very loosely based on Logan/Rory and Mitchum's dinner together | tadaai | pre-series

When it's Ainosuke's birthday, there's always a huge bash. Crowds in the gardens, piles of presents, even fireworks -- and really, more for Aiichiro and his networking than a real celebration.

Even Tadashi's called away from his usual duties beforehand to draft invitations, shuttle guests back and forth, and keep track of presents and cards stuffed with cash.

Luckily, since he's only a secretary, he can simply hang back and watch.

(Honestly, it's a "stand around in case you're needed but pretend you don't exist" situation. Sometimes, Tadashi gets to spend time in the servants' quarters with a book, and other times, he has to be at beck and call for some "emergency.")

So Tadashi is surprised when he passes the dining room to help the frantic-eyed servants and Aiichiro crooks his finger at him.

Ainosuke looks just as surprised, even as he continues nodding at one of his aunts, something about finding a pretty young woman. But they're used to this, ships passing in the night, and don't say a word.

Tadashi turns away, even though he notices the neater crop of Ainosuke's hair, the polished fingernails, the perfectly white cheek.

It had been Tadashi who had run out and discretely bought a small makeup case for Ainosuke to hide one of the bruises from his late night jaunts. He's frankly surprised no one's noticed.

Each night with "Joe" and "Cherry," Ainosuke seems happier--but each night becomes a risk. There've been close calls, Ainosuke nearly breaking his leg from shimmying up the window, and Tadashi forced to explain why he was carrying bandages at three in the morning.

But the Shindos seem none the wiser. For all they know, Ainosuke is like any boy his age, going to cram school and being properly socialized and preparing for the graduation exam.

It had also been Tadashi's doing--suggestion, really--that if all looked well, no one would look beneath the surface.

"You have a better poker face than me," Ainosuke complained once, and Tadashi only smiled.

So, now, Tadashi watches as Aiichiro puts down his fork, a signal for everyone to fall silent. He stands, confused, as Aiichiro raises a glass and toasts his son on his diligence, his future success.

There's polite applause and glasses clinked and Aiichiro places a hand on Ainosuke's shoulder with an indulgent grin. "Go join the party. Go on."

Ainosuke tilts his head but doesn't argue. Like a gentleman, he escorts his aunts out, locking eyes with Tadashi for a single second before closing the door behind him.

It's then that Aiichiro speaks. "Ainosuke is doing well."

Tadashi lowers his eyes. "He is, sir."

"And it's thanks to you."

Tadashi freezes. "I..."

"You've been a good asset to this family, Tadashi. I had my doubts, but Ainosuke seems to be turning in the right direction, no longer wandering around the grounds and running around like a wild thing."

Aiichiro reaches for a drink, pours before Tadashi can offer to assist him. "I know you and my son are close. I don't normally approve, but... your influence has been a positive one."

Tadashi doesn't know what to do. Does he thank him? Protest? Stay silent?

"Now, I hope he continues on this path. He will do well at a university here, but there is potential for more. Travel, perhaps, to broaden his horizons."

Tadashi does not allow himself to react. What is he saying? He's shadowed Aiichiro and Ainosuke on business trips and seminars and summits, but not for longer than a weekend. Ainosuke mentioned Joe wanted an apprenticeship in Italy; was that something Aiichiro had in mind?

"Now, the universities here are superb, but with Ainosuke's career in mind, there's a benefit of a little international education. I have some connections in America."

An ocean away. Tadashi wants to grip the back of a chair, a wall, something.

"You and I have his best interests in mind, hm?" Aiichiro takes another sip. "Don't worry, we'll take care of you. You're part of the team, as it were.

"International experience might be good for you as well." There's a note Tadashi can't quite read, as Aiichiro puts his glass down, looks at him. "Don't you think?"

Tadashi swallows. "I... I would be honored..."

"You could be an attaché, or some sort of foreign servicemember. Not that working for the National Diet is anything to turn your nose up at, but I can admit you're... fairly intelligent."

"Or, of course, if you want to stay in Okinawa, you can take the secretarial exam and work your way up to helping shape policy. Either way, you can be behind someone powerful."

There's a note Tadashi can't quite read, as Aiichiro puts his glass down, looks at him. "You can be behind my son, Tadashi. I know my son and he can exceed me. My sisters are scheming that he can one day pick our future Prime Minister. I think he can be him."

"And to do that, you have to step back."

Tadashi startles this time. "What?"

"I know what goes on inside my property, and off of it. I've looked the other way, but it's getting out of control, wouldn't you agree? Hanging out with those delinquents in those seedy areas at all hours." Aiichiro smiles. "Oh, yes. A hood isn't the best disguise."

Tadashi feels a trickle of sweat roll down his neck.

"So you will get him to stop. And if you behave, you can accompany him to America and have a few years to yourselves, as long as nothing reaches here."

At last, Tadashi manages, "He loves skating, Aiichiro-sama."

"That's not the only thing."

/No,/ Tadashi thinks, /he does not think of me. If he thinks of anyone, it's probably Cherry./

"I dare say he's gone around me, and there will be a time where he does the same with his aunts. But he's always listened to you." Aiichiro folds his hands on the table.

"I trust you to handle this. If you cannot..."

A definite threat, now. It seems useless to protest.

"I'll do my best, Aiichiro-sama," he says, throat dry.

"Good," Aiichiro replies. "I'm glad we can come to an understanding."

He picks up his glass again, turns away, and Tadashi knows he's dismissed. He ducks his head in a shaky bow, then backs out of the room, trying not to stumble over the threshold.

Outside, he hears a roar of drunken laughter, a boom of fireworks. Ainosuke is out there, the perfect son and unaware Tadashi's become less of a friend and more of a pawn, his potential betrayer.

Aiichiro is truly a master manipulator, Tadashi thinks.

He turns on his heel and heads straight for the servants' quarters. Luckily, it's perfectly silent, and Tadashi doesn't bother flipping on the light before throwing himself on his bed.

Burying his face in his pillow, Tadashi sobs, slams a palm against the mattress once, as fireworks light up the sky.

/end