Gun had been avoiding this for a reason but it seems like no matter how hard he tried avoiding this it was bound to happen no matter what. Although Gun should have known that his family was going to force their way back into Gun's life no matter what, it was ironic seeing how his relationship with his father started with the man wanting nothing to do with him.
The phone calls for a start were something that he tried to ignore. It wasn't unusual for someone from the Yamazaki clan to try and contact him, sometimes it had been Shigeaki, other times Hiroaki, occasionally it was his mother but most of all it had been his uncle Shintaro. They would try to call him and although he used to answer it occasionally he hadn't felt like dealing with their usual gripes this time around. He was busy with work and managing all the different issues that come with running the CC, he didn't have time for his 'family' constantly bothering and nagging about his future or life. He was honestly surprised they hadn't completely cut contact with him after he left for a life in Korea, a life working with a man who had been a part of Gapryong's fist.
He should have known that avoiding their calls for months on end would lead him to this exact situation. All he wanted to do was take Daniel home and then go home himself, it had already been a tiring day but now it was going to be an even more tiring night.
The Kojima brothers, both Shigeaki and Hiroaki stood on either side of his uncle, looking nonchalant and closed off as usual. The only interest they showcased was the casual flickering of eyes to where Daniel stood as if questioning why their boss's son was hanging around someone so outside of his social status.
Then there was his uncle, passive and stoic as usual as he watched his nephew through narrowed eyes.
"Yuzuru, did you think you could avoid us forever? You know better than to avoid my calls," His Uncle's voice booms across the space and soon enough he's walking over.
Despite the lack of emotions, Gun sensed that there was danger in the air. In a moment of panicked weakness, before he could stop himself his arm snapped out and he pushed Daniel backwards.
Everyone notices.
His uncle's face twitches at the action but his nonchalance doesn't entirely drop. If anything the danger seems to grow even more.
By the time his uncle was standing in front of him, he could hear his own heart pounding in his ear. Could anyone else hear it? Was it as loud for them as it was for him? Gun was never the type to get nervous, he could fight dozens of men who were bigger than him and he wouldn't so much as lose his breath. Yet now, in the presence of his uncle, the only thing that could explain the fluttering feelings that were rushing through his stomach up to his chest was the fact that he was nervous.
"Yuzuru, you look nervous. A Yamazaki is not supposed to look so…anxious. Why don't we take some time to talk and catch up?" His uncle asks in his native tongue before smiling with all his teeth in a way that Gun himself has copied and given to others before. The same smile he's used to intimidate almost all of his opponents.
It takes a moment of Gun urging Daniel to go back inside, the little spitfire trying to deny the request only to eventually give in. He loves Daniel's headstrong attitude, it was one of the main reasons why Gun felt attracted to the man in the first place but now was not the time to be stubborn.
As soon as Daniel turns to leave, Gun faces his uncle who had been eyeing the interaction. The elder Yamazaki had questions but it didn't look like he would open his mouth any time soon to ask them. Instead, his uncle opens his arms, a warm and inviting embrace to anyone who is looking in from the outside and Gun does nothing to avoid it.
His uncle drags him in, a large palm pulls the younger Yamazaki in by the neck whereas the other pats his shoulder.
"It has been a while, boy" His Shintaro remarks before whispering something else into his ear. "Let's find a place to catch up and talk, there's a lot I've been meaning to talk to you about, a lot of…sensitive things" He then pulls away, grinning as he does so before ushering Gun towards the car. The grin, the hug, the affection, it was all false and nothing more than an act but Gun can do nothing to stop himself from following.
Gun turns to give the two bodyguard brothers a wary look but neither of them speak, only waiting patiently for Gun to follow the elder. Letting out a sigh, Gun pulls out his phone to message Goo before following his uncle into the car.
.
.
.
The quiet and low-key restaurant that they ended up in gave them the privacy they needed. Shigeki and Hiroaki stood on either side of Shintaro Yamazaki as he ate and commented on the various dishes in front of him. Gun gingerly picked at his plate, not feeling hungry anymore.
"You know, it really has been a long while since we've seen each other in person, face to face. When was the last time I saw you? When you confessed that you didn't want to be head of the clan and threw a tantrum or was it when you went and fucked off to Korea as an act of rebellion?" Shintaro was still speaking in Japanese and although his body showcased that he was at ease the tone of his voice was cutting. "If it hadn't been for your father's wishes to leave you alone we would have chased after you long ago and returned you home " He mentions and that fact is a surprise for the Founder.
His father told them not to chase him…
"Uncle, why don't you cut to the chase and tell me why you're really here" Gun sighs only to freeze when Shintaro slams his palm into the table, causing the plates and drinks to rattle alarmingly.
" When we are together like this and when I am initiating conversation with you like this I expect you to reciprocate appropriately. Whilst I can excuse your childish antiques and your tantrum of having run off to Korea you are still my nephew and you are still the heir to the Yamazaki clan. It would do you no favours to forget your first language" He announces, his easy-going appearance has slipped off into something dangerous and ugly. His tone carved into the familiar sound of lecturing that Gun had grown up listening to.
A look that Gun was much more familiar with when he was still living in Japan with the rest of his family.
" Of course, Uncle. My apologies " Gun grits out, bowing his head as his hands clenched into fists against his thighs hidden beneath the table. He wanted to remark that Korean was just as much his first language as Japanese was, no matter how much his uncle wanted to forget who his mother was. "And yes, I do believe the last time we saw each other was before I left for Korea"
It was better to leave the statement at that. He doesn't bring up the fact that the reasons he left Japan and the Yamazaki clan were all due to very precarious yet personal reasons. That the life of leading the Yakuza, even one as prestigious and well known as the one his forefathers had built was something that hadn't appealed to Gun ever since he was young, back when he had been so unsure of who he was and what he wanted. Sure there had been great benefits and advantages to being the young heir of the clan. There was money, power, respect, and the ability to do whatever he wanted without facing the consequences of his actions. But it had been lonely and cold, Gun hated those feelings more than anything in the world.
"How have you been since then? I know when you ran here that Gapryong Kim and Charles Choi picked you up and took you in like some sort of stray" Did his uncle have to sound condescending every time he opened his mouth to speak? It was aggravating. The moment he mentions Gapryong and Charles there's a tinge of venom in his voice, the clan's distaste for any man of Gapryong's crew was well known and it was well-reasoned. Gun saw this type of hatred up close and personal for the majority of his early life, and saw how it made his proud and strong father weak in the eyes of the families and elders.
"I've been doing well in Korea, I'm sure that since you knew exactly where to find me you've been keeping tabs on me and my progress. I haven't kept many things in my life a secret here in Korea so I'm sure you already know most of it" Gun replies easily, reaching out to take a sip of the green tea he had ordered.
"Yes, keeping tabs and tracking you is almost child's play but it seems that it is only this way because you have made it to be. Keeping up with your employment with the HNH company, being a bodyguard, being a 'Founder' of this Crew Corporation, and being one of the best fighters in the East are all superficial things, don't you think? Other than these surface-level facts about you, everything in your personal life remains vague " Shintaro swirls his drink, some expensive red wine he had ordered off the menu, and he sips at it appreciatively before raising a brow in Gun's direction.
