side, covering it up with a patch of gauze before responding. The rest of the room seems to hold its breath waiting for his reply. He knows how important this matter is for Ichiro and he certainly won’t go into it half-hearted. “You’ll be our eyes on the situation even if you’re not there in person, won’t you?”“Y-Yes!”Jakurai nods, satisfied. “Then I’ll be needing my sword.”“I’ll grab it from the weapons vault!” Hifumi jumps to his feet, rejuvenated. “Does anyone else need anything?”“I’d be grateful if you can lend us some guns and ammo,” Jyuto says, producing his preferred .45 caliber pistol. “It’s not a difficult model to match.”“No problem–☆!” Hifumi smiles. “I even got a couple of bullets with your name on them if you and sensei don’t resolve your issues later!” ++++++++++++++++++++++ It’s all over now.Ichiro has been on the edge of his seat all afternoon -- actually, he’s been a ball of anxiety since early morning when they left the Shinjuku estate. Jiro and Saburo had to stay behind but they proved themselves useful keeping watch over the second of their two target locations while Ichiro focused on the first one. The big ceremony turned out to be a wedding, a grandiose set up at a Shinto shrine that lies within the Aohitsugi family's territory. The bride -- Nemu Aohitsugi. The groom -- the heir-apparent to an influential political family. Samatoki was held at a secret room in the western wing of the family estate -- serving the double purpose of a collateral to keep anyone from objecting at the wedding, and a bait to lure those who didn’t know any better away from the main event. Luckily, Ramuda had long-ago planted a mole in another unaffiliated group; his double-agent had tipped him off (and Ichiro’s lot, by association) of Aohitsugi’s ploy allowing them to formulate the best offensive tactic to get their desired results.A troop of heavily-armed guards were no match for Jyuto and Doppo now that they came prepared for battle. Jakurai and Hifumi similarly exhibited exceptional coordination, one wouldn’t think the former to have been retired at all with the way he moved with ruthless precision. (Jyuto may have filed away the image of Jakurai cutting down a man in half for a much more personal review later.)They got Rio out as well, setting up phase two of their plan into motion. Samatoki asked only one thing of his rescuers -- if there’s anyone guarding Ichiro seeing as both Jakurai and Hifumi are present there. They assured him that the Phantom is doing his job; Ichiro is watching their back from a safe location away from the fighting. Hifumi even offered Samatoki an earpiece so they can talk but Samatoki declined, hitching up a grin at the security camera that’s trained on their group; he’ll personally thank Ichiro later.Samatoki led the charge with his men, gatecrashing his own sister’s wedding to oppose the union. Jakurai and Hifumi hung back but they were on the alert in the off-chance that Samatoki’s group got overwhelmed. Lady Aohitsugi, seeing that her son is safe, had nothing to hold her back from grabbing the ceremonial sword and beheading her husband. She pointed the bloodied sword at the bridegroom when he attempted to steal Nemu from the altar. Aohitsugi’s death didn’t reverse his earlier proclamation of Samatoki’s removal from their lineage, however, so Samatoki challenged the bastard who tried to marry his sister and steal his position as heir.Once Samatoki stood victorious, the present heads took turns swearing renewed fealty with sake.  Once the ceremony has concluded, pertinent guests make their way to  the Aohitsugi estate, including around a dozen yakuza leaders who wanted a deeper discussion of the new order. The house staff are quick to repurpose the wedding reception to a more somber affair.Ichiro has been escorted to the premises as well but Jakurai hasn't allowed him to meet with Samatoki directly. Jyuto readied a room for them to regroup and recuperate, though the man himself isn't there when Ichiro arrives, just Jakurai and Hifumi.Gentaro confirms that the Amemuras are amongst the group who have followed Samatoki back from the shrine. They seem to be holding a private celebration.“Why can't we join them?” Ichiro pouts. He's getting all antsy just sitting around while all the action is happening.“Because that wouldn't be self-preserving for an info broker, Ichiro-kun,” Jakurai reminds him with the air of a tired parent disciplining their child. Muscle memory had guided his motions through all the fighting, intense as it had been it felt to him more like a warm-up rather than an actual challenge.“I just want to make sure Samatoki-sama is really alright!” He might look fine (and badass) on the CCTVs but Ichiro wants to see him with his own two eyes, maybe even hold him…Jakurai will allow him to act however he pleases but only after the other heads clear out. “I'm sure Samatoki would prefer to relax with you after the day he's had.”That makes Ichiro pause, blushing. Surely Jakurai couldn't be implying… no, that's impossible. “Fine,” he says. “But what am I supposed to do until then?”“Rest,” Gentaro suggests, having witnessed the disquiet that has plagued Ichiro for days leading up to the present.