Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The bright, fluorescent lights hummed monotonously into the grand office resided by Marukawa Shoten’s president. The uncurtained windows that once shone warm, sunny light into the decorated atmosphere now only brought little illumination of stars.

There was a mechanical, precise clacking of keys as Asahina worked at his laptop. The bright screen of emails and documents shined a light into his face, highlighting his soft wrinkles that were beginning to form and the furrow between his eyebrows.

Isaka, on the other hand, was scrolling boredly on his phone and was sprawled in his presidential chair. He had finished all he had to a while ago and was itching to go home and relax. Asahina offered Isaka to head back to their shared apartment before him, but the president refused. He was feeling lonely after a long week, feeling as if Asahina and him weren’t getting nearly enough personal time lately.

“Asahina, won’t you give it a rest already? It’s nearly midnight!”

“I told you that you can head home before me, Ryuuichirou-sama.”

Isaka gave out an exasperated sigh, glancing at his lover who worked at the desk close and perpendicular to his. Isaka rested his chin on his palm, gazing both lovingly and annoyedly. “Surely you don’t have this much work. Just put it off for later or something.”

Asahina’s gaze unwavered from his screen, his fingers still jotting precisely. “Of course I have an abundance of work. Not surprising for who I have to work myself to the bone for everyday.”

“Asahina…” Isaka grumbled, crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair. Fatigue was getting to him, causing him to loosen his tie a little and throw his head back. All he could hear was the incessant click clacking of a keyboard which made him want to throw a chair at the source behind it. He shut his eyes, thinking of a way to change his secretary’s mind.

Isaka scooted his rolling chair back, then loudly brought his feet up to the desk with an obnoxiously loud thump. He then crossed his ankles, his shining black loafers glistening under the white lights. He saw a quick, annoyed glance from a certain set of tired, brown eyes that quickly turned back.

Not satisfied yet, Isaka donned a smug grin and pulled out his phone once again. He, as loudly as he could, would press his finger against the screen each time he wanted to scroll. With nearly every other scroll, Isaka let out a chuckle. Each one becoming increasingly louder and louder as a vein on Asahina’s forehead become bigger and bigger.

Isaka saw Asahina’s reaction that was difficult to miss in his periphery and was gloating. He was either going to force Asahina to attend to him early, or this was payback for making him wait oh so long.

Finally, Asahina abruptly stood from his seat with his hands balled in fists on his desk. “Is there something you want, Ryuuichiro-sama.” He said curtly, eyes closed.

“Yes, I want my secretary to pay attention to me,” Isaka whined, eyes still glued to his phone but smiling in glee at Asahina’s reaction.

“Please remove your feet from your desk. This is a place of business, not your personal residence. And these documents are related to your job, too. So can you please try to take them and me seriously? I need to finish these documents by tomorrow morning, they’re for-”

Before Asahina would start to ramble on a lecture, Isaka rose his voice, “My legs Asahina! I can’t move them! I would really love it if you came over here and lifted them for me.”

Asahina gave an annoyed, almost disgusted look back. He sighed, sitting back into his chair and resuming his work on his laptop. “It seems fatigue has caught up to you due to certain lifestyle choices.”

“Isn’t that a fault on your end?”

Asahina was reactionless this time and continued on.

-

“It’s time to wake up, Ryuuichirou-sama.”

“Huh?” Isaka blearily opened his eyes, rubbing them with his palms. Asahina was gently shaking Isaka’s shoulder from behind in order to stir him awake.

“Did I really fall asleep..?”

“Yes, I was thinking you looked rather tired today. Now…” Asahina took a metal ruler grasped in his hand and hit it roughly on Isaka’s knees.

“Ow!” Isaka yelped, swiping his feet off the desk and keeling over in surprise. “Asahina… you asshole!”

“You don’t listen to me otherwise,” Asahina simply stated, a slight grin forming at the edges of his mouth from the sight. He placed the ruler down and picked up his own briefcase.

“When you’re done I’m ready to head home. I’ve submitted everything that unexpectedly came up for your 10AM meeting tomorrow morning.” Asahina fixed his tie and cuffs as Isaka continued to wince.

“Aren’t you supposed to care about me? That hurt!” It was no real attack by all means, Isaka was more than acutely aware about the strength that Asahina could encompass against him. The pain only merely throbbed a little, but any possible guilt that could be exploited was good enough. “Shit… am I bleeding?”

Asahina perked up, “Oh? I’m sorry, I didn’t think I had hit that hard.” He walked over to his boss who was still sitting on his chair, grabbing a knee and successfully feigning pain. Asahina kneeled down next to the chair, not caring about the potential wrinkles that he usually cared so much about. “Here, let me roll up your pants and see.”

“I think you have to take off my pants to make it easier,” Asahina nodded, but Isaka knew he couldn’t keep up this flimsy lie. As Asahina grabbed the waistline of his lover’s pants, Isaka smiled, “At this point, I think if you just give me a blowjob I’ll feel all better.”

Asahina’s brow twitched and he let go of the pants and stood up, brushing any potential dust off his knees.

“Need I remind you where we are, president? And I thought I had seriously hurt you.”

“Well, you did seriously hurt me with all your rejections and snarky comments,” Isaka reached for Asahina’s tie, effectively pulling the taller one down to eye level. “C’mon, no one’s here and we can lock the door. No one will know…” Isaka leaned in for a kiss, closing his eyes in pulsing anticipation. But, as sadly expected, Asahina released Isaka’s grip from his tie and dodged the kiss.

Asahina had to fix his tie once again. “Save it for when we get home.”

Isaka got up, grinning as he stared into his lover’s eyes. They were a standard brown, but something about them still gave him butterflies after all these years. “And what are you implying with that?”

Asahina, stared straight back, his gaze nearly unchanging until he closed both eyes. “You’ve had a long day at work, too,” He simply responded, then began to motion Isaka to leave the room.

Isaka happily obliged, picking up his own briefcase and turning off the lights. They headed down the darkened corridors, before stopping to wait for the elevator.

“Can we hold hands?”

Asahina hesitated, shifting uncomfortably. “There may be people at the office.”

“You’re such a worrywart! No one’s here, it’s nearly midnight and I doubt there’s any cycles ending soon.”

Asahina looked like he was a moment into giving in, before the elevator doors dinged its arrival. Isaka decided not to push any more. He knew he had already pushed enough buttons for Asahina today, and that they could do as much hand holding as they wanted back in their bedroom.

But before they went in, they heard a mysterious thump at the end of the hallway.

They simultaneously turned their heads at the inconspicuous sound, ignoring the inviting elevator light in front of them.

Suddenly, another thump.

“Asahina… do you hear that?” Isaka whispered.

The taller man nodded as the elevator door closed.

“An intruder you think?” Asahina whispered back.

Isaka shook his head, “No. A ghost,” Isaka took Asahina’s hand and dragged him forward a little bit before letting go. Isaka kept walking forward, turning back and motioning a Shhhhh! and a beckon to the brown-haired man following behind him. Isaka’s indigo eyes sparkled with excitement in the darkness. It had been a rather boring day, and anything at all would stimulate happiness within this middle-aged man.

