With Shikou around, Jia was working on establishing a new associate. We all had our beginning mistrust of Shikou though he had not done anything to even start a battle with Jia. It was just a yakuza's instinct to be paranoid and suspicious of anyone we first meet. Jia seemed as if he trusted him fully although he would prove us all wrong by never fully telling Shikou anything. Jia was just enchanted by the sequel of Tsubasa who purred instead of spoke, who did not wear suits but formal wear just the same and like Tsubasa wore all black and had long hair. A taller more elegant version was at Jia's disposal. Our oyabun loved it, Toki hated it. Conflict continued. Toki spent most of his time at Queens or in the New York night life with the other two players. Between the three of them, mischief happened. They even gathered and said they were going to go make mischief. Jia was angry that Toki wasn't around, but he quickly forgot whenever Shikou appeared. It seemed that despite everything, Jia was still a child at heart and when he had a new toy in his hands, he loved to play with that until he grew bored of it. I knew that and I was not involved with Jia on a personal level. Toki who supposedly knew him better then anyone didn't catch that. Anyway, now that Shikou was busy being Tsubasa's sequel and he was taking his empire apart to merge with Jia when he wasn't straddling Jia's lap like a pampered puppy, Tai, Gabriel and Aya picked apart and worked through everything, dissolving everything of no use and sending street associated things back to Yuki. Tai called in our accountant but had Aya meet him as I accompanied him. I sat in the back of the board room, Aya going over paper work and books and all things of the sort as the middle aged man sat across from Aya. Our accountant, one Mr. Thomas, sat with his head down, eyes cast on the papers and folders in front of him. He held a pen in his hand and took down all the numbers, punching them into his calculator beside him as Aya spoke. He would never look up at Aya and spoke with a timid voice as if even Aya would strike him. Of course Aya could, but it's not like Aya would. Thomas kept working as Aya looked over a few papers, reading over a couple of papers. He then said,

"Mr. Thomas..."

The older man flinched down as he looked up slightly and said,

"Yes...sir?"

"I was just wondering about these numbers. Where did such a swell come from?"

Thomas took the papers carefully from Aya's slender fingers as he pushed his glasses up and looked over it. He then said,

"Well...sir, these new accounts your employer has gathered totaled up this amount."

Aya looked a little surprised as he said,

"Oh shit..."

He took back the papers as he said,

"I'll be right back."

He got up and left as Thomas looked back down at his paperwork. I began to chew on my thumbnail as I waited, looking back at the door and the accountant still crunching numbers. Eventually Tai came back in the office with Aya as Tai looked over the same numbers, still surprised with the amount. He then said,

"Are you sure this is correct?"

Thomas swallowed hard as he nodded and said,

"Yes sir. It's been checked three times. I could check it again if you wish."

Tai shook his head as he said,

"Excuse us again."

They both looked at me as they motioned me to come out with them. Once outside in the hallway, Tai closed the door and said,

"This is an extremely large amount of money."

Tai handed me the papers as I saw the zeros were going past the single digits here. Even I was surprised. I was aware that Jia made a lot of money, hence each and every one of our comfortable lifestyles, but I never actually sat back and thought about just how much exactly was being made. Now I did. Aya nodded as he said,

"We need to move it. If a hint of that much is caught on here, we could start being questioned."

"I'll call Gabriel. Aya, go back in and finish with the accountant. Mikkie would you please let Jia know what's going on."

I nodded, taking the papers with me as I went to Jia's office. Once at his floor I took the walk to his office, stopping at the double doors and knocking. I knew Shikou was in there with him so I at least wanted to give him fair warning. I heard Jia allow me inside as I opened the door and stepped inside. Shikou was on Jia's lap where he was obviously meant to be, his arms around Jia's neck, his coat on the small couch against the wall of Jia's office. Jia leaned back in his chair, one hand holding a cigarette the other on Shikou's slender hip as he said,

"Yes?"

"Tai asked me to let you be aware of something."

"What?"

I got a little closer to his desk, setting the papers down on it and sliding it across to him. Jia picked them up as he sat up slightly and looked over them. He took a drag from his cigarette, Shikou still straddled on his lap, his hair falling over his one eye as he licked his lips, the soft pink color of his tongue running over his bottom full lip, the tip brushing against the silver ring, catching a little light as he did so. Jia then leaned back again and then put the papers down. He looked up at Shikou as he said,

"You had something of a fortune."

"Uh huh."

"And you gave it up?"

"Who said I gave it up? I'm passing half of it to you."

"This is half?"

"Uh huh. What you think in this city, with half as many people that flow in and out of it, the club scene and so many horny men, you think that drugs and whores come cheap?"

"Damn...I was aware it was a multi billion dollar business but..."

"It's years of work Jia. It didn't happen over night."

Jia nodded as he said,

"And with the other half what do you planning on doing."

