Fanfiction
Title: In the Eye of the Viewfinder
Characters: Ritsuka, Soubi and others
Rating: T
Summary: Twenty-one-year-old Ritsuka works as a photographer. Sometimes, he does a scoop for the police with his friend, Keita, despite his fighter's protests. One day, they get the scoop of their lives: nailing one of the most dangerous yakuza in Japan.
A/N I'm sorry it took me so long, but I had a little problem resulting in a surgery and I didn't have much time to post anything. But enough excuses, here goes the next part ;)
...
Iskandar
...
Soon after the call Soubi decided he may as well be useful and do shopping, since apart from a pizza he had bought earlier to celebrate a night with Ritsuka, their fridge remained painfully empty. The kind of empty when you have to make a tough choice between eating a week-old carrot and one egg.
So the fighter put on his long coat to protect himself from a chilling wind and set off to the nearest shop specialising in organic food.
He was methodically moving down an aisle looking for what they desperately needed and with a growing discomfort at the still increasing number of products he couldn't afford. As usually, he was so engrossed in this task that he didn't notice a middle-aged man trying to catch his attention.
Only when the man softly patted his shoulder did he turn away from a shop shelf.
He frowned, not recognising the man who was sheepishly smiling at him.
- Yes? - Soubi inquired, an expectant look in his blue eyes.
The man slightly ducked his head in uneasiness finally realising he had been deemed a stranger.
- I'm Matsuda Ryuu, I work with Aoyagi-kun - he provided smoothly - I believe I've seen you together so I thought I should say "good evening" - the older man had a disarming smile.
Soubi hoped his initial lack of connection between the man and Ritsuka didn't show too much, because even after the man's introduction he wasn't entirely sure who he was. Granted, the man probably did work with Ritsuka, but the fighter had never bothered to pay Ritsuka's co-workers any mind. His knowledge of that stuff ended with Keita.
Despite that, Soubi sent the man a smile of his own.
- Agatsuma Soubi. Nice to meet you, Matsuda-san - he bowed curtly, willing the man to either carry on or make a leave. Even though he preferred the latter, he had to be polite to Ritsuka's friends, otherwise his Sacrifice may be cross with him.
As expected, the man wasn't bothering him to compare their choices of muesli.
- Good I approached the right person - Matsuda-san chuckled - I was a little afraid I mistook you for someone else.
Soubi nodded courteously, so the man continued.
- I was hoping you could tell Aoyagi-kun about his next commission concerning a new art gallery... I have lost my old mobile and I don't have his number written down anywhere.
That was when Soubi remembered who exactly the man was: Ritsuka's boss. He was extremely thankful to his guarding spirit he hadn't told him to get lost.
- Of course I will. If you could provide some more details… - he offered.
Matsuda-san seemed to be relieved.
- Certainly. I have it all in my notepad - he began to rummage through his bag - I always make notes, that's what a reporter is supposed to do, young people don't understand the importance of the journalism these days - he shook his head sadly, finally finding the praised notepad - They think they can remember everything, or worse, that people don't care for the news unless it's some scandal.
Soubi wondered if the man's rant was aimed at Ritsuka and felt himself tense. But then, he didn't truly suspect the man of being that rude and thoughtless. Probably just a veteran's rambling.
- Here you are - Matsuda-san tore a page out of his notepad - I'd have given it to him personally had I seen him - he assured and Soubi had no doubts that the man would have.
He was ready to come back with some polite small talk he knew people enjoyed when he remembered the earlier call. Hadn't Ritsuka claimed to be contacted by Matsuda-san and sent to a wedding?
Cautiously, he attempted to get an explanation.
- Thank you. I imagine you had a hard time finding him, he's always so agitated before going to one of those weddings - he babbled, scanning through the scribbled notes.
Just as he thought, Matsuda-san frowned.
- A wedding? I don't recall we've had any wedding commissions recently - he shrugged - He was to prepare a short article for our website as far as I know, so maybe the wedding is a commission he didn't get through us - he offered lightly.
Soubi cursed inwardly.
- It may be - he readily agreed - Or I have got something wrong, I sometimes lose track of his jobs.
- Yes, it happens all the time with my wife - the older man winked - I guess you're not much of a photography fan just like her.
Soubi politely admitted he wasn't.
- Eh, artists, the audience never understands them - the man sighed heavily. Probably because of the weight of that absolutely unnecessary comment.
Not seeing a point in betraying he was a painter himself, Soubi excused himself saying that speaking about women, his mother was awaiting him.
Matsuda-san only smiled yet again and wandered off, wishing Soubi and his mother a good night and disappeared in an organic vegetables jungle.
Leaving Soubi to ponder where on Earth his Sacrifice was and more importantly, why he had found it necessary to lie to him.
...
Ritsuka was certainly wishing he hadn't done that.
Handcuffed to the seat of the black BMW speeding through the downtown, he was regretting he had ever let himself get involved in this whole mess.
