"You should pay for my appearance fees," Takumi said grudgingly even as he sent a lovely smile to one of his father's many business acquaintances.
Daisuke was amused. "This is a contribution to the family fortunes."
Takumi kept his expression serene but warned, "This is the last one."
"Of course."
It was his third in a string of publicity events that Daisuke was overseeing for the launch of a new product for the family company.
Takumi would normally decline but it was unusual for Daisuke to ask for help. They were cordial but barely on speaking terms.
He supposed this was an alcohol beverage line and famous personalities' appearances did make the news. He spotted other celebrities but they stuck to the usual courtesy chats and not much else.
Takumi was also fully aware that Daisuke only stood with him to give the reporters plenty of photo opportunities. The Matsumoto brothers teaming up to make this a success.
At least Daisuke was upfront about it.
"How long do you want me here for?" Takumi asked.
"Another hour should do," Daisuke replied, surveying the room with a predatory glint. "I'm going to make the rounds."
"Don't let me stop you," Takumi said airily.
"Charm our guests," Daisuke reminded him. "Remember the script."
"Yes, sir."
When he was left to his own devices, Takumi was immediately approached by different sets of people. Industry insiders. Company executives. Media outlets' representatives.
He said all the right things. Smiled all the right smiles. Deflected all the personal questions.
One or two people tried for more, which was met by a cold response.
The only source of comfort since misery demanded company, was the knowledge that Akira was suffering at another industry event.
When Daisuke gave a speech, Takumi took the opportunity to check his phone and typed a message to Akira.
'I'll be done soon. You?'
He got a response within a minute. A sign of how bored Akira was.
'Same here. I'll pick you up?' – Akira
'Please. Save me.' – Takumi
'Your place or mine?' – Akira
Takumi didn't even have to consider. 'Yours.'
It was a habit which he couldn't overcome. He simply loved being in Akira's apartment. It was smaller, although by no means shabby. Luxury in an understated, almost functional way.
Takumi liked leaving evidence of his presence in Akira's space. He loved waking up with the man pulling him in an embrace. He melted when Akira announced "I'm home" when he returned from work.
He was being the very definition of a clingy lover.
When Takumi, in a moment of insecurity, asked Akira if he found it too much, the response was monosyllabic and said everything that needed to be said.
"No," Akira had told him firmly and kissed him.
Takumi took another sip from his glass to hide his silly grin.
The guests provided suitably enthusiastic claps when Daisuke concluded his speech. Takumi made sure that he went up to Daisuke to give a suitably PR-worthy moment.
When they clinked their glasses, the camera lights went off rapidly.
Duty done, he made a swift exit.
Security was naturally tight and he was duly escorted to the foyer of venue. Since Daisuke had the entire venue booked out, there was no one else around.
Akira's message indicated that he was just around the corner.
"You can head back now," Takumi told the security detail easily. "My ride will be here soon."
"Yes, sir. Goodnight."
A familiar car pulled up the driveway. Takumi grinned and was going to walk down the stairs when everything struck at once.
Akira got out of the car and started running towards him. "Takumi!"
He never saw such fear in Akira's eyes.
Footsteps thundered down the hallway.
Takumi felt his arm grabbed. He swung around.
And stared into his nightmare.
"Takumi! I found you, I found you." Wataru's gaunt face broke into a childish, and to Takumi, maniacal grin.
The mere touch sent him into a wild panic.
Takumi wrested his arm away. "Don't touch me!"
"But-"
"Fuck off!"
Takumi held his head and screamed. It was as if he was transported to his childhood. Even his own voice sounded younger, smaller.
Wataru was stopped by someone grabbing his shoulders and throwing him onto the floor. He cried out in pain.
Akira stared down at him and warned in a chilling voice. "Stay away."
"A-Akira," Takumi stammered, frozen and those horrible memories threatened to overwhelm him again.
He could barely hear as the security detail surrounded and subdued Wataru. He could see in a blur from the corner of his eye that Daisuke had appeared out of nowhere. A grim expression on his face.
All he knew for certain were Akira's arms were around him. Holding his head against his shoulders. Holding him so tightly.
He was safe. He was warm. Takumi's breath eased slightly.
