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It's no surprise the descendant of the Aoyagi's is any less than spectacular at what they do; reducing crime rates in Shibuya.
Ever since Toya's adolescence, he's been taught the world was filled with evil and that he could be the one to cleanse it, just like his brothers. Of course, wielding a gun would also add to the thrill of it all. Though Toya doesn't question his father's wishes; having his path set out for him from the very beginning has left little room to ponder what other dreams he could've pursued had he the chance to. Perhaps he would've been a musician, an athlete, a stay-at-home chef. Yet, who would throw away a life as easy as his? A well-respected, highly capable man with a secure job and decent income. Someone dependable, an authority figure who's flawless at what he does. But even then, Toya can't help but feel he's nothing but a machine made to work and think only about the thoughts Harumichi had programmed into him.
Until he met detective Shinonome Akito.
Shinonome is an interesting character. He's started about relatively the same time as Toya, though the two were complete polar opposites. Unlike Toya's sharp responses and constant maintenance of professionality at all times, Toya thinks of Shinonome like the equivalent to sugar in black coffee. By that, he means that it's not needed; but he makes a difference when added. Shinonome excels at his job, yet he's immature and almost too expressive for Toya's liking. His paperwork is done lazily, often just handing it to Toya to do for him (much to his dismay, he can't say no). But the worst part is that he's an essential member of the precinct—so he's practically obligated to stay. With Toya's brains and Akito's instincts, they make quite a good team.
Small issue: Toya can't stand Shinonome. His intuition and genius can only do so much for his childish nature and overall 'sloppy' performance at work—he smokes during his break time! Toya admits, he's a good detective when it matters; but you can't take him seriously when one of his motivations for becoming a cop was from an action thriller titled Die Hard. Safe to say, Shinonome is a handful. But what other choice does he have than to partner with him?
Whenever Toya works, everything seems to slow down and enter his own zone of focus. It's the only time he's not bothered by phone calls when he's at his desk organising paperwork. Well, that was what his breaks used to be until he started working with Akito.
"Shinonome I can sense your presence from anywhere, You reek of an ashtray." His nasal cavity has already adjusted to the fragrance of cigarettes that lingered on Akito's clothes. It's impossible not to tell when he's approaching, he doesn't even have to look up.
"Oh come on, I ain't even say anythin' to ya, jeez…" Akito scoffs, "anyways, I solved another case. How much does that place me at now, cop?"
"Not enough to beat me, shame." Toya doesn't exactly recall when he's agreed to an impromptu 'bet' on who can solve the most cases—but he doubts Akito is reaching exactly one-hundred and thirty-nine solved cases on his own. He knows Akito is childish, and despises being aware he's losing.
"Tch, who do you think you are—?" Akito reaches for the glock on the side of his hip, pressing it to Toya's forehead with a soft clink. Toya really isn't in the mood for games…
On reflex, Toya stands from his desk to disarm Akito swiftly and apprehend him. Hands behind his back, chest pressed against Toya's desk, helpless. He lightly twists his arm as punishment. Though, perhaps Toya's auditory senses fail him when he picks up on a muttered 'harder' admist his winces. He decides not to commentate on it.
"Everytime, Shinonome… and you still fail. When will you quit trying to provoke me?…" Toya leans down to Akito's ear to taunt, before loosening his grip and allowing his freedom. For now.
"Haah… it was worth a shot." He responds dismissively. Akito grumbles, but there's no hiding that slight smirk on his face upon turning away from Toya.
Toya lets out a deep exhale, yet returning to his work isn't as easy as it seems. With each encounter Akito has with him, he finds his heart only pumps blood faster than solving cases ever have. Maybe it's the satisfaction of putting Akito in his place, or the adrenaline rush when proving him wrong.
Whatever it was, it's the only case Toya can't solve. How Akito makes him feel.
Toya's about to clock out for the day, the sun is setting and another cop will take over his night shifts—just like clockwork. Except this time, he spots Shinonome lighting a cigarette outside of the precinct. He's taken a mental note of where Akito frequents his smoking areas—men's bathroom, rooftop, and such. He tracks his routine in order to avoid crossing paths as much as possible. But right outside the exit to the precinct was a new one.
