t-t-troublemaker (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
phonographs) wrote2021-05-31 08:38 pm
phonographs) wrote2021-05-31 08:38 pm
Entry tags:
untitled tadaai wip fic pt 4
Tadashi had been the one who had been assigned to to pick up Ainosuke from the airport when he came back from college. To say he was apprehensive would have been an understatement. He hadn’t seen Ainosuke in… seven years? He had missed him so much, and he knew that Ainosuke probably felt betrayed by his actions so he wasn’t really sure how to go about navigating it.
He knows that they hadn’t left on the best of terms, which is why he had practiced for a good two hours on how he would breech the subject, but everything went out of his head the moment he laid eyes on Ainosuke. America had… changed him. He was no longer the meek teenager who left Japan, heartbroken probably, Tadashi’s subconscious supplies sullenly. He unconsciously licks his lips as he gives Ainosuke a one up. Before Ainosuke left he was still growing into his own body. He was fit, sure, he skated on a daily basis if Tadashi had to surmise. But he was sort of scrawny, baby fat still clinging to him in some areas. Now though? He looked like one of those Grecian sculptures brought to life. He couldn’t see much, but he could see muscle definition, especially in his thighs. Ainosuke was tall before he left, but he definitely grew at least another five more inches since then.
When Ainosuke finally takes notice of Tadashi, he flicks the ash off from his cigarette before bringing it up to his lips for one last final drag. It’s like he takes a drag from it as deliberately slow as he possibly can. “Tadashi.” he says after a minute after blowing the smoke past his pursed lips. No care at all for where the smoke went after his exhale. An unintelligible part of Tadashi’s brain was scrambling to catch up to the fact that Ainosuke was smoking. He must have picked the habit up in America, because he didn’t smoke before he left Japan. Tadashi thought as he scrambled to avert his gaze, embarrassed to have been caught staring.
“Let me guess, father dearest couldn’t take time from his busy schedule to pick me up?” Ainosuke asked as he stubbed out the cigarette before depositing the butt into the ashtray that was next to the smoker’s bench.
“He… had a meeting he couldn’t reschedule.” Tadashi found himself replying, hesitantly, unsure if that would upset Ainosuke further. He was hard to read before leaving, so he wasn’t sure if he would be harder to read now. “But he sent me in his steed. Here,” he paused as he made an attempt to reach out for Ainosuke’s luggage. The rest of his belongings were being shipped from America. Not that he had much, Aiichiro preferred to only keep him in a hotel suite then to let him rent out an apartment. He said it had something to do with not having to furnish a living space for five years and then having to sell it all later. The more Tadashi thought about Aiichiro’s reasonings only seemed to make him more upset and sad for Ainosuke. It felt impersonal? To have to spend a small chunk of years cooped up in a hotel room. Shaking himself out of his thoughts he tugged Ainosuke’s suitcase closer to him.
“Shall we head on home, Ainosuke-sama?”
“If we must, Tadashi.” And with that Ainosuke pushed himself from the wall he had been leaning against and walked off and to the area where the self park garage was. A very subtle hint of citrus wafted from Ainosuke as a breeze swept by them as he moved past Tadashi. He almost didn’t notice it at first. The little hint was so intoxicating though, and it left Tadashi wanting more. But he quickly schooled his features and followed after his charge.
He had a deep understanding that he would never be so lucky. Ainosuke-sama was an alpha, after all.
Tadashi never really got the chance to explain himself on the car ride home. The moment Ainosuke seated himself in the back he fell asleep. Something about not being able to sleep properly on the long flight home. He tried to not read too much into it. But it did make him happy to know that Ainosuke at least felt comfortable to fall asleep in his presence.
The rest of the drive was uneventfully quiet. He had meant to ask Ainosuke if there was anywhere he wanted to stop at for a quick bite to eat before meeting up with his father. There had to be something he missed eating when he was abroad, surely; and his father still had an hour left if his meeting was still on schedule. But one glance at the rearview mirror let him know that Ainosuke was out like a light. He looked so at peace in his sleep that Tadashi just let him be. In fact he hated having to be the one to wake him up once they got home.
But Aiichiro expressed in great detail that he wanted to talk to his son the moment they got home. In private.
Tadashi tried to assure himself that it was going to be a good meeting. If he had to gather, it was probably about how Aiichiro wanted to hand the reigns over to Ainosuke. Slowly, of course. Aiichiro was too much of a control freak to hand everything over at once. Anyways— as hopeful as Tadashi was in seeing Ainosuke afterwards, he didn’t see him for the rest of the evening. In fact when he did see him the following morning, he looked pleased, actually he looked beyond pleased. It was an odd sight. But at least he seemed happy? Which was more than what Tadashi had wanted for him.
❤ ❤ ❤
Tadashi didn’t really see much of Ainosuke after that. Apparently he was busy studying up on Japanese politics. Aiichiro was a businessman, so it was a bit… odd, but if he thought back on it, he could have sworn that one of Aiichiro’s sisters had mentioned over the phone how proud of an aunt she was to have a nephew stepping into politics, or something to that effect. He tried to not stick his nose in things when it didn’t concern him. He wasn’t supposed to have opinions, after all.
But still, Tadashi had found himself wishing that their schedules aligned a little more. There wasn’t much he could do though, since he was Aiichiro’s secretary. At most, the only time he saw Ainosuke was at breakfast, but even then it’s not like he was actually sitting around and enjoying breakfast. Aiichiro had taken to eating his meals in his study after Ainosuke came back. It was a weird request, but Tadashi took it in stride. Besides, he didn’t really want to inquire since he knew he wouldn’t get much out of the elderly man.
He was about to take Aiichiro’s tray to his study, before Ainosuke stopped him.
“Say, Tadashi. I have an… inquiry, if you will.” Ainosuke said as he dabbed a napkin at the corner of his lips.
Tadashi’s head snapped up at the mention of his name. “Y- Yes, Ainosuke-sama?” He found himself stuttering out as he attempted to calm down his nerves, they had practically gone almost a year without speaking to one another. He had had it in his head that Ainosuke no longer wanted to talk to him, so this was… refreshing nonetheless.
“You don’t have to answer if it’s too personal, but…” Ainosuke trailed as he squinted down at the table. “How much is my father paying you?”
“To be his secretary, that is.” Tadashi’s not sure if Ainosuke realized how inappropriately worded that question was, but he’s thankful nonetheless.
“Oh… well, he’s paying me the standard going rate?” Tadashi replied, hoping that that information was more than enough. He actually never really paid attention to his paychecks. He was too busy tending to Aiichiro’s beck and call to pay any mind to that. Thankfully that seemed to appease Ainosuke as his face darkened a little in thought.
Ainosuke let out a hum as he stroked his chin absentmindedly. “What if I were to proposition you for a job.”