Gun could feel his defences rise but he makes an effort of not explicitly showcasing it. Instead, he shrugs as he attempts to start his meal.
"I'll be completely honest with you uncle, there isn't much going on with my life outside of work anyways. So most of what you have been able to find is all that my life has been since I left Japan " And it was true to an extent.
There had been some initial struggles before he met Charles when Gun had to survive on his own in Korea. Time in the juvenile detention centre where he had to learn his place, grow as a fighter and learn the language. A time period where he refused to use his name as an act of 'rebellion' as his father and family would describe it. Although in the back of his brain, he somewhat knew that the name Yamazaki would have given him more trouble than help back then.
"Is that so? " Shintaro hums out, disbelieving in Gun. " Your life is quite…boring, I imagined that when you came to Korea you were seeking an opportunity to restart your life. Perhaps create your group or crew, and make Korea your own as you started in Japan. It would have been a fitting task for my brother's spawn " he mentions and Gun shrugs, ignoring the use of language.
" Is that not what I've done to an extent? I've tamed a country that was once out of control and in a national crisis. It might not have gone the way I had initially thought it would but the outcome is the same " Again it was all the truth.
"And yet you required the assistance of others to help you reach this point" Shintaro points out and Gun snorts.
"As if you built everything you have by yourself" He snarks back, feeling the need to set the record straight whilst his words should have gotten him a hit to the back of the head or at the very least a glare what was given was a laugh.
" Well, you are not wrong, Yuzuru " The name Yuzuru feels foreign in Gun's ears, when he was born he had gone by Gun as it was his given name from his mother, it took years before the clan and his father recognised him and officially gave him the title of Yuzuru and even then it hadn't been used long enough to stick with him before he ran away. He remember that moment greatly, his father hadn't even registered who he was and had merely given him a simple name without much thought. Nowadays, not even the members of the second affiliate called him Yuzuru when they figured out who he was, choosing to respect the name Jong Gun which he had chosen to go by. Still, it feels weird to hear the lingering warmth in his uncle's voice as he calls him by that name.
" When will you come home?"
The question catches Gun off guard and it must show too because soon his uncle is rolling his eyes.
"Don't be so startled Yuzuru, you knew I was going to be asking you that sooner or later. You left when you were 15 and now you are almost 22, it has been seven years and for the most part, we have allowed you to do whatever you wanted. We've allowed you to grow, become your person and get rid of all that anger you had when you were young and after all this space and time I've given you I am now asking for you to return to your place by your father's side. There is still much to teach you about your future as the heir of the clan and you have already wasted four precious years " Shintaro recounts and with each word the uneasiness in Gun grows. " Your time outside of the nest has ended and it is time for you to return to the nesting grounds to settle down and figure out what you want to do with your future properly. You didn't think you would remain here in Korea with the CC forever, did you? "
The question was asked with such belittlement that Gun didn't know how to answer. For the majority of his life, his uncle had thought little of his existence but hid it behind a tame facade of respect and traditions, nonetheless, it was better than what his father gave him. Shingen Yamazaki never acknowledged his existence or ever found the time to see or raise him. It had been his mother, the Kojima brothers and his uncle who oversaw his training and well-being. It had been them who had pushed him to become the man he was today. His father never once cared for him and even when he left Japan he hadn't bothered to care enough to chase after him. Yet despite his emotions surrounding his father and the clan of course he didn't think he would be at the CC forever but he still thought that he had more time. That his father or uncle wouldn't bother him about succession and the future until they were much older but it seems like he was wrong.
" You're asking me to come back now? " Gun grits out, a complicated look falling onto his face.
"Of course, there is a lot to think about. Not only do you have several years to catch up on but we need to start thinking about marriages and sireing future heirs so that our line remains stable. Many of the other elders in the clan have become unrestful with you being of age but still without children of your own. " Shintaro remarks and Gun sucks in a sharp breath.
He was twenty-two, not some forty-year-old man who was experiencing a midlife crisis. He didn't need to be thinking about kids at this point in his life and didn't want them either.
" Now, now Yuzuru. I can tell that the topic of kids is not something you are considering any time soon and I can understand that. Your father didn't have you until he was in his late twenties either and it was not without trials and tribulations. The amount of women and daughters from other clans that he had to fertilise until your mother gave you to him, took an immense amount of time and energy, energy that he did not have after suffering defeat from Gapryong's crew. Yet even so he persevered. If for nothing else, getting married and creating heirs will appease the elders and families and it can strengthen our place at the top of the clans, something that has been slipping in recent times " Right, a marriage for convenience. His father would want him to marry some pretty girl from another clan or at the very least a daughter of some fancy business to strengthen their ties to the world and then reproduce some reverse-eyed child. Funny seeing as the man hadn't even had the decency to marry Gun's mother.
It was all business in his family's eyes and perhaps if it had been the Jong Gun from years ago before he moved to Korea, he would have seen the appeal of it all and wouldn't have been so reluctant. He would have done anything and everything to make his father and family proud.
"We don't have to be the one to choose your bride if you don't want it to be, you're free to make your own decisions in that matter" His uncle suddenly remarks and that startles Gun. He had been adamant in thinking that his family would want full control of everything yet here his uncle was stating that Gun could choose.
Wanting to test the boundaries of his uncle's limits he speaks up on a topic that he knew no one present would be comfortable with.
" And what if the person I want to marry isn't a woman " The comment is simple but it delves into a lot of uncharted territory that he has never once spoken to his uncle about much less a conversation he's had with his father. Although his promiscuity knew no bounds when it came to gender his family never once acknowledged that side of him and if they did it was with disdain.
Shintaro frowns, his hands tightening against the utensils he is holding.
"Yuzuru" He spoke his name with a heavy tone.
Both the Kojima brothers attempted to remain nonchalant but even their shoulders had risen and their interest was piqued to see how Shintaro would respond.
"Whilst I have ignored your preferences in the past, at some points even support it because it meant that you couldn't get anyone pregnant out of wedlock there are still some lines I am going to draw now. When you marry you will do so with a woman, end of discussion " Shintaro's response was typical but it doesn't mean that Gun was willing to back down yet as he opens his mouth to protest when his uncle raises a hand. " You will marry a woman and you will have children, that is the only purpose of your marriage. What you do outside of it, whether you decide to return to your room where your bed has been warmed by a man, will have nothing to do with me or anyone else"
The answer shocks Gun and it must have surprised the Kojima brothers too with how they both were gaping at their boss in shock. Shintaro, who was known to follow his rules and regulations was speaking about infidelity?
" You're saying I should commit infidelity? I know that we are Yakuza and that we have a certain level of grey morals but…really? " Gun couldn't help but gasp, shaking his head in disbelief.
He expected such a response from his father who was a man that had dozens of mistresses and concubines. A man who sired dozens of children, sons and daughters, but never acknowledged their existences but his uncle? A man who was a stickler for rules, and traditions and being rigid and frugal in his ways? This didn't seem like him.
