Baron Tseng

[barontseng]

| Couples Cruise |

[barontseng]

mr-troublemaker‌:

Nao made an equally teasing face back at the man in return, snarling his lips and sticking out his tongue. “Sorry, Sir, I’ll have to depend on you to find a suitable wardrobe…” 

To be honest, he didn’t really know why he was so complacent with whatever Baron asked of him. Perhaps it was because a feeling of benevolence that clung to Baron. For all his teasing, nothing was ever said or done out of malice. It made Nao trust him and even want to do these things for him.

“Good luck finding a pair of heels that fit…”

@barontseng

----- The Next Day  -----  

“What’s taking you so long?” Baron asked impatiently while he sat on the edge of his bed. After their conversation, Baron had set to work to make preparations. He knew he owed Naoya a great deal for doing this, but the gratitude would come later. For now, he needed to get clothes that fit, wigs, shoes, jewellery, and all the other things a woman would need. So he had gone to the store, picking the best quality clothing he could find and hoping he had Nao’s size right. Of course he told the store clerk that it was for his girlfriend, and they gave him the option to return or exchange anything. That was a relief, but it was more the time factor. 

He had made sure to pick out long gowns for formal wear -- making sure to cover the legs since well, Naoya’s legs weren’t exactly a woman’s. And then well tailored pants for day wear. He had also picked out a few wigs, but would of course give Naoya the option of which one to wear. Maybe that was also what was taking long, apart from trying on the first dress and the accessories that went along. Fortunately, Baron’s mom and sister were out so they had the privacy of his house and currently, his room. So he looked expectantly at the door that Naoya was changing behind in the bathroom, waiting . . . and waiting . . . and waiting . . . 

@mr-troublemaker​

[barontseng]

| Couples Cruise |

[barontseng]

mr-troublemaker‌:

Naoya’s brows knotted themselves as he attempted to take it all in, his expression was of thorough confusion. By this time Naoya had met some of the clan leaders and they knew his face. They already knew he wasn’t a woman at all. 

“…But I’m a man….?” He mumbled before it finally dawned on him. He’d admit he felt sheepish and dimwitted for not getting it sooner but that didn’t stop him from stiffening his back and crossing his arms in defiance. Who did Baron think he was? Naoya passing for a woman? Ha! He had extremely manly features and naturally emitted masculinity. At best, he’d look like a drag queen and cause the clan leaders to question Baron’s taste…

But… Baron did say he wanted someone he could trust and that was a very warm feeling when contrasted to the request of what he was going to have to do. Naoya’s quiet defiance was over nearly as quick as it came on and he slumped in his chair.

“Fine…” He began. “…just, don’t regret it.”

@barontseng

Baron just nodded his head when Naoya told him he was a man. “I’m aware, but others won’t be.” But his sworn brother seemed to understand what Baron was asking of him and well, he had to admit, he thought he’d need to convince him more. He was prepared to, knowing he was asking a great deal of the other. But then . . . Nao agreed. And Baron couldn’t help but feel a wave of relief wash over him that he accepted. Baron knew Nao’s acceptance had more to do with his willingness to help Baron, rather than any deep seated desire to dress as a woman. 

But still; Baron couldn’t help but tease him for it. “Well, that was easier than I thought it would be,” he said playfully, patting Naoya on the back. “We go in a couple of days. We’ll need to get you clothes unless . . . you have anything at home in your closet?” The words were clearly teasing, Baron’s expression indicating as such with mockery as he feigned seriousness of Nao being in possession of women’s clothing. 

@mr-troublemaker​

[barontseng]

| Breakfast in America |

Baron was glad to have woken up before Naoya. In this unfamiliar home to the other male, in an unfamiliar country . . . well, all Baron could do was at least hope that Nao slept. The fact that he had come all this way to America with him meant more than Baron felt he was capable of expressing. Business often brought him to different parts of the world, but this was the first time that he would have an “assistant” by his side. Though, he was well aware that Nao was far more than that. In fact, it brought Baron this sense of . . . peace whenever Nao was around. Selfishly, he was glad for his company. But the other part of him, felt guilty. Perhaps the latter was what prompted him to do what he was doing now. That, and the desire to pamper Nao.  Besides, nothing said how much you care about someone like a home cooked meal. And well, Baron cared about Nao. Truly. Deeply.  