“Eat.” Hifumi holds up a tray of food and refreshments that the househelp had thoughtfully provided. None of it is poisoned, he already checked.“You might want to keep an eye on this parade of interested parties,” Jakurai points out. “It would be useful to remember who had personally knelt before the new head of the family.”Ichiro's gaze zooms back on his laptop display, the monitor trained on the doorway to the meeting room where Samatoki is holding his own audience. “I think I'll do just that, sensei.”Gentaro and Hifumi share a despairing look that they simultaneously turn to Jakurai. The retired assassin realizes that he had just piled up more work on Ichiro but it's too late to take his words back. Besides, it's true that there's merit in remembering who's making deals in exchange for cooperation under Samatoki’s emergent leadership. Jyuto is having a smoke in the garden when Doppo finally locates him. They weren't especially close before all this but going through hell has a way of bringing people together. Doppo has decided to intrude on his private time just this once.Jyuto sees him and nods, allowing Doppo to come up. “Something on your mind?” He'd offer Doppo a smoke but he can't remember if it's one of his vices. Jyuto pauses. “Do you even have a vice?”Doppo shakes his head, there’s none that he can keep up but that isn't why he came looking for Jyuto. “It’s about Jinguji-sensei. He's… no longer in danger, right?”Jyuto nearly inhales the smoke, laughing. “I'm probably the one who's in danger, you know.” The two of them couldn’t have pulled off this whole operation on their own -- hell, they might even be dead. “Living is such a heavy responsibility, isn’t it?”“Yeah…” Doppo will be eternally grateful to Samatoki for taking him in. Living well is the best way he knows to repay him for that; aside from his unwavering loyalty, of course. “Jyuto-san… it may not be my place to ask but… the reason you and Jinguji-sensei called it quits…”Jakurai has proven himself leagues above an ordinary man, not that there had been any question of his skills to begin with; he’s a man whose reputation precedes him. Jyuto never expected that they’d get this far with nothing more than sexual attraction so there was no way he could have anticipated that Jakurai would want more than… well, that . Serious romance was never an option for Jyuto given the occupational hazards but now that his old boss is dead and Samatoki has shown clear favor towards a certain other intelligence service… he might have some more leeway to pursue more personal interests. Jyuto has a feeling that he and Jakurai will be seeing each other more frequently after this so there’s really no avoiding him.“I’m confused,” Doppo says with a furrow between his brows. “Weren’t you pursuing Jinguji-sensei already? From the way you two acted. Not to mention all the fancy dates you had…” Doppo can’t exactly compare it to Jyuto’s previous trysts but even Rio has noted that there’s something different about the two of them together.“Is that how it looked like?” Jyuto wishes they had tipped him off before things became like this. He stubs out his cigarette. But if that’s the case, then winning Jakurai back shouldn’t be a problem; Jyuto distinctly remembers that Jakurai liked it a lot when he begged.“Jyuto-san. Please.” Doppo only came by because Hifumi had been bugging him about it. At least now, he’s reasonably assured that they can fix things on their own.Jyuto thanks Doppo for his concern. “Should we head back to the waiting room together?”“Actually, I’d best stand by Rio-dono.” Doppo fully intended to take over Rio’s post after making sure that Ichiro’s party was properly accommodated -- that guy hasn’t had a moment of rest since being rescued -- but Hifumi had egged him to do something about their bosses’ situation and fast. Now that he has done that, though, Doppo has to go. He’s really worried about Rio. He trusts that Jyuto will do the right thing even without him watching. ++++++++++++++++++++++ Ichiro has counted maybe eight different parties vacating the premises, presumably having already completed their business with Samatoki. He wonders how many more are there when--“Aha! I see Ichiro-kun!”Ichiro turns only to be knocked over by a cotton-candy-pink whirl of energy. “Oof!”“What’s this? What’s this? Oooh keeping watch over the meeting, are you? How vigilant!”That voice… He has never heard it so close… or so loud. Ichiro blinks to find a vibrant little man clinging to his arm like a leech. “Amemura… Ramuda-san?” Ichiro has plenty of information on the Shibuya group’s trickiest ringleader but meeting him in person is something else.“The one and only~” Ramuda squeezes his arm tighter. “Ichiro-kun’s mission is success! So why are you hunkered over this thing rather than celebrating?”“Ah, well.” Ichiro reaches over to slam down the top cover of his laptop, pushing himself properly upright though that doesn’t dislodge the over-affectionate Ramuda in the slightest. “I was going to go see Samatoki-sama,” Ichiro says. If Ramuda is here, then it must mean that the meeting is over, right?“Not so quick, Ichiro-kun!” Ramuda grins. “You’ve utilized plenty of Shibuya’s resources in today’s mission and you know I was very happy to give them -- that showdown was exciting! But moving forward, I really hope that-- oh?”Jakurai peels Ramuda off Ichiro with a sigh. “It’s been a while, Amemura-kun.”