" I am simply offering you a solution. You must take on a wife or at least a woman, as many as you would like, and produce an heir with your skill sets and potential as my brother did you. Afterwards, you are free to have as many…male concubines as you wish " And the way his stoic uncle states the line so easily makes Jonggun cringe.
"Male concubines…" He repeats in distaste.
"Well I don't know what you call them, male loves, partners, courtesans, paramours, kept man-"
"Uncle…please just stop" Gun groans into his palms.
His uncle lets out a laugh, short and lacking in emotion but an attempt of a laugh anyways. Gun sighs. Figures that his uncle wasn't homophobic, just an asshole.
" Still, it doesn't matter. I won't be marrying anyone anytime soon and I won't be going back to Japan either. Not in the near future " Gun huffs and this time the laughter and light airness fall back into tension.
Shintaro inspected his nephew's face, unappeased by his defiance which was so unlike the boy he used to know. Sure he wanted a headstrong heir for the clan but he wanted one that could also be understanding of what he and the rest of the family were asking.
"Why's that? " Shintaro offers him a chance to explain himself.
It takes a moment for Gun to gather his thoughts into complete sentences so that he doesn't make himself look like a fool. It's more difficult than he expects, Gun's used to sitting in meetings and conversing with people of higher ranking or individuals who were up their own asses. This wasn't like those times, this was his uncle who he hadn't seen in years, a man that he used to and still respected. A man that Gun, although he doesn't show it, does fear to an extent simply due to the power and strength that he commands and how easily he could simply fuck up his life if he wanted. If it was one thing that Shintaro had been in Gun's life it was being present, and he had been present in a multitude of ways.
"I've built a stable life here in Korea, I'm needed here as more than just a businessman or a gangster or even a leader. If you've followed my career path then you know that I've done a lot more here in the last four years than what I've ever done in Japan when I was working under you. I know it's not the answer you were expecting when you came here to drag me back but it's one that I'm going to be content with. I prefer the life I've built here than the one I was handed down" Gun states simply and Shintaro shakes his head.
"You can't just abandon your birthright, Yuzuru. You were born to lead the Yamazaki clan, everything that your mother and everyone else have given you is so that you can take over this business. There is simply no one else who is more suited to this role than you, Yuzuru Yamazaki the Shiro Oni, a name and a title that strikes fear into the hearts of those who hear it. If you remain here then you'll be nothing more than what? A bodyguard of a spoiled princess? Security for a country that isn't even your own? Working hand in hand with a man that practically destroys our clan? " Shintaro points out, baring his teeth in anger.
"Crew Corps needs me to operate, there isn't anyone else out there at this point that can take over my position" Gun stresses out. There were a few potential fighters that had the skills and morals to come close to taking over but they still needed more time to grow.
Shintaro scoffs.
"Your position? The position that you share with two other men? If it takes three men to manage that position then it tells me that you aren't all that special here, Yuzuru. They don't need you here and concerning the public and your employees' opinions, most of them don't even want you here " Shintaro spits out scathingly and Gun all but clamps down.
He knows he's not well liked but he knows that he's respected enough.
"Stop trying to glorify and stall yourself and just come back. We all know that you can be easily replaced so the CC isn't the thing that's holding you back. What is it really? " Shintaro interrogates.
Gun knows that the CC is his stability to a point, images of Charles, James, Goo and even Crystal, Kouji and several others pop into his mind. The smiling image of Daniel is what shines the brightest amongst it all. He's barely known the guy for a year and yet he was what stuck out the most in his reasons to stay.
"It's because of him, isn't it? " His uncle suddenly asks, eyebrow raised and eyes knowingly piercing backing into his nephew's. "The Doctor"
All of a sudden, that anxiety and nervousness he had been feeling was back. Out of all the people that could have seen through their charades and facades, of all the analytical fans who were always nitpicking interactions and jumping to conclusions it was his uncle to figured him out first. How fitting.
"If you care for him so much then bring him back with us to Japan" Shintaro shrugs and Jong Gun couldn't help but bristle.
"I can't just take him back with me to Japan. Daniel Park isn't just some inanimate object or belonging, he's not a pet that I can pick up and force to do my every whim. He's got a life here, family and friends, a stable job. I can't just upheave him from everything he knows" Gun hisses back, feeling irritable with how easy his uncle thinks everything will be.
"Tch, then leave him. The Doctor may be pretty but there are plenty of pretty boys in Japan that would suit you much better. Most of them would probably be far more understanding of your situation and occupation" Shintaro snarks back but Gun shakes his head in disbelief, the anger that had been slowly festering was coming to a boil.
"You don't get to do this to me, you don't get to force your way back into my life once shit starts hitting the fan and you can't control it anymore. Not after what you tried to pull" Gun finds himself snarling and Shintaro's eyes light up dangerously as he slams his palm against the table again.
"Do not use that tone on me young man, and I did NOT do anything that was out of order! Everything I did was to teach you a lesson! A valuable lesson that seems to have completely gone over your head! Now, you will do what I say and come back to Japan with me to live out the life that is rightfully yours!" Shintaro shouts back, baring his teeth in anger as he postures.
Gun shakes his head, deliberately slow and aggravating.
"No, I'm not going back to Japan. No, I'm not going to get married to a woman and I'm not going to have a kid to continue this stupid family line. No, I'm not abandoning Daniel Park just because you see no value in him or in this life that I have invested myself into. You can't just come back into my life after all these years and expect me to drop everything and cater to your needs and wants, uncle " He spits the title out like venom. Had it been anyone else they would be on the floor within seconds but the Kojima brothers didn't know who to side with.
"I am a grown man, a grown, independent, man who has decided to make his own future after you blurred the lines all those years ago" Gun stands up from his chair, the wooden legs scraping loudly against the floor. "I make my own decisions for my life now and I make no apologies for how I turned out after you all tried to break me down and mould me into a puppet" With that line the Founder collects his belongings with haste before making his way out of the restaurant.
He pauses in the doorway, hesitant to leave things as they are but also wishing he could disappear and never be found again by his so-called family. Instead, he speaks up once more.
"You know, I never understood you and your rules. A man with greater ambitions wouldn't be trying to drag me back to the clan, if I'm gone and out of your way it would leave my father without proper heirs and it would place your legitimate son in line as the next head of the clan. Isn't that something you should want?" Gun questions.
"How dare you suggest something so vile!" Shintaro shouts, his voice rising as he glares heatedly at Gun. "Haruto is not the heir to the clan!' He spits out, the words being pushed out of the man's mouth despite how conflicted he looked.
Gun snorts. "But he could be, you see his potential just as much as I do but you won't acknowledge it" and he continues walking away.
"This isn't over Yuzuru! One way or another I will make you come back to me! This so-called life you've built for yourself isn't the one that you need! This isn't right!" Shintaro roars from his seat, swiping at the trays and plates of food, scattering it to the floor.
Gun pauses, his back facing the three men that he left in the room. He couldn't help but sigh, feeling the weight on his shoulders double.
"You don't know my life. If you would just open your eyes and stop being so stubborn you'd see that this is the path that I am most satisfied with. Open your eyes, not as a clan elder or the second in command of the Yamazaki clan but as my uncle. As my family" Gun doesn't bother looking back before he heads out into the night.