“I… I would have to think it over? But I’m not sure if your father would be willing to let me go though.” Tadashi said as he fiddled with the silver tray’s handles.
“Even if I were to pay you triple the amount that he pays you?” Ainosuke said as he reached for his cup of coffee. He brought it to his lips, his gaze never leaving Tadashi’s even as he took a sip from the pristine cup.
Tadashi wanted to respond that he didn’t really care about getting a raise or not? He was more so elated over the idea of getting to work with Ainosuke, than any other prospering idea of the job. Unfortunately his facial expression didn’t really convey his mood as he stood there speechless, gaping like a fish out of water. Ainosuke seemed to take his silence as a challenge though as he was ready with another riposte.
“I’m going to run for the diet, and I need someone who can keep up with me once I’m in.” Ainosuke explained. The confidence seemed to roll off of him in waves. “Of course I could have anyone at my beck and call given my status as a Shindou, but I want you. I also want to fuck my father over and watch him scramble to replace a man of your caliber, but that’s neither here nor there.” Ainosuke explained as he flicked his wrists. He stood from the table ready to leave, but paused. “You know where to reach me.”
Tadashi waited until Ainosuke was long gone before he collapsed into the seat next to him. He hadn’t ever… he never dared to imagine something like that. He had hoped that he would be able to mend things between them, but he hadn’t thought that Ainosuke would want him of all people to work directly underneath him. This was… this was a lot to consider. He didn’t mind working for Aiichiro, but the man was a perfectionist and that was putting it lightly. Tadashi took a calming breath as he got to his feet. He had much to think about for sure, but for now he had matters to tend to. And that was bringing Aiichiro his breakfast, which he was late to delivering. Ah.
He had been distracted by his encounter with Ainosuke all day. He tried to not let it get the best of him, but apparently it had. He actually got a very stern talking to (oh who are we kidding, he got his ass chewed out) by Aiichiro after his business meeting with the Kita corporation. Of course Aiichiro didn’t know why he was so distracted, and it was very detrimental for him to not divulge that information. After all who would like the idea of someone poaching your secretary? Especially if that certain someone was your own son.
Tadashi didn’t have much time to mull it over though because by the end of the month Aiichiro had begrudgingly called him into his office. He definitely wasn’t expecting Ainosuke to be apart of the meeting though. It felt weird, almost like dealing with an underhanded transaction of sorts? At first he thought he was being fired, but if that were the case someone from HR would also be in attendance, and not Ainosuke. ….right?
“It seems that my son has a greater need for you than I do.” Aiichiro said wryly. It looked like he wanted to go into more detail, but stopped and exhaled a sigh. “You are no longer under my employment as my secretary, I’ll need your badge by the end of the week as well as any personal property of mine, meaning your laptop.” Aiichiro said as he shot Ainosuke a repugnant look.
“I’m glad we were able to work things out amicably, father.” Ainosuke chirped as he stood up from one of the plush chairs that sat in front of Aiichiro’s desk. “Come now Tadashi, we have a rally to be getting to.” Tadashi sank back into the chair he was in as he stared at disbelief. He didn’t have much time to digest it before Ainosuke was tugging him out of the chair.
❤ ❤ ❤
Aiichiro passed away about a year after that. Tadashi tried to not think too heavily on it. He knew the man had health issues, but he didn’t want to spend too much time thinking about how rapidly his health declined the months following his departure on Aiichiro’s staff. Instead he tried to focus his efforts on Ainosuke and how he was handling the death of his father. But really, it was the lack-thereof. Ainosuke hadn’t given himself the proper time to grieve, sure he was present for the funeral. But he seemed distracted at best.
And it wasn’t the type of distraction of someone who had just lost a family member, like his aunt’s. His aunt’s grieved Aiichiro’s passing for weeks, months really. But Ainosuke? He just kept throwing himself at more things. Which… well, it wasn’t healthy. Sure, Ainosuke didn’t really have a healthy relationship with his father, but the man was still his father. He was acting as if a friend of a friend of his father’s passed away rather than his father.
In fact the day after Aiichiro passed, Ainosuke was pulling up the blueprints of an abandoned mine to be the new location to host S. Tadashi knew better than to inquire about it, figuring that Ainosuke was the type who needed to busywork than to deal with his emotions. Little did he know that that was only the catalyst.
Ainosuke would work well into the evening, locked away in his father’s— his study. Tadashi was so concerned that he thought he would have to out himself as an alpha to persuade the other to get some sleep. The only thing that ever stopped him was the fact that Ainosuke was also an alpha, so the effect would probably just make him mad and that would most likely result in him getting fired. Thankfully he never really had to act on it. But boy did he come close.
Tadashi tried to talk to Ainosuke about it, but every time he thought about it he would clam up instantly with dread. Who was he to talk to Ainosuke about his unhealthy habits when he himself hadn’t spoken to the other about how he treated the other when they were younger. Tadashi exhaled a sigh as he glanced over at the clock on the dashboard. Ainosuke was currently out dining with the latest party he was trying to win over in his favor. He drummed his thumbs against the steering wheel. He had one last meeting on his agenda for the day, and if he didn’t wrap it up soon he would be la—
“—You have a good evening as well Futanaka-san. Tell Miyako-chan that I said hello.” a voice chimed in as the door opened. Tadashi shot up in surprise before relaxing as he realized it was just Ainosuke. He watched the other get into the back seat as smoothly as he could before closing the door.
Once the door shut his whole demeanor dropped as the younger man exhaled. “He is so lucky that I’m a patient man” Ainosuke grumbled to himself quietly as he buckled himself in. Once settled, his eyes snap up to the rearview mirror as he levels Tadashi a harsh glare. “What are you waiting for, I have another meeting I need to get to. I can’t afford to be late.”
“Yes sir, Ainosuke-sama” Tadashi said as he started the car and put it in drive. “I was just making sure you were settled before I drove off.” He sat alone in silence for ten minutes before asking, “did you have a good dinner?”
Sometimes Ainosuke would respond back with a short remark, sometimes he would just ignore him. Tonight though, he seemed to be very chatty.
“I feel like I’m on the edge of a break through Tadashi.” Ainosuke said as he turned his gaze to view out the window.
“Oh?” Tadashi replied back, chancing a glance at Ainosuke in the rearview mirror. A small smile graced his lips, that was terrific news! Ainosuke had just managed to become a member of the house of representatives. He was still too young to be considered for the house of councillors, but this was something. He was also the youngest member so far of the lower house of the National Diet of Japan. It was very important for Ainosuke to get his name out there, to be relatable, to be rememberable.
“Yes. I feel like I’m going to be once step closer to meeting my Eve, Tadashi.” Ainosuke hummed out happily, resting his head against his propped up arm.
Wait— what? “Your… Eve?” Tadashi asked a hint of confusion coloring his tone.