A couple more thumps followed, the sound leading them in front of a meeting room. Isaka placed his hand on the doorknob and placed his ear up to the door. Asahina stood there and watched, stance tense in case anything drastic were to happen.

Asahina witnessed Isaka’s indigo eyes widen. From the door, the darker-haired man could hear what sounded like muttering coupled with suppressed whimpering and moaning. The voices were hushed, indistinguishable, but undoubtedly two men.

Isaka motioned that he was going to open the door, before quietly and slowly opening it up to only let a sliver of light through. A brown and indigo eye peered into the room, the sight being startling.

Onodera Ritsu was sitting in a chair, his head thrown back and his legs spread.

Between his thighs was a darker-haired man, who began to bob his head up and down.

From the angle, Isaka couldn’t make out who the individual was.

“T-Takano-san… s-stop… what if there’s someone here…”

Isaka’s mouth dropped. Takano? The head editor of his most successful magazine? Engaging in this with Onodera Publishing’s heir?

Onodera’s hand darted and tangled into Takano’s raven hair. Despite his weak protest, he was into it heavily. Suppressed whimpers and moans were obviously getting harder for him to hold in as he started moving his hips.

Isaka and Asahina were feeling uncomfortable, which radiated throughout their own bodies. Isaka had seen enough, and had gained enough information and weight to make a move.

Isaka swung open the door, donning a wide grin as he strode in. “Well, well, well! If it isn’t my two favorite people!”

Chapter Text

Takano and Onodera’s heads snapped to the direction of their intruder, mortified white plastering their faces.

Takano stood up instinctively, fully clothed and got into a defensive position to shield Onodera from their bosses’ leering eyes. His lover’s green eyes were wide-eyed in shock as he frantically hurried to pull up his pants.

Takano cleared his throat, almost as if a cue to try to adopt his usual unbothered persona. But a small hint of shakiness in his voice gave him away. “Isaka-san… Asahina-san… what are you doing here?”

Isaka only gave a bemused laugh as Asahina answered for them, “We should be the ones questioning. What are you two doing in here late after business hours?”

Before Takano could articulate a response, Onodera sprung up from his seat and yelled out, “I-it… It’s not what it looks like!” He was panting out of shock, his flimsy lie only bringing muse to Isaka.

“Wow, for an adult that’s bound to inherit such a successful business you sure are a bad liar, nanahikari.” The words obviously stung Onodera, who slowly retracted back into his seat. Isaka was internally relishing in the moment. These two obviously seemed to care about their relationship, which could be used a great leverage. The successful and talented head editor coupled with the heir of a rather powerful company.

“Leave him out of this,” Takano snapped, once again stepping towards them to interject.

“Oh?”

“If you have a problem, take it with me- not Onodera.”

“Takano-san…”

Asahina interjected, “You were both engaging in unacceptable behavior in this company. You both will take the blame and consequences for this behavior,” His brown eyes cut into Onodera, who was staring blankly at the floor. “I expected better from you, Onodera.”

“Now, now Asahina. I think what Takano-kun is trying to convey is that he used his power as poor Ritsu-kun’s boss to manipulate his subordinate. Is that right?”

Takano balled his fists, anger and frustration sparking into his eyes. He nodded slowly, before Onodera abruptly stood up again.

“No! That’s not true! Takano-san and I we…” His voice trailed off and was cut by Isaka laughing.

“Stop being a dick, Isaka-san. This has nothing to do with you.”

Isaka was taken aback but entertained by Takano’s response. He knew his employee’s tendency to be blunt and speak his mind. But in such a compromising position as this? This clearly was a sensitive injury.

Asahina took a step forward, “Takano, Onodera, leave now. We’ll discuss this tomorrow. This behavior was completely unacceptable and abhorrent which warrants a report. You should know better about the reputation and the complications in terms of the nature of your relationship as both men and boss and subordinate.”

“P-please… I can’t have my parents find out,” Onodera choked out, “It would ruin everything.”

A twinge of guilt shot through Isaka, who kept it hidden under his disapproving face. Before he could speak again, Asahina rose his voice.

“Then you two should’ve thought about that and the consequences.”

Asahina turned to walk out the meeting room, Isaka obliged to follow. Before leaving, Isaka gave another mild grin to the pair.

“Chin up you two, don’t look so sad.”

Before he closed the meeting door.

-

Asahina and Isaka both made their way back to the elevator, the hushed voices coming from the meeting room laced with panic and concern.

They made their way out of the company in silence, eventually feeling secure enough to speak again without the possibility of any other lurking employees nearby.

“That was unexpected,” Isaka said gleefully as he shut the passenger car door. “This perfect leverage to use against them. Especially with Takano-kun. I bet I can make him crawl for me now.”

Asahina turned to him with an unreadable look. “You really think they can keep their jobs here after we report them?”

The car started, and Asahina reversed out of their parking space and began driving. Isaka scoffed.

“Asahina. You aren’t serious.”

Asahina stopped at a light then glanced at Isaka, this time his face laced with disapproval.

“I am. Their behavior in the office was completely unacceptable It’s our duty to report it, Ryuuichiro-sama.”

“So what? Let’s let them off with a slap on the wrist this time. They’re way more useful wrapped around our fingers than unemployed.”

“You can’t bend the rules for them just because they’re favorable. That’ll create contempt within the company.”

Isaka rolled his eyes. “No one even knows. Who cares? They’re star editors from our money-printing magazine, too. You really want Emerald to tank again?”

Asahina’s voice rose, subtly its calm. “This isn’t just about them. It’s about Marukawa’s reputation. If anyone found out- shareholders, investors- it could ruin everything. A male superior and his subordinate, in an inappropriate relationship-”

“They’re not idiots. They’ll either keep it under wraps or break it off,” He leaned back against the door, crossing his arms. “You think after getting caught, they’re gonna start screwing on their desks? Give me a break.”

Asahina sighed, obviously not convinced. He seemed unwilling to budge and maybe too tired for an argument. But Isaka wasn’t finished.

“And what about us?” Isaka cut him off sharply, his face and tone had dropped any sense of humor at this point. It was a rare seriousness that Asahina ever truly saw.

Asahina’s mouth clamped shut.

Isaka leaned against the passenger car door, his arms crossed.

“What happens next, huh? Gonna turn me in for sexual misconduct next?”

Asahina’s hands clenched the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white. “No. That’s different.”

“Different how?” Isaka snapped back.

“…Even if you do try to kiss me or say suggestive things, you always know where our professional boundaries lie. We’ve never done anything unprofessional within the office.”

“You and I both know the only thing keeping us from having office sex is your prudent self. I meant it about the blowjob earlier.”

Asahina’s professionalism began to unravel more at the seams. “If word gets out that two men are involved, the board will eat them alive. They’ll take down Marukawa to save their own skins.”

“Damn it! That doesn’t answer my question at all. If I was careless would you let me go down to save the company? Am I that expendable?”

