Spiderwebs

Spiderwebs Chapter 7

Daiki smirked. "Confident for a man with so many guns trained on him. You seem to be under the impression you're getting out of here alive."

"You're in the middle of a coop of your father's organization. You've managed to convince both him and Tadeo that you've been kidnapped by a third party. You aren't stupid enough to risk getting on the bad side of Aoe Reiji." Jin replied casually.

"It's true a war on two fronts doesn't appeal to me." Daiki admitted.

"Don't you mean a war on three? Tadeo isn't pleased about being made a fool of."

"True. But Tadeo didn't get so far by being unreasonable. After I'm in power I'm certain I can convince him to come to a mutually beneficial arrangement."

"Your artificial third party has him worried. He's making moves to align himself with your father. If that happens, you're through. You've laid the groundwork, what are you waiting for? Or are you afraid?"

Daiki's eyes hardened, and his finger tightened on the trigger. "I've rarely let a man call me a coward and live. Remind me again why I shouldn't kill you?"

"Because you won't be able to trust your father's men to choose you over Aoe."

"There's a permanent solution for men I can't trust. Try again."

"I know what you were waiting for. And you don't want me to say it here."

There was a flicker of fear in Daiki's eyes, followed by fury. The silence stretched as the fury was replaced by cool calculation. Then Daiki pulled the trigger.

Touma waved to a regular who was exiting the bar before turning to look at where Amagain was nursing his third drink. He hadn't seen the host look so somber in some time. Nor was there a feeling of meloncholy to him that he might expect from previous experience.

In fact, there was only faint memories of their early training days at the B&B that he would compare Amagai's current mood to. Even then he hadn't found the right word for it. 'Anger' was too calm. Even 'fury' seemed a poor comparison. 'Ready to kill' was fair, he supposed.

Despite the fact his glass was still mostly filled, he went over to stand by him. "Refill?"

"I would, but I can't." Amagai's voice was terse.

"Care to tell me what happened?" Touma was having the strangest feeling of deja vu. It was exactly like their training days. Even Amagai's reply seemed to mirror those old memories.

"Jinnai."

"What's he done?"

"Katsuki."

"Well, yes, he does him on a regular basis - what's your point?" Touma joked. At Amagai's unamused frown he held up his hands. "Just trying to lighten the mood. Seriously, though, I haven't seen you in a mood like this since training. What's going on?"

"I trusted him to look out for Katsuki."

"Though 'trust' and 'Jin' aren't words I'd usually associate together, I have to admit I was beginning to think Katsuki was an exception. What happened?"

"Tane happened."

"That's his brother you told us about, right? I take it he got him into trouble."

"He got him kidnapped."

Touma took a moment to digest the information. "Alright, but-"

"By Gato Ito."

"...when?"

"Last night."

"Do you know when-"

"Tonight. Jin asked for my help."

"So why are you angry at Jin?"

"Because he screwed up. He shouldn't have left him alone."

"So, you discovered Jin wasn't infallible and that makes you angry? Or are you convinced you could have done a better job?"

Amagai stared straight ahead for a long moment without speaking. Then he sighed. "Neither I guess. I just want someone to blame. Jin's an easy target."

"Anger isn't going to help right now, though. What did Jin need you do do?"

Amagai's lips thinned into a hard line. Touma had a distinct feeling whatever the plan was, the host didn't like it one bit.


Katsuki had only nibbled at the food brought to him. Enough to stave off hunger pains, but no more. He didn't trust the food, but figured he couldn't afford weakness either. So far it didn't seem to have had an adverse effects.

After his initial breakdown, he felt calmer than he'd expected to feel. He was in no way ignorant of the situation he was in. Shuji and Tadeo's words had left no doubts of his fate. There was only the question of how much time he had and if anyone was looking for him. The 'if' stung, but realistically he wasn't sure he could term it as anything else. Tane had attempted to protect him from Gato's men. But that didn't mean he would put himself on the line to save him. There was a chance Jin might return and discover what had happened. But Tadeo had said at the time that Gato's men would not likely return. Whether that had been a lie to mislead him, or had been true until Tadeo had struck the deal with Shuji he couldn't say. But Jin had to have put some stock in it, or he wouldn't have left him alone.

Or would he have?

He'd never even attempted to define his and Jin's relationship. And any direct question of the host's feelings for him were only ignored or turned about. Jin had cared enough to warn off Tadeo. But that didn't mean he cared enough to openly attack a man like Gato. Still, the memory of how he'd acted toward Tadeo gave him hope he would. It was pretty much the only hope he had.

The door to the cellar opened and Katsuki watched warily as Shuji descended the stairs. "Time to go for a small drive." He told him. "I trust you'll behave."