"Why won't this ligh- Oh, Toya." Akito finally notices his presence, awkwardy staring back with a cigarette caught between his teeth.
"…We aren't that close, you could at least address me properly—"
"Ain'tcha goin' home, partner?" Akito replies with blatant provocation, clearly ignoring Toya's statement. Well… it wasn't exactly the worst nickname.
"Partner—? I'll let it off the hook…" Toya folds his arms over his chest, shaking his head at the thought of Akito's relentless teasing of the newfound title. He can hear his faint snicker, before finally lighting his cigarette and inhaling.
"Well? Ya want a smoke or…?" Akito offers, tilting his head curiously.
"Weren't you trying to quit the other day?"
"Pft, as if! I can barely function without 'em." He laughs, though Toya can't help but pity the man. After a beat or so, Toya finally approaches to share the pain with him.
"…I'll take one. It's been a while, afterall." Toya decides, extending a hand out to borrow one of Akito's cigarettes. He's familiar with the brand—they're quite strong. He wonders how much Akito relies on these.
He attempts to light his own cigarette, yet his luck was just as unfortunate as Akito's first attempt. A small flicker was all that resulted in his constant clicking of the lighter. Akito scoffs, before taking it back from Toya.
"Ah, jeez… I'll need a new one soon. C'mere, I gotcha."
Toya was about to protest, but the action of Akito grasping him in by the chin made Toya freeze. He was forcefully pulled closer, the tips of their cigarette butts softly making contact. Akito sharing the flame from his own in order to light Toya's own was… strangely intimate. He simply obliged, noticing as the residue ash fell and dispersed into the air as his cigarette was now lit.
He inhales, the taste isn't much but the texture is just as he remembers. It's lingering awfully nice on his tongue, like bitter coffee. The smoke circulates in his lungs, and he exhales, satisfied. That short moment of peace in his mind is quickly interrupted by Akito blowing smoke directly into his face.
"Hah~ I've never seen ya so relaxed."
"I'm always composed, I don't see your point." He retorted, knowing Akito purposefully tries to get under his skin.
"No, no, idiot. I mean, you're so tense at work. All day everyday." There's a slight shift in Akito's tone, like he's speaking more seriously on the matter. "Sometimes I wonder if ya even like your job."
Toya's shoulders go stiff at the comment. What does Shinonome know? Of course I like my job.
But… it's not like the idea of working anywhere else was an option for him. The Aoyagi name is held in high respect for their detective work—his father even became commissioner. He's living a stable life laid out for him, a life his father envisioned him to uphold the reputation. Shibuya wouldn't be the same without their help. Without his help.
"Hey, partner. At least come for a drink with me, yeah? My treat." Why the hell is Shinonome, of all people, being nice to him?
Toya quietly nodded, huffing out smoke. He quietly drags his used cigarette butt out on the ashtray, putting it out.
"Mh, I'll consider it. Thanks for the smoke…"
If anything, this might be Toya's worst decision. Something within his subconscious brought his feet in front of the bar he was invited to—on his day off. Usually he'd spend this time wisely, such as special officer training. Yet…
"Oh? You actually arrived. Decided you wanted to live a little?—"
"Just get me inside." Toya replied in a dismissive tone; it's just a few drinks and he'll be back home.
Toya was gravely mistaken.
He hadn't expected Akito to be such a lightweight, considering he was the one who invited him out. It only took, what? Five shots and his speech starts to slur and nonsense is all that comes from that filthy mouth. The alcohol isn't even that strong. Toya rolls his eyes, taking another sip nonchalantly. There's a visible gap between how much the two of them can hold their liquor. Then again, Toya's always had an abnormally high tolerance.
"Getting drunk and smoking on your days off, hm? Is detective work truly that miserable?" Toya speaks, propping his chin up on his palm.
"Mmfghh… I thought it'd— hic! be more fun if you got a little drunk too…"
"…Shinonome, it's cheap liquor. If you wanted me to get wasted, we could've gone to my place." Toya sighs, mildly disappointed, but not surprised. "Unless you're simply using me to carry you home."
