As the third month rolled in, Toshimasa and Xiao Tien were finally getting some of their business started. The heads of the Yami, the Itto Ketsuen and the Ryuujin no Chi put their efforts in and sent in some of their lower heads to take care of some problems of employment. There was need for guards, bookies and of course accountants to run a lot of this from the floor up. Toshimasa himself headed the accounts, keeping books and totaling up the money that flowed in and out there. Only a few of each syndicate's most trusted hands were allowed to come in and count the money at the end of the week. Because it was estimated that millions would flow in and out of the city, the oyabuns of each syndicate sent their one employee that would not steal from them. The penalty if caught stealing would be loosing the hand you had the money in. Jia was not allowing anyone to steal from the owners of the game. Of course he was reminded that just because Toshimasa was the original owner and was almost helpless, didn't mean Xiao Tien was. The China Doll could hold his own considering he was a former triad and had fought with Jo. According to Jo, the China Doll is hard to break. We all quickly remembered that when a lower head, completely blind and unknowingly mistook Xiao Tien for a cute, younger lower head leaning over at a table. He snuck a touch and Xiao Tien turned and back handed the poor lower head with a crack of his hand. The China Doll did not appreciate being groped. Meanwhile to keep Toki somewhat around the area, Jia allowed him time with Takeo's whore. Meaning at any given moment you could walk into the lobby of Jia's building and catch Ryuhei already rubbing himself on Toki's lap on the sofa as he moaned rather loudly. A rather sickening display but if Jia allowed it there wasn't much we could do but ignore it. But that also meant the bet between the trio for the owners of the game was put on pause. Akio and Aoki were usually around the China Doll and Toshimasa, helping in their own way with whatever they could. Meanwhile as Toki played with Ryuhei, Jia found his own company in Shikou who stopped by every now and then like a lap dog for Jia and then of course Tsubasa, the ningyo that still held the original title. It was obvious both dolls had it bad for Jia but at the end of the day, Jia was only glad to see Toki. The Ryuujin no Chi's oyabun had to learn to start doing some of the work himself and though the little emperor didn't like doing it, he kept his books intact and watched his streets carefully. He conversed with Jia of the becoming of the owners of the game and what effect that would have on his syndicate, money and power wise. Jia was sometimes surprised with Kotei's words, forgetting the little emperor was not so little anymore. But when the oyabuns weren't working, they had dinner at the Pearl Tea House. Jiki, two other guards and myself were standing in the background as Jia sat and had conversation with the other oyabuns. Sozaburo and Karasu, who had given lower heads to work as guards for the owners of the game, sat with Jia that night in the Pearl Tea House as they spoke about it.

"How organized are these people Jia?"

"Very. Toshimasa is a machine."

"So he does his job well. And the other one?"

"He's a triad. You should see him work. Doesn't even look like he could do damage."

The other laughed as Sozaburo then checked his watch and said,

"Shit...okay I have to go."

"So soon?" Asked Kotei.

"Ah, yeah...I apologize everyone, Jia."

Jia nodded as Kotei said,

"Got a date huh?"

Sozaburo pulled up his jacket, a Celtic cross on the lapel as he moved back the collar of his shirt, a black leather choker around his neck as he said,

"No...not exactly."

Jia then smirked and said,

"He's just gotta get laid."

Kotei laughed as he said,

"Have fun."

"Oh, I plan to."

Sozaburo got his shoes as he thanked Jia again for the dinner and soon left. Jia then drank his tea as he said,

"When you gotta get laid, you just gotta."

The others laughed as the dinner continued.