“Heeehhhh~ So this oldie is still kicking!” Ramuda wriggles himself free, landing lightly on his feet. “Long time no see, Jakurai~ Your kid sure stirred up a lot of trouble!”Ichiro… did not know that those two were so well-acquainted. He knew that the Shinjuku and Shibuya groups had plenty of dealings before but Jakurai never said anything about being on first-name terms with easy R.“I rather wish we weren’t so well-acquainted,” Jakurai grimaces. “But Amemura-kun has proven himself to be a valuable ally once again.”“Aww, how sweet!” Ramuda flutters his lashes. “I’m not going to be your rebound, though~”Jakurai chokes on air. “Don’t be crass, you--!”Ichiro stares. Hifumi turns to Gentaro who pointedly avoids meeting anyone’s gaze. Of course he’d report that to his boss. Gossip makes the world go round, after all.Ramuda snorts at Jakurai’s perfect reaction. “Let me live! This is the most I can do knowing that a certain rabbit is on the prowl~”Arms folded, Jakurai hardly thinks that’s any of his concern.“Hmph. I’m not concerned~ but I am curious as to how you think you can handle Jyuto~”“And what do you know?”“I know that he's a lonely little rabbit who's been holding himself back from the start.” Ramuda's eyes gleam deadly.Ichiro cautiously sneaks towards the door, he’s just about to slip out when he bumps into something solid.“Oi, Ichiro. Were you planning to leave without seeing me?”“Samatoki-sama!”The startled shout makes everyone else in the room stop and stare at the scene by the door -- Ichiro is bundled up in an oversized jacket, standing face to face with the man he’d been wanting to see all day, and Samatoki, standing tall despite being very roughed up, is wearing a navy blue haori over a blood-stained aloha shirt.“You’re not busy anymore, are you?” Ichiro wanted to see him eons ago but everyone else kept holding him back.Samatoki arches a brow, looking over Ichiro’s shoulder at ‘everyone else’ in the room. Gentaro takes a sip, looking into his cup like it holds the answer to everything. Hifumi starts whistling. Even Jakurai and Ramuda have stopped bickering for moment. Ramuda beams, waving at him.“Actually,” Samatoki starts. “I am busy.”Ichiro’s shoulders sag. “Oh.”“But I need your opinion on something,” Samatoki continues. “So we’ll be heading Over There where we won’t be disturbed. Alright?”Ichiro perks up instantly. “Let’s go!” A movement from the wall makes him pause, though. Gentaro has stepped up, ready to resume guarding him once he leaves the room. “Ah, no need to follow me for now. You can hang back with Ramuda-san!”“Do that,” Samatoki seconds, turning around importantly. Ichiro excuses himself with a nod at Jakurai, then follows after him. Rio walks behind the pair but his pace slows when they encounter Jyuto heading down the hallway. “Is Doppo-san not with you?”“We were out at the garden five minutes ago,” Jyuto says. “He left looking for you.”Samatoki and Ichiro are still walking. Rio looks to them then back at Jyuto. “I can’t leave boss alone.”“Then don’t.” Jyuto’s lips curl into a smile. “It’s kind of adorable that you and Doppo keep on missing each other. Some of us can only hope to achieve such domestic bliss.”“Jyuto.” Rio’s expression hardens. “Please find Doppo-san.”“He’ll be fine,” Jyuto assures him. “I have something important to do. Someone, rather. You just stay on Samatoki. Doppo will find you. He always does.”Rio shakes his head wryly but hurries to follow Samatoki.Jyuto strides on with purpose, throwing the door to the waiting room open. “Jakurai Jinguji.”Jakurai turns slowly, training a critical eye on his… ex. “Iruma-san.”Jyuto swallows but presses on. “You said that you want a serious relationship.”“I do.”“Then let me show you how serious I can be.”Hifumi gasps. Ramuda squeals. Gentaro covers his ears. Somewhere in the Aohitsugi estate, Doppo looks between one hallway and the next, hopelessly lost. He hears a shrill scream and decides to go in the opposite direction.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Samatoki brings Ichiro to an empty room, allowing him to step inside first then closing the door behind them while Rio stands guard outside. It's much quieter here, emphasizing how much they’re truly alone now. Ichiro bows low. “How can I be of service to the new boss?”Wordlessly, Samatoki takes him by the wrist, leading him to sit on the couch before planting his head on Ichiro’s lap. “Better.”Ichiro blinks. This is…Samatoki has been dealing with grumbling yakuza bosses all this time, he swears they would have greyed his hair if it wasn’t white in the first place. A beat after he says it, he feels fingers card through said hair, blunt nails idly scratching his scalp. Samatoki’s eyes slip shut, implicitly allowing the gesture.