"Hah—? No wa- hic—! Fuck… yeah, but that's n-… not it!" Akito's words are almost incoherent, his face flushed fully red as he downs another shot. The liquor burns in his throat, granting him a satisfied hiss. Toya can sense his breath.
"I hoped you'd let yourself… y'know. Have fun, for once. Rather than getting all— gh—! Cooped up in your office, eh?~"
Toya blinks at that, "That's… rather considerate of you, Shinonome. Unfortunately, my idea of fun drastically differs to yours. Even so, I don't believe it's your duty to meddle in my life."
Akito stares dumbfoundedly at him, meeting Toya's grey irises. He pouts a little, before letting out a quiet groan.
"Ghhaaah…~ so lame…!" Akito whines, about to pour himself another glass—until Toya grabs hold of his wrist and tilts the bottle upright.
"Hey, slow down…" There's a hint of concern in his voice now, unsure what to make of his coworker so vulnerable like this. But at a closer glance, Akito seems happy. Content, even. There's a drop of liquor running down his chin, but he's too distracted to even bother with wiping it.
After a whole bottle, Akito blanks out and his head thumps onto the wooden table.
"Shinonome… next time you invite me out, at least have the decency to maintain yourself." He mutters.
Toya wonders if he can afford to be that carefree, too.
Well, the aftermath of their little bar date resulted just as Toya expected: being Akito's designated driver against his will. He was certainly in no state to be on the road, especially without supervision. It was the least Toya could do to make up for his unexpected kindness as of recent. His words remained faintly in the back of his mind, "Do you even like your job?"
It's not like Toya hated being a cop, infact he's honoured he's held in such a high position. But all he does in his life is follow his father's footsteps—he's essentially nothing but a vessel made to show off to. A slave to his father's whims, a slave who can only obey and secure a life he didn't ask for.
At least Akito is there to keep him entertained at work. There's something to look forward to everyday at the precinct, that's what Toya loves about his job.
It takes him a moment to realise he's paused right after apprehending a criminal, finally coming to his senses to handcuff him. His partner is taking another smoke beside the car, though his eyes narrow at the sight of Toya's small hesitancy.
"Dude, you alright? You seem more spaced-out than usual." His voice is filled with concern.
"…nothing. Aren't you still hungover? I'll drive."
"Bullshit, somethin's totally bothering ya."
Toya lightly throws the criminal into the backseat of their car, before signalling for Akito to follow inside without another word. The drive back to the precinct was nothing less than awkward, full of tension; at least more than usual. It seems the two didn't want the perpetrator to hear on their personal lives, both mentally agreeing to talk it out in private.
Akito drags Toya into the storage room; it's quiet and away from all the noise.
"Seriously, there's nothing wrong, Shinonome."
"Why do you think I'm that stupid—? You're a cop like anyone else here, I'm making sure it doesn't distract you from work."
Oh, was that all it was to him? Just to act like he's done something?
"I'm not obligated to share everything about myself. I promise, it was one slip-up." His tone becomes more stern, though he's still rather quiet-spoken. Akito wasn't fond of that response.
"Just… ugh—Don't let it happen again. If boss catches ya zoning out, you're good as fired." His fists tighten, though he decided not to act brash for once. Instead, he quietly took a puff of his cigarette to calm down.
Toya shows mild surprise, wondering why Akito hasn't taken the opportunity to pin him to the nearest surface or try to attack.
"…I appreciate your concern for me, though. Perhaps if we had met earlier, we could've gotten along." Toya comments. He's prone to shutting himself off from people, despite being a generally polite man. His personality is… to be worked on.
Maybe if someone like Akito had entered his life sooner, he could've learned to open up better. Alas, life must go on.
"Huh—? Oi, what's with that bullshit?" Akito laughs, taking ahold of Toya's wrist before he could escape. He forcefully pulls him back, lightly pressing him to the nearest wall. Toya can't help but eye the cigarette between the male's teeth, lightly burning. He worries the smoke catches onto his clothes due to their proximity and he'll smell like Akito.
"You don't have to act like we can't be friends strictly for work related reasons. Why do you think I took you out that night?"