With Naoya being so far from home, Baron decided to cook a traditional Japanese breakfast for him. The table was set with miso soup, rise, omelette and grilled fish, with small teacups and the pot of tea in the middle. Baron wiped his hands on his apron, cocking his head to the side as he looked over the setting. A crooked chopstick had him rushing forward to straighten it. Everything had to look perfect. Aesthetically. He only hoped the taste would go along with it. While he enjoyed cooking, it was not something he did as often as he would have liked to.

Hearing footsteps in the distance, Baron took a deep breath, hastily removing the apron and shoving it in a drawer, before running his hands through his hair to straighten up any strays from the material of the apron having brushed against it. The footsteps drew nearer, and Baron now stood behind one of the chairs. When Naoya stood in the threshold, Baron casually spoke “Good morning.” Greeting with him words, a smile and pulling out the chair for him to sit on. Hopefully everything was indeed perfect.  

[barontseng]

| Love Is Blind |

[barontseng]

mr-troublemaker‌:

The slight creaking noise of the restaurant door as it opened caught his attention. Again. He’d compare himself to a lonely dog waiting for the next person to walk down the street to be his master. Each time, however, he was disappointed, though never discourteous. He’d been scribbling notes when the door creaked open once more, this time it was just the person he’d wanted to see.

“Welcome Mr. Tseng!” He announced as he strode to the entryway to receive his boss. Despite Baron’s attempts at a coverup, Naoya almost immediately sensed something had happened and upon further inspection noted dirt on the man’s jacket and a mild dishevelment of his hair. “Sir?” Nao inquired as he reached for the man’s hand.

To be honest, he didn’t know exactly what to expect. Had someone tried to rob him? Was there a fight? All he really knew was that Baron had pulled back ever so slightly when Naoya reached for him, exposing injuries to the palms of his hands. “Sir, what happened?” Nao took his bonded brother by the elbow and lead him to the closest table where he had him sit and wait until he returned with a first aid kit. 

@barontseng

There were many uncertainties when it came to the loss of vision. Presentation was one of them. He could feel the throbbing of his hands, but he didn’t realize there were actual markings on them until he could feel the air of Nao’s hand, skin brushing against his before he pulled them back. “I’m fine,” he insisted, voice nonchalant and casual. Perhaps he should have cleaned himself up before meeting the man. Having to explain to him that he tumbled down the stairs was -- as he previously recognized -- rather embarrassing. Even if he knew that there would be no judgement form the other male. 

Still, he followed his lead to the chair where he complied with the silent urge of sitting down. Hearing the footsteps grow distant, Baron cocked his head to the side. “What are you rummaging for?” Though part of him already knew the answer. “Nothing happened. I’m really fine. So that better be coffee you’re bringing over.” Though, he knew it wasn’t, it was yet another attempt to dismiss the topic of whatever injuries his hands showed. Though self conscious of them, he clenched his hands shit, joined by a clench of his jaw at the uncomfortable result of his actions.

@mr-troublemaker​

[barontseng]

| Couples Cruise |

[barontseng]

mr-troublemaker‌:

It had been a long day and Naoya ended up stifling a yawn when he heard Baron call his name. His brown eyes didn’t miss the way Baron’s gaze swept around the room nor the way his mouth was pulled tight. Whatever this important task was, it was weighing heavily on Baron’s mind and thusly his own. In the time he’d been in Baron’s employ, he’d become quite close to the man. Protective over him like a brother. And in times of seriousness, Naoya became strong and unwavering, offering himself up as a pillar of support and a vessel of defense. 

Sitting across from the man, Naoya cocked his head in inquiry, but that was before his boss inched closer. At first, it was the silence that was deafening, but it quickly was drowned out by the laborious pounding of his own heart echoing between his ears. What was going on here? Why was Baron hesitating? A slew of horrible, tragic and heartbreaking thoughts and scenarios loaded his mind. Whatever terrible thing that might have happened to cause Baron to be so candid in his request? 

It felt like forever was passing between them. Baron moved closer… and closer… and Naoya’s breath hitched in his throat, his dark eyes intensely focused on the lips that were hovering excruciatingly close to his own. What was this? Why was this thick grip of nervousness engulfing him? Why was his heart racing, threatening to burst out of his ribcage? Just when Naoya thought he couldn’t take anymore, Baron spoke.

Naoya blinked.