He was done with the conversation.
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.
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Daniel had every intention of questioning whoever was picking him up and taking him home but the moment Goo had pulled up his car with a sombre look on his face it made the Doctor do a double take.
"Goo? Are you alright?" Daniel asks as he hops into the passenger seat.
Goo's jaw was set, the edges twitching indiscriminately as his grip on the steering wheel tightened. His shoulders were pulled tight and high and yet his breathing was controlled and measured. It takes a moment before the blonde finally pulls away from the curb and starts driving.
Everything that Goo's body was showcasing was entirely unlike Goo, Daniel felt worry course through his veins.
"Goo?.. Those men that took Gun…is he going to be okay with them? They were speaking Japanese and they looked intimidating…what's going on?" Daniel continues to push, his voice gentle and soft in case the Founder imploded on himself.
It takes a moment for Goo to take in a breath, his body shuddering before he eventually glances at Daniel.
"Gun will be fine" Goo responds resolutely, as if that answer was law which it probably was. It would take a miracle and a half for Gun to get hurt or worse yet, be defeated. "And those men that you saw Gun with…that was his uncle and clan members" Goo huffs and Daniel gapes.
He had remembered Gun mentioning that he was half Japanese in the past on his father's side but he hadn't really paid it any mind until now. It didn't matter what Gun's ethnicity was but perhaps Daniel should be more worried about how Gun spoke about his upbringing and his mother. Or well, the lack of spoken words about his family.
"Isn't it a good thing his uncle is here? I…I think I saw his uncle hugging Gun just before I left" Daniel pipes up and Goo hits the break so hard that both their bodies hit the dash.
"HUG!?"
"Jesus Goo! Are you trying to kill us both?" Daniel shouts, grumbling as he massages his bruised body that was practically flung forward. "And yes, hug…isn't that a normal thing that family members do?" Turning back the blonde he notices the panicked look on the Founder's face.
"What a manipulative piece of shit" Goo hisses before shaking his head and continuing to drive. This time Daniel clutches onto his seat belt and the side of the door to keep himself steady in case the older man decides to drive them off a bridge.
Daniel was completely confused by the entire situation. Gun's uncle was here in Korea. He had given Gun quite a heartwarming hug in a show of affection. Was this not a good thing if their relationship was rocky? Wasn't this a step forward towards mending it?
"Gun rarely lets anyone hug him, hell he rarely lets me touch him in any way" Goo huffs with a pout before remembering who he was with. "Of course, you probably get to hug him all the time but that's beside the point. Shintaro Yamazaki being here in Korea is not some blessing or good sign so get whatever thoughts you have about reunited families and uncle-nephew bonding time out of your head. I know you're optimistic but the reason Shintaro is here is bad" The blonde lectures and Daniel frowns.
"Do you know why he's here?" Daniel inquires and Goo shrugs.
"Best case scenario, he's here to check up on his nephew, dote on him and then leave" Goo states.
"And the worst?" Daniel prompts.
The frown lines reappear on Goo's face again.
"Worse case, he's here to take Gun back to Japan"
.
.
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Daniel slept horribly that night. After Goo's words about Gun being picked up and taken back to Japan, it left a sour taste in the Doctor's mouth. It also didn't help that Daniel never received a response from Gun after he had left him a message.
'I'm home and safe, hope everything is alright on your end. Message me soon <3'
The message had been read by Gun but there had been no reply at all, not even a reaction to the message. It left Daniel fumbling for reasons as to why Gun didn't want to talk or reply. Soon those reasons became rows and rows of unhinged thoughts and by the time the sun was rising again his brain was being overworked so much that he eventually fell asleep because he couldn't take the headache anymore.
Dragging himself out of bed, the Doctor cleans himself up before heading down for breakfast. As per usual his mother was already gone, busy running her restaurant whereas his uncle still sat at the dining table. Newspaper in hand and a steaming cup of coffee in the other. Of course, he looked just as perfect as he did on any other day, in business attire and unwrinkled fabric.
Jinyoung looks up as he hears footsteps approach him, raising a brow at his nephew's exhausted face the Director couldn't help but ask.
"Why the hell do you look like shit?"
Daniel forgot about the fact that his uncle had no filter at all.
"I feel like it too" Daniel replies defeatedly as he plops down on a chair and piles some food onto his plate. Just some toast and fresh fruits would have to do.
Jinyoung doesn't look away, merely waiting patiently for a proper response from his nephew who was stubbornly trying not to give anything away. Eventually, the elder wins and Daniel gets tired of all the staring.
"It's nothing. Gun's uncle gave him a surprise visit last night and I haven't heard from him since and I'm worried" Daniel sighs and Jinyoung provides a thoughtful look before snorting.
"Gun will be fine" He brushes off much to Daniel's chagrin.
What was it with people just assuming that Gun would be okay because he was physically strong? What if he was licking emotional wounds? What about then?
"Daniel don't pout and sit up straight" Jinyoung points out and the cutting tone was enough for Daniel to follow the instructions without any back talk. He hated it when his uncle used his no-nonsense voice. "Also, an update on your friend's mother. We were able to sort out her paperwork and she'll be receiving her surgery by the end of the week. Congratulations Doctor Park, you've allowed her to see again" Jinyoung suddenly announces.
Stunned was all Daniel could feel before he dropped everything and turned to the Director. Gaping at the words the man had uttered before breaking out into a proper grin.
"Thank-" "Don't thank me, I haven't done anything. Just be grateful in silence please, it's too early for any squealing" The man waves off but Daniel can't help but bolt off his seat to try and hug the man who reluctantly accepts the affection.
"Still…thank you uncle" Daniel mumbles before pulling away. "Does Johan and his mother know yet?" He questions and Jinyoung nods.
"We notified them yesterday"
Daniel could only imagine how the brunette and his mother must be feeling, having waited for years and years only to have their dreams finally happen. The relief or pure disbelief. Daniel couldn't wait to see Johan later on in the week to ask the brunette how he was feeling in person.
"Alright, do you want me to drop you off at the CC? I have some business with people there so I can take you" Jinyoung asks.
Daniel starts at the question, pulling his phone out of his pocket to see if Gun had replied to his message or done anything at all. Still, there was nothing. Usually Gun was the one to pick him up and drop him off at him but after last night he was unsure if the man would be coming at all. Still, if he was then it would be better to alert the man that he already had a ride that morning.
"Sure, I'll take the ride" Daniel agrees easily as he sends a brief message.
'Uncle Jinyoung is dropping me off at the CC. I'll see you later, hopefully, everything is okay.
The Doctor then turns to his uncle with a raised brow.
"Also, who the hell are you meeting up with at the CC?" Daniel couldn't help but scoff out the question only to be met with a scuff to the back of the head.
"None of your business, now finish your food before I leave without you" Jinyoung threatens and Daniel quickly does as ordered.
The ride to the CC is a strange one, rarely does Jinyoung ever drive them anywhere business-related. Sure for family outings and the occasional bonding trips but this was different. Still, it does nothing to deter Daniel's chatty nature as he promptly questions his uncle about how everything at the hospital is going. Jinyoung answers in short replies, sometimes he'd say a full sentence if he felt like it but Daniel doesn't mind.