After the short stop, Nisei didn't utter a single word, making Ritsuka miss his incoherent rants. With them, he at least knew where they stood, as he was aware that as long as the rambling continued, Nisei wasn't planning on attacking anyone. Or, more correctly, causing a lasting harm.
He was pretty shaken by the whole incident, but his worries about actually having something in common with the insane fighter got pushed to the back of his mind when, despite his own tremors, he began to vibrate with the force of Keita's violent shudders.
They seemed to be worsening with every passing moment. That, and his face was starting to resemble a dead fish.
Trying not to attract the driver's attention, Ritsuka crept closer to his friend, attempting to calm him down with his presence and his body heat.
He hadn't predicted Keita would whine like an injured puppy when he touched him.
Nisei may have been a lunatic, but he wasn't deaf.
Especially when someone was howling right to his ear.
To Ritsuka's dread, he turned back with a dismayed expression.
- Why is it doing that?
Keita only whined louder.
Ritsuka once again tried to console him, but as soon as he lowered his head to nuzzle at Keita's shoulder, his friend elbowed him so hard it made his teeth clatter.
And Nisei laugh.
Ritsuka swore but it came out intelligible because his jaw felt slack after the punch.
- Sabes what they say, Rit-chan? - the fighter's eyes were dancing with mirth - Don't touch a frightened perrillo, it may bite.
- 'E's no 'og - Ritsuka slurred angrily - 'op 'at.
- ¿Qué? - Nisei giggled, focusing on the road ahead.
- He's no dog! - the catboy protested - And stop that.
- Driving?
Ritsuka counted to ten.
- No. Calling him that.
- Oh - Nisei sounded disappointed .
Then, he cheered up.
- Or shall I stop his whining? I could put him to sleep.
Had it not come from his lips, Ritsuka would have gladly accepted.
- Don't - being stern in the presence of Akame was impossible. No matter what Ritsuka did, he always behaved like a scared twelve-year-old - Even think of it.
Nisei sighed exaggeratedly, a habit he had probably picked up from Seimei. The older Aoyagi was a master at Gods-help-me-I-have-to-deal-with-all-that-idiots-inhabiting-the-world-to-my-torture kind of sighs.
- I didn't exactly mean to kill him - Nisei explained with a pained face - We have a deal, don't we?
Ritsuka blushed, feeling like a moron.
- Yes, we do.
Keita was looking ready to retch.
- I could put him to sleep. Literally. Make him sleep - the fighter proposed.
Hating himself for that, but realising Keita was too petrified to notice what was going on, Ritsuka nodded curtly. Nisei had a weird knack for causing Ritsuka to forget about his morals.
And what was even more unsettling, he didn't need to cast any spells or persuade in some special way.
Instantly, smoothly dark words pierced the air.
- Sleep.
Keita slumped down as if boneless, a peaceful smile playing on his lips.
- Is he dreaming? - Ritsuka didn't realise he'd said that aloud until a reply came.
- Ya. About little puppy girls.
- You made his dream about dogs? - Ritsuka's eyes were wide.
- Ya. It likes them.
Right. A lunatic here.
Ritsuka closed his eyes. Apart from the fact his friend was currently having dreams about romantic endeavours with dogs, making him sleep had been a good idea. The less Keita found out, the less reasons for Nisei to dispose of him later. At least that was logical, but logic had never really applied to that particular fighter-turned-yakuza. Speaking about yakuza…
- I thought he was a lawyer - Ritsuka informed in a seemingly flat tone which held an undercurrent of reproach.
Not taking his eyes of the road, as they were approaching a part of the downtown where traffic was still heavy despite the late hour, Nisei smirked.
- He is - he assured gravely.
- I'm starting to doubt it - the catboy snorted, piercing the driver's headrest with his hot glare.
- No need, Rit-chan. Seimei really likes his job, as it's interesting, even I must admit it.
- Great - Ritsuka rolled his eyes - Open a chambers with him.
Chuckling, Nisei asked.
- Do I sense a sarcasm here? It doesn't suit you, Rit-chan. Don't copy what others do, you'll lose your individuality.
- Do I look as if I craved life lessons from you? - Ritsuka snapped - Besides, it's weird to hear you criticising sarcasm…
- Oh-oh, I see - Nisei smiled sweetly to a rear mirror - You think I'm sarcastic. No, really? But it's so funny!
Ritsuka's ears flattened. Yet again, he was allowing Nisei to drag him into one of his infamous pointless banters.
- Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit - he gritted out.
- But the highest form of intelligence - Nisei winked at him.
Well, despite his strong desire to do that, Ritsuka couldn't disagree that Nisei was intelligent.
- I trust it that my brother appreciates your remarks - he shot - Do you help him with his cases?
Nisei didn't appear to be bothered enough to pick up the gauntlet thrown at him.
- You know your brother - he chirped - You try to be kind and help him and he bites off your head to express his gratitude.
- So he is a lawyer? - maybe they were finally getting there.
- I said so, didn't I? Claro he is, he graduated the university with *honours*. He doesn't let me forget that - the fighter grimaced - Civil court cases bore him, though, so he managed to get a job in the government department.