"Kotozuki, check the lines. See what the police are doing, if anything, about what happened at the motel. Niyama, stay up front and watch for the others to arrive." Gato Daiki snapped out orders as he entered the warehouse that was his current base of operations. The two men ran to do as he'd ordered, leaving Tane to limp along after Daiki alone. "Medical supplies are that way, Ugly. Go stop that leg from bleeding - it's annoying me."

"But..." Tane hesitated, glancing over his shoulder.

"You going deaf on me, Ugly? Go. That's an order."

Tane frowned at the younger man a minute before bowing. "By your command." The frown was replaced with Tane's usual smirk, before he limped off.

Daiki looked after him a moment, his face unreadable. Then he turned back to the door he'd entered from. Jin was leaning against the frame, watching him. "See something you like, Blue Boy?"

"Not really. You aren't much to look at."

Daiki froze, startled by the words, then his eyes flashed in irritation. "That's the second time you've gotten away with insulting me. I don't think there's another man alive who can claim that pleasure."

"Your ego bruises too easily. That's a weakness."

"Maybe, but it's served me well so far."

"Claim that when you've actually gotten somewhere."

"Oh, I'm going places, Blue Boy. Trust me." Daiki walked over to a nearby door, opening it. "Step into my office."

It was an office, which actually surprised Jin. So far he hadn't seen any hint that Daiki could handle the business side of things. He rested a foot on one of the seats while Daiki shut the door behind them.

"No snide comment about the decor? Are you slipping? Or starting to take me more seriously?" Daiki asked, taking his seat.

"I'm thinking you must have been working at this for awhile - to have bothered with an office."

"I've had to bide my time, but the wait is almost over. Considering I've been plotting my father's demise - Tane's attachment to his piggybank baffles me. Still, I did warn him my father's men were poking around. Not my fault Ugly didn't pass on the warning. Which brings us to you. Why are you here?"

"Katsuki Kyousuke works at the B&B."

"The kid's a pageboy, not a a host. And if Aoe wants to cry foul, why not take it directly to my father? You sought me out. Just what is Tane's piggybank to you?"

"Do your men know Tane is your lover?"

Daiki froze, then chuckled. "I must be slipping." He stood - pacing away, then shrugged. "They're auctioning him tonight. Father will be there - he likes to watch the auctions. I don't see any reason we couldn't assist eachother. We'll have to move fast, though. You have people to send inside, I take it?"

"You have y our own moles."

"True. But I figure you'll want someone at the auction in case we can't crash it before the first round...you are aware of how father runs his auctions?"


They'd blindfolded him before taking him to the car. Shuji had some men with him and Katsuki had found no chance of escape. He tried to listen for sounds to key into where he was, but the glass must have been sound proof. There was only the rustle of clothing as others in the vehicle moved, and the occasional sound of someone's breath. The drive seemed to take a long time to him, but perhaps it was just his inability to see where he was. When the car finally stopped, he was pulled out of it but the blindfold was not removed.

Someone led him inside, pulling his arm roughly when he didn't keep up. Finally they stopped, and the blindfold was removed. He found himself in a traditional style bathhouse, though it seemed empty right now. Bath supplies were laid out and waiting. "You'll bathe. Clothes will be brought shortly." Shuji instructed, releasing his arm.

Katsuki stepped away from him. "If I refuse?"

Shuji chuckled. "Oh, I'm sure I could find some willing hands to assist you with the task Far more than necessary in fact. Since I'm so generous, I'd let them take turns. How do you like that idea?"

Katsuki swallowed, and backed away. "You're sick."

"No? It would be good practice for later. You're lucky, really. The regulars and special guests pay to see and touch the merchandise early. But you're such a late addition, you missed that part. There's always next time, I guess."

"Next time?"

"We auction off tricks, not the merchandise itself. Once or twice Gato's sold someone to a regular or special guest. But those deals happen between the auctions. I imagine you'll be quite popular - being new and all. Ito might even put you in every round if demand gets high. I imagine you're in for a long night." Shuji smirked at the horrified expression on Katsuki's face. He walked towards him, but Katsuki backed away.

"That's disgusting!"

Shuji only chuckled, grabbing ahold of his arm with one hand and his chin with the other. "Expected something more like the B&B? One buyer a night? There's a rumor Ito used to be a client over there when Shouga was in charge. But he was kicked out when Reiji took over, and that's why he started the auctions. Even though you aren't a host, you're still one of Aoe's people. I imagine Ito will enjoy having you here."

Katsuki yanked out of his grasp. "Get out."

"I'll send someone with fresh clothes. Don't try anything stupid. You're merchandise now. And merchandise that wanders is free game to whoever catches them." Shuji exited.