Finally, they pull into the CC parking lot and make their way inside.
"Are you sure you know where you're going? If you'd just tell me who you're going to see I can point you in the right direction" Daniel asks yet again but Jinyoung shakes his head.
"I've got it, If I get lost then so be it. It just means I can avoid going back to the hospital to do paperwork now go on, you're the one with a job to do" Jinyoung ushers as he places the visitor pass around his neck.
Daniel reluctantly edges away, leaving his uncle who heads in a random direction. The young Doctor couldn't help but sigh and shake his head at the stubborn nature of his uncle.
Daniel easily heads to his office and gets sucked into his usual routine. It was a slow weekday morning and there were hardly any visitors in the CC so the rate of patients was void, allowing the Doctor to catch up on his other paperwork and reports that he promised his uncle. The only noise that could be heard throughout the room was the clicking of keys, shuffling of pens and scribbles of pen to paper.
An hour or two ticks back before Daniel gets any form of visitor.
A polite knock on the door.
"Doors unlocked, come in!" Daniel calls without having to turn around as he finishes writing a sentence before spinning around.
Whoever he thought he would be seeing he hadn't thought it would be the very same men that had taken Gun the previous night. The two bodyguards stood perfectly straight and the large middle man walked in with a stoic look.
Daniel straightens up before standing to greet the three.
"Hello, how can I help you?" Daniel asks before wincing. Maybe they didn't speak Korean…should he speak Japanese? But his Japanese was very limited…
Before he can try to figure out what to say in Japanese, the middle man, Gun's uncle, speaks up.
"You are Doctor Daniel Park?" He asks in smooth Korean and Daniel can't help but nod.
"Yes sir, you must be Gun's uncle" Daniel responds politely only to receive a confused look on his face. Daniel falters…did he get it wrong? Was this not Gun's father? "Uh…Jong Gun Park?" He reiterates and something familiar runs down the man's face.
"Ah, yes…his Korean name…I had long forgotten it since his father had bestowed him with a proper Japanese name that is what his mother used to call him although for the sake of communication and understanding, could you please call him by his Japanese name? I am an old man at this point and I am far more used to the name my brother gave him, Yuzuru" the man explains and Daniel is caught off guard by the words.
He had faintly heard the man calling Gun by the name Yuzuru last night but it hadn't registered that Gun would have an alternative name.
"Of course, Yuzuru" He tests the name on his lips and it sounds completely foreign to Daniel. "Yuzuru Yamazaki" He tests again and the man nods with a smile.
"And I apologise for not introducing myself early but my name is Shintaro Yamazaki, yes I am Yuzuru's uncle" He holds out a hand and Daniel takes it.
The grip is firm, firmer than what Gun's was the first time they met but it was much more familiar as well. So this is where Gun got his mannerisms and attitude from.
"It's nice to meet you, now what do I owe the pleasure of this visit? Are you here for a medical check-up of sorts? As the CC Doctor, I don't usually check up with patients who aren't a part of the CC but since you are a Founder's father I could make the exception-" "Oh no, I'm not here for anything medically related, I simply came to see you and to ask you for something" The man cuts him off and Daniel tilts his head in confusion.
Shintaro Yamazaki was here to see Daniel personally and make a request. As much as Daniel wanted this to be positive it didn't seem to be leading that way, especially after everything that Goo had told him the night before.
"Okay…please come in and take a seat" Daniel gestures to the guest seats and the trio make their way over. It was slightly comical to see a man as tall and intimidating as Shintaro Yamazaki try and sit on the small chair, the two bodyguards don't bother with sitting, merely take their place behind the man or either side. "So, what's the request?" Daniel asks meekly, curious but also nervous to hear what the man wants.
"I'll keep it plain and simple. I want Yuzuru to return to Japan with me and reclaim his birthright as the future heir of the Yamazaki clan" Shintaro announces boldly and Daniel nods, keeping a straight face at the words yet internally gaping at the fact that Goo had been 100% correct in his assumptions.
"And I assume that this is what you've talked to Gun about when you took him last night…I presume he didn't take it well which is why you're here to talk to me" Daniel hums and the older man nods, suddenly the bravado is gone and he sinks slightly into his seat.
The fatigue was clear on his face.
"Yes, my nephew is as stubborn as my brother is when it comes to settling issues and agreements. He believes that he should remain here in Korea, he says that he's needed here" Shintaro sighs, running a hand through his hair, a similar mannerism that Gun would do when he too was stressed. "He believes that we abandoned him and that he isn't needed back with the clan but I cannot accept this. His birthright and role has always been to take over my brother's position in the future, it's what he has been training for all his life and yet one little disagreement has sent him spiralling" He shakes his head as if he couldn't believe that his nephew would want something different to what the man himself had assigned him.
"Well If he's said that he doesn't want to go back and take over the family business there really isn't anything that I could do to persuade him. As you said, he's stubborn" Daniel mentions helplessly, the Doctor knows that he holds a certain control over Gun but even then it was only to a certain extent. Anyway, it wasn't as if Daniel necessarily wanted Gun to leave the country in the first place.
"That's where you're wrong. I believe that you may hold the key to convincing Yuzuru to come home. Your closeness and relations to him can encourage him to leave behind this useless life and return him to where he truly is wanted" Shintaro remarks and Daniel frowns at the wording.
He disagreed with the 'useless life' and 'wanted' part but what really rattled Daniel was the fact that this man had picked up on how close Gun and he were simply due to one interaction he had witnessed. A feat that hundreds of thousands of other people hadn't picked on despite numerous interactions they had witnessed between the two. This fact might showcase how well the man knows his nephew…although it might not be much.
"I'm not that close to…Yuzuru. If anything, James or Goo may have a better time convincing him" Daniel attempts to redirect but it seems like the elder wasn't easily fooled.
"I have seen the way he looks at you, Doctor. Moreover, the way he touches and cares for you, is much more than just platonic, isn't it?" Shintaro questions directly and this time Daniel doesn't have the nerve to look the man in the eye.
Turning his gaze down into his hands, Daniel shrugs.
"I guess so"
If being boyfriends and having sex on the daily was considered more than platonic then yes.
An uncomfortable silence befalls the room and Daniel doesn't have it in him to look upwards. Was Shintaro disappointed that his nephew was gay? Was he upset that he was with Daniel of all people and not someone of better status? Was he going to kill him?
Daniel wouldn't put it past the man if he did try to kill him.
Eventually, another deep sigh is heard as well as some shuffling from the seat.
"Look, I have nothing against…this sort of relationship, really I don't. I understand that you are both youthful and that you have your whole life ahead of you. Using this time to explore… is not unusual but I want you to consider this from my perspective. From a family member's perspective," Shintaro tone is not unkind or rude, perhaps a little condescending but it was laced with genuine concern, at least that's what Daniel could tell.
Looking up, Daniel is met with the man's deeply concerned face.