“…If the company falls so do you, sir.”

“Stop dodging the question.” Isaka’s nails dug into his pants. He was staring outside the window unable to look at the person driving the car.

Asahina grit his teeth. “They knew the risks,” He responded coldly. “And so do you.”

Isaka’s blood turned to ice.

Asahina rubbed his temples, his emotionless brown eyes kept fixated on the road in front of them.

Isaka’s jaw tightened. Asahina’s nonanswer revealed everything.

So I’m just another risk to manage.

Fine. Fuck it.

“Let me out.”

“What?” Asahina breathed out in disbelief. His fingernails dug into the steering wheel. His eyes were still concentrated on the road ahead, but a flicker of concern still trickled.

“You heard me. Let me the hell out.”

“…The car is moving Ryuuichirou-sama. And we’re nearly back to our apartment,” The car came to a rather rugged halt at a red light, causing Asahina to rub his eyelids with his hand. “Can you please stop with the dramatics just for tonight?”

Isaka wasted no more time. He wrenched open the passenger car door, leaving a surprised Asahina agape at the light. Before he slammed the door, Isaka yelled out, “They’re not much different from us, you goddamn robot.” Before leaving Asahina all alone and storming off.

Chapter Text

The cold, dingy night of Tokyo felt rather barren and lonely.

A part of him wanted Asahina to yell out. To stop the car and hear his footsteps as he chased after him. To feel his warm hands grip his and pull him back.

How stupid is that?

Isaka wandered around for a little trying to calm his thoughts. When that didn’t work, he called a taxi and headed home. To his old home where his childhood room awaited him.

With a spare key, he opened the door. All the lights were off, but Isaka could still make out all the exquisite, expensive furniture that furnished each and every room. The housekeepers made sure to keep everything tidy and clean with never a speck of dust in sight. While Isaka himself never truly cared for any of them besides Asahina, his mother made a great deal to befriend each and every one of them.

Isaka wondered where all that genuine personality went when it came to inheriting genes.

He laid down exasperated on his old, but cold bed that was lined with a soft, velvet cover.

This house was way more regal than the apartment he shared with his lover of over a decade. It came completely furnished and tended to, with expensive trinkets scattered throughout. He never minded living with his parents. He would’ve been fine doing it for the rest of his life. He never cared what others thought.

But he cared heavily about public appearances and Asahina.

Even though in a relationship for multiple years, no one knew about their romantic side besides Usami Akihiko and probably his little boyfriend. If people were to find out, especially his parents, his relationship with Asahina and Marukawa could be severed greatly.

That’s why this was a little painful.

Asahina knows how much is at stake for them. Reputation, family, stability, social circles, Marukawa. They’ve realized this and have managed to keep it a secret. But if they were caught? All of that would be completely thrown out of the window. He knows. So then, why does he care about reporting so much? Does a part of him think that it’s wrong? Disgusting? A relationship like that?

Isaka turned to his side, his own thoughts depressing him.

Does he see our relationship as something ultimately deplorable?

Isaka stared at the wall, then closed his eyes. He never saw himself as a necessarily good person. He had, to a certain degree himself, a lack of empathy. He only really cared about money when it came down to it. He enjoyed being manipulative, gaining leverage on others in order for them to do his bidding. Not that any of this was really malicious. No, he just wanted to be successful and have fun. That’s why he adopts such a silly personality.

And a helpless one, too. He was a perfectly capable middle-aged adult. Why then, did he act so incompetent with Asahina? Well, he knew the answer. So that Asahina would feel obligated to help Isaka as a caregiver so that he would never leave.

Asahina knew that, of course. And Isaka was keenly aware of Asahina’s own manipulative tactic to make Isaka dependent on him. And dependent he was.

Asahina had called and texted Isaka a few times, all which had gone ignored. He didn’t feel like talking to him even though his mind always craved him. The texts were pretty short and direct in the first place anyways. Always professional.

Isaka finally silenced his phone then shut his eyes in his bed. Flashes of Onodera and Takano flashed through his mind. They weren’t similar to his relationship at all. The only things being family, employees, and being forbidden. They made great money and connections. Why ruin a bad thing Marukawa has got going on?

Not only that, but the two of them wouldn’t stoop so low. Sure, what they did was insane. But what’s wrong with giving them just a slap on the wrist? To scare and ruffle their feathers? They seem like a couple who wouldn’t kiss and tell.

A couple. One not so different from them by erected expectations.

“The indomitable Takano-kun and the worrywart nanahikari, huh…”

The two of them were unexpected. But in hindsight the signs were all there. Now that’s left now is having fun with them. No harm in that…

-

Isaka flinched as he woke up in his bed due to his alarm. His heart raced out of his chest before he realized where he was. Not at the apartment. Not at home.

The huge bed beneath him was cold and lonely. The vast room was filled with trinkets but felt empty. The mutterings of butlers could vaguely be heard, but none of them interested him.

He sat up groggily, a headache slightly forming. He had forgotten to brush his teeth and wash his face and change his clothes- things Asahina typically would nag and remind him to do.

He cursed at himself as he realized he had probably wrinkled his suit as he changed out to take a bath. The water was too hot at one moment and too cold at the other. As he got out he remembered he forgot to grab clothes to change into. Once he changed into a spare left in his old room, he sighed because he forgot his briefcase in the car he barged out of last night.

God, am I really this incompetent?

He rushed downstairs, greeting everyone he saw with a smile. At the table he saw his parents both eating and talking to each other.

He had a great relationship with both, grateful to them for the opportunities they had given him.

“Oh, you really did come home last night!” His mother chirped, waving to their chef to bring a plate for her only child. “Asahina called asking if you came here. Did something happen?”

“Yeah. The plumbing completely broke in that place so the landlord told us to leave for some time.” He thanked the woman who brought him the food and began eating.

“Oh my! That’s awful. But you can always stay here as long as you like. We miss you, you know.”

Isaka’s father cleared his throat before speaking, “Why don’t you use your newfound funds as president and move into your own penthouse or something? Isn’t that place a little cramped, especially sharing with another man?”

Isaka shrugged, hiding his annoyance. “It’s fine. Asahina have been friends for as long as we can remember so it’s not bothersome or anything.” In truth, he loved sharing the apartment with him. Even as small as it was compared to a lavish resident like this one, it was cozy. And it was private. After a long day of work they could always come home to each other and be together without having to worry about anyone else. It was serene.

“Oh! That’s right Ryuuichirou…” His mother spoke, rustling through her purse and grabbing her phone. “Ever since you became president we’ve been getting so many marriage proposals. Don’t you think it’s time to get settled down at your age? You can’t be reliant on poor Kaoru-kun forever!”

She presented a picture of a dainty woman, her eyes wide and blue. Her hair was light brown in a neat updo, the posture and fairly tight dress mildly showing off her curves clearly screaming blue blood. Her face was small and cute, and she seemed to be a few years younger than himself.

“Her name is Akiko-chan from the Mochizuki family!”