“Snow-white hair is one of Samatoki-sama’s charm points,” Ichiro says after a moment, finding confidence when Samatoki smiles at his ministrations. This close, Ichiro can see the nicks and cuts from the duel, purpling discolorations on pale skin from getting pushed around by heavy-handed henchmen. He feels a sigh coming up but tamps it down, Samatoki didn’t bring him here so he could be depressing. “I wish I could’ve been there in person but you sure showed them who’s in charge… You…” Silvery strands slip through as he pushes Samatoki’s bangs out of his face. He’s had a rough couple of days and it shows. “You should rest for a while,” Ichiro murmurs.Without opening an eye, Samatoki catches the hand Ichiro had been running through his hair. Ichiro lets him keep it, never questioning his intentions. Samatoki had wanted to send for him as soon as he got here but it would’ve looked too suspicious, so early on. At least now, with all the other heads dealt with, he can give Ichiro the attention he deserves.“Stay the night.”“Of course.”Not even Jakurai can tell Ichiro to stay away, not tonight. That is, if Jakurai would even have a single thought to spare. They both saw that laser-sharp focus on Jyuto’s face when they passed him in the hallway, right? Well, there's been trouble in paradise these past few days… Ichiro talks about the mundane while Samatoki rests on his lap. Did you know Hifumi and Doppo were schoolmates? Yeah! It was a total surprise! And Ichiro finally met Ramuda in person; he’s so much tinier than expected. Demanding, too. Ichiro suspects he’ll want a return of interest but right now, Ichiro only wants one thing… “I want Samatoki-sama to…”“--to what?” Samatoki had almost completely drifted off to sleep, if not for the way Ichiro trailed off. If Ichiro has a request, he shouldn’t hesitate to say so. “Let me hear it.” Samatoki can barely open his heavy eyelids but he still promises, “I’ll make sure you get it.”“It’s not a request for myself…” Ichiro pulls their joined hands up to his chin, squeezing. Everything had happened too much too fast. Things were going smoothly in his plan to raise his standing amongst Samatoki’s circle but all of that was almost gone when Samatoki got snatched away. It’s not the impending loss of a lucrative business that made Ichiro act so swiftly, Jyuto made him realize that with his jab about cozying up with the supposedly new heir. Samatoki had become more than a business prospect, more than a safety net for Ichiro’s plans to keep his family safe. Ichiro wants him to --“I just… want Samatoki-sama to be strong, stronger in the face of these new responsibilities. And I want you to stay true.”He kisses the bruised knuckles. It feels like this is the only time that he can do and say such things. “Please don’t hate me for being sentimental.” When Ichiro looks down, both of Samatoki’s eyes are open.Samatoki doesn’t speak for a long moment, his gaze heavy. “That’s a pretty tall order.” He wants the same thing, though. He wants to be nothing like his father. Samatoki thinks he’s starting well enough. He has good people. “Keep reminding me,” is what he settles on. Unfurling his hand, the back of his fingers brush over Ichiro’s cheek. “It’ll be easier if I have a reason.”The heart inside his chest seems to have grown three times its size, suffocating Ichiro with such a warm and full feeling. “Of course, Samatoki-sama. Thank you for hearing me out.”“Hn.”All those celebratory toasts make even a great man warm and snoozy. Samatoki closes his eyes again and Ichiro resumes stroking his hair. Much later, Rio knocks on the door. When no one answers, he peers in and sees both Samatoki and Ichiro asleep on the couch. It’s not the worst place his boss could’ve slept in, but still. Rio fetches them a blanket from the adjoining bedroom and parks himself by the door after making sure they’re comfortable. “Dono.”Doppo comes around the corner, looking very relieved to see him. He smiles a little wider when Rio pulls him into a brief embrace.“Did Jyuto tell you where we were?”“Jyuto-san? No, I…” Doppo holds on to his arm. “I got a bit lost after we parted. I was trying to go back to the room where Samatoki-sama was meeting with other heads but I must have made a wrong turn somewhere. One of the housestaff found me eventually and led me to the dining hall.” His eyes widen a little. “I thought it was you guys in there but it was Samatoki-sama’s mother and sister.”“What did you do?”“I kneeled, of course.” Doppo hides his face against Rio's shoulder. “Then Jyuto-san brought Jinguji-sensei and Hifumi to the dining hall and they all saw -- It was so embarrassing! I volunteered to get Samatoki-sama just to get out of there.” Rio pats his back, sympathetic. Doppo melts for a moment then he gathers himself, pulling back to look Rio face to face. “Dinner will be served in ten minutes. Is Samatoki-sama…?”“Asleep. It's probably best not to disturb him and Yamada-san.”“Oh.” Doppo steps back. “Then… You should go and have dinner ahead. I'll stay here and keep watch.”“It's not wise to skip meals,” Rio admonishes. He'll let the Lady of the house know of Samatoki's whereabouts and if she would allow it, he'll bring Doppo's meal back with him, too. ++++++++++++++++++++++ Hifumi is charming Lady Aohitsugi without breaking a sweat, complimenting her hair and jewelry like they were close friends. Jyuto is both impressed and grateful, it gives him an excuse not to sit next to her. Nemu is staring a lot at Jakurai, though, not as easily distracted by Hifumi's sparkles. Jakurai notices her staring and inclines his head politely. Jyuto had seen that exact same look on Samatoki, highly intuitive and opinionated, though he can at least count on her to have more tact than her brother.Rio comes in to apologize as Samatoki and Ichiro will not be joining them for dinner. “They have retired for the night.”Jyuto scoffs, “Right.”