By the middle of the month, Xiao Tien and Toshimasa were setting up residence in their new area. Jia, Toki and myself accompanied the others to see what was going on. Delivery men from all over the city flooded in, bringing furniture, setting things up on the main living quarters meanwhile, the illegal things were going on downstairs in the basement and first two floors after the lobby of the building. Toshimasa and Xiao Tien had two lofts well above the building where Jia went to meet them. There was a main hall leading to double oak doors which was the main entrance. Once we walked in, the scent of roses was touched by everything and sure enough, a large vase of roses was beside a staircase that lead to Xiao Tien's floor. Toshimasa greeted Jia as he walked with him, his cane tapping down on the marble floors as Toshimasa explained when they could start to open the casino and make up for lost time and profit. As they walked. Toshimasa stopped by the vase and picked up a pair of scissors and like I've seen him do before, he clipped off a semi-bloomed rose and began to pin it to his lapel. As he did, Jia went over to him and said,

"Toshimasa, ever since I've known you, you had that damn rose on. Why?"

"Oh....no real reason."

"Then why haven't I ever seen you without it?"

Toshimasa looked down, his free hand coming up to the rose, his fingers brushing over the red velvet petals, as he said,

"Sentimental value."

Jia nodded as he looked over at Toki and myself and said,

"I understand. Another time then."

Toshimasa nodded as he continued to speak. As he did, Xiao Tien came downstairs, pulling his coat on as he said,

"Jia...good of you to come."

"Just came to see how everything was coming along."

Aoki, Akio, Jo and Ai'iro came around one of the corners of the apartment as they saw Jia. They stopped once they were close by and greeted him.

"How are things?" Asked Jia.

"Well. Every thing is quiet, aside from the couple of kids scopin the area." Said Aoki.

"Kids?" Said Jia.

"Street punks who ain't got a damn better thing to do." Said Jo.

"I see. Maybe they could be of some use."

"How so?" Asked Akio.

"Kids gamble. They like the idea of making more money. That's perfect."

"You would allow children in here?" Said Xiao Tien.

"Of course. Kids are stupid and easy to take advantage of."

Xiao Tien laughed as he said,

"We should be ready to set up by the end of the week."

Jia nodded as he said,

"Perfect. I'll be here opening night. Word is probably out about this area already. People would be dying to get in."

After Jia had the full walk through, watching out for movers and delivery men all over the place, we traveled downstairs to the casino. That area was more set up then upstairs. Tables for playing cards were set up, TVs to watch every different kind of sporting event was set up along with a bookie's booth and tables to just sit and drink. The area was set up perfectly as TVs were being hooked up to catch more then one event as Toshimasa said,

"The place. It's not done yet...but you get the idea."

"I do. I'll be here when it opens."

They shook hands as I followed Jia back upstairs. Toki was already smoking with Aoki and Akio as Ai'iro and Jo spoke. Jia then said,

"Shit looks in order. Let's get the hell out of here."

We all walked out from their building as we got in the car and drove back to Manhattan.

I feel asleep in the lobby sofa one week later after Jia meet with Toshimasa and Xiao Tien in their new place of business. I slept soundly near the light, my head down on the arm of the sofa as my own arms cradled me. I couldn't believe how easily and how soundly I slept. It wasn't until I heard voices speaking at a somewhat moderate level and smelled smoke that I woke up. Once my eyes focused I saw Jo and Ryuhei talking. Jo standing as he lit his cigarette while Ryuhei stood beside him, waiting for a light. I picked up my head, dark hair falling over my eyes as I said,

"Is something going on?"

Jo looked over at me as he said,

"Hey Mikkie. Sorry, we were about to leave."

"What time is it?"

"A little after six."

Ryuhei got his cigarette lit as he said,

"How long you been there?"

"Since four."

Jo and him exchanged a look of surprise as Jo then said,

"Where you working?"

"I was helping Tai earlier. Then I thought I would sit down for a while."

I rubbed my eyes as I smoothed my hair back as Jo then said,

"Everyone's about to go."

"Go where?"

"Casino's opening today." Said Ryuhei.

"Oh...right."

"We're just waiting for Toki and Jia. They're upstairs with Takeo, Tai, Gabriel and the Itto Ketsuen." Said Jo.