“Yes, Tadashi. Please keep up. I’ve been working on a side project ever since— well that’s not important now. But I’ve been working on getting something set up for S, you see. That’s where we’re going to, by the way. I’m going to be meeting up with the two founding members to square away the final costs of what they’ll need from me to get things set up and running. Which means that I’ll be one step closer to finding my Eve.” Ainosuke explained mattarfactly.
Tadashi’s grip on the steering wheel tightened briefly upon hearing the proclamation. He couldn’t explain why, but there was something about that statement that he didn’t like. He vaguely recalled that Ainosuke used to skate with other people, and that they had formed a little club of sorts. He wasn’t exactly upset with that, no, but it felt like he was sort of being replaced? Of course he had no reason to be feeling that way since he was the one who had initially pulled away from Ainosuke first. It only made sense that he would then turn to and find others who were also interested in the sport. But it didn’t stop the sweltering negative emotions from bubbling up his throat angrily.
“Ah, I see.” Was the only decent reply he could come up with. Anything else seemed too foreign for his tongue. His response only seemed to pull a soft chortle out of Ainosuke.
“I know, that’s why I wanted you to work with me from the very beginning. You’re very passive, Tadashi. And agreeable.” Ainosuke paused as he glanced over, catching Tadashi’s gaze in the rearview mirror. His gaze was dark, and it sent shivers up and down Tadashi’s spine, but he couldn’t bring himself to look away. “Almost like a dog trying to please his master after he pissed on a very expensive rug.” Ainosuke said, holding his gaze for a few more seconds before tearing it away to look out the window.
Ouch. Okay, yeah… he might have, no— he definitely deserved that.
Tadashi clenched his teeth as he tried to school his emotions as best as he could. He so desperately wanted to stop the car and apologize for everything then and there, but that would be a moot point now. Ainosuke didn’t seem like he was in the mood to hear it anyways, so with that he kept driving to the designated meet up location. Once he parked, he made a move to get out of the car, but was stopped when Ainosuke flicked his wrist signaling that it was not needed.
“Don’t bother, it’s not going to be a very long meeting. I’m just cutting them a check and giving them the address of the new meet up.” Ainosuke explained as he opened his door, only pausing briefly as he stood to exit. “Oh and puppy? Keep the car running this time.” And with that Ainosuke shut the door with a resounding clunk.
❤ ❤ ❤
Turns out Ainosuke only took an interest in S whenever someone truly promising came along. He rarely showed up to watch other people’s beefs, much to Cherry Blossom and Joe’s dismay. The both of them challenged Ainosuke to beefs so frequently that Tadashi had a permanent draft of rejection saved in Ainosuke’s S account. Tadashi never questioned why he turned the two down, because from what he could remember they were both founding members. Much like the political world, Ainosuke didn’t have time to deal with the “small fries”, or at least that was the only logical reason Tadashi could supply. In fact Ainosuke— no, Adam, only skated against those who truly piqued his interest. The one’s he deemed perfect though, never seemed to last long. Ainosuke was starting to lose hope in being able to find his Eve. That is until Snow came along.
He tried to not feel too bothered by it. In fact he tried to compartmentalize his feelings, even going so far to remind himself that he had lost every right to be upset. After all he was the one who chose to stop being Ainosuke’s friend, he lost any right he could have had. A rational part of him tried to reason that he was coerced into it, and that he was doing whatever he could to still stay with Ainosuke. But he did agree to it, and he didn’t even put up a fight when it came down to it.
Tadashi didn’t think anything of it at first when Ainosuke’s interest towards Snow grew. He sort of thought that Snow would fall just like the many who came before him, but he was different. Snow wasn’t like the rest, and that was very easy to see from Tadashi’s position. Adam had always talked about wanting someone who could continuously push him, someone who could keep up with him. Someone he wouldn’t grow bored of and discard later. Adam had an awful habit of discarding those who didn’t intrigue him anymore. He did just that with that younger boy, Miya, was it?
Adam’s fixation with ensuring that Snow would be his Eve was starting to grow into an unhealthy obsession. He was starting to put S over his actual work obligations. Of course Ainosuke was still doing his job, pushing his agenda to get his name out there and trying to gain favors where he could. But once he was done he was always off to S, and if he couldn’t spend his physical time at S, then he would review the film taken from the security cameras just to keep up with everything.
Tadashi wasn’t sure when his feelings for Ainosuke changed from platonic to romantic, but he would do just about anything for the younger man. Even if it meant going to jail, he would do it without any hesitation. If he were being openly honest with himself, he would guess that he’s had romantic feelings for Ainosuke when he presented as an alpha. It wasn’t… of course times were different back then, so an alpha and alpha partnership wasn’t really… well, ideal. Things were starting to get more progressive. Alpha and alpha partnerships weren’t as looked down upon as they were in the past. Sure people still thought it was odd, but there weren’t as many people trying to tear it down like there used to be. But just because he had feelings didn’t mean that Ainosuke reciprocated them.
Which brings us back to Snow. It wasn’t like he completely hated the kid. There was a lot he admired about him, but it was hard to see the man he loved obsess over someone who knew nothing about him. Hell, it made his blood boil anytime Ainosuke’s aunts badgered him about when he was going to get married. He always had to excuse himself from the room anytime those meetings popped up, lest his alpha get the better of him. But anytime he thought about that his mind would instantly replay every hurtful thing he’s done to Ainosuke in the past.
What gives him the right to love this man when he’s already done so much to hurt him? Would always echo in his brain afterwards. Which was true. He knows he can never right his wrongs, and that Ainosuke shouldn’t forgive him.
Feelings aside though, he would do anything he could do in order to protect Ainosuke. But there was only so much he could do himself. If Ainosuke wasn’t careful then he would surely lose everything he had built and accomplished by himself over this obsession. That would be too heartbreaking for Tadashi to witness, which is what primarily fuels him into entering the tournament. He wants to stop Ainosuke from losing track of himself and risking it all for this…. Eve.
Ainosuke wasn’t really keen on the idea of him joining the tournament. In fact that was probably the angriest Tadashi had seen Ainosuke in quite some time, but his rage wasn’t misplaced. His scalp had tingled for weeks afterwards, and on his darker days he could still recall the animosity and hatred that shone darkly in Ainosuke’s eyes, it was almost as if his eyes took on a darker color at the discovery. The tone he held and how angry he sounded. The betrayal daring to bleed out at any given moment like a dam about to burst.
He held steadfast to the idea that he needed to be the one to get Adam to stop skating, but his opinion on the matter changed shortly after he watched him skate against Reki. He couldn’t believe it at first, some no name who had completely ate it during their first beef together was able to not only get close to beating Adam, but to also shake him to his core. In all the time he’s known Ainosuke he can’t ever recall a time where Ainosuke has been doubtful. The man oozed confidence, which… sometimes came off as cockiness, but from what he could remember Ainosuke lived in a household where coming in second was a disgrace.