"I don't just bond with people like that… Plus, I'm on a schedule so—" Toya's voice trails off, realising Akito's gripped more firmly onto him.
"God, you're so annoying… you're an adult, Toya. You're not held hostage by teenage expectations anymore. You don't have a curfew, you don't worry about underage drinking—you just live for the sake of livin'."
"Or do I have to be the one to initiate how you really feel?" Akito's voice dropped, lowering in a way that made sure it would be embedded into Toya's head. The shorter male let go of Toya's collar, taking a step back and adjusting the jacket that rested atop his shoulders.
"You free tomorrow night?"
Toya has never felt more disrespected. Invading his personal space, making claims when he has not a single clue what goes on in his life and the constant meddling… All of that, and he has the audacity to ask him out on another hangout—? As if they were friends simply 'getting along' in an ideal world-
"Sure."
No, Toya's sure he's lost it now.
Ever since then, Akito's freuqently visited him on a weekly basis. Considering he lives alone and barely opens up to anyone—Akito took it as an opportunity to be the first. The worst part is: Toya doesn't even mind. He doesn't seem bothered by the visits as much anymore—or the nights they share a drink together. But internally, Toya's desperately trying to reject the possibility of gaining a soft spot for the male.
He's despised him from the beginning, he's just getting beneath his skin. If he were to drop dead, he'd continue his work as normal. That's what he's always said to himself. He'd never open up to anyone, never need to. So why…
< "Aoyagi-kun, we need backup. Shinonome's been captured by our perpetrator." >
Why is he running to save the very boy he swore to hate? Why is his heart racing faster at the thought of Akito hurt? Was his moral compass overridden by his strong hatred for his coworker?
He suddenly feels nauseous; it doesn't matter what their relationship status is right now. Right now, someone is in danger, and Toya needs to help.
Akito's senses were limited, relying on only his auditory abilities to make out where he was. It doesn't help the fact the back of his head is throbbing in pain, he hopes it's not bleeding. Additionally, he realises his hands are tied as he feels around a rope-like texture. He squirms, flailing around to no avail. He decides it's better to save his stamina, and figure how the hell he ended up like this…
Another drug dealer case was given to him back at the precinct. He'd usually work it with Toya; but he didn't seem all that pleased to partner with him. Alas, he took the case solo. It's not like he needed a partner, right?
Yet his hubris would be his eventual downfall.
Infiltrating the supposed base, he hastily shared his location to the department for backup incase something were to ever happen to him. A desolate, abandoned warehouse in the middle of literally nowhere. Inside was just as bland as the outer, yet held a few misplaced furniture and black bags. He snaps a few photos for evidence, until he's met with a loud, metal whack to the back of his head. It echoes within his ears and rings, before he inevitably collapses. His vision fades to black.
"Shit. Toya's gonna kill me if he finds out." Akito thought, suddenly more desperate to be released than before. His vision is obscured by a piece of fabric, his hands and ankles are tied together. There's little hope, yet he believes his surroundings are still somewhat within the warehouse.
"How'd we let the cops trail us? Who leaked it—?!" A deep, rasped voice emerged from just infront of Akito. He pauses his resisting to tune in on their conversation.
"Well? What do we do with him?" Another, slightly younger voice responds.
"Kill him, sell him—it doesn't matter! Our hideout has been compromised, we need to move before anyone else comes, got it—?!" The deeper voice seems to be more panicked and impulsive—he realises these are the only two present at the moment.
"Yeesh, you're thinkin too hard about this. It's not like he can do anything."
"Right, detective?~~" There's a sudden tug at his hair, assuming it belongs to the younger of the two. Akito winces, though he avoids doing anything rashly incase he might hurt himself.
Akito pleads and prays to whatever god up there in his head—please let Toya save me. Please let the other cops find me—
"Mphhh—! Mngggh—!"
"Eh?~ He's upset. Poor thing." The younger voice taunts and provokes him. If he could, he'd bite whatever's infront of him and make sure it hurts.
This is hell. Akito thinks.