Left alone in the bathhouse, Katsuki wrapped his arms around himself as he shivered despite the steam from the water heating the room.


Amagai's phone rang only once before he snatched it up. "Yes? About time. Of course. I'm going."

Touma picked up his glass as he stood. "You aren't going to fill me in, are you?"

"Afterwards, promise." Amagai told him, exiting.

Touma picked up other glasses from the bar to wash, but paused when the phone rang.


"I want to go in." Tane demanded, shutting the door to Daiki's office.

"Sorry, Ugly. Not this time." Daiki was inspecting his gun.

"You need every man you got, and you know it."

"I need someone on the outside to take out any runners. Besides, I can't have one of my gunners come limping in. It'll make me look bad."

"If that bastard hadn't shot me -"

"But he did. You're lucky. The Doc says no permanent damage."

"Lucky? I was fucking helping the jerk-"

"You want me to kill him?" The offer was sincere, and it made Tane pause. "It will probably upstet your piggybank, but-"

"I want Shuji dead. I don't care how useful he'd be. I want him dead." Tane's voice was cold.

"Done." Daiki assured him, closing up the gun and holstering it.

"I'd like to kill him myself."

"It's going to be a rough night, I can't guarantee that. Would you hate me if I killed him instead?"

"...no, just as long as he's dead."

Daiki took ahold of his jacket, and pulled him down to kiss him hungrily. Tane wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled him closer. Daiki broke the kiss reluctantly. "No going back to Tadeo's organization. After tonight you're all mine."

"You're the one who said I was the most use there." Tane smirked.

"That was then, and this is now. I want you close."

"By your command."

There were footsteps and Daiki reluctantly stepped out of Tane's embrace before the knock came. "Everyone's ready, Gato-san."

"Well, let's go save your piggybank." Daiki smirked, taking a step toward the door.

"Kid's name's Kyousuke."

Daiki arched his eyebrows at him. "So you've given him over to Blue Boy? Guess that means you really are all mine now? I can live with that."

Tane offered a smirk that didn't quite reach his eyes. Daiki ignored it as they headed out the door.

The pants and shirt were made of a white gauzy material that hid very little. After he'd bathed and dressed, Katsuki was brought to a room where other young men dressed like him stood around waiting. Most neither looked at or spoke to eachother. Katsuki found a corner, and crouched down. A part of him still couldn't believe this was happening. A gong sounded from somewhere on the grounds, and some of those waiting seemed to tense. Katsuki shivered, watching the doors. They opened to admit Shuji and another man. He was older than Shuji, and his smile as he looked around at those gathered was cold.

"Such a quiet group." He commented. "I'm sure that will change later. Choose quickly, Shuji. We can't leave the guests waiting."

Some other men entered the room. Shuji walked it slowly, chuckling when one flinched away. "I'd say that was volunteering, wouldn't you, Gato-san?"

"The guests are always amused by volunteers." Gato replied.

"Take him." Shuji ordered the men.

"No, no! Please!" The young man screamed as the men dragged him out. Katsuki's stomach churned at the sight.

Shuji smirked at those remaining. "Any more volunteers?"

"Sicko." Someone murmured.

Shuji turned to one section. "That sounded like another volunteer. Care to say it again?" When no one spoke, he grabbed one's arm. "Tell me who said it."

"I didn't see!"

"Do you want to be next instead?"

The young man gulped. He pointed at one of the others. "He said it."

"Idiot! They want us to turn on eachother!" He hissed back.

Shuji chuckled again - shoving the young man he held at the men. "Take them both."

"B-but you said-!" The first one protested.

"I said nothing." Shuji replied coldly as they were drug away.

Katsuki grit his teeth, not sure if he wanted to scream more from fear or anger. Then he noticed Gato watching him.

Shuji returned to his side. "A good start?"

:"Well chosen, as always. But I'll have to upset your schedule. I know who I want first."

Amagai had sipped from the wine before dumping part of it. 'Obviously Gato's guest don't return for the drinks." He thought wryly as the waiting group milled around the room. Gato's home was a mixture of traditional and modern. Though the grounds and entry were traditional, there was nothing traditional about other building he'd seen. Cement block rooms. He wondered if that was where he kept his so-called "merchandise", or if those were bedrooms for the guests use of those they bought.

Even the room they were in was mixed. Though they'd entered through shoji doors, and the stage in the front was traditional style, curtains and screens hid cement walls. He'd noticed cement behind the curtains at the back of the stage, and - if he wasn't mistaken - chains as well. He'd heard rumours of Gato Ito's auctions, but he still felt sickened by the implications he saw.

Then one of Gato's men entered the room.