Ritsuka was puzzled.
- If that's so, then who…
- Oh Rit-chan - Nisei huffed agitated - Don't be childish. Do you truly believe it's enough for him? That acting as an assistant of some pompous fat official quenches his thirst for excitement, for exercising his mind? For power, for dominance? Come on, you know he can't live without all of that.
- So basically, he became a criminal because he was bored with his regular job?
Nisei shrugged.
- Basically. He has to test his theories, but I think you've already guessed what's the most appealing to him…
- Deceiving the very same people he works for - Ritsuka ended his sentence in a small voice of barely restrained bitterness.
- How clever! Of course that's his reason. And it would never even close anybody's mind that this young timid lawyer with innocent beauty and deep eyes hidden behind delicate glasses, whose hands are barely strong enough to carry folders, whose speech is always soft and kind is at the same time able to inflict the cruellest torture and enjoy it. Or that his quick little mind that defends justice every day can come up with the most evil of schemes.
Ritsuka wasn't overly surprised or even moved by those statements. After all, he had been fooled by his brother before, so he couldn't blame others for falling for the same trap.
- Or that a cute fragile-looking guy who comes to pick him up after work, who smiles sweetly and bats his lashes at them would in fact enjoy chopping off their hands? - Ritsuka arched his eyebrow with irony.
- Chopping off limbs is a little bit too primitive for my taste but you've certainly got the main idea - Nisei assured stoically.
Ritsuka hid his face in his hands.
Gods, what have I done to deserve *this*?
...
The car was pulled off to a car park situated in the shadows of a high office building looming ominously over it.
- Don't tell me you live here - the building was giving Ritsuka creeps.
Nisei quirked his lips.
- I kinda hoped you hold my taste in higher regards.
Of course, how Ritsuka could have ever assumed that Nisei would live anywhere else than in a penthouse in the most expensive area of Shinjuku or, given his European sentiments, Roppongi. For a fighter, who by definition shouldn't even feel the most basic needs, Akame certainly had lavish fancies.
He was shook out of his musings when he heard the driver's door shut.
Nisei opened the door next to him and then, crouched down. Ritsuka sent him an angry glare.
- Aren't you going to take them off? - he rattled the handcuffs.
- Not sure - once again, there was that faraway look in Nisei's eyes - They ensure you don't try anything.
Ritsuka blinked.
- I'm not going to try anything.
Nisei tilted his head to the right.
- I wouldn't have tried anything either.
For a moment, they were staring into each other's eyes. Ritsuka didn't like what he saw in those dark pits as it made him think about things he'd rather never dwell upon, so he snapped.
- For fuck's sake, Nisei! Take them off! You're the last person who has reasons to fear me!
It worked. Apparently Nisei always reacted better to being yelled at.
And Ritsuka would never cease to be both amazed and unsettled by his casual use of word spells.
- Let them go.
Still uncomfortable, Ritsuka began to massage his sore wrists. No longer restricted, Keita turned to his side.
Nisei started to walk away, so the boy growled.
- Keita.
He didn't know when he had actually stopped to consider Nisei a pain in his rear (only, he still thought he was a nuisance that fully deserved his hatred) and began to be amused by his antics.
- But don't you think it's better to let him sleep? Maybe he's just getting to the best part?
Keita moaned in his sleep and Ritsuka barked out, reddening.
- Wake him up!
Bursting into laughter, Nisei complied.
- Rise… And sh-shine - he choked out between waves of giggles.
Groggily, Keita opened his eyes. His sight focused on Ritsuka's concerned face.
- Where are we? - he whispered, casting wild glances in every direction.
- Shh… It's okay. Somewhere downtown, I believe.
- Get him going - Nisei was leaning against a car - I'm beginning to get impatient.
Willing Keita to understand, Ritsuka pulled him outside.
...
- Ladies first - Nisei motioned to a back entrance of the building.
Ladies!
- Wait, Nisei - Ritsuka cried out, grasping the fighter's sleeve - You knew we were there at the docks. How?
Nisei gave him a measuring look-over.
- I always know everything.
- That's not the answer! Only a fool believes himself to know everything and regretfully, you're no fool - Ritsuka spat sourly - How?
The fighter smirked in his most devious way.
- I knew the police had been informed.
Both Keita and Ritsuka experienced the same sinking feeling in their stomachs.
- You… You found her? - Ritsuka whispered.
Nisei put his hands in his pockets, black hair obscuring his face.
- I would have - came a smooth reply - But I didn't. I like to play.
Ritsuka shuddered.
It was Keita who found his voice first.
- You're planning to torture her?
Shadows seemed to be Akame's natural environment.
- Idiots - he snorted - It's not her I wanted to play with.
- Us? - Keita paled.
- You didn't know it's me who's going to turn up - the realisation dawned on Ritsuka.
- How bright, Rit-chan - the man chuckled unpleasantly - You ruined my fun, yet again. And here I was, granted permission to get rid of the sniffing photographers in whatever way I desire.
But Ritsuka was far too worried for the girl to be afraid of that vague threat.