Isaka picked up the phone, eyes widening as he heard the surname. Her family owns a very prestigious private educational group. It spans a couple centuries, known for its emphasis on the humanities and arts. The woman herself was very pretty from the picture, and his mother looked pleased at his reaction.

She cupped her son’s hands. “Please tell me you’ll go on a date to meet her this Friday!”

Isaka smiled, giving the phone back to her. “I’ll think about it. If I have the time.”

His father spoke up. “I’ve met her family before. She’s nice. If you’re not seeing anyone I think this would be a great opportunity.

A skipped heartbeat. A slight hesitation. A fake smile. A way to please. “You’re right.”

Chapter Text

Isaka barged through the glass doors of Marukawa like he owned the place. Which, of course, he did.

Employees nodded and said their greetings. All were met with nothing but a polite smile.

His dark brown hair was slightly disheveled. His suit was slightly wrinkled. There were bags under his eyes. He didn’t even have a briefcase.

The subway trains were crowded this morning. His palate felt barren missing Asahina’s cooking. The bustling of salarymen to their jobs seemed a bit too much.

A start of a new day.

At the top of the stairs Isaka found exactly what he was dreading to see.

Asahina standing by the office doors. His posture straight and rigid. Brown eyes fixed on the tablet in his hands. Hair and suit perfect. He always managed to look professional. Something that pissed him off unbearably this morning.

At the sight of Isaka, Asahina subtly perked up.

“Good morning, Ryuuichirou-sama,” The taller man greeted, falling into place behind Isaka. “I’ve prepared the agenda for this morning’s meeting with the sales department. I also rescheduled your lunch with the distributor-”

“Fine,” Isaka muttered without looking. “Do what you want.”

Asahina hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “I also brought up your briefcase from the car. It’s already on your desk.”

No thanks. No acknowledgement. Just silence as they reached their desks.

Isaka slumped himself into his cold office chair. He peeled open his laptop and started running through his emails, Asahina standing rigid still in front of his desk. His eyes burned into Isaka, who was promptly ignoring his presence.

“Are you gonna keep hovering in front of me like my mommy?” Isaka hissed. Asahina closed his eyes.

“…You left in the middle of the night without a jacket. You could’ve caught a cold.”

Isaka laughed under his breath, dry and humorless. “Already back to nagging?”

“You could’ve let me know you got back home safely,” Asahina pressed at the still-laughing Isaka.

“You should stay in your place, Asahina,” Isaka mused, placing his chin on his palm and looking up at Asahina. “You’re just my secretary.”

Asahina’s brows furrowed. “You’re still upset.”

“No shit I’m upset,” Isaka snapped back, his focus returning into his laptop. “Don’t act like you care.”

“I do care, Ryuuichirou-sama,” Asahina replied quietly, voice low but steady. “That’s why I-”

“Then stop lecturing at me like I’m some idiot kid who ran away from home. You want to be the dutiful employee? Fine.”

Isaka shoved himself up, his hands slamming his desk. He leaned in, looming with eyes sharp enough to cut.

“Then stay out of this. This is my company. My head that gets put on the chopping block if anything goes wrong,” Isaka’s head lowered, his indigo gaze cutting up into Asahina’s. His voice dropped low. “Got it, secretary?”
For the first time, Asahina flinched.

He didn’t answer immediately. Just a beat of silence- too long, too loud- before he lowered his head.

“…Understood, sir.”

The word sounded almost painful.

Asahina turned away stiffly, his hand lingering for a second too long on the doorknob before he slipped out, closing the door behind him with a soft, final click.

Leaving Isaka alone, staring at the blank screen of his computer.

-

The conference table was full. The marketing, sales, and Emerald representatives all seated together. The meeting had already been in full swing with yelling and the occasional throwing. This was a typical printing meeting.

This is to promote Onodera’s new book. It had already been serialized but a push for printing had went underway. Now all that was truly left was to decide on how many copies should initially be printed.

Takano had told him to go for 200,000. When Onodera uttered those words, Yokozawa laughed in his face. So did the marketing team.

After yelling and shouting, a consensus had been reached. 125,000. Takano was basically fuming next to Onodera. But suddenly- the door opened.

“Hello everyone!” Isaka smiled cheerfully, not raising the mood of the tense room at all. His eyes immediately darted to Takano and Onodera who gave a guarded and shocked look respectively. Isaka found it amusing as he strolled up behind them, picking up the stack of papers in front of Onodera and skimmed through them.

“I heard Hayashi-san ended up calling sick and couldn’t make it today. I thought since I had free time I’d come in on his behalf.”

The meeting room muttered in acknowledgment, the only two who tensed up being Onodera and Takano. The former’s ears already turning red.

Isaka took a seat at his own place in view of the couple. “I heard 125,000?” Isaka murmured, thumb flipping through the pages.

“Yes. Onodera made a point for 200,000 but it was too weak.” Yokozawa stated, unfazed and unknowing about the situation.

“Oh, really?” Isaka laughed, gaze flickering up to Onodera.

The green-eyed man’s face turned pale. He looked like a deer in headlights as Isaka stared into him. Takano started to speak up for him before Isaka rose his hand.

“Isn’t it Onodera’s book, Takano? Why are you so giddy to respond for him?” Isaka smirked, relishing at Takano’s frustrated expression.

Onodera gulped before picking up a spare document in hand. “W-well… you see…” His voice trailed off, sorting through his spare documents anxiously. Onodera gave a botched rehash of his speech due to the nervousness and anxiety consuming him. Takano fought the urge to comfort him in front of the everseeing eyes of Isaka who was staring amusedly.

“And you said 200,000?” Isaka laughed after Onodera finished. “Bold.” He threw the documents onto the table.

“I’ll admit, that was shit compared to his first pitch.” Yokozawa murmured, arms crossed in confusion and annoyance. The marketing woman agreed with him. Onodera balled his fists into his lap. From Isaka’s perspective it looked like Takano might reach for Onodera’s hand to comfort him- but he didn’t.

“Still,” Takano interjected, “The trends of the author’s previous works and similar books for the fan base point toward a greater printing. I still stand by 200,000.”

“Nah. I say 100,000.”

Takano and Onodera stiffened.

Yokozawa and the marketing woman exchanged glances with each other. “We think 125,000 is fine.”

“Well, Onodera agrees with me, right nanahikari?” The brunet flinched at the nickname, but slowly nodded. “Y-yes Isaka-san.” He managed to stammer.

“You really have no backbone?” Yokozawa scowled, his arms crossed. “What happened to the pitch from earlier?”

“It’s just safer,” Isaka smiled, his chin resting in both of his palms. “Everyone here knows the tendency of Takano to inflate his numbers. Right, Takano?”

A glint of fury radiated from Takano. His jaw clenched, a physical barrier preventing him from reaching his boiling point. Isaka was amused at the two’s reaction.

“So, what? 100,000 it is?” The marketing representative asked, rubbing her temples. “That’s what I wanted in the first place.”

“Oh, is that so?” Isaka clapped his hands. “Meeting adjourned then! This was fun!” Isaka bounced from his seat, then went to pat the backs of both Takano and Onodera.