He figures the two are pacing around, wondering what they could possibly do with a hostage detective. Akito listens in best he can, as any info is still crucial. After what seems about an hour or so of waiting—though Akito's lost track of time so who could really tell—he suddenly felt something sharp against his neck. It dips down, very gently as if to simply threaten him. He freezes, realising the blade could possibly cut through his skin if he moves a single inch.
"Hmhm~ What to do, what to do…~ We can't let him tell anyone else about this place. And I doubt he'd give us any useful information."
"So just kill him."
"But where's the fun in that?"
Ah, so they're just blatantly prolonging his death to torture him. In that case, death would be a blessing if they end his misery just planning to do that…
Just as the criminal dips their blade a bit deeper into his neck, the sound of blaring police sirens pick up and stops the motion. Akito perks up at that.
"Damn it—! Grab the bags, let's run!"
"Tokyo police department—You're under arrest!" A voice, much more familiar resounds in Akito's ears. The sound of his coworkers apprehending the drug dealers is satisfying—until he realises there's footsteps approaching him.
"Mffh—?" Toya? He doesn't care who it is—he's been tied up long enough his wrists are sore…
His eyes flutter, adjusting to the light and the coloured red and blue sirens in the background. Before his eyes, a familiar bluenette is hastily releasing him and letting the ropes fall.
It's Toya. Thank god…
"Shinonome? Shinonome—can you hear me? Are you okay?" His hands are firmly placed on the side of his arms, gripping him and gazing back at him with an expression he's never seen before. Genuine concern. Not just mild shock—he's worried about him.
"'M fine… I got ambushed, no big deal…" He tries to play it off, though he won't lie he would've pissed himself long ago if he didn't call for backup. He attempts to stand up, though after sitting tied up for so long he's a little unstable. He uses Toya as a support.
"You should've just asked me to go with you. Why did you think you could take on a drug dealer case on your own?" He chided, relentlessly berading him for his stupidity. It's deserved though, Akito also blames himself.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry… you're right. I didn't feel as if I would be worth your time, so I wanted to do something impressive." He admitted. His overconfidence had the best of him.
"…You wouldn't have achieved where you are now if you weren't capable, you know? I may despise you, but I'd never wish on your downfall."
"Don't hesitate to ask for assistance. We're a team, so depend on us."
"Depend on me." Toya finishes. He suddenly takes notice of the blood seeping from the side of Akito's neck, not hiding the fact there was definitely a cut.
"…What did they do to you?" He stops walking, immediately tilting Akito's head for closer inspection.
"Ah, uh… I couldn't exactly tell. I assume the others are gathering evidence though, probably a blade of some sort."
Toya's wearing a lot of expressions Akito's unfamiliar with. First it was worry, concern and now pure anger. It's not that noticeable, but from the furrow in his brows and the shift in gaze—Toya's definitely wanting to kill someone.
"W-woah, I'm fine. I barely feel it. Just need a bandaid is all." Akito laughs lightheartedly, continuing their walk to the car.
He's so fucking hot right now. Akito thinks he prefers it when he's the only one Toya really expresses himself to.
Toya's working late night today, determined to finish his report before the week ends. Akito feels slightly at fault for this; considering it was quite the extensive case now that he thinks about it. He hesitates on clocking out, deciding to visit Toya's desk and hand him a coffee.
"Hey- uh… sorry about this." He speaks up, uncharacteristically a little nervous. He's not usually this awkward around Toya.
"I'm simply doing my job. You could be anyone else and I'd do the same." The bluenette responds, eyes glued to the screen. He does glance at the coffee slid over to him.
"You sure you can't just finish this tomorrow? It's not like we're in a rush or anythin'…" It's not uncommon for Toya to be working overtime, or even continue his work at home when he's meant to sleep. His eyebags have gotten worse as of recent, so he can only imagine.
"I don't like having to depend on someone, you know. I don't enjoy the fact that I'm vulnerable and in need of someone else. It's embarrassing—but if it's you…"
Akito suddenly leans over, wrapping his arms around Toya's neck lightly into an embrace. His breath against his ear. The taller male freezes and turns his head.
"…Would you really save anyone else if they were in my position? Would you be the one untying the ropes, or allow someone else the job?"
