The Blood That Binds Us?

Chapter Eleven: Anniversary

Three weeks Later

Hoping it wasn't obvious that he was watching the time, Akihito took a sip of his water and stared through the glass at the huge clock on the wall of the variety store, directly opposite Asami's building. He'd been standing outside of it for exactly two hours waiting for Asami's car to pull up to the entrance. Akihito took another sip of his water and shifted his gaze from the clock back to the building. Noticing the black SUV pulling up in front the entrance. Asami stepped out along with Kirishima and Suoh. A few minutes later he crosses the sheet pushing open the large glass door Akihito walked into the enormous lobby. The secretary smiled pleasantly at him as he approached the huge white reception desk.

"Excuse me I'm here to see Asami Ryuichi.

"And you are Sir?"

"I'm Akihito Takaba,"

"Do you have an appointment Mr. Takaba?"

"No, I'm here on a personal matter." She arched her eyebrow slightly. As her gaze slid from his to the phone on her desk.

"One moment please," Akihito nodded. He couldn't help but stare at the black suit she wore that seem to hug her body, to him she looked more like one Asami's security guards than his secretary.

"My apologies, Mr. Takaba she apologized placing the phone back on the cool marble desk. "But Asami- sama is presently in a very important meeting and will not be seeing anyone at the moment. If you would like to leave him a message I will be sure to deliver it to him when he's finished," the secretary informed with a faint smile that barely reached her close-set gray eyes. Akihito shook his head and thanked her before moving off.
He didn't seem to surprise by her response, her apology meant nothing to him. It was obvious that Asami had paid her to lie to him. He roughly pushed through the glass doors, a deep scowl on his face. Promising himself that Asami would not hear the end of this.

An hour later, he was entering his apartment pissed and exhausted and regretting he had wasted his entire day. Akihito threw his bag on the table and collapsed on the couch. He turned on the television and was about to make himself something to eat when his cell phone rang. He wondered if it was Asami calling to warn him to stop coming to his office. He checked the caller ID and saw it wasn't Asami but Rin.

Rin, he sighed deeply and rubbed a long finger over his tired eyes. He remembers their last conversation and the hurt he heard in her voice as she spoke of her miscarriage. Rolling his shoulders to ward off the tension. He placed the phone to his ear.

For the past two weeks, they had been there for each other, offering a shoulder to cry on. She had been very caring and supportive since he had explained to her the situation between him and Asami.

"Yes, Rin?" He answered, his voice strained.

"Akihito?"

"He frowned. It wasn't Rin's demanding voice on the other end but a man's. A voice he recognized immediately as his father's.

"Dad?"

"Yes, it's me. Do you know another person who sounds like me."

"As a matter of fact, I do...Akira your other son."

"No, he doesn't." His father resorted huffing on the other end.

"Yes, he does. Dad, he's like a twin version of you." Akihito teased knowing his father hated anyone telling him that he sounds like Akira.

"Listen, I'm not even going to argue with you. I just called because your mother and I need you to come home immediately."

"Why? What's wrong?" Are you and Mom okay?"

Akihito's heart nearly stopped at the thought of something happening to his parents.

"Nothing's wrong, your mother and I are fine, we just wanted you to come home this weekend to help us celebrate our 40th anniversary were having a little get together with family and friends. Nothing big your mother and I would be really happy if you came." His father reassured him as Akihito drew in a breath rubbing his hand down his face.

"Of course Dad, I'll be there."

"And what about your friends Kou and Takato can you bring them with you?" Rin's already here helping out."

"Yes, Dad I'll bring them with me." But I have to warn you Rin and Takato are not in a good place right now so just them being alone in the same room. It's going to ruin your anniversary. And you know Akira and I are not on speaking terms."

"Calm down son, I'm sure everything's going to be fine."

"Like hell, it will!" Akihito groaned not looking forward to visiting his parents.

"Father I think I will---"

"That reminds me have," His father says interrupting him as he was about tell him that he might not make it. "Have you spoken to your brother recently. I know you two are not speaking but I have no idea how to get a hold of him it's like he changed his phone number again. I swear that boy changes numbers probably more than his underwear sometimes it's hard to believe he's actually married. His ranted. Akihito couldn't help but smile, his father was still the fun going man he always was. "I'll get a hold of him, Dad, don't worry." Akihito lied. He pushed to the back of his mind the memory of the heated argument between himself and his brother when he found out he was gay and involved with Asami who his brother knew very well.

"Okay son, you tell him to get his ass home and no excuses!"

"I got it, Dad, I will."

"And tell him to bring Hannah and Rose along, and you could also bring your girlfriend."

"There isn't any girlfriend Dad I'm not in a relationship. Akihito advised, frowning as his father went on.

"Well, boyfriend then." The line went silent as his eyes widen his father heard him gasp and he knew it had been a direct hit. Akihito knew his Dad was no fool it was just a matter of time before he found out or outright asked.

"Did Rin tell you?" He asked barely able to form his words. Akihito waited for his father's respond as his heart thumped loudly in his chest.

"No, she didn't. Akira told me and he only did because he's worried about you."

"That asshole, why can't he mind his own business for once in his damn life," Akihito yelled forgetting that his father was on the phone.

"May I remind you that you're talking to your father and not one of your friends Akihito!"

"Sorry, Dad that was out of line."

"Yes, It was." And you also have to remember that Akira is your older brother plus he's only looking out for you. For as long as you and Rin could remember Akira has watched over you two, since you were kids so don't get upset he's only doing what any older brother does."

Yeah making sure my life is miserable.

"Akihito, are you angry that Akira told me?" Or because you didn't?"

Akihito rubbed his hand down his face again, not believing he was having this conversation with his father. "So you're what? Disappointed. Ashamed, he said on the verge of tears."

"Akihito you will always be our son and I will never be ashamed of who you are, but I have a feeling that you are. I understand that some people might see your relationship as wrong but if you truly love that person son what others think wouldn't matter.

"Thanks, Dad I really needed that. Akihito said choking back tears he had not expected his father to understand but he did and that was all that mattered. "I'll get the tickets for the next available train out."

"Okay Son, I'll see you when you get home." Without another word his father hanged up leaving Akihito lost for words.

Moments later Akihito texted Kou and Takato inviting them to his parents anniversary party. They both replied instantly. Afterward he called Akira's wife. He did not want to speak to his brother at least not yet. They needed time to clear the air. Akira's wife had answered on the first ring but she informed him his brother was working late.

"That's my brother always burning the midnight oil," Akihito whispered to himself as he hung up on his brother's wife.