“You all did great work today. I want you guys to keep it up!” The meeting room all thanked Isaka for his time, besides Takano and Onodera who were motionless and silent beyond the searing hands on their backs.

Chapter Text

The last of the meeting attendees had left and said their goodbyes.

Isaka moved from his placement from behind Onodera and Takano to shut the meeting door. The click of the handle locking in place sounding thunderously loud for the couple.

Isaka leaned against the door, his arms casually crossed as he faced the two with a smug grin on his face.

Takano sat stiff in his chair. Onodera looked as if he were about to throw up. He relished as he watched them squirm.

He had power. And it felt good.

“You two should be grateful for me,” Isaka started, shoving himself off the door. “If anyone else had found you two beauties besides me- you’d be on the streets right now.”

Silence. Takano’s jaw clenched. Onodera’s tremble became more apparent.

He made his way to the table and placed both his palms onto it, smiling. “Asahina was about to report you two before I stopped him. I told him I’d handle it,” His gaze flickered between the two. Takano’s amber eyes held repressed fury. Onodera’s green eyes wouldn’t dare look at him. “And handling it well I am!” Isaka gleamed.

He turned to Onodera who was still staring at his clamped hands in his lap. “I thought you should know better, Onodera-kun. You come from a traditional publishing company, too. You really didn’t think about the consequences that would come if found out?”

Onodera’s eyes slammed shut. Takano looked at him, guilt ridden in his eyes but silent. “I’m acquainted with your father. Polite, smart man. Proud of his son. But…” Isaka tapped his nails on the table, “How would he react if he found out his son had ran away to screw his boss?”

“I-I’m sorry.” Onodera choked out, his eyes and face contorted in pain.

Takano’s head whipped to face the president, “Isaka-san, isn’t that-“

“Save it.” Isaka told simply, and Takano had no choice but to comply. Onodera’s breath hitched.

“You two aren’t some lovesick horny teenagers. Grow some brains,” Isaka smiled and said cheerfully mockingly. “Next time you want to have sex, get a fucking hotel.”

Isaka made his way to the door, hand twisting the doorknob. “Because if this ever happens again, you won’t be so lucky.” His eyes and voice had turned flat just before he left the two of them alone.

-

Isaka slumped against his cold, office door and let out a long, tired breath he didn’t realize he was holding.

The blinds were half-drawn from this morning. Rays of the setting sun were shining in- a harsh reminder of what a busy day it had been.

He glanced at the empty desk next to his. The sun illuminated off his glass desk. A depressing reflection of how empty the room was.

“Idiots.” Isaka murmured to himself before making his way towards his desk. There was no venom behind it- just fatigue. He slumped exasperated into his chair and began staring at the ceiling.

Images of the encounter flashed in his mind. Onodera’s wide, terrified eyes. Takano’s stubborn, unspoken anger.

A bitter laugh escaped him. What a fucking joke.

The documents he’d reviewed were solid. Thoughtful. The numbers backed the 200,000 print. This was just being petty. Honestly distasteful. To get back at… who?

Even though Isaka had no plan to out them, he certainly was annoyed at their stupidity.

The stakes. Reputation. Scandal. Ostracizing eyes.

Isaka was more than acutely aware of the consequences. But that didn’t stop him from finding himself in Asahina’s bed every night.

That’s why this pained him so. Asahina knew the risks too. They’d been weaving through them for over a decade. But what was Asahina willing to pick over him? If all went to hell, would Asahina save his skin? Save the company over him?

Isaka sighed. He felt frustrated. Was protecting Onodera and Takano really worth this headache?

Of course it was. This isn’t just about them. It’s about making a statement and where loyalties lie.

Suddenly, his phone vibrated in his pocket. It was a text from his mother. Apparently, she had gone ahead and told the Mochizuki family his willingness to meet. Isaka ran his fingers through his ruffled hair.

It was bothersome. He had no interest in these dates. He thought about his schedule, something his secretary usually took care for him. But telling Asahina to fit a date into his already busy calendar would be… interesting.

Isaka lifted his feet to his desk and started tapping a pen onto his thigh. He and Asahina had fought before. But both of them seemed unwilling to budge. Worst of all, Isaka began to worry about how serious Asahina truly felt about him. He was always a rather emotionless person. Did a love truly translate through that personality?

He looked again at the picture of Mochizuki-chan that his mother had sent him. Pretty. Accepted. A woman.

He clenched the pen in his hand. If Asahina cares so much about reputation, then wouldn’t marrying her be amazing?

Isaka forwarded an email about fitting a date into his schedule on Friday. He smiled goadingly, but inside his heart was aching.

Chapter Text

The following morning was a duller, achier repeat.

Isaka was still reminded of his secretary, whom he promptly ignored again.

Asahina greeted him, then handed him documents. His schedule. Lines to sign. People to meet.

As his pen ink flicked his name, he could feel Asahina’s searing gaze burrowing into him as he hovered for the papers.

“Something the matter, Asahina?” He said evenly, not lifting his eyes from the documents he was scanning for a signature.

“…Your email from last night…” Asahina started slowly, “There’s no room for it in your schedule. You’re booked tomorrow.”

Isaka held up the signed documents flimsily in his hand to present them to Asahina.

“I’m sure you can figure something out. You’re very efficient at your job, after all.” A pause. “Isn’t that right?”

Asahina took the papers, a small sigh escaping his throat. There was a hesitation in the moment. Both eyes met each other. One an icy glare, the other an probing expression.

“Very well, sir.”

Those simple words. Nothing else. Nothing more.

Asahina placed the papers in his briefcase, then proceeded to pick it up.

“I have some business to attend to. If you’ll excuse me.” The light brown-haired man bowed, not waiting for an answer before he turned to the door.

Isaka noted his figure and muscles that ever so slightly peeked out from his suit, before the man left quietly.

All Isaka was left with was a cold, office room with the faint sounds of a bustling atmosphere beyond his cell.

-

Goddamnit, does he not even care?

After his latest meeting got dismissed early, he decided to blow some steam.

His fists were balled in his suit pockets as he started pacing around the corridors of the office. Editors and the like were bustling and laughing. Although not directed at him, the company relaxed him. It was better than being alone in his office right now.

Isaka thought he must look gloomy as he paraded around. He took up the date partly to rouse emotion within Asahina. And what did he do? Nothing. Didn’t argue. Didn’t try to cancel it. Didn’t try to fight it. Simply just acknowledged it. Simply just emailed how he managed to move stuff around to fit it into his schedule tomorrow.

Perfect. Just great.

Suddenly, a familiar voice stopped him in his tracks. He had just landed himself in front of the Emerald Department.

He secretly looked inside.

Takano was hovering behind Onodera, red pen pointing at a draft that was splayed in front of the latter.

It looked like a simple boss explaining pointers and tips to his subordinate. But there was more hidden underlaced if one knows where to look.

Takano stood closer than needed. Every time his thumb turned through the pages, it ever so slightly would brush on Onodera’s. Onodera didn’t flinch or move. He kept on nodding, taking notes on the side intently.