“Ehh?” It was the only intelligent word he could offer at the moment. It had felt like his stomach dropped to the floor. A sensation of disappointment so tangible it almost hurt. But… why? What did he expect was going to happen? A kiss? A kiss…. with Baron. The idea wasn’t repulsive but he still found it incredibly odd that it was there bouncing around in his head. Was this just misplaced interpretation or did he want something to happen? Nao shook the idea from his head, his attentions focusing back on Baron’s request.

It was his turn to take a sweeping look around the room before turning back to the man. “Is…this a prank…?” He half expected Baron’s close friends to pop out of the darkness with roaring laughter, teasing him on his reaction to such an absurd question. 

@barontseng

Baron smirked a little at Nao’s response, before a mock look of surprise crossed his features. “Why do you say it like that?” He asked in pretend offence. The smirk reformed as Nao looked around, asking if this was some sort of prank. Baron let out a breath of amusement as leaned slightly back from their close proximity. “A few of the clan leaders are going on a cruise,” he began to explain. For both business and leisure purposes, but there was more to it. “A couples cruise.” Further elaboration. “Bringing a partner will help ease any tensions that may otherwise arise, and keep the environment relatively stable.” More family oriented rather than just business. 

“I am expected to be there. But, I need to take someone I trust.” Not just some random last minute date. Despite the men’s logic of bringing their woman along, Baron knew full well that anything was possible and he wasn’t going to take the risk. “So I’ll ask you again. Naoya . . . will you be my girlfriend?” He asked, a hint of a smile upon his face, fully determined to convince him if he still rejected the offer. “I mean, if you say no, that’s fine. I suppose I can find someone else to take along . . . “ He said rather casually; pretending to be thinking of someone else. He wasn’t sure why he felt the need to make that tease. Naoya was his sworn brother. That was all. Yet, there was still the amusement of his teasing words. Baron couldn’t exactly explain why.  

@mr-troublemaker​

[barontseng]

| Couples Cruise |

Baron knew he shouldn’t really over think this. But . . . still. Such a request was not one that was made just any day. Which was why he had told Naoya to hang back at the restaurant at closing. They could be alone, and Baron could ask him what he needed to. Ever since they had become sworn brothers, Baron found himself more and more drawn the other. It was after all his emphatic trust for the man that placed him as the perfect candidate to take with him on this venture. Besides, should the rare scenario of danger arise, he knew that Naoya could defend himself. So, he was ideal for this. Though, there was more to it than just taking Nao along on a trip. There had to be a cover for them . . . a very, feminine cover. 

When Baron was done for the day, he made his way to the restaurant level, stepping inside and locking it behind him. No one needed to walk in on them having this conversation. “Naoya?” His eyes doing a quick sweep of the place to make sure no one else was here. He motioned for Nao to sit down, and Baron did the same, taking position in a chair across from him. He let a few moments of silence linger, but knew he couldn’t drag this out much longer. “I have something very important to ask you,” he began to say, looking at Nao. And then, inching his way closer as  he moved his chair nearer towards him. But that wasn’t enough.

He began to lean forward, closer and closer, the expression on his face softening a little. A sheer invasion of personal space. He too, let this moment linger of just looking at Nao, that same magnetic draw he had to him unwavering, even under current circumstances of what he was about to ask him. Why was there something so strangely appealing over the thought of going on a couple’s cruise with him? Baron’s eyes look with soft intent into Nao’s, before he parted his lips to speak. “Will you be my girlfriend?”    

@mr-troublemaker 

[barontseng]

| Love Is Blind |

Baron was already late meeting Nao at the lower level restaurant in their business’ headquarters and perhaps it was that realization that made Baron more . . . hasty than usual. More reckless. He had walked down these steps many a times, both before and after losing his vision. He had calculated the distance in each step, meticulously setting his foot in the proper angle so that he would not miss it. Once he had needed to grip the handle so strongly, but now . . . he had memorized every inch. But apparently that was not good enough. The miscellaneous toolbox that someone  had left was unexpected. And by the time Baron felt it, it was too late. The tip of his foot hit it and in addition to the box and all its contents falling down the stairs, so did Baron. 

Reflexes set in enough that he broke the fall at the bottom with his hands, but there was a minor sacrifice that went along with it. In that the impact was his hands and the tools, feeling the way the sharp parts scraped his skin while the other hard ones slammed against his palms. Baron froze, not having heard anyone nearby and was relieved that it was late and thus, no one was around apart from security. But the fact that no one rushed to him, assured him that he was truly alone. 