"Since I'm still cutting ties, the rest of my fortune will be set aside for a rainy day."

Jia smirked slightly as he turned his attention back to me. He rubbed out his cigarette as he then brought his hand back up to Shikou's pale thin arm and said,

"Have Gabriel, Aya and Akio move it. Shift through the rest of the syndicates and whatever's left over, pass it through Tokyo."

I nodded as I gathered the papers back up and left once I was dismissed.

I returned with my orders to Tai and then went to the lobby for the afternoon. Once downstairs, I found myself alone and I sighed, taking in the solitude as I checked my watch. Six in the early evening. I had been working for most of that day, so I was grateful for a few moments of down time. I walked over to the sofa closest to the small table with the lamp as I sat down. I picked up the paper on the table in front of me as I opened it and began to read. I enjoyed my silence for a few more minutes until I heard the doors open and a loud laugh echoing afterwards. More laughter followed and I knew that could only mean one thing. The trio had arrived. I glanced at my watch noting it was five after six. I did say a few moments of down time didn't I? I didn't bother to look up as I heard Toki laughing loudly as Akio did. I knew Aoki was there, but he didn't laugh like them. I continued reading until I felt one of them approach me. I looked up to see Akio there as he said,

"Hey Mikkie...I know I'm all extra fuckin late an shit, but uh...Jia still here?"

He stank of smoke, alcohol and perfume. I raised an eyebrow as I said,

"Yes. He's in his office."

I then heard Toki say,

"His fuck toy there too?"

"Which one?" Asked Akio.

Aoki and him laughed as Toki glared at him and said,

"Fuck you! You know which one!"

I kept reading as I said,

"Yes. Utsukushii is upstairs with him."

Akio laughed again as he said,

"Oh...okay better make it quick then."

"You have a job Akio."

"Pheesh....I'm to drunk to do anything..."

He laughed, sticking out his tongue slightly as Aoki said,

"We just came in to see if everything was okay."

"If there was something wrong, what could the three of you drunks do about it?"

Akio paused as he said,

"Good point."

They laughed again as Akio said,

"I better let Jia know that I'll do whatever he wants me to do tomorrow...yeah."

He nodded matter of factly before he went to the elevator. Toki and Aoki sat down, Toki fumbling with his lighter before he dropped it and said,

"Oh shit...I dropped mah lighter...fucker..."

Aoki sat still as Toki began digging around the sofa cushions searching for it. As he did, Aya appeared, coat in hand ready to leave. Aoki leaned his head back as he said,

"Seiai..."

Aya put his coat on as he said,

"Good evening Aoki."

Toki looked up from his search as he said,

"Hey...is Pretty Aya. How you doin?"

"I'm fine."

"Are you eva."

Aoki nudged him as he said,

"Hey..."

"What? Jus tellin him how fine his sexy ass is...as if he don't know. When can I hit that Aya?"

Aoki shoved him as Toki fell to his side and laughed as he said,

"I'm playin....sorta."

He laughed as Aya shook his head and said,

"How drunk are you Aoki?"

"Not very. Bout to get worse later tonight."

"Don't get too drunk now. I'll need you in one piece."

He leaned down, kissing Aoki gently as he then said good night to us and left for the evening. Toki and Aoki watched him go as Toki said,

"I hate you so much."

Aoki smirked and said,

"Yeah....I know."

Toki then looked back at me. I had unknowingly watched their little escapades without meaning too. I looked back at my paper, trying to find where I was as Toki said,

"Ghosto...whatcha doin tonight?"

"Going to bed."

"Sweet. Can I come? No pun intended."

They laughed at their sexual joke as I said,

"Go to hell Toki."

"Nah Hell is boring. Shitty lighting too."

Aoki shook his head as he said,

"He didn't mean the club."

"Oh...well whateva."

I shook my head at his drunken stupidity as he said,

"You should come with us Ghosto."

"No thank you."

"It'd be fun."

"For who? You three?"

"An you Ghosto...come on..."

"No thank you. I politely declined twice Toki."

He pouted in the most adorable way that had I been alone I would have smiled at. I looked down at the printed words again as I heard him sighing and slipping back into the sofa as he said,

"Where's Akioooo....we should go."

Aoki shrugged as he picked up Toki's lighter and said,

"Here."

"Hey...I thought I lost that."

"You did. I just found it."

"Ah..."

He took his pack of cigarettes out as he put one in his lips and lit it. He then sighed as he said,

"Need drink!"

Aoki shook his head as he said,

"Once Akio comes back."

A moment later, Jo came down from the elevator. He tied his hair up with a snap of the elastic band he usually carried as he pulled loose the tie he had around his neck. Toki looked at him as he said,

"Hey Jo..where ya off to?"

"Nowhere."

"Gettin laid?"

"Maybe."