- You have or haven't killed her? - he demanded.
- I haven't - Nisei shrugged, then tossed nonchalantly - Mimuro would have my head.
It was Ritsuka turn to eye the fighter suspiciously.
- Fearless? But what exactly… The girl was…
- The brat, ya - Nisei grinned, white teeth flashing - I told you I wanted to play.
Ritsuka cursed passionately.
- What a foul speech, Rit-chan! He's not going to like it.
- You know what I give about his opinion - Ritsuka cursed once more for a good measure, making Keita look at him as if he'd gone mad.
...
After they entered the Devil's lair, they were ushered up the stairs and then, inside a small office. There, behind a solid wooden desk, a young secretary sat.
Even though she was sitting, it was clear that she was much taller than Nisei (but then, it wasn't that much of an achievement given his height), with red hair and big round eyes. She was dressed in smart clothes, her make-up fabulous.
- Akame - she greeted as soon as they came in - He doesn't want to see anyone.
Nisei didn't even acknowledge her words, strolling to her desk and starting to rummage through an open drawer.
The woman closed it with a loud angry "bang". Nisei's heightened reflexes were the sole reason he still had his fingers afterwards.
- I don't have anything for you to eat here - she informed frostily.
- How mean - he pouted.
- Go pester him - she advised, having already taken a good long look-over of the photographs - I can see you have some pressing matters to address.
Nisei showed her his middle finger and then pushed Keita and Ritsuka towards the next door.
- And take this tea to him, he requested it some time ago.
Nisei smiled at her sweetly over his shoulder.
- It seems to be a secretary's job. I have some pressing matters to address, can't waste my time.
...
The next office, Keita noted, was only slightly bigger than the first and, just as the first one, occupied by a young secretary.
That one was a man, probably in his late twenties. He didn't look up at the newcomers at first, so his sole asset visible was his black curly hair.
Keita was seriously wondering what kind of person Iskandar was to have so many secretaries in his "headquarters".
Akame made them stand in the middle of the room with their awkwardness rising with every passing second, while the yakuza himself approached the desk. When he was three steps away from it, the secretary lifted his head up.
The man had dark purple eyes that were currently observing them from behind a pair rectangular glasses. Keita was waiting for another word fight, so when the secretary's lips twisted in obvious disgust he wasn't particularly surprised.
The man put down a pen he'd been holding.
- I believe I've told you not to bring any stray animals home - the secretary's voice was liquid velvet despite his offensive words - They have fleas.
Akame's subdued tone threw Keita off his balance.
- But I thought you may be fond of those specific strays.
The photographers were given a careless glance.
- Why the second one?
Keita saw Ritsuka tensing.
- Our little Loveless decided he'd kill himself if I dared to finish it off - Akame chuckled.
- Indeed? - the secretary arched his black eyebrow at Ritsuka in mocking amusement - Such a brave act. But bravery is by the far the kindest way to call stupidity.
Ritsuka's tail grew as stiff as a branch.
Akame smirked cruelly.
- Yes, "indeed" - Ritsuka hissed, coming to stand in front of Keita as if to shelter him - And it couldn't have been stupid if it worked.
The secretary readjusted his glasses, smiling.
- Do you accuse Nisei of stupidity? - he inquired - Shall I know about something? He has to learn if he displays stupidity. I can't have my right hand man deemed stupid by photographers, it'd ruin my reputation. It is how you call him, "the right hand man", isn't it? Don't you think the "left hand man" would be more adequate?
Keita got white as a sheet when he realised they weren't talking to a secretary. It was Iskandar who was sitting in front of them. In a surge of detachment that accompanied panic Keita thought that he'd always imagined him as a big, bulky man. Somehow, the delicate guy he was facing was much scarier.
He was extremely grateful to Ritsuka for shielding him. Unconsciously, Keita took a look at Iskandar's left hand. There was some kind of a tattoo on it.
- How protective you are of your pet, Ritsuka - Iskandar continued in the same cool, collected tone - Admirable. You've always seemed to be fond of collecting various animals, I can't blame you - Keita could swore Iskandar's eyes were piercing right through him - Not that I share your tastes. I've always been more of a dog person. And I'm such a picky owner, you see, I only settle for the best - his voice sounded nonchalant, almost bored - One pet is just perfectly enough for me.
Only when he noticed Akame's bright eyes did Keita comprehend the speech was also about him. Gods, what kind of person calls others animals? Including his supposedly most trusted man?
- Unlike some people - Ritsuka snapped - I don't pry into other's business concerning their "pets".
Iskandar chuckled melodiously as he stood up to circle his desk and then, perched himself on it. He lifted his arm and reached for Akame, beginning to comb through his long hair as if he was petting him. Never breaking the eye contact with Ritsuka, he tightened his hold on the black strands to the point of pain and forced Akame to come closer, pulling his face up and planting a soft kiss on the man's temple.
- Don't worry, Ritsuka, I'm not going to hurt your little pet - he assured in a false consolation - After all, I have a soft spot for unusual fancies of my little brother.