"I am also a father so I know the feeling of wanting nothing but the best for my child, as I am sure it is the same for your parents. Yuzuru is my brother's only legitimate heir, the only one to inherit the family tradition of the reverse eyes and therefore he is an important symbol of power for us. Everything our ancestors have built and done is for the Yamazaki line to continue, to have it end with just Yuzuru would be unsuitable. After the years of building, hard work and effort, it would be unthinkable" Shintaro explains thoroughly and just listening to the words somewhat convinces Daniel of the importance that Gun holds over his entire clan.
"I don't want him to give up this title, heir status and perfect life just because of a measly job or because someone was holding him back" Shintaro adds and Daniel flinches at the words.
Holding him back? Was he referring to Daniel?
"When you say perfect life and being your heir…the Yamazaki clan is a part of the Yakuza is it not? Gu-Yuzuru's entire image here in Korea and to the wider world is to stop crimes from occurring and to make the lives of the community safer. That's his whole role here at the CC…and you're asking him to throw it all away for a life leading the Yakuza?" Daniel inquires, curious to see how the man would respond.
Shintaro merely shakes his head.
"The Yakuza may have some…negative connotations and rightfully so but we are more than just petty crimes and chaos. The Yakuza control some of the most powerful businesses in Japan, we control the flow of certain areas of business as well as controlling crime. Without us, the rates in Japan would run rampant, we are essentially what the CC is for Korea only we are more private in our affairs. The role of the Yakuza is vital for our society which is why it is vital for it to have a strong leader. Yuzuru is the only one who I trust who I know would be strong enough to replace my brother once he steps down" Shintaro argues.
Daniel doesn't know enough about Japan or about the Yakuza to validate what the man was saying, whether it was correct or not it wasn't in his place to speak on it. Still, it just doesn't seem right.
"Still, If Yuzuru is saying he doesn't want to run the business…I still don't know how I can convince him" Daniel reiterates again and the frustration is clear on Shintaro's face.
"There must be some way that you can convince him. He says that the main reason he is staying is because of his job but if he were to leave then he would be performing the same tasks and functions just in his homeland instead of here. Moreover, it is not as if he's not expendable, there are three Founders for a reason, is there not? They don't need Yuzuru to stay" Shintaro stresses out. "And if his reasonings for staying is because of you then perhaps you can come with us to Japan"
Daniel gapes at the last sentence.
"You want me to drop everything and go to Japan for Yuzuru?" Again the name just felt foreign and wrong on his lips. Daniel doesn't know Yuzuru, he knows Jong Gun.
"I mean you may also play quite a role here at the CC but at the end of the day, you are just a Doctor. There are plenty of other Doctors who can replace you here. If you were to come with us I could make you Yuzuru and the clan's private Doctor, you will be paid handsomely for your role should you convince Yuzuru to return to Japan" Shintaro negotiates and Daniel could only open and close his mouth in shock.
Daniel has never once thought about living in another country. Sure he's thought about studying overseas, perhaps in America or in Germany but never to work and live permanently elsewhere. Korea is his home, it's where his mother, uncle and friends live. Daniel wasn't even sure if he'd renewed his passport, not that he even travels overseas for work so it was probably expired.
Shintaro must see the hesitance on Daniel's face as he merely clicks his tongue.
"From what I know and see my nephew would do anything and everything for you but the moment I suggest that you do something for him you clam up" He remarks and Daniel couldn't help but feel attacked.
"It's not like that and you know it, don't just assume that I don't want to move to a different country for Gun because I don't care about him. I care about Gun more than you could ever know" Daniel hisses.
The bodyguards become more alert at the aggressive tone that Daniel uses but Shintaro merely holds up a hand to keep them where they are. Instead, the older man calmly speaks.
"If you really cared about Yuzuru" Shintaro makes sure to emphasise the name due to Daniel's previous slip-up. "Then you would allow my nephew to return home and have a chance at a normal life. You would let him marry a beautiful and nice woman, let him have kids and become a father like every normal man should"
The words cut Daniel and he could only wordlessly stare at the man in disbelief. Was the man really blaming him for the fact that Gun wasn't with a woman and that he couldn't have what he considered to be a 'normal' family lifestyle?
"How dare you-" Daniel seethed out but yet again he was cut off.
"Again, I have nothing against your kind. Love is love and all that progressive crap but at the end of the day Yuzuru will need to provide an heir of his own and unless you have a uterus then you aren't of much help" Shintaro speaks bluntly if Daniel wasn't so baffled by the utter nonsense the man was babbling on about he would sucker punch him in the face. "Of course, just because Yuzuru will have a wife and babies doesn't mean I won't disregard his other tastes. He can still have you if you wish to come with us or he can pick out any other man that suits his taste. Yuzuru, despite his preferences, does know how to pick them" The man chuckles as if he's thinking back to a melancholy memory.
It disgusts Daniel.
"Gun or Yuzuru or whatever name you want to call him, he's not just some robot that you can control. He might be your nephew but he's got his rights and his own free will. You can't just force him to marry and have kids and you certainly can't force him to take over this role! This isn't right! Everything that you're saying or implying…it's wrong" Daniel rants only for Shintaro to shake his head.
"It might be wrong in your eyes but this is something that has been expected of him for years. Every Yamazaki clan leader, every person in a position of power or royalty has had to marry and have children to secure their lineage. It's not different for us, just because it's not normal for you doesn't mean it's not normal for us" Shintaro shrugs and although it makes slight sense there is no way for Daniel to agree with it all.
"I won't do it. I'm not taking part in any of this" Daniel crosses his arms resolutely but Shintaro shrugs.
"Well then please understand that no matter what role you play in convincing Yuzuru to leave the end results will be the same. He will return to Japan. It's just a matter of when not if. I have given you your opportunities and choices" Shintaro smiles, pretending to play nice when all he meant were scathing words. "You can choose to either remain in his life or leave it. You may think my nephew likes you and holds affection for you, hell you may even think he loves you but do not forget that you are just as replaceable as the previous boy toys he's had in his life"
That was the final straw.
Daniel stands and lunges at the man, he's sure that his own chair goes flying to the floor but all he can see is red as he pulls his arm back and readies it for a swing. In the same instant, two pairs of firm arms wrap around him, restraining him in his spot.
The two bodyguards were fast and they were even stronger it seems.
Daniel attempts to struggle against their hold but neither one lets up.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you" Shintaro warns as Daniel growls.
Before any further action could be taken the door to the room slid open.
"What the hell is going on here?!" A voice calls, alert and brimming with outrage.
Heads turn to see two figures standing at the doorway.
"Shintaro, tell your men to let the boy go" Another voice, more authoritative and firm orders.
Apart from informally meeting the man once, Daniel doesn't think he's ever held a conversation with the chairman yet here he was. Chairman Charles Choi in his full glory standing at the door next to his uncle, both men were analysing the scene with narrowed eyes and looked ready to intercept if needed.
"They boy tried to attack me," Shintaro remarks. "You know I can't let such insolence go, especially the insolence of an outsider" He adds, sneering the words slightly.
Due to the conversation between the men, Daniel could feel the hands on him loosen, taking that as an opportunity he grabbed one of them by the collar of their shirt and swiftly threw him into the other. Both men let out twin grunts before they try to grab at Daniel again, not wanting to be caught again the Doctor jumps away and hurries to the side of his uncle.