"Aish...ne, Aoki, your kids gettin as much ass as you man."

Aoki nudged him as Jo shook his head and saw me as he said,

"You're going to stay here all night Mikkie?"

"Just for a few more minutes."

"Okay...good night then."

"Night Jo."

He then said good night to Toki and Aoki before he left. Another few minutes passed before Akio finally came back. He then sighed, tucking his hair back as he said,

"Okay, let's go get drunk."

"YAY!" Shouted Toki as he started getting back up.

I shook my head at his childishness as he started to leave with his two friends. He then said,

"Oh wait!"

And he walked back over to me as he leaned down and crushed my paper in the process. I was about to just yell at him for being such a child when he kissed my cheek, stunning me for a moment as he said,

"Night Ghosto."

He then got up and left. And as if it never happened, he went back to Akio and Aoki and left. I sat there stunned still as I rubbed my cheek where his familiar mouth touched and I then checked my watch. Six thirty. I shook my head, trying to get past that feeling only he could instill and decided to check if Gabriel and Tai were still working and if they needed anything before I left.

I went home that night, slightly tired as always as I went to my apartment. I changed out of my suit and tie and laid them down on a chair near the farthest corner of the wall in my room. I changed into my night clothes, brushing back my hair once I was done. I then sat on my bed, bored and unknowing what to do. I almost regretted not accepting the invitation for tonight. How could it be that I had become so anti social? Proving myself was one thing, separating work and my personal life was one thing, but denying myself simple fun in life? What was that all about? My reputation for being lifeless had taken a life of it's own, consuming me until it was true. Now I had nothing to do and I grew bored each day, driving myself to the point of madness because I no longer knew how to speak to people unless it was about business. I laid back in my bed, staring up at the ceiling as I wondered if I should try to get some sleep tonight. I always try but I haven't slept well at all in years. Most of my nights were filled with ghost memories, voices that lived only in replayed thoughts and touches that only felt like the wind against my cheek. I would wake up most of the time, wanting to sleep but finding I couldn't. It was never a surprise. That night I laid on my back sighing softly as I then turned ever so slightly, catching a glimpse of my dresser. On it sat the cigarette I had gotten a few nights ago. Damn that man. I turned my head quickly and tried to get some sleep.

Waking up early the next morning, I crawled out of bed and to the shower, got dressed and went to get something to eat. I arrived to Jia's building later to find Yuki along with Ren and a very upset looking Kotei talking to Tai in the lobby. I joined in the conversation as I walked through the door. Yuki turned to me, pale gold hair kept tied back as he smoked his cigarette. His guard, Estuya stood a few feet beside him while Ren stood to his left. Ren gave me a bow of the head to say good morning as I looked over at Kotei. The little emperor was in his suit, no tie, the first couple of button around his neck open as his usual golden locket was in it's place. He wore tan tinted sunglasses, still allowing his eyes to be visible but having them covered nonetheless. He looked upset and tired.

"Is something wrong?"

"No Mikkie. They just wish to have a word with Jia of the accounts being moved about."

"Ah...Jia won't be in for a couple of hours still."

Yuki nodded as he said,

"I'm aware of Jia's sleeping habits. Just let us know when he arrives please."

Tai nodded as he said,

"Of course."

Yuki then left with Estuya as Ren then said to Tai,

"I would like to discuss these transactions with you if I could."

Tai nodded, graciously accepting him up to his office as Kotei stayed in the lobby. I noticed he had slumped down in the sofa, his head tilted to the side, a slow burning cigarette in his hand. He fell asleep. I sighed to myself as I took the cigarette out of his hand and quickly put it out before temptation struck me. I then sat down and began to read this morning's paper. I should have read yesterdays since I didn't have the chance...but, I guess nothing drastic could have happened so quickly. During the morning, the top heads, lower heads and everyone in between began coming in and out. Our accountant stopped by for a few moments to drop off the last of the paper work before he left. Ren eventually picked up Kotei who had so gracefully passed out on the sofa and then left and in the late morning, Jia showed up. He seemed exhausted, hung over and more over he had a mark of a forming bruise near the side of his cheek. He finally had it out with Toki. He walked past the lobby, his head heavy in his hands as he held it with one hand, a cigarette in the other as he went to the elevator. He leaned against the wall, waiting for it as he smoked. I got up, worried for a moment as I approached him and gave him warning.

"Jia?"

He didn't move other then raising his hand.

"Morning..."

"Are you all right?"

"Sorta..."

The elevator came as he picked up his head from against the wall and started going in. I followed him as I said,

"You don't seem well."

Much to my shock Jia put his back against the wall of the elevator and slid down as he yawned. He reminded me of one of our lower heads, or maybe Jo or worse yet, Toki. He rubbed his eye as he said,

"I'm hung over and tired and in pain."

