moe81 | I write for more than one fandom. I like it.

Title: Let go and protect

Rating: Hmm… PG

Pairing: Asami/Akihito…Takaba… whatever

Disclaimer: All Yamane-Sensei.

A/N: At some point in the future, I sincerely hope there is nothing resembling this much ANGST. (And yes I know that this will never happen and I am so very grateful for that.)

It was happening again. Having to fight tooth and nail to keep Akihito by his side was becoming a bad habit and to make it worse, he kept getting hurt. Asami believed in keeping all of his possessions safe, tied up into a neat little package where others couldn’t touch them, couldn’t get a finger hold and take them away.

He watched as the physician tended to the knife wound on Akihito’s arm. It was small really, almost a scratch and nothing to be worried about. Except that it had been a surprise attack, in an area where Asami was supposed to be protected against the likes of those that wanted him out of the picture. The damn kid should never have been there in the first place, taking pictures like he was at a park in broad daylight.

Asami’s eyes narrowed slightly, as Akihito winced against the disinfectant being swabbed on his skin. Too damn much and he couldn’t be everywhere at one, much as he’d like to be. Couldn’t protect what was his when he couldn’t see it.

It was an easy decision to do the right thing but as teeth clenched slightly on a cigarette, he had to wonder who it was easier for. An odd ache began in his chest, just slightly to the right of where his heart was supposed to be located, but he shoved it down to the pit of his stomach, ignored and unwanted.

A bottle of pain pills were held out to him and he automatically took them, eyes resting on the small white bandage covering pale skin. The doctor was speaking to him. He really should pay attention.

“He shouldn’t need more than two but if he does it will be fine,” didn’t he already know this? “Remember to call if his condition changes.”

If Asami had been the type to react when shocked, he would have flinched at the meaning in those words. A small nod and the doctor was out the door. Asami watched as Akihito twisted his arm, feeling for the pain and apparently finding it because he grimaced.

Too close.

Asami walked to the window and stared out, fingers tightening around the little bottle in his hand. This was the right thing to do. It had to be.

He listened as Akihito stood and gathered his jacket and bag, little clicking noises filling the room as he checked his camera over. That damn camera. The root of so many problems that Asami would be happy to see it over a balcony, and he would watch with glee as it smashed on pavement.

“Takaba.”

“Hmm?” Distracted, just like always. Asami could distract him and then tie him up so he could never get free. That would solve all his problems.

“I want you to go.”

He could feel a stare creating heat on his skin and it was enough that he wanted to remove his jacket. He felt so damn unbalanced.

“Well…ok. If that’s what you want. Come see me later, ok?” The slide of material on material, as a jacket was drawn up smooth arms and came to rest on lean shoulders. It was too deep.

“No.”

He didn’t need to look for the reflections reaction. He could feel the frown and he wanted to rub it away with his thumbs, skin on skin, just one touch. It was too much.

“A…Asami?”

The poor kid, he sounded so unsure of himself. He hated that voice because it meant that Akihito would begin to question everything. Just turn around and drag him in for kiss, a hug even. He was drowning and he couldn’t stop himself.

“It’s done with, Takaba. It was fun though, wasn’t it?” He could hear two hearts tearing, both with loss and grief and one with utter disbelief. There were tears, he knew there were. He could turn and wipe them away, a last parting gesture. Just breathe.

“Yeah, it was.” Asami’s eyes turned slightly wild and he was grateful that no one could see them. What? No. Why the easy acceptance? He shouldn’t be taking that so easy.

Fight, dammit. Leave me, fight me, stay, tell me no, tell me to go to hell but don’t just…

“See you around, Asami.”

The door closed silently and all that could be heard in the near empty room was slow breathing.

You could have at least slammed the door.

The blood that trailed from his clenched fist and dripped to the floor was the only thing that would come close to tears and his penance for a broken heart – two hearts - was the hope that Akihito stayed safe.