But sometimes, both of them would glance each other with that look. A look that would linger longer than needed. Takano leaned in close to whisper something, Onodera yelled out with his ears turning red.

Takano let out a chuckle, returning to his desk to turn to his own work. Onodera had a flustered expression. One that could be mistaken for an anxious recruit. But Isaka knew better.

“Oh, Isaka-san! Do you need something?”

Isaka was brought back to the moment at Kisa’s inquiry. The Emerald Division’s heads all simultaneously turned. Annoyance sprouted out from the editor-in-chief. Fear manifested from the heir.

Isaka only smiled warmly, walking into the division. “No, just checking in.” He picked up a bunny that was placed on one of the nauseatingly pink furnishing. It was soft and cute. Ridiculous looking. “I’m glad the pink, lovey-dovey atmosphere here has been kept! Even though I might’ve moved you guys a couple times.”

“It’s been four times.”

“Has it really been that many times, Tori? Man, time flies!” He placed the bunny down onto Onodera’s desk who didn’t move.

“Well, I was gonna say. Onodera-kun, that book of yours we talked of earlier. I did some talking and decided that 150,000 is pretty good, don’t you think?”

Onodera’s posture suddenly turned to face Isaka, his eyes bright with surprise. “Really? I thought you wanted 100,000…”

Isaka shrugged with a smile. “I looked into it. It was interesting. ‘ll make money.”

“T-thank you.” Isaka ruffled his hair. He saw Takano slightly scowl in his periphery.

“Good job, Emerald! Keep up the good work!”

Isaka started to exit, before turning around with his finger in a hushed state before his mouth. “Don’t tell anyone, but you’re my favorite magazine!” He hummed, winking at them all. He cast a quick, darting glance between Takano and Onodera before walking out.

For the first time in a while, the two of them looked like they didn’t absolutely hate his guts.

Isaka couldn’t say the same.

Maybe the smallest, tiniest part of himself hated them.

Despite getting caught. The lecturing. The threats. Leverage. Staring straight into a barrel. They didn’t care.

No, not at all. They knew the risks. Met face to face with the consequences. But they decided they were worth it despite it all.

Isaka felt a lump forming in his throat.

He had been watching them. Their body movements. Subconscious tendencies. Takano.

Isaka was there when he hired him. He had a fire and fury that bolstered his ego. But he could back it up. He brought Emerald from ruin to fame. He was hard on his authors and even harder on his editors.

But not Onodera.

The moment he stepped in Takano became softer. But that wasn’t a weakness. No, the stories didn’t falter. Instead, that heightened emotional sensitivity only enriched the magazine.

Takano. The man who wasn’t afraid to bite at superiors and do whatever he wanted. Now, he could be diminished to as much as a mess due to Onodera.

He was willing to protect and fight for him. Knew the stakes and didn’t care anyways. Stayed together despite the pain and exposure.

And then there was Asahina.

Asahina, who never missed a detail. Who anticipated every request, read every silence, maneuvered any crisis.

Asahina, who could stand his ground in meetings, whose eyes could slice through nonsense with a single glance.

But when it came to them- to what they were- he folded. Neatly. Quietly. Completely.

Isaka’s heart ached.

Why wasn’t he worth fighting for?

Chapter Text

There was pleasant chatter all around. Chandeliers hung like bright snowflakes frozen in time. Soft classical played from a live pianist. Waiters and waitresses were dressed prim and proper to attend to every request. Those dining wore exquisite fashion, ranging from the most unwrinkled suits to the most flattering dresses. It was a place that radiated money and prestige.

A place where reputation took precedence above all.

Isaka sat with Mochizuki-chan getting to know each other. They had only been there for a few minutes, but their talk had been less dull than anticipated.

She lived up to her picture. Pretty. Her family owns a reputable education, was it? She was smart. Knowledgeable. She was also kind. Knew how to conduct herself. But she also bore a naïveté.

“So, what made you want to meet me?” Isaka inquired, swirling a glass of champagne in his hand with a smile. “I always thought marriage proposals were outdated.”

Mochizuki let out a refined smile. “Well, I agree. But I was curious. And you seemed interesting.”

“Oh, really?” Isaka chirped, taking a sip of his champagne. “I’m flattered. What makes you say that?”

Mochizuki let out a soft chuckle. Isaka smiled wider. The date was going fine. He was able to keep up a façade of interest. But it bored him. Ached him. He wanted to leave and return home. But home lately had been at his parent’s house. And maybe that’s where it was about to always be.

Asahina the whole day before this date didn’t give a single glance. Didn’t bring up anything. Didn’t care. Only acted professionally as always.

Isaka took another sip of his champagne. She brought up something about him editing or something being interesting.

“Yes, I actually wanted to be an author once,” He lamented, tracing the rim of his glass with his finger. “But I figured I was only skilled at guiding romance and such, not actually producing it.”

Mochizuki let out another chuckle. This time realer than the others. “What about romance in reality? Are you better at that, at least?”

Isaka stopped tracing his finger. “No. But I think if someone like you guided me I’d be alright..”

Mochizuki looked at his indigo eyes. A sparkle ruminated in them. He met them. Those blue eyes held so much potential. She was kind. Educated. Beautiful. If he had to marry her- could he do it? Fall in love with the idea of extending his heritage? She seemed like a genuine person. Someone like that was rare these days. He held in a sigh. Marry a woman of his dreams?

Dreams? Isaka blinked. There, in the distance at the bar, he saw a painfully distinguishable figure. His posture was straight, hands cupped on the bar’s surface. He was slightly angled at them, his hair neat and his tie secured tightly around his throat. It was no doubt about it.

It was Asahina.

Isaka quickly glanced back at his date who was still talking. Sweat slightly beaded off of him. It was no doubt him. But the bartender had his attention in the moment. He probably didn’t notice Isaka’s shocked expression in his direction.

Perfect.

Isaka leaned in closer, candlelight warmth across his face. Mochizuki stopped talking mid-sentence and blinked. “What is it?” She asked nervously, smiling gently. “Is something wrong?”

Isaka rested his chin on his cupped hands. He grinned, his voice deep and low. “No, keep going. When you talk about something you’re passionate about you get this sort of glow.”

The brunette blushed, then took a strand of hair and began twirling it. “Really? I was just talking about books is all.”

Isaka poured more champagne into her glass. “You like Usami Akihiko?”

Her eyes glistened.

“I’m the one who recruited him, you know.”

Her hands clasped as she let out a soft squeal. “That’s amazing! I’ve been a fan of his ever since he debuted. I can’t believe I’ve met the one who published him.”

Isaka beamed. “Maybe this meeting was meant to be then, don’t you think?” He leaned in to brush a strand of hair that had gotten in front of her face. He didn’t note her reaction. Instead, he took in his periphery. The silhouette of a man he knew all too well. His jaw tightened the slightest bit. His shoulders tensed. He grasped his drink tighter.