“Yes, it has been a tiring day,” Jakurai agrees. “It would be impudent to disturb them.”“I see.” Lady Aohitsugi wears an understanding smile. “Everyone, I apologize for the delay.” With a gesture of her hand, the servers bring out their food accordingly. “Busujima-san, please join us at the table. I wonder where Kannonzaka-san had gone…?”“Thank you, madam.” Rio bows again. “However…” Doppo is surprised when Rio comes back bringing food. He's even more confused when a meek-looking help comes out from behind Rio.The kimono-clad woman unlocks the door on the opposite side of the hall from where Samatoki and Ichiro have retired. “Busujima-san, Kannonzaka-san, please make full use of this room. We apologize for not providing proper accommodations at a much earlier time. My name is Yui, please call on me if you need any assistance.”“Oh.” Doppo receives the key, blinking. “Thank you.”Rio inclines his head as Yui bows before leaving. “Dono, what--?”“It wouldn't do for us to eat in the hallway.” Rio holds up the tray of food. “I got you extra gyoza.”It's a big room with a similar layout to Samatoki's quarters. But where Samatoki had redecorated his place with Western touches, the furniture in this one adheres to the more traditional scheme of the rest of the compound.“I thought you'd be more comfortable dining with the family,” Doppo comments as they spread out their dinner provisions.“An interrogation is about to take place,” Rio replies. He'd rather not get caught in the middle when Nemu gets Lady Aohitsugi in on it.Doppo pours drinks for the both of them. “Who are they gonna interrogate?”“Jyuto, of course.”With the way Rio is grinning, Doppo imagines that this wouldn't be the first time. Good thing Jyuto makes a living out of deflecting invasive questions. It says something about Nemu's mental fortitude, too, that she's still able to act so carefree despite being almost married off and then getting caught in a bloody takeover not even twelve hours ago. Rio and Doppo have their meal while staying vigilant over any noise coming from the hall and adjacent room.“Rio…” A steamed piece of gyoza is being held up to his mouth and Rio happily takes a bite.“Mm!”Doppo pops the remaining half into his own mouth, spilling a drop of soy sauce on his chin that Rio fondly wipes off for him. Hifumi says they're Samatoki's acquaintances (together with that Ichiro who she has yet to meet) but Nemu can tell at a glance that this Jakurai person is on a whole other level than her brother's usual lackeys. “Am I right, Jyuto-san?”Jyuto nods while pointedly avoiding eye contact. “Indeed, sensei is a cut above the rest.”“So how did you two meet?” Nemu continues, all innocent.Hifumi, who may or may not have been keeping an ear on this conversation while entertaining Lady Aohitsugi, may or may not have just unglamorously inhaled his drink.“All of nii-sama's acquaintances go through Jyuto-san, correct?”Jyuto has a ready response, one that wouldn't compromise the more… sensitive… details of their acquaintanceship but Jakurai speaks up first.“We first met to discuss mutual concerns with our charges,” Jakurai says, eloquent. “After that we simply found more and more things in common.” Jakurai admits that he liaised more with Jyuto as Samatoki preferred his ward.Nemu hums thoughtfully. “You seem smart, sensei. That's good. Jyuto-san hates being around stupid people, you know?”Jakurai smiles, just a small one, but there's no way to miss the glance he casts over Jyuto. “Is that so? And yet he stayed with Samatoki-kun.”Jyuto smirks, “You’ll find that’s more of a proof of my fealty to the family, sensei, rather than Samatoki’s… well.”Nemu doesn't like the implication that her brother isn't all that smart. It’s true but they didn’t have to say it. “Nii-sama has a leadership quality that more than makes up for that!”Jakurai agrees that he does, but Samatoki could learn more through experience. He's looking forward to seeing him mature.“It's a shame that Ichiro-kun isn't able to join us,” Lady Aohitsugi laments. She would've liked to get to know him a little.Ah, well, Hifumi knows Ichiro would've loved to meet her, too!Lady Aohitsugi is definitely looking forward to meeting him properly soon. “Would Hifumi-san and Jinguji-sensei be staying the night?” She is most grateful for their help and would have no problem accommodating them.Hifumi shares a look with Jakurai.“We appreciate the offer, truly.” Jakurai wears an apologetic smile. “But I do have other wards to return to.”“Oh, but Hifumin can stay!” He'll be the one to escort Ichiro back tomorrow morning seeing as Gentaro already went back with Ramuda earlier.Lady Aohitsugi understands. They'll host Hifumi handsomely but is Jakurai really alright venturing home alone?“I'll be accompanying him,” Jyuto speaks up, meeting her inquiring gaze. “Rest assured that he'll be delivered home safe.” ++++++++++++++++++++++ Jyuto's car is parked, its fogged windows streaked with precipitation.Somewhere on the floor of the backseat Jakurai's phone rings. There have already been three missed calls from Jiro before Jakurai picks it up, apologizing as he has been previously… occupied… “Is something the matter?”Jyuto rolls down the window as Jakurai takes that call, lighting up a smoke.