"The Itto Ketsuen is here?"

"Yeah they got here a while ago. You were sleeping."

I frowned as I thought about how unprofessional that looked. I then said,

"What time is everyone going?"

"Well Aoki, Akio, Aya, Jun, Shikou and the Ryuujin no Chi already left. The Yami got there earlier along with Yuki and Estuya."

"I should have gone with them."

"You can come with us then."

I nodded, getting up as I smoothed out the sleeves of my coat as Ryuhei then sat down on the arm of the sofa, most of his body managed to form a perfect curve along the couch, his long legs tucked underneath him, his arm holding the length of the sofa as he then smoothed back his hair and said,

"What's this place suppost to be like anyway?"

"Gambling. I don't know. I've never been to one of Toshimasa's casino's other then for business." Said Jo.

Just then we heard the elevator come down as everyone who was upstairs now emptied out into the lobby. Ryuhei finished his cigarette, though he didn't know what to do with the rest of it as Jo took it from him and the young whore got up and ran over to Takeo. He hugged him right away, putting his arms around him, pressing the entire of length of his body against him. Takeo smiled, petting him as he stroked back his hair, kissing his cheek as Jia said,

"What time we meeting up?"

"Around eight." Said Takeo.

"Gives me time to change." Said Sozaburo.

Jia laughed as he said,

"Like you don't draw enough attention."

Sozaburo and Karasu soon left, the top heads remaining with Jia as Takeo sent Ryuhei over to Toki. And right to him his attention went, clinging onto him, sticking his hands under Toki's shirt as he kissed his neck since Toki was taller then him. Takeo adjusted his suit as he said,

"I should go then. I still gotta change and get him changed."

Jia scoffed a little as he said,

"Bringing your pet with you huh?"

"Just one. He's my favorite one."

"He'll he'd be my favorite too. The kid can fuck." Said Toki.

Ryuhei smiled and almost purred as Toki stroked his back. Takeo laughed as Jia rolled his eyes and said,

"I can go home still. I have time to spare the way my driver drives."

Jo smiled as Takeo said,

"Ever get a speeding ticket?"

"Not one."

"Good kid."

Takeo then turned to Jo as he said,

"Baby, lots of girls are gonna be there. Behave yourself."

"No promises pimp."

Jo smirked as Takeo nodded and said,

"Good kid."

He said bye to Jia as he then called Ryuhei over to him.

"Come on Ryuhei. You'll have plenty of time to feel up Toki later."

Ryuhei smiled, sneaking a quick lick on Toki's lips as he then left with Takeo. Jia then looked at Toki as he said,

"Will you please stop smiling like that."

"Pay me some attention like that an I'll smile for you Li."

Jia gave him a side glance as he said,

"If paying you attention was worth money I'd be flat broke right now."

Toki laughed as Jia smiled and leaned his head on Toki's shoulder. Toki put his arm around him as he said,

"Let's go. We still got about two hours."

Jo nodded as he rubbed out both cigarettes in the ash tray on the table as he said,

"Okay, I'll take you guys home. I'll be back later Mikkie."

I nodded as they went to the garage so Jo could take them home.

I went home to change since we still had to meet everyone at the casino at eight. As I took off my coat and tie, I found myself staring the mirror. I looked down and saw the cigarette sitting there on my dresser. I had been transporting back and forth with me for some ungodly reason and it always sat on the same spot of my dresser, right next to the Tiffany box I brought with me in my pockets in case I ever did decide to take out the earrings in my ears. I picked up the cigarette and went to the my kitchen and opened one of the drawers. I searched it for a minute until I found a book of matches and took a napkin with me back to my room. I sat down on my bed as I set the napkin down and I looked at the cigarette over and over again, turning it in a circle, seeing the green lettering, Newport written across it on the white paper. I brought it to my mouth and opened the match book, tearing out a match and striking it across the back. Once a flame sparked I brought it to the cigarette and inhaled as I then shook out the flame from the match. I then exhaled, feeling the taste a little stale since it had been months since I got this. But I continued smoking, watching as the paper burned down slowly, the red light brightening each time I took a puff. I then looked at my phone sitting beside me and picked it up as I dialed a number. It rang for a moment before I heard,

"Moshi moshi. Furukawa Kazuki speaking."

