Chapter 9

After stealing some paper and a pen from Asami's home office, Akihito scribbled furiously. In less than five minutes, three uncancelled 'rules' remained.

1. Anything major affecting either party in this relationship must be discussed before making a decision.

2. No secrets! Especially when it is a matter of life and death.

3. Sex, heat sharing and marking only happens with the mutual consent of both parties.

Proud of his accomplishments, Akihito shoved the paper towards Asami who blinked at it.

"Your turn to write down the rules to our relationship."

The crime lord raised a brow. What was this brat talking about now? These are going to be rules? It's full of loopholes and grey zones.

Sensing Asami's reluctance, Akihito scowled. "Look, if you don't want to do this, I'm leaving. It's not hard to follow these rules. They're basic common sense and you can add some of your own too! I'm not asking for the impossible, neither am I being unreasonable."

Asami sighed and grabbed the pen from the table before jotting down his 'rules'.

4. In regards to the business operations under Asami Ryuichi, Takaba Akihito will refrain from all rights to interfere unless Asami Ryuichi is indisposed or uncontactable for more than a week.

5. Takaba Akihito will keep at least two assigned bodyguards with him at all times in the absence of Asami Ryuichi.

6. Takaba Akihito will allow Asami Ryuichi all rights to search for information about anyone Takaba Akihito comes into contact with as part of security measures.

7. During code red situations, Takaba Akihito will cooperate with Asami Ryuichi and his trusted aides without questions.

8. Takaba Akihito is prohibited from revealing any learned information about Asami Ryuichi without Asami Ryuichi's consent.

9. Takaba Akihito is to reside with Asami Ryuichi from the agreement of this contract unless special circumstances do not permit so.

10. Takaba Akihito will be provided for financially by Asami Ryuichi. Hence, borrowing money from external parties will be prohibited. Lending money provided by Asami Ryuichi is also strictly prohibited.

11. All health-related matters of Takaba Akihito should be handled by Dr Mashiro henceforth, including children, if any, in the future.

The businessman passed the very scribbled on paper and Akihito frowned. There were some terms that had to be read more than once because it was too complicated to understand. However, the photographer came to the conclusion that the businessman was a major prick. He only gave three very simple terms but this man had the nerve to give him eight with some really unreasonable ones!

"Oh no, if you're going to do it like this I need to add on some of mine too. Don't think that you can get away with this, especially four, five and nine!"

Asami smirked. "Feel free to add as many terms as you want, I'm done."

Akihito snatched the paper back and wrote furiously.

12. Asami cannot threaten or blackmail my friends or co-workers! Asami cannot interfere with my job.

13. Asami cannot smoke in the house. If he wants to, he can smoke on the veranda.

14. Cheating is prohibited!

He was about to hand it over but decided to add one last clause.

15. Takaba Akihito reserves the right of naming the first child if they have children in future.

The blond hands it back with a triumph look and Asami raised an eye at the last clause. While term twelve is tricky, Akihito didn't specify he couldn't bribe. Did he really think his friends and co-workers weren't below bribing?

With some tweaks to the terms, the two men signed at the bottom of the page and Akihito insisted on sticking it onto the fridge as a reminder. Asami didn't care for it much. It wasn't legally binding and even if it was, he could easily change it to his favour. If such a thing placated his omega, the crime lord was more than happy to go along with it. The agreement and promise was such a silly notion to Asami but somewhere in his black heart, he knew that it would be difficult for him to break his promise with his mate.

He'd lost his omega's trust once, he didn't want to lose it the second time.

With that, Akihito started droning on about splitting up their 'territories' since Asami moved everything over.

"Bedroom, kitchen and living room will be mostly occupied by me. You have your own bedroom, the study room and the balcony that you will smoke at as your territory. Bathrooms are shared. I'm in charge of laundry, grocery, cooking and cleaning, so you deal with the rent."

Asami chuckled. "Why do I have to pay rent when I own this place?"

Akihito paused. "Ok, you can be in charge of cleaning the ashtray and taking out the trash then."

Asami nearly choked on his saliva. He'd never done chores in his entire life. The cleaning crew he employed will come twice a week so Akihito didn't have to do anything if he didn't want to. Why was he so insistent on trying to involve Asami? It sounded too domestic and Asami felt uncomfortable.

"Leave it. The cleaning crew comes twice a week. If you want something to eat, you can simply order in. I have a take-out menu by the counter. You can pay for everything using the card Kirishima will give you. It will be charged under my account so don't worry about the price. They have everything from pizza to sushi, you'll be able to find something that you want."

At the mention of sushi, Akihito's eyes sparkled. "Hoho! Don't regret that old man... I'll be sure to eat you out of house and home! Have I told you that I could clear thirty plates of sushi alone? Even Kou and Takato combined can't beat me."

Asami smirked. "Good to know. I guess it's time for me to step up on my game. Maybe I should acquire a fishing port business just to make ends meet..."

Akihito's jaw dropped. "Don't you dare!"

"And maybe threaten the CEO of the pocky factory for an exclusive contract."

"Asami... don't you dare, you hear me?!"

The golden-eyed alpha simply chuckled. It was nice to see the spunky attitude return.

And this was how they started their relationship.