“Oh, nothing at all, it's just… Hifumi told us you were headed home already and… it's kind of getting late. Are you alright, sensei?”“We just got caught in traffic.” Jakurai then asks if Jiro and Saburo have had dinner yet (they did), ending the call with a promise to be home real soon.Jyuto lets out a stream of smoke. “Nice kids.” He doesn't mind dating a man that comes with extra… how do you politely say baggage? This is all very new to Jyuto.This is all new to Jakurai as well, so he concedes to having little bumps along the way. Jakurai foresees that Saburo would be the biggest hurdle. If Jyuto is planning to charm them, he can start with this -- Jakurai leans over, plucking the cigarette from Jyuto's fingers. He brings it to his lips and takes a drag.Jyuto watches him for a moment, entranced with the way the smoke curls around him. Jakurai looks like porcelain under the moonlight. “Start how?” Jyuto is very willing to learn.Jakurai is quite assured of Jyuto's, ah, eagerness and tenacity. He'll need it when dealing with vindictive teenagers. As for how to start -- Jakurai stubs the cigarette into the ashtray in the middle of the console. “You can start by keeping your vices to yourself while visiting.”“I’d like to keep you for myself,” Jyuto quips but yes, alright, he'll behave in front of the children. They make themselves proper and head on to the estate. Jiro and Saburo greet them at the driveway. Hifumi also told them that Jyuto was the one escorting Jakurai.“Thank you for seeing sensei home.” Jiro stands stiffly, forcing the pleasantries out of his mouth.“It’s getting late,” Saburo immediately follows, dismissive on every front. “Please take care on your way back.”Jakurai glances at Jyuto, an amused look that implies 'I told you they'd be vindictive.’Jyuto matches their welcome with a sharp smile that's perfect for dealing with such hostility.“Of course.” He bows. Jakurai's safety is his prerogative. Jyuto sets a cool green gaze on Jiro and Saburo. “I trust you two to make sure that sensei rests easy tonight.” He kisses the back of Jakurai's hand goodbye, promising to see him soon, before throwing a flippant goodbye at the children.Jakurai can practically hear the brothers bristling once Jyuto turns his back to leave. They usher Jakurai into the house and keep watch until Jyuto drives away.“Sensei, on your way back…” Saburo begins. “We didn't hear about any traffic jams in the Yokohama area…”“Did you take a different route?” Jiro asks. “It doesn't seem better than the usual.”“I see,” Jakurai hums thoughtfully. They had anticipated the Shinjuku roads to be busy and so Jyuto took a detour. It was a rather scenic route, Jakurai recalls, he didn't mind the extra drive. “I do apologise, though,” he pats their heads. “ I didn't realize you two would be staying up to wait.”The headpats are a tempting distraction -- they'll have to reconvene with Hifumi and Ichiro when they get back. For now, they mutter that it wasn't a big deal. “Do you want some tea before you retire tonight, sensei?”Jakurai declines but he does appreciate the thought, he just doesn't want them staying up any longer past their bedtime. Jakurai promises a hearty breakfast tomorrow morning.In that case, Jiro and Saburo bid him goodnight at the door to his room. They head back to their wing right after.Jakurai goes through his nightly routine feeling so light he could almost be floating. He sustained not a single scratch through the entire rescue operation but the full length mirror in his room reflects chest and shoulders littered with lovebites at him. Jakurai traces over them with the pads of his fingers. These are the types of battle scars that he prefers to keep.He sends a text to Jyuto, thanking him for escorting him back… and other things.This prompts Jyuto to call, keeping his hands on the steering wheel. “It was my pleasure, sensei. But those kids of yours are seriously overprotective.”“Jyuto-kun, they were present the first time we called this off. Of course they wouldn't take to you so kindly.”“That was three days ago. We got over it.”Jakurai chuckles. “Give them time.”“Right.” Jyuto's grin is evident. If they think that's enough for him to back off, then they've got another thing coming. Jyuto is keeping his eyes on the prize.“Let me know when you get home so I can say good night.”Jyuto is… weirdly enamored by such a chaste gesture. Calling just to say goodnight. The sentiment stays with him until the next morning.++++++++++++++++++++++EPILOGUE++++++++++++++++++++++ Samatoki basks in the quiet, the warmth, the harmony of their breathing. His head rests easy on Ichiro’s lap with the latter curled over the arm of the sofa, snoozing. The rest of his body aches all the way through to his bones but he bears with it, more concerned with how uncomfortable Ichiro's sleeping position looks. “Ichiro…?”Ichiro stirs at Samatoki's voice, rubbing his eyes as he sits up. “Samatoki-sama… Ah, I guess I fell asleep, too…” His back protests the sudden movement. Ichiro grimaces but shakes it off. Samatoki sits up. He should've warmed up before charging to the shrine yesterday, his muscles are sore but it's nothing some stretching can't fix. Probably. “D'you need help?”Ichiro yawns a bit, twisting his torso a few times before shaking his head. “I'm fine, Samatoki-sama, I've slept in worse places.” His sleepy grin vanishes when faced with a serious look from Samatoki. “That’s not to say that I didn't enjoy being your lap pillow, haha! Samatoki-sama wasn't a very fussy sleeper.”