Characters: Ritsuka, Soubi and others
Rating: T
Summary: Twenty-one-year-old Ritsuka works as a photographer. Sometimes, he does a scoop for the police with his friend, Keita, despite his fighter's protests. One day, they get the scoop of their lives: nailing one of the most dangerous yakuza in Japan.
A/N I'm sorry it took me so long, but I had a little problem resulting in a surgery and I didn't have much time to post anything. But enough excuses, here goes the next part ;)
...
Iskandar
...
Soon after the call Soubi decided he may as well be useful and do shopping, since apart from a pizza he had bought earlier to celebrate a night with Ritsuka, their fridge remained painfully empty. The kind of empty when you have to make a tough choice between eating a week-old carrot and one egg.
So the fighter put on his long coat to protect himself from a chilling wind and set off to the nearest shop specialising in organic food.
He was methodically moving down an aisle looking for what they desperately needed and with a growing discomfort at the still increasing number of products he couldn't afford. As usually, he was so engrossed in this task that he didn't notice a middle-aged man trying to catch his attention.
Only when the man softly patted his shoulder did he turn away from a shop shelf.
He frowned, not recognising the man who was sheepishly smiling at him.
- Yes? - Soubi inquired, an expectant look in his blue eyes.
The man slightly ducked his head in uneasiness finally realising he had been deemed a stranger.
- I'm Matsuda Ryuu, I work with Aoyagi-kun - he provided smoothly - I believe I've seen you together so I thought I should say "good evening" - the older man had a disarming smile.
Soubi hoped his initial lack of connection between the man and Ritsuka didn't show too much, because even after the man's introduction he wasn't entirely sure who he was. Granted, the man probably did work with Ritsuka, but the fighter had never bothered to pay Ritsuka's co-workers any mind. His knowledge of that stuff ended with Keita.
Despite that, Soubi sent the man a smile of his own.
- Agatsuma Soubi. Nice to meet you, Matsuda-san - he bowed curtly, willing the man to either carry on or make a leave. Even though he preferred the latter, he had to be polite to Ritsuka's friends, otherwise his Sacrifice may be cross with him.
As expected, the man wasn't bothering him to compare their choices of muesli.
- Good I approached the right person - Matsuda-san chuckled - I was a little afraid I mistook you for someone else.
Soubi nodded courteously, so the man continued.
- I was hoping you could tell Aoyagi-kun about his next commission concerning a new art gallery... I have lost my old mobile and I don't have his number written down anywhere.
That was when Soubi remembered who exactly the man was: Ritsuka's boss. He was extremely thankful to his guarding spirit he hadn't told him to get lost.
- Of course I will. If you could provide some more details… - he offered.
Matsuda-san seemed to be relieved.
- Certainly. I have it all in my notepad - he began to rummage through his bag - I always make notes, that's what a reporter is supposed to do, young people don't understand the importance of the journalism these days - he shook his head sadly, finally finding the praised notepad - They think they can remember everything, or worse, that people don't care for the news unless it's some scandal.
Soubi wondered if the man's rant was aimed at Ritsuka and felt himself tense. But then, he didn't truly suspect the man of being that rude and thoughtless. Probably just a veteran's rambling.
- Here you are - Matsuda-san tore a page out of his notepad - I'd have given it to him personally had I seen him - he assured and Soubi had no doubts that the man would have.
He was ready to come back with some polite small talk he knew people enjoyed when he remembered the earlier call. Hadn't Ritsuka claimed to be contacted by Matsuda-san and sent to a wedding?
Cautiously, he attempted to get an explanation.
- Thank you. I imagine you had a hard time finding him, he's always so agitated before going to one of those weddings - he babbled, scanning through the scribbled notes.
Just as he thought, Matsuda-san frowned.
- A wedding? I don't recall we've had any wedding commissions recently - he shrugged - He was to prepare a short article for our website as far as I know, so maybe the wedding is a commission he didn't get through us - he offered lightly.
Soubi cursed inwardly.
- It may be - he readily agreed - Or I have got something wrong, I sometimes lose track of his jobs.
- Yes, it happens all the time with my wife - the older man winked - I guess you're not much of a photography fan just like her.
Soubi politely admitted he wasn't.
- Eh, artists, the audience never understands them - the man sighed heavily. Probably because of the weight of that absolutely unnecessary comment.
Not seeing a point in betraying he was a painter himself, Soubi excused himself saying that speaking about women, his mother was awaiting him.
Matsuda-san only smiled yet again and wandered off, wishing Soubi and his mother a good night and disappeared in an organic vegetables jungle.
Leaving Soubi to ponder where on Earth his Sacrifice was and more importantly, why he had found it necessary to lie to him.
...
Ritsuka was certainly wishing he hadn't done that.
Handcuffed to the seat of the black BMW speeding through the downtown, he was regretting he had ever let himself get involved in this whole mess.
After the short stop, Nisei didn't utter a single word, making Ritsuka miss his incoherent rants. With them, he at least knew where they stood, as he was aware that as long as the rambling continued, Nisei wasn't planning on attacking anyone. Or, more correctly, causing a lasting harm.