Isaka let out a genuine laugh. Mochizuki probably thought it was for her. Her face was rosy pink as Isaka leaned back again.

Isaka ramped up his theatrics. Laughing intimately. Smirking while he gave compliments. Eye contact while drinking his champagne. A brush or touch that wasn’t supposed to happen. Anything to make sure it looked like he was enjoying his night.

Because there was a figure in the distance. Watching them. His presence was everseeing. Bothered.

Good, Isaka thought, taking another sip of his drink . Let him watch.

The night had progressed, and the two of them were feeling rather tipsy. Asahina hadn’t moved from his seat at all. When the bill came, Isaka seamlessly picked it up and winked. “If I pay it, promise you’ll see me again?”

The girl rolled her eyes amusedly. Isaka was unsure the whole time if Asahina could hear him. He had been raising his voice to try to reach him. But in that moment, he saw a flicker of an emotion in his typically unreadable eyes.

Isaka grabbed her coat and helped her don it on, then aided her up. She was wobbly, and practically fell into him. She apologized, and he held her tighter around her waist.

Like that, they strolled out of the restaurant. The warmness of the alcohol couldn’t combat the frigid air that embraced him as they stepped outside. He felt almost sick to his stomach.

Is this how those Emerald guys feel all the time…?

“I can grab a taxi and head home,” Mochizuki slurred slightly, leaning slightly into him. “It was nice meeting you, though.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Isaka murmured, fixing her necklace. “I’ll walk you home. What kind of man would I be if I couldn’t even do that?”

“Are you always this charming?”

“No. You caught my attention.”

A beat of silence passed. They stood there, gazing at one another- her lips parted slightly, cheeks flushed. Isaka held her close, but his stomach twisted.

He felt like he was going to be sick.

“Isaka-san.”

Both their heads turned sharply.

There stood Asahina, as immaculately composed as ever. Perfect posture, crisp lines, hair brushed. But the slight twitch in his jaw, the tight breath he drew, the sheen of something sharp in his gaze- it all betrayed him.

“I’m here to escort you home,” he said evenly. “You have early meetings tomorrow.”

“Early meetings?” Isaka scoffed, his voice low and biting. “Are you an idiot? Tomorrow’s Saturday.”

“All the more reason to turn in early.”

“Oh, I don’t want to get in the way of your work Isaka-san.” She smiled, promptly letting go of her grip off him.

“It’s really fine. I don’t even have work,” Isaka reached for her again, gently pulling her back. Then he made straight eye contact with Asahina. “And please- call me Ryuuichirou.”

Isaka could swear he could see a fuse blow up in Asahina. “The taxis for both parties are already here,” Asahina stated, his voice rising. “I don’t mean to cut you off Mochizuki-chan, but something came up suddenly so I apologize.”

A bead of sweat seemed to appear on her forehead. She clearly could feel the tension and wanted to squirm away. She turned to Isaka with an awkward smile, grabbing his grasp and pushing away.

“I don’t want to get your secretary mad, Isaka.” He let his grasp on her go as she started wobbling forwards a little. Asahina leaned forward to stabilize her.

“Here- I’ll help you to your taxi Mochizuki-chan.”

“No, it’s really fine.”

Isaka watched them as they started walking towards the general direction of a street. Before they could get very far, Isaka turned around and ducked behind a building, then started walking away. His hands bundled into fists within his pockets.

Chapter Text

Isaka didn’t really know how long he had been walking. It definitely hadn’t been that long until he heard it.

The hurried footsteps. The worried panting. The

“Ryuuichirou-sama!”

that sounded like it came from his favorite secretary.

Isaka dug his nails into his palm. He didn’t look back.

“Nice girl, right? I should marry her, shouldn’t I?” He gloated through grit teeth. “Or do you have any-” Before he could finish his threatening, he exclaimed in surprise as he was forcefully turned around by the shoulder.

He saw the look in Asahina’s eyes- strained, tired, and hurt. He couldn’t tear away his own.

“You want a reaction?” Asahina spat, his face cluttered with pain. “Then you’ll get what you want.”

Before Isaka could retort, Asahina started shoving him backwards. The two stumbled together, Asahina holding him by the shoulders, until Isaka’s body thudded against a shadowed alley wall.

Asahina then hooked Isaka’s chin upwards before plunging into a kiss. It was forceful- Isaka squirming under the grasp of Asahina’s hands and mouth. He could barely breathe as Asahina slipped his tongue through and started to ravage him. Soft whimpers escaped his throat as Asahina pressed his body forward, leaning deeper into the kiss and slowly grinding up against Isaka’s start of an erection.

At first Isaka tried weakly pushing him off. But that resolve was never there. Soon, he found his hand tangled in Asahina’s brown hair and the other clenching at the fabric of his back. He kissed back fervently over and over, making sure Asahina couldn’t breathe either. He grinded right back against Asahina as more muffled moans escaped his throat.

When their lips finally parted, slight drool ran down their chins as they both gasped for air. Asahina immediately then went back to Isaka, pulling his tie loose and pulling down his suit slightly to suck on his throat. Isaka could barely contain the noises begging to escape from his throat as Asahina let a hand toy around the silky fabric of his erection while the other kept his head in place as he gave him hickeys in a painfully obvious spot.

Isaka’s legs felt weak, slowly losing power but Asahina keeping him up pinned against the wall. God, he had missed this. Craved this back everyday.

“Shit, Asahina… What are you doing?”

Asahina licked a line down his nape. “Making you need me.” He murmured in a deep, husky tone. And that nearly just undid Isaka. But it also made his hands ball into fists.

“God- you’re a fucking hypocrite.” Isaka muttered bitterly, “Doing this out in the open. Just like them.”

Asahina raised his head and looked at Isaka at level. His brown eyes were dark but steady with determination and longing. “Then let me be a hypocrite. If it proves myself to you.”

Isaka laughed- a combination of disbelief and hurt. His voice was raised. “You don’t get to say that. Not after all your lecturing about reputation and loyalty to the company. How you showed me how easy it is for you to choose that over me.”

“I am loyal.” Asahina whispered a refute, his voice slightly trembling as he kept eye contact even as Isaka glared back. “To you. I’d follow you to ruin.”

Isaka sharply looked down, his jaw tight as a heavy lump in his throat was forming. He swallowed. His fingers trembled slightly as they reached his belt, unbuckling his slacks that left echoes in the darkened alley.

“Then ruin me.” Isaka taunted, raising his chin with a defiant flick. And that was enough.

The two of them stood still, the silent hum of traffic being the only proof of time passing between them. Isaka was sure Asahina would snap- call his bluff. But Asahina’s eyes flickered downward. Asahina gave a half-shame, half-resolved expression before he slowly knelt down onto the cold pavement. Isaka harbored shock as Asahina worked at his waist, the belt clinking off and zipper being undone.

Asahina hooked his slightly shaking fingers into the waistband of his slacks and briefs, hesitating for a moment before slowly sliding them off just enough to expose Isaka’s erection. He was already turned on by being shoved and made out against an alleyway. But the way Asahina looked down beneath him- careful, longing, and barely composed- that made Isaka’s head spin.