“I'm just that comfortable around you, be happy.” Samatoki's blush isn't at all affected by the frown he pulls. It sucks that they fell asleep in yesterday's clothes, though, all gritty and smelly. Samatoki is going to take a shower, Ichiro should, too. It's early but the staff should be up to prepare a bath for him.Rio and Doppo are outside the door, standing ready.“Rio, show Ichiro to the baths.”Rio does as instructed and Ichiro follows amiably. Doppo updates Samatoki on what he had missed last night on his way to his bath. Jyuto would be giving a more detailed report later. Everyone is wearing casual kimonos to breakfast. Samatoki sits at the head of the table. His mother, Jyuto, Rio, and Doppo are on his right; Nemu, Ichiro, and Hifumi on his left.Ichiro whispers, asking Hifumi where Jakurai went. He's glad that Hifumi is here so he doesn't feel like an intruder on a family affair.Hifumi whispers back that Jyuto drove Jakurai home last night. And according to Jiro and Saburo, they got back pretty late.Jyuto doesn't look worse for wear, though. He's actually ribbing Samatoki as usual but there's a smile on his face that won't quite go away.Lady Aohitsugi is happy that they're very energetic but they should lend some of that energy to actually eating. “Yamada-kun must be famished.” They didn't have dinner the night before, she remembers with a concerned frown. “You should treat your companions better, Samatoki.”“Your son treats me very well,” Ichiro assures her. “It's my pleasure to serve Samatoki-sama.”Nemu glances between Ichiro and Samatoki so fast.Jyuto grins. “When you talk like that, it's hard not to think that you're playing favorites with your clients.”“Samatoki-sama is different!”Samatoki looks very smug about that proclamation.Nemu is blushing. Pleasure? Clients? Not to mention how Ichiro calls him -sama so familiarly… Is he…? Well, he is kind of pretty -- green eyes like emeralds and a smile that shines just as bright -- but she shouldn't assume… Nemu clears her throat. “Yamada-san? Yes, um, what is it exactly that you do? You weren't one of the wedding crashers.”“I run a yorozuya with my brothers,” Ichiro replies. “But that's really just our front. We have an information network that's just a little bit different to what Iruma-san has.”“With how much you've been favoring Samatoki's requests, it might as well be the same,” Jyuto remarks.Ichiro pouts a little. “That's not a bad thing now, is it?”“Not at all,” Samatoki smiles at him. Reliable information will be especially important now that he has taken on the mantle of family head.Nemu understands. Sort of. “This is kind of breaking from tradition, though…” The Irumas have been their intelligence arm for generations.“Don't fret, young miss~” Hifumi beams. Ichiro will be there to fill in for Jyuto when he's busy with other things.Samatoki hides a grin in his teacup when Lady Aohitsugi turns to Jyuto, asking if he'd be interested in visiting a café someone had recommended to her. Smiling brilliantly, she adds that it's in Shinjuku!Everyone is discreetly watching for Jyuto's reaction but Nemu catches Samatoki and Ichiro eyeing each other and snickering. Samatoki signals to Ichiro that he’s got sauce on his chin. Ichiro cleans up cutely -- kissing it off his thumb while keeping eye contact.Nemu feels like she shouldn't have seen that.“Of course.” Jyuto would be honored to escort Lady Aohitsugi to whichever place she chooses. “Which café will it be?”“Wonderful!” Lady Aohitsugi claps her hands together. “Hifumin can share the details with you. Maybe we can invite Jinguji-sensei along?”Jyuto knows he's been played but he can't afford to lose composure. “If sensei frequents the place then I have no qualms. He has fine taste, after all. I'll schedule a date.” Jyuto stares hard at Hifumi across the table.Hifumi beams, unapologetic. He and Lady Aohitsugi are sparkling. That's exactly what they wanted to hear.Doppo and Rio are minding their own business down the table. Doppo is glad that Hifumi isn't grilling him like he did back when they were at the Shinjuku estate; he can enjoy Rio's observations in peace. (Hifumi sees them whispering together, though; he has eyes everywhere. It's just his policy not to fix what isn't broken.)Ichiro stops Samatoki from pouring himself tea and does it for him. As he passes the refilled cup over, he notices Nemu staring. “Ah, would the young lady like a refill as well?”Nemu nods meekly, paying attention to Samatoki's face as he watches Ichiro. That's a clearly smitten look her brother is wearing. She thanks Ichiro when he slides her cup over.