Akito's question reverberates in his ears, thoroughly considering it. Well, it's not like completely avoiding his job was an option—but actively looking for Akito like that?…
"—I suppose it would depend on the situation. I only saved you because it was convenient for me. Everyone had a role."
"Mm, that wasn't the answer I was lookin' for but it works…" Akito chuckles, bringing his hand to gently ruffle Toya's hair instead.
Toya seems to be resisting the urge to lean into his hand like a dog. He doesn't necessarily care for physical touch, nor does he believe Akito does either—He's only clingy to bother him. Perhaps it was the drowsiness or the late nights finally catching up to him; but Toya's feeling rather touch starved.
There's no one around, right? Not until the next half hour or so and another officer takes his place. It's an opportunity.
Just as Akito is about to leave his side, Toya impulsively grabs him by the tie and pulls him back down with a gasp. He trips forward, leaning over Toya as he stares down at him.
"Wh- Toya—?"
"You shouldn't have provoked me, Akito. You have another chance to back out before I do something incredibly unprofessional."
Akito can't tell the emotion behind Toya's eyes but they seem… almost desperate. His hand is lightly trembling as he's holding Akito's tie, tugging him forward. The male is rightfully bewildered, mouth agape yet no words come out. At the same time, he doesn't exactly resist. Instead, he only brings himself closer and climbs onto Toya's lap.
"Are you gonna kiss me?" He bluntly asks. Shame doesn't seem to exist in his vocabulary.
"Maybe. Do you want me to?"
He doesn't even have to ask. Akito's already eagerly nodding in response, pressing closer into Toya to close the proximity. His legs are straddled on either side of him, arms wrapped around the taller male's neck. If Akito had a tail, he's sure it'd be wagging just being under Toya's gaze.
"You really don't know shame…" Toya sighs, though gives in to Akito's whims.
His lips capture Akito's own, and the return is just as sweet. Akito's hands tangle in the back of Toya's hair, feeling the softness against his fingertips as he gently plays with it during their kiss. The bluenette hums in response, tilting his head further to feel more of him. Akito's lips are slightly chapped compared to his, yet he pays it no mind. He's basically moisturising it with his own.
Slowly, the two pull away with a soft chu and allow for oxygen to enter. For an avid smoker, kissing him doesn't leave much of an overwhelming bitterness like he initially imagined. Infact, Toya believes he's rather sweet.
"Can we… try again? I want to confirm the taste." He doesn't even try to hide it.
"Hah, dude… you can't just say that." Akito snorts, pressing another kiss to the corner of Toya's lips. "You're lucky I want ya so bad. You better relish in me before it's too late."
With that, Toya attempts a different approach. His tongue hesitantly breaches past his lips, brushing against Akito's. It comes off as a surprise, but he easily accepts the warm muscle. Once his lips part, Akito's tongue teases the other innocently before it diverges into a kind of hunger that can only be resembled by that of a dog or wild animal. A shiver rushes down Toya's body, consumed by the heat Akito is emitting. He continues to prod and trace the other's mouth, never wanting the sweetness to slip from him.
"Ah- ah… Toya…" Akito pulls back with a gasp, a string of saliva connecting the two from how long Toya prolonged it, "Toya holy shit…"
Toya's unsure what the appropriate response is after tongue-kissing a man. His cheeks are flushed red, his pupils dilating and he's overwhelmed with the need for more. But he'll stop for Akito's sake.
"Something wrong? Are you okay—?" Toya's hands slide up and down Akito's sides soothingly, checking in on his partner.
"Oh, more than okay, trust me." Akito reassures, leaning his head down to softly trail kisses at Toya's neck instead.
"Mh- wait, don't leave a mark—" Toya throws his head back, his body running hotter than ever against Akito. He never imagined the sensation would feel so much better than he expected. Akito continues to mouth lightly at Toya's neck, though he's heavily restraining himself to just bite down and absolutely devour the man. It only comes to him now that they're still in the office, so he pulls back.
"…Surely you can set your work aside for tonight. Hm?"
"You just wanted my attention, really?"
"Haah~, I got somethin' better than that in return."
Toya decides to shut him up with another kiss.