He was pretty shaken by the whole incident, but his worries about actually having something in common with the insane fighter got pushed to the back of his mind when, despite his own tremors, he began to vibrate with the force of Keita's violent shudders.
They seemed to be worsening with every passing moment. That, and his face was starting to resemble a dead fish.
Trying not to attract the driver's attention, Ritsuka crept closer to his friend, attempting to calm him down with his presence and his body heat.
He hadn't predicted Keita would whine like an injured puppy when he touched him.
Nisei may have been a lunatic, but he wasn't deaf.
Especially when someone was howling right to his ear.
To Ritsuka's dread, he turned back with a dismayed expression.
- Why is it doing that?
Keita only whined louder.
Ritsuka once again tried to console him, but as soon as he lowered his head to nuzzle at Keita's shoulder, his friend elbowed him so hard it made his teeth clatter.
And Nisei laugh.
Ritsuka swore but it came out intelligible because his jaw felt slack after the punch.
- Sabes what they say, Rit-chan? - the fighter's eyes were dancing with mirth - Don't touch a frightened perrillo, it may bite.
- 'E's no 'og - Ritsuka slurred angrily - 'op 'at.
- ¿Qué? - Nisei giggled, focusing on the road ahead.
- He's no dog! - the catboy protested - And stop that.
- Driving?
Ritsuka counted to ten.
- No. Calling him that.
- Oh - Nisei sounded disappointed .
Then, he cheered up.
- Or shall I stop his whining? I could put him to sleep.
Had it not come from his lips, Ritsuka would have gladly accepted.
- Don't - being stern in the presence of Akame was impossible. No matter what Ritsuka did, he always behaved like a scared twelve-year-old - Even think of it.
Nisei sighed exaggeratedly, a habit he had probably picked up from Seimei. The older Aoyagi was a master at Gods-help-me-I-have-to-deal-with-all-that-idiots-inhabiting-the-world-to-my-torture kind of sighs.
- I didn't exactly mean to kill him - Nisei explained with a pained face - We have a deal, don't we?
Ritsuka blushed, feeling like a moron.
- Yes, we do.
Keita was looking ready to retch.
- I could put him to sleep. Literally. Make him sleep - the fighter proposed.
Hating himself for that, but realising Keita was too petrified to notice what was going on, Ritsuka nodded curtly. Nisei had a weird knack for causing Ritsuka to forget about his morals.
And what was even more unsettling, he didn't need to cast any spells or persuade in some special way.
Instantly, smoothly dark words pierced the air.
- Sleep.
Keita slumped down as if boneless, a peaceful smile playing on his lips.
- Is he dreaming? - Ritsuka didn't realise he'd said that aloud until a reply came.
- Ya. About little puppy girls.
- You made his dream about dogs? - Ritsuka's eyes were wide.
- Ya. It likes them.
Right. A lunatic here.
Ritsuka closed his eyes. Apart from the fact his friend was currently having dreams about romantic endeavours with dogs, making him sleep had been a good idea. The less Keita found out, the less reasons for Nisei to dispose of him later. At least that was logical, but logic had never really applied to that particular fighter-turned-yakuza. Speaking about yakuza…
- I thought he was a lawyer - Ritsuka informed in a seemingly flat tone which held an undercurrent of reproach.
Not taking his eyes of the road, as they were approaching a part of the downtown where traffic was still heavy despite the late hour, Nisei smirked.
- He is - he assured gravely.
- I'm starting to doubt it - the catboy snorted, piercing the driver's headrest with his hot glare.
- No need, Rit-chan. Seimei really likes his job, as it's interesting, even I must admit it.
- Great - Ritsuka rolled his eyes - Open a chambers with him.
Chuckling, Nisei asked.
- Do I sense a sarcasm here? It doesn't suit you, Rit-chan. Don't copy what others do, you'll lose your individuality.
- Do I look as if I craved life lessons from you? - Ritsuka snapped - Besides, it's weird to hear you criticising sarcasm…
- Oh-oh, I see - Nisei smiled sweetly to a rear mirror - You think I'm sarcastic. No, really? But it's so funny!
Ritsuka's ears flattened. Yet again, he was allowing Nisei to drag him into one of his infamous pointless banters.
- Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit - he gritted out.
- But the highest form of intelligence - Nisei winked at him.
Well, despite his strong desire to do that, Ritsuka couldn't disagree that Nisei was intelligent.
- I trust it that my brother appreciates your remarks - he shot - Do you help him with his cases?
Nisei didn't appear to be bothered enough to pick up the gauntlet thrown at him.
- You know your brother - he chirped - You try to be kind and help him and he bites off your head to express his gratitude.
- So he is a lawyer? - maybe they were finally getting there.
- I said so, didn't I? Claro he is, he graduated the university with *honours*. He doesn't let me forget that - the fighter grimaced - Civil court cases bore him, though, so he managed to get a job in the government department.