“You… you don’t have-”

Asahina grabbed the back of Isaka’s thighs for stability. Isaka’s back pressed against the wall, his breath hitching as Asahina’s warm mouth enveloped his tip. His wet tongue started at the underside of the head, making rounds and circles before slowly inching up to the orifice that was already leaking of precum.

Asahina’s hands moved upward, grabbing his ass as his mouth completely took in all of Isaka. Isaka’s hips reflexively bucked forward, but Asahina didn’t falter. He took it all and groped harder as a moan escaped both their throats.

Still, in the distance there was a buzz of cars driving somewhere past. Distant conversations. Laughs that would pierce the air. Isaka was alert at first but was now basically a repressed mess that could barely register the setting of the moment or any possible repercussions.

A hand was at his mouth, further muting any whines that managed to escaped his throat. His other hand was digging into Asahina’s hair, also using it as leverage for his body. As Asahina sucked his dick, his brown eyes looked almost deep in thought and calculating. Each lick, stroke, and time Isaka’s dick would slam against the back of his throat was intentional and intricate. He knew all of Isaka’s secrets, sensitive spots- how to make him into a disheveled mess. Like he was a book that he had studied and read over and over for over a decade that now he knew every word on every page.

Isaka leaned his upper body forward, his lower body slipping down against the wall as they were turning into jelly. It was harder for him to contain whimpering as he was becoming undone.

“I… hate you…” Isaka managed to whine out. Asahina’s brown eyes darted up, but his work didn’t slow or still. He was relishing at the sight from below, Isaka with his brows furrowed and eyes scrunched as he he was nearing an orgasm. The way his mouth parted just enough so he could give out suppressed, shaky breaths. Asahina didn’t need to respond to Isaka. He knew exactly what he meant.

“I- fuck, Kaoru-” He bit out between broken gasps. “I’m gonna… you don’t have to…”

But Asahina didn’t slow. If anything, he sped up and deepened. His moist mouth sucking harder, a hand was freed and started to help stroking and fondling with a wet slicking sound.

Isaka’s head hit the wall with a thump he didn’t even register. There Asahina was, the love of his life, kneeling for him in the most vulnerable and open space just to prove a point. And it worked. All the loathing, the betrayal, the hurt- it had all dissolved with every inch of Asahina’s mouth.

Isaka bit out a moan as his hips thrust forward involuntarily, his orgasm and cum gushing out. His chest heaved up and down as his body slid against the wall, Asahina having to support him from below so he wouldn’t collapse. Isaka’s body was trembling, the aftershock of the orgasm still reaching his fingertips as his gasps came out in ragged breaths.

Asahina had swallowed it all, making sure that Isaka felt every movement until the last moment. When Isaka had finally calmed down with returned strength, Asahina removed his mouth from Isaka leaving behind a string of drool and cum.

Isaka covered his mouth in flushed embarrassment as he watched Asahina stand up and dust his knees as if he didn’t just reduce Isaka to a mess. His hands carefully pulled back his slacks followed by zipping them back up and putting back the belt. Isaka watched in silent ecstasy.

“You’re insane… you didn’t have to do that.”

Asahina looked at him with resolve. “I wanted to prove myself to you.”

Isaka swallowed flusteredness as he averted his gaze. Asahina reached out and grabbed his hand. “Will you go home with me?”

“…Yeah.”

They didn’t kiss again. They just stood there together in the darkened alleyway. Their hearts still beating wildly in their chests. Until Asahina squeezed Isaka’s hand and led him forward.

Chapter Text

The night was cold and bright. Shops and cars illuminated the streets on which the two men walked on. Asahina walked slightly ahead, Isaka followed somewhat behind. The latter had his hands in his pant pockets with his tie still slightly undone. Hickeys were slightly blooming across his neck as he glared at Asahina who looked like he was in a hurry.

Eventually, the door of their shared apartment clicked shut behind them. The moonlight shined softly through the windows, that being the only source of light until Asahina flicked on the lights.

Isaka hadn’t been here in weeks but the apartment looked the same as ever. Neatly tidied. But some things caught his eye.

His go-to mug he left on the coffee table. Unmoved despite previous gripes from Asahina about not leaving things lying around. There was a plate seemingly collecting dust on the side of the table where Isaka tended to sit. A coat he left hanging by the door was now splayed out on the couch.

The two of them silently kicked off their shoes, Asahina aligning them neatly as Isaka made his way to slump onto the couch. Asahina followed after as Isaka laid his arm over his eyes. He was exhausted. Not just from the intimacy, but from the days of bitterness, playing up a host, and the toll this had all taken on himself. But once he returned to this familiar home with Asahina he felt more at ease. Like maybe, just maybe, he could finally relax.

Asahina quietly stood next to him at the couch, looking at the rise and fall of his chest before sitting down next to him. After passing moments, Isaka leaned forward, his elbows on his knees and chin on his palms.

“You didn’t have to do that.” Isaka murmured, his eyes still closed shut.

A heartbeat passed. “I know. But I couldn’t stand the possibility of losing you.”

Isaka laughed through his nose. “Did you mean what you said?”

“Which specifically?”

“…When you said you’d follow me to ruin.”

“I already have, Ryuuichirou-sama.”

Isaka’s heart thumped in his chest. This guy was being embarrassing… didn’t he have shame? He slowly lifted his arm and tilted his head to look at man next to him. “You say that but you were willing to throw their whole livelihoods away for failing to keep the same secret we have.” He said evenly, voice calmed down from before. “I swear you were gonna walk me to that woman herself if my father told you to.”

“I would rather turn my back on him than let that happen.”

“Then why? What changed?” Isaka murmured, his indigo eyes locking onto Asahina’s.

“I know the risks too. But they don’t matter. I’d throw everything away to follow you.”

Isaka blinked, light blush flushing his face. “The mug. Why did you leave it out? You always nag at me for leaving stuff lying around.”

Asahina chuckled, his face going softer. “I wanted it to feel like you were still there. Pretend that you were going to come back soon.”

That admission left the two in filling silence before Isaka balled up a fist. “Damn it… why do you have to say sappy stuff like that.”

“Because I mean it.”

Isaka blushed, averting his gaze to the floor. “I missed you.”

“I did too.”

“I hate sleeping alone in a bed now. When did you make me so dependent on you?”

“Do you not like it?”

“No, I just want you to become as dependent as I am for you.”

A quiet beat. Then, Asahina reached over and cupped Isaka’s cheek, bringing his gaze back to his own eyes. “I already am.”

The two leaned in for a kiss. This time it was soft. Delicate. Like a tentative question. It was different than the ravenous ones earlier in the alleyway. It was sweet and full of sentiment and delicacy.

Afterwards, Isaka sprung up and walked to the entryway of their bedroom, and looked backward as Asahina who was still sitting on the couch but looking intently.

“Well are you coming or what?”

Asahina smiled softly, wordlessly following after.

The hallway dimmed behind them as they disappeared into the bedroom, together again.