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Apogee

Written for @flashfictionfridayofficial using the prompt FFF343 ~ when it’s dark and @fluffbruary ‘s February 5 : glance | chocolate | jumbled. This is an AU of sorts. The fourth episode of Yatagarasu is for me, by far, the best episode. So yes, paying an homage to it.

—

Fandom: Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master

Characters: Yukiya, Nazukihiko/Wakamiya

Word count: 973

NAZUKIHIKO had a penchant for visiting the brothels. The seedier the establishment, the better.

This made him a magnet for attracting the rival organisations who were eager to harm the most important and richest son from the reigning crime syndicate in the Honshu region.

Lost in bright lights and the backdrop of never-ending sounds of sirens, Yukiya crushed his one and only last cigarette for the day after suspicious men gathered around the heir.

The stooges’ bravado is laughable when it’s dark and they are too many.

The first one who attacked Nazukihiko met Yukiya’s fist and muscular legs. The culprit’s face was bloodied and swollen he left him unrecognisable on the street. After he single-handedly defeated the group of 10, he called up Sumio to clean it up and, often, as a backup.

Nazukihiko had a satisfied look on his face, he gripped Yukiya’s shoulder for good measure and half-hugged him grateful for saving him once again.

“Are you even listening to me? Provoking your enemies should not be on the cards, Sir.”

The heir scoffed at Yukiya’s admonition.

He has a death wish, Yukiya thought.

It became a routine that Yukiya was already prepared.

Mission accomplished -> Encounter thugs -> Fight them -> Call Sumio -> Go to brothel.

“If you don’t take care of yourself, you’d die one of these days,” he continued, while Nazukihiko only nodded and then walked his way to the club.

Whatever! Suit yourself!

He found his way toward the lavatory, avoiding the heir and the girls who welcomed their arrival. Before he entered the washroom, he glanced at his master and released a sigh that he held for so long. Sadness overwhelmed Yukiya. Anger too.

\\

Nazukihiko couldn’t take his eyes off the younger man, now dismayed, whose feet stomped quickly away from him. it was the first time in many years that someone took an interest in his welfare. Yukiya had only been under his service for half a month, yet he formed a certain protectiveness around him. Surely, this was unprecedented. Not because it was his job. No, it was more than that.

When he found Yukiya at the terrace watching the city before him, Nazukihiko wanted to know his motivation.

“Are you worried for me?”

Yukiya, surprised, turned to face Nazukihiko. His master was not alone. Three young courtesans followed him with alcohol in their hands. One of them handed him an empty cup.

Surrounded with the company of beautiful young women with their cheap perfume and made-up faces, they kissed Nazukihiko’s throat as he drank his sake. One of the beauties cupped his face and offered her lips which he took freely.

Averting his eyes, he didn’t reply but left Nazukihiko with the courtesans. He could hear their wanton giggling as he walked away.

He washed his face against the washroom’s mirror, checked the cuts and bruises around his eyes and nose. He broke his lower lip again. But his teeth were spared. Thank Kami-sama for small miracles. After assuring that the premises were secure, Yukiya searched for a bed and hoped that sleep overtake him.

//

“You leave yourself wide open. One of these days, you would meet your end you wouldn’t even notice it,” Yukiya scolded Nazukihiko. “And yes, I am worried for you.”

“I am sorry,” Nazukihiko quietly replied.

Yukiya couldn’t believe his ears. It was the first time he heard those words from him. If they were not in the car, he might have stopped what he was doing.

Nazukihiko, on the other hand, meant it. His question was merely a jest. Perhaps, he wanted to tease Yukiya, noting how easy to raise his hackles. Lately he was fond of doing it, testing him. The trip to the Hanamachi riled him up. He was enamoured with the power of his gaze. Sometimes he caught the younger man swallow his saliva or his pupils dilate. He shouldn’t be here cleaning up his messes. He finished the university and if not for his older brother’s untimely death, he should be abroad doing something else. But such was the fate of being a member of his family’s sword.

“I promise I will be careful.”

No words exchanged except for a few breaths. And then…

“I wish….” Yukiya began to speak.

“You wish?”

“I wish…. You stay away from the red-light district,” he shouldn’t have said it. “I don’t wish to impose. It is not my place.”

“I will try my best,” Nazukihiko said, he smiled then continued. “I don’t bed these women, if you want to know.”

“Huh?” Yukiya faced his master.

“We kiss a little. We drink. They dance and sing for me. Then they let me sleep. But that’s all there is to it.”

“Sir?”

“It is part of my reconnaissance.”

Nazukihiko dealt with his assignments head on. If he were to take over the family organisation one day he had to know it inside and out. Especially if the enemies were hungry for his blood.

“Many of these girls are trafficked if not coerced. So they know a thing or two about the mastermind. Many of them want revenge. But I am not their saviour.”

“Oh…”

“They are safe with me. Part of the act.”

Right. Okay. Yukiya nodded his head.

“Are you satisfied now?” Nazukihiko touched his leg. His hand lingered there longer than usual.

There was a lump in his throat. Yukiya’s head reeled. What was worse, he was blushing.

“Do you mind?” Worried that his action was too risky, Nazukihiko quickly removed his hand.

“Not at all.” His voice was so low, it was almost a whisper. Feeling bold himself, he took his master’s hand, the one that was on his leg a while ago, and squeezed it. He placed it back to his leg. A silent understanding was made.

Nazukihiko smiled.

~ fin ~

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