Ritsuka was puzzled.
- If that's so, then who…
- Oh Rit-chan - Nisei huffed agitated - Don't be childish. Do you truly believe it's enough for him? That acting as an assistant of some pompous fat official quenches his thirst for excitement, for exercising his mind? For power, for dominance? Come on, you know he can't live without all of that.
- So basically, he became a criminal because he was bored with his regular job?
Nisei shrugged.
- Basically. He has to test his theories, but I think you've already guessed what's the most appealing to him…
- Deceiving the very same people he works for - Ritsuka ended his sentence in a small voice of barely restrained bitterness.
- How clever! Of course that's his reason. And it would never even close anybody's mind that this young timid lawyer with innocent beauty and deep eyes hidden behind delicate glasses, whose hands are barely strong enough to carry folders, whose speech is always soft and kind is at the same time able to inflict the cruellest torture and enjoy it. Or that his quick little mind that defends justice every day can come up with the most evil of schemes.
Ritsuka wasn't overly surprised or even moved by those statements. After all, he had been fooled by his brother before, so he couldn't blame others for falling for the same trap.
- Or that a cute fragile-looking guy who comes to pick him up after work, who smiles sweetly and bats his lashes at them would in fact enjoy chopping off their hands? - Ritsuka arched his eyebrow with irony.
- Chopping off limbs is a little bit too primitive for my taste but you've certainly got the main idea - Nisei assured stoically.
Ritsuka hid his face in his hands.
Gods, what have I done to deserve *this*?
...
The car was pulled off to a car park situated in the shadows of a high office building looming ominously over it.
- Don't tell me you live here - the building was giving Ritsuka creeps.
Nisei quirked his lips.
- I kinda hoped you hold my taste in higher regards.
Of course, how Ritsuka could have ever assumed that Nisei would live anywhere else than in a penthouse in the most expensive area of Shinjuku or, given his European sentiments, Roppongi. For a fighter, who by definition shouldn't even feel the most basic needs, Akame certainly had lavish fancies.
He was shook out of his musings when he heard the driver's door shut.
Nisei opened the door next to him and then, crouched down. Ritsuka sent him an angry glare.
- Aren't you going to take them off? - he rattled the handcuffs.
- Not sure - once again, there was that faraway look in Nisei's eyes - They ensure you don't try anything.
Ritsuka blinked.
- I'm not going to try anything.
Nisei tilted his head to the right.
- I wouldn't have tried anything either.
For a moment, they were staring into each other's eyes. Ritsuka didn't like what he saw in those dark pits as it made him think about things he'd rather never dwell upon, so he snapped.
- For fuck's sake, Nisei! Take them off! You're the last person who has reasons to fear me!
It worked. Apparently Nisei always reacted better to being yelled at.
And Ritsuka would never cease to be both amazed and unsettled by his casual use of word spells.
- Let them go.
Still uncomfortable, Ritsuka began to massage his sore wrists. No longer restricted, Keita turned to his side.
Nisei started to walk away, so the boy growled.
- Keita.
He didn't know when he had actually stopped to consider Nisei a pain in his rear (only, he still thought he was a nuisance that fully deserved his hatred) and began to be amused by his antics.
- But don't you think it's better to let him sleep? Maybe he's just getting to the best part?
Keita moaned in his sleep and Ritsuka barked out, reddening.
- Wake him up!
Bursting into laughter, Nisei complied.
- Rise… And sh-shine - he choked out between waves of giggles.
Groggily, Keita opened his eyes. His sight focused on Ritsuka's concerned face.
- Where are we? - he whispered, casting wild glances in every direction.
- Shh… It's okay. Somewhere downtown, I believe.
- Get him going - Nisei was leaning against a car - I'm beginning to get impatient.
Willing Keita to understand, Ritsuka pulled him outside.
...
- Ladies first - Nisei motioned to a back entrance of the building.
Ladies!
- Wait, Nisei - Ritsuka cried out, grasping the fighter's sleeve - You knew we were there at the docks. How?
Nisei gave him a measuring look-over.
- I always know everything.
- That's not the answer! Only a fool believes himself to know everything and regretfully, you're no fool - Ritsuka spat sourly - How?
The fighter smirked in his most devious way.
- I knew the police had been informed.
Both Keita and Ritsuka experienced the same sinking feeling in their stomachs.
- You… You found her? - Ritsuka whispered.
Nisei put his hands in his pockets, black hair obscuring his face.
- I would have - came a smooth reply - But I didn't. I like to play.
Ritsuka shuddered.
It was Keita who found his voice first.
- You're planning to torture her?
Shadows seemed to be Akame's natural environment.
- Idiots - he snorted - It's not her I wanted to play with.
- Us? - Keita paled.
- You didn't know it's me who's going to turn up - the realisation dawned on Ritsuka.
- How bright, Rit-chan - the man chuckled unpleasantly - You ruined my fun, yet again. And here I was, granted permission to get rid of the sniffing photographers in whatever way I desire.
But Ritsuka was far too worried for the girl to be afraid of that vague threat.