Subconsciously he knew he would never be able to reach out to Ainosuke. He had burned that bridge far too long ago. He just wanted to feel like he could be the one to make a difference, but they were far too damaged to even try. He knew it that day he picked Ainosuke up from the airport when he came back home from America. Hell, he knew it probably happened when he stood there, unmoving like a lump, as he watched Aiichiro burn his skateboard. But there was something he knew he could do right, something that would make things better again.
He watched as Snow pulled Reki into a tight hug, whispering something quietly that brought a small smile to the red head’s face and a quick punch to his shoulder. The smile was infectious though, as it brought a small smile to Tadashi’s face. At that moment he knew that things would be okay, but he would have to leave this to Snow.
Snow had caught his gaze briefly, tilting his head in confusion. Tadashi shook his head before giving him a small nod and quickly turned heel. He walked over to where Adam was standing, drenched and lost in his own. He looked… unsteady.
“I’m forfeiting my race to you.” Tadashi said before looking back and gesturing over to Snow.
❤ ❤ ❤
Tadashi knew it was risky to bet it all on a kid, but the blood between him and Ainosuke was not…. There was no way he would have been able to reach through to him. Adam had managed to effectively close himself off to the world. But his loss to Snow managed to break through to him. He was… different. Almost serene after he absorbed the fact that he lost. He didn’t seem upset though, which was a complete 180 from his almost loss to Reki.
He watched Adam walk away from the conglomeration of celebration, he couldn’t tell if the other was being a sore loser or that he simply just wanted to absorb the loss. He smiled at the others who were surrounded by Snow congratulating him on the win, before he trotted off to catch up to Adam.
“I’m sorry, sir.” Tadashi said, somewhat out of instinct, but also just in general sorrow for the other. His shoulders slumped as Ainosuke continued walking past him. His footsteps resounding in the background, before coming to a full stop.
“I thought I had given all of that up.” Ainosuke said, pausing briefly as if he were trying to figure the correct words to string together. “But there was something he was able to remind me of, something that you taught me when we were kids.” Adam said softly, almost forlorn.
Tadashi turned around and watched Ainosuke stare up at the moon. He couldn’t bare to feel hopeful, but his interest was piqued as he approached the other with trepidation.
“Sir?” Tadashi said after a few minutes of just standing there with the other as he cautiously reached out to put a hand on Adam’s shoulder. Adam flinched, but it was more like he had been taken off guard than anything else. Ainosuke made a noncommittal noise as he glanced down at Tadashi, waiting.
“Do you… are you ready to go home, sir?” Tadashi asked, licking his lips nervously.
Ainosuke’s gaze drifted from Tadashi and up towards the moon. It looked like he was in a trance, sort of lost in thought. Tadashi opened his mouth and slide his arm up, question ready to be repeated on the tip of his tongue.
“Let’s go home, puppy.” Ainosuke said as he reached out with his free hand to grasp for Tadashi’s. Tadashi felt the cool textured feel of Ainosuke’s glove wrap around his hand. His initial reaction would be to jerk his hand away, that it wasn’t what he was supposed to allow. But something seemed to resolve in himself with Ainosuke’s loss and he found himself wrapping his fingers around Ainosuke’s hand. Tadashi led the way back to the car, tugging Ainosuke along beside him.
Once they were settled in the car, Tadashi became immediately aware that something was not… right. He turned the key in the car’s ignition as he sniffed the air curiously. He couldn’t tell what it was, but it smelt… it smelt fantastic? Sort of like an orange doused in honey. He continued to sniff the air before he glanced at the rearview mirror.
“Did one of us step in something?” The question tumbling out of his mouth before he knew he had even opened it.
Ainosuke seemed confused for the briefest of seconds before he got a whiff of the smell. He paled and stiffened simultaneously. “Ah… fuck.”
Tadashi gripped the steering wheel in concern as he turned his head to glance over at Ainosuke. “What?” Concern colored his tone. “Is everything okay?”
Ainosuke waved his hand dismissively. “Oh, everything’s fine. I must have missed taking my pill and in my haste with today I didn’t put a scent blocker on.”
Tadashi continued to look at Ainosuke in utter confusion.
“Heat, puppy. I’m about to start my heat.” Ainosuke explained as if he were talking about the nightly news.
“Your… what?” Tadashi stuttered out. This couldn’t be… this just had to be one sick joke right? He glanced around as if expecting Cherry and Joe to pop out simultaneously yelling surprise and toting camcorders. Nothing seemed to jump out at him though, except for the exasperated sigh Ainosuke let out from behind him.
“My heat. I presented as an omega when I was in America. I’ve been heavily medicated ever since my return home. My aunties couldn’t fathom the idea of me being an omega so I’ve had to parade around as an alpha.” Ainosuke explained tutting away as he slouched further into the back seat. “But it’s not a big deal because I’m sure you have something in the car you use for yourself, right.”
Tadashi’s grip tightened on the steering wheel so hard that his knuckles were starting to turn white. His shoulders shook with the intensity of this… problem. “Uhm… I- I don’t… have that. I have scent blockers, but I don’t… if I gave you the medication I use, it wouldn’t… work at all for you…” Tadashi babbled on getting more and more tense as the seconds ticked on by.
“I think I’m at a loss now, what do you mean Tadashi?” Ainosuke asked, sitting up.
“Uh— well. I’m… not… an…” Tadashi started, but paused to take a breath. “I presented as an alpha. I only lied about my presentation since I couldn’t afford to not help my parents out and the Shindou’s don’t… well, you know….” Tadashi explained sinking further and further into the driver’s seat.
Realization seemed to dawn on Ainosuke as he registered the hot bomb Tadashi dropped in his lap. “oh… I see…”
“I should— I can drop you off wherever you want me to? I’m sure I can get you a last minute booking for you at the Hilton—“
“Tadashi.”
“Or the Four Seasons—”
“Tadashi.”
“Or maybe the Irodori??”
“Tadashi.”
“—Actually I think that one might be closer to us, location wise.” Tadashi started, as he fumbled around for his cell phone.
“PUPPY!”
Tadashi startled at the abrupt call of his nickname and dropped his cell. “S- Sir?”
“Just… take me home, puppy.” Ainosuke said, slouching back into the cushion of the backseat.
“But sir I don’t— I don’t trust myself around… I could— and I don’t—“ Tadashi babbled on, the stress of the situation caused him to be more flustered than he wanted to be.
“That’s fine. There’s no one I would rather spend my heat with than you anyways. Now please, drive us home while I still have an ounce of my sanity.” Ainosuke said, resolved.
“But— but sir, I’m sure there’s… there has to be someone you’d rather spend your h- heat with?” Tadashi asked as he started the car.