"Why did you show up then?"

"I still got an empire to run. I can't leave Tai straddled with all my work everytime something happens."

He yawned again as he then smoked. I looked at the mark on his face as I said,

"What...happened?"

Jia looked up at me as he said,

"What? The bruise?"

I nodded.

"What do you think? Toki of course."

"I can't believe he hit you."

"So? I could take it. Not like I'm some helpless female he's beating."

"True."

He shrugged as he said,

"He didn't get this without getting something back though."

"Ah..."

As we approached his floor he started getting back up. His cigarette was done but he held onto it until he got to his office. He walked in, taking off his over coat and then sitting down as he put the cigarette in the ashtray. He then held his forehead as he said,

"Could you call Jo or someone in here. I need a favor."

"I'm here Jia. I'll do it."

He said,

"Thanks."

I nodded, waiting his orders as he said,

"I need a pack of cigarettes. I just smoked my last ones. Some aspirin and something to eat. I think that's what's making my headache worse. And some tea."

I nodded, promising to return quickly as I left.

I hated buying cigarettes. It never failed that each and everytime I was asked for some kind of identification because I forever looked twelve. My height did nothing to improve matters. But I bought a pack of Jia's normal brand and also some aspirin. I then went to buy some food and tea at the Pearl Tea house before returning. As I did, I saw Toki squatted down in the middle of the lobby, smoking. He had his cigarette hanging from his lip, a bandanna on his head as his hair fell around his face. His boots were undone as always, his jeans tucked half inside them, half falling out. The sleeves of his red shirt were rolled up showing his tattoos and scars. I walked in holding the items in my hands as I said,

"What are you doing?"

"The newest doll on Li's shelf is here."

I turned my head slightly as sure enough Shikou sat there, his legs covered in form fitting black material, his full length coat underneath him as he smoked, his silver ring moving slightly as he pressed and parted his lips.

"Ah...so he is. So why are you here instead of elsewhere?"

"I got no other place to be."

I checked my watch seeing it was only one. He didn't have a place to go. When I looked at his face I noticed his lip was split broken slightly, fresh blood still coating the top of that fleshy thick layer. I found my own tongue tapping at the back of my teeth in my closed mouth. I tore my eyes upwards as I saw his face was marked with red marks but no other bruises. I guess Jia doesn't have enough heart to swing that hard at the one person he loves. I was about to walk away when he said,

"Whatcha gonna do Ghosto?"

"Bring these up to Jia."

He nodded as he then said,

"You gonna work?"

"Not that I know of yet."

"Come have lunch with me."

"You don't eat."

I was about to turn and walk to the elevator as he said,

"Then let me watch you eat. I can't sit here all fuckin day while Jia's there with his fuck toy."

I noticed Shikou looked over, his black hair still over his eyes. Apparently he took no offense as he smiled slightly. He knew what he was and he had no shame. I then looked back at Toki as I said,

"Fine...a brief lunch."

He smirked as I went upstairs to deliver Jia's things.

I had lunch with Toki. Surely Jun would have hit the roof had he found out. But lucky me was busy so I didn't worry about seeing his disapproving looks and then snide comments later. I went to have lunch at a near by cafe. Toki had to sit outside, wanting to smoke. I had learned that Toki never really drinks anything but sake or alcohol and he eats little bites, just enough to sustain him. We had a small lunch and tea as I ate slowly. Toki didn't have anything at first and I threatened to leave if he didn't at least have a drink. He sighed and annoyingly ordered tea. Once the tea came, he stirred it for a while before taking a drink. He scrunched up his nose in an adorable way as I said,

"What was your purpose in asking me here?"

He stuck out his tongue slightly, the tip peeking out past his lips as he said,

"I tol ya...I was bored and aint shit else to do."

"What of Aoki and Akio?"

"Aoki's busy. And hung over. Akio prolly has work later."

"Oh..."

I went back to my lunch as he said,

"You still mad at me?"

"Mad at you?"

I was genuinely confused.

"We haven't talked in a while."

"I was never mad. You stopped speaking to me remember."

He nodded as he said,

"So...if I wanted to talk to you again?"

"You're only doing this because you and Jia are mad at each other. Once it's done, you'll go back to him as it is meant to be."

"You really don't like me do you."

"It's hard not to like you Toki. But I won't be your crossroad everytime something goes wrong with you and Jia."

"We went through this before."

"And I'm smarter this time."

He sighed, unwilling to abide by my words but unwilling to let me go too. He would be insatiable and greedy in his own way. He didn't say another word about it though. After lunch we walked back to Jia's building. I was quiet and so was Toki for once. Before we went inside, he stopped me and said,

"You still got that cigarette?"

I nodded as he said,

"Good."

He then smirked and went inside as I followed.

Business was being tied up finally. And now Shikou would be another doll on Jia's shelf.