- You have or haven't killed her? - he demanded.
- I haven't - Nisei shrugged, then tossed nonchalantly - Mimuro would have my head.
It was Ritsuka turn to eye the fighter suspiciously.
- Fearless? But what exactly… The girl was…
- The brat, ya - Nisei grinned, white teeth flashing - I told you I wanted to play.
Ritsuka cursed passionately.
- What a foul speech, Rit-chan! He's not going to like it.
- You know what I give about his opinion - Ritsuka cursed once more for a good measure, making Keita look at him as if he'd gone mad.
...
After they entered the Devil's lair, they were ushered up the stairs and then, inside a small office. There, behind a solid wooden desk, a young secretary sat.
Even though she was sitting, it was clear that she was much taller than Nisei (but then, it wasn't that much of an achievement given his height), with red hair and big round eyes. She was dressed in smart clothes, her make-up fabulous.
- Akame - she greeted as soon as they came in - He doesn't want to see anyone.
Nisei didn't even acknowledge her words, strolling to her desk and starting to rummage through an open drawer.
The woman closed it with a loud angry "bang". Nisei's heightened reflexes were the sole reason he still had his fingers afterwards.
- I don't have anything for you to eat here - she informed frostily.
- How mean - he pouted.
- Go pester him - she advised, having already taken a good long look-over of the photographs - I can see you have some pressing matters to address.
Nisei showed her his middle finger and then pushed Keita and Ritsuka towards the next door.
- And take this tea to him, he requested it some time ago.
Nisei smiled at her sweetly over his shoulder.
- It seems to be a secretary's job. I have some pressing matters to address, can't waste my time.
...
The next office, Keita noted, was only slightly bigger than the first and, just as the first one, occupied by a young secretary.
That one was a man, probably in his late twenties. He didn't look up at the newcomers at first, so his sole asset visible was his black curly hair.
Keita was seriously wondering what kind of person Iskandar was to have so many secretaries in his "headquarters".
Akame made them stand in the middle of the room with their awkwardness rising with every passing second, while the yakuza himself approached the desk. When he was three steps away from it, the secretary lifted his head up.
The man had dark purple eyes that were currently observing them from behind a pair rectangular glasses. Keita was waiting for another word fight, so when the secretary's lips twisted in obvious disgust he wasn't particularly surprised.
The man put down a pen he'd been holding.
- I believe I've told you not to bring any stray animals home - the secretary's voice was liquid velvet despite his offensive words - They have fleas.
Akame's subdued tone threw Keita off his balance.
- But I thought you may be fond of those specific strays.
The photographers were given a careless glance.
- Why the second one?
Keita saw Ritsuka tensing.
- Our little Loveless decided he'd kill himself if I dared to finish it off - Akame chuckled.
- Indeed? - the secretary arched his black eyebrow at Ritsuka in mocking amusement - Such a brave act. But bravery is by the far the kindest way to call stupidity.
Ritsuka's tail grew as stiff as a branch.
Akame smirked cruelly.
- Yes, "indeed" - Ritsuka hissed, coming to stand in front of Keita as if to shelter him - And it couldn't have been stupid if it worked.
The secretary readjusted his glasses, smiling.
- Do you accuse Nisei of stupidity? - he inquired - Shall I know about something? He has to learn if he displays stupidity. I can't have my right hand man deemed stupid by photographers, it'd ruin my reputation. It is how you call him, "the right hand man", isn't it? Don't you think the "left hand man" would be more adequate?
Keita got white as a sheet when he realised they weren't talking to a secretary. It was Iskandar who was sitting in front of them. In a surge of detachment that accompanied panic Keita thought that he'd always imagined him as a big, bulky man. Somehow, the delicate guy he was facing was much scarier.
He was extremely grateful to Ritsuka for shielding him. Unconsciously, Keita took a look at Iskandar's left hand. There was some kind of a tattoo on it.
- How protective you are of your pet, Ritsuka - Iskandar continued in the same cool, collected tone - Admirable. You've always seemed to be fond of collecting various animals, I can't blame you - Keita could swore Iskandar's eyes were piercing right through him - Not that I share your tastes. I've always been more of a dog person. And I'm such a picky owner, you see, I only settle for the best - his voice sounded nonchalant, almost bored - One pet is just perfectly enough for me.
Only when he noticed Akame's bright eyes did Keita comprehend the speech was also about him. Gods, what kind of person calls others animals? Including his supposedly most trusted man?
- Unlike some people - Ritsuka snapped - I don't pry into other's business concerning their "pets".
Iskandar chuckled melodiously as he stood up to circle his desk and then, perched himself on it. He lifted his arm and reached for Akame, beginning to comb through his long hair as if he was petting him. Never breaking the eye contact with Ritsuka, he tightened his hold on the black strands to the point of pain and forced Akame to come closer, pulling his face up and planting a soft kiss on the man's temple.
- Don't worry, Ritsuka, I'm not going to hurt your little pet - he assured in a false consolation - After all, I have a soft spot for unusual fancies of my little brother.