"Shuji, I'm getting impatient." One man stated. He wore glasses, but Amagai though he looked familiar. He'd noted several men wore glasses, scarves, or hats. No one had asked for them to be removed either. Apparently some of Gato's guests didn't care to be recognized even by eachother.

"Patience, Ishida-san." Shuji spoke. "I assure you, it will be worth the wait."

The name made Amagai scowl - instantly recognizing it. He quickly cleared his expression, adjusting his own glasses. 'Figures that idiot would slink over here after Aoe rejected him.' He watched Ishida for a moment, but Shuji was stepping on stage and he directed his attention there.

"Thank-you all for attending. Please, remember that unless you've been authorized by Gato beforehand, all transactions must be paid in cash. I'm sure you're all anxious, so I'll go ahead and begin. With apologies to those who paid for an early look at the auction's merchandise, our first item wasn't available at that time. He's a recent acquirement."

Amagai scowled at those words even before Katsuki was yanked through the door by two men and pulled up on stage. He'd hoped Katsuki might be spared the humiliation of the auction. That his presence here would be unnecessary in the end. Luck wasn't on his side. Though the defiant way Katsuki stood silent and straight between the two men made him feel a small swell of pride for him. But he knew the younger man's defiance would wither under what was going to happen.

Shuji reached out a hand to pull up Katsuki's face as men began calling out bids. "So little? Take a closer look. This one's quite the beauty." Katsuki yanked his face away, but Shuji only chuckled. "And such spirit will make things fun, don't you agree?"

The bids were higher then, and Amagai saw Katsuki begin to glance around the crowd nervously. Wincing inwardly, he called out a bet, and watched as Katsuki's head snapped over to him. His eyes widened in recognition, but a higher bet was quickly called out. Some man in a hat up towards the front. Katsuki's eyes flickered nervously to him.

"Better, much better." Shuji smirked. "I do hope you've all read the schedule. Not that I blame you for wanting to be first to taste this treat." He circled Katsuki and the men before reaching out to tear off Katsuki's shirt. Katsuki jerked in surprise. The crowd cheered and whistled, and Amagai glowered as he saw Katsuki's face begin to burn red in embarrassment. He called out another bid over the comments and rude remarks some of the crowd began to shout at Katsuki. He saw Shuji whisper something to him. Katsuki snapped something back, but Shuji only laughed.

He was outbid again, and ground his teeth in frustration. He'd promised Jin he wouldn't let anyone else win Katsuki if he could help it. But he was beginning to wonder if he could keep that promise.

"Is that all? Come now, think of how good that pretty mouth of his will feel." Shuji goaded the crowd. Ishida bid, which made Amagai scowl again. The bidding seemed to be dying down, and he put in another bid, smirking when Ishida glared at him. To his relief the crowd hesitated.

"No more bids? It's his first time at the auction. You all know what that means, right? Come now, we all love a good show." Shuji goaded again.

Ishida bid, then the man with the hat. Amagai paused, trying to understand the implications of Shuji's words. A show? What did he mean?

"Are we low on exhibitionists tonight? Think about it, now. Sinking yourself into that hot mouth right up here on the stage with everyone cheering you on. What could be better?" Shuji stood behind Katsuki, speaking the words practically in his ear. Katsuki stiffened, eyes widening in realization.

Amagai felt himself freeze. On the stage? In private he could fake what was supposed to have happened. But apparently whoever won was expected to do the deed in public. His stomach churned. He'd had no intention of actually doing anything to Katsuki. More bids were placed as he hesitated.

"Winding down, are we? Maybe holding off for a private performance from this one? Don't worry. Gato-san assures me there will be plenty of public and private performances from him tonight." Shuji patted Katsuki's butt. He tried to yank away, but the men held him tight. The crowd was rowdy now - calling out for the winner to be named. For the show to begin. "Last bids. Remember, you can only have an item once every other round. We have to be fair, after all."

When would the next round be? Amagai felt chilled. If he took Katsuki now, what if Jin didn't show up before he came up to auction again. The next round wasn't just for a blow job. And even now he wasn't certain he could really force Katsuki like that.

No more bids were called. Shuji smirked at Katsuki as he stepped away. "Going once. Going twice."

"Doubled." The man with the hat spoke. Amagai froze again, certain he recognized the voice.

Shuji blinked in surprise. "Doubled? Not getting carried away, are you, friend?"

"I have the money." He shrugged.

"Why not save it for the next round? You can mount him then.

"I want to be first to touch him. Not second."

Shuji chuckled. "Anyone else? No? Well, then. Going once. Twice. Sold!" He waved him forward, taking his money and counting it before permitting him up. "Would you like him chained?"

"No, I won't need them." He removed his hat. Amagai was both relieved and furious to find himself looking at Touma.


To Be Continued...