Ainosuke heaved a sigh as he unbuckled himself so he could push himself closer to the driver’s seat. “Tadashi, I’m very sound of mind right now. I can’t think of anyone else I would rather spend my heat with, and I’m certainly not spending it alone. So, please drive us home so you can fuck me senselessly. After that we can… talk… about us.”
He knows that they hadn’t left on the best of terms, which is why he had practiced for a good two hours on how he would breech the subject, but everything went out of his head the moment he laid eyes on Ainosuke. America had… changed him. He was no longer the meek teenager who left Japan, heartbroken probably, Tadashi’s subconscious supplies sullenly. He unconsciously licks his lips as he gives Ainosuke a one up. Before Ainosuke left he was still growing into his own body. He was fit, sure, he skated on a daily basis if Tadashi had to surmise. But he was sort of scrawny, baby fat still clinging to him in some areas. Now though? He looked like one of those Grecian sculptures brought to life. He couldn’t see much, but he could see muscle definition, especially in his thighs. Ainosuke was tall before he left, but he definitely grew at least another five more inches since then.
When Ainosuke finally takes notice of Tadashi, he flicks the ash off from his cigarette before bringing it up to his lips for one last final drag. It’s like he takes a drag from it as deliberately slow as he possibly can. “Tadashi.” he says after a minute after blowing the smoke past his pursed lips. No care at all for where the smoke went after his exhale. An unintelligible part of Tadashi’s brain was scrambling to catch up to the fact that Ainosuke was smoking. He must have picked the habit up in America, because he didn’t smoke before he left Japan. Tadashi thought as he scrambled to avert his gaze, embarrassed to have been caught staring.
“Let me guess, father dearest couldn’t take time from his busy schedule to pick me up?” Ainosuke asked as he stubbed out the cigarette before depositing the butt into the ashtray that was next to the smoker’s bench.
“He… had a meeting he couldn’t reschedule.” Tadashi found himself replying, hesitantly, unsure if that would upset Ainosuke further. He was hard to read before leaving, so he wasn’t sure if he would be harder to read now. “But he sent me in his steed. Here,” he paused as he made an attempt to reach out for Ainosuke’s luggage. The rest of his belongings were being shipped from America. Not that he had much, Aiichiro preferred to only keep him in a hotel suite then to let him rent out an apartment. He said it had something to do with not having to furnish a living space for five years and then having to sell it all later. The more Tadashi thought about Aiichiro’s reasonings only seemed to make him more upset and sad for Ainosuke. It felt impersonal? To have to spend a small chunk of years cooped up in a hotel room. Shaking himself out of his thoughts he tugged Ainosuke’s suitcase closer to him.
“Shall we head on home, Ainosuke-sama?”
“If we must, Tadashi.” And with that Ainosuke pushed himself from the wall he had been leaning against and walked off and to the area where the self park garage was. A very subtle hint of citrus wafted from Ainosuke as a breeze swept by them as he moved past Tadashi. He almost didn’t notice it at first. The little hint was so intoxicating though, and it left Tadashi wanting more. But he quickly schooled his features and followed after his charge.
He had a deep understanding that he would never be so lucky. Ainosuke-sama was an alpha, after all.
Tadashi never really got the chance to explain himself on the car ride home. The moment Ainosuke seated himself in the back he fell asleep. Something about not being able to sleep properly on the long flight home. He tried to not read too much into it. But it did make him happy to know that Ainosuke at least felt comfortable to fall asleep in his presence.
The rest of the drive was uneventfully quiet. He had meant to ask Ainosuke if there was anywhere he wanted to stop at for a quick bite to eat before meeting up with his father. There had to be something he missed eating when he was abroad, surely; and his father still had an hour left if his meeting was still on schedule. But one glance at the rearview mirror let him know that Ainosuke was out like a light. He looked so at peace in his sleep that Tadashi just let him be. In fact he hated having to be the one to wake him up once they got home.
But Aiichiro expressed in great detail that he wanted to talk to his son the moment they got home. In private.
Tadashi tried to assure himself that it was going to be a good meeting. If he had to gather, it was probably about how Aiichiro wanted to hand the reigns over to Ainosuke. Slowly, of course. Aiichiro was too much of a control freak to hand everything over at once. Anyways— as hopeful as Tadashi was in seeing Ainosuke afterwards, he didn’t see him for the rest of the evening. In fact when he did see him the following morning, he looked pleased, actually he looked beyond pleased. It was an odd sight. But at least he seemed happy? Which was more than what Tadashi had wanted for him.
Tadashi didn’t really see much of Ainosuke after that. Apparently he was busy studying up on Japanese politics. Aiichiro was a businessman, so it was a bit… odd, but if he thought back on it, he could have sworn that one of Aiichiro’s sisters had mentioned over the phone how proud of an aunt she was to have a nephew stepping into politics, or something to that effect. He tried to not stick his nose in things when it didn’t concern him. He wasn’t supposed to have opinions, after all.
But still, Tadashi had found himself wishing that their schedules aligned a little more. There wasn’t much he could do though, since he was Aiichiro’s secretary. At most, the only time he saw Ainosuke was at breakfast, but even then it’s not like he was actually sitting around and enjoying breakfast. Aiichiro had taken to eating his meals in his study after Ainosuke came back. It was a weird request, but Tadashi took it in stride. Besides, he didn’t really want to inquire since he knew he wouldn’t get much out of the elderly man.
He was about to take Aiichiro’s tray to his study, before Ainosuke stopped him.
“Say, Tadashi. I have an… inquiry, if you will.” Ainosuke said as he dabbed a napkin at the corner of his lips.
Tadashi’s head snapped up at the mention of his name. “Y- Yes, Ainosuke-sama?” He found himself stuttering out as he attempted to calm down his nerves, they had practically gone almost a year without speaking to one another. He had had it in his head that Ainosuke no longer wanted to talk to him, so this was… refreshing nonetheless.
“You don’t have to answer if it’s too personal, but…” Ainosuke trailed as he squinted down at the table. “How much is my father paying you?”
“To be his secretary, that is.” Tadashi’s not sure if Ainosuke realized how inappropriately worded that question was, but he’s thankful nonetheless.
“Oh… well, he’s paying me the standard going rate?” Tadashi replied, hoping that that information was more than enough. He actually never really paid attention to his paychecks. He was too busy tending to Aiichiro’s beck and call to pay any mind to that. Thankfully that seemed to appease Ainosuke as his face darkened a little in thought.
Ainosuke let out a hum as he stroked his chin absentmindedly. “What if I were to proposition you for a job.”
“I… I would have to think it over? But I’m not sure if your father would be willing to let me go though.” Tadashi said as he fiddled with the silver tray’s handles.
“Even if I were to pay you triple the amount that he pays you?” Ainosuke said as he reached for his cup of coffee. He brought it to his lips, his gaze never leaving Tadashi’s even as he took a sip from the pristine cup.