“You're welcome!”Samatoki's pondering expression clears. He wants to show Ichiro around for a while. “Do you have to leave soon?”Ichiro sits up, unable to deny such a thinly-veiled wish. “We can stay a bit longer,” he turns to Hifumi. “Okay?”That sounds like an order if Hifumi has ever heard anything like it, so he just agrees and informs Jakurai that there's been a change of plans.Ichiro looks back to Samatoki, smiling. “There! I'm all yours for a few more hours.”Samatoki plans to make the most of those few hours before he tackles some serious business.Nemu wants to tag along. It's been ages since she spent time with her brother (not counting yesterday’s scuffle) but it's clear that his priority today is this Ichiro Yamada. She might interrupt something that she shouldn't and that won't do. It's fine, though, Samatoki will be staying here for good now that he’s the clan leader. She'll have all the time to spend with him. Jakurai made pancakes for breakfast, with berries and jam and powdered sugar on top. Jiro and Saburo are happy and full and they will not let Anything take this from them. Not even Ichiro's delayed return can disturb these happily fed boys. They trust Samatoki. Ichiro trusts Samatoki, too, which is why he doesn't question where they're going. He lets Samatoki hold his hand and tug him along. “Are you going to show me something interesting, Samatoki-sama?”“It could be,” Samatoki replies vaguely. He grew up to hate this place because of his father but now that he's gone, Samatoki might just rediscover its beauty. “Mom and Nemu seemed to like you.”"I feel like Nemu-san stared a lot, though."“She's probably just curious.” Their mom kept her from the family business, as did Samatoki. A lot of what happened these past few days are new to her, but living like a normal high schooler isn't, thankfully.Ichiro thinks that Samatoki is a good older brother with how he treats her. It’s no stretch that she probably sees him like a hero, saving her from an unwanted betrothal and winning back his birthright.Samatoki looks away, red dusting his cheeks. Ichiro makes everything sound spectacular, even though none of it would have been possible without his intervention. “You look great in a kimono, by the way.” Not that there's anything wrong with his usual hoodies.“It's comfy!” Ichiro finds that he likes it.Samatoki pauses in the middle of a short wooden bridge. “Keep it, then.”“Can I? Really?”“Yes,” Samatoki laughs, he doubts it'll look half as good on anyone else.“You flatter me too much!” Golden leaves float on the water's surface, it's a big pond. Samatoki almost drowned here when he was a kid but Jyuto saved him. It feels like Jyuto has been looking after him forever.“Iruma-san has been with Samatoki-sama just like how sensei is with me and my brothers,” Ichiro observes. He's glad that there's someone like that on Samatoki's corner.“He can be a bit of a jerk but… yeah.” Samatoki appreciates having him around. He won't forget that his rescue was partly Jyuto's initiative. Still, that doesn't mean Samatoki has to be nice to him all the time. “We were really egging him a lot during breakfast, huh?” “Yes you were!” Ichiro could've stopped Hifumi but… it was fun.“It looks like he and Jinguji-sensei really got back together.”"It's nice that they found each other!"“What a terrifying tandem…”Ichiro is inclined to agree. In all his years growing up under Jakurai, not once has he seen him take towards a new romance so seriously.“You know they tried to talk me into cutting you off before, for your safety.” It was a sensible request but Samatoki… He didn't want to stop seeing Ichiro. And it's not just for the info he provides.“That sounds just like them.” Ichiro isn't surprised that no one has told him about this before… not that he would've obeyed such orders. He can't seem to keep himself from Samatoki, either.“Then come on!” Samatoki kind of remembers an orchard around here somewhere. Hopefully, Ichiro isn't getting tired yet.Lady Aohitsugi watches them run off, trying to remember when she had last seen Samatoki smiling so freely.Nemu asks why Samatoki didn't just introduce Ichiro as his boyfriend, making her mother laugh. “You'll understand when you're older.”Samatoki and Ichiro explore the estate the whole morning. Rio drags them back for lunch, cutting their tree-climbing attempts short.Right until Ichiro physically leaves the compound, Samatoki is with him. Their mutual attachment is obvious to anyone with how they say goodbye -- with lingering looks and touches, whispered promises to call soon, stay safe.Jyuto wishes they'd just kiss already and get it over with but no such luck. At the very least, Nemu isn’t here to witness the sickeningly sweet display as Lady Aohitsugi has taken her to a private tutor for painting lessons.Hifumi plugs one last reminder for Jyuto to set that café date with Jakurai… and Lady Aohitsugi, too! He's given him all the details he'll need to score; not that Jyuto needed any help in that department but Hifumi likes to be sure. “And Doppo!”Doppo winces. “Yes?”“Don't be a stranger, okay? Let's keep in touch!”“R-Right. Please drive safely.” Doppo bows them off.Hifumi gives him a thumbs up, stepping on the gas and finally taking Ichiro back home.Jyuto fixes his glasses. “So, Samatoki, ready to get serious?”The gates close and Samatoki nods. His first order of business is to put his bastard of a father six feet under.