Wataru laughed, insanity in his voice. "So it's okay with him? Always knew you were a slut, Takumi. Do you suck him like you did mine?"
Takumi lost it. He wanted to kill Wataru. "You fucking bastard!"
Akira wouldn't let him go. He strengthened his hold as Takumi struggled.
"Takumi," he only said quietly.
Somehow that stopped Takumi. Calm in the madness. Anchoring Takumi's world as always.
Daisuke must have barked out some orders because Wataru was gagged and hauled away, even as he tried to kick and shriek.
It must have only been minutes. Although Takumi felt like years had passed. His breathing was still erratic but at least, he didn't feel like he was about to collapse.
Takumi hugged Akira back. He couldn't even begin to sort out himself.
"Akira," he whispered. Multiple times.
"I'm here," Akira assured him. Repeatedly.
Akira's presence proved that he was not alone. The steady rhythm of Akira's heartbeat regulated his own.
After a while, Takumi was no longer in danger of spiraling into hell.
Only then did Akira disengage a little and said softly, "Let's go home."
Takumi looked up at the concern and fierce protectiveness in Akira's eyes. He almost wept in relief. "O-okay."
Akira threw a sharp glance at Daisuke, who was still there and stood at a distance from them. "The other guests?"
Daisuke understood the question. The need to keep this quiet. For Akira, to protect Takumi. For Daisuke, to protect the family's reputation and his inheritance.
"We had a trespasser. All taken care of. Although the security company will have some questions to answer."
Akira nodded and began to lead Takumi away.
They were near the car when Daisuke spoke.
"Watch over him, Hasegawa."
Takumi was jolted. He had almost forgotten about him. His only sane brother.
He was going to ignore it but changed his mind and took a deep breath.
"J-just give me a moment," he told Akira. "I need to speak to Daisuke."
Akira was reluctant but released him gently. "I'll be right here."
Takumi nodded before stepping to where Daisuke was waiting.
They never spoke about what happened. They had always pretended that it didn't. Wataru's actions damaged what was a distant, fragile relationship to begin with. Perhaps irreparable.
Daisuke's expression was blank, careful. But he spoke first, and for the first time ever, gave Takumi a promise.
"I'll get him committed to a facility. He will never be released."
"Our parents won't allow it." Takumi knew the reality.
Daisuke's eyes sharpened. "They will."
Of all the siblings, it was Daisuke who inherited their father's ruthlessness and determination.
Takumi gave him a brittle smile. "Thanks. Sorry for ruining your party."
"That piece of trash did. Not you," Daisuke reminded him.
"You should go back to the party." Takumi didn't know what else to say.
Daisuke seemed hesitant but he said, "I heard that Hasegawa declined Kishimoto. I...I am glad for you."
This truly stunned Takumi. Daisuke didn't wait for his response and started to head back into the building.
Takumi made a decision. "Hey!"
A glance back in surprise.
"Let's grab a drink sometime," Takumi offered awkwardly.
Daisuke was struck before breaking into a tight, genuine smile. "Yes, let's do that."
When Takumi went back to Akira, he was still shaken by Wataru's madness. But the last exchange with Daisuke lifted some weight off his shoulders. When he saw Akira's patient, calm face, his heart couldn't decide whether to leap or hum.
Akira opened the door and Takumi climbed into the car.
"Everything alright?" Akira asked with concern when he got into the driver's seat.
"Yeah," Takumi replied. His voice just a little shaky. "Daisuke is going to get the bastard locked up."
"About time." Akira's icy tone showed that he didn't think highly of the current situation. "I will have him locked up myself if your brother doesn't come through."
It was inconceivable for most people to defy his powerful parents. However, Akira never said anything he did not mean.
Takumi was seized by a sudden surge of love, gratitude and everything he couldn't explain.
He grabbed Akira's hand and held it tightly. Akira was surprised but his own grasp was firm.
Takumi could barely find the right words in his whisper, "Thank you. Sorry about the mess. It's so fucked up but you're..."
Akira leaned over and kissed his forehead briefly. The next sentence he spoke, as if it was the most natural thing in the world, was so simple. Yet it swept away Takumi's nightmares like a vengeful storm.
"I'm your partner."