Tadashi wanted to respond that he didn’t really care about getting a raise or not? He was more so elated over the idea of getting to work with Ainosuke, than any other prospering idea of the job. Unfortunately his facial expression didn’t really convey his mood as he stood there speechless, gaping like a fish out of water. Ainosuke seemed to take his silence as a challenge though as he was ready with another riposte.
“I’m going to run for the diet, and I need someone who can keep up with me once I’m in.” Ainosuke explained. The confidence seemed to roll off of him in waves. “Of course I could have anyone at my beck and call given my status as a Shindou, but I want you. I also want to fuck my father over and watch him scramble to replace a man of your caliber, but that’s neither here nor there.” Ainosuke explained as he flicked his wrists. He stood from the table ready to leave, but paused. “You know where to reach me.”
Tadashi waited until Ainosuke was long gone before he collapsed into the seat next to him. He hadn’t ever… he never dared to imagine something like that. He had hoped that he would be able to mend things between them, but he hadn’t thought that Ainosuke would want him of all people to work directly underneath him. This was… this was a lot to consider. He didn’t mind working for Aiichiro, but the man was a perfectionist and that was putting it lightly. Tadashi took a calming breath as he got to his feet. He had much to think about for sure, but for now he had matters to tend to. And that was bringing Aiichiro his breakfast, which he was late to delivering. Ah.
He had been distracted by his encounter with Ainosuke all day. He tried to not let it get the best of him, but apparently it had. He actually got a very stern talking to (oh who are we kidding, he got his ass chewed out) by Aiichiro after his business meeting with the Kita corporation. Of course Aiichiro didn’t know why he was so distracted, and it was very detrimental for him to not divulge that information. After all who would like the idea of someone poaching your secretary? Especially if that certain someone was your own son.
Tadashi didn’t have much time to mull it over though because by the end of the month Aiichiro had begrudgingly called him into his office. He definitely wasn’t expecting Ainosuke to be apart of the meeting though. It felt weird, almost like dealing with an underhanded transaction of sorts? At first he thought he was being fired, but if that were the case someone from HR would also be in attendance, and not Ainosuke. ….right?
“It seems that my son has a greater need for you than I do.” Aiichiro said wryly. It looked like he wanted to go into more detail, but stopped and exhaled a sigh. “You are no longer under my employment as my secretary, I’ll need your badge by the end of the week as well as any personal property of mine, meaning your laptop.” Aiichiro said as he shot Ainosuke a repugnant look.
“I’m glad we were able to work things out amicably, father.” Ainosuke chirped as he stood up from one of the plush chairs that sat in front of Aiichiro’s desk. “Come now Tadashi, we have a rally to be getting to.” Tadashi sank back into the chair he was in as he stared at disbelief. He didn’t have much time to digest it before Ainosuke was tugging him out of the chair.
Aiichiro passed away about a year after that. Tadashi tried to not think too heavily on it. He knew the man had health issues, but he didn’t want to spend too much time thinking about how rapidly his health declined the months following his departure on Aiichiro’s staff. Instead he tried to focus his efforts on Ainosuke and how he was handling the death of his father. But really, it was the lack-thereof. Ainosuke hadn’t given himself the proper time to grieve, sure he was present for the funeral. But he seemed distracted at best.
And it wasn’t the type of distraction of someone who had just lost a family member, like his aunt’s. His aunt’s grieved Aiichiro’s passing for weeks, months really. But Ainosuke? He just kept throwing himself at more things. Which… well, it wasn’t healthy. Sure, Ainosuke didn’t really have a healthy relationship with his father, but the man was still his father. He was acting as if a friend of a friend of his father’s passed away rather than his father.
In fact the day after Aiichiro passed, Ainosuke was pulling up the blueprints of an abandoned mine to be the new location to host S. Tadashi knew better than to inquire about it, figuring that Ainosuke was the type who needed to busywork than to deal with his emotions. Little did he know that that was only the catalyst.
Ainosuke would work well into the evening, locked away in his father’s— his study. Tadashi was so concerned that he thought he would have to out himself as an alpha to persuade the other to get some sleep. The only thing that ever stopped him was the fact that Ainosuke was also an alpha, so the effect would probably just make him mad and that would most likely result in him getting fired. Thankfully he never really had to act on it. But boy did he come close.
Tadashi tried to talk to Ainosuke about it, but every time he thought about it he would clam up instantly with dread. Who was he to talk to Ainosuke about his unhealthy habits when he himself hadn’t spoken to the other about how he treated the other when they were younger. Tadashi exhaled a sigh as he glanced over at the clock on the dashboard. Ainosuke was currently out dining with the latest party he was trying to win over in his favor. He drummed his thumbs against the steering wheel. He had one last meeting on his agenda for the day, and if he didn’t wrap it up soon he would be la—
“—You have a good evening as well Futanaka-san. Tell Miyako-chan that I said hello.” a voice chimed in as the door opened. Tadashi shot up in surprise before relaxing as he realized it was just Ainosuke. He watched the other get into the back seat as smoothly as he could before closing the door.
Once the door shut his whole demeanor dropped as the younger man exhaled. “He is so lucky that I’m a patient man” Ainosuke grumbled to himself quietly as he buckled himself in. Once settled, his eyes snap up to the rearview mirror as he levels Tadashi a harsh glare. “What are you waiting for, I have another meeting I need to get to. I can’t afford to be late.”
“Yes sir, Ainosuke-sama” Tadashi said as he started the car and put it in drive. “I was just making sure you were settled before I drove off.” He sat alone in silence for ten minutes before asking, “did you have a good dinner?”
Sometimes Ainosuke would respond back with a short remark, sometimes he would just ignore him. Tonight though, he seemed to be very chatty.
“I feel like I’m on the edge of a break through Tadashi.” Ainosuke said as he turned his gaze to view out the window.
“Oh?” Tadashi replied back, chancing a glance at Ainosuke in the rearview mirror. A small smile graced his lips, that was terrific news! Ainosuke had just managed to become a member of the house of representatives. He was still too young to be considered for the house of councillors, but this was something. He was also the youngest member so far of the lower house of the National Diet of Japan. It was very important for Ainosuke to get his name out there, to be relatable, to be rememberable.
“Yes. I feel like I’m going to be once step closer to meeting my Eve, Tadashi.” Ainosuke hummed out happily, resting his head against his propped up arm.
Wait— what? “Your… Eve?” Tadashi asked a hint of confusion coloring his tone.
“Yes, Tadashi. Please keep up. I’ve been working on a side project ever since— well that’s not important now. But I’ve been working on getting something set up for S, you see. That’s where we’re going to, by the way. I’m going to be meeting up with the two founding members to square away the final costs of what they’ll need from me to get things set up and running. Which means that I’ll be one step closer to finding my Eve.” Ainosuke explained mattarfactly.