Taking a few deep breaths, Baron rose to his feet, trying to shrug off what happened. It was humiliating, and foolish to have not been so careful. But, it could have been a lot worse he supposed. He reached around for his glasses, quickly putting them back on and straightening his jacket, brushing himself off, and setting towards the restaurant. Once he reached there, he opened the door. “Naoya,” he greeted, closing it behind him and glad that he wasn’t walking with any sort of limp in his gait. The last thing he needed was for Nao to find out his clumsy actions.                                  

@mr-troublemaker

[barontseng]

[barontseng]

[barontseng]

[barontseng]

mr-troublemaker‌:

There was something in the way his name rolled off the man’s tongue that sent a small shiver down his spine and forced him to concentrate in order to comprehend the rest of his words. Baron Tseng. There was something familiar about the name but Nao didn’t regularly follow foreign affairs and news so the recognition fled as fast as it had come. 

Nao opened his mouth to speak but Baron answered his question before he even had a chance to form the words. He smiled at that. He must be pretty predictable if even strangers he’d just met could do it. Or… maybe it was just a standard thing to say after a suspicious daylight attack? He glanced at Baron’s profile as he drove and decided to believe in the first option.

Nao waved away the concern when Baron asked how he was. “Like I said, it’s nothing! I’m really okay…” His voice faded into oblivion as he finally took another look at himself and the blood soaked bandage. Maybe it was a little bit worse than he thought. Laying his head back against the headrest he swiveled his neck until he was looking at the man, a small pout present on his lips. “I may have exaggerated my okay-ness…”

@barontseng​

Baron did not fail to notice the way his voice trailed off, and there was a sudden re-emerging concern that he had indeed fainted from the blood loss and possible pain. He looked at him again, seeing Nao’s eyes were still open and commented on his state. It only made Baron clench his jaw as he looked back to the road, the guilt starting to made his heart beat heavier in his chest. For an innocent to get hurt because of him . . . the thought made him drive even faster still. When he pulled into the driveway, he didn’t waste a second. “Hang on, I’ll help you out,” he said, rushing out of the car and moving towards Nao’s side, his hand around the other’s forearm of the side was uninjured and gently helped him out of the vehicle. 

Fortunately, no one was home. He had no security in this particular complex though Baron knew it would only be a matter of time before news got out of the attack, and they would swarm his surroundings. Hopefully, he would patch up Nao and get him home before any of that happened. “Lean on me if you need to,” he said, pushing the door shut and moving them towards his house. “You’ve lost a lot of blood already.” He was trying to judge the man’s strength and whether he would need more support getting up the few steps to the main door.Getting him to the main sitting area, he urged him onto the chair. “I’m going to get supplies,” he said as he took off his jacket and tossed it on the couch. 

Hurrying to the medicine cabinet, he grabbed a long cloth bandage, hydrogen peroxide and some swabs. They tended to be . . . rather prepared for incidents like this. Heading back towards Nao, to get on the proper eye level the taller male crouched down in front of him, realizing that he would not get a clear sight of the injury simply by rolling up his sleeve. “Take your shirt off,” he told him. Pausing for a moment, an ever so slight smirk formed on his expression, meant to tease, meant to distract Nao from the pain. “Don’t get any ideas. I just need to look at the cut.” A reference to Nao’s earlier statement about rejecting certain shows of gratitude. 

@mr-troublemaker​

[barontseng]

mr-troublemaker‌:

“Ah,,,” Naoya replied, obviously satisfied with the answer. He hesitated for just a moment, taking note of the strangers luxury vehicle and internally screamed about how lucky he was to get to ride in it. Who was this guy anyway?

“I’m Shirokawa Naoya. Everyone just calls me Nao,” He stated while ducking into the car and doing his best to buckle his belt while still keeping pressure on his wound. “Thank you for treating me kindly.”

@barontseng

Baron felt relieved when the man got into the car, knowing that he no longer had to convince him to come with him. He knew it was a great show of trust. To be in the company of someone who had just been targeted. So when he introduced himself, of course Baron would return the favor. “Naoya,” he repeated the name, enjoying the full sound of it, though he did make clear that he had a name that all others called him. “It’s an honor.” Because the circumstances in which they met were not exactly . . . normal ones. 