I was quiet for a moment as I heard him say,

"Hai? Someone there?"

"Ohayo..."

"Mikkie?"

"Hai."

"Is something wrong?"

"Iie...just...I wanted to hear your voice."

I could almost feel him smiling on the other end as he said,

"I was thinking about you earlier. You've been gone for sometime."

"Business."

I exhaled, tapping the cigarette to drop the ash on the napkin as he said,

"Any word on when Jia is going to wrap it up?"

"Not really. I think soon though."

"His associates opened the casino?"

"Yeah....tonight actually. Why are you up so early?"

"I can't sleep."

"You can't sleep in Tokyo?"

"Not well. I need exhaustion, plenty of liquor or some sleeping pills to get a full night's worth. Of course all three are bad so I try to sleep myself...doesn't really work though."

"I can't sleep in New York."

He laughed as he said,

"We switched."

"I guess."

We were quiet for a while until he said,

"I'm glad you called."

"I don't really know why I did. I need to stop being random like that."

"Didn't you say you wanted to hear my voice?"

"Yes...I guess I did. I just didn't know it until you picked up the phone."

I felt him smiling again as I then continued smoking. I spoke to him for a while longer, mostly me asking him questions that would keep him talking. Once I finished my cigarette I pinched the end and dropped it into the napkin and then crumbled it up. I got up and went to the kitchen, throwing it away as I then went back to my room and picked out another suit to change into. Once I changed into my pants and shirt, I heard Kazuki say,

"How much longer should I keep talking?"

"Why do you say that?"

"You keep asking me all the questions. You obviously don't want to speak."

"I told you I just wanted to hear your voice."

He laughed a little as he said,

"What are you doing?"

"Getting ready to go to work."

"Work?"

"Going to a casino to check things over."

"Oh...sou ka."

"I should get going. I'm not even dressed yet."

"Okay, I'll let you go. Hopefully I'll see you soon."

"Hai...Kazuki?"

"Hm?"

"Thank you for talking..."

"Anytime Yuurei. Bye."

"Bye."

I hung up and then went to finish getting dressed.

Later that night, we went back to Xiao Tien and Toshimasa's casino in Queens. It looked normal enough, the building having a few people lurking around outside. The guards there in the lobby, acting as doormen as they greeted or rejected people. Once we all arrived, we went downstairs where Jia went to mingle with the other oyabuns and speak to Toshimasa and Xiao Tien. The other yakuza were busy either talking, drinking, flirting with the females there or playing cards. It was a usual party. There was a bar in the far back end of the room where a lot of people lingered around, glasses and cups overhead and any kind of liquor you could think of behind the bar tender. As we made our rounds, checking the other two floors of the casino, we found out that the first floor was for all other kinds of casino games. It was a miniature Vegas within one floor of a New York building in Queens. The second floor was reserved for high rollers, where no punk teenager could go to. A high stakes gambling took place where money, property and even people were laid on the table. After a few hours, I grew bored and sat in the lobby, waiting for everyone else to finish enjoying themselves. It was around twelve that evening as I sat back in the lobby sofa, bored out of my mind but with not much else to do. Some of the guards stepped outside and ushered in some people, ushered out some people. I was leaning back against the only small sofa in the lobby as I heard a familiar tap. I saw Toshimasa walking downstairs from the first floor as he walked across the lobby and sat beside me with a heavy sigh.

"Not enjoying yourself?" He asked.

"Not really. But don't take offense. I'm never happy anywhere."

He smiled softly as he said,

"I'm not enjoying myself either. So I don't take offense."

"It's your casino."