Tadashi’s grip on the steering wheel tightened briefly upon hearing the proclamation. He couldn’t explain why, but there was something about that statement that he didn’t like. He vaguely recalled that Ainosuke used to skate with other people, and that they had formed a little club of sorts. He wasn’t exactly upset with that, no, but it felt like he was sort of being replaced? Of course he had no reason to be feeling that way since he was the one who had initially pulled away from Ainosuke first. It only made sense that he would then turn to and find others who were also interested in the sport. But it didn’t stop the sweltering negative emotions from bubbling up his throat angrily.
“Ah, I see.” Was the only decent reply he could come up with. Anything else seemed too foreign for his tongue. His response only seemed to pull a soft chortle out of Ainosuke.
“I know, that’s why I wanted you to work with me from the very beginning. You’re very passive, Tadashi. And agreeable.” Ainosuke paused as he glanced over, catching Tadashi’s gaze in the rearview mirror. His gaze was dark, and it sent shivers up and down Tadashi’s spine, but he couldn’t bring himself to look away. “Almost like a dog trying to please his master after he pissed on a very expensive rug.” Ainosuke said, holding his gaze for a few more seconds before tearing it away to look out the window.
Ouch. Okay, yeah… he might have, no— he definitely deserved that.
Tadashi clenched his teeth as he tried to school his emotions as best as he could. He so desperately wanted to stop the car and apologize for everything then and there, but that would be a moot point now. Ainosuke didn’t seem like he was in the mood to hear it anyways, so with that he kept driving to the designated meet up location. Once he parked, he made a move to get out of the car, but was stopped when Ainosuke flicked his wrist signaling that it was not needed.
“Don’t bother, it’s not going to be a very long meeting. I’m just cutting them a check and giving them the address of the new meet up.” Ainosuke explained as he opened his door, only pausing briefly as he stood to exit. “Oh and puppy? Keep the car running this time.” And with that Ainosuke shut the door with a resounding clunk.
Turns out Ainosuke only took an interest in S whenever someone truly promising came along. He rarely showed up to watch other people’s beefs, much to Cherry Blossom and Joe’s dismay. The both of them challenged Ainosuke to beefs so frequently that Tadashi had a permanent draft of rejection saved in Ainosuke’s S account. Tadashi never questioned why he turned the two down, because from what he could remember they were both founding members. Much like the political world, Ainosuke didn’t have time to deal with the “small fries”, or at least that was the only logical reason Tadashi could supply. In fact Ainosuke— no, Adam, only skated against those who truly piqued his interest. The one’s he deemed perfect though, never seemed to last long. Ainosuke was starting to lose hope in being able to find his Eve. That is until Snow came along.
He tried to not feel too bothered by it. In fact he tried to compartmentalize his feelings, even going so far to remind himself that he had lost every right to be upset. After all he was the one who chose to stop being Ainosuke’s friend, he lost any right he could have had. A rational part of him tried to reason that he was coerced into it, and that he was doing whatever he could to still stay with Ainosuke. But he did agree to it, and he didn’t even put up a fight when it came down to it.
Tadashi didn’t think anything of it at first when Ainosuke’s interest towards Snow grew. He sort of thought that Snow would fall just like the many who came before him, but he was different. Snow wasn’t like the rest, and that was very easy to see from Tadashi’s position. Adam had always talked about wanting someone who could continuously push him, someone who could keep up with him. Someone he wouldn’t grow bored of and discard later. Adam had an awful habit of discarding those who didn’t intrigue him anymore. He did just that with that younger boy, Miya, was it?
Adam’s fixation with ensuring that Snow would be his Eve was starting to grow into an unhealthy obsession. He was starting to put S over his actual work obligations. Of course Ainosuke was still doing his job, pushing his agenda to get his name out there and trying to gain favors where he could. But once he was done he was always off to S, and if he couldn’t spend his physical time at S, then he would review the film taken from the security cameras just to keep up with everything.
Tadashi wasn’t sure when his feelings for Ainosuke changed from platonic to romantic, but he would do just about anything for the younger man. Even if it meant going to jail, he would do it without any hesitation. If he were being openly honest with himself, he would guess that he’s had romantic feelings for Ainosuke when he presented as an alpha. It wasn’t… of course times were different back then, so an alpha and alpha partnership wasn’t really… well, ideal. Things were starting to get more progressive. Alpha and alpha partnerships weren’t as looked down upon as they were in the past. Sure people still thought it was odd, but there weren’t as many people trying to tear it down like there used to be. But just because he had feelings didn’t mean that Ainosuke reciprocated them.
Which brings us back to Snow. It wasn’t like he completely hated the kid. There was a lot he admired about him, but it was hard to see the man he loved obsess over someone who knew nothing about him. Hell, it made his blood boil anytime Ainosuke’s aunts badgered him about when he was going to get married. He always had to excuse himself from the room anytime those meetings popped up, lest his alpha get the better of him. But anytime he thought about that his mind would instantly replay every hurtful thing he’s done to Ainosuke in the past.
What gives him the right to love this man when he’s already done so much to hurt him? Would always echo in his brain afterwards. Which was true. He knows he can never right his wrongs, and that Ainosuke shouldn’t forgive him.
Feelings aside though, he would do anything he could do in order to protect Ainosuke. But there was only so much he could do himself. If Ainosuke wasn’t careful then he would surely lose everything he had built and accomplished by himself over this obsession. That would be too heartbreaking for Tadashi to witness, which is what primarily fuels him into entering the tournament. He wants to stop Ainosuke from losing track of himself and risking it all for this…. Eve.
Ainosuke wasn’t really keen on the idea of him joining the tournament. In fact that was probably the angriest Tadashi had seen Ainosuke in quite some time, but his rage wasn’t misplaced. His scalp had tingled for weeks afterwards, and on his darker days he could still recall the animosity and hatred that shone darkly in Ainosuke’s eyes, it was almost as if his eyes took on a darker color at the discovery. The tone he held and how angry he sounded. The betrayal daring to bleed out at any given moment like a dam about to burst.
He held steadfast to the idea that he needed to be the one to get Adam to stop skating, but his opinion on the matter changed shortly after he watched him skate against Reki. He couldn’t believe it at first, some no name who had completely ate it during their first beef together was able to not only get close to beating Adam, but to also shake him to his core. In all the time he’s known Ainosuke he can’t ever recall a time where Ainosuke has been doubtful. The man oozed confidence, which… sometimes came off as cockiness, but from what he could remember Ainosuke lived in a household where coming in second was a disgrace.