“I am Baron Tseng.” Whether the name would ring a bell or not, Baron couldn’t help but briefly glance at Naoya to see if it changed any mindset he had of going with him. Whether the name would be more recognized than the face. “You don’t have to be concerned with those men,” Baron continued, just wanting to reassure the other than they would not follow them or pose as further threat. “Thanks to you, they’re gone.” Because they had their shot, and they had missed. Baron doubted he would see the same faces again. “How are you feeling?” He asked, turning his head for only a quick second to look at Naoya, hoping he hadn’t lost too much blood. The thought itself caused Baron to press down harder on the accelerator to get there faster. “We’re almost there.”

@mr-troublemaker

[barontseng]

mr-troublemaker‌:

Naoya didn’t quite know what was going on but five against one hardly seemed fair. Five against two still wasn’t ideal, but even before he jumped in there was a surprising presence that seemed to ooze from their target. It was an energy that seemed to pick him up and tell him exactly where to move and while Nao was now sure the man could have easily defended himself, together they had caused a satisfying retreat.

Nao brushed his hair from his eyes, turning with a smile as the man thanked him. There was a hint of an accent and Nao realized the man was foreign, which made the attack on him all the more strange. The group didn’t look like they were there to rob the man but rather beat him to a pulp. Who makes those kind of enemies in a foreign country anyway? 

His eyes flicked towards his arm when his wound was pointed out. Interesting. He hadn’t even felt that. He’d been too focused on the thrill of the fight; the opportunity to defend someone. “It’s nothing…” He mumbled before the man handed him a cloth for a bandage and offered him a ride. His dark brown eyes widened at first but slowly narrowed into a suspicious slit. 

“I accept your gratitude, but there’s no need to thank me like that….” He stated, obviously thinking the man was inviting him to be repaid with sexual favors. “Your body is a temple, you should treat it as such!” Nao gave a hearty nod and friendly smile, not at all concerned with the gash that still seeped blood through the bandage.

@barontseng

Nothing. No. It was not simply nothing. Baron knew it was far more than that. For a complete stranger intercepting, immediately accepting the risk of placing himself in danger . . . well, it was certainly something to Baron. The leader was about to protest, when he paused upon hearing the man’s next words. A flicker of slight curiosity crossed his features. He was fluent in the language well enough to know he did not misunderstand what was being said. But the stranger before him certainly misunderstood his intentions. It left Baron silent, showing no sign of being flustered though inwardly . . . was quick to protest such a thing. Is that how it worked here, or among those that he knew? What background did he hold? What questionable people did he encounter in his life?! 

But Baron remained calm, unwaveringly composed. “If one’s body is truly a temple as you say, then an injury on it should be tended to.” There was a slight tease to the words, but also a reveal on what intentions he held in his invitation. “To keep it in tact. For whatever else your . . . activities may require of it.” Turning it around on the other man, and making it clear that Baron had no plans to use his body in such ways. “Come. That bandage will not last for long.” He needed to be properly patched up . . . if the man would let Baron do so. Expectantly, he left the door of the passenger’s side open, and made his way to the driver’s seat, getting in and already starting the engine. 

@mr-troublemaker​

[barontseng]

| Fate |

Baron intently watched the men as they complied with the retreat. He didn’t bother chasing after them. They were unfamiliar. It didn’t matter though. What Baron did know was that it was quite bold to attack him in daylight. Whoever was behind it, was getting increasingly desperate and that too came as no surprise to the leader. Waiting until the men were fully gone, he kept looking at the distance, assured more vehicles would not come but never the less, kept a watchful eye. "Thank you," he said to the man next to him who had come to his aid. Someone who had seemingly come out of no where. Someone who had injected himself in the middle of an attack. Someone who . . . Baron had fought in such sync with, for never having met him before or familiarizing himself with the man’s combat style. 

It was strange, and incredible at the same time. When he turned to look at him to say more, his eyes quickly fell to the man's upper arm as red seeped through his shirt. “You’re bleeding.” Because once the adrenaline wore off, the pain would set in.  Baron removed the cloth wrapped around his neck, and passed it to the man who had come to his aid. He stepped closer to him, eyes tracing over the injury. It looked like something easily patched up, but Baron would make sure. “Press it against your arm. And come with me.” The hospital was too far, and one of his complexes was close enough. He owed the man anyway. He began to walk over the few steps to his car, opening the passenger’s seat to silently prompt the stranger to get in. It wasn’t everyday that Baron extended such an invitation. But, he trusted his instincts. And as he already acknowledged . . . he owed this man a debt.