"I don't handle the floors. Xiao Tien does. Daisuke...did."

I nodded as I heard the tone of his voice mentioning his former partner. It was then I looked down at his lapel and noticed the red rose. I made the connection.

"Daisuke gave you roses."

He turned to me suddenly, somewhat surprised. I continued.

"Red ones. All the time. Red and no other color...because his hair was red. It's why you always have red roses."

"How did you know?"

"I'm observant. And I heard you say to Jia it's got sentimental value. It doesn't get much more sentimental then that."

He looked down at his lapel as he ran the tips of his fingers over the petals and said,

"Daisuke and I were close. But...it never got far. We didn't want it to since we were both involved in this game. Then he was killed and that was that."

"If you cared about him, why do you work with Jia anyway?"

"I knew Daisuke couldn't keep his mouth shut. I begged him over and over again, please stop mouthing off to these people. They are not common street thugs. They aren't some makeshift syndicate...it's serious. But he didn't listen. So he paid. Jia was only doing his job. And it's also one of the reasons I didn't allow it to go any further with Daisuke....even though I really loved him."

I would have felt sorry for him if it was in me to do so. But I saw the sadness in his eyes when he spoke and I wished I could do that. He then turned to me as he smiled slightly and said,

"It's the price we pay right? Besides, Xiao Tien already told me it's a bad idea to love anyone in this kind of work. I know he's right."

I nodded as he stayed on the sofa as he went into his pocket and retrieved his cigarette case as he took one out and got his lighter. He lit the cigarette once it was in his mouth and then put both items away. He held onto his cane as he smoked. We were quiet again as extended his leg out, making a small noise of discomfort as I said,

"Your knee still bothers you?"

"Somewhat. Just when I over work it."

"Jun should look at it."

"I already discussed it with him. He said it should be fine as long as I sit down before the pain gets bad."

I nodded as he continued smoking. Toshimasa sat in my company for a while, smoking until he was done. He then rubbed it out on the floor as he sighed. He then looked at me as he said,

"You going to sit out here all night?"

"Probably."

"I'll be back then."

He got back up and returned to the casino.

During the evening. Toshimasa did return a few times. He mostly sat and had a cigarette and we discussed minor things. Around two that morning, as Toshimasa and I sat in the lobby, Jo and Sozaburo left together. They tried to remain as if it was nothing, but once outside, Sozaburo put his arms around Jo in what seemed to be a nice little kissing session. I wasn't sure where Jo was going since he had to drive Jia and Toki back home later. At three, Jun showed up, Toshimasa back in the casino as he sat beside me.

"What's up?"

"Bored."

"How long you been out here?"

"Since midnight."

"Damn...I didn't notice."

"You were playing cards and trying to get in some girls panties."

"Shut up."

"You were."

He didn't say anything as he leaned back in the seat and said,

"I'm exhausted. I'm about ready to go."

"I've been ready to go."

Jun stayed with me for the rest of the hour until Jo came back. He was tying his hair back up, his shirt undone and untucked as he lacked his tie. On his neck were dark blotches, Sozaburo's markings as he then saw us and said,

"Jia's still here?"

"Yeah. Downstairs I think." Said Jun.

Jo then left and went downstairs. A few minutes later, the heads of the 36 Moons came back upstairs ready to leave. Toshimasa and Xiao Tien thanked them for coming as Jia shook their hands and we stepped outside. Toki was on Aoki's back, behind held up since he was dead drunk as Akio looked pretty wasted himself. Jo was the sober one of those three as Jia said,

"I'm sorry Aoki."

"I'm use to it Jia. Toki's not much weight. It's all that food he doesn't eat."

Jia sighed as Jo left to get the car. As we waited, Jia dismissed us, saying we could all leave. As Jo pulled the car around, Jia got in and Akio helped Aoki get Toki in the back seat. Once they left the rest of us separated and went home ourselves. The casino was open, a grand success...now it was time to get some rest.