Subconsciously he knew he would never be able to reach out to Ainosuke. He had burned that bridge far too long ago. He just wanted to feel like he could be the one to make a difference, but they were far too damaged to even try. He knew it that day he picked Ainosuke up from the airport when he came back home from America. Hell, he knew it probably happened when he stood there, unmoving like a lump, as he watched Aiichiro burn his skateboard. But there was something he knew he could do right, something that would make things better again.
He watched as Snow pulled Reki into a tight hug, whispering something quietly that brought a small smile to the red head’s face and a quick punch to his shoulder. The smile was infectious though, as it brought a small smile to Tadashi’s face. At that moment he knew that things would be okay, but he would have to leave this to Snow.
Snow had caught his gaze briefly, tilting his head in confusion. Tadashi shook his head before giving him a small nod and quickly turned heel. He walked over to where Adam was standing, drenched and lost in his own. He looked… unsteady.
“I’m forfeiting my race to you.” Tadashi said before looking back and gesturing over to Snow.
Tadashi knew it was risky to bet it all on a kid, but the blood between him and Ainosuke was not…. There was no way he would have been able to reach through to him. Adam had managed to effectively close himself off to the world. But his loss to Snow managed to break through to him. He was… different. Almost serene after he absorbed the fact that he lost. He didn’t seem upset though, which was a complete 180 from his almost loss to Reki.
He watched Adam walk away from the conglomeration of celebration, he couldn’t tell if the other was being a sore loser or that he simply just wanted to absorb the loss. He smiled at the others who were surrounded by Snow congratulating him on the win, before he trotted off to catch up to Adam.
“I’m sorry, sir.” Tadashi said, somewhat out of instinct, but also just in general sorrow for the other. His shoulders slumped as Ainosuke continued walking past him. His footsteps resounding in the background, before coming to a full stop.
“I thought I had given all of that up.” Ainosuke said, pausing briefly as if he were trying to figure the correct words to string together. “But there was something he was able to remind me of, something that you taught me when we were kids.” Adam said softly, almost forlorn.
Tadashi turned around and watched Ainosuke stare up at the moon. He couldn’t bare to feel hopeful, but his interest was piqued as he approached the other with trepidation.
“Sir?” Tadashi said after a few minutes of just standing there with the other as he cautiously reached out to put a hand on Adam’s shoulder. Adam flinched, but it was more like he had been taken off guard than anything else. Ainosuke made a noncommittal noise as he glanced down at Tadashi, waiting.
“Do you… are you ready to go home, sir?” Tadashi asked, licking his lips nervously.
Ainosuke’s gaze drifted from Tadashi and up towards the moon. It looked like he was in a trance, sort of lost in thought. Tadashi opened his mouth and slide his arm up, question ready to be repeated on the tip of his tongue.
“Let’s go home, puppy.” Ainosuke said as he reached out with his free hand to grasp for Tadashi’s. Tadashi felt the cool textured feel of Ainosuke’s glove wrap around his hand. His initial reaction would be to jerk his hand away, that it wasn’t what he was supposed to allow. But something seemed to resolve in himself with Ainosuke’s loss and he found himself wrapping his fingers around Ainosuke’s hand. Tadashi led the way back to the car, tugging Ainosuke along beside him.
Once they were settled in the car, Tadashi became immediately aware that something was not… right. He turned the key in the car’s ignition as he sniffed the air curiously. He couldn’t tell what it was, but it smelt… it smelt fantastic? Sort of like an orange doused in honey. He continued to sniff the air before he glanced at the rearview mirror.
“Did one of us step in something?” The question tumbling out of his mouth before he knew he had even opened it.
Ainosuke seemed confused for the briefest of seconds before he got a whiff of the smell. He paled and stiffened simultaneously. “Ah… fuck.”
Tadashi gripped the steering wheel in concern as he turned his head to glance over at Ainosuke. “What?” Concern colored his tone. “Is everything okay?”
Ainosuke waved his hand dismissively. “Oh, everything’s fine. I must have missed taking my pill and in my haste with today I didn’t put a scent blocker on.”
Tadashi continued to look at Ainosuke in utter confusion.
“Heat, puppy. I’m about to start my heat.” Ainosuke explained as if he were talking about the nightly news.
“Your… what?” Tadashi stuttered out. This couldn’t be… this just had to be one sick joke right? He glanced around as if expecting Cherry and Joe to pop out simultaneously yelling surprise and toting camcorders. Nothing seemed to jump out at him though, except for the exasperated sigh Ainosuke let out from behind him.
“My heat. I presented as an omega when I was in America. I’ve been heavily medicated ever since my return home. My aunties couldn’t fathom the idea of me being an omega so I’ve had to parade around as an alpha.” Ainosuke explained tutting away as he slouched further into the back seat. “But it’s not a big deal because I’m sure you have something in the car you use for yourself, right.”
Tadashi’s grip tightened on the steering wheel so hard that his knuckles were starting to turn white. His shoulders shook with the intensity of this… problem. “Uhm… I- I don’t… have that. I have scent blockers, but I don’t… if I gave you the medication I use, it wouldn’t… work at all for you…” Tadashi babbled on getting more and more tense as the seconds ticked on by.
“I think I’m at a loss now, what do you mean Tadashi?” Ainosuke asked, sitting up.
“Uh— well. I’m… not… an…” Tadashi started, but paused to take a breath. “I presented as an alpha. I only lied about my presentation since I couldn’t afford to not help my parents out and the Shindou’s don’t… well, you know….” Tadashi explained sinking further and further into the driver’s seat.
Realization seemed to dawn on Ainosuke as he registered the hot bomb Tadashi dropped in his lap. “oh… I see…”
“I should— I can drop you off wherever you want me to? I’m sure I can get you a last minute booking for you at the Hilton—“
“Tadashi.”
“Or the Four Seasons—”
“Tadashi.”
“Or maybe the Irodori??”
“Tadashi.”
“—Actually I think that one might be closer to us, location wise.” Tadashi started, as he fumbled around for his cell phone.
“PUPPY!”
Tadashi startled at the abrupt call of his nickname and dropped his cell. “S- Sir?”
“Just… take me home, puppy.” Ainosuke said, slouching back into the cushion of the backseat.
“But sir I don’t— I don’t trust myself around… I could— and I don’t—“ Tadashi babbled on, the stress of the situation caused him to be more flustered than he wanted to be.
“That’s fine. There’s no one I would rather spend my heat with than you anyways. Now please, drive us home while I still have an ounce of my sanity.” Ainosuke said, resolved.
“But— but sir, I’m sure there’s… there has to be someone you’d rather spend your h- heat with?” Tadashi asked as he started the car.
Ainosuke heaved a sigh as he unbuckled himself so he could push himself closer to the driver’s seat. “Tadashi, I’m very sound of mind right now. I can’t think of anyone else I would rather spend my heat with, and I’m certainly not spending it alone. So, please drive us home so you can fuck me senselessly. After that we can… talk… about us.”