Daisuke did come through in the end and got Wataru thrown into a facility. Never to be released without his approval and bypassing their parents. Their father raised hell but in the end couldn't threaten his capable heir.
It helped that the facility's director was someone who owed his brother a favor in the past.
Takumi knew not to ask for more details. He was only relieved that the monster was locked up.
"Thanks," Takumi said sincerely when they finally met up for that awkward drink. "This one's on me."
"No need. It's in my own interest too," Daisuke returned. "He should be in prison but luckily for him, he is a Matsumoto."
There was a tinge of bitterness in his voice, which echoed Takumi's own sentiments.
Their attempt at any sort of conversation was laughable. They didn't share any common interest. Their social circles did not overlap. Neither wanted to discuss their dysfunctional family.
"How's Hasegawa?" Daisuke finally asked, grasping at straws to fill the silence.
Takumi couldn't help breaking into a smile. "Good! We're thinking of a vacation soon."
"That's nice," Daisuke remarked.
"You're quite chilled out about us," Takumi commented.
His brother's harsh features softened a little. "Well, you seem happy."
Takumi was surprised and somewhat touched. "I am. But what about you? Anyone special?"
Daisuke smiled wryly. "No. I'll consider the options when the time comes. It has to be strategically beneficial."
That was in line with his character. Takumi raised his glass. "Best of luck."
Daisuke raised his. "Thank you."
After they took a healthy swallow from their respective glasses, Daisuke wore a contemplative expression.
"There was...someone special in college. But she wasn't right."
Takumi nearly dropped his glass. He remained quiet, aware that this was a secret being shared.
Daisuke drew a breath and took another gulp. "Anyway, she married a good man. I don't regret it."
Takumi didn't doubt the absence of regret. There was a businesslike finality in Daisuke's voice. A choice he made and a memory from his youth.
He called for another round of drinks. Daisuke gave him a curious glance.
"To a great future," Takumi wished, for both of them. In every way possible. "And us talking like real people. For once."
Daisuke kept his expression neutral. But there was a faint trace of a smile.
After a moment, he nodded.
xxxxxxxx
The vacation was a week-long stay at a mountain resort. A relaxing and quiet escape. Privacy in a lush, exclusive villa.
Until the call.
"What the fuck are you doing?" Ogita shrieked.
"Nothing!" Takumi exclaimed.
"Have you seen the damn headlines?" his handler's voice didn't lower.
"I swear. I had nothing to do with it," Takumi protested. Damn that woman. Damn his own shopping.
He made one side solo excursion to the shops to look for local confectionary, bumped into a fellow model and apparently now they were a potential item on a secret getaway.
Last month, it was another hideout with an actor. Just because they were spotted at lunch together.
Takumi wondered if that latest campaign was too successful. The tabloids were literally selling fiction after fiction that he was a seductress in real life.
Although...the main poster was the last shot from the photoshoot, when he was literally staring at Akira with unabashed lust.
"What? You just met each other by chance?" Ogita challenged.
"Yeah," Takumi replied. "It happens, you know."
"Her people probably leaked the photo. Good publicity." Ogita was sour. "You're sure you didn't spend the night with her?"
"I am sure," Takumi replied evenly. "Trust me, I am VERY sure."
The marks all over his body were solid evidence.
"Why can't you just be more discreet?" Ogita was exasperated.
Takumi lost his temper. "I am not a fucking cheater!"
"Cheater?" Ogita was confused.
"Forget it. Nevermind." Takumi rubbed his forehead.
He couldn't understand how the man was so blind. So much so that Takumi and Nishioka decided not to tell him and had a running bet on when Ogita would finally realize.
Sitting on the bed, Akira looked up from his book and gave him an amused smirk. Ogita was so loud that he could hear the entire conversation.
Takumi glared and mouthed, 'Not funny.'
His lover arched an elegant eyebrow and went back to whatever literary masterpiece he was reading.
"Fine. We'll put out a release. Comments?" Ogita asked tersely.
Takumi suggested, "The truth?"
"Hah. You want to read it before it goes out?"
"No, you know what to do. I'm on vacation," Takumi said a little too cheerfully.
"Don't get caught again. Bye."
"Hey!" Takumi began but the line was cut. He pouted and went to slump on the bed beside Akira.
"Popular as ever," Akira teased.
"Maybe I should comment on the release," Takumi mused. "I was having hot sex with my boyfriend. He doesn't like sharing."
He looked up at Akira with a grin.
The other man put the book down and contemplated, "That's true. I don't like sharing."
"I can't believe that the press hasn't caught us dating. It's not like we're hiding it." Takumi was incredulous and a bit indignant.
Akira considered that for a moment and agreed. "You're right. It's strange."
"This place gets top marks for discretion. I mean, our room is a mess."
"We do try to be considerate for the housekeeping staff."
"Yeah, but honestly, they must know what we have been up to."
"As you said, top marks. I'll recommend it."
"The reception didn't even bat an eyelid," Takumi almost complained.
"They are just being professional," Akira said helpfully.
Takumi sighed. "Everyone thinks that you're my lawyer or accountant."
"I AM a lawyer," Akira noted.
"Not when I am in your bed," Takumi reminded him with an inviting smile.
"Since you are..."
Akira placed a bookmark and set his book aside.
He pushed Takumi onto his back and shifted his weight above him.
Takumi giggled and welcomed the weight. And the kiss which followed. The hands which stroke his hair and ran down the length of his body.
"You're not wearing anything underneath," Akira murmured against Takumi's lips.
A slight smile, and the palms reaching beneath the robe, informed Takumi of his approval.
"What's the point?" Takumi dared to ask.
"True." Akira started trailing kisses on the marks on his body. Takumi almost came.
He started to pull Akira's top off. "This is the best vacation ever."
Akira chuckled and they went on to spend the rest of the evening reinforcing that fact.