"Only after you levied vile insults against me" Daniel growls, glaring at the man who snorts but stands from his seat.
He casts a gaze at his two bodyguards, unimpressed that they were outmanoeuvred by someone half their age before heading towards the Doctor. Instantly, before Daniel could be approached he's shoved behind two bodies.
"Now, now Shintaro. I think it is quite beneath you to attack someone so young no matter who you think you are" Charles smiles, standing tall and facing the Yamazaki leader despite the height difference. "Let the boy go, I can't turn away from this incident if you continue to try and harm one of my employees" He adds, this time his tone turning dangerously dark which wasn't something Daniel had expected to hear.
Shingen's smile drops as he stares down at Charles, giving him a once-over look before snorting.
"Fighting words for a man with only one arm. How about instead of trying to defend this little pup you give me back the nephew that you stole from me?" Shintaro asks. "If you do that then I'll leave Korea unscathed" He threatens.
Charles' jaw clenches painfully tight but it isn't the chairman who responds.
"Oh go threaten someone else you lunatic. It's not our fault that your baby nephew doesn't love you. Stop trying to take your anger out on us and go take this nephew complex elsewhere you creep" Jinyoung snorts, pushing himself forward and jutting his jaw upwards in a show of distaste.
Shintaro growls at the words and soon enough the two bodyguards are by his side again. Yet both Charles and Jinyoung look unimpressed by the show of power.
"Oh please, you Kojima brothers may be well known and strong but we all know where you rank when it comes to us" Charles smirks. "I still remember the last time you sent them to Korea to try and convince your nephew to return to Japan, I remember making them eat dirt" The Chairman chuckles and Daniel gapes.
The Kojima brothers looked furious but didn't seem to argue with the words. Eventually, the standstill comes to an end as Shintaro reluctantly relents.
"I'll leave this time but I won't be gone for long, in fact, my stay in Korea will be extended for as long as it needs to be. I'm not leaving until I have my nephew" Shintaro announces and Charles snorts.
"Then I hope you'll enjoy living in Korea forever, Yamazaki" Charles nods as Jinyoung snickers.
Shintaro sends one final glare before marching to the door, the Kojima brothers following closely behind. He pauses at the door, turning to scowl at the room's occupants one last time.
"You know, there was a time when I held respect for you in particular …nowadays I'm reminded by how redundant my respect for you has become. You used to be so much greater than this, Charles Choi…your leader Gapryong…he would be so disappointed to see how you lot ended up" Shingen remarks and both Charles and Jinyoung tense at the mention of Gapryong. "And you, do what you will with what I told you. If you know what's best, you won't stand in the way of my nephew's future" Shintaro directs at Daniel before finally leaving.
Once the three are gone Charles grabs the closest object before launching it against the wall. It shatters into pieces but even that doesn't seem to be enough for the Chairman as he searches for something else to throw.
"Woah there, calm down Charles. Your blood pressure is already high enough, no need to do all of this" Jinyoung reaches for his friend, calmly placing a hand on his shoulder and making motions to calm the other man down.
"Tch, the fact that the asshole was brave enough to mention Gapryong really pisses me off. What the hell does he know about us?" Charles sneers and Jinyoung nods.
"Exactly, he doesn't know shit so his words aren't worth shit. Come on Charles, work with me here and calm down" Jinyoung tries again, eyeing Charles tentatively before the Chairman nods and goes to take a seat.
With Charles sitting, Jinyoung turns to his nephew with an unimpressed look on his face.
"What the hell happened to our agreement?" Jinyoung questions and Daniel has the decency to look ashamed by the words.
"Technically nothing happened" Daniel huffs.
"So the Kojima brothers didn't have their hands on you when we came in?" Jinyoung asks, raising an unamused brow.
"Um technically they weren't harming me but were preventing me from doing something stupid such as picking a fight with the Yakuza…technically there wasn't a fight of any sort" Daniel shrugs and Jinyoung lets out a sigh.
"What the hell am I supposed to do with you, brat?" Jinyoung shakes his head and moves to go and sit with Charles who's staring at the dent in the wall as well as the stapler pieces on the floor.
"I reckon you should congratulate him. He's brave for standing up and trying to beat the shit out of that asshole" Charles remarks, turning to look in Daniel's direction and offering him something akin to a grin.
Daniel doesn't know Charles well but if he was a crazy enough man to start the CC then he was crazy enough to thank him for almost fighting a Yakuza boss.
"What'd he even say to you to piss you off so much. Daniel, you're never the type to just throw yourself at someone like that" Jinyoung questions and Daniel pouts as he remembers the words.
The mood dies.
"He was just very insulting and condescending. He disregarded everything that Gun wanted, was forceful with his own views and even insinuated that if I was the reason Gun was staying in Korea then I should be taken to Japan as well" Daniel relays stiffly. "Then he called me a boy toy and I just…I lost it" He adds.
"What the hell? Why the hell would Shintaro fucking Yamazaki call you something like that and insist that you're one of the reasons Gun would stay here?" Jinyoung calls and Daniel pauses.
Right. He hadn't told his uncle about…his relationship yet.
"I have no idea, he was implying some really…weird things but I do admit that my uh friendship with Gun nowadays is pretty strong. I think that was the main reason he came to me, he thinks I can convince Gun to leave" Daniel tries to cover.
Jinyoung looks disbelieving at the words, he turns to Charles and the pair of them have a silent talk with one another through their body language and facial expressions before eventually, Charles shoves Jinyoung in the side.
"I see" Jinyoung lets out a pained noise, glaring at his friend before nodding. "Well, next time anyone from the Yamazaki clan I suggest you run in the opposite direction. There's no use in getting involved with them, they'll only cause you trouble" Jinyoung suggests before standing up and kicking at Charles to also stand.
"Does this mean I have to avoid Gun as well?" Daniel raises a brow.
Charles snorts as Jinyoung rolls his eyes.
"I like your nephew, he's got your snark" Charles remarks before walking over and clasping Daniel on the shoulder. "No, you're free to stay around Gun. Whatever Shintaro said about his nephew is untrue, he's a valuable member of the CC and it would be a shame for him to leave. Thank you for defending him, you're a great friend to him" The man adds and Daniel snorts.
"Yep, friendship" Daniel smiles.
Charles holds back a laugh before giving Jinyoung a knowing look and stepping away.
"I'll buy you a new stapler, sorry about the mess" Charles makes his way to the door and Jinyoung follows.
"Wait, is there any reason the two of you came down here in the first place? Or are you just going to rescue me from the Yamazaki's and leave?" Daniel questions.
"Your uncle's senses told him something didn't feel right, who am I to argue against his paternal instincts?" Charles shrugs only to get shoved by Jinyoung.
"We'll get going. Stay out of trouble, young man!" Jinyoung calls one final time before the door is closed.
There was some soft bickering coming from outside the room before their footsteps eventually faded. Whilst Daniel knew on some level that his uncle was friends with Chairman Choi he had been unprepared for how close the two were. Furthermore, the way they acted with one another with their bantering and tussling was just evidence of how strong their bond was. The mention of 'fists' and 'Gapryong' who Daniel remembers is Jake's late father were also clues that there was more to their story than what they were letting on.
Interesting.
Now that he was left alone again, Daniel couldn't help but replay the conversation he had with Shintaro Yamazaki. Whilst the majority of everything he said was bullshit and wholly irrelevant it did give Daniel some things to think about.
Was he holding Gun back from what he rightfully deserved?
Whilst he didn't see Gun wanting a wife and kids in the near future it could be something the Founder had been thinking about. If so, just like Shintaro had stated at point blank, Daniel didn't have the tools to make a baby with Gun. Sure they could adopt or have a surrogate but…was that something Gun wanted?
If Gun could move on from working a job as a bodyguard or at the CC to become his boss as the head of the Yamazaki clan without any regrets, would he choose it? What if the only reason he didn't want to go was because of Daniel?
Did Gun want Daniel to move to Japan with him?
Would Daniel move to Japan for Gun?
If he did move to Japan then that was a sure sign that Gun would 100% marry some pretty woman who could give him children. Could Daniel act accordingly knowing that his partner was impregnating another woman? Could he live his life knowing that he was just the other man? Unbounded and untied to Gun in anything and everything other than the fact that he could satisfy the man in bed?
That didn't sit right with Daniel in the slightest. Just the thought of those scenarios made Daniel feel sick in the stomach.
He couldn't live like that.
Could he let Gun go so that the man could fulfil the journey he had been born to do? Whilst Daniel knows it would hurt, if Gun ultimately wanted to leave then there was nothing Daniel could do to stop him. Would he try to stop him? Possibly but that would just be selfish.
Gun had a family in Japan. Blood relatives and a father that at the end of the day even if he was an asshole seemed to love his son.
Did Daniel have it in him to stop a father and son from reconnecting? Daniel knows that if there was any chance for him to reconnect with his father, for him to maintain that relationship if he was alive then he would do it in a heartbeat.
Blood ran thicker than water. Daniel would never stop Gun from wanting to be with his family if that was the case so he'd simply have to just…step aside.
Daniel sighed, rubbing his temples with his fingers before going to pick up the chair that was still on the floor as well as clean up the mess the stapler had made. He really hated thinking about the what ifs but he couldn't help but be consumed by his own mind.
Perhaps this is what Shintaro was counting on.
.
.
.
Daniel doesn't see Gun until Friday evening, when the man has to physically show up at the CC for the evening events and although the Doctor was pissed by the lack of communication it doesn't hold on for long when he meets Gun's tired gaze.
Daniel had headed up to the Founders office in an attempt to sneak up on the man and corner him into a conversation. Gun isn't aware that his uncle had come by to talk to his boyfriend nor the fact that said boyfriend knows what turmoil the elder was dealing with. He had been ready to rip into Gun only to falter when he entered the room and found Gun massaging the bridge of his nose.
His hair and tie were loose, his overcoat discarded on a table and his glasses missing from his face. His dark eyes that were speckled with exhaustion and fatigue give way to surprise at the sight of Daniel before eventually they settle into a solid warmth. Before Daniel has the chance to speak, Gun holds out a hand towards him.
"Daniel…" The name was spoken in such broken want that Daniel could do nothing more than head over to the man and fall into the embrace.
Gun lays his head against Daniel's chest, his arms hanging loosely around his waist as he soaks in the presence of the younger man.
"Gun? What's wrong?" Daniel coos out, allowing his hands to card over the bird nest of the other man's head. Gun would have to go out and be the Founder in less than half an hour to an audience of thousands of people. It wouldn't be right for him to go out looking like a mess.
"Nothing, I'm just…tired. I'm sorry I haven't messaged or called you that was shitty of me but I just needed some time to myself" Gun hums, letting out a deep breath through his nose.
"And I would never fault you for wanting some time to yourself but next time you do, please message me beforehand so that I'm not entirely lost by the lack of communication" Daniel replies, pressing a kiss to the crown of his man's head.
Gun stays wrapped up in Daniel's embrace for a little while longer and the Doctor allows it. Whatever Daniel had been thinking about, Gun was probably thinking just as much or if not, even more so. Eventually, though it's cutting it close to opening time and Daniel gently prompts Gun to prepare.
Gun reluctantly detaches, taking his coat to put on and fixing his tie and hair with hurried fingers. Daniel searches for Gun's glasses and finds a pair on the man's desk. Grabbing them he turns to place them delicately on Gun's face.
The Founder allows the action before leaning in to place a well-meaning kiss against Daniel's lips.
"Gun" Daniel whispers, worried that he was going to piss the other off.
"Yes?" Gun replies.
"Are you like this because of your family?" He questions.
Gun's expression pinches before he pulls away, standing taller and out of reach before sighing.
"Goo told you that he was my uncle, didn't he? The rat can't keep his mouth shut to save his life" Gun grunts.
"Well I mean yes, Goo did tell me but the other day I-" "Daniel, baby, I don't want to talk about that right now. In fact, I would like to not talk about that man at all so please, don't bring him up" Gun urges how could Daniel say no to the request?
Nodding, Daniel relents.
"Alright, we should get going" Gun announces, grabbing his necessary belongings before heading out of the office.
"I'll walk you to the VIP booth" Daniel pipes up and Gun sends him an amused look.
"I can walk myself to the VIP booth. I don't need a chaperone. You should head down to your kiddy apprentices who are probably worried sick waiting for you" Gun waves off but Daniel takes the hand and walks in step with the elder.
"Yeah no, I'm staying. They can sort themselves out, they're big kids now. Besides, I want to spend a little more quality time with my man, can I not?" Daniel asks and Gun lets out a soft laugh but doesn't say anything else.
The walk to the VIP booth is short but Daniel savours the moment. Once they reach the double doors the sound of the roaring crowd does reach their ears. The sound never gets old and it will never get quieter. Gun pulls open the door, pressing one last kiss to Daniel before letting himself in.
Turning to gravitate towards his seat, Gun could only pause at the occupants in the booth.
Of course, there was James and Goo but both of them held nervous looks on their faces, there were also Vivi, Neko and Eugene who had their respective bodyguards in their places, all of them were sitting with a couple of the new guests. On one side of the room sat Charles and Crystal, their appearance was sudden but not entirely out of the question, though was none other than Tom Lee who had an easy grin on his face and Jinyoung Park who was chatting with him. The two men although weren't new to the CC have never been seen in the VIP booth.
On the opposite side were three men who had Gun's blood running cold. Shintaro waves from his seat and the Kojima brothers stare at him wordlessly.
Gun could feel his anger boiling but before he could march over and demand what they were here a hand pushed him towards his seat.
"Gun, don't" Daniel's voice, soft over the loud cheers and awes of the people, orders Gun and the Founder obeys.
It would do him no good to confront his uncle in public and if this was how he wanted to play his games then so be it.
"I'll see you later" Gun promises in a hushed whisper to Daniel who turns to leave the VIP booth, not before glaring at Shingen.
Gun on the other hand makes his way to his seat, sitting down heavily and ignoring the stares of everyone.
"Let's get started" he tells James and Goo stiffly who send him one last look before turning their mics on.