What is this life?

What is this life?

Chapter 7

Shuichi passes out for the second time this night. This time it’s from exertion and orgasm. His pounding heart calms and his breathing becomes more normal.

Ryuichi Sakuma collapses onto the younger man, and rolls off to his right side. Heavy pants subside to quieter breaths until he too begins to breathe more soundly. The beating of his heart lessens to a steady thump, thump, thump. This is the best sex he can ever remember having. Totally spent, Ryuichi starts to fall asleep, one word echoes in his head "Hiro".


In the early morning, sunlight cascades into the room, casting a glow on the two sleeping forms. Ryuichi is the first to open his eyes. He rolls onto his side and casts his blue eyes on the young man next to him. The yellowish glow on Shuichi's hair makes it look more orange than pink. The younger man is sleeping quite soundly. Last night was incredible! A rush of heat races through Ryuichi to his groin. He wants him again.

Shuichi stirs a bit and moans.

Suddenly, as if sucker punched, Ryuichi's breath catches and he remembers more of last night. What was it Shuichi said when he was coming? “HIRO” Why did he call out another's name, and who is this Hiro? These questions cause Ryuichi to have mixed feelings for his young slave. One moment, he craved that body and wanted to repeat the performance from the night before. The next, anger swells in his gut. Anger and hurt. His perfect birthday was almost ruined with one word.

Shuichi opens his eyes and catches the look on his Master's face. He’s stunned. As he reaches out to touch his Master's cheek, Ryuichi slaps it away.

"WHO IS HIRO?" A shout so loud, it startles the young man, causing him to withdraw.

"Master, why do you want to know about Hiro?" Shuichi starts trembing.

Anger getting the better of him, Ryuichi raises his fist. "Who is he and what is he to you?" The hand comes down hard. Ryuichi slams his fist onto the bed, beside Shuichi's head.

Shuichi shuts his eyes, expecting the contact with his face. When the contact isn't made, Shuichi cautiously opens his eyes. "Master, I.... I'm sorry."

"That doesn't answer my question. Who is Hiro and why would you be yelling his name when you’re with me?"

Shuichi looks down. He’s shaking, almost uncontrollably. He’s never seen an angry Ryuichi Sakuma before, and this Ryuichi Sakuma is reminding him more of Master Seguchi. "Please, Master, I didn't know I called out his name. I don't know why, it just happened." Shuichi tries to retreat further until he almost falls off the bed.

Ryuichi sees the terror on Shuichi's face. Kami-sama, he almost hit Shuichi. Ryuichi pulls back, trying to calm his emotions. He stares at the trembling form that is now almost three feet away from him. He relaxes his fist. He props himself on his elbow placing his chin on his open palm, "Shuichi, I won't hurt you. I told you I am not like Tohma. I don't know what came over me." A somewhat calmer Ryuichi continues. "Please, tell me, who is Hiro? I really want to know."

Shuichi is wary, but the tone is more subdued, and Ryuichi's angry face transforms to something more sedate, almost caring. "Hiro’s my best friend. We were taken at the same time and brought to Seguchi-sama's mansion. He ... " Shuichi starts to cry.

"What happened to Hiro?" Ryuichi now has complete control of his voice and actions. "Come over here and tell me what happened to your friend."

Shuichi moves closer to his Master. Tears stream down his cheeks as he tries to continue. "Hiro was taken yesterday. K-san said he was being sold to someone in Istanbul. I tried to stop the guards, and K-san knocked me out. When I came to, Hiro was gone and I was told that I would never see him again."

Not for the first time, Ryuichi feels sorry for his slave. Seeing Shuichi being almost dragged from Tohma's room that first day, Ryuichi knew that there was something very wrong. Now to find out how the younger man has been kidnapped and thrown into this situation with his friend is heartbreaking. "How long has it been since you and Hiro were taken?"

"Two months, I think. We just graduated high school and were celebrating at a local club. When we came out, we were jumped from behind. Someone placed smelly cloths on our faces, and we lost consciousness. When we woke up, we were in the harem room at Seguchi-sama's mansion. I don't know how long we were asleep, and I still don't know exactly where we are. I only know that this place is nowhere near anything I recognize from Tokyo."

He explains why it’s so remote. “Tohma built this place about twelve years ago. It’s secluded, and seclusion is what Tohma needs for his slave trade business. All those people last night are friends and associates of ours from Kyoto. They know Tohma is in the shipping business. It's really a front for his slave trading. "

Shuichi just listened, as Ryu continued. "Tohma got the idea for the sex slave business when he visited one of his brother-in-law Eiri's art galleries in Turkey. International sex slave trading is centered in Istanbul. Tohma was approached by another businessman and made a proposition. Tohma jumped at the chance to become more wealthy and powerful. He uses Eiri's galleries around the world as pickup places for the slaves he sells.”

“Eiri isn't too happy about it, but Tohma’s married to Eiri's sister. Tohma told Eiri if he wants her to remain safe, he’d help. Eiri got trapped into this business because of his sister. Tohma wouldn't think twice about hurting her, if it meant he got what he wanted. He can be ruthless."

Shuichi stops crying, sniffing back the tears. "Hiro was taken to Turkey yesterday. I’m so scared, for me and for him. I got you angry, and if Seguchi-sama finds out that I upset you, he’ll find a way to really hurt me. I was warned to never upset you, never deny you anything. Please forgive me, I didn't mean to, honestly."

"Shuichi, would it make it better for you to stay here with me if I could get Hiro back? He could live here with us. You have to promise not to try and leave me.” Ryuichi moves a little closer to his companion. ” If you or he attempt to leave, Tohma will have you killed. THAT would be the only thing that would really upset me. I’m just shocked at what happened last night. I’m not really upset now." The tone‘s apologetic, although the words were never actually said.

Shuichi's violet eyes widen and he gets excited. "Master, can you do it? Can you get Hiro back? I promise, we won't try to leave. Just, please get him back for me. I love him!"

Hearing Shuichi’s declaration of love, Ryuichi’s heart falls heavy. "I’ll try, Shuichi, but it won't be easy. This has to be done quietly. Tohma can’t find out what I’m doing. If he does, he’ll become angry with me, and you’ll suffer for it. I have to think of a way, though. I can't do it alone, I’ll need help. No one in Tohma's employ will help me, they’re all too afraid of him.” Ryuichi gets lost in thought. Almost as if by a stroke of genius he pipes, "There may be someone who can help after all. I have to leave to find out.” Ryuichi smiles and looks at Shuichi. ”Get up, we can wash up and get dressed. You’ll have to stay in your room. I have to do this alone. And, Shuichi, no matter who talks to you here, don't trust him. I don't know who the spy is. Tohma can’t get any idea that I’m up to something. Come on."

With that, Ryuichi, back to his 'normal' self, bounces off his side of the bed and heads to the bathroom.


Unbeknownst to anyone in the room, someone is listening. A cell phone is dialed and when the connection is complete, the only thing said is, “I’ve news and you aren’t going to like it. I’ll be there in an hour.”

TBC