Spiderwebs

Spiderwebs Chapter 9

Katsuki had decided long ago he didn't believe in luck - good or bad. One made their own fate. He was beginning to wonder if he should rethink that philosophy. Atleast where bad luck was concerned. He swallowed as he watched the figure in the doorway study the taser casually.

"What is the point of taking a weapon if you're going to set it aside?"

Upon hearing the voice, Katsuki's eyes widened in recognition. "Jin?" He felt both relieved and irritated at the same time. "You jerk! Were you trying to scare me?"

"Why? Did I?" Jin stepped into the light.

"No." Katsuki instantly denied. He waited for Jin to make a sarcastic comment, but the older man was silent as he studied his appearance. Suddenly self conscious of how he must look, he ran a hand through his disshevelled hair. "We were-"

"Who won the auction?"

It wasn't just the question that made him pause, but the way Jin said it. Though he seemed to still be casual about the query, there was an edge to the tone. An underlying steel to it. "Touma. That was the plan, right?" Inspite of himself, he felt his cheeks begin to burn in embarrassment at the recent memory.

"Actually, Seiichi was the plan. Touma was back-up. Guess King and I need to have a chat." There was no mistaking the steel in his tone now. Even though it wasn't directed at him, it still unnerved him a little.

"He bid too." He offered in Amagai's defense.

"But Touma bid higher? Maybe I need to have a chat with him too." Jin reached out to take ahold of his chin, turning his head to study the red mark on his cheek where Touma had hit him. "And this?"

His own anger at the bartender cooled, Katsuki couldn't bring himself to direct the cold fury he heard in his lover's tone at him. "One of Gato's men." He passed it off. "Shouldn't this conversation wait?"

For a moment it seemed like Jin was ignoring the question. He turned Katsuki's face back to him, his thumb brushing over his lips. Despite where they were, Katsuki felt himself quiver under the familiar touch. The look on Jin's face was serious as he studied him once more. Then he stepped back to slip out of his jacket. Before Katsuki could ask what he was doing the jacket was around his shoulders, enveloping his smaller frame. It was heavy and warm and it smelled of his lover's cologne and just Jin himself. Jin grabbed his hand, pulling him toward the door. "Let's go."

Despite still having to escape Gato's stronghold, Katsuki realized he felt safe for the first time in days.

Tane had pretty much had it with waiting. If nothing had gone wrong, then he was purposefully being left out of the loop. Whatever the reason for that was, he would have to confront Daiki about later. Before he could start up the path, though, someone was coming down it and he raised his gun with a curse.

Kotozuki raised his hands when he spotted the gun. "Easy now, inning's over. We won the game."

Tane lowered the gun. "About time. What the hell took so long?"

Kotozuki shrugged. "Had to flush out some trouble makers. Nothing major. I'm here to help you clean up. Any runners?"

Tane snorted. "You kidding? Got a stack."

"Better start moving them out." Kotozuki nodded to a black van parked alongside the back curb.

Tane nodded, though his mind was split. Where was Kyousuke? Had Daiki sent Jinnai and him out the front door, along with his accomplices? Or perhaps his accomplices had stayed to enjoy the auction?

He led Kotozuki into the bushes where he'd hidden the bodies of Gato's men when he heard the group approaching. "Hsst!" He warned Kotozuki, who crouched down - pulling out his own gun. Tane leveled his own at the path, but only stared - befuddled - at the group that emerged.

"Hey, that's the merchandise!" Kotozuki hissed. "That wasn't part of the deal with Blue Boy! We'd better-!" His words cut off when the handle of Tane's gun slammed into the back of his head. He slumped to the ground, knocked unconscious by the blow.

Crouching down himself he watched as the men who had been Gato's "merchandise" were led to relative freedom and safety off the grounds. A few took off right away, others milled around the two suited men who'd led them out. Katsuki and Jin were last to appear, and Tane instantly noted Jin's jacket around his brother's shoulders, along with his disshevelled appearance. He scowled, but stayed silent - not moving.

"You hanging around?" Jin asked pointedly.

"Someone who owes me a favor is picking us up." Touma replied. "All of us."

"I'll be staying until then." Amagai added. "Some of them are interested in employment at the B&B. I thought I'd put in a word for them with Owner."

"Hn." Jin's reply was noncommital.

Katsuki hesitated before speaking. "Thank-you, for coming after me. Both of you."

"Hey, of course we would." Touma grinned. "That's what friends are for."

Amagai stepped forward, reaching out to take Katsuki's shoulders in his hands. "But the next time Tane shows up-"

"There won't be a next time." Jin cut him off. Amagai turned to look at him. Seeing his expression, he nodded - letting go of Katsuki's arms.

"What does that mean?" Katsuki demanded.

"I told you I'd settle it if you didn't."

"I did."

"Then how did you end up here?"

"Shuji kidnapped me!"

"What was Tane doing there?"

"I didn't invite him in, if that's what you think. He broke in while I was sleeping."

Jin's face was impassive. "Well he won't be doing that again. We had a talk, he and I. And since Tadeo didn't take my warning seriously, I asked a favor of someone he can't afford not to."

Katsuki blinked, surprised. "Who?"

"Don't concern yourself. It's settled now." Jin passed off. He glanced over at Touma and Amagai. "We're leaving. Don't get caught."

"We're fine." Amagai assured him. "Go on."

Katsuki glanced back one last time, and Tane swore he gazed right at him. But Jin was already pulling him toward the car and Katsuki turned away to watch where he was going. For a moment Tane brought up his gun - sighting down it at the back of Jin's head. Then Amagai suddenly stepped into his path - mere inches away, seperated only by the foilage.

"Don't." The host said simply.

Tane started, then slowly lowered the gun. "Heh. It would have been a warning shot. Don't freak out. Jinnai and I have an agreement."

"You and I don't."

Tane's eyes narrowed. "Is that a threat?"

"I'm not Jin. I couldn't kill anyone myself. But I wouldn't have to. I wouldn't have to involve Aoe-san either. A few of my clients would find making you disappear a simple request not even worth mentioning."

"Pretty big talk for a whore." When Amagai only chuckled in response, Tane looked passed him to where the car was driving away. "And you really trust him with Kyousuke's happiness?"

Amagai didn't hesitate a moment before replying, "No."

Tane froze, then scowled. "Are you shitting me?" He hissed.

Amagai chuckled, but reiiterated his answer. "No. I don't trust Jin with Katsuki's happiness." He turned away when a van pulled up to the curb.

Touma approached it as the window rolled down. "Hey, Hyouga." Touma greeted. "Thanks for coming."

The other bartender chuckled. "Not a problem. Never a dull moment with you, is there?"

Touma was busy opening the van door. "Hey, all aboard." He called over his shoulder.

Amagai glanced back at Tane one last time. "I do, however, trust Katsuki with Katsuki's happiness."

Tane watched him walk away, unable to make a reply.

Jin had taken his hand again even though he was driving. He didn't hold it for long, though, his fingers were skimming over his hand and wrist; up his arm - as if looking for something. "Did they drug you?" He asked shortly after they started driving.

"No. Atleast I don't think so."

"What does that mean?"

"I ate some food, but it didn't seem to have anything in it. Other than that, no." Katsuki glanced at his profile, but as usual he couldn't read anything from the host's expression.

"Who changed your clothes?"

"I did."

"Why?"

Katsuki hesitated as he remembered his face-off with Shuji in the bathhouse. He shuddered, and he could tell by the way Jin's hand on his arm paused that he'd felt it.

"What did they do?" Jin's voice was hard.

"They didn't do anything. But Shuji threatened..." Katsuki felt his face begin to heat in humiliation. "He said he'd find some volunteers to bath and dress me if I wouldn't do it myself. He said...if he got more volunteers than he needed he'd let them take turns."

Jin's hand was heavy on his arm - unmoving. Katsuki glanced over at him. Jin's mouth was in a thin line, and his jaw was clenched tight. He was silent a moment before speaking again. "What happened to your shirt?"

"My shirt?" Katsuki was confused for a moment - thinking he'd meant his original clothes, and he hadn't had a shirt. Hadn't gotten that dressed before Shuji and his men came in.

"The others had shirts."

Katsuki felt his face heat again as he remembered how Shuji had torn it off him to make the bidders bid higher. "Shuji tore it off at my auction. Do we have to talk about this?"

Jin didn't answer the return question, his hand curled around Katsuki's wrist - his thumb tracing the pulse point lightly. "Did Touma get the blowjob he payed for?"

The question took him by surprise. "No, Daiki's men came in." He replied, too surprised to be angry at the continued questions. "Touma didn't get past unzipping his pants." When Jin's thumb stopped stoking, he realized belatedly that he should have left that part out. "Jin, stop the car." He was a little surprised when Jin obeyed, but he wasn't surprised when he pulled him onto his lap, kissing him deeply.

He didn't say 'I was worried', or 'I'm sorry you went through this.' He didn't even say, 'I feel like killing them all', or 'It pisses me off to think of someone else touching you.'

But it was there - in how deeply, but gently, he was kissing him. Different than the fiery hungry kisses he was used to. It was there in how tightly he held him against him, and the way he stroked his arms - as if trying to find - and erase - anyone else's touch.

Everything that happened was still there, in the back of his mind. And for a moment he couldn't relax into the kiss. Even though it was Jin, and he wanted him to be here. Wanted to feel his touch, taste his kiss. Jin kept the kiss gently and coaxing - waiting for him to relax into it. When he finally did, his hand slipped from his arm to his leg - finding the hole Touma had torn and slipping inside to stroke there.

He wrapped his arms around Jin's neck, stroked his tongue against the one slowly exploring his mouth despite the fact it was familiar territory by now. Jin slid his tongue against his, stroking under his thigh and setting his senses on fire. Then he withdrew his hand, and slowly broke off the kiss. Katsuki buried his face in his shoulder.

"I need to drive, and you need to sleep." He murmured into his hair.

"Like I can sleep now?" Katsuki muttered. His body was tight with pleasure - tingling for more.

Jin chuckled, and he reached down to rub his palm against Katsuki's mahood through the gauzy material. "This keeping you awake?

Katsuki gasped, then groaned as Jin continued to stroke him "Jin..." He moaned, nuzzling against his collarbone through the open collar of his shirt. He could feel Jin's own hardening erection underneath him.

Jin pulled his face away - kissing him briefly. "Be good, Katsuki."

Katsuki squirmed under his touch as he continued to stroke and tease his cock. "You say that at the oddest times." He protested.

Jin intook a sharp breath before adjusting their position so he was no longer against his groin. "Even my self-control has limits."

Katsuki found himself pressed against the wheel as Jin nibbled at his collarbone. His hand was pumping him now, and he felt his whole body begin to tighten. "You aren't going to-" He cut off as Jin's hand squeezed down, giving a shout as he climaxed.

Jin pulled him against him again as his breathing slowly returned to normal. He could feel the host's erection hard against him still.

"What about you?" He felt exhausted now, but didn't want to leave Jin unsatisfied and uncomfortable.

"Not enough room." Jin shifted him back into his seat.

For a moment he clung stubbornly to the host. "But-"

Jin chuckled. "Don't worry. It'll be that much better for the wait." Untangling his fingers he buckled him in before sitting back down and restarting the car.

Katsuki felt himself slipping toward unconsciousness despite his attempt to stay awake. The adrenaline was gone, and the sexual release had drained the last of his energy. He vaguely realized they weren't heading toward the B&B, or even back into the city. "Where are we going?" He murmured sleepily.

"You'll see."

Despite the non-commital reply, he wasn't alarmed. Jin had always had an annoying habit of not answering his questions. But right now he couldn't imagine feeling safer anywhere else but at his side.


The sun was rising as Tadeo entered his office. He paused when he saw his chair facing the window. "Ah, Jinnai. I was expecting you."

He froze when the chair turned to reveal Aoe. "You're late, Tadeo-san. Your secretary expected you an hour ago." The phone on the desk rang. "That's been happening alot. I suspect someone is trying to reach you.

Tadeo stepped forward, but Aoe laid his hand over the receiver to prevent him from picking it up. "This is highly unusual, Aoe-san. We haven't seen eachother since your father was alive. I see your manners haven't improved much."

Aoe only smirked as the phone stopped ringing. "I'm afraid Jinnai couldn't come to see you right now. He's taken a leave of absence." He continued as if Tadeo had never spoken. "He asked me to convey a message."

"Such a fuss over a simple pageboy. Truly, your father would never have bothered." Tadeo remarked casually, but his gaze was hard.

"You're right. For interfering with his business, my father would simply have killed you. Not in any direct way of course. More like you did to Gato Ito. I'm sure you take great pleasure in his demise. Seeing as you've been helping support Daiki's coop with puppet backers the last few years."

Tadeo's eyes narrowed, then his face cleared. "I really don't know what your talking about. After all, I was the one who kidnapped Daiki to extort money from Ito."

"Heh." Aoe lit a cigarette and sat back to take a drag as the phone rang again. "Then I suppose it won't matter that the said backers have all been arrested thanks to anonymous tips. Or that one is publically connected to some of your companies."

Tadeo's eyes widened and he reached for the phone. Aoe stood, catching Tadeo's hand on the receiver and refusing to let him pick it up. "I don't believe in second chances, but I'm not particularly interested in taking over your business. Consider this your only warning." Releasing his hand as the phone stopped ringing, Aoe walked passed him and out the door.

When the door closed, Tadeo chuckled and sat down in his chair. Another moment passed before the phone rang again and Tadeo picked it up casually. "Tadeo...Yes, I know all about it. I was counting on Gato Daiki to be the type to burn his bridges behind him. That's nothing to be concerned about. You see, for the last several years he's been extorting money from the company, so naturally we'll be happy to assist the police in any way possible. In the end, I think everything turned out rather well. Keep in touch." Hanging up, Tadeo turned the chair away from the desk to face the window.

The sun woke Katsuki. Warmth and light shining from beyond his eyelids. There was the feeling of silk against his skin, and the warmth of a hand on the small of his back. He opened his eyes reluctantly and found himself staring out a large window. An unfamiliar city skyscape was spread out below, still shadowy in the morning sun.

He shifted slightly, gazing out at the city - unable to place it. "Kyoto." Jin's voice rumbled almost in his ear. He jumped slightly, despite having known the host was there - his hand still rested on the small of his back. Jin chuckled at his reaction, which Katsuki chose to ignore.

"Why?"

"Why not?" Jin countered. His hand slid from the small of his back to his side, coaxing the young man to roll to face him.

Katsuki did - noting that he was wearing a silk pajama set, and wondering if the hotel had provided them. Jin wasn't wearing a top, but he noticed he did have pants on. He was absurdly amused by the realization that this was probably the only time he'd ever had clothing on while sharing a bed with Jin.

Noticing the small smile flicker across his face, Jin arched an eyebrow. "Something funny?"

"No...well, yes. But it's not really important." Katsuki let his head sink back onto the pillow. "How long was I asleep?"

"Maybe nine hours." Jin reached out a hand to trace the curve of his jaw. His thumb brushed across his lip, and Katsuki drew in a shaky breath.

"Just how many traffic laws did you break getting here?" Katsuki asked him. The trip itself practically took that long at legal speeds.

Jin only chuckled. "Is that really important?" He tossed his earlier words back at him while his fingers slid down his neck and toyed with the button of his shirt.

Katsuki felt his eyes slide half close in pleasure. He reached a hand up to trace the veins on Jin's forearm lightly. "No." He gave a small gasp when Jin pushed him back, straddling him and trailing his lips down his neck. He could feel his erection pressing hard into his hip, and remembered what he'd said about the wait. "I take it I slept too long?" The teasing words slipped passed his lips.

Jin nipped at his neck in retribution, and Katsuki hissed at the feeling. He wriggled his body against Jin's in retaliation, and was surprised by the shudder that ran through the body pressed so demandingly against his. Apparently it had been a long wait. Jin's hands slid down his sides over the silk shirt as his teeth toyed with the top button. Katsuki combed his fingers through his lover's hair, enjoying the feeling of him lying on him, despite how much heavier he was to him. Jin ripped the top button off with his teeth, and Katsuki drew in a sharp breath in surprise. The host nuzzled the skin available to him before moving down to the second button to repeat the action.

"You're...impatient today." Katsuki's breath was shaky. Though Jin had always been a demanding lover, there was more to it today. He could almost feel his hunger rolling off of him in waves, but he was also holding back a bit - as if waiting for something.

"In my way." Jin replied simply, as he continued down the shirt - his teeth making short work of the buttons that held it close.

"You chose it." Katsuki reminded him. He'd still been dressed in the outfit - or atleast the pants of the outfit - Gato's men had given him when he'd fallen asleep. That and Jin's jacket. He found himself wondering where the jacket had gone, despite the fact that it seemed like the last thing that should be on his mind.

"Nn." Jin neither confirmed or denied it, his hands slid over the silk top again as he ripped the last button off.

Katsuki groaned, squirming as heat and desire spread through his body. "The silk feels good, doesn't it?" He pointed out, as Jin's hands hadn't stopped trailing over the material.

In response, Jin pushed the shirt open with disinterest, hands seeking skin - mapping out familiar curves and planes. "No comparison." He leaned up to murmur in his ear - lips nipping at his lobe before his tongue slid along the shell.

Katsuki could only groan in response at the sensual touches. Mind barely grasping the compliment, as his hands trailed down the muscles of Jin's back. The older man ground their groins into eachother, and Katsuki cried out at the sensation. "More!" He tugged at Jin's pants impatiently.

Jin silenced his words with a searing kiss, even as his hands rid them of the last of their clothing. He reached into the bedside table for lube as he pulled Katsuki's legs up over his shoulders - nuzzling the back of each thigh as he positioned them.

Katsuki wriggled at the touch, breath coming in pants already. One finger slid in, then two. Katsuki found his hands clawing at the sheets in desperation. "Jin!" He finally compained as they brushed his core.

Not needing anymore prompting, Jin withdrew his fingers, shoving in to slam into his core. Katsuki shouted, even as he pressed down against him - seeking more of the blinding pleasure. Jin's pace was fast, but Katsuki matched it frenzily. His whole body curling and uncurling with each frantic invasion. Climax shattered over him, blinding his vision. He screamed with release - aware of Jin's inside of him but little else.

As his sense returned, he was aware of someone crying, but it took him a moment to realize the sobs were wracking his own frame. Jin had already pulled out of him and shifted their positions. He was curled up against the older man's chest, his face buried in his hands. He could feel the warm tears trail down his face and drop onto his palms, but he couldn't stop them. He tried to pull away, embarrassed by the sudden break down, but Jin held him tightly against him, resting his head against his as the tears continued to flow.

He didn't speak at all. There was only the feeling of his arms around him, and the weight of his head against his. Somehow, though, that meant more than words could.


Jin was in the shower when the phone rang. Katsuki glanced away from the view of the Sydney skyline. The flat was not unlike the first in Kyoto. It was the third flat of Jin's he'd been in so far. Apparently the host owned several more in various other countries, or so he'd hinted. It seemed likely he's see atleast a couple more before they returned to Tokyo.

He'd broken down one other time in the week since his kidnapping. He wasn't certain if the lack of break downs meant he was over it. He certainly wasn't a shrink, nor did he have any intention of seeing one. He hadn't felt particularly fragile, even when he had the break downs.

Jin's own apparent reluctance to let him out of his sight seemed to be fading as well. He'd mentioned returning to Tokyo, but not a time frame. Questions about the impromptu trip were brushed aside or redirected. As were questions about their return to the B&B. Katsuki had to admit he missed it. He found himself wondering what everyone was doing. Had Aoe hired Gato's ex-"Merchandise"? How were Amagai, Touma, and Mitoki faring?

The phone was ringing incessantly. He frowned at it. They hadn't received calls at all so far, and with the flat belonging to Jin, he was hesitant to pick up. Finally he gave in, figuring the host could complain later.

"Katsuki." He offered in greeting.

"How's the prettiest piggybank in Sydney tonight?"

Katsuki froze in shock. "Tane?? How did you get this number?"

"I have my sources."

The conversation was like a replay. Katsuki clenched his free hand. "I have nothing to say to you."

"I figured. That's why I called."

"So I could say nothing?"

"No, so I could say something."

Silence followed the statement. Katsuki hesitated, then steeled himself. "I'm hanging up now."

"I'm sorry."

It wasn't the words as much as how he said them. How he meant them. Katsuki sat down, glancing out the window again. "It's too late for that." He said wearily.

"I know that too. But I needed to say it."

"For you, in other words. Not for me." Katsuki curled up in the chair. "Shit, you're such a jerk."

"So new?"

"No. Decidedly not new."

"Look, don't go letting Blue Boy treat you bad. You're better than that, hear?"

"So this time you'll say goodbye? Why, Tane? Why not the first time?"

"...I remember thinking...if you cried I couldn't go."

"I wouldn't have cried."

"I think that's what I was most afraid of."

Katsuki closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "Look...don't go getting yourself killed. Because that would be stupid, and even though we both know you're stupid, there's no need to prove it."

"Would you visit my grave if I did?"

"...Yah, I'd come every year just to spit on it."

Tane chuckled. "Done deal then. Hey, Kyousuke...look after your happiness, 'kay?"

"Goodbye, Tane."

Tane held the phone to his ear a minute even after the connection ended. Then he set it next to a paper that had cities and phone numbers. On the top, crossed out, was Kyoto. He stared at the paper a moment, then set it in an ashtray. Pulling out a lighter he set the paper on fire - watching it burn.

A pair of arms wrapped around him and Daiki leaned his head on his shoulder. He had a sheet draped around him, but nothing else. He watched the paper burn with a small smile. "It's always best to burn your bridges behind you. Anything less leaves you vulnerable."

"Hn." Tane looked down at him. "So when will it be my turn to burn?"

"You're an exception to the rule, Ugly. Don't worry."

"I suppose you're too busy plotting Tadeo's downfall right now."

"I didn't expect him to have the extortion case set up. I'll have to plan more carefully."

"It'll take years of planning to take out Tadeo."

"I have the time." Daiki smirked. He leaned up to nuzzle behind Tane's ear. "You of all people know I'm a patient man. Provided I get what I want in the end."


Katsuki intook a ragged breath as he hung up the phone, but started slightly when a voice spoke from behind him.

"If that's Amagai, I have few suggestions for how he could otherwise be spending his time." Jin stood in the doorway, watching him.

He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes as he turned back to the window. "It wasn't anyone important."

"How exactly would Amagai rank as important?"

The words made Katsuki chuckle. "So, who does rank as important?" He asked as Jin came to stand by his chair, one hand stroking his arm absently. His hair was still wet from the shower.

"No one who's not here."

The words froze him, and for a moment he sat perfectly still, startled by the confession - even half veiled as it was. Then he turned, smirking up at his lover. "So do you love me or not?" He challenged.

Jin kissed him to silence him, but Katsuki didn't protest. It was answer enough.

Fini

*phew!* Finally finished it! Aw, c'mon, Jin - we all know the answer to the question! (But then we know he'll never say the words, much as we wish he would.) I hope everyone enjoyed it. I certainly am happy with it. Though I rewrote the ending so many times it was silly! I just couldn't figure out where to go after Jin said his line. At first I played with another repeat from the first chapter, but finally I decided that best play on words was to have Katsuki repeat his final line from their canon storyline. I think it worked best.

Y'know, I originally thought Tadeo was the scariest character I'd ever written. But in the end, I think Daiki might have surpassed him. He's just strangely likeable despite being very scary. Atleast I find myself liking him. Even though he's a dangerous